Can you believe that two out of five lips balms offer poor UVA protection? And that many are filled with chemical ingredients? That’s what the Enviornmental Working Group’s (EWG) sunscreen investigation found. No matter what though, SPF lip balm should be an essential accessory, especially in summer. According to EWG, “Lip cancer is most common on the bottom lip where sun exposure is most direct.” Plus, many dermatologists believe that wearing shiny gloss can actually attract even more UV rays to the already vulnerable area.

So which lip balms are your best bet for the best protection? EWG calls Purple Prairie Sun Stuff Lip Balm SPF 30 tops. The balm moisturizes with cocoa butter along with possible natural sun protectors shea butter and jojoba oil. The true UVA/UVB protection comes from titanium dioxide and zinc. Sun Stuff is 100% natural, 85% organic and biodegradable. Click here to read more

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Most guys could care less about what shaving cream they slather on their face as long as it gets the job done. But what you might not know is that most shaving creams contain potentially toxic butane derived from petroleum. What’s more, the ingredient can cause irritation and dry skin–the last thing you need when you’re trying to get a close shave.

So do yourself a favor guys (or girls, do your guy a favor) and try The Gentlemens Refinery Black Ice Shave System. Inside the gift box you’ll find The Standard Pre Shave Oil to calm, tone and restore skin; Black Ice Shave Cream that lathers up generously and made to open pores for a smooth shave, which is scented with essential oils; Unscented Aftershave Balm that’s amazing for super-sensitive skin and it’s naturally antibacterial; The Standard Moisturizer to keep skin balanced without leaving a scent; and The Standard Eye Gel to decrease dark circles. Click here to read more

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The key to burning calories and getting fit isn’t an energy sucking gym. With the right tools and exercises, you can do it all in the open air. Swap treadmill or stationary bike workouts for a greener run or cycle outside. And get the Eco Exercise Body Toning Kit to keep your muscles in shape in the backyard. After all, don’t you feel healthier just breathing the fresh air?

Tone your abs, lower back and more with the exercise ball. It’s phthalate-free and non-toxic. You’ll also get an adjustable resistance tube that’s perfect for biceps curls, upright rows and the like along with an ankle tube so you can strengthen your legs as well. Both are made from natural latex with recycled plastic handles. Click here to read more

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When you walk into the spa, you probably instantly feel more relaxed as a fabulous sense of stress relief takes over your body. Now what if you could bring that same serenity into your own home? A few simple touches can turn your bathroom into an eco-friendly spa…or sort of.

Start by making your tub a little more inviting with a Bamboo Bath Tub Caddy. Made from fast-growing, sustainable bamboo, the caddy will hold your bathing goodies. Stock it with relaxing, essential oil-scented bath salts in eucalyptus (the scent you usually smell first when you walk into a spa) or lavender another fragrance known to bring your mentality to a calmer state. Toss in an organic bar of soap. And top it all off with a good book to read while you soak.

Continue to set the mood in the room with other eco spa-like touches. Have a comfy robe waiting for you post treatment, or bath, like Dream Sacks cozy robe made from sustainable soy fabric. Click here to read more

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When you’re spending a lot of time in the backyard, at the campground, in the park or even watching your five-year-old’s soccer match, the bugs will be out this summer. Unfortunately, many popular bug repellent options contain potentially harmful chemicals like DEET, an insecticide that can affect the nervous system, which isn’t healthy for you and can be even more dangerous for your kids. Instead, look for formulas with essential oils like citronella, which are known to repel bugs. Choose one of these three natural solutions to keep the bugs away from you and your family.

California Baby All-Natural SPF 30+ Citronella Sunscreen Lotion: This is a great one-two punch of a product that can keep both sunburns and bugs at bay. Even though it’s made to be gentle enough for babies, the whole family can use this natural sunscreen, which blocks UV rays with micronized titanium dioxide while the non-toxic essential oil citronella repels bugs. This lotion will even soothe bug bites you already have and moisturize sun-drenched skin.

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