Which sunscreen is safe???

As a family we’ve been looking at all the toxins we are putting into our bodies through food so I decided to start taking a look at the toxins we are putting on our bodies as well. We have an upcoming trip to Hawaii and hearing about the reef dying from the oxybenzone in our sunscreens it made me wonder what the heck it was doing to our kiddos growing minds and bodies.

I decided to take a look at this chart:

https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/

And see what ingredients were the heavy hitters and which sunscreens I could use instead. My husband and I we will probably stay with the Banana boat ultra sport this has ingredients of a level 4 and below according to the above chart. Or maybe not! Let’s just say those are the only bottles I didn’t throw out! We will at least finish what we have. For my kids who are still developing I decided I can do better!!

Things I wanted in a sunscreen:

Zinc!

-main active ingredient in goddess garden and most other Organics however this brand does not include some of the other level 4-6 ingredients on that list in EWG. Some of the alba brands include some of these levels.

Low cost per Oz. In tube:

-lots of these tubes are 3oz be careful!! Look at the amount, some are expensive. The think sport is only 3oz. For some of the tubes. I also decided no more spray!!! Any wind and you’re basically throwing your money down the drain. We always go through our sprays way faster than our lotions.

Both 6oz price comparison

Easy to rub in (don’t need kids to look like Casper)

-I am shocked at how well this rubs in. Most zinc based sunscreens are impossible to get rid of the white appearance. This was barely even white for the face stick pre-rubbing in.

after application and no rubbing!

Water resistant (as long as possible)

-make sure this is listed I was surprised some sunscreens didn’t say this?? Goddess garden is 80 min.

SPF 30-50

-after reading I found that after 50 the spf doesn’t cover much more. There is discussion about not allowing companies to even label high than 50. The difference between 30-50 is also minimal but enough for me to care since my kids are out alllll day at the beach! We are the first ones out and they never seem to sit still. With this we also decided to get the long sleeve sun shirts. We’ve had short sleeve and have had some sun burns on our fore arms. With a two week vacation coming up I want to make sure we can last with all the sun. We are from Ohio of course and haven’t seen the sun much this year haha.

only spf 30 and 5oz

So far I have found everything I want in goddess garden and am so exited to see how it holds up to the sun this summer!

Save the Planet, Use Reusable Bags

Reusable Bags!

Plastic is an amazing product that’s for sure. But!.... here’s the problem it’s so great it doesn’t break down! So think about how many things are made of plastic and how much each person uses and throws away every day! Where does it all go? Can you go a whole day without using plastic?

I decided one small way our family can make a change is limiting our bag usage for starters. 

For our lunches for school, zoo, pool or where ever I bought these cute snack and sandwich bags. I chose these after much review. There is a silicone version available as well too that has a tight close like a zip lock bag. Reviews said there were issues with the seams tearing and the food getting smashed from the tight design. I didn’t feel like dealing with the hassle of returning and getting more. The cloth bags are a little roomier and have a zipper closure. 

A lot of the bag designs were hand wash only as well. I liked these fabric ones because they were machine and dishwasher safe!! Perfect for the busy mom.

I also liked these because they gave you three sizes for a great price! And I like the fun designs over the clear bags haha. I started with two sets and plan to see how they hold up.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07JQ671QK?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I also decided to start bringing my own bags. I have two little tote ones folder up for quick trips and I have my large and deluxe utility totes from my time with 31. They are awesome because they are so durable and can hold all the grocery weight. So some of you might be thinking well I do grocery pick up or quick click or something right? I do too and I just plan on helping switch out into my big bags so they can reuse the plastic bags for the next customer.

About a year ago I bought these mesh bags to organize the diving toys, goggles and sunscreens in my beach bag. Since there are 6 in a set I now use the extras for all my fresh produce at the grocery! 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07D6NJWPM?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I hope this post helps someone in search of the perfect bags!!