Today, Grist.com posted a great article on the obesity epidemic in the US and how it is no longer about just burning more calories than you ingest.  It is about the chemicals in our environment.  The chemicals in our food, our shampoo, and cleaning products... specifically endocrine disruptors like BPA plastics and phalates.  Here is the complete article: http://www.grist.org/living/2011-06-28-is-your-shampoo-making-you-fat

Dr. Mercola discusses a recent study that shows common moisturizing creams containing mineral oil can increase risk of skin cancer.   Mineral oil is a petroleum product and there's nothing natural about it.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/21/is-your-moisturizer-causing-skin-cancer.aspx

Today's post isn't exactly pertinent to natural personal care and household products.  This is personal.  As a cancer survivor, I'm asking you to watch this powerful film about Dr. S. Burzynski and his cancer treatment.  It is a full length film (1 hour 48 minutes) and is free to watch only until June 20. 

No, I am not a patient of Dr. Burzynski.  I wish I was.  As a result of the treatment I did receive, I will be on medication for the rest of my life.  There is no telling what the long-term effects of the radiation therapy I underwent will be.

Looking to make your own toothpaste? We've been using this recipe in our house for over a year now and it is awesome, though the baking soda taste can take a little getting used to.

2 Tbsp Coconut oil
3 Tbsp baking soda
a pinch of Stevia powder.
Essential oil to taste (10-20 drops)

Melt or soften the coconut oil if necessary, mix in remaining ingredients. Store in a small lidded jar (I use a 4 oz canning jar). 

Not all essential oils are safe to ingest so use only oils from common culinary sources like peppermint, spearmint, sage, rosemary, orange, lemon, and lime.

After using this for 6 months, my dentist said my teeth are in the best shape she's ever seen them.  When I told her what I was doing differently, she said it goes against everything the ADA (American Dental Association) tells them... Imagine that!