What is it?

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas, and it is widely used in chemical industry and in manufacturing. It occurs naturally as a combustion byproduct, and it can be easily recognized by its pungent smell. Formaldehyde is also called formic aldehyde or methyl aldehyde. In its liquid form, it is found in formalin solution, with up to 40% concentration.

What contains formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is commonly found in cigarette smoke, pressed wood, particleboard, plywood, fertilizer, cosmetics, some paper products, plastics, dyes, textiles and foam insulation from houses built in the ’70s and early ’80s.

In homes, formaldehyde can be found in cabinetry, subflooring, furniture and wood paneling.

As far as cosmetics are concerned, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics lists items that could contain formaldehyde, including nail glue, nail polish, eyelash glue and hair gel. The site also explains that even though formaldehyde may not be a listed ingredient, personal care products sometimes contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) that release formaldehyde slowly over time. Some FRPs include quaternium-15, diazolidinyl urea, imidiazolidinyl urea, hydantoin, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM) and bronopol.

The European Union does not allow formaldehyde in cosmetics, and cosmetics containing FRPs must be labeled “contains formaldehyde.” Japan, Sweden and Canada have similar restrictions on formaldehyde.

Is it harmful?

According to the EPA, formaldehyde “can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea and difficulty breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million).” It is also thought to be a carcinogen, as studies have shown that it causes cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans as well. When humans are exposed to formaldehyde in large amounts, it can trigger asthma. Other health issues associated with formaldehyde are skin and/or eye irritation, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea.

Disposal

Formaldehyde is considered hazardous waste; therefore, it must be disposed of properly at a hazardous waste drop-off point near you. As it is a toxin, formaldehyde cannot be recycled or reused.

Are there alternatives?

Many companies make cosmetics that do not contain formaldehyde. A simple search will help you find safe cosmetics. Nail polish doesn’t have to be toxic! Holistic Beauty sells cosmetics without harmful products like formaldehyde and toluene.

As far as alternatives to formaldehyde in particle wood and plywood in your home, if you dig deep, you can find formaldehyde-free options. Eco Wise sells bamboo and formaldehyde-free plywood. Chicago-based Whitney Wood Works prides itself on being a sustainable business, and it offers cabinetry and children and baby furniture that’s safe for you and the environment. Taylor Made Cabinets in New England has formaldehyde-free kitchen options.

Do you really want this stuff entering your waterstream and potentially your body?

First, let’s explore the basics. When coal, a highly combustible sedentary rock that generates the majority of our global energy (as well as a hefty amount of our carbon dioxide emissions), is processed, a dizzying array of heavy metal-laden waste products are left behind. In particular, highly flammable and carcinogenic coal tar — which contains roughly 10,000 chemicals, including heterocyclic compounds, phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (the latter of which actually smells pretty good) — has been used in everything from Egyptian mummy preservation and the surface coating of roads to color-resistant fabric upholstery dyes and water-resistant roof shingle sealants.

Back in 1856, a man by the name of William Perkins tried in vain to create a synthetic form of quinine and realized during his laboratory experiments that coal tar came in handy as a dye ingredient. His findings have resulted in the substance migrating into many of our modern day personal care items, which is probably not such a good thing now that the European Chemicals Agency has deemed it to be a toxic and/or carcinogenic “substance of very high concern.” Oddly enough, the FDA and the National Psoriasis Foundation still seem to think that it’s safe enough to use in skin and scalp treatments such as DHS Tar, Oxipor, Neutrogena T/Gel and Polytar as well as in hair dyes, soaps, deodorants, cosmetics and even foods, but there are some serious health concerns that consumers should keep in mind.

Hair color devotees who never let a month pass without touching up their locks might want to pay close attention. According to a 2001 USC School of Medicine study, “women using permanent hair dye (containing coal tar) at least once a month for a period more than one year more than double their risk of bladder cancer,” and that risk increases more than four times when they’ve dyed their hair consistently for 10-plus years. Laboratory animals also succumb to coal tar’s carcinogenic effects, but the substance has also been proven to irritate the skin, eyes and mucous membranes; cause blindness; depress the central nervous system and result in respiratory and cardiovascular system issues.

And, of course, there is the disposal of coal tar and products that contain the toxin. Coal tar products have been known to leech into soil and work their way into municipal waterways, creating a host of gastrointestinal and thyroid issues, and raising risk for lupus, immune system deficiencies and rheumatoid arthritis. Consider coal tar a hazardous waste item. Please bring it to your nearest drop-off location instead of dumping coal tar-containing items in the trash or down the drain.

The best course of action for consumers interested in ensuring their health and safety is to avoid coal tar altogether by paying close attention to product labels and purchasing natural/organic versions whenever possible. If going au naturel with your hair color is not a bridge that you’re willing to cross, then consider exploring nontoxic, plant-based permanent coloring products such as Aubrey Organics’ Color Me Natural instead. If you have a psoriasis issue that needs addressing, there are multiple home remedies that are worth trying, including the application of cashew nut oil, marigold lotion or a cabbage leaf compress to the affected area. Although many conventional cosmetics utilize coal tar-derived colorants, it is easier than ever to purchase 100% natural versions manufactured by such companies as SANTE Cosmetics, Ecco Bella, Human Nature, Nvey Eco and Lavera.

More than anything, it is imperative that we all commit to becoming well-informed consumers who take responsibility for our own health and wellness. The days of blind faith are long behind us, so keep a scrutinizing eye on all product labels and support companies that are dedicated to sourcing ethical, sustainably harvested ingredients that are botanically based. Your whole body and the earth around you will thank you for it!

I know it’s a cliché that women like flowery-scented products, but I’m here to buck that trend. I hate perfume — on myself and other people — and most other artificial, strong-scented products make me nauseous, so I buy fragrance-free everything, from deodorant to bath soap to moisturizer.

Some people think I’m kind of weird for not liking the smell of say, red raspberry body wash, but as it turns out, I’m probably onto something. “Fragrance,” that vague term you see on the ingredients list of darn near everything these days, is on The Green Guide’s Dirty Dozen list of hazardous chemicals in cosmetics.

According to The Green Guide, “The catchall term ‘fragrance’ may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm.” Reproductive and developmental harm? That doesn’t sound good!

Cosmetic manufacturers use phthalates because they cling to the skin, helping products such as nail polishes, hair sprays, lotions and perfumes last longer. Unfortunately, they also can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin — at much higher doses than anyone initially guessed, no less — leading to a slew of health problems.

Supposedly, phthalates are being phased out, or have already been outlawed, in North America and Europe due to safety concerns, but you can still find them in some U.S. products with “fragrance” on the label. Phthalates also show up in medical devices, children’s toys and other items. Look for “phthalate-free” labels before you buy.

The Green Guide suggests buying fragrance-free cosmetic products (which I’ve been doing all along!) and using essential oils as an alternative to perfume. Real lavender oil smells way better than lavender “fragrance” anyway.

The hydroquinone hype and definition

Hydroquinone, for human cosmetic uses, is a skin-bleaching topical medication that decreases the formation of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment that causes brown coloring in skin. Most often, it is not used all over (as rumored with Jackson) but instead to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, chloasma and melasma, according to Drugs.com. Prescription drugs containing hydroquinone include Lustra, Tri-Luma, and EpiQuin Micro. All bottle labels tell the consumer to limit exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays, including sunlamps or tanning beds. Hydroquinone makes skin more sensitive to the sun and more sunburn prone. Use of a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 is recommended.

The FDA on hydroquinone

On August 29, 2006, the FDA proposed a ban on over-the-counter sales of cosmetic products containing hydroquinone, according to Medicine.net. According to the FDA, approximately 65 companies sell over 200 different types of skin-lightening products containing hydroquinone in the U.S.

While products still containing up to 2% hydroquinone may be sold in the U.S. without a prescription, 4% hydroquinone must have a prescription. Those numbers could soon decrease quite a bit. What’s the evidence? There is enough of a pattern on tested rodents to have the FDA state that it did see “some evidence” that hydroquinone may act as a carcinogen or cancer-causing chemical, although its cancer-causing properties have not been proven to affect humans the same way.

Further, the FDA stated that studies have revealed that hydroquinone can cause exogenous ochronosis, a disfiguring disease where the skin displays blue-black pigments all over.

Contamination

Not surprisingly, hydroquinone has been found to be an eco-contaminate. Products containing the chemical regularly are pitched in the trash and end up in our landfills, seeping the toxin into soil, potentially becoming a health hazard. While hydroquinone undoubtedly comes in regular contact with skin on a daily basis, its moderate toxicity level is alarming nonetheless. It is best to choose products that include alternatives to the toxin.

The new hydroquinone

The alternative to hydroquinone for cosmetic uses is simple, according to the FDA, as well as the environmentally and health conscious: simply stay away from it and bare your natural skin tone. But beauty professionals are getting more creative with organic alternatives, of which there are many, according to NewBeauty.com.

The first choice for hydroquinone replacement is Arbutin, an extract of the bearberry plant. According to NewBeauty.com, it has been shown to be effective at inhibiting melanin synthesis. In other words, it offers the same lightening effect without unwanted side effects. The next choice is, azelaic acid, made from yeast that grows naturally on skin. Not far behind in recommendations is kojic acid, made from fungus, which has already been used for years as a skin lightener. Then there is the commonly mixed in but rarely used alone lactic acid. It is derived from sour milk and is known as a gentle, natural way to lighten skin. More commonly, it is an exfoliator, but when looking for alternatives, sometimes the least popular is the best bet.

For many, it’s no mystery that perfumes, colognes and fragrances are harmful. People can suffer from migraines and asthma or feel nauseated when someone walks in the room wearing perfume. This is due to the fact that nearly 95% of all fragrances are made from synthetic chemicals that can have damaging effects. If you experience any adverse reactions from a particular fragrance, discontinue use of it and refrain from being around people who wear that fragrance.

The Environmental Working Group found some surprising results after conducting a study specifically on fragrances, colognes and perfumes. Here’s what they found:

• 16% of the products they reviewed contained ingredients that may cause cancer.
• 5% may contain harmful impurities linked to cancer or other health problems.
• 18% contained penetration enhancers that increase exposures to carcinogens and other ingredients of concern.
• 98% of products contained ingredients not assessed for safety in cosmetics or with insufficient data.
• 76% contained ingredients that are allergens.
• 13% of products posed other potential health concerns.

People suffering from an allergic reaction to the chemicals found in a fragrance will experience a stuffy nose, excessive sneezing, headaches, nausea, difficulty breathing, tingling in the lips or arms and skin reactions. Here’s a list of the most common ingredients and the effects they can have, according to sixwise.com:

Butylated hydroxytoluene: cancer, allergies and other health concerns

Propylene glycol: penetration enhancer, allergies and other health concerns

Methylparaben: allergies and other health concerns

Tetrasodium EDTA: penetration enhancer, allergies and other health concerns

Propylparaben: allergies and other health concerns

PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate: harmful impurities, penetration enhancer, allergies and other health concerns

Diazolidinyl urea: harmful impurities, allergies and other health concerns

Tocopheryl acetate: harmful impurities, allergies and other health concerns

Octyl methoxycinnamate: penetration enhancer, allergies and other health concerns

Octyl salicylate: penetration enhancer, allergies and other health concerns

If you want to wear fragrance that’s all natural and by far cheaper than most designer fragrances, think about essential oils. Some of the most popular essential oils used as a cologne or perfume are patchouli, lavender and rosemary. Most come in a small bottle that will last almost a year when you use a drop or two on a daily basis. Buy body products that are free of synthetic fragrances or any fragrance at all to avoid harmful or allergic effects.

“What a relief!” we all thought naïvely to ourselves. “Modern times call for far more vigilant cleansing efforts, and now we’re finally armed with the right weapons!” Manufacturers convinced us that there was no better way to beat bugs at their own rapidly colonizing game than by slathering our assorted body parts (as well as our household surfaces and certain worldly possessions, for that matter) with new, improved disinfecting compounds containing Triclosan (or its alter egos, Lexol 300, Ster-Zac, Cloxifenolum, Irgasan DP-300), ethylene oxide, PCMX (p-chloro-m-xylenol) and lots of other difficult-to-pronounce ingredients. We bought into the whole “bacterial annihilation plan” hook, line and sinker, electing to abandon archaic yet perfectly effective products for a new breed of specially formulated, super-torching, antibacterial supplies. Boy oh boy, were we squeaky clean!

Or so we thought.

While manufacturers may have been well intentioned, it turns out that they’ve done us no favors, since bacteria that are repeatedly exposed to antibacterial agents are actually capable of mutating into resistant versions. Furthermore, despite what we’ve been led to believe, not all bacteria are harmful — they can actually help us to build a natural resistance. Antibacterial agents don’t discriminate, however, resulting in the death of potentially beneficial types that in turn leaves us prone to pathogens that are intent on infecting us any way that they can.

Neem fruit's 25 active compounds can be used to fight off bacteria.

The increased potential for infection shouldn’t be taken lightly, nor should the fact that antibacterial compounds are readily absorbed through the skin, resulting in compromised hormone regulation (such as impaired testosterone activity and thyroid issues), eye/skin irritation, increased susceptibility to allergies, eczema and asthma. In particular, the antibacterial agent Triclosan — found in countless consumer products from toothpaste, deodorants and shampoo to soap, clothing under the Biofresh/Microban labels, cutting boards and children’s toys — ends up accumulating in the body (yes, it’s been popping up in breast milk and fish bile) and has even been detected in sewage treatment plants, streams, rivers and lakes.

The good news is that there is a really simple, affordable and eco-friendly fix. Why not drop your antibacterial habit cold turkey and stock your household with clean, green products instead? Whether you make them yourself using baking soda, lemon juice and one or more of the natural antibacterial ingredients listed below, or you purchase commercially prepared options manufactured by Ecover, Mrs. Meyer’s and Seventh Generation, you are making a wise choice for better health and wellness. When in doubt, don’t forget that plain old soap and a dash of white vinegar also does the trick quite nicely!

Natural Antibacterial Ingredients:

• Allspice: Its leaves possess the phytochemical eugenol, which acts as a strong antibacterial agent (effectively treating viral infections such as food poisoning).
• Black mustard: Both the leaves and seeds of this cabbage-related botanical contain free allyl isothiocyanate, which is a highly effective antifungal and antibacterial.
• Clove: The flower buds of this plant are used not only for their eugenol-packed fungi and bacteria-killing properties, but also famed for their ability to naturally repel insects.
• Eucalyptus: This favorite mainstay of koala bears contains a potent antiseptic called cineole that sends fungi and bacteria (as well as fleas and lice) packing.
• Garlic: You probably don’t want to put this member of the lily family in your body care or household cleaning items, however, it’s worth mentioning that the allicin contained within is considered to be one of the most hard-working antimicrobial agents found in nature.
• Lavender: With linalol and linalyl acetate to its credit, the two potent compounds in this sweet smelling plant work synergistically to combat microbes.
• Neem: Organic gardeners love this antifungal, antibacterial and anti-parasitic substance, probably due to the fact that its 25 active compounds make insects hit the trail, stat. Although it has a pungent odor, the Ayurvedic mainstay works wonders combating bacteria and various additional nasties.
• Oregano: Containing a high volume of thymol (one of many substances used during ancient Egyptian times to preserve mummies), this active ingredient has long been used in antiseptic mouthwashes/toothpastes to kill bacteria and is equally as effective when added to household cleaning supplies.
• Tea tree oil: Obtained from the Melaleuca Alternifolia plant, this substance is the strongest known naturally occurring antiseptic, possessing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, fungicide and germicide properties.

Here is a quote directly from Snopes.com regarding lead in lipstick:

Mercury and other harmful elements are lurking in your makeup, causing recycling difficulties.

“All dyes used in foodstuffs or cosmetics have to be vetted by the FDA for safety, and although some of the colorants the FDA grants approval to do contain lead, it is present in such miniscule amounts that it has no adverse effects on consumers.”

So, the FDA admits that some colorants, which are used in makeup including lipsticks, may have traces of lead, but the traces are so small there is no reason to worry. What about repeated daily exposure to lead? Do you only put your lipstick on one time a day? Probably not. Have you ever accidentally got some on your teeth and licked it off? Probably so. Essentially, you have just unintentionally ingested a product that may contain lead.

This is not a risk worth taking. According to an article that appeared in the April 2008 issue of Current Opinion in Pediatrics, “No level of lead exposure appears to be ‘safe… ’”

While researchers were looking specifically at lead exposure and neurological development in children, this does not mean that lead exposure is safe in adults. In fact, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics wants the FDA to set more stringent lead requirements when it comes to makeup, specifically lipstick.

Out of the 33 brands that the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested for lead, 61% tested positive. This prompted the campaign to lobby the FDA to conduct its own investigation, and what the FDA found was even more shocking. Every sample it tested contained lead, with some samples showing lead to be at 3.06 ppm (parts per million). This is far lower than the 20 ppm that is allowed in color additives, but well above the 0.1 ppm allowed in candy. While candy is indeed ingested more frequently than lipstick, 3.06 ppm is significantly greater than 0.1 ppm.

So, now that you know what may be in your lipstick, ask yourself if you know what’s in your mascara. Would you have guessed mercury? That’s right, some brands of mascara have tested positive for mercury. Your favorite mascara that plumps and lengthens might also be leaving trace amounts of mercury on your lashes and inevitably in your eye.

The FDA actually allows mercury-based preservative use in cosmetics, but only in eye-area cosmetics and only if the concentration is less than 65 ppm. You may be thinking “If the FDA approves it, then it must be safe,” but do your own research. You don’t have to be a scientist to know that mascara without mercury is better than mascara with it — the same goes for lead-laden lipsticks.

Go beyond the initial use of the product and think about its lifecycle. Mercury is not something that just breaks down in the soil at your local landfill. Think about compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). They contain a small amount of mercury and thus must be disposed of at specific facilities. Have you seen the same recommendation for your mascara? Lead is also another toxin that isn’t easily recycled, so the lipstick tube that ends up in the landfill may leach lead into the local water supply.

So, next time you head to the store to buy some makeup, you should probably know the answer to the question, “What’s in your lipstick?”

A while back, when I was selling lavender at the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Sundays, some of my yoga students came to visit and they looked like Greek goddesses, oiled up and ready for a day at the beach. “Watch out, or you may burn today,” I cautioned, to which they replied, “No way, we’re protected by coconut oil.”

They went on to tell me that organic coconut oil is one of nature’s most powerful sun protectants. Of course, I with my Ivy League education thought that was crazy, so I didn’t believe them. I did notice the following week, however, when I saw the goddesses in yoga class, that they were indeed tanned and not burned.

I did some reading on the subject, and decided to use myself and my easily burned skin as a science experiment. So, I went to Palm Springs for a long weekend without sunscreen along. Instead, I went to the supermarket, walked down the baking aisle, and picked up a jar of virgin organic coconut oil. It was solid white at room temperature. When I got to Palm Springs, I put the whole jar in the sink and filled up the sink with hot water, and in no time the solid white oil turned to clear liquid. My experiment was about to begin!

I slathered on the oil (which I have to admit, was very greasy) and spent the afternoon out in the blazing sun. My host friends were concerned about me being all covered in baking oil and said, “Evan, you’re gonna burn to a crisp — put on some sunscreen!” and I replied, probably sounding completely crazy, “I don’t think I’ll burn, I’m protected by coconut oil, one of the most powerful sun protectants.”

Lo and behold, I didn’t burn that day or that weekend. I was amazed. I did get some color, and I noticed my shoulders were red, but nothing like they would have been without the coconut oil. I never felt pain, or itching. It seems coconut oil — unprocessed and organic — really is “all that.”

Using organic coconut oil instead of expensive and artificial sunscreen is a great way to honor the earth and protect the environment, and your health. Skin is the body’s largest organ and absorbs everything we put on it. This includes harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates and SLS that go unregulated by the FDA and are found in many of our personal care products, including soaps, shampoos and sunscreens. Even worse, these chemicals contaminate our groundwater and kill ocean life.

This summer, my beach pack is a beach chair that folds up into a backpack, and in that backpack I keep water, organic coconut oil, some fresh fruit and my iPod. Using organic coconut oil instead of sunscreen is one of the healthiest ways to protect your skin and the planet.

So, I may sound like a hippie touting coconut oil over sunscreen, but blue eyes and fair skin don’t lie — try it, you’ll like it!

In recent years, many companies have manufactured all-natural bug repellents that are safe and effective, but in my opinion are overpriced. Why spend $10 on something you could make at home on the cheap? Keeping bugs away from your skin (and your kids’, friends’ and family’s skin) isn’t very complicated. In essence, there some scents bugs can’t stand. Utilizing these particular smells can keep bugs at a distance. Here are a few quick and easy ways to make your bug repellent:

Lavender is a pleasant and effective solution to keeping bugs at bay.

Hot Peppers

Hot peppers are more useful than just adding some flavor to your food — they can keep ants and other small insects away from your skin. To make a homemade bug repellent using hot peppers, boil three cups of water on the stove and add one chopped hot pepper. Allow the mixture to marinate and then strain the pepper chunks from the water. Let the liquid cool and put it in a spray bottle and squirt on the skin before going outdoors.

Vanilla extract

Vanilla extract is probably the simplest and best-smelling way to prevent bug bites. Vanilla smells wonderful to humans, but most insects can’t stand the smell of it. All you have to do is dab a drop or two on each wrist, the neck and behind the ears before going outside. One word of caution: You have to use pure vanilla extract for effectiveness. Do not try to use imitation vanilla because it won’t have the same effect.

Essential oils

You can purchase witch hazel from a health food store in a pure form and use it in combination with other essential oils as a bug repellent. Take a few drops of lavender oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil and witch hazel in a half-liter of water. Put it in a spray bottle and mist your skin and clothing before going outside. You can also add these oils to an unscented lotion for application.

Lavender

Grow some lavender inside your home or in your flower garden and use it to stop mosquitoes in their tracks. Take a lavender flower and rub it behind the ears, the wrist and the back of the neck. Lavender has an incredible fragrance that is very pleasant (it’s used in many perfumes) but mosquitoes are repulsed by the scent.

There is no need to spend a lot of money on all natural bug repellents when you can make them yourself for pennies. Stay away from buying conventional bug repellents, as they are not earth friendly nor do they promote a healthy lifestyle for your family.

Let me preface my sunscreen recommendation with the fact that I always do my best to avoid sun exposure, especially by my children. As a fair-skinned Arizona native, I know the dangers of sun exposure. We try to wait until the pool is shaded to go swimming, we wear protective clothing and gear when we go hiking and generally avoid the sun as much as possible. However, we can’t stay indoors from sun up until sun down all summer, so when we do go out, we protect our skin.

Our go-to brand for sunscreen, even for the adults, is California Baby. I started using California Baby products when my now 8-year-old was an infant. The brand has several fragrance-free versions of sunscreen available, and each has received a score of a 1 or 2 (recommended) from the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database.

The primary ingredient in the California Baby sunscreen is titanium dioxide, and while there are some mild health concerns associated with titanium dioxide, it is much safer than many of the other products on the market. California Baby sunscreen does not contain the chemicals that earn other sunscreen products a score of 7 or higher, which is the score given to products that the EWG recommends the public avoid.

The California Baby product line is healthier for your children and the environment, but the company’s business model is also sustainability minded. California Baby products are packaged in recyclable HDPE #2 plastic, the company uses recycled paper with soy ink, no boxes or clamshells are used for shipping and biodegradable packing peanuts are used in place of Styrofoam for protection. In addition, California Baby recycles all of its own production and packaging plastic.

California Baby isn’t the only healthier choice for sunscreen out there, but it is the brand that I’ve been using for eight years now. I still recommend avoiding the sun when possible, but there are times when it is unavoidable, and when those times come, I’m thankful to have a product like California Baby to use.

One of the Eco Design bikes Trek makes

We’re a manufacturer, with a manufacturer’s footprint — but we know that to continue sustainably, we need to tread lightly. Through the efforts of Trek employees, our dealers are now recycling tires and tubes that we then turn into innovative bike commuter bags. In the past few years, our accessories brand, Bontrager, has significantly reduced the size and amount of packaging we use, and switched to paper products that are 100% recycled and recyclable. This past year, we dropped our annual coal consumption from 10.5 million pounds to 0 pounds by converting all our Wisconsin facilities to completely renewable energy sources. We’re not perfect, but we’re taking the necessary steps to reduce our footprint every day.

Last year, we challenged ourselves to offer the marketplace a product that would not only provide a realistic errand alternative to the car, but would also make the user feel good about how it was made. The result: Eco Design, a line of practical bikes, parts and accessories built using easily recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing processes. The bikes are built to last, too, because we know the easiest way to keep a product out of a landfill is to make sure it has a long, useful life. That’s the Eco Design ethos.

Our commitment to a healthy world doesn’t stop with our products — we’re committed to healthy employees, too. In our cafeteria, fried foods are expensive, thanks to a “Twinkie Tax,” while fresh fruit and our killer salad bar are dirt cheap. We provide showers, locker rooms and indoor bike storage to encourage people to bike to work. (And they do, from as far as 30 miles away.) We reserve the biggest and best percentage of the parking lot for carpoolers. Our fitness facility rivals any private gym, and we offer yoga and other wellness classes during the workday.

The healthiest thing you can do for yourself and your world is ride your bike. Forty percent of all U.S. car trips are less than 2 miles. TWO MILES! The impact you can have on the world and your own well-being by taking just half of your 2-mile trips by bicycle is incredible. I won’t bore you with statistics, but I’ll give you facts: You’ll feel better, look better and most importantly, you’ll have more fun. How many other products will do all that for you?

Eric Bjorling is the Lifestyle Marketing Guy at Trek Bicycle in Wisconsin.

Some marathons around the country are quite eco-forward in their practices. Here are a few races that you can feel good about running.

The Portland Marathon works to promote sustainability by distributing leftover food and left-behind clothing to appropriate local charities. Since 1993, if you cross the finish line at this marathon, you’ll receive a tree seedling to plant. The hope is that by planting a new tree, runners will help offset carbon emissions, since trees absorb carbon dioxide. Workers manage the course primarily by bicycle, eliminating the need for cars along the course. This race even has solar panels at the start/finish lines to conserve energy. Volunteer “green teams” work the day of the race to oversee recycling efforts and promote recycling.

The San Francisco Marathon is a leader in conservation.

The ING Hartford Marathon in Connecticut is taking part in a pilot program for the Council for Responsible Sport that is examining sustainability at sporting events in hopes of implementing strict environmental guidelines for certification. In 2010, this marathon will be carbon neutral. Instead of receiving bottled water or disposable cups at the end of the race, runners drink directly from the UTC water bubbler, which saved 10,000 bottles from the trash in 2007. The ING Hartford Marathon also promotes sneaker recycling, which is used to create new sport surfaces for playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, tracks and soccer and football fields around the country. Runners are served organic, local or all-natural food at the end of the race.

The Great Lakes Endurance folks are serious about sustainability. The organization puts on several races in Wisconsin, and its website is powered completely by wind energy. In the Grand Island Race, runners are disqualified if they litter on the course. The race is on an island, and mass transportation is provided (free of charge) by shuttle buses and ferryboats. Runners at Great Lakes Endurance races must carry a 20-oz. bottle of their own (if you forget it, you don’t run), and the race volunteers will provide filling stations along the course. After the race, a cookout takes place featuring foods grown, produced or raised in northeast Wisconsin — all sourced from within 100 miles of the race. The proceeds of the race go to the Navarino Nature Center’s environmental education efforts. Medals are made of blown glass or ceramic from local artists.

The San Francisco Marathon is going green by using compostable cups during the race, using pace bicycles instead of pace vehicles, donating food, shoes and other products to charities and separating recycling, composting and trash. At the awards ceremony, the stage runs on energy generated from human-powered bicycles. This marathon even has green goals for the future, including a water bubbler (or other alternative) to eliminate plastic bottles at the finish line, using solar panels at the start and finish, harnessing human energy by installing energy pads along the course and partnering with an environmental nonprofit.