Over the last couple of years, I have become more conscious of the fact that conventional beauty products contain loads of chemicals that get absorbed into our bodies, and I try to make a conscious effort to avoid these questionable substances—parabens, sulfates and petroleum-derived oils—as much as possible. I’ve read comments in women’s magazines by marketers and people in the industry reassuring readers that there is nothing to worry about, that the amounts are miniscule, etc. But I’d rather play it on the safe side, especially because there are so many great products on the market now that leave out all of the bad stuff, so you don’t even have to worry.

One brand I really like is Neal’s Yard Remedies, which is from London and makes products using organic and natural ingredients. I had heard of them for a while before I actually got around to trying their stuff. After I moved to London last year, I was excited to find (more…)

• The winds of change…Growing Optimism for US Climate Change Bill – enn/worldwatch institute
• ‘Green’ Gas Could Help Heat Homes – bbc
• Doing more than saying a prayer for the planet…Praise the Lord and Green the Roof - nytimes.com
• Obama Task Force to Start on Green Jobs – msnbc
• ‘Scientific’ whaling…Japan Denies Using Weapons vs Anti-Whaling Group – reuters
• States Fail in Latest Prairie Dog Report Card – yahoo! news
• Sea Lion Learns to Write Chinese – ananova

This week’s quick wrapup of eco chic happenings brought to you by a select few, hopelessly green gal pals.

• Check out Victor E‘s review of Jane Iredale sustainable cosmetics and enter her exclusive giveaway, (by tomorrow, Feb 3).
• Green Grechen takes a look at how far you may have to go, to go green.
• And in case you missed it — it’s about time, the Ray, a limited edition, eco-friendly watch.

• You think buying local means finding the nearest Walmart…
• Photos of Sarah Palin cause a stirring in your loins…
• It takes 3 guys and a truck to deliver your weekly bottled water order…
• You spend more than 2 hours a week sitting in your car listening to NPR with the engine running…
• The counter people at the local Mickey D’s know you by your first name…
• You drive to the end of your driveway to pick up the paper each morning…
• Your ‘smoke’ break at work is the highlight of your day…
• Your mcmansion pulls enough amps to qualify you for the business rate with your power company…
• You replaced the bike rack on your car with a gun rack…
• When you have trouble sleeping you slam in that “Inconvenient Truth” DVD and you go right out…

related: 13 ways to spot an eco-poser