Are your sex toys doing you harm??!!

This is a question that you would probably never ask yourself; after all they make you feel good, so what harm could there be? Yes, sex toys & lube can make you sick because they may be made with phthalate a toxic chemical.

Many erotic toys are made of polyvinyl chlorides (PVC) ; these are plastics long decried by eco-activists for the toxins released during their manufacture and disposal, and softened with phthalates, a controversial family of chemicals. Phthalates are chemical rubber softeners and they can be found in everything from children’s toys to your car dash board.

Sex toys are not regulated as they are considered novelty devices. Most companies will not list ingredients in a sex toy. Watch for perfume odor, slimy, foul odor, or changes of color this can represent phthalates breaking down also stay away from jelly, rubber, & PVC. Look for “phthalate free” or “medical- grade silicone”. You can try exciting toys made of glass, metal & wood that are not only functional but beautiful as well! 

Check these sites out.

http://www.eartherotics.com

http://www.babeland.com

http://www.nobessence.com

http://www.tantusinc.com

The Hollywood crowd is now also beginning to get behind this movement. Check out the excerpt that was online news yesterday.

“The online retailer, Open Sky allows you to shop with your favorite celebrity. Think of it like a Pinterest page, where your friends -- and famous shoppers like Alicia Silverstone -- pin products and post a little review or promotional note. Alicia, a well-known promoter of environmental consciousness, would like consumers to think of the environment while they pleasure themselves.

The actress' endorsement of the Leaf Vibrator by Swan says, "There is one personal massager company that's actually kinder than all the rest." The product, ranging in price from $89 to $110, is made from "safe" materials, according to Silverstone, and boasts a design that is "natural and feminine ... like leaves and flowers ... not scary." Alicia says the intimate product will be shipped in discrete, recycled packaging.

So, in other words, you can be kind to the environment while being kind to yourself.”

Look for non-toxic, phthalate-free, and PVC-free/green sex toys. If you are choosing to live a healthier lifestyle by eating & exercising, shouldn’t playtime be healthier too?!

Antibacterial Soap vs. Regular Soap

Let me start by saying I have never used nor purchased antibacterial products. belle and bianca soaps contain natural antibiotics such as peppermint, lemon, tea tree etc.

Antibacterial/antimicrobials started in hospitals (antibacterial chemicals are essentially antibiotics), and then mainstreamed into the consumer market to arm us against the dreaded enemy BACTERIA, convincing consumers that the war must be won. But with every war there is always a dark side. Where do all those chemicals that you are washing away end up? They end up in our water & food supply!  The fact is antibacterials need to stay on your skin a full 2 minutes to begin working, leaving behind a residue even after rinsing; regular soap needs a full 20 seconds though  honestly,with today’s impatience, I am sure neither time requirement is being met. Many bacteria are needed to help our bodies to defend against harmful bacteria;exposure helps to strengthen our immune systems vs. sterile environments that are prone to infection & allergies. Drug resistant “super bugs” are emerging MRSA, flesh eating bacteria… The fact is most colds & flus are VIRAL NOT bacterial.

I just ask people to think about the chemicals that they use on their bodies & in their homes and to be aware that chemicals are harmful. Natural is where the focus should be and has been since the beginning of time.  We should all use products that help make this world a healthier place. Let’s revisit a purer, more innocent time when our grandparent’s thrived on natura lways of living; the way Mother Nature intended.  Let’s put an end to bathing, cleaning& ingesting chemicals. Instead, soap and warm water for 20 seconds along with using natural antibiotics/antimicrobials such as peppermint, tea tree,oregano, lemon, thyme & eucalyptus to name a few is the truly healthy way to go. And always remember to eat immune boosting foods including wasabi &garlic! They will supplement the healthier, more natural ways of living.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CRUELTY-FREE TESTING

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     It is extremely hard to believe that in this contemporary, futuristic world that we live in today, 2012, a world that is technically more advanced and informed than in any era of mankind, there are STILL prehistoric companies left that actually test their products on millions of innocent animals. Despite the public awareness made possible by organizations such as: PETA, Leaping Bunny, The Animal Defense League, ASPCA, the thousands of animal shelters, rescue shelters, And vegan societies, animal testing is still a major problem and should be of high importance in our world today. The true victims the poor, helpless animals that suffer in pain and agony through barbaric testing all for the sake of some new cosmetic, household cleaner or medicine (a subject for another day). Sadly a number of companies have opted to give up their cruelty-free status by selling their products to China (who by law mandatory test every product) because of the profit to be made. These companies include: Avon, Estee Lauder, Caudalie, L’Occitane, Mary Kaye and Yves Roche.

      However there is some light at the end of the tunnel. According to the PETA website they are funding scientists to work with the Chinese Government to end animal testing in lieu of non -animal alternatives. The UK has a cruelty free by 2013 campaign who’s petition was signed by 350,000 people. www.hsi.org/crueltyfree2013.

      We need to continue to educate all about non-animal alternatives so that these companies must comply in order to market their products. Please use the following websites to check if the products you are using are cruelty- free and that they also do not have suppliers or third parties that test for them. www.peta.org &www.leapingbunny.org

      We at belle & bianca are very proud to be a part of the cruelty free community. belle & bianca will always be on the forefront of the cruelty free movement. www.belleandbianca.com

Why buy organic?

BUY ORGANIC! Protects farm workers, helps small and local growers,  respects the ecosystem’s balance, preserves air & water quality, prevents soil erosion, saves energy,
promotes biodiversity and most important – protects future generations!

We are proud to state that each organic product contains 70% to 95% effective

certified ingredients, plus a preservative system designed to effectively perform with

these formulations.

belle & bianca products also do not contain lauryl/laureth sulfates, synthetic preservatives,
petroleum derivatives,  artificial colorants or animal by-products.www.belleandbianca.com