Naturalpath

I was walking down Midtown Manhattan and this store caught my eye. I have walked by it countless times but somehow it made an impression on me that day. I walked in and immediately liked the feel of it. It felt very Organic and Natural... and the products were not packaged flawlessly like some stores I go into. Everything felt raw and I felt like you can manage the products without some sales clerk breathing down your neck. I asked the sales girl if the products were cruelty free and she happily whipped out the brochure and gave it to me. Then she touted the company as not only being cruelty free but all the products were handmade. So I browsed and shopped and this superstar sales girl sold about $150 worth of stuff to me.

I am also a former Ajax loving bleach loving gal. I love the smell of that powerful burn your nose smell because I know without a doubt that it did its job of kiling any dirt, bacteria and probably anything remotely living critter out there; however, like all good things. It's harmful not only for the environment but also to your family. This is especially true if you have pets or children who are very curious creatures. I also just received the Mrs Meyer's Clean Day Surface Scrub and it smells deelicious.... I got it in the Lemon Verbena and smells exactly like of one my favorite cream from L'Occitane (another great cruelty free and natural companies you might want to check out) They also have Lavender and Geranium if you prefer a different scent.

Although there are many designers who insist on exploiting animals in the name of fashion; there is a growing trend of buying Eco-friendly products. Looking at the latest fashion magazines, there are beautiful models clad in clothes made out of fur, leather, and suede. All the latest must have accessories are all made of animal materials. (Hermes Ostrich Birken bag anyone?) It seems that these items have somehow become a status symbol that screams high fashion.

What's a girl to do?

I admit it's irresistible at times to resist and I do cave in to my fashion needs. But is it possible that we could become more sensitive to the fact that many animals are killed for such materials? Are there alternatives?