General Health

Cruelty-Free Shopping

As a conscious consumer, you may be interested in buying products that are free from animal by-products and not tested on animals. At Down to Earth, all of our health and beauty products are vegetarian and cruelty-free. But if you happen to be shopping elsewhere, it is important to be mindful of the ingredients in the health and beauty products you buy. Keep the following tips in mind:


  1. Look for words like “cruelty-free,” “not tested on animals,” “no animal testing,” and “vegan” or “vegetarian.”

Recent Studies Show Chemicals from Plastic Found in Humans

Each day, humans are unknowingly exposed to a veritable cocktail of chemical compounds, some of which we know very little about and many of which are potentially hazardous to our health and the health of our children.

Adopting a Plant-based Diet, One Step at a Time

Photo: Baby Calf

The single most important thing an individual can do for their health, for the environment, and for the sake of the innocent animals is to adopt a vegetarian diet.

Vegetarian Solution - Part 1

The choice to become a vegetarian is one of the most positive, far-reaching decisions you can make to impact your personal health and the health of the environment. The reasons to choose a vegetarian lifestyle are as diverse as they are compelling.

Pointers for the New Vegetarian

For many vegetarians, obtaining proper nutrition is an important concern. Planning meals that combine all of the necessary components of a well balanced diet takes time and a little creativity. It can be difficult for aspiring and novice vegetarians; however, there are many support networks available. With more and more information surfacing about the dangers of a meat-based diet and the detriment to the environment and the food chain that raising animals for slaughter causes, people are wisely turning to a healthy and safe vegetarian diet.

Teenage Tidal Wave

Out in the not too distant sea of eating, the food industry caught sight of a swelling wave moving towards the shores of the consumer market. Those in the National Cattlemen's Beef Association tried to say that it was nothing, just a passing trend. Now, as this tidal wave of change is breaking, America's beef producers are shaking—in their cowboy boots. America's youth is quickly losing interest in supporting an industry of slaughter and suffering and the numbers of those embracing a vegetarian diet is on the rise, particularly among teenage girls.

Is Sucralose a Dangerous Sugar Substitute?

Sugar, the ingredient that is on everyone’s mind. In the United States more than one-third of adults are obese and dietary guidelines are cracking down on added sugar. Sugar substitutes have become an increasingly popular option for people who want sweets without the additional calories.  In 2015 the sugar substitute business was valued at over 13 billion dollars and continues to grow.1  Sucralose is a widely used sugar substitute that is considered safe by the U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) but recent research is challenging the safety of sucralose.

Shintani Seminar

Down to Earth recently co-sponsored a health workshop hosted by well-known Hawaii physician Dr. Terry Shintani and his non-profit organization, the Hawaii Health Foundation.

The workshop, called “You Can Reverse Disease in 10 Days,” was held at the Toho No Hikari building, formerly known as the MOA True Health Center in Honolulu. It was attended by over 100 people seeking help with different health problems or concerns. At the workshop, they learned how much of their health problems are diet-related and how easy it is to reverse following a plant-based diet.

Warnings About Pain Remedies

In the not-so-distant past, Aspirin was virtually the only non-prescription pain reliever on the market. It was the solution for anything from headaches and fever to cramping and arthritis.

Organics Safer for Your Health

September is a time of year when people across the country are celebrating Organic Harvest Month. Sponsored by the Consumer Trade Association, this annual event highlights organic agriculture and the growing organic products industry. It’s a great theme for this month’s newsletter as we endeavor to increase understanding and acceptance of the importance of living a healthy lifestyle based on organic and natural products. In the case of produce, the arguments are rather compelling.