The Fire Dogs of Climate Change 
I recently read a fantastically inspiring book – The Fire Dogs of Climate Change by Sally Andrew who hails from Muizenberg, Cape Town. The book is a must read for those of us who long to make a positive difference to the state of the environment but ‘just don’t know where to start’.
According to Chinese Astrology, dogs symbolize those who look after the collective interests of the community. They are the watchdogs and guardians of the earth. They bark to draw attention to injustices. While others sleep, they prowl the night, guarding the grounds. Astrologers predicted that in the Year of the Fire Dog (Feb 2006-Feb2007) there would be many natural disasters because the Earth is out of balance. Dogs would bark fiercely, inspiring debates about how to save the planet, and pushing governments to change their policies.
(See pp 8-9 in The Fire Dogs of Climate Change by Sally Andrew, 2009 Findhorn Press, www.findhornpress.com; Read extracts from the book on:http://sallyandrew.findhornpress.com)
Sally has gone to A LOTTTTTTT OF EFFORT to gather information about organizations, technology and actions that can inform, guide and inspire us ALL to step into the role of running with, and perhaps BEING, these fire dogs! She has also listed websites so you can join these organizations, or find out more about these inventions.
I have not yet managed to get through them all myself, BUT they are there for me to reference whenever I have the time, and I do.
I urge you to do the same! Rather than feel overwhelmed by the list to follow, just randomly click on one of them, at least, and be amazed by what solutions are already out there that you would never have known about without this incredible resource.
So how do you choose which pack to run with?
In Sally’s words…Follow your nose, and see what makes your tail wag and your paws dance!
Know Your Ingredients
Have you ever asked yourself why all those ingredients are in your "quality" shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc.? Many are things you can't pronounce. And, if you can't pronounce them, they shouldn't be in there. Right? Well, not necessarily. We have compiled a list ingredients commonly used in hair conditioners, lotions, shampoos, soaps and other body care products. We've also listed the properties and benefits of these ingredients. Please click on the letter of the alphabet that the ingredient starts with to read a little more about where it comes from and what it's doing in the products you put on your hair and skin.
In this listing you will find:
- Herbs
- Essential Oils
- Naturally occurring substances
- Synthetic ingredients found in better grade hair care products (you may find these in our products and others)
Some terms you may want to know before you get started:
- acid- reacts with a base to form water and salt. A water-based solution that is highly acidic will have a low pH value and be highly reactive.
- alcohol- a compounds made from carbon, hydrogen and water in a particular arrangement. Many are antiseptic.
- antiseptic- prevents infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms
- antioxidant- A substance, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta carotene, thought to protect body cells from the damaging effects of oxidation.
- astringent- draws together skin and other tissues. Tightens pores and removes excess oil from the skin.
- base- reacts with an acid to form water and salt. Something that is highly basic (also known as alkaline or caustic) will have a high pH value and be highly reactive.
- emollient- skin softener
- emulsifier- substance that keeps two or more components of a product from separating. This mixture is called an emulsion.
- exfoliant- removes dead skin cells
- fragrance oil- fragrance oils are synthetic scents.
- humectant- substance the promotes the retention of moisture
- hypoallergenic- having a decreased possibility of causing an allergic reaction.
- noncomedogenic- does not clog pores and cause the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
- pH- the measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. The range is from 1 to 14. Water is neutral with a pH value of 7. The closer to 1 or to 14, the more and there is an increased possibility of skin damage. Balancing pH, when it comes to body care products, is to move the pH to a level that is more in harmony with the body.
- solvent- something use to dissolve something else.
- surfactant- used to change the chemical properties of something allowing it to better mix or react with something else. For example, cleansers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, conditioning agents. Cleansers contain surfactants, allowing them to dissolve dirt and remove it.
- toner- used to cleanse and refresh the skin.
- topical or topically- to apply something topically means to apply it to a local area. In cosmetics, refers to applying to an area of the skin.
All information by permission of www.treasuredlocks.com
Harmful Ingredients
You will find these nasties in your home detergents (from your spot remover to carpet cleaner), your beauty products and your personal care products. Unfortunately, there has been no move to make manufacturers of cosmetic and cleaning products list their ingredients, but by 2009 it will be law that all personal care products in South Africa have a full list of ingredients.
We suggest that you print this list out and keep it somewhere easily accessible, like your wallet, to double check the ingredient lists of any products that you might buy elsewhere.
Click a link below to read more on various ingredients
Harmful Cosmetic and Cleaning Ingredients
Harmful Food Additives and Preservatives
This is the Safe List!!!
Return to the products page where you will find safe alternatives under the
Home Care section.
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