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  • Home
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  • Categories
    • Healthy Living
    • Mommy Greenest Approved
    • Eco Beauty & Fashion
    • Natural Parenting
    • Latest Buzz
    • Green News & Events
  • Mommy Greenest Guides
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  • Green News & Events

    Berkeley Researchers Test Toxic Beauty Detox

    March 7, 2016 /

    There’s so much gloom and doom in the story about beauty products. From the “Stink!” documentary’s exploration of the “fragrance loophole” to tests that found lead in 60% of lipsticks (yes, really) getting ready is like walking through a haunted house: fear at every turn. My thought process tends to go something like… This sample mascara is amazing, but is the company that makes it is hiding mercury in the formula? I love my new deodorant, but am I dousing my lymph nodes with cancer-causing chemicals?  I’ve swapped out hair dye for henna and greened my makeup routine, but the fear of hidden chemicals means sometimes I feel like hiding my (unwashed) head under a rock,…

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    Rachel Sarnoff 1 Comment

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    My Earth Hour Fail

    March 18, 2015
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    What We Need To Know About Sex Trafficking

    August 13, 2015
    Mommy Greenest interview with boxer Laila Ali on Organic Spa magazine cover

    Laila Ali, Organic Spa &…Mommy Greenest?

    January 20, 2015
  • Green News & Events

    Back 2 School? Don’t Send Toxic Chemicals 2 Class

    August 20, 2015 /

    Are your kids back to school? Mine are. (Finally!) And bringing home school supply requests from teachers that include some pretty toxic chemicals. Here are two that are easily avoided.

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    Rachel Sarnoff 0 Comments

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    MG Joins Jenna Elfman on “Home & Family”

    May 10, 2013
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    Inside the MG & Moms LA Swap Party

    February 17, 2014
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    Boycott Hershey’s

    January 17, 2014
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    Healthy Living

    Is There Triclosan in Your Toothpaste?

    September 8, 2014 /

    Oh, triclosan. According to the FDA, it’s no more effective than soap and water at killing bacteria; studies have shown that it may compromise our immune systems, make us more susceptible to allergies, and affect our hormones. And research proves that antibacterials like triclosan breed antibiotic-resistant bacteria. But one personal care conglomerate is still putting this toxic stuff in your…toothpaste? 

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    Rachel Sarnoff 5 Comments

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    Can Probiotics Fight Salmonella?

    February 21, 2014
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    Hey, Kool Aid!

    July 16, 2015
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    Recipe Hack: Vegan Sushi

    February 9, 2015
  • There's no research that shows antibacterials like triclosan are more effective than soap and water—but a lot that prove these pesticides can hurt kids.
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    3 Steps to Avoid Antibacterials & Still Keep Clean

    June 5, 2013 /

    Bacteria get a bad rap these days, what with the focus on germ-fighting antibacterial hand washes, gels, wipes and sprays that promise to squeaky-clean our lives. But what we might not realize is that these potent germ-fighters wipe out both good and bad bacteria, possibly contributing to an epidemic-worthy spike in childhood asthma and allergies as our kids’ fragile immune systems are no longer exposed to enough of the good bacteria that they need to develop normally.

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    Rachel Sarnoff 4 Comments

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    Is #Fluoride Dangerous?

    June 4, 2015
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    3 Steps to Avoid Dryer Sheet Air Pollution

    July 30, 2015
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    Natural & Homemade Laundry 101

    January 29, 2014
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    Natural Parenting

    Want a Natural Pregnancy? 12 Tips to Protect Your Baby for Life

    April 17, 2013 /

    Getting ready for baby—or pregnancy? Congratulations! Going green for your growing belly—or for when you bring that baby home—sounds good on paper, but is a natural pregnancy doable in reality? Yes! Here’s how: 1. Eat organic: The dangers of common pesticide exposure are equal to those of smoking during pregnancy: low birth weight and early labor. Studies have shown that eating organic for just five days can eliminate many of the pesticides—linked to cancer, among other health problems—in our bodies. Following the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen/Clean Fifteen lists can reduce your family’s exposure by 80 percent.

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    Rachel Sarnoff 18 Comments

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    Good Mom…or Chemophobe?

    January 26, 2015
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    Back to School Trick to Avoid PVC

    August 15, 2013
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    3 Questions to Ask if You’re Pregnant

    April 4, 2014
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    Green Cleaning in 3 Easy Steps

    April 14, 2013 /

    When I was a kid, I knew the house was clean because it smelled like fake lemons and pine. But it may not have been as clean as my family thought: The EPA estimates that the air inside our homes can be as more polluted than the air outside, in part because of chemical cleaning products. Indoor air pollution can lead to serious health problems like allergies and asthma; childhood asthma rates are now at epidemic levels, with more than seven million children affected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s one in 10 kids. So I’ve spent the last few years replacing those  familiar from childhood with green cleaning…

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    Rachel Sarnoff 28 Comments

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    What Are Phthalates? Nix Them in 3 Easy Steps

    April 24, 2013
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    4 Steps to Keep Your Family Safe From Cell Phone Radiation

    April 16, 2013
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    Mommy Greenest Manifesto

    February 7, 2014
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    Eco Beauty & Fashion

    Shortcut to Natural Beauty: 7 Ingredients to Avoid

    April 13, 2013 /

    I love natural beauty, but it’s not like I’m some crazy Birkenstock wearing woman with stinky underarms. I wear lipstick as much as the next girl—I just like to know mine’s lead-free. Think I’m kidding? Studies have shown that two-thirds of lipsticks contain lead, which is a neurotoxin. And that we women eat about nine pounds of the stuff over our lifetimes. All gag reflex aside, it’s super important to know what’s in our health and beauty products, because they’re designed to be put on our skin. And as we all know from high school health class, as much as 60% of what goes onto your skin goes into your…

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    Rachel Sarnoff 26 Comments

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    Mommy Greenest Shop Drop Countdown!

    January 12, 2015
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    June 20, 2014
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    Why I Heart My Menstrual Cup

    June 25, 2013

Welcome! I created this blog in 2008 as a resource for healthier living with less judgment. I'm a mother of three, former journalist, and co-founder of the (shuttered, sniff) sustainable beauty and fashion site EcoStiletto. I was Executive Director of the nonprofits The 5 Gyres Institute and Healthy Child Healthy World and appeared as a sustainable lifestyle expert on "The "TODAY Show" and "CNN Headline News," among others. Oh, and have you checked out my TEDx talks: Trash is Ruining Recycling and Can One Straw Change The World? Today, you can find me here. Let's keep in touch! xoRachel

https://youtu.be/sOol1MIgois

rachellincolnsarnoff

This week, I received a beautiful card from a frie This week, I received a beautiful card from a friend whom I’ve only known through a zoom screen. Her words of encouragement could not have been better timed, as I’m wrestling a massive, sticky octopus of a new plot and had been wondering if I should just let it swim back into its inky, anonymous cloud. Getting this card was the push I needed to hold on. So today, I’m sending words of encouragement to another writer whom I know primarily through screens, and hoping she’ll pass it on, too. There’s something about the surprise of a message facilitated by ink and paper and a stamp that resonates more strongly than an email. Do you agree? #AmWriting #Writing #WritingCommunity #PacificMFA
What if you could wash your hair just once a month What if you could wash your hair just once a month? New MG story up — link in bio! #hair #hairstyle #ecohair #ecostyle
This has always been a challenging day for me, as This has always been a challenging day for me, as it is for so many of us who grew up without or have challenging relationships with their mothers. From kindergarten on, the week before was filled with questions and activities designed to honor a person who was not present in my life, and that reminder was a special kind of pain, like a shard of glass in your sole that shifts every so often into something sharp. The feeling softened as I became a mother, and is changing again as my children leave the nest — today, it’s just my youngest and me. But there is also sweetness in annually honoring all the amazing and generous women and men who have mothered me and taught me how to mother — some are mothers, and some love with a mother’s heart. I believe that we choose our own families — sometimes they’re connected by blood, but not always. If this day is difficult, please remember to honor and nurture yourself through it. For me, this means writing about these feelings, until I’ve worked out the glass and it can no longer make me bleed. #amwriting #writer #writersofinstagram
Happy trails to you… #lakearrowhead #arrowhead # Happy trails to you… #lakearrowhead #arrowhead #mountains #mountainlife #treehugger
Honored and inspired by last night’s conversatio Honored and inspired by last night’s conversation with Shannon Perry about her incredible vision and execution on @cityofsantamonica #sustainability and Daniel Thurmond about the amazing work of the student-led Team Marine @vikingssamohi! What’s the best way to ensure progress on #environmental goals? Take daily action and #VOTE! This fall, legislators could pass the #BreakFreeFromPlastic Act, and in my home state of California, voters will decide the #PlasticPollution Reduction and #Recycling Act. Let’s do this!
When is someone too old to wear band shirts? Askin When is someone too old to wear band shirts? Asking for a friend. #music #livemusic #bands #bandaid #wetleg #whatareyoudoingsittingdown
Flashback to last month, when my essay was feature Flashback to last month, when my essay was featured on the front page of the #WashingtonPost. Did I get trolled? Yes, until my editor shut off comments. Am I more thoughtful about consumption? Hell, yes. Link in bio. Would love your thoughts. xo
#AmWriting #Fiction #WomensFiction #WritersOfInstagram #Writer #Writing #WritingCommunity
Isn’t she magnificent? Please don’t kill #shar Isn’t she magnificent? Please don’t kill #sharks for #beauty! New MG post explains how to stop — link in bio. #naturalbeauty #naturalbeautyproducts #cleanbeauty #cleanbeautyrevolution #cleanbeautyproducts
Lula has new skills. #dog #dogsofinstagram #dogsdo Lula has new skills. #dog #dogsofinstagram #dogsdoingthings #dogsdodrive
Game changer! Who else is oil cleansing? This dail Game changer! Who else is oil cleansing? This daily practice has totally rejuvenated my skin. New story up on MommyGreenest - link in bio! #beauty #naturalbeauty #naturalbeautytips #oilcleansing #oil
My husband bought this wetsuit from @patagonia a d My husband bought this wetsuit from @patagonia a decade ago and the zipper was shredded. He sent it back, they fixed it, and now it’s good as new.  This is not a sponsored post — I’m just perpetually impressed with the company’s commitment to circularity, especially when it hits home like this. #Patagonia #Surf #LovedThingsLast
The bodacious and delicious Dolly Parton rose, ins The bodacious and delicious Dolly Parton rose, inside Octavia Butler’s mind-blowing world-building, the tree that has everything (leaves, flowers, scent), and how does my mother have less wrinkles than I do?!?
My essay about drinking was published in the Washi My essay about drinking was published in the Washington Post today (linktree in bio). Here’s context: During the pandemic, the number of women who have five or more drinks each day increased by 41% — today, this is the daily habit of 30% of American women. I’m feeling all the feels — especially about how my story will be received by family and friends — but it seems to be resonating with a lot of people. It’s scary to be this honest, but I think it’s an important conversation to begin. I’m slowly working my way through every one, avoiding trolls along the way. #amwriting #writing #writer #alcohol #alcoholism
When you can’t refuse a gift that comes in a pla When you can’t refuse a gift that comes in a plastic bag, make it reusable! #motivation #health #wellness #healthylifestyle #breakfreefromplastic
Sometimes you don’t even need a key to get thoug Sometimes you don’t even need a key to get though the lock. #amwriting #amediting #writersofinstagram
Going makeup-free to demo slugging, the beauty cra Going makeup-free to demo slugging, the beauty craze that’s taken over TikTok. But do you really need petrochemicals or animal products to nail this super-hydrating technique? No! For my latest MG post, I discovered an all-natural, vegan solution — and it’s just $15. Link in bio! #beauty #beautytips #natural #naturalbeauty #skincare #skincaretips #naturalskincare #vegan #veganbeauty #veganbeautyproducts #slugging #sluglife
Enchanted, as always. Enchanted, as always.
Party like it’s your birthday. #lula #lovepuppy Party like it’s your birthday. #lula #lovepuppy #dogsofinstagram
Yes, Fashion Revolution. #Design #ShopDropChallen Yes, Fashion Revolution.
#Design #ShopDropChallenge #WearYourValues #Fashion #SustainableFashion #EcoFashion #EthicalFashion #SlowFashion #FashionRevolution #LovedClothesLast #LovePreloved #Preloved #PrelovedStyle #PrelovedFashion #PrelovedClothes #Thrift #ThriftedFashion #PreOwned #Vintage #VintageStyle #SwapDontShop #Secondhand #SecondhandStyle #Repair #Reuse #Sustainability #MommyGreenest #Activist
I knew that pursuing an MFA through Pacific Univer I knew that pursuing an MFA through Pacific University would help me as a writer. But I underestimated the joy that being part of its community would bring. This week, I had the privilege of reading an ARC of The World of Pondside by Mary Helen Stefaniak, who was my advisor and is now one of my favorite writers. The book comes out in April and is available to pre-order now. It is fantastic! As with every world that Mary Helen creates, this one is deep and vivid and the characters are alive and real. The plot is complicated in the best possible way and at every turn I can’t wait to find out what happens next. Pondside, yes! #fiction #books #author #bookstagram #writing
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