Writing About Congratulations…
Time erodes friendships — some strengthen and some dissolve. I recently published an essay — What I Wrote Was Congratulations What I Meant to Say Was — about the weird false intimacy that is perpetuated through social media, the historical context that often shadows it, and the words we can no longer say.
Who Needs Therapy When You Have Stranger Things?
Last year, I wrote about watching “Stranger Things” with my daughter. I described how the series helped us connect during the pandemic. I was conflicted about whether or not to publish the piece, but finally felt that sharing what we went through might be helpful to other parents – and it was. I heard from so many people that they had also shifted habits, gotten more lenient with things like television watching and chores, all in the name of making things a little bit easier for our children, who were going through so much.
Why I Only Wear Reef Safe Sunscreen (and You Should, Too)
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which is great for people but often fails to keep in mind the planet: Many awareness campaigns from sunscreen companies don’t disclose that the chemicals in their products can damage ecosystems — especially in the ocean. Are you using reef safe sunscreen? Here’s how to find out.
Dry Shampoo Challenge: Could You Wash Your Hair Just Once A Month?
Editor’s note (10.2022): After I published this post, new analysis showed that 70% of dry shampoos contain benzene, a potent carcinogen. And this wasn’t just a small amount: Researchers found 340 parts per million in 10 seconds of spray; according to the FDA, the acceptable level of benzene in a drug is two parts per million. The problem is the propellant: Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and Johnson & Johnson have recalled at least 10 aerosol brands over the past 18 months, and these include hair sprays as well as dry shampoos. Because manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients on labels it may be difficult to determine if your…
Mommy Greenest Loves: Plant-Based Squalane
I’ve been on quite the oil kick these days. As my skin gets more — ahem — mature, I’m finding that an oil-based skincare regimen gives me results that I just don’t see from creams and cleansers. But then I met an old friend from high school recently who was literally GLOWING, and she mentioned that she had added a serum made from squalene to her nighttime ritual. “Squalene?” I frowned. “Like from shark fins?” My friend is a serious animal lover. I couldn’t imagine her using that. “No, silly,” she said. “It’s plant-based squalane.”
Oil Cleansing Skincare Miracle
Decades ago, I complained to my friend Vanessa about the blackheads on my nose. She recommended washing with oil, but I ignored her advice. More oil on my oily skin? It didn’t make sense. Now I wish I’d listened to her, all those years ago. Because oil cleansing is a game changer. Over the past few weeks, the practice has DRAMATICALLY changed the way my skin looks and feels. But I had to learn how to do it — the right way.
Spring Equinox Newsletter
Spring sprung and we celebrated with a newsletter about the new Ask Mommy Greenest column, the book that shook, and an essay I recently published in the Washington Post on drinking that seemed to hit a nerve. Not on the list? Click here to join the conversation!
Ask Mommy Greenest: My Daughter Wants A Sustainable Prom Dress – Help!
Today, I’m debuting a new column: Ask Mommy Greenest. Please share your questions in comments on this post and I’ll answer in a new one. Thanks! Jane asks: My daughter wants a sustainable prom dress. There is so much conflicting information out there – how do I know what’s really sustainable? Some of the “eco” brands are so expensive. How can I get her a dress that’s good for her and the planet – without breaking the bank?
