mightyriverbc

Ok - I just wanted to know who really owns Nature's Gate. Because so many "natural" products are now owned by not-so-natural big multinational corporations, I try to do a little research before purchasing.

I still haven't found out about Nature's Gate, but I did come across this cheery news:

A cancer-causing compound called 1,4-dioxane has been found in some of the most commonly used petroleum-based cosmetics by a study commissioned by the Organic Consumers Association, including products from Kiss My Face, Nutribiotic, Jason, Ecover, Citrus Magic, 365, Alba, Lifetree, Giovanni, Seventh Generation, Method, Earth Friendly Products, Sea-Chi Organics and many other brands . 1,4-dioxane (often just called dioxane) is a clear, colorless, organic compound that's a liquid at room temperature and is a known human carcinogen.

The study was conducted by the Organic Consumers Association
(www.OrganicConsumers.org) in conjunction with Dr. Bronner's
(www.DrBronner.com) and David Steinman, author of The Safe Shopper's Bible. It sought to determine the levels of 1,4-Dioxane in one hundred different consumer products, ranging from dish soaps to shower gels. Around fifty of the products tested were found to be contaminated with 1,4-Dioxane, while another fifty (or so) were found to be free of the cancer-causing chemical.

That article came out last year, but another equally disturbing one came out just last March:

Many children's bath products contain chemicals that may cause cancer and skin allergies, according to a report released Thursday by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Twenty-three of 28 products tested contained formaldehyde, the report says. Formaldehyde — considered a probable carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency, — is released as preservatives break down over time in a container.

Thirty-two of 48 products contained 1,4-dioxane, also considered a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, is a byproduct of a chemical processing techniques used to make petroleum-based ingredients gentler to the skin. Nearly two-thirds of products tested, including Johnson's Baby Shampoo, contained both chemicals, according to the campaign, a coalition of environmental and health groups that includes the Breast Cancer Fund and the Environmental Working Group.

Maybe in the it doesn't matter who owns Nature's Gate! I think I should rather spend the time learning to make our own soap.

Our May order will be delivered on Monday, May 18. Please have your order finalized by Wednesday evening, May 13.

CATALOG SUBSCRIPTIONS: Your last mailed issue will be June. After that, you must order your catalog when you place your order. The cost per issue is $1.50 plus tax. So, if you want a July paper catalog, you must order it on your June order.

NEW MEMBERS: We welcome new members! Please look through the resources on the right and email the coordinator with your name, address, phone number and email address if you'd like to join.

CLUB CAPITALIZATION: After two trial orders, every ordering member will need to invest $25 in the club. This will give us a little cushion in case of a payment or billing problem. For new members, after two trial orders, you will be charged an extra $5 per month ordered until you have $25 invested in the club. This will be refunded as possible when/if you leave the club.

SPECIALS IN MAY include:
* Alden's OG Ice Cream (3/48oz)
* Clif ZBars (18/1.27oz bars OR 6/6/1.27oz bars)
* EnviroKids cereal bars and cereals

Watercress for sale from Dancing Doe Farms (in case you wondered about the picture.) Email Cathy.

For gosh sakes, people! DON'T BUY BOTTLED WATER!!!! If you wonder why, watch this movie (available through NetFlix): FLOW: For Love of Water or read this FAQ from the National Resources Defense Fund. If you might be interested in starting a local action to end bottled water use in our schools, please Email Cathy.