NATURAL LIVING: Toothpaste (Part One)

I wanted to begin some "Natural Living" articles to show do-it-yourself ways to bypass the toxins found in store bought toothpaste, shampoos, laundry detergent, etc... as making your own products at home is good for your body, environment, and tends to be more cost effective.

This first article is concerning toothpaste and the toxins found in store-bought (non-natural) versions and info on store-bought alternatives.  Part two will feature multiple recipes to make your own toothpastes at home.

TOOTHPASTE TOXINS
These toothpaste toxins include detergents, artificial colors, chemical sweeteners  and items simply put in to affect the texture of our toothpaste (like how much it foams).  Check the label on your toothpaste to see what you find.

ASPARTAME, SACHHARIN: (Artificial sweeteners) Linked to serious health problems such as visual impairment, severe muscle aches, pancreatitis, high blood pressure, seizures, and depression. Source

FD&C BLUE DYE No2: (Colored synthetic) Can cause hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and cancer. Source

FLUORIDE: (Supposed to "protect" teeth) Also found in municiple water supplies and rat poison,  fluoride has some very serious side effects.  Although, it's supposed to protect our teeth this toxin damages teeth over time, causes cancer, damages the nervous system, and creates weak teeth and bones. See the video below "The Fluoride Deception" for more information on this dangerous toxin. Source

GLYCERIN: (Texture) Coats the enamel and prevents natural re-mineralization of teeth. Source

SODIUM LAURL SULFATE (SLS): (Creates foaming texture) Although this toxin originates from coconut, it is anything but natural.  The manufacturing process used results in SLS becoming contaminated by dioxane which in turns creates a carcinogenic by-product. Source

SORBITOL: (Creates liquid consistency of toothpaste) Laxative Effects. Source

TRICLOSAN: (Anti-bacterial) Shown to be an endocrine disruptor, skin irritant and can cause allergic reactions.  Source

SHORT FILM: The Fluoride Deception

STORE-BOUGHT NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
While the safest way to move past these toxins is to make your own natural toothpastes at home. I realize some of you may not feel you have the time or commitment to do DIY alternative.  Take a look at the easy recipes provided in part II before you make your decision.  I've provided several flavors and please keep in mind that some natural toothpaste products are being taken over by giant companies who are using cheaper ingredients for larger profit.

Still not convinced? Here are some suggested natural toothpastes to look into:

• Tom's of Maine
• PCC'S Natural Market, Toothpaste Chart
• Rose of Sharon Acres - Tooth Chips *Alternative to brushing*

Part Two: DIY Toothpaste Recipes

MUST SEE ARTIST: Dmitriy Samohin

I think we've all seen the "oops" tattoos online that usually involve a portrait gone awry.   Ukrainian tattoo artists, Dmitriy Samohin is the antithesis to a bad portrait tattoo.  He has become known as one of the best tattoo artist in the world in a relatively short amount of time (10+ years) considering the reputation that he holds and the fact that he's completely self-taught!

Enjoy a few of his extremely realistic pieces below and if you "like" what you see, click that button on his Dmitriy's facebook page in support and check out more of his amazing pieces.

 

 

Short Film: Dmitriy Samohin Tattoo Artist

 

MUST HEAR MUSIC: The Shook Twins

"Hauntingly beautiful" my first thought in hearing the The Shook Twins.  I was so taken aback by their talent that I immediately went to share them with everyone I know in the Northwestern states. Although, I'm not quite sure of all the dates of their tour (check out one of their pages for more info) those in Seattle should know that they'll be playing the Tractor Tavern in Ballard on April 5th.  Please let me know if you go because by then I'll have experienced the birth of my daughter, Aria and most likely won't be able to attend.  I'd love to live vicariously through those who are able to go!

"The Shook twins are identical twin sisters originally from Sandpoint, Idaho. They play banjo and guitar with beatboxing, looping, whistles, wawa pedals, tambourines and djembes intertwined. Their identical, chilling vocal harmonies take the lead on most of their unique, quirky folk songs. “The sisters’ voices blend and braid with amazing clarity and depth, their guitars percolate brightly, and the intensity builds to incendiary proportions with layers of percussion gradually added to the mix.” -Spokesman Review (Spokane WA)

Although this isn't a live video, I wanted to share this song "Time to Swim" from their 2011 album "Window" which you can find at Amazon.com here.  I'll provide other links below as means to listen or find a show near you.

This second video is a little snippets of their tour, an interview with twins (and Kyle) talking about their adventures with the created genre "Quirky Folk," their start in music, and how they write, among other things set to their songs "Window" and "Rose."

As always, please support The Shook Twins by "liking" their facebook page and attending their shows.

• The Shook Twins Facebook
• The Shook Twins Website
• The Shook Twins YouTube

MUST HEAR MUSIC: Xavier Rudd

I'd also like to feature Australian artist, Xavier Rudd who you may have seen during a guest appearance with Medicine for the People at the Byron Spirit Festival, in my last post.

"A multi-instrumentalist, world class surfer, animal rights activist and nature conservationist, Rudd’s widespread appeal transcends genres and categories, creating an atmosphere that Aquarian Weekly describes as “easy, feel-good listening that musically keeps you interested for its entirety.” His legendary live performances replete with his indigenous didgeridoos, has been hailed by About.com as a communal dance party that “takes almost no time for the crowd to start its bouncing, twirling, and all-out dancing.” 

Please enjoy the amazing didgeridoo groove in this song, "Lioness Eye."  Drumming is hard enough let alone playing several instruments and singing.

Xavier Rudd, is multi-talented.  Check out this acoustic version of his song "Bow Down." This was recorded by OurVinyl.com during the Texas leg of the "Spirit Bird" world tour.

As always, please support by "liking" Xavier Rudd's facebook page

You can find Xavier Rudd's 2012 album "Spirit Bird" here
and his official website here which includes all touring and show dates.

MUST HEAR MUSIC: Medicine for the People

Portland native band Medicine for the People is not just a "band" they are a movement and anyone can see why when they perform.

"Medicine for the People is a third year non-profit organization working with every kind of community imaginable to rekindle old traditions and spark the fire within the youth and elders to live their truth...Live by example. Live your truth. Sing loud. Be heard." -Medicine for the People WordPress

I've been moved beyond measure watching the freedom of expression that Medicine for the People exude.  As a musician, I've felt blocked lately... THIS is what I want to give to others.  The evocation of spirit through music.  They make it seems so easy and I suppose it should be, shouldn't it?

Another beautiful video featuring Nahko of Medicine for the People.

And lastly, Xavier Rudd joins Medicine for the People for a live performance at the 2013 Byron Spirit Festival, creating a truly remarkable moment while calling the spirits to the land.

As always, please support this amazing talent.  "Like" their Medicine for the People's facebook page for more information or here at Nahko.com which provides a free download.

MUST WATCH FILM: Stop Monsanto From Poisoning Hawai'i: Genetic Engineering Chemical Warfare

"For over 20 years, Hawai'i has been the global center for the open-field testing of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's), including pharmaceutical crops. Over 5,000 experimental tests have been conducted by Monsanto, Dow, Dupont/Pioneer, Syngenta and BASF that spray chemicals on an almost daily basis on our most valuable lands. They are supported by tax-breaks, and beneficial relationships with landowners, regulators and politicians. We estimate GMO companies own or lease 40,000 -- 60,000 acres that are sprayed with over 70 different chemicals."

FILM: Stop Monsanto from Poisoning Hawai'i 

"A new vision for Hawai'i would promote small farms that grow chemical-free produce, employ our youth and restore the indigenous ahupua'a system. Hawai'i has less than 3,000 acres of certified organic farmland, which is 0.27% of Hawaiian farmland.

Kamehameha Schools is Hawaii's largest private landowner. Despite Kamehameha's public statements about sustainability and conservation, they lease substantial amounts of land to multi-national biotech firms, including Monsanto, Dow, Dupont/Pioneer and Syngenta for GMO open field tests and seed corn production.

Kamehameha is the only institution with the land, capital and resources to reduce our food imports, that are now over 90%, and ensure that Hawai'i does not run out of food in case of natural disasters or rising oil prices."


Look out for Hawai'i GMO Justice Coalition's next film!
Film Trailer: The Legend of Surfing: Kelly Slater | Living an Organic Life

Marching Monsanto, Hawaii

Yesterday, March 9, 2013: Somewhere near 3,000 people took to the streets of Kaua'i uniting to eradicate GMO chemical poisoners in Hawai'i.  Many signs reflecting this message "Monsanto, Syngenta & Dupont Pioneer, your days poisoning our sacred land are numbered, leave now."  Leader and local athlete, Dustin Barca, has organized a march every weekend in the month of March to reveal the damage that these chemicals are causing to the land, water and people of Hawaii in addition to those consuming the resulting products produced by these companies.  Hawaii GMO Justice Coalition 

Saturday, March 9, 2013 - Kaua'i

Dustin Barca and Family

 

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Today, March 10, 2013 at 10:35am: Monsanto corn field near Manilla Camp and Kaunakakai stream. THIS is why they march: Chemical polluted water run-off from Monsanto's field diverts into public highway and into Kaunakakai stream which flows into our ocean. 

Source, Hawaiiloa Mowat, says that this is an open testing field "Are we the lab rats?!!!? Is our Aina a laboratory?!!? And when our resources are depleted and made toxic what are we to do then? Stand up Aloha Aina Warriors!!!!"

Remember, we're all of one earth! Although you may not be in Hawaii (I'm in Seattle for example) their ocean is MY ocean.  Their ocean, is YOUR ocean.  Your support is needed.  Don't let these corporations continue to poison us and future generations.  Tell the government this is unacceptable.

MUST WATCH FILM: Graffiti Artists Vs. GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)

Featuring artist MEAR ONE, who was introduced in a previous post, along with other graffiti artists in California (Vyal One, Werc, Griffin One, and Ernest Doty) standing against GMOs using their talent. Very informative and impressive video.

"We're literally just a science experience for them.  They're like, well, we're not really sure what it [GMOs] does so lets just feed it to them and make a few million dollars and in the end we'll figure out what works and what doesn't.  In the end they've already made their money."

Short Film: Graffiti Artists vs. GMOs

"Some of California's dopest graffiti artists -- Mear One, Vyal One, Werc, Griffin One, and Ernest Doty -- have created high-impact murals to raise awareness for the labeling of Genetically Modified" 

Facebook pages of featured artists:
(As always "like" to support!) 

• Mear One
• Vyal One
• Werc
• Griffin One
• Ernest Doty 

MUST HEAR MUSIC: Kat Dahlia

 Kat Dahlia's new video "Gangsta"