Is it truly an eco-friendly establishment?

Many of you probably have heard the term "greenwashing". If not, here's a definition I like from the Encyclopedia Britannica "greenwash (verb): to promote a product or service as being environmentally friendly without any basis in fact" or from LOHAS "Greenwashing is a superficial nod to the environment that marketers and businesses that historically were not interested in sustainable concerns, are doing in order to improve their public relation standings with the consumer or public." I am sorry to say there appears to be quite a few hair salons and spas jumping on this greenwashing wagon. As a supporter of environmental causes for over 30 years, I opened the first eco-friendly day spa in Baltimore three years ago and then opened my organic, eco-friendly skincare studio last year. I would love to see all business adapt eco-friendly practices. So recently when I saw that some spas and salons in the Baltimore area advertised as being eco-friendly and/or organic I was very excited. Unfortunately upon further examination I found that they are not. They incorporate some eco-friendly practices such as recycling but that does not make you an eco-friendly business. Or they carry one organic line along with other products that contain toxic and harmful ingredients. To be truly "green" or organic is a commitment to a certain philosophy and lifestyle. My studio (and the Day Spa)used sustainable furnishings, painted the walls with low voc paints, uses only compact fluorescent lighting, all stationery (business cards, menus and all office supplies) are made from recycled papers. Get my drift? As for organics, besides the ingredients coming from organic sources, I make sure that none of my products contain any toxic, petroleum based, or gmo ingredients that are harmful to human beings, animals or the planet. One spa which claims to use organic products is offering paraffin treatments. Well, for those of you who don't know, paraffin is a petroleum based product.

So buyer beware. If you are looking for products, businesses or services that are eco-friendly or organic do your research. Ask questions. Do not take a name or claims for granted.

I look forward to the day when all business take the time to learn how to be green and embrace the philosophy.

Well it has been a while since I updated my blog. My New Year's resolution is to update my blog once a week. First I want to say how absolutely fantastic the transition has been to my own studio. I love spending time there. The studio has such great energy and because I am making my own essential oil blends it smells divine. (Many of you know but for those that don't I was co-owner at Renew Organic Day Spa which closed in May. ) So in the last few months since I last blogged I have been very busy developing new treatments for acne, joyful aging and sensitive skin. In addition I launched my own skin care line. Earlier posts mentioned my toners. Now I have cleansers and moisturizers. I worked with a fabulous local lady to formulate the bases for all these products and then I customize them for each client at the time of purchase. Next up will be masks, exfoliants and an eye cream. So stay tune all, I will be updating you on my latest adventures, as well as passing on a lot of wonderful skin care tips and information. Have a very happy new years.

Lotus Moon Sale

All Lotus Moon products are 30% until January 30, 2010.

Customized Toners Now Available

Hydrosols have therapeutic properties similar to the properties found in the essential oil from the same plant. However, since the hydrosols are naturally diluted and water soluble they are much safer to use on the skin and they absorb easily. Sometimes they smell similarly to the essential oils but most often they have their own unique scent. I have created blends of these powerful but gentle liquids to provide you with toners that can benefit a variety of skin types and conditions. In addition, I can custom blend a toner for you if you have very specific needs that we may want to address. If you have any questions regarding these toners or would like to stop by to pick one up, email me or call me and we will set something up.

Skin Cancer Alert

Experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, the cancer arm of the World Health Organization have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas. This is according to the latest research published online in the medical journal Lancet Oncology on Wednesday. Are you wearing your sunscreen?

New Products Sale

We all know how important sun protection is. Many of you will be heading out to the beach soon and some of you have been asking for more SPF products. They just arrived. I now have an SPF 20 moisturizer. Can be used on face and body. Also, an SPF 8 lip balm. Both are wonderful, chock full of antioxidant. You get sun protection and anti aging protection all in one product. Buy the moisturizer and get the lip balm free. Offer ends July 21. So call me today to arrange pick up

ReNew Organic Skin Care Opening Day

ReNew Organic Skin care will open its doors Friday, June 19 to provide you with Baltimore's Best Facials and Waxing Services. A unique aspect to my skin care treatments is that each mask is handcrafted during each facial using the finest organic ingredients such as exotic oils, essential oils, clays, flower waters, and much more. In addition, I make an organic after wax lotion to calm you skin and leave you feeling smooth not sticky. So come experience skin care like you never have before.