If you are tempted to buy someone cosmetics or body-care products this holiday season make sure to buy them products that do not threaten their health (or the health of animals or the planet).
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Patti, a local Ottawa mom, began to research the toxic ingredients included in those everyday items we put on our bodies such as sunscreen, deodorant, nail polish, and mascara. Appalled at what she found, she and her friend and neighbour Tammey set up a web-site and newsletter to help inform women about the pitfalls of conventional cosmetics and the alternatives that are available. Before buying anyone cosmetics or body-care products take a look around their site: www.pureknowhow.com.
Okay, once you know what not to buy and why, you’ll probably want to know where to buy alternatives. So let me point you in the direction of another local website, Lilou-organics, run by mom-preneur Lisa. Lilou-organics carries 16 lines of organic cosmetics and body-care products for women, men and babies. While Lilou-organics is primarily an on-line store, for those of us living in the Ottawa area it is possible to go out and visit the showroom in Richmond, but Lisa says that you should call first since she has babies!
Lilou-organics carries many of my favourite products:
- Dr. Hauschka’s Rose Day Cream (expensive but one tube will keep your face well moisturized for an entire winter season)
- Druide bath products (The Better World Shopping Guide rates Druide as the industry leader in the environmental category)
- Ecolips lip balm (my lip balm of choice for a day of cross-country skiing)
- Suncoat mascara (the only mascara I’ve every worn that has not bothered my super-sensitive eyes, and it’s made in Guelph)
Lilou-organics, 6018 Perth Street, box 608, Richmond (Ottawa), ON, K0A 2Z0, 613-601-5701
P.S. for those readers not in Ottawa or without transportation, Lilou-organics offers free shipping on Canadian orders over $100 and on US orders over $150.
Green Living Ottawa 
I use a crystal deoderant from Harnn & Thann and I find it works perfectly. It is all natural, and odor free. All you have to do is wet it and apply.