HAPPY FRAGRANCE-FREE FEBRUARY!

I usually report on musical vibrations, but this month I’m sharing a bit on aromatic vibrations. You’ll find the music news below.

You may have noticed the “Fragrance-Free” signs on chairs near the piano. I, along with a growing number of people, have a strong allergic reaction to artificial fragrances (also known as “chemical sensitivities”). I believe that people like me are the canaries in the coal mines when it comes to our reaction to these substances, and that the chemicals are having a detrimental effect on all living beings. The companies that produce these chemicals are making hay while they can, until regulated - just like tobacco companies, lead paint manufacturers, etc. Getting a whiff of someone’s artificially-derived product - lotion, shampoo, scented laundry products, perfume, cologne, deodorant, etc. - can be like breathing someone else’s cigarette smoke. Here’s the good news: there are many wonderful unscented (or scented only with therapeutic essential oils) products readily available. I am going to list some favorites. And here is the URL of Environmental Working Group’s site, which has lists and cross-lists of health ratings on personal and cleaning products: https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides. Just know that if you see any of these words on a product’s ingredients list it is highly suspect and probably an allergen: “fragrance,” “natural fragrance” (the word “natural” is seriously misused on many products), “parfum.”

A list of personal faves:

Dr. Woods Naturally Bar Soap Baby Mild Unscented Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Liquid Soap Baby Mild Unscented Everybody Lotion Thai Deodorant Stone Dropps Laundry Detergent: https://www.dropps.com - this unscented mail order laundry product comes in small non-plastic biodegradable sachets, delivered in a cardboard container - NO PLASTIC :) Rainbow Research Kid's Shampoo Unscented (Hmm, I’m seeing a trend here - treat yourself like the Child of God you are!)

Thank you for your consideration of all sentient beings (with a nod to J. Scott).