Dr. Bronner’s is known for its iconic soap — you know the one in the big bottle with the writing all over it that smells like you’re standing inside a peppermint field. The family-owned company also makes fantastic bath and body products full of organic and fair trade ingredients without any of the chemical nasties. And they’re also staunch activists and have been since the company was founded by Emil Bronner 1948 as a platform for his “All-One” message of peace and unity.

Following in their grandfather’s footsteps, David and Michael Bronner now run the company with a myriad of missions attached to it. The Bronner family is outspoken in support of fair trade, organic, non-GMO, and vegan causes, as well as hemp, and now, marijuana legislation.

Hemp, the non-psychoactive sister plant to marijuana, plays a huge role in Dr. Bronner’s soaps. Hemp oil is emollient, moisturizing, and a much healthier alternative to petroleum-based mineral oils. And while it’s not an ingredient in any of the company’s products like hemp is, marijuana has scores of health benefits that the company says deserve to be accessible to everyone. It shouldn’t be too surprising that Dr. Bronner’s is advocating for ethical and organic marijuana standards.

David Bronner, Dr. Bronner’s Cosmic Engagement Officer, is a longtime supporter of pro-marijuana legislation. In 2016, he was named the Cannabis Activist of the Year by the Seattle Hempfest. In 2012, he was arrested outside the White House for campaigning against legislation that makes hemp growing in the U.S. illegal.

In early June, Dr. Bronner’s  announced that it’s the primary seed-round funder of the Cannabis Certification Council, a nonprofit venture out of Denver and Portland, Oregon. Dr. Bronner’s will give $125,000 in initial funding, and continuing financial and logistical support, Denverite reports.

“The council plans to certify whether participating companies are growing marijuana in line with organic standards, and also whether workers are receiving livable wages, among other factors.”

The end product will result in a label that’s printed on the packaging of certified products.

We recently caught up with David Bronner about the company’s stance on recreational marijuana, and why the business supports crafting organic certification for the industry, and ethical farming standards, too.

EcoSalon: Tell us about why Dr. Bronner’s supports medical and recreational marijuana.

David Bronner: Because we think marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational use. Many responsible adults use cannabis safely as medicine to manage and treat illness and disease. For example, marijuana is often used in place of more addictive and harmful opiates, and other pharmaceuticals.

It’s time to end the outdated policy of cannabis prohibition. It shreds productive citizens’ lives and families for no good reason and disproportionately affects people of color. This diverts resources from real crimes.

EcoSalon: How can the marijuana industry become ethical and organic, and more importantly, how can it stay that way?

David Bronner: We think certification is the first step. So, that’s why we are providing seed funding and counsel to the Cannabis Certification Council (CCC). The Council will independently certify cannabis products as “organically grown” and “fairly produced”.

Producers that are certified will receive seals for marketing products. The CCC will serve the cannabis industry as an independent, non-profit body. The CCC also will uphold clear and achievable, but robust standards. A third-party will conduct certification to ensure integrity.

EcoSalon: Could you also tell us how the company supports the re-commercialization of industrial hemp?

David Bronner: We support the re-commercialization of industrial hemp farming in the United States. America is the only major industrialized nation that prohibits domestic hemp cultivation. The same failed drug policy that has vilified marijuana has also denied American agriculture the benefit of one of the Earth’s most versatile and sustainable crops.

Hemp requires few herbicides or insecticides to grow. So, it does well in organic farming systems. The plant is grown in rotation with corn and soy. Also, hemp aerates soil and controls weed and pest pressure. Hemp fiber can replace virgin timber pulp in paper, glass fibers in construction and automotive composites, and pesticide-intensive cotton in textiles, too. And hemp is an excellent ingredient in body care. It’s high in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Also, Hemp oil makes our soap lather smoother and makes it less drying.

EcoSalon: We love that Bronner’s is discussing the most important aspects of the marijuana industry: who decides it’s ethically grown and organic. So, why does this matter?

David Bronner: Because the company is committed to making high-quality, socially and environmentally responsible products. And we want to implement that ethos in the cannabis industry.

And Dr. Bronner’s has always been an activist company. So, that’s why we’re supporting that same activist spirit today. And it is our company mission to continue to use the business to fight for and financially support causes we believe in. Those causes include regenerative agriculture, fair trade, animal advocacy, industrial hemp and drug policy reform, and living wages. So, that’s why we’re the “fighting soap company”. And Dr. Bronner’s employees are committed to the causes we fight for.

Interview edited for length and clarity.

Related on EcoSalon
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The post Everyone’s Favorite Organic and Fair Trade Soap Company is Promoting Marijuana Certification (and It’s a Huge Deal) appeared first on EcoSalon.

You love your Dr. Bronner’s. Who doesn’t? Now there is more to love! The family-owned company has come out with a brand new toothpaste, safe and fair trade, of course.

Dr. Bronner’s has long been known and loved for its castile soaps. Big bottles of ultra-gentle cleanser in a wide variety of scents with so many uses. Fans have been known to use the soaps on everything from skin to dishes and laundry. Others create their own facial scrub and shampoo.

Some Dr. B fans have even used the soap as toothpaste. Think this is taking the love too far? No worries. The company recently added toothpaste to its popular line-up.

Dr. Bronner’s Toothpaste is low-foaming, synthetic- and fluoride-free, vegan, and comes in three natural flavors – Cinnamon, Anise, and Peppermint.

We know synthetic-free cosmetics are a safer choice. But what is the big deal with fluoride? It is in conventional toothpastes, our drinking water, can even be purchased in bottled water, and dentists promote it. How bad can it be?

Regular use of fluoride is thought to have negative effects on teeth, gums, and overall health, including tooth discoloration, stomach ailments, allergic reaction, and skin irritation. Fluoride consumption is also linked to more serious health issues and diseases, from arthritis to reproductive issues. More than 95 percent of toothpastes sold in the US contain fluoride and the FDA now requires a poison warning on each fluoride-containing tube.

Another cool trick Dr. Bronner’s has utilized in its paste? Organic coconut flour acts as a mild abrasive. A much healthier choice than those plastic microbeads, both for our bodies and earth.

You can pick up a tube of Dr. Bronner’s Toothpaste on the brand website (where they are currently selling for 15% off), Whole Foods Market, and many natural food stores across the country.

Have you tried the new toothpaste? Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Related on EcoSalon

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Image courtesy Dr. Bronner’s

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ColumnAfter years of controversy over widespread palm oil use, sustainable palm oil is being adopted by the world’s leading manufacturers, from small organic, eco brands to big time producers like Nestlé. But is it really sustainable? We go Behind the Label to find out.

Palm oil is a vegetable-based oil that derives from Africa’s palm oil tree. It’s now grown throughout Africa, Asia, South and North America. But today, the majority of commercial palm oil hails from Indonesia and Malaysia.

You’ll find palm oil in a number of processed foods from chocolates and baked goods to frozen foods. While the majority of it is used in food production, it’s also used in personal care and cosmetics, as well as in biodiesel. About 50 million tons of palm oil are produced annually, which accounts for about 30 percent of the world’s vegetable oil. And even though a number of companies are replacing palm oil, it can still be found in as many as 50 percent of household products in the U.S., Canada, England and Australia.

The Good

Palm oil is a major source of income in Indonesia and Malaysia, where about 87 percent of the world’s palm oil comes from. According to the World Wildlife Fund, palm oil “creates rural employment and is a crop smallholder farmers can grow easily, often lifting people in rural regions out of poverty. It’s crucial for the rest of the world too: companies everywhere depend on the unique properties of palm oil for their products.”

After awareness grew over palm oil’s connection to a number of issues including deforestation, habitat destruction, animal cruelty, indigenous rights abuses and climate change, “sustainable” palm oil arose as an ethical option. The RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) emerged in 2004 with a sustainable palm oil certification program. Its goal is to unite businesses that rely on palm oil with environmental and social non-government organizations. It has brought awareness to many of the issues connected with sourcing palm oil, and has helped companies to sign on to source “sustainable palm oil.” There are more than 850 members of the RSPO and two certification options for sustainably sourced palm oil. “Both approaches classify sustainable plantations as those not grown on land cleared of tropical rainforest after November 2005,” reports Vice.

As more awareness over the issues with palm oil production came to light, more and more companies began making commitments to sourcing sustainable palm oil—meaning palm oil that does not contribute to deforestation and habitat loss for both indigenous animals and cultures. The orangutan, which once thrived in Indonesia’s forests, is now the endangered poster animal for the sustainable palm oil industry as clear cutting forests for palm plantations continues to destroy the primate’s home.

In 2010, after pressure from Greenpeace and other groups, Nestlé committed to stop sourcing palm oil from producers that cause rainforest destruction. It’s just one example of dozens of major brands that have sustainable palm oil commitments. The Hershey Company, General Mills, Procter & Gamble, Mars, Unilever and IKEA, also have sustainable palm initiatives, working with the RSPO to source 100 percent sustainable palm oil.

Other companies have taken the commitment even further, like Alaffia, a personal care brand that sources and produces its skin and hair care products in Togo. Working with African farmers, Alaffia sources its palm fruits from small family farms, which company spokesperson Kelsey Mayer told EcoSalon must meet strict standards including small farm size, organic farming methods and no child labor. “Farmers are paid Fair Trade prices for the palm fruits,” says Mayer. Then, the palm fruits head to a Fair Trade Certified cooperative in Sokodé, where “cooperative members are paid a fair wage for their work.”

Not only is Alaffia’s model a true example of sustainability by working with small-scale farmers, but Mayer says this method also produces a higher quality product. “When palm oil is grown as an industrial plantation crop, such as in Indonesia and Malaysia on newly cleared rainforests or peat-swamp forests rather than on already degraded land or disused agricultural land, it can contribute to the endangerment of animals, such as the orangutans,” she says. “Furthermore, since our palm oil fruits are hand-picked and our oil is hand-pressed, the environmental impact is significantly lower than that harvested on plantations. Oil palms are native to West Africa (where there are no orangutans), and have been grown as part of multi-cropped sustainable small farms for centuries.”

And Mayer explains the Alaffia palm oil method produces a healthier product too: “The palm oil retains all of its natural benefits, including high vitamin levels and antioxidant properties, which it loses in the refining process.”

Dr. Bronner’s, which makes soaps and other personal care items, says that since 2006, it has shifted over 95 percent of its raw agricultural material to sources that are certified Fair Trade and organic (FTO), including Fair Trade palm oil. “We wanted to know who makes our raw materials and ensure that fair prices and wages are paid, and their production benefits the local community and environment,” the company explains on its website.

palm oil plantation worker image via Shutterstock

The Bad

Despite sustainability commitments from the world’s top palm oil using companies, a 2007 Greenpeace investigation, detailed in the report “Cooking the Climate” found that RSPO members still source palm oil from suppliers who destroy rainforest and convert peatlands into palm plantations. According to Greenpeace, one Indonesian palm refiner, Duta Palma, actually has legal rights to create palm plantations on land that’s otherwise protected by the government from the palm industry.

And while Nestlé’s commitment to RSPO and sustainable palm oil earned it accolades in 2010, just last year Greenpeace and The Rainforest Action Network say the company’s commitment actually allows deforestation. According to Food Navigator, “deforestation will continue to be allowed while members of the [Sustainable Palm Oil Manifesto] determine what forests can be developed or protected, under the High Carbon Stock (HCS) Approach.”

Greenpeace helped to develop HCS, which combines carbon and biodiversity conservation. It also supports rights for communities dependent on the palm oil industry, as well as the forests and lands where palm plantations are being introduced.

And according to Vice, it’s not just the conventional brands contributing to the palm oil issue: “Chemical companies are part of the problem because they are using ever-larger quantities of palm oil to make the “green” products demanded by consumers.”

Now, conservationists say RSPO members can do more to ensure they’re purchasing truly sustainable palm oil. Several years ago, 200 of the world’s leading scientists asked the RSPO to ban any future palm plantations that are developed on peat lands or in place of old-growth forests.

“It is vital that the RSPO add these requirements to the principles and criteria immediately to ensure that all palm oil being sold with the label ‘sustainable’ is not driving climate change and forest destruction,” the scientists wrote. But the RSPO has yet to take action on making either of these measures part of its sustainable palm oil protocol.

The Bottom Line

While companies like Alaffia and Dr. Bronner’s are redefining what the sustainable palm oil industry can look like, not all who claim to source sustainable palm oil are making as big an impact. A consumer is not always going to have the full story in front of them when making a purchase. In fact, the opposite is more likely true: consumers are often forced to take brands at their word, which is usually glossed over with a marketing sheen.

Fortunately, there are now a number of resources for the consumer who wants more information. There’s the WWF scorecard, and several smart phone apps that can help answer questions about a brand’s commitment to palm oil.

And, there are palm oil alternatives, most notably coconut oil, which is appearing in a number of products in place of palm oil.

Use your voice to let brands know that deforestation, habitat loss and unfair labor conditions aren’t acceptable. Boycott those products until brands make the shift. Companies are making major changes to their brands and product offerings when consumers demand they do so.

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

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Top palm oil image via Shutterstock

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If ever there was a gateway product to the organic lifestyle, it’s Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps. And now, the company has taken a huge step for the animals.

Known in recent years for a staunch anti-GMO commitment, Dr. Bronner’s has poured more than a million dollars into the GMO labeling initiatives in California and Washington. The company has also been integral in bringing attention to Fair Trade, organic integrity, industrial hemp and drug policy reform. And now, the soap brand is going to bat for the animals. “[V]egetarian advocacy and animal welfare will become a core focus of the company’s activism efforts,” the company said on its website. Dr. Bronner’s has committed $100,000 in donations in 2014 to Compassion Over Killing, The Humane Society of the United States and other animal welfare organizations including The Humane League, Our Hen House, Farm Sanctuary shelters in Orland, and Los Angeles, CA, as well as Poplar Springs and Vine Sanctuary.  “As a dedicated vegan, I’m proud that my family has stepped up to commit resources over the long-term to take on the terrible plight of farm animals and to promote more compassionate and sustainable dietary choices,” David Bronner, President of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps said in a statement.

The funding will be spread out over the course of 2014, going to the organizations’ efforts in reducing animal suffering, and the company says it intends to “substantially step up” support for animals in the future. If its commitment to GMO labeling is any indicator of how much it considers “substantial,” animal advocacy and welfare groups could be looking at hundreds of thousands–if not millions of dollars in donations from the soap company.

Dr. Bronner’s soaps are also now vegan certified by Vegan Action, and  are also registered with the Vegan Society in the UK. A”Vegan-Certified” logo will be added to the product labels (the products have always been vegan and cruelty-free, except for lip and body balms that contain Fair Trade beeswax).

The move signals an ever-increasing national concern over animal welfare. Whether it’s celebrities adopting the vegan diet or sourcing ethically-raised animal products, or millions of Americans demanding SeaWorld stop its capture and confinement of orcas, the trend towards compassion is showing no signs of slowing. And, says Bronner, “One doesn’t have to be vegan to want to reduce the incredible suffering of animals in factory farms and to lower overall meat consumption.”

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

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Image via Dr. Bronner’s

The post Dr. Bronner’s Soaps Does a Little Magic for Animals appeared first on EcoSalon.

What’s a movie without a message? We round up some of our favorite eco themed movies available online today.

Warmer weather means big movie theater blockbusters are definitely coming at you (in 3D).  They’re fun of course, and sometimes even quite inspiring (not just because Robert Downey Jr. is slightly hot in his glowing chest Iron Man costume). But inevitably, we can only suspend disbelief for so long before the reality of our fast-paced world reminds us that there’s much to be done to make it all it can be.

And just like films of fiction and fantasy can entertain and inspire us, so too can those that use the creative medium to show us truth and help us to create change. These eco-focused films are some of the best of the best that can be viewed around the web without having to rent a DVD or have one shipped to you. Most are available on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime unless otherwise noted.

1. Botany of Desire: Join journalist Michael Pollan as he explores how certain plants have evolved with us over time and how this relationship has changed. It gives perspective on  just how amazing nature really is. It inspires more respect for the plant world and our place in it.

2. The Cove: It won an Oscar nomination and captured the hearts of millions with its tale of unthinkable dolphin slaughters in Japan. The thrilling direction will have you at the edge of your seat wanting to leap right into the ocean to help save these majestic creatures.

3. Cave of Forgotten Dreams: What’s so eco about Werner Herzog’s film of ancient cave paintings in France? Perspective. Who were we 30,000 years ago is as important as who we can be in another 30,000 years. We often overlook our connection with nature and art in our day-to-day lives and the story of the world’s oldest known cave paintings can help you to remember.

4. DIVE!: This award-winning short documentary details a dumpster diver’s journey into our global food waste crisis. It’s compelling and disheartening. You will never look at your food consumption habits the same again.

5. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soapbox: If you love Dr. Bronner’s soap, you’ve probably already read the bottle a few times, getting a glimpse of Dr. Bronner himself. But learn more about the man and the company in this fascinating documentary that highlights just how much of a positive impact a little soap company can have on the planet.

6. Earthlings: In our quest to be eco-friendly, we often overlook our animal friends and the impact our industrialization of them has on the globe. And even more than that, the psychological impact of widespread enslavement, torture and killing of these innocent creatures greatly effects how we approach many of our global crises. This film will inspire compassion and connection to Mother Nature and all her creatures like nothing you’ve ever seen before. View here.

7. Ethos: What is ethical consumerism? Just ask Woody Harrelson who hosts this exploration into what our purchasing power means for the planet and each other. Another world is possible and we can build it just by chosing where we spend our dollars.

8. Food Fight: Think our battle against corporate food manufacturers is a lost cause? Think again. Food Fight highlights the food revolution underway, including beloved chef, author and activist, Alice Water’s influence on the healthy and good food discussion.

9. Gasland: This Oscar-nominated documentary exposes the unbelievable impact hydraulic fracturing (fracking) has on the planet and the health of the surrounding communities. What’s happening to our water supplies and the people who have no choice but to drink from them will motivate you to look into protecting your family, your community our planet’s future from the potentially irreversible effects of fracking.

10. Vanishing of the Bees: Colony Collapse Disorder is creating unprecedented bee die-offs and unusual behavior. What’s causing it—or why—is still unknown. But what we do know is how important bees are for our food supply (and the rest of nature). Think they’re just pesky insects? Watch this film and think again.

11. Waste Land: This film documents the incredible amount of waste being generated (in Brazil) and one artist’s goal of turning it into art. It’s equal parts astonishing and inspiring. How else can we turn our bad habits into things of beauty?

Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments!

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Image: xJason.Rogersx

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Allie Bombach of Red Reel Films takes us on a journey to find the simpler things in life.

When we grow up we want to be our readers.

Allie Bombach blew our minds and won our hearts from the first time we watched the trailer for her film, 23 Feet. The documentary, released earlier this year, follows Allie and two friends as they cross the country in a 1970 Airstream, meeting with people who have ditched their traditional lifestyles for the open road and the great outdoors. A director, producer, and videographer, Allie uses her gift for storytelling to promote simple living and respect for the environment – things we definitely dig here at EcoSalon, along with Allie.

Name: Allie Bombach

Website: www.23feet.org

How did you get introduced to EcoSalon?

I started reading EcoSalon because of Foodie Underground and the fabulous Anna Brones, and I’m hooked on the home design tips and interviews with rockin folks. For me, it’s a wonderful source of inspiration and at the same time a guilty pleasure during the work day to check out the recent articles.

Tell us about 23 Feet.

23 Feet is a short documentary about people who live simply to do what they love outside. We set out across the west in the summer of 2010 searching for the community of people who live in cars, buses, and other small spaces ditching the creature comforts of today’s society to raft, surf, and climb. The name 23 Feet comes from my own 1970, 23-foot Airstream that I live in and took from Colorado to Oregon during the production of the film. After the film was finished, we took the Airstream back on the road for an outdoor theater tour in the summer of 2011 that screened the film off the side of the Airstream. We had about 30 screenings in a variety of landscapes from the middle of wilderness to the middle of cities. For me, the whole experience was an exploration in the meaning of home, community, and ultimate happiness and passion in what you do.

The Airstream has a name. What is it, and why?

Roma is her name, and besides all the roaming she does, she just seemed like a middle-aged old woman that would give you great advice. Hence, Roma. Perfect.

You tricked out Roma with recycled and reclaimed materials. What are some of the highlights?

Roma’s got some snazz to her for sure. Her cork floors are pretty awesome and she has reclaimed wood for the desk and bed. What I am excited about is the upcoming improvements to make her really cozy and sustainable. I’m hoping to add a wood stove, solar panels, and one fine day, a composting toilet. As of now, she’s pretty simple with no plumbing, and the truck charges the batteries in the Airstream after a drive. So lots more to do!

I imagine there was a fair share of magical moments on the road. What was the craziest?

The production was wild. We had no idea if what we set out to do would actually work! We didn’t know if we would find characters, or even if we would make it to Oregon. The truck pulling the Airstream broke down several times, and it seemed like surprises were around every corner. And because most of the budget came after the film was edited, we found ourselves sleeping in a lot of random spots. It was pretty adventurous. The film screening tour was one moment of bliss after another. We were on the road for four months, winding in and out of national parks and major cities. Connecting with so many people who have lived (or want to live) the lifestyle documented in 23 Feet was very magical. To tell a story is one thing, to have that story compel people to tell you their story is a whole different gift. It made all that hard work worth every moment and then some.

What five items/products made life on the road easier?

In a small space, the things you own are few, but very important. From your toothbrush to your water bottle, everything needed to be sturdy and worthy of the road.

Innate Gear Thermos – I swear you can put your coffee in hot and it will still be piping 8 hours later. It’s a miracle bottle.

French press – Any appliance that doesn’t need electricity is a great find. Plus, my favorite way to make coffee.

Slippers – Just because you are on the road, doesn’t mean you can’t be cozy. I travel with slippers everywhere I go.

Horny Toad dresses – They don’t wrinkle, they are super comfortable, and they are super easy to clean. I love me some Horny Toad.

Dr. Bronner’s soap – All purpose awesomeness. Just a few drops and you’ll shine like a new penny. It’s way better for the environment too. (Ed. Note: We love their hair conditioner too.)

What creature comforts did you miss the most?

The only thing I can think of is plants. I miss having little plants around. It’s like a class 5 earthquake in the Airstream when we are on the road, so no plants have been able to take that kinda shock! Other than that, you won’t find me missing TV or a dishwasher.

Any plans for a sequel? In other words, what’s up next?

My business partner Sarah Menzies and I run a production company called Red Reel. We had such a powerful reaction to the outdoor theater tour last summer that we are excited to be able to continue the grassroots unique distribution for projects to come. As far as the stories in the works, we’re sticking with character driven pieces, and pointing our lens to the movers and shakers of environmental and social change. Right now Roma is sitting in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with my family, and Sarah and I are calling San Jose Del Cabo, Baja, home for the winter. We’re filming in the water and editing our 2012 spring films. If there were a sequel to 23 Feet, I think we might take it onto sail boats, but right now, 23 feet of home has turned into about 3 feet of suitcase, and life couldn’t be better.

The post We Heart Our Readers: Allie Bombach, Documentary Filmmaker appeared first on EcoSalon.