THE SOAP KITCHEN - The best soap in the world

2009-01-28T08:40:00.001-08:00

Selective logging—the practice of removing one or two trees and leaving the rest intact—is often considered a sustainable alternative to clear-cutting, in which a large swath of forest is cut down, leaving little behind except wood debris and a denuded landscape.

New research has found that the destruction of the Amazon rainforest is happening twice as fast as previously estimated. The findings came after researchers realized that earlier satellite photographs of the region missed destruction brought on by “selective logging” and updated imagery revealed the previously unseen destruction. Selective logging (the removal of one or two trees while leaving surrounding trees) while generally illegal, is destroying an area equal to that of conventional logging. They found that selective logging of mahogany and other valuable hardwood trees, which is often illegal, is destroying an area of the Amazon equal to that razed by conventional logging. The thing is during the process up to 30 additional trees can be damaged during the timber harvesting.

According to Dr Asner, a researcher at the Carnegie Institution in Washington and Stanford University in California. "People have been monitoring large-scale deforestation in the Amazon with satellites for more than two decades, but selective logging has been mostly invisible until now."

He went on to state, A tree crown can be 25 meters. When you knock down a tree it causes a lot of damage in the understory. It's a debris field down there,.

A large mahogany tree can fetch hundreds of dollars at the sawmill, making it a tempting target in a country where one in five lives in poverty. "People go in and remove just the merchantable species from the forest," Asner says. "Mahogany is the one everybody knows about, but in the Amazon, there are at least 35 marketable hardwood species, and the damage that occurs from taking out just a few trees at a time is enormous. On average, for every tree removed, up to 30 more can be severely damaged by the timber harvesting operation itself. That's because when trees are cut down, the vines that connect them pull down the neighboring trees."

Previous studies have shown that in logged forests, light penetrates to the understory and dries out the forest floor, making it much more susceptible to burning. "That's probably the biggest environmental concern," Asner says. "But selective logging also involves the use of tractors and skidders that rip up the soil and the forest floor. Loggers also build makeshift dirt roads to get in, and study after study has shown that those frontier roads become larger and larger as more people move in, and that feeds the deforestation process. Think of logging as the first land-use change."

Logging also has a significant impact on the food web, Asner says, noting that nearly a third of the planet's land species inhabit the Amazon rainforest—from insects to jaguars and everything in between. "Studies constantly show declines in primate and other mammal populations following selective logging, and rates of forest re-growth indicate that full restoration of habitats are likely slow for large predators," the authors write.

Another concern is climate change. "When a tree trunk is removed, the crown, wood debris and vines are left behind to decompose, releasing carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere," Asner says. "Sawmills often have an efficiency level of about 30 to 40 percent, so large amounts of sawdust and scrap also decompose into atmospheric CO2."

Selective logging also involves bringing in heavy equipment using makeshift dirt roads that allows other people to come in later and change the landscape even further, fuelling the process of deforestation.

To make sure their assessments were correct, the scientists went out into the field to compare their satellite data to what they could observe from the ground.

The findings confirmed their worst suspicions - that conventional satellite photography has missed about half of the damage caused by illegal logging.

"The Brazilian government has laws against these logging operations, but they can't enforce them over the enormous geography we're talking about," Dr Asner said. "They can't have a cop on every corner, so our idea is to give them these results in hopes that it might help their law enforcement effort," he said.

The direct impacts of selective logging may include:

* Loss of deep-rooted perennial trees and shrubs
* Reduced canopy cover
* Increased invasion of environmental weeds
* Increased soil compaction
* Increased greenhouse gas emission

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Caribbean Spa
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2009-01-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

FLUORIDE & BONE DISEASE - Excessive exposure to fluoride is well known to cause a bone disease called skeletal fluorosis.
Skeletal fluorosis, especially in its early stages, is a difficult disease to diagnose, and can be readily confused with various forms of arthritis including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In its advanced stages, fluorosis can resemble a multitude of bone/joint diseases, including: osteosclerosis, renal osteodystrophy, DISH, spondylosis, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. In individuals with kidney disease, fluoride exposure can contribute to, and/or exacerbate, renal osteodystrophy.

What does Alcoa have to say? According to Alcoa they are "trying to achieve"
these goals:
Source: Alcoa in Trinidad and Tobago: Environment: Global EHS Goals
60% reduction Sulphur Dioxide by year 2010
50% reduction volatile organic compounds by 2008
30% reduction nitrogen oxides by 2007
80% reduction mercury emissions by 2008
50% reduction landfill waste by 2007
60% reduction in process water use and discharge by 2008
25% reduction in green house gas emissions by 2010

How about a 100% reduction by NOT allowing a smelter plant in Trinidad at all?
That's the ONLY figure we can live with!- Actual Alcoa Newspaper
Advert from the 1950s

One of the most dangerous emissions is Fluoride:
A short history of Fluoride.

It all started in Nazi Germany with a company called I.G. Farben...

At the end of World War II, the US Government sent Charles Eliot Perkins, a research worker in chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and pathology, to take charge of the Farben chemical plants in Germany.

"While there he was told by the German chemists of a scheme worked out by them during the war and adopted by the German General Staff.

"To control the population in any given area through mass medication of drinking water."

"Repeated doses of infinitesimal amounts of fluoride will in time reduce an individual's power to resist domination by slowly poisoning and narcotising a certain area of the brain and will thus make him submissive to the will of those who wish to govern him.

"Both the Germans and the Russians added sodium fluoride to the drinking water of prisoners of war to make them stupid and docile."

So how does Fluoride get into your Toothpaste?

In the 40's and 50's - Alcoa had a problem - a vast overabundance of the toxic smelter waste Sodium Fluoride and growing problem disposing of this waste.

At the Mellon Institute, ALCOA's Pittsburgh industrial research lab biochemist Gerald J. Cox immediately fluoridated lab rats in a study and concluded that fluoride reduced cavities and that: "The case should be regarded as proved."

They SOMEHOW sold the US government on the insane idea of buying their poison at a 20,000% markup and then injecting it into the water supply as well as into the nation's toothpastes and dental rinse.

In 1947, Oscar Ewing, chief legal counsel for Aluminum Corporation of America (ALCOA), was named head of the Public Health Service). He changed the Federal Code to remove fluoride from the list of toxic materials. He then made fluoridation promotion an official policy of the PHS.
Still trust Alcoa?

Flouride is used in chemical warefare agents and the active ingredient in Sarin gas (As used by Saddam Hussein against the Kurds)
Here are Alcoa's own figures on Emission for their Trinidad Smelter project and the health impact of these emisisons:
FLUORIDES
Alcoa plans to release 262,570 pounds of Fluoride at their Chatham Smelter annually
(Source: Alcoa's CEC Application to the EMA)

Fluoride is a poison that accumulates in your body and one-third of a teaspoon of sodium fluoride is estimated to be a lethal dose?

What does Fluoride do?

Destroys bones, teeth, blood vessels, and stomach lining
• Causes infertility
• Causes poisoning with symptoms of headache or nausea
• Inhibits protein & DNA synthesis
• Impairs cortisol production and
• Alters bone matrix constitution

Ingesting one tube of Fluoride Toothpaste will kill an infant child.
Fluoride is used in chemical warfare agents and the active ingredient in Sarin gas.
Both the Germans and the Russians added sodium fluoride to the drinking water of prisoners of war to make them stupid and docile.

Once we get fluoride in our drinking water, our soft drinks, fruit juices, soups will be polluted by fluoride. Our babies formulas will be polluted by fluoride. Will we have to worry about our chicken sandwich in KFC, our fish from the market and our seafood from Hi-lo? What about the water that in our Carib beer or our Chubby soft drink. How will we know what levels of fluoride has reached our food and water supply and are they acceptable for human consumption or will we be slowly poisioned?

PERFLUOROCARBONS (PFCs)
Alcoa plans to release 137,286,600 pounds of PFCs at their Chatham Smelter annually
(Source: Alcoa's CEC Application to the EMA)

Tetrafluoromethane CF4 is an odorless gas, but it can cause difficulty breathing. The major physical hazard is that a container may rupture or explode if exposed to heat. Short term exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, symptoms of drunkenness, disorientation and suffocation.

Hexafluoroethane C2F6 is an odorless gas, but it can cause difficulty breathing. The major physical hazard is that a container may rupture or explode if exposed to heat. Short term exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, symptoms of drunkenness, disorientation, tingling sensation, suffocation, convulsions and coma.

SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2)
Alcoa plans to release 18,905,040 pounds of Sulphur Dioxide at their Chatham Smelter annually
(Source: Alcoa's CEC Application to the EMA)

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) is a very pungent gaseous compound made up of sulfur and oxygen. It is a major component of acid rain.

SO2 can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation along with burning of the skin. SO2 can cause serious respiratory illness. It can also cause corrosion and discoloration.

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHS)
Alcoa plans to release 390 pounds of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at their Chatham Smelter annually
(Source: Alcoa's CEC Application to the EMA)
You can be exposed to Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)s by inhalation and by coming into contact with soil containing PAHs ingestion of contaminated water or cows milk. Some PAHs may cause Lung, Bladder and Skin Cancer and may affect the eyes, kidneys and liver.

PAH's affect babies - Fetus is at greater risk and susceptibility: Growth retardation, Low birth weight, Small head circumference, Low IQ, Damaged DNA. Disrupt endocrine systems, such as estrogen, thyroid, and steroids. Affect in women - Early menopause related to the destruction of ovum (egg).

NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NOx)
Alcoa plans to release 79,512 pounds of NOx at their Chatham Smelter annually
(Source: Alcoa's CEC Application to the EMA)
Nitrogen dioxide reacts with sunlight, which leads to serious health and environment risk.

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Email: http://thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com
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Amimal ingredients and their alternatives

2009-01-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

I am vegan that means I have adopted a vegan diet means saying “no” to cruelty to animals and environmental destruction and “yes” to compassion and good health. It also means paying attention to the ingredients in your food, cosmetics, and other products.

PETA’s list of animal ingredients and their alternatives helps consumers avoid animal ingredients in food, cosmetics, and other products. Please note, however, that it is not all-inclusive. There are thousands of technical and patented names for ingredient variations. Furthermore, many ingredients known by one name can be of animal, vegetable, or synthetic origin. If you have a question regarding an ingredient in a product, call the manufacturer. Good sources of additional information are A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, A Consumer’s Dictionary of Food Additives, or an unabridged dictionary. All of these are available at most libraries.

Adding to the confusion over whether an ingredient is of animal origin is the fact that many companies have removed the word “animal” from their ingredient labels to avoid putting off consumers. For example, rather than use the term “hydrolyzed animal protein,” companies may use another term such as “hydrolyzed collagen.” Simple for them, but frustrating for the caring consumer.

Animal ingredients are used not because they are better than vegetable-derived or synthetic ingredients, but because they are generally cheaper. Today’s slaughterhouses must dispose of the byproducts of the slaughter of billions of animals every year and have found an easy and profitable solution in selling them to food and cosmetics manufacturers.

Animal ingredients come from every industry that uses animals: meat, fur, wool, dairy, egg, and fishing, as well as industries such as horse racing and rodeo, which send unwanted animals to slaughter. Contact PETA for our factsheets or check out PETA.org to learn more about the animals who suffer at the hands of these industries and what you can do to help these animals.

Rendering plants process the bodies of millions of tons of dead animals every year, transforming decaying flesh and bones into profitable animal ingredients. The primary source of rendered animals is slaughterhouses, which provide the “inedible” parts of all animals killed for food. The bodies of companion animals who are euthanized in animal shelters can wind up at rendering plants too.

Some animal ingredients do not wind up in the final product but are used in the manufacturing process. For example, in the production of some refined sugars, bone char is used to whiten the sugar; in some wines and beers, isinglass (from the swim bladders of fish) is used as a “clearing” agent.

Kosher symbols and markings also add to the confusion and are not reliable indicators on which vegans or vegetarians should base their purchasing decisions. This issue is complex, but the “K” or “Kosher” symbols basically mean that the food manufacturing process was overseen by a rabbi, who theoretically ensures that it meets Hebrew dietary laws. The food also may not contain both dairy products and meat, but it may contain one or the other. “P” or “Parve” means that the product contains no meat or dairy products but may contain fish or eggs. “D,” as in “Kosher D,” means that the product either contains dairy or was made with dairy machinery. For example, a chocolate-and-peanut candy may be marked “Kosher D” even if it doesn’t contain dairy products because the nondairy chocolate was manufactured on machinery that also made milk chocolate. For questions regarding other symbols, please contact the Orthodox Union or other Jewish organizations or publications.

If you’re new to this, don’t be surprised if your friends and family are at first put off by all the label-reading and ingredient-checking that you’re doing at restaurants and grocery stores. Explain your choices, but don’t run the risk of alienating would-be vegans by being overly fussy with waiters or debating someone over a small amount of one ingredient: It can make the decision to go vegan seem like a chore. Relax a bit. It’s probably not feasible for most people to completely eliminate all animal ingredients from their lives. Your goal as a vegan is to avoid animal ingredients whenever possible. Our list will give you a good working knowledge of the most common animal-derived ingredients and their alternatives, allowing you to make decisions that will save animals’ lives.

Adrenaline.
Hormone from the adrenal glands of hogs, cattle, and sheep. Most often synthetically produced for medicine. Also called epinephrine.

Alanine.
(See Amino Acids.)

Albumen.
In eggs, milk, muscles, blood, and many vegetable tissues and fluids. In cosmetics, albumen is usually derived from egg whites and used as a coagulating agent. May cause allergic reaction. In cakes, cookies, candies, etc. Egg whites are sometimes used in “clearing” or “fining” wines.

Albumin.
(See Albumen.)

Alcloxa.
(See Allantoin.)

Aldioxa.
(See Allantoin.)

Aliphatic Alcohol.
(See Lanolin and Vitamin A.)

Allantoin.
Uric acid from mammals and plants. In cosmetics (especially creams and lotions) and used in the treatment of wounds and ulcers. Derivatives: alcloxa and aldioxa. Alternatives: extract of comfrey root and synthetics.

Alligator Skin.
(See Leather.)

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids.
Any one of several acids used as an exfoliant and in anti-wrinkle products. They can also be found in shampoos and cuticle softeners. Lactic acid may be animal-derived. Alternatives: plant- or fruit-derived acids such as glycolic or citric.

Ambergris.
From sperm whale intestines. Used as a fixative in making perfumes and as a flavoring in foods and beverages. Alternatives: synthetic or vegetable fixatives.

Amino Acids.
The building blocks of protein in all animals and plants. In cosmetics, vitamins, supplements, shampoos, etc. Alternatives: synthetics and plant sources.

Angora.
Hair from the Angora rabbit or goat. Used in clothing. Alternatives: synthetic fibers.
Please see our factsheet on the wool industry.

Animal Fats and Oils.
In foods, cosmetics, etc. Highly allergenic. Alternatives: olive oil, wheat germ oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, almond oil, safflower oil, etc.

Animal Hair.
In some blankets, mattresses, brushes, furniture, etc. Alternatives: vegetable and synthetic fibers. Please see our factsheet on the fur industry. .
Arachidonic Acid.
A liquid unsaturated fatty acid that is found in the livers, brains, glands, and fat of animals and humans. Generally isolated from animal liver. Used for nutrition and in skin creams and lotions to soothe eczema and rashes. Alternatives: synthetics, aloe vera, tea tree oil, and calendula ointment.

Arachidyl Proprionate.
A wax that can be from animal fat. Used in lipsticks and skin care products. Alternatives: peanut or vegetable oil.

Aspartic Acid. Aminosuccinate Acid.
A nonessential amino acid that can be from animal or plant sources (e.g., molasses). Sometimes synthesized for commercial purposes.

Bee Pollen.
Microsporic grains in seed plants gathered by bees and then collected from the legs of bees. Causes allergic reactions in some people. Found in nutritional supplements, shampoos, toothpastes, and deodorants. Alternatives: synthetics, plant amino acids, and pollen collected from plants. Please see our factsheet on bees to learn about other products derived from the factory-farming of these insects.

Beeswax. Honeycomb.
Wax obtained from melting a honeycomb with boiling water, straining it, and cooling it. From virgin bees. In lipsticks and many other cosmetics (especially face creams, lotions, mascara, eye creams and shadows, face makeups, nail whiteners, lip balms, etc.). Derivative: cera flava. Alternatives: paraffin and vegetable oils and fats. Ceresin, aka ceresine, aka earth wax (made from the mineral ozokerite; replaces beeswax in cosmetics; also used to wax paper, to make polishing cloths, in dentistry for taking wax impressions, and in candle-making). Also, carnauba wax (from the Brazilian palm tree; used in many cosmetics, including lipstick; rarely causes allergic reactions). Candelilla wax (from candelilla plants; used in many cosmetics, including lipstick; also used in the manufacture of rubber and phonograph records, in waterproofing, and in writing inks; no known toxicity). Japan wax (vegetable wax; Japan tallow; fat from the fruit of a tree grown in Japan and China).

Benzoic Acid.
In almost all vertebrates and in berries. Most commercial use comes from plant sources. Used as a preservative in mouthwashes, deodorants, creams, aftershave lotions, etc. Alternatives: cranberries and gum benzoin (tincture) from the aromatic balsamic resin of trees grown in China, Sumatra, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Beta Carotene.
(See Carotene.)

Biotin. Vitamin H. Vitamin B Factor.
In every living cell and in larger amounts in milk and yeast. Used as a texturizer in cosmetics, shampoos, and creams. Alternatives: plant sources.

Blood.
From any slaughtered animal. Used as adhesive in plywood, also found in cheese-making, foam rubber, intravenous feedings, and medicines. Possibly in foods such as lecithin. Alternatives: synthetics and plant sources.

Boar Bristles.
Hair from wild or captive hogs. In “natural” toothbrushes and bath and shaving brushes. Alternatives: vegetable fibers, nylon, and the peelu branch or peelu gum.

Bone Char.
Animal bone ash. Used in bone china and often to make sugar white. Serves as the charcoal used in aquarium filters. Alternative: synthetic tribasic calcium phosphate.

Bone Meal.
Crushed or ground animal bones. In some fertilizers. In some vitamins and supplements as a source of calcium. In some toothpastes. Alternatives: plant mulch, vegetable compost, dolomite, clay, and vegetarian vitamins.

Calciferol.
(See Vitamin D.)

Calfskin.
(See Leather.)

Caprylamine.
(See Caprylic Acid.)

Capryl Betaine.
(See Caprylic Acid.)

Caprylic Acid.
A liquid fatty acid from cow’s or goat’s milk. Also from palm and coconut oil and other plant oils. In perfumes and soaps. Derivatives: caprylic triglyceride, caprylamine oxide, and capryl betaine. Alternatives: plant sources.

Caprylic Triglyceride.
(See Caprylic Acid.)

Carbamide.
(See Urea.)

Carmine. Cochineal. Carminic Acid.
Red pigment from the crushed female cochineal insect. It takes a million corpses to make a kilogram of carminic acid, the more purified form of cochineal extract. Used in cosmetics, shampoos, red apple sauce, and other foods (including red lollipops and food coloring). May cause allergic reaction. Alternatives: beet juice (used in powders, rouges, and shampoos; no known toxicity) and alkanet root (from the root of this herb-like tree; used as a red dye for inks, wines, lip balms, etc.; no known toxicity; can also be combined to make a copper or blue coloring). (See Colors.)

Carminic Acid.
(See Carmine.)

Carotene. Provitamin A. Beta Carotene.
A pigment found in many animal tissues and in all plants. Used as a coloring in cosmetics and in the manufacture of Vitamin A.

Casein. Caseinate. Sodium Caseinate.
Milk protein. In “nondairy” creamers, soy cheese, many cosmetics, hair preparations, and beauty masks. Alternatives: soy protein, soy milk, and other vegetable milks.

Caseinate.
(See Casein.)

Cashmere.
Wool from the Kashmir or “Cashmere” goat. Used in clothing. Alternatives: synthetic fibers. For more information, please see our factsheet on the wool industry.

Castor. Castoreum.
Creamy substance with strong odor from muskrat and beaver genitals. Commercial uses are derived from the castor bean. Used as a fixative in perfume and incense.

Castoreum.
(See Castor.)

Catgut.
Tough string from the intestines of sheep, horses, etc. Used for surgical sutures. Also used for stringing tennis rackets and musical instruments, etc. Alternatives: nylon and other synthetic fibers.

Cera Flava.
(See Beeswax.)

Cerebrosides.
Fatty acids and sugars found in the covering of nerves. Those used in cosmetics are derived from cattle or plant sources.

Cetyl Alcohol.
Wax found in spermaceti from sperm whales. Alternatives: vegetable cetyl alcohol (e.g., coconut) and synthetic spermaceti.

Cetyl Palmitate.
(See Spermaceti.)

Chitin.
A fiber derived from crustacean shells. Used in tanning products and wound-healing emulsions.

Cholesterin.
(See Cholesterol.)

Cholesterol.
A steroid alcohol in all animal fats and oils, nervous tissue, egg yolk, and blood. Can be derived from lanolin. In cosmetics, eye creams, shampoos, etc. Alternatives: solid complex alcohols (sterols) from plant sources.

Choline Bitartrate.
Dietary supplement. (See Lecithin.)

Civet.
Unctuous secretion painfully scraped from a gland very near the genital organs of civet cats. Used as a fixative in perfumes and as flavoring in some beverages, ice creams, and candy. Alternatives: see alternatives to Musk.

Cochineal.
(See Carmine.)

Cod Liver Oil.
(See Marine Oil.)

Collagen.
Fibrous protein in vertebrates. Usually derived from animal tissue. Found in skin creams. Can’t affect the skin’s own collagen. An allergen. Alternatives: soy protein, almond oil, amla oil (see alternatives to Keratin), etc.

Colors. Dyes.
Pigments from animal, plant, and synthetic sources used to color foods, cosmetics, and other products. Cochineal is from insects. Widely used FD&C and D&C colors are coal-tar (bituminous coal) derivatives that are continuously tested on animals because of their carcinogenic properties. Alternatives: grapes, beets, turmeric, saffron, carrots, chlorophyll, annatto, and alkanet.

Corticosteroid.
(See Cortisone.)

Cortisone. Corticosteroid.
Hormone from adrenal glands. That used in medicine is obtained from hogs. Alternatives: synthetics.

Cysteine, L-Form.
An amino acid from hair, often obtained from animals. Used in hair care products and creams, in some bakery products, and in wound-healing formulations. Alternatives: plant sources.

Cystine.
An amino acid found in urine and horsehair. Used as a nutritional supplement and in emollients. Alternatives: plant sources.

Dexpanthenol.
(See Panthenol.)

Diglycerides.
(See Monoglycerides and Glycerin.)

Dimethyl Stearamine.
(See Stearic Acid.)

Down.
Goose or duck insulating feathers. From slaughtered or cruelly exploited geese. Used as an insulator in quilts, parkas, sleeping bags, pillows, etc. Alternatives: polyester and synthetic substitutes, kapok (silky fibers from the seeds of some tropical trees), and milkweed seed pod fibers. Please see our factsheet on the down industry.

Dyes.
(See Colors.)

Egg Protein.
In shampoos, skin preparations, etc. Alternatives: plant proteins.

Elastin.
Protein found in the tendons of cows. Similar to collagen. Used in hair and skin products. Can’t affect the skin’s own elasticity. Alternatives: synthetics and protein from plant tissues.

Emu Oil.
From slaughtered, flightless ratite birds native to Australia. Used in cosmetics and creams. Alternatives: vegetable and plant oils.

Ergocalciferol.
(See Vitamin D.)

Ergosterol.
(See Vitamin D.)

Estradiol.
(See Estrogen.)

Estrogen. Estradiol.
Female hormones from pregnant mares’ urine. Considered a drug. Can have harmful systemic effects if used by children. Used for reproductive problems and in birth control pills and Premarin, a menopause drug. In creams, perfumes, and lotions. Has a negligible effect in the creams as a skin restorative; simple vegetable-source emollients are considered better. Alternatives: oral contraceptives and menopause drugs based on synthetic steroids or phytoestrogens (from plants, especially palm-kernel oil). Menopausal symptoms can also be treated with diet and herbs. Please see our factsheet on Premarin.

Fats.
(See Animal Fats.)

Fatty Acids.
Can be one or any mixture of liquid and solid acids such as caprylic, lauric, myristic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic. Used in bubble baths, lipsticks, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and food. Alternatives: vegetable-derived acids, soy lecithin, safflower oil, bitter almond oil, sunflower oil, etc.

FD&C Colors.
(See Colors.)

Feathers.
From exploited and slaughtered birds. Used whole as ornaments or ground up in shampoos. (See Down and Keratin.) Please read our factsheet on feathers.

Fish Liver Oil.
Used in vitamins and supplements. In milk fortified with Vitamin D. Alternatives: yeast extract, ergosterol, and exposure of the skin to sunshine.

Fish Oil.
(See Marine Oil.) Fish oil can also be from marine mammals. Used in soap-making.

Fish Scales.
Used in shimmery makeups. Alternatives: mica, rayon, and synthetic pearl.

Fur.
Obtained from animals (usually minks, foxes, or rabbits) cruelly trapped in steel-jaw leghold traps or raised in intensive confinement on fur farms. Alternatives: synthetics. (See Sable Brushes.) Please read our factsheet on the fur farming industry.

Gel.
(See Gelatin.)

Gelatin. Gel.
Protein obtained by boiling animal skins, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. Used in shampoos, face masks, and other cosmetics. Used as a thickener for fruit gelatins and puddings (e.g., “Jello”). In candies, marshmallows, cakes, ice cream, and yogurts. On photographic film and in vitamins as a coating and as capsules. Sometimes used to assist in “clearing” wines. Alternatives: carrageen (carrageenan, Irish moss), seaweeds (algin, agar-agar, kelp—used in jellies, plastics, and medicine), pectin from fruits, dextrins, locust bean gum, cotton gum, and silica gel. Marshmallows were originally made from the root of the marsh mallow plant. Vegetarian capsules are now available from several companies. Digital cameras don’t use film.

Glycerides.
(See Glycerin.)

Glycerin. Glycerol.
A byproduct of soap manufacture (normally uses animal fat). In cosmetics, foods, mouthwashes, chewing gum, toothpastes, soaps, ointments, medicines, lubricants, transmission and brake fluid, and plastics. Derivatives: glycerides, glyceryls, glycreth-26, and polyglycerol. Alternatives: vegetable glycerin—a byproduct of vegetable oil soap—and derivatives of seaweed and petroleum.

Glycerol.
(See Glycerin.)

Glyceryls.
(See Glycerin.)

Glycreth-26.
(See Glycerin.)

Guanine. Pearl Essence.
Constituent of ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid and found in all animal and plant tissues. For commercial use, it may be obtained from the scales of fish, but synthetic pearl or aluminum and bronze particles are more common. In shampoo, nail polish, and other cosmetics.

Hide Glue.
Same as gelatin but of a cruder, impure form. Alternatives: dextrins and synthetic petrochemical-based adhesives. (See Gelatin.)

Honey.
Food for bees, made by bees. Can cause allergic reactions. Used as a coloring and an emollient in cosmetics and as a flavoring in foods. Alternatives: in foods—maple syrup; date sugar; syrups made from grains such as barley malt, turbinado sugar, and molasses; in cosmetics—vegetable colors and oils. Please see our bee factsheet for more information.

Honeycomb.
(See Beeswax.)

Horsehair.
(See Animal Hair.)

Hyaluronic Acid.
A protein found in umbilical cords and in the fluids around the joints. Used in cosmetics. Alternatives: plant oils. An anti-wrinkle cream made with a non-animal form of hyaluronic acid has been approved for use in Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Hydrocortisone.
(See Cortisone.)

Imidazolidinyl Urea.
(See Urea.)

Insulin.
From the pancreas of hogs and cattle. Used by millions of diabetics daily. Alternatives: synthetics, vegetarian diet and nutritional supplements, and human insulin grown in a lab.

Isinglass.
A form of gelatin prepared from the internal membranes of fish bladders. Sometimes used in “clearing” wines and in foods. Alternatives: bentonite clay;“Japanese isinglass”; agar-agar (see alternatives to Gelatin); and mica, a mineral used in cosmetics.

Isopropyl Lanolate.
(See Lanolin.)

Isopropyl Myristate.
(See Myristic Acid.) Used in skin creams.

Isopropyl Palmitate.
Complex mixtures of isomers of stearic acid and palmitic acid. Used as a lubricant and in makeup, hair and nail products, and cologne. (See Stearic Acid.)

Keratin.
Protein from the ground-up horns, hooves, feathers, quills, and hair of various animals. In hair rinses, shampoos, and permanent wave solutions. Alternatives: almond oil, soy protein, amla oil (from the fruit of an Indian tree), and human hair from salons. Rosemary and nettle give body and strand strength to hair.

Lactic Acid.
Found in blood and muscle tissue. Most commercial uses are derived from the fermentation of whey, cornstarch, potatoes, and molasses.

Lactose.
Milk sugar from the milk of mammals. In eye lotions, foods, tablets, cosmetics, baked goods, and medicines. Alternatives: plant milk sugars.

Laneth.
(See Lanolin.)

Lanogene™.
(See Lanolin.)

Lanolin. Lanolin Acids. Wool Fat. Wool Wax.
A product of the oil glands of sheep, extracted from their wool. Used as an emollient in many skin care products and cosmetics and in medicines. An allergen with no proven effectiveness. (See Wool for information about cruelty to sheep.) Derivatives: aliphatic alcohols, cholesterin, isopropyl lanolate, laneth, Lanogene™, lanolin alcohols, lanosterols, sterols, and triterpene alcohols. Alternatives: plant and vegetable oils. Please read our factsheet on the wool industry.

Lanolin Alcohol.
(See Lanolin.)

Lanosterols.
(See Lanolin.)

Lard.
Fat from hog abdomens. In shaving creams, soaps, and cosmetics. In baked goods, French fries, refried beans, and many other foods. Alternatives: pure vegetable fats or oils.

Leather. Suede. Calfskin. Sheepskin. Alligator Skin. Other Types of Skin.
Subsidizes the meat industry. Used to make wallets, handbags, furniture and car upholstery, shoes, etc. Alternatives: cotton, canvas, nylon, vinyl, ultrasuede, pleather, and other synthetics. Please see our factsheet on the leather industry.

Lecithin. Choline Bitartrate.
Waxy substance in nervous tissue of all living organisms but frequently obtained for commercial purposes from eggs and soybeans. Also from nerve tissue, blood, milk, and corn. Choline bitartrate, the basic component of lecithin, is in many animal and plant tissues and prepared synthetically. Lecithin can be found in eye creams, lipsticks, liquid powders, hand creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos, other cosmetics, and some medicines. Alternatives: soybean lecithin and synthetics.

Linoleic Acid.
An essential fatty acid. Used in cosmetics and vitamins. Alternatives: see alternatives to Fatty Acids.

Lipase.
Enzyme from the stomachs and tongue glands of calves, kids, and lambs. Used in cheese-making and in digestive aids. Alternatives: vegetable enzymes and castor beans.

Lipids.
(See Lipoids.)

Lipoids. Lipids.
Fat and fat-like substances that are found in animals and plants. Alternatives: vegetable oils.

Marine Oil.
From fish or marine mammals (including porpoises). Used in soap-making. Used as a shortening (especially in some margarines), as a lubricant, and in paint. Alternatives: vegetable oils.

Methionine.
Essential amino acid found in various proteins (usually from egg albumen and casein). Used as a texturizer in cosmetic creams and for freshness in potato chips. Alternatives: synthetics.

Milk Protein.
Hydrolyzed milk protein. From the milk of cows. In cosmetics, shampoos, moisturizers, conditioners, etc. Alternatives: soy protein and other plant proteins.

Mink Oil.
From mink. In cosmetics, creams, etc. Alternatives: vegetable oils and emollients such as avocado oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil.

Monoglycerides. Glycerides. (See Glycerin.)
From animal fat. In margarines, cake mixes, candies, other foods, etc. In cosmetics. Alternatives: vegetable glycerides.

Musk (Oil).
Dried secretion painfully obtained from musk deer. In perfumes and in food flavorings. Alternatives: labdanum oil (which comes from various rockrose shrubs) and other plants with a musky scent. Labdanum oil has no known toxicity.

Myristal Ether Sulfate.
(See Myristic Acid.)

Myristic Acid.
Organic acid found in most animal and vegetable fats and in butter acids. Used in shampoos, creams, cosmetics, and food flavorings. Derivatives: isopropyl myristate, myristal ether sulfate, myristyls, and oleyl myristate. Alternatives: nut butters, oil of lovage, coconut oil, extract from seed kernels of nutmeg, etc.

‘Natural Sources.’
Can mean animal or vegetable sources. Most often used in the health food industry, especially in cosmetics, where it means animal sources such as animal elastin, glands, fat, protein, and oil. Alternatives: plant sources.

Nucleic Acids.
In the nucleus of all living cells. Used in cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, etc. Also in vitamins and supplements. Alternatives: plant sources.

Octyl Dodecanol.
Primarily from stearyl alcohol. Used in hair products. (See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Oils.
(See alternatives to Animal Fats and Oils.)

Oleic Acid.
Usually obtained commercially from tallow. (See Tallow.) In foods, soft soaps, bar soaps, permanent wave solutions, creams, nail polish, lipsticks, and many other skin preparations. Derivatives: oleyl oleate and oleyl stearate. Alternatives: coconut oil (see alternatives to Animal Fats and Oils).

Oleths.
(See Oleyl Alcohol.)

Oleyl Alcohol. Ocenol.
Found in fish oils. Used in the manufacture of detergents, as a plasticizer for softening fabrics, and as a carrier for medications. Derivatives: oleths, oleyl arachidate, and oleyl imidazoline.

Oleyl Arachidate.
(See Oleyl Alcohol.)

Oleyl Imidazoline.
(See Oleyl Alcohol.)

Oleyl Myristate.
(See Myristic Acid.)

Oleyl Oleate.
(See Oleic Acid.)

Oleyl Stearate.
(See Oleic Acid.)

Palmitamide.
(See Palmitic Acid.)

Palmitamine.
(See Palmitic Acid.)

Palmitate.
(See Palmitic Acid.)

Palmitic Acid.
From fats and oils (see Fatty Acids). Mixed with stearic acid. Found in many animal fats and plant oils. In shampoos, shaving soaps, and creams. Derivatives: palmitate, palmitamine, and palmitamide. Alternatives: palm oil and vegetable sources.

Panthenol. Dexpanthenol. Vitamin B-Complex Factor. Provitamin B-5.
Can come from animal or plant sources or synthetics. In shampoos, supplements, emollients, etc. In foods. Derivative: panthenyl. Alternatives: synthetics and plants.

Panthenyl.
(See Panthenol.)

Pepsin.
In hogs’ stomachs. A clotting agent. In some cheeses and vitamins. Same uses and alternatives as Rennet.

Placenta. Placenta Polypeptides Protein. Afterbirth.
Contains waste matter eliminated by the fetus. Derived from the uterus of slaughtered animals. Animal placenta is widely used in skin creams, shampoos, masks, etc. Alternatives: kelp (see alternatives to Animal Fats and Oils).

Polyglycerol.
(See Glycerin.) Derived from lard and tallow. Also from soybean oil, corn, cottonseed, and other plants. Used as a cosmetics emulsifier.

Polypeptides.
From animal protein. Used in cosmetics. Alternatives: plant proteins and enzymes.

Polysorbates.
Derivatives of fatty acids. In cosmetics and foods.

Pristane.
Obtained from the liver oil of sharks and from whale ambergris. (See Squalene and Ambergris.) Used as a lubricant and anti-corrosive agent. In cosmetics. Alternatives: plant oils and synthetics.

Progesterone.
A steroid hormone used in anti-wrinkle face creams. Can have adverse systemic effects. Alternatives: synthetics.

Propolis.
Tree sap gathered by bees and used as a sealant in beehives. In toothpastes, shampoos, deodorants, supplements, etc. Alternatives: tree sap and synthetics. Please read our factsheet on bees.

Provitamin A.
(See Carotene.)

Provitamin B-5.
(See Panthenol.)

Provitamin D-2.
(See Vitamin D.)

Rennet. Rennin.
Enzyme from calves’ stomachs. Used in cheese-making, rennet custard (junket), and in many coagulated dairy products. Alternatives: microbial coagulating agents, bacteria culture, lemon juice, or vegetable rennet.

Rennin.
(See Rennet.)

Resinous Glaze.
(See Shellac.)

Ribonucleic Acid.
(See RNA.)

RNA. Ribonucleic Acid.
RNA is in all living cells. Used as a skin conditioner in cosmetics. Alternatives: plant cells.

Royal Jelly.
Secretion from the throat glands of honeybee workers that is fed to the larvae in a colony and to all queen larvae. No proven value in cosmetics preparations. Alternatives: aloe vera, comfrey, and other plant derivatives.

Sable Brushes.
From the fur of sables (weasel-like mammals). Used to make eye makeup, lipstick, and artists’ brushes. Alternatives: synthetic fibers.

Sea Turtle Oil.
(See Turtle Oil.)

Shark Liver Oil.
Taken from the livers of sharks. Used in lubricating creams and lotions. Derivatives: squalane and squalene. Alternatives: vegetable oils.

Sheepskin.
(See Leather.)

Shellac. Resinous Glaze.
Resinous excretion of an insect called the lac bug. Used as a candy glaze, in hair lacquer, and on jewelry. Alternatives: plant waxes.

Silk. Silk Powder.
Silk is the shiny fiber made by silkworms to form their cocoons. Worms are boiled in their cocoons to get the silk. Used in cloth. Used in silk-screening (other fine cloth can be and is used instead). Taffeta can be made from silk or nylon. Silk powder is obtained from the secretion of the silkworm. It is used as a coloring agent in face powders, soaps, etc. Can cause severe allergic skin reactions and systemic reactions (if inhaled or ingested). Alternatives: milkweed seed pod fibers, nylon, silk-cotton tree and ceiba tree filaments (kapok), rayon, and synthetic silks. Please see our factsheet on the silk industry.

Snails.
In some cosmetics (crushed).

Sodium Caseinate.
(See Casein.)

Sodium Steroyl Lactylate.
(See Lactic Acid.)

Sodium Tallowate.
(See Tallow.)

Spermaceti. Cetyl Palmitate. Sperm Oil.
Waxy oil derived from sperm whales’ heads or from dolphins. In many margarines. In skin creams, ointments, shampoos, candles, etc. Used in the leather industry. May become rancid and cause irritations. Alternatives: synthetic spermaceti, jojoba oil, and other vegetable emollients.

Sponge (Luna and Sea).
A plant-like, sea-dwelling animal. A favorite food of some sea turtles. Becoming scarce. Alternatives: synthetic sponges and loofahs (plants used as sponges).

Squalane.
(See Shark Liver Oil.)

Squalene.
Oil from shark livers, etc. In cosmetics, moisturizers, hair dyes, and surface-active agents. Alternatives: vegetable emollients such as olive oil, wheat germ oil, rice bran oil, etc.

Stearamide.
(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearamine.
(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearamine Oxide.
(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearates.
(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearic Acid.
Derived from tallow. Can also come from palm kernel oil. Used in cosmetics, soaps, lubricants, candles, hairspray, conditioners, deodorants, creams, chewing gum, and food flavoring. Derivatives: stearamide, stearamine, stearates, stearic hydrazide, stearone, stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearoyl lactylic acid, stearyl betaine, and stearyl imidazoline.

Stearic Hydrazide.
(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearone.
(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearoxytrimethylsilane.
(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearoyl Lactylic Acid.
(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearyl Acetate.
(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyl Alcohol. Sterols.
A mixture of solid alcohols. Can be prepared from sperm whale oil. In medicines, creams, rinses, shampoos, etc. Derivatives: stearamine oxide, stearyl acetate, stearyl caprylate, stearyl citrate, stearyldimethyl amine, stearyl glycyrrhetinate, stearyl heptanoate, stearyl octanoate, and stearyl stearate. Alternatives: plant sources and vegetable stearic acid.

Stearyl Betaine.
(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearyl Caprylate.
(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyl Citrate.
(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyldimethyl Amine.
(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate.
(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyl Heptanoate.
(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyl Imidazoline.
(See Stearic Acid.)

Stearyl Octanoate.
(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Stearyl Stearate.
(See Stearyl Alcohol.)

Steroids. Sterols.
From various animal glands or from plant tissues. Steroids include sterols. Sterols are alcohol from animals or plants (e.g., cholesterol). Used in hormone preparation. In creams, lotions, hair conditioners, fragrances, etc. Alternatives: plant tissues and synthetics.

Sterols.
(See Stearyl Alcohol and Steroids.)

Suede.
(See Leather.)

Tallow. Tallow Fatty Alcohol. Stearic Acid.
Rendered beef or sheep fat. In wax paper, crayons, margarines, paints, rubber, lubricants, etc. In candles, soaps, lipsticks, shaving creams, and other cosmetics. Chemicals (e.g., PCB) can be in animal tallow. Derivatives: sodium tallowate, tallow acid, tallow amide, tallow amine, talloweth-6, tallow glycerides, and tallow imidazoline. Alternatives: vegetable tallow, Japan tallow, and paraffin and/or ceresin (see alternatives to Beeswax for all three). Paraffin is usually from petroleum, wood, coal, or shale oil.

Tallow Acid.
(See Tallow.)

Tallow Amide.
(See Tallow.)

Tallow Amine.
(See Tallow.)

Talloweth-6.
(See Tallow.)

Tallow Glycerides.
(See Tallow.)

Tallow Imidazoline.
(See Tallow.)

Triterpene Alcohols.
(See Lanolin.)

Turtle Oil. Sea Turtle Oil.
Primarily from the muscles and genitals of green sea turtles. In soaps, skin creams, nail creams, and other cosmetics. Alternatives: vegetable emollients (see alternatives to Animal Fats and Oils).

Tyrosine.
An amino acid used in creams and dietary supplements.

Urea. Carbamide.
Excreted from urine and other bodily fluids. Commercial uses are derived from synthetics. Derivatives: imidazolidinyl urea and uric acid.

Uric Acid.
(See Urea.)

Vitamin A.
Can come from fish liver oil (e.g., shark liver oil), egg yolk, butter, lemongrass, wheat germ oil, carotene in carrots, and synthetics. It is an aliphatic alcohol. In cosmetics, creams, perfumes, hair dyes, etc. In vitamins and supplements. Alternatives: carrots, other vegetables, and synthetics.

Vitamin B-Complex Factor.
(See Panthenol.)

Vitamin B Factor.
(See Biotin.)

Vitamin B-12.
Usually comes from an animal source. Some “vegetarian” B-12 vitamins are in a stomach base. Alternatives: some vegetarian B-12-fortified yeasts and analogs are available. Also, plant algae containing B-12 is now in supplement form (spirulina). Some nutritionists caution that fortified foods or supplements are essential.

Vitamin D. Ergocalciferol. Vitamin D-2. Ergosterol. Provitamin D-2. Calciferol. Vitamin D-3.
Vitamin D can come from fish liver oil, milk, egg yolks, etc. Vitamin D-2 can come from animal fats or plant sterols. Vitamin D-3 is always from an animal source. All the D vitamins can be in creams, lotions, other cosmetics, vitamin tablets, etc. Alternatives: plant and mineral sources, synthetics, completely vegetarian vitamins, and exposure of the skin to sunshine. Many other vitamins can come from animal sources. Examples: choline, biotin, inositol, riboflavin, etc.

Vitamin H.
(See Biotin.)

Wax.
Glossy, hard substance that is soft when hot. From animals, plants, and insects. Used on fruits and vegetables and in lipsticks, depilatories, and hair straighteners. Alternatives: vegetable waxes.

Whey.
A serum from milk. Usually in cakes, cookies, candies, and breads. In cheese-making. Alternative: soybean whey.

Wool.
From sheep. Used in clothing. Ram lambs and old “wool” sheep are slaughtered for their meat. Sheep are transported without food or water in extreme heat and cold. Their legs are broken, their eyes are injured, etc. Sheep are bred to be unnaturally woolly and wrinkly, which causes them to get insect infestations around their tail areas. Farmers’ solution to this is the painful cutting away of the flesh and skin around the tail (called mulesing). When being sheared, the sheep are pinned down violently and sheared roughly. Please read our factsheet for more information about the wool industry. Derivatives: lanolin, wool wax, and wool fat. Alternatives: cotton, cotton flannel, synthetic fibers, ramie, etc.

Wool Fat.
(See Lanolin.)

Wool Wax.
(See Lanolin.)

Information in this factsheet was derived from the following sources:

American Meat Institute, “Fact Sheet: Products Derived From Animals.”

Verlyn Klinkenborg, “Cow Parts,” Discover Aug. 2001.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, “Cosmetic Products and Ingredients,” 9 May 2006.

U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, MedLinePlus, 4 Feb. 2003.

Ruth Winter, A Consumer’s Dictionary of Food Additives (New York: Three Rivers Press, 2004).

Ruth Winter, A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients (New York: Three Rivers Press, 2005).

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Email: http://thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/editpicture.php?success=1#/pages/The-Soap-Kitchen/29595729741?ref=ts

2009-01-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

DID YOU KNOW- Recycling two bottles saves enough energy to boil water for five cups of tea?

ALSO:
* Recycling reduces the demand for raw materials. There is no shortage of the materials used, but they do have to be quarried from our landscape, so from this point of view, there are environmental advantages to recovering and recycling glass. For every tonne of recycled glass used, 1.2 tonnes of raw materials are preserved.
* Recycling reduces the amount of waste glass which needs to be landfilled. Although glass is inert and is not directly hazardous to the environment, it will remain there indefinitely.
* Taking part in recycling the waste we produce makes us think about the effect we are having on our environment and enables us to contribute towards a greater level of sustainability

What you can do--

* If a bottle is returnable it is usually preferable to return it, rather than to recycle it.
* Rinse the bottles or jars - ideally in washing-up water you have in the bowl anyway.
*Wherever possible, remove metal or plastic tops, corks and rings from bottles or jars. Any tops which remain will be removed by magnets, vibratory screens or other methods, but they can cause damage to furnaces if any get through.
* Recycle all glass containers, not just drinks bottles. Containers which hold food, pharmaceutical and household items which are made of glass are all recyclable.
* Never deposit light bulbs or cookware such as 'Pyrex' or 'Visionware'. These have different properties to the glass used to make bottles and can contaminate a load, resulting in a sub-standard finished product. Flat glass, such as window glass, whole or broken, should not be put in bottle banks either - see below.
* Make sure that you put the bottles in the correct bank - clear, green or brown. Most importantly, ensure clear glass is not contaminated with colours as this will considerably reduce the value as a higher price is paid for uncontaminated clear glass. Bottles made from blue glass can be put in the green glass bank. Bottles with a coloured coating can be recycled as any finishes added later will burn off in the furnace. To find the original glass colour check the top of the bottle where the cap was and put the bottle in the appropriate bank.
* Try to plan your trip to bottle banks along with other essential activities such as going shopping or to school. This way the environmental impact of the journey is kept to a minimum.
* Do not leave any boxes or bags at the bank that you have used to bring your glass in, there is normally a bin provided for these.
* Try to use bottle banks during the day, to avoid disturbing the local community at night.

For all Locals and visitors to our shore to know where you can properly place your glass bottles. Please note = These bins are ONLY for GLASS BOTTLES

The following is a list of some Eco-Bins placed around Trinidad for your convenience. Please join in the Recycling Revolution to properly dispose of your glass bottles. We NEED to start preserving our environment. Every little act counts. Do your part today and dispose of glass the eco way!

This list was supplied by Eco Freco- http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/note.php?note_id=29291933964

EAST:
The Soap Kitchen - #4 Hosein Drive, Crown Street, Tacarigua.
Grand Bazaar - Valsayn
Pepsi Cola Trinidad Ltd - Tissue Drive, Trincity Industrial, Trincity
The University of the West Indies - Biological Society, St. Augustine
Tunapuna Government Secondary - Tunapuna

WEST:
Crews Inn - Chaguaramas Terminals Drive, Pointe Gourde. Chaguaramas.
Bayside Towers - 219-221 Western Main Road, Cocorite.
Victoria Gdns Resident Assn - North - 37 Vanda Road, Victoria Gdns, Diego Martin.
Trinidad Hilton& Conference Centre - Lady Young Road, St. Anns
The Towers Ltd - Caribe - West Moorings By-the-Sea, West Moorings
The Towers Ltd - Arawak - " " " "
The Towers Ltd. - Ciboney - " " " "
Fantasy Palace - Le Platte. Morne Coco Road, Maraval
Diego Martin Consumers Co-Operative - Tru-Valu, Cor. Garnet Road & Diamond Vale.
Harbour View Ltd. - Ocean Boulevard, West Moorings
Dunross Preparatory School - 96A St. Anthony Drive, West Moorings
Hyatt Regency Hotel - #1 Wrightson Road, Port of Spain
Trinidad Distillers Ltd - Eastern Main Road, Laventille

NORTH:
ALCOA -
UWI Medical Sciences

CENTRAL:
Trinity Powers Limited - Railway Road, Dow Village, Couva
St. Helena Drug Mart - North St. Heena Junction, St. Helena

SOUTH:
Dip's Restaurant & Bar - Duncan Village, San Fernando
Caria Suites - Claxton Bay
Hermitage Community Council - Chapman Park, San Fernando.
Golden Rules Bar - #1 Matilda Junction, Princes Town
Was Foodmart - Circular Road, San Fernando
Atlantic LNG - Point Fortin

Thank you to Eco Freco http://www.facebook.com/inbox/#/note.php?note_id=29291933964 for supplying this list. :)

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Email: http://thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/editpicture.php?success=1#/pages/The-Soap-Kitchen/29595729741?ref=ts

Making multi grain bread with leigh Lopez of The soap kitchen

2009-01-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

This is an easy, basic recipe for bread and doesn't require much skill. There is more than one way to make bread, this is my way. It may not be the best way but this is my method. Making your own bread needs a little hard work but it's great fun and the delicious smell and taste of freshly baked bread makes it all worth while. And it saves lots of money.

It is a mysterious business, this making of bread,
and once you are hooked by the miracle of yeast,
you'll be a breadmaker for life.

James Bread, from Beard on Bread 1980

5 cups Flour
Wheat germ
Bran
Flax seed
Raisin – as a sugar substitute and my kids love having raisins in their bread
2 (.25ounces) of instant Yeast
2 teaspoons Baking powder
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons Butter
Enough water to make a soft smooth dough ball

Grease and flour bread pans.
In clean bowl add flour, wheat germ, bran and flax seed combine well; add butter, salt and baking powder. Use enough water until the ingredients come together to make a soft, smooth dough ball. Leave to rest for 20 mins.
After the 20 min. Period the dough ball should have doubled or sometimes tripled in size, punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. Place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not over bake.
Remove from oven and lightly tap bottom of pan to remove bread. This must be done as soon as the bread comes out of the oven while still hot.

So In Trini lingo...” I just had to show off” so here it is

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Email: http://thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/editpicture.php?success=1#/pages/The-Soap-Kitchen/29595729741?ref=ts

Why should you use natural products?

2009-01-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

Because it makes your skin feel soooooooo much better!.........and they are bio-degradable so it wont hurt the environment. Since these products utilize renewable sources and natural ingredients, that means fewer chemicals going down the drain, but also good for our health when we avoid ingredients that could have a toxic effect over time.

The skin is a living, breathing tissue that covers and protects our body, but also absorbs things that come into contact with it.

I would encourage everyone to read Stacy Malkan's book, Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry, which presents some disturbing discoveries on the potential negative effects of repeated exposure to cosmetic ingredients. One quote that really stuck with me went something like, "the environment is no longer out there - it's in here. The same pollutants running through our rivers are running through our bodies."

Natural products work far better than synthetic chemical imitations that tear up our skins' natural cycles. Human sebum is very important and it is the first layer of protection against the elements. Unknowingly we strip it away when we use bars of detergent from the grocery store. Human sebum is so important to good skin health and using natural soap is a great way to treat yourself and improve overall skin health. Learning the difference between natural products versus chemically derived substitutes is actually simple. Chemicals in skin care products should be avoided. If the ingredient list is full of long scary words you do not understand this means you should stare clear. Buy skin care products with ingredients you can understand. This is the ingredient list of our Papaya and bamboo soap - Sodium hydroxide, Olive, Coconut, Soybean and wheat germ oil, natural papaya, Chinese bamboo and our blend of essential oils. Simple and very effective without harsh chemicals. We also make Un-Scented Natural products for those with very sensitive skin

Understanding the difference between natural soaps and detergent bars is a great place to start learning. Not many other people I meet know any difference exists. Around 1942 production of soap by the large manufacturing companies changed in a big way. Soap makers found that the same fats that turn into soap and make naturally occurring glycerin can yield more money if those fats are turned into nitro glycerin (gun powder). Yes, Palm Olive Brand detergent (as in Palm and Olive oils) made more money turning fats into gunpowder for the war effort. So, if they no longer make fats into soap today, what is that stuff on the shelves at your supermarket? Good question! The replacement for soap is detergent. Detergents are more profitable for big manufacturers because the cost of the raw material is so much lower. Replacing Coconut, Palm, Soybean & Olive Oil with much less expensive petroleum chemicals like sodium lauryl sulphate a foaming agent created huge profits and streamlined the production. All of these new chemicals lowered the cost to manufacture and the final bars of detergent cost less for the consumer than soap. We all have a part to play in the fact that we can't buy soap any more at the grocery store. Supply and demand. Now more and more people are finding they have bad skin reactions to detergents and chemically based skin care products, driving more people every day to educate themselves about using natural alternatives in the skin care products they buy.

Likely Page Break

The main problem with using the cheap skin products based in petroleum is that human skin has natural and protective oil layers called sebum which detergents and harsh chemicals strip away. When our natural shield is removed, any nasty chemicals in the synthetically derived "Beauty Bar " are free to damage unprotected skin cells. With a real bar of natural soap, you get a moisturizing and cleansing bar soap that is gentle on your skin and still has the naturally occurring glycerin.

For more information about our products visit us online at- http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com

List of ingredients we use and what the known benefits are.in our Bath and Body natural products like natural soaps, lip balm, body wash, body oil, liquid soap

Essential Oils

Bergamot

astringent, antiseptic, balances, antidepressant, deodorant

Cedarwood

antiseptic, calms, rejuvenates

Cinnamon

antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, circulation

Citronella

insect repellent, colds, relieve melancholy

Clary Sage

regulates perspiration, strengthens, cleanses, balances

Clove Bud

antiseptic, disinfectant, insect repellent

Corn Mint

antiseptic, strengthens skin's natural defenses, refreshing, increases concentration, insect repellent

Eucalyptus

antiseptic, regenerative, stimulates, increases circulation, helps acne

Geranium Rose

antiseptic, calms irritation, uplifts, stimulates sensual feelings, helps acne

Ginger

antiseptic,muscle tension, aphrodisiac, helps morning & motion sickness

Lavender

antiseptic, detoxifying, calms, cleanses, tonic, antidepressant

Lemon

astringent, detoxifying, antidepressant

Lemongrass

antiseptic, astringent, refreshing, tonic, helps tiredness

Nutmeg

sore muscles, rheumatism, calms, strengthens

Palmarosa

stimulates cell rejuvenation, calms, uplifts

Patchouli

insect repellent, antiviral, antifungal, aphrodisiac

Pink Grapefruit

antibacterial, astringent, antioxidamt (vitamin C), cleanses, balances

Rosemary

antiseptic, brain stimulant, nerve tonic, uplifts

Rosewood

skin dryness, tonic for nervous system

Sweet Orange

disinfectant, regenerative, relaxes, balances

Tea Tree

affects fungi, viruses, and bacteria

Ylang-Ylang

antiseptic, moisturizing, tension relieving, balancing

Exotic Oils

Avocado

Jojoba

Sweet Almond

Grape Seed

Coconut Oil

Soybean Oil

Kukui Nut Oil

helps eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, absorbs easily, soothes sunburn

may act as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes

Macadamia Nut Oil

helps heal eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, absobs easily, soothes sunburn,

may act as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes

Some of the dry ingredients we use-

Organic Oatmeal

neutralizes the PH balance of human skin cells and is a great exfoliator

The statements included in this site are meant for educational purposes only. The statements in this article are not intended to make claims for curing, treating or healing disease.

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Email: http://thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com
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Why use real essential oils insead of fragrance oils

2008-11-02T16:59:00.000-08:00

Every day, we see commercials and magazine advertisements promoting that their beauty body products are made with real essential oils when it is obvious that they are not. Example: "try our new cucumber melon candle made with REAL essential oils" ... I am afraid this is an advertising gimmick. There is no such thing as cucumber melon essential oil. While a cucumber is a real vegetable and a melon is a real fruit, essential oils cannot be extracted from either one because both consist primarily of water.

Why do they do it then? To confuse the buying public who may not know what essential oils and aromatherapy actually are and get caught up thinking "they said REAL essential oils so the product must be good". Don't let them fool you get educated. Know your product, know your manufacturer.
You can call The Soap Kitchen anytime to for us to assist you, we will be happy to answer your questions.

But, what are fragrance oils? Fragrance oils are chemicals blended together to create a scent, it does nothing for us, nothing for our bodies.

When The Soap Kitchen says our products are made from real essential oils we mean just that. -- that is, oils that are extracted from plants, flowers, bark, spices, resins etc. These oils are often expensive, and they are prized for their potent fragrances as well as their medicinal benefits. When we say that we make and sell a lavender essential oil candle, that means we melt soy wax and mix in real lavender essential oil that has been steam distilled from the lavender plant. When you burn one of our aromatherapy candles the essential oils are departed into the room giving you aromatherapy value.

Fragrance oils have absolutely no aromatherapy value and are blends of a variety of different chemicals created in a lab to smell a certain way, like watermelon for instance. Why put chemicals on your skin and in your body?

Try The soap Kitchen today, we care about you and our environment.

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Email: http://thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: WWW.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com

Mango Shea Soap

2008-06-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

I have finished what I’m calling my “Ultimate” Mango coconut lavender Skincare soap. As I mentioned before, I planned on pooling my ideas and skills and coming up with that very top-of-the-line soap that does really cool things for your skin and helps you drop 10 lb. as well. The only justification for the latter is that maybe, if your skin is warm and glowing, you will feel like doing more stuff which could even include an increase of exercise and thus, 10 lb. left behind as well as all those chemicals from commercial soap. A stretch? Well, sure. But the soap will be great anyway. At least that’s the plan.

I’ve been mulling over this project, looking for another extra-special ingredient, something to set it apart from the rest. One of my main issue is whether it's worth it to put them through the difficult saponification process and whether in a soap they would be on the skin long enough to utilize their remarkable qualities, which included being extremely high in anti-oxidents among others.

I’m sure I will NOT have the definitive answer to that question, but in the end, I decided to add them anyway, in relatively small proportions, to a recipe full of other wonderful ingredients. It included mango butter, cocoa butter, aloe vera and lavender blossoms and other good stuff like lots of coconut cream.

I also consulted with my good soapmaker friend, Sharon who surely has the best soap company name in the world, Simple Pleasures. Thanks for the input Sharon.

And here they are, My lovely Mango coconut and lavender soap

So, bottom line, I did it and the soap smells wonderful. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s a happy, fresh, uplifting fragrance. I haven’t had a chance to get input from others yet, but I like it well enough that I’m not overly concerned. Right now I’m waiting to see how well the scent holds over time.

Stay tuned
Leigh

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa/Zen Collection
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com

Weird behaving batch- soap making disaster!

2008-06-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

This was a weird behaving batch, I used lavender infused olive oil and used lavender water, I brought the soap to perfect trace, included my additives, placed the soap in the molds, and everything was perfect.

Then, disaster happened! I choose to remove it from the molds placed it on the fire and stirred away for more that 1 hour to get it to the gel stage, even had to do it on direct heat for about 20 mins. without any trace, it was not until I added some coconut milk it went into gel, then I added 2 tablespoons of clay with essential oil of lavender. I was praying all the scents of the oils and herbs I used would not go because of the long cooking but, some made it through, most did not.

When I unmolded the soap it turned out to be terribly soft, guess I will have to let it dry a bit more and hopefully it'll be a lovely soap. We'll see. Stay tuned!

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com

2008-05-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

Those of you that follows my blog would know I have been experimenting with all natural underarm deodorant.

My findings thus far I realized to making a switch to truly natural deodorants can be tricky. I've written this blog entry to help you navigate the rough waters of finding and keeping a natural deodorant that works.

Different anti-perspirants work in different ways. Some work by shrinking sweat glands. Others work by clogging or shrinking the pores in your underarms. Many studies have shown that the compounds in these anti-antiperspirants are not healthy, not allowing sweat glands to do their job releasing toxins. Over time the aluminum compounds have also been shown to collect in the brain, possibly leading to forgetfulness. (There are other chemicals to avoid, see the end of this article). While antiperspirants have these disturbing side effects, deodorants work simply to fight bacteria and to scent the underarm. That's why many people believe using deodorants is a much healthier option.

When you switch from an antiperspirant to a deodorant, your glands and pores will start to unclog, open up, and function properly. In this transition period, toxins and other fluid buildup are being released and one may notice his/her body odor increase. Not knowing the changes that are occurring in their body, this increased odor sends people running right back to their trusty antiperspirant. Because I believe it is so important to avoid antiperspirant I've created these "rules" for making the switch.

1. Test a new deodorant product for at least a week before you decide if its right for you.

2. "Detox" your underarms! If you've been using an antiperspirant there's a bunch of "gunk" in the underarms--dead skin cells, chemical residue. Before your shower, dry-brush your underarm skin to loosen this buildup and to gently increase circulation. In the shower, lightly rub a loofah or exfoliating bath mitt on your underarms. Stay away from anti-bacterial detergents for cleaning, only using true natural soaps for cleaning.

3. Sweat it out. Exercise. Use a sauna. Take hot showers and baths. These things will make you perspire and get your sweat glands functioning properly again. You may notice your underarm sweat being a little thick. This is because the sweat glands in your armpits are different from others on your body. Instead of just water and salt, these glands excrete amino acids. Your glands haven't been able to excrete these amino acids for a while, so there may be a buildup of mucous being released.

4. Stay hydrated. With all this sweating you need to replace your fluids!

5. Wear natural fibers. Natural fibers like cotton, bamboo and hemp will help wick perspiration away from your body. Synthetic fibers like acetate and polyester trap sweat in, giving bacteria a warm wet place to live. Synthetic fibers also hold sweat in the fabric, so bacteria actually starts growing on your shirt itself.

6. Cut the red meat. Many claim that the consumption of red meat increases body odor. This all depend on you weather you believe it or not.

Now you've made the switch. Congratulations! But just because your new deodorant has pretty flowers on the label and says "natural," doesn't mean you're totally in the clear.

Even the "natural" deodorants you'll find at the store have questionable chemicals. Seek out one thats is chemical free, read the labels carefully, many essential oils have work well as an anti-bacterial. make sure your all natural deodorant is fragrances free.

Here is a list of Ingredients to avoid:

Propylene Glycol is a penetration enhancer, actually breaking down your skins natural protective barrier and enters your bloodstream, bringing any other chemicals along with it.

Aloe Vera or water. While water and aloe-vera themselves are not harmful ingredients, their presence means that there's got to be some type of synthetic preservative to keep it from going bad. So be very careful when purchasing under arm deodorant that has these in the product.

Fragrance oils are actually chemicals, sometimes as much as 200 chemicals blended together to give you one fragrance scent, these are proven hormone disruptor's , particularly affecting the way the female hormone estrogen works in your body (in men, women, and children).

Synthetic colors like FD&C Yellow and D&C Green are made from coal tar, and can be skin irritants, hormone disruptors and formaldehyde donors.
Diazolidinyl Urea is a skin and immune system toxin, and has been shown to cause cancer in some studies. Commonly sourced as an extract from animal urine.
Triethanolamine (TEA) is made from ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen.
Parabens ( methyl, ethyl, propyl,iso,etc) can cause skin irritation and allergies and has been shown in many studies to be a hormone disruptor.
Quaternium-15 is a preservative that can contain formaldehyde, a know carcinogen. Bronopol breaks down to create the carcinogens formaldehyde and nitrosamines according to the FDA.
Octoxynol and Nonoxynol are hormone disruptor's and should be avoided by children and pregnant women.
Triclosan has been shown to cause liver damage and hormone disruptions.

You should look for deodorants that has vegetable oils, essential oils and other products that are plant derived.

The soap kitchen will be launching our all natural deodorant soon. keep checking back for updates or visit our website at http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com and sign up for our newsletter.

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536

Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com

I am experimenting again!

2008-03-08T04:23:00.000-08:00

Okay people, do you know what today is? It's making underarm deodorant day! yipeeeeeeeeee!

The correct percentages of my ingredients took alot of researching and experimenting so I will keep those close to my heart. As always all of our products are all natural and contain no chemicals or preservatives which translates to no aluminum, parabens or any yucky stuff.

My hope is at the end of my deodorant experimenting it should be solid, yet glides on smoothly.
While my passion is researching and creating pure natural personal care products I must admit the most amazing part of this endeavor would be having my husband sniff my underarms at various intervals. :) Yes, its quite comical yet necessary. As you know, we tend to smell ourselves differently, if at all. So one must get opinions from others even though we all differ with our likes and dislikes. Aroma is linked very closely to our memory.

Point in case was an discussion with him last night about my honey almond soap he is currently showering with. He said it reminded him of a trip he took, not sure where but it must of been pleasant. He said the soap even tasted good. With all my ingredients being high food grade quality this did not concern me, even I have tasted the soaps when the lather finds it way to my mouth occasionally. Now I have wandered….

Sure I could go into why I am attempting this but there is so much pro/con information floating about, I need not add to it. I simply want an all Natural Deodorant made with pure Essential oils and no chemicals that works. :) And the fact you are reading this tells me you are familiar with why we seek such a product, or is it that you just love reading my blogs? ( laugh)

This will not be an antiperspirant. That is something we really should not use with good reasons…its blocks the release of toxins and messes up your natural cooling system. We are meant to perspire. However our offensive odors need to be tamed. :) There lays my goal.

There is a growing concern about the over-use of anti-bacterial soap. Bill Ney responded to a question about it here bottom line: it is more harmful than good unless you are heading in to perform surgery.

Now enlightened start eliminating that harmful product from your daily routine with
natural soaps. Get rid of the chemical detergent bars that you have grown up using. Your skin will love you for it.

Now what causes odor? Bacteria certainly, as well as what we eat. Ahh the good old diet again. We are what we eat, and there is no one that can say differently. Take the garlic test if you will: eat a clove or two and for about 24 hours you will give off the aroma of it. :) We all know what I am taking about really, with many kinds of foods/beverages we seep them or the smell of them after consumption.

Well what we eat I cannot control. But I have been researching the benefits of the Pure Essential Oils I plan to use in my recipe for their known anti-bacterial properties and refreshing aromas. There lays the key, finding a blend that does not smell overly medicinal, but fresh and clean, and still gets the job done.

I have my equipment, ingredients, recipe book, notes and various containers. My two boys are in the yard trying to teach our dog Hero a part Rottweiler and Great dane dog to catch the ball. We will hear all about that another time.

More to come as I progress.

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com

Shea Butter Musings

2008-03-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

I have been enjoying my shea butter Body Scrub Bars so much, I got to thinking about why for the past three years I have kept some unrefined shea butter on hand at all times.

I started out with shea by purchasing some refined shea butter to soap with. It was pure white, smooth, odorless and, well, an awful lot like shortening. I couldn't see what the fuss was all about. So for my next purchase, I chose the unrefined version. Then the light bulb came on - this was totally different.

The unrefined shea tells you that it is a product derived from nature. Pale greenish tan in appearance, it has an earthy look in contrast to the factory-uniform refined shea. The nutty, almost smoky scent gives you a hint of the manufacturing being close to the land.

Using the unrefined shea was a different experience as well. When applied to a rashy area, the redness and itchiness diminishes significantly within a few minutes. The creamy butter softens any scaliness and helps stop peeling. It is so soothing.

I normally like to use shea straight as a body moisturizer because I feel that it is most effective when it is not diluted with other ingredients, but I'm glad I decided to use it in my Body Scrub Bars. Besides being just plain fun and decadent to use, it's an easy way to moisturize with Shea Butter. I like not having to get my hands all lotioned up after I step out of the shower.

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com

Ugly soap

2008-02-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

So- I've had this little dilemma (quit minor in the grand scheme of things really). Well, recently I made this batch of soap. Once I was done pouring it into the mold, I was happy and excited because it smelt really delightful I had made beautiful purple, red and green swirlies. With gold dust sprinkles. It was supposed to be a girly girl's soap and would invoke the feeling of giddy happiness.

Well, can I tell you that those grandiose visions were soon killed off as I watched my beautiful batch cure over the next few weeks. it went from a lovely creamy white to caramel and then onto the ugly brown you see in the picture. Quite disgusted. I decided that the entire batch was destined for nowhere further than down the hallway to my own bathroom, as it just did not pass the grade "A" quality that is required, that's why I called it ugly soap- my batch of uglies.

But, to my surprise all my ugly soap did not quite make it to my bathroom, persons came in, saw them and purchased them, now I am down to just 2 ugly bars out of 48 that I started with. I guess only those that love our soaps and are not picky, just simply frugal would purchase our ugly soaps. After all it is still good soap, just not -"put the good soap in the bathroom because company's coming kind of soap.) (laugh).

I want to take this time to say thank you, thank you, thank you to all of my customers. You are wonderful!

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com

2008-02-27T10:38:00.000-08:00

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com

DETOX- OUR HOME

2008-02-25T04:41:00.000-08:00

Twenty years ago the word detox meant a trip to the drug rehabilitation center. Today it defines the conscious act of cleaning up our insides down to the cellular level. Preservatives, pesticides, chemicals and radiation treatments spur the health-conscious to detoxify their bodies while making life-long changes that will help keep their cells clear of harmful substances. In todays health-conscious home you are likely to find plenty of fruits and vegetables, raw dairy, grains and legumes all preservative, pesticide and GMO free but if you look under the kitchen sink you are also likely to find enough chemicals to wipe out the entire family. The average household has 3 10 gallons of hazardous, toxic chemicals, most of them sitting in colorful bottles right beneath our sinks. Many common products contain chlorine, alcohol, ammonia, bleach, and formaldehyde These toxic chemicals can cause allergies, birth defects, nausea, inflammation and burning of the entire respiratory system, confusion, headaches, symptoms of mental illness, and are linked to neurological, liver and kidney damage, blindness, asthma and cancer. No health-conscious individual wants to consume pesticides, but we ingest them daily through skin contact as well as breathing them directly into our lungs by using commercial products in the home. Approximately 1,400 pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are found in consumer products many of which are under the kitchen sink. Checking labels doesn't help. Not only are companies exempt from listing all the ingredients in their bottles of chemical voodoo, but the New York Poison Control center found that 85% of product warning labels inadequately informs consumers of potential dangers, like the deadly respiratory irritant chloramine, which is made by mixing chlorine with ammonia. The Seattle Poison Center alone receives 70,000 calls per year regarding spillage or swallowing of harmful substances in the home, and 1 in 10 children under the age of 6 ends up in the emergency room due to accidental exposure to household products. Think about it: mopping, spraying, and wiping our homes with toxic chemicals make our attempts at detoxifying our bodies much like trying to punch a hole in water- it doesn't work. A carefully watered and fed plant, for example, will still get sick if its surroundings are contaminated. Why should we be any different? Luckily, detoxing the home is easy. All you need to do is get rid of the commercial cleansers underneath the kitchen sink and replace them with vinegar, baking soda and castile soap. Thats it. Age-old, tried and true, these are the ingredients for a healthy, chemical-free home. Vinegar cuts grease, dissolves mineral deposits, removes mildew, soap or wax buildup, deodorizes, cleans windows and mirrors, is a wonderful fabric softener and hair conditioner - and tastes great in salads.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a useful all purpose cleaner. It can be used as a scouring powder without scratching surfaces; it neutralizes acids, deodorizes, softens water, and polishes metals, jewelry, porcelain and plastic. Baking soda softens fabrics and removes stains and can also be used as a non-toxic underarm deodorant and toothpaste. Castile soap is a vegetable oil-based soap. Olive oil castile soap works well without drying the skin. Castile soap or any all-natural homemade soap can be used in place of laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, automatic dishwasher detergent, and as a mild, general cleanser and body soap. With 2.1 million human poisonings reported to the U.S. poison control centers in 1999 and more than 50% involving children under the age of five, its no wonder that the numbers are growing in favor of non-toxic homemade cleaners. After all, when was the last time you saw a warning label or poison control number slapped on a bottle of vinegar? But can these simple ingredients really keep harmful bacteria and germs under control? Vinegar is a powerful disinfectant. Undiluted vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold and 80% of viruses according to Heinz company spokesperson Michael Mullen. The only reason vinegar is not labeled as a disinfectant is because it would first have to be registered as a pesticide with the EPA - probably not good for sales in the salad section. We may not be able to protect ourselves from all the harmful substances contaminating our planet, but we do have the power to reduce the amount of toxic chemicals we come into contact with on a daily basis. The concept of becoming healthy begins in the mind. Once the concept becomes conscious it can expand into action, usually by a change toward a healthier diet. More consciousness will lead the health-wise to detoxify their bodies of accumulated harmful substances. Healthy steps in the right direction. But why stop there? Perhaps when our homes are free of dangerous toxic chemicals we will be ready to take the next step - the vital step toward detoxifying our planet. Recipes Each detox needs to be adjusted to the individual. In the same way, each home has different needs, so experiment with the recipes below to find out what works best for you.

Air Freshener: Air out your home daily. There is no air freshener like outdoor oxygen. You can also place small bowls of baking soda and/or vinegar around the home to catch unpleasant odors. Simmering your favorite aromatic herb in water will give a nice, overall scent to your home. You can also use essential oils for the same purpose. Use Lavender to relax and ease headaches.

All-purpose cleaner: Every morning I fill my kitchen sink with hot water, a handful of soap flakes and a tablespoon or two of baking soda. I use this to wipe down surfaces as well as a pre-wash for the dishes in the dishwasher. A more basic cleaner is simply baking soda in water. The proportions depend on the task at hand. Oven cleaner: Make a thick paste of baking soda and water. First wipe down the oven with the hot water, soap and baking soda mixture, then scrub out any burnt spots, and after that apply the paste. Let stand for a few minutes before washing off.

Disinfectant: Plain white vinegar, undiluted. You can also use a couple of drops of tea-tree essential oil in hot soapy water.

Drain Cleaner: Pour cup baking soda down the drain, then cup of vinegar to follow. Cover the drain immediately so that the vinegar can react with the baking soda. Then run hot water to flush the drain out.

Floors: A few spoonfuls of vinegar added to the water in the mop bucket will clean all floor surfaces. For linoleum, add a few drops of olive oil, and to buff the old wood floors use equal amounts of olive oil and vinegar and rub in.

Brass and copper: Use lemon juice with a bit of salt. Either rub a lemon slice directly on the metal, or simply rub the mixture in with a soft cloth. If you are not pleased with the results, try a mixture of vinegar and salt instead. Silver: Aluminum foil sprinkled with salt and baking soda in a bowl of water cleans silver beautifully. Submerge silver in the bowl. Let sit a few minutes, or until the tarnish has gravitated to the aluminum foil then dry and buff. Laundry: Replace hazardous laundry detergents with all-natural soap. Adding a cup of baking soda to the wash will help whiten whites and brighten colors. The baking soda also acts as a water softener, therefore boosting the effectiveness of the soap. Add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle as fabric softener. The vinegar also strips away any residual soap left on the clothes. Dont worry, your clothes will not smell like a bowl of salad. Vinegar leaves no odor once dry. Still, I like to add a few sprigs of lavender to the dryer in a small cotton pouch if I dont hang up the clothes to dry outside. You could also add a few drops of essential oil like ylang-ylang with the vinegar rinse if you wish. If you need bleach, try hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine. Automatic dishwashing liquid: Dilute soap in water. Add any citrus essential oil or combination of oils. Lemon, orange, bergamot and lavender are nice. Store liquid in a bottle and place a tablespoon in the automatic dispenser of your dishwasher. For very dirty dishes, add cup of vinegar to the cycle to cut grease and shine the glassware.

Toilet bowl cleaner: Use baking soda as a scouring powder on the inside of the bowl. Window cleaner: cup of vinegar in a spray bottle filled with water. Use newspaper instead of paper towels for streak-free windows and mirrors. Marble surfaces: Marble is the only surface where vinegar is not recommended due to its acidic nature. Baking soda sprinkled on marble, then washed up with a wet sponge works well, or you could make a soap and baking soda solution as well. Litter box: add a generous layer of baking soda on the bottom of the litter box to help keep odors at bay. Also spread baking soda on the bottom of the garbage can.

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com

2008-02-21T20:35:00.000-08:00

Today, like most days, was spent making a batch of scrumptious bath soaps and I remembered that everyone always seem to ask "is your soap good for sensitive skin"? I always tell them the same thing. That's the reason I make natural soap. If the soap is good for sensitive skin, then i will be good for everyone who doesn't have troubled skin. Everyone wins. Of course, I do advise persons with super sensitive skin to stay away from the strong mints and stick with the milder bars of soap.

Good handmade soap makes an amazing difference in the feel of your skin, experienced right away. The soap kitchen soaps are made from scratch by talented artists in our workshops. Daily, vegetable oils are blended together with herbs and flowers and real essential oils and stirred in pots to create fragrant batches of luxurious, good soap.

They are completely vegetable-based with no animal fats added. Our own recipe consists of olive oil, coconut oil and soybean. Since inception this unique and balanced blend has created a long list of satisfied users who have seen a definite difference in the health of their skin.

Coconuts (the source of coconut oil) are grown in tropical regions where they grow wild, but they are also cultivated in Trinidad,Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. The coconut comes from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera).

Olives (the source of olive oil) is primarily a crop that comes from Mediterranean countries. While some olives are grown in California, 95% of olives and the manufacturing of olive oil is still a business centered around Italy, Greece and Spain.

Soybeans (the source of soybean oil) have been a crucial crop in Asian countries since before written records were kept. However, today, 45% of the soybean growing area and 55% of soybean production is done in the United States. The addition of soybean to our main soap recipe creates a stable, consistent lather.

Benefits of creating our handmade soap:

artisan made by hand, not machine manufactured
includes all-natural products
all vegetable oils, contains no animal fat
most soap selections are vegan friendly
less likely to trigger allergies
scented with real essential oils derived from plants

So there you have it, I hope that answers all your questions my soap is now ready to pour into molds so i got to run

talk again soon.

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536
Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: http://www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com

2008-02-21T20:10:00.001-08:00

TROUBLE SHOOTING SOAPMAKING

Much like baking a cake, there are several things that can go wrong during soapmaking. Some problems are merely aesthetic — while they may detract from the beauty of your finished bar, they do not affect its overall quality. Others are more serious, and they may mean your bars are not suitable for use on the skin. If you are unsure about the safety of your final bars, always check their pH before using them on the skin. This is not a definitive list of troubleshooting tips — you may wish to purchase an additional book with a more fully developed troubleshooting section

Your soap fails to ‘trace’

This may not be a problem. If your recipe is made up of a large amount of oils which have a high percentage of unsaponifiables may result in soap that doesn’t trace. Other problems may be too much water or not enough lye. A soap mixture that does not trace is not always cause for concern. If, after 45 minutes, your soap has not traced, stop stirring for 5 minutes and then stir for 10 minutes. Continue this process for about another 45 minutes. If your soap has not yet traced, pour it anyway. If however, your soap is not tracing and you see evidence that the lye solution is not combining with the oil or they were combined but are now separating, you will have to throw this batch away..

Soap ‘seizes’, i.e. begins to harden in the pan very quickly

Pour (or scrape) the soap into your mold as quickly as possible. The soap is useable but may not be as pretty as you had hoped. Many synthetic fragrances can cause soap to seize. If you intend to use synthetic fragrances, purchase ones that have been tested in cold process soap making.

Crumbly Soap: Too little water used. You can use the soap for rebatching.

Curdling: Oils, lye or both poured at too high a temperature; irregular stirring, or the stirring process was too slow.

Hard, Brittle Soap: Too much sodium hydroxide. Do not use these bars. They are probably quite alkaline.

Lye pockets with liquid or powdered lye: Too much sodium hydroxide, stirring process too slow, insufficient stirring. The soap should be discarded.

Mottled Soap with freckles: Uneven stirring. This is an aesthetic problem only, and the soap is still usable.

Separation: This becomes apparent after you have poured your soap into the mold. A significant layer of oil or grease sits on top of the mixture. If the layer of oil is thin, it's probably caused by the essential oils and will be reabsorbed during the curing process. If the layer is thick, you have a caustic soap that should be discarded.

Small White Chunks in Soap: Too much sodium hydroxide or inadequate stirring. The white areas are caustic and the soap should be discarded.

Soft Soap: Too much water. Leave the soap in the mold until it hardens. If it hardens eventually it should be fine to use.

White Powdering: White powder, called soda ash. The powder frequently forms on the surface of the soap and this is quite harmless. Scrape or wash off the powder on the soap before use.

REMEMBER: Most batches can be saved even if they look beyond help.

THE SOAP KITCHEN
Caribbean Spa
Tel: 1 (868) 640.5119
Cell: 1 (868) 681.1536

Email: leigh@thesoapkitchentt.com
Website: www.thesoapkitchentt.com
Blog: http://thesoapkitchen.blogspot.com