This month we are launching my newly-reformulated skincare line. I really love it. Our skincare has always been great, and now it’s even better. You'll see a few products now have the USDA organic seal. And every ingredient is either certified organic or approved by EcoCert, a European based company that examines the environmental-friendly attributes of raw materials.

And all of my formulas now pass the Whole Foods Premium Labeling program. This is quickly becoming the industry standard for organic and natural ingredients.

Each skincare product has been reformulated with performance in mind. So not only are they all more organic, they will perform as well or better than the formulas they are replacing. The certified-organic extracts and essential oils are the best to be found, and the aromas are beautiful yet subtle.

And they all use two great, new preservatives. Radish root extract and aspen bark extract are all-natural anti-microbials that are years ahead in skincare formulations. I'm so proud to be among the first to use them.

Radish Root Extract
This natural preservative derived from Korean Leuconostoc kimchii is an effective microbial and protects against bacteria and fungus. The radish root is harvested from non-GMO stock and is extracted without the use of industrial solvents. It's compliant with both USDA and EcoCert regulations.

Aspen Bark Extract
This natural preservative is extracted from the American aspen tree. Medicinally, the bark has long been used as an analgesic and to reduce fevers. The bark of the aspen tree is rich in salicylates, which help defend against invading parasites. The extract is effective at inhibiting mold, yeast and other bacteria. In addition, the extract also acts to help make the skin feel smooth.
These and all the ingredients in my new skincare products are hand-selected and mixed beautifully to create results you'll notice and love.

I am currently a member of their New York City Committee and in 2009, I am planning to host a fundraiser at my Soho salon for the organization.

In December I attended the Global Green’s 9th Annual Sustainable Design Awards event at New York's Pier Sixty. Here’s a photo of me with Matt Petersen, Global Greens’s President and CEO. The event was hosted by David Hyde Pierce and Katie Couric. It was a great time, and I was really inspired by all the innovative green design work being done around the country. Keep in mind, even if you don’t have time to volunteer for an environmental group, a contribution, no matter how small, can really make difference!

Water Filter Fix
The first project I was able to complete was installing a chemical-free water filtration system for my house. Like most homes in rural areas, I rely on well water, as opposed to a municipal water supply. Unfortunately, there is a lot of clay in my well water and it needs to be removed. The previous owners of the home relied on a chemical called aluminum chlorohydrate to help bind the clay and remove it during the filtration process.

Anyone who reads ingredients knows that this chemical has many uses (it’s in many deodorants, for example). I don’t think anyone knows for certain if it poses any adverse health effects, but I don’t need to wait and find out. Besides, the fewer chemicals in our lives, the better. I called Water Solutions in New Paltz New York to see if they could help me. They devised a system that uses a series of ceramic filters, made by NanoCeram, to remove particles. The technology uses electrostatic charges to draw out the tiny particles found in the water. A UV light is used to kill harmful microbes.

This filtration system is greener in a few ways: Not only was I able rid my life of an unwanted chemical, the filtration system uses less water-the old system gobbled up about 100 gallons of water when it backwashed every three days. And, it uses less electricity.

While I am on the subject of water, I hope you know that using tap water is way greener than drinking bottled water. I read a great article at Treehugger.com (one of my favorite sources for all things green) saying that 90% of plastic water bottles end up in landfills. A lot of people are surprised to learn that, for the most part, tap water is not any less pure than bottle water, in fact, Treehugger says that the Environmental Protection Agency has more stringent standards for tap water than for bottled water. While that may be true, I think it’s important to filter your tap water, even if it comes from a municipal source-that way you can remove any remaining chemicals, like chlorine byproducts, that form after the water is disinfected.

If you want to be truly green, fill up a re-useable water bottle before leaving home so you can avoid buying water on the go.