Don’t Let Commercial Availability Fool You

As an environmentalist, I am often victim to the premise that truly “green” products are more expensive, difficult to find, and can only be produced in the sod-bricked basement of hemp-wearing, birkenstock-clad, dreadlocked neo-hippies. NOT TRUE! One of the more familiar “natural” products companies is Burt’s Bees. Made from sustainably-harvested, natural materials and packaged in post-consumer product wrapping, this company has truly made huge strides in the world of earth-friendly commerce.

Many of you may feel that the commercial nature of this manufacturer means that it cannot be truly earth-friendly- that we have been brainwashed by the “greenwashing” that is so prevalent in our newly earth-sensitive society. Don’t believe the hype! The following is a list of truly respectable efforts toward sustainable agriculture, production, and packaging that should win the heart of any self-proclaimed tree hugger:

• Burt’s Bees chooses not to use potentially harmful chemicals such as parabens, sodium laurel sulfate and petroleum derived fillers (which are non-renewable resources). Instead, they use ingredients that are found in nature and are just as effective such as essential and botanical oils, plant extracts, herbs and beeswax.
• Burt’s Bees products average 99% natural, with over half of the products being 100% natural.
• Burt's Bees combats the generation of mountains of waste through innovative and responsible manufacturing methods, recycled/reusable packaging, and pro-active measures. With strategies such as recycled plastic tubes and biodegradable labels, they are truly at the forefront of earth-friendly packing.
• Burt's Bees ingredients come directly from the earth and are minimally processed by only natural processing aids. In addition, all raw ingredients are tested to ensure that they do not contain harmful by-products, and that they meet stringent safety requirements. The company has a strong commitment to ensure that ingredients pose no health risk to you — or the environment.
• “Bee” assured that Burt’s Bees beeswax harvesting processes are cruelty-free. The beeswax cultivating process protects the bees’ normal production cycle. The bees first produce a wax honeycomb where they can store their honey. The honeycomb then is capped off and the bees move on to build another big hive. When that's full, the bees are moved to a new location to start all over again, ensuring the normal cycle of nature.

Despite some recent reports to the contrary, Burt’s Bees has maintained a strong commitment to improving the health of their customers and Mother Nature. In addition, they even have their vendors sign a pledge for fair labor wages and standards for their employees. With that kind of business ethic, it would be difficult not to support them. So celebrate the commercial availability! Widespread distributors and reasonable prices make green personal care products easily attainable for everyone.

Personally, I admit that I have a slight (*OK, not so slight*) addiction to Burt’s Bees lip balms…they can be found in my desk at work, my purse, night stand, bathroom drawers, and even in my craft tool kits. I proudly stock my drawers with Coconut Foot Creme, Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, and Carrot Body Lotion. To those of you that would condemn the company for their commercial accessibility, I say mind your own beeswax!