11/19/10

As many of you know I have been living in a remote forest for the past 7 months. It has, and continues to be, a magical life-changing experience for me -- and I consider it home. It feels like home.

In light of this there are many changes now at JMO, an ending and a new beginning.

Most of you know my salon will be closing this year on December 24, 2010. It has been 17 years of growth and wonder. I am so grateful to all of the clients who have supported the salon and the staff all these years. I would especially like to express to my original clients, who followed me in several apartments before I opened a salon, a big THANK YOU as you all helped me grow, I always enjoyed our conversations and I miss seeing all of you, you know who you are.

I have been blessed with a great staff all these years and know they will continue to grow in a new setting. If you need any info on locating any of the stylists we will be providing the details they want provided.

As the salon comes to an end the opening of the new JMO Lifestyle Center & Institute is born at the same location. When we first opened, the banner said JMO Organic Haircare & Apothecary and so it goes.

A large selection of certified-organic dry herbs along with cleansing and healing blends will be added to the store and can be purchased by the ounce in apothecary style. Some of the herbs will be grown here at my ranch in the forest in California. There are also a selection of wildcrafted herbs here in the forest we will be harvesting and will be available. Christina Hassler, an herbalist who is working with me on this, will be making herbal blends for healing and cleansing. I believe it is essential to remember and pass on the magical, medicinal healing power of herbs grown in the earth.

We will also be introducing a line of certified-organic live raw personal care products along with certified-organic essential oils. In addition JMO will be introducing our new Bare Series, fragrance-free versions of our best sellers including a shampoo, detangler, body wash and body lotion. We will also be launching my new USDA-certified organic Body Butter, a deliciously intense moisturizer for dry climates and dry skin.

A major passion I now have as I have been growing my own greens and veggies is the importance of organic and heirloom seeds. I believe it is important to plant seeds that produce seeds for the next planting. Recently JMO has donated $40,000 to Paragon Media which is currently completing a video documentary project called 'Monsanto vs. the U.S. Farmer'. For years Monsanto has been destroying the livelihoods of thousands of farmers in their effort to control the seed supply for profit -- eventually controlling the food chain if not stopped. We will offer a selection of organic and heirloom seeds at the new JMO Lifestyle Center & Institute.

Over the past two years JMO (FYI JMO is still an independently owned company with thankfully no investors to answer to) has spent over $1,000,000 in research to develop a greener hair color. I am pleased to announce we will be launching a safer hair color in spring/summer of 2011. We are proud here at JMO to continue to be at the forefront of transitioning the professional beauty industry into using safer products for services offered in salons worldwide. My new Institute will continue research and development of new safer raw materials and products as we continue to transform the beauty industry.

The creation of John Masters Organics Concept Salons is a request we get frequently from salon owners and JMO supporters looking for greener salons in their area. In light of this we have decided to move forward with this concept and we are in the process of putting this together for 2011.

We will also have speakers on these and other topics related to mind, body, spirit and growth from time to time at the new Institute as well. I invite all of you to stop by and check out our new JMO Lifestyle Center & Institute in 2011.

In closing I would like to thank all the supporters of my line all over this planet which has made all of this possible.

With Much Gratitude,
John Masters

6/16/10

I told you last year about the documentary being made concerning the threat to our water supply posed by natural gas drilling. Now this award-winning film is being shown on HBO, starting June 21.

Here's some more info---make sure you tune in!
- John

SUNDANCE 2010 AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY GASLAND EXPOSES THE HAZARDS OF DOMESTIC NATURAL GAS DRILLING

DEBUTS JUNE 21, EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO

When 1st time documentary maker Josh Fox (right) received an unexpected offer of approximately $100,000 for the natural gas drilling rights to his property in the Delaware River Basin, on the border of New York and Pennsylvania, he resisted the urge to accept. Instead, he set off on a cross-country journey to investigate the environmental risks of agreeing to the deal.

GASLAND is Fox’s urgent, cautionary and sometimes darkly comic look at the largest domestic natural gas drilling campaign in history, which is currently sweeping the country and promising landowners a quick payoff. Debuting Monday, June 21 (9:00-10:45 p.m. ET/PT) - Josh’s shocking exposé reveals that America’s zeal to produce homegrown natural gas, often touted as "clean burning," is poisoning the water and air. This timely documentary won the Documentary Special Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

Other HBO playdates: June 24 (1:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 26 (noon) and 30 (9:45 a.m.), and July 5 (3:30 p.m.) and 9 (4:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: June 23 (8:00 p.m.) and 29 (4:45 p.m.), and July 21 (2:15 p.m.) and 25 (7:45 a.m.)

05/10/10

More and more celebrities are demanding organic and sustainable products. Sharisse Fine, the lead stylist for hit HBO show True Blood, has been regularly using John Masters Organics on her famous cast (including Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell, Tara Thornton, Alexander Skarsgard, Carrie Preston, and Ryan Kwanten). Here's what she has to say about the line:

"I prefer to use all organic hair care products to style my clients' and actors' hair. I choose to use John Masters Organics hair care on True Blood because of the integrity of ingredients and for the end results which are achieved. Some of my favorites are Bourbon Vanilla & Tangerine Hair Texturizer, which I like to use on the shorter men's hairstyles to add shine and movement without a greasy look. I especially love the volume and texture that I can get when I apply Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel to wet hair before blow waving. It really enhances the hold when blowing hair straight. I use Sea Mist on the ladies, when the hair is damp, before diffusing, to achieve a natural wave. It's also helpful for a strong but not stiff hold when I use curling tools to create a more defined curl. Since I work with a lot of heat while styling, I like to spritz Lavender Hydrating Mist throughout the day, to keep my actors' hair hydrated without losing the set style. I also encourage my actors to use Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner, in conjunction with the appropriate shampoo, as part of their daily hair care regime to keep a constant and even level of moisture and protein on the hair shaft."

We've also heard we have a fan in actor Jake Gyllenhaal. In the last few months, while shooting the movie Source Code, Jake personally requested the use of only John Masters Organics hair products. His favorites include Evening Primrose Shampoo for Dry Hair, Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler and Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner. We also sent Jake our fabulous new Bar Soaps (Lavender, Rose Geranium & Ylang Ylang Soap, Birch & Cedarwood Cleansing & Shaving Bar and Orange & Ginseng Exfoliating Body Bar) and word came back that he loves them!

-John

2/11/10

I am very excited to announce the opening of John Masters Organics new west coast distribution center in Hayward, CA. In a time when most companies are leaving CA we decided to open our 2nd warehouse and distribution center there . Our original distribution center is located in Fall River, MA. on the east coast.

The opening of this distribution center will drastically reduce our carbon imprint. As most of my products are produced in CA we now will not have to ship international boat orders and west coast orders to the east coast first, they can simply ship from CA. We estimate this will reduce our emmissions caused by shipping by at least 75%.

There are several green features of the new warehouse I am proud of which will save energy. Skylights have been installed every 10 feet in this 15,000 square foot facility so the use of lights are not necessary during the day when it is open. I was there a few weeks ago when it rained all week in CA and even though it was cloudy we still did not need lights . It also has several large garage type doors which can remain open creating a perfect temperature for most of the year in this part of CA. so air conditioning and heat are not required in the warehouse and actually neither has been installed in the shipping area of the facility.

We all know that CA has a serious water shortage problem and this was taken into consideration for the landscaping. All plantings chosen are for arid climates so watering is never necessary.

I am particularly proud that we are doing this out of common sense not any gov't regulations not to mention we will save hundreds of thousands of dollars on shipping that we will put into R&D for more products. We will also be able to hire several new employees with the money saved. Its a win win for all.

I am often referred to in the press as a pioneer in the green movement and I must state loudly and proudly my position NO CAP AND TRADE! I feel it is outrageous for gov't authorities to impose yet another tax on citizens and small business for the very air we breathe and the energy we use. It is quite remarkable that the same international cabal of criminals that control goverment and has surpressed free energy and alternative energies from the public for decades now want to tax us on the exact energy sources they have kept us addicted to and quite frankly been in bed with (oil companies) for $ $$ for decades. Furthermore and a key point cap & trade will not decrease any carbon imprint. If you use all of your allowable carbon credits you can simply buy more from a new carbon credit trading corporation (that Al Gore has a major stock in for $$$) and pollute all you want. (I am one of those who put Gore up on a pedestal, I stand corrected). Obviously we should all try to make this world as clean and free of toxic pollution as we can. We can ALL agree on that. Cap and trade however is something quite different and I encourage all to awaken and research this issue before its to late and authorities inspect your private home to determine your carbon imprint and impose more rules and taxes on you and your family. I am surprised when I speak to people they have no idea what cap & trade really is about.

It is common sense solutions to issues and voluntary cooperation that is going to transform us to a better world where real "Change" can occur.

- John

12/16/09

I was delighted to see John Masters Organics featured in a cartoon advertisement out of Japan. It's great to see the response our organic philosophy is getting around the world. You can watch the full cartoon here. John Masters Organics is the focus of the second cartoon segment---and Maya gets a starring role!

-John

11/02/09

Water, as many of you know, is under attack as corporate America continues to pollute and take over water supplies. This is a major concern of mine and others. How free are we really when you have to pay for clean water on this planet? Water should be free and pure, it is a human right.

A major concern now is the effect of natural gas wells being drilled and contaminating rural well water supplies around the country. In the Catskills, NYC watershed that supplies over 12 million people, is slated for 20,000 new natural gas wells. This is very alarming considering the potential consequences.

waterunderattack.com is an in-progress documentary online by Josh Fox outlining the largest natural gas drilling campaign in history in this country. I highly recommend you take a look at this site and get informed.

- John

10/27/09

UK's leading organic health and beauty expert and the author or 12 books including the Green Beauty Bible had the opportunity to visit my salon while in NYC last week. I had met with Jo Fairley on two seperate trips while I was in London promoting my line and I was delighted that Jo was finally able to have a service and visit my salon. My Lip Calm : and Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructer : both won Green Beauty Bible awards this year by the public in England as mentioned on this blog before.

Check out what Jo said on her blog about her visit: beautybibleblog.blogspot.com

-John

10/22/09
From TV studios to movie trailers, from celeb stylists to leading talent, the recent demand for John Masters Organics products in Hollywood has been off the charts. As stars become educated about the dangers of toxic beauty ingredients like parabens, sulfates, phthalates and many more, they seek safe and natural products that truly perform and, of course, they are turning to the best. At John Masters Organics, the phone is ringing off the hook with agents, producers, makeup artists and stylists requesting products they trust and love for use on their talent and, in many cases, the celebrities themselves are behind the requests.

24 (TV Program)
Celebs on the set of 24 have now requested a second order of John Masters Organics products for use behind-the-scenes. Freddie Prinze Jr. and Akbar Kurtha are addicted to the Lavender Rosemary Shampoo for Normal Hair, Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner, Hair Pomade, Dry Hair Nourishment & Defrizzer and Pomegranate Facial Nourishing Oil and Marci Michelle is all about Sea Mist - Sea Salt Spray with Lavender. Other signatures include Necar Zadegan, Katee Sackhoff, Nazneen Contractor, Mykelti Williamson, Marylynn Rajskub, and Anil Kapoor.

MORNING GLORY (Major Motion Picture)
On behalf of Rachel McAdams herself, Morning Glory’s Key Stylist, Angel DeAngelis, requested John Masters Organics for use on the set. Other talent on whom the products were used, include Harrison Ford, Jeff Goldblum and Diane Keaton. After working with the products, here’s what Angel had to say, "I truly love what John Masters Organics does to the hair and body. My favorites are the Evening Primrose Shampoo for Dry Hair, : the Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner : and the Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash. : I find them very soothing, smoothing and nourishing. Working with hair and skin that is nourished and well maintained makes my job so much easier. It is wonderful to have a company that truly cares to make products with integrity, intelligence and love!"

BARNEY’S VERSION (Major Motion Picture)
Working with Minnie Driver (who was especially concerned with avoiding parabens as she is still nursing her baby), Rosamund Pike, Dustin Hoffman and Paul Giamatti, Key Stylist, Rejean Goderre, used John Masters Organics products on the set of Barney’s Version. Rejean let us know that Minnie Driver especially LOVED the Evening Primrose Shampoo : and Citrus & Neroli Detangler : and Rosamund Pike fell for the Zinc & Sage Shampoo with Conditioner, : Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructing Shampoo : and Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner. :

SCRUBS (TV Program)
Scrubs Stylists, Amy McHale and Amanda Mofield, are now stocking the show’s hair and makeup room with John Masters Organics. They’ve been excited to use the products on show veteran Sarah Chalke as well as fresh faces - Kerry Bishe, Eliza Coupe, Michael Mosley and Dave Franco.

THE BEAVER (Major Motion Picture)
Key Stylist, Angel DeAngelis, once again requested John Masters Organics for use behind-the-scenes and on-camera (in the protagonist couple’s bathroom) of this Jodi Foster production - currently underway - in which she co-stars with Mel Gibson. Angel will be reporting back to us soon on which products Jodie and Mel like most.

BETTE MIDLER & KELLI O’HARA (Stars of Screen & Stage)
Makeup Artist, Tanya Rae, has the distinct honor of being the makeup artist of choice for these two talented lovelies. A fan of John Masters Organics herself, Tanya knew that both of these smart and conscious women were interested in using safe, sustainable and effective products (Kelli just had a baby and Bette is a longtime environmentalist) and recently turned each of them onto John Masters Organics. Both are thrilled!

- John

10/14/09

Participating NYC spas and hair salons will donate or discount hair cuts to anyone who will donate their ponytail during this month-long event.

John Masters Organics Salon led the concept by being the very first salon to get on board and we will cut & style your hair for free if you donate your ponytail. It must be 8 inches or more of hair.

Donate Your Ponytail NYC was the brainchild of M. E. Morganteen (one of my clients when I still styled hair) responding to 5 different people who recently called her to say they had cancer.

Hoping to respond to these calls with something more substantive than fear she picked up her guitar and phone, calling a friend award winning Nashville singer songwriter, Mitch Malloy (lead singer of Van Halen). Together they looked at the resources and talent they had available. They were both songwriters, and they both had ponytails that could be donated to help create wigs for those battling cancer.

With a new song, new website their ponytails and and growing support from other recording artists and the beauty community....M.E. and Mitch turned to NYC to help lead the way and hopefully more cities to donate their hair.

In a few short months this has grown into a month long event. Thank you M.E. and Mitch Malloy. I have worked with several clients in the past battling cancer and I am telling you seeing the joy from happy clients after styling their hair gives you as much joy back.

To donate your ponytail at my salon call 212 343 9590 and we will book you an appointment, we would be very gratefull. Lets remember hair grows back so this is a wonderfull way to put a smile on someones face.

For more information on other salons participating or if you cannot donate a ponytail other ways to contribute including downloading M.E. and Mitch's song go to www.ifnothingeverchanged.com

-John

10/06/09

We won 2 prestigious awards from the creator of The Beauty Bible and The Green Beauty Bible, Jo Fairley.

Their testers gave awards to both our Lip Calm and our Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor. Here's what they had to say:

John Masters Organics Lip Calm :
‘By far the best natural lip salve I’ve tried’ ; ‘nice to have in your handbag’ ; ‘lips felt less dry, even when it was really cold’ ; ‘prevented sore, chapped lips’.

John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor :
‘The best thing ever! My hair was transformed into glossy, weighty, swingy stuff ; I looked as if I’d just come out of a very expensive salon’ ; ‘I loved this --- it smelt amazingly fruity: felt I should be eating it; made my thick, coarse hair feel soft, shiny and silky’ ; ‘good for my frizzy hair’.

- John

9/24/09

John Masters Organics Green Team was busy during fashion week in NYC.

We have recently formed the John Masters Organics Green team in response to the numerous requests we get to sponsor and style hair at shows and events. The team consists of several very talented stylists and assistants that work in the NYC salon namely, Liz Osuwu, Amanda Cuzzacrea, Jen Parker, Dale Im, Rod Rayson, Brian Wallis & Joe Murray.

During NY fashion week for the first time there was a green option. The Green Shows Eco Fashion Week was a premeir event exclusively commited to eco friendly, ethically sound, fair trade fashion shows. There were seven designers participating and the JMO Green Team styled the hair for all seven shows over the two day period. The Green Shows took place on Sept. 15 and 16 and were by invitation only. The Green Shows were an obvious match for JMO and we were thrilled to hear so many designers were not only thinking but acting responsibly.

The designers participating were; Izzy Lane, Bahar Shampar, Tara St. James, House of Organic, Lara Miller, Mr. Larkin and Bodkin. All seven shows were great.

As Liz Osuwu, JMO Green Team event coordinater said: "The hair trends we saw on the runway represent a credo that we ascribe to here at John Masters Organics. Super Natural Beauty. Whether it was as simple as a slicked back pony or as fierce as a fishtail braid, we saw women become super heros with just a spray of Sea Mist. "

For me it was inspiring to see fantastic hair on the cat walk that was achieved by using only safe organic styling products, instead of the usual toxic cocktail of chemical styling products typically used. We have proved once again you can have fabulous hair using certified organic products, truly Super Natural Beauty.

Thank you Green Team for a job well done!

-John

Vanity Fair had a great write-up on their website. Check it out here.

9/23/09

Over the past weekend I had the pleasure of being a guest on two radio shows. On the Sept. 19 I was a guest on a Buffalo, NY station hosted by Katherine Kenwell Cich and on Saturday Sept. 20 on a Syracuse, NY station hosted by Wendy Myerson. This was the first time I have been interviewed on live radio and it was great fun. Thank you to both hosts and for the people who called in asking questions.

I wanted to share Katherine's goat story with you. It is a testimonial and quite cute. Its just more proof that our animal friends know more than we might think.

The other morning, I was photographing the children at Maple East Elementary enjoying a visit from Mr. Morton (a local farmer) when this baby goat ran around the children and jumped on me repeatedly while attempting to eat my hair. A very surprised Mr. Morton kept asking me what kind of conditioner I use. Of course, I told him John Masters Organics Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor. So wonderful, even the goats know.... :-)

- John

9/22/09

The New York Times has done a story about my efforts to do a "green" renovation of my 1755 home in upstate New York. Check it out here.

-John

9/9/09

I want to extend my thanks to all the JMO pet loving clients who purchased Dogpoo. I am delighted to announce a $6,000 donation to Animal Haven, a NYC based cruelty-free shelter & adoption center where I adopted my dog Maya.

We hope to raise thousands of more dollars to help Animal Haven continue to care for all the pets they have until they are adopted.

- John

8/18/09

If you want to talk about human rights, let's start with pure, safe drinking water for all humans.

In 1995 Ismail Serageldin, vice president of the World Bank (an agency in itself problematic in my opinion), wrote "If the wars of this century were fought over oil, the wars of the next century will be fought over water unless we change our approach to managing this precious and vital resource".

Fourteen years later this couldn't be more true. Between 1 and 2 billion people living in the developing world lack access to clean water and that number is expected to rise to 2.5 billion in 2010 with increased pollution and privatization of this natural resource. Not only is it a problem in the developing world, but a major problem we face right here in the USA & globally.

The public drinking water in the USA is loaded with a mix of toxic chemicals including sodium flouride (a by product of nuclear waste & the aluminum industry, the main ingredient in rat poison), chlorine, chloramine (chlorine with ammonia), alumuinium chlorohydrate, along with an array of pharmacueticals recently detected in major city water supplies which are not filtered out. Over 20 prescription drugs were found in NYC drinking water last year after testing and this rang true in other communities as well. I recommend no one drink the water from the tap unless you have a water purification system to take out what our gov't has put in the water claiming to make it safer.

Equally as disturbing is that water has now become a commodity, this would have been unthinkable just 20 years ago. Then, bottled water was certainly not an accepted part of everyday life. It is now normal to spend a few dollars a day on bottled water. Municipalities now charge for your water as well, something that was once free. Big corporations now promote their water as better and safer which is not always true. Huge profits are being made on something that for sure should be FREE & SAFE TO EVERY HUMAN ON THE PLANET! Talk about a human right, how about water to start with? Will water be the next oil? Let's hope not but we must speak out loudly now. Earlier this year to illustrate this point I was paying more for a gallon of water than for a gallon of gas in the country.

Maude Barlow (pictured left), chairperson of the Council of Canadians (Canada's largest advocacy organization), said to Mother Jones in 2005 "People don't understand how fast the world is becoming a desert." She stated "We need to declare water a public trust. Water belongs to the Earth and all species. It belongs to future generations. We need to challenge the world bank and trade agreements. We have to take back the power to this thing that is essential to life".

Carbon emmisions from homes, cars & power plants are changing the chemical composition of the oceans by increasing the water acidity, which leads to a breakdown in the ocean's food chain. Riverkeeper found that 10 out of 13 leading species in the Hudson River have been on the decline since the 1980's. This is another serious issue that must be addressed concerning water.

We must not only demand that our water supply be cleaned and toxic cocktails of chemicals be removed from our municipal drinking water supplies, but we must also conserve water and stop wasting it.

Here are a few easy tips on water conservation and less carbon emmisions:

Decrease your shower time by two minutes and you can save approximately 250 gallons of water a month.

Upgrade your shower head to a slow-flow, water-efficient model and save up to 17,000 gallons a year. Several on the market can save up to 40% of water used by older shower heads.

Every home that turns the thermostat down by 2 degrees in the winter & up 4 degrees in the summer can cut 2,000 lbs of carbon emmision a year.

A gallon of gas produces 25 lbs of carbon so walking, bicycling, carpooling or public transportation can make a difference.

Collect rainwater & use it to water plants & vegetables. This practice is actually outlawed in a few parts of the country. I guess the corporate-controlled gov't wants to own rain now, very scary. Imagine, it is illegal to collect rainwater on your own property.

Don't leave water running the entire time when washing & rinsing dishes.

Run your washing machine only when full.You can save up to 100 gallons a month.

Spread a layer of organic mulch around plants and gardens to help retain moisture.

Check your faucets, toilet and outdoor hose for leaks.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or while shaving. This can save 25-50 gallons a month.

Get rid of your garbage disposal and start a compost instead. Saves up to 150 gallons a month.

Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Taller lawns shade roots and holds moisture better.

JUST A 10% REDUCTION IN OUR WATER USAGE WOULD MAKE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON IMPROVING THE BLEAK OUTLOOK POTENTIALLY FACING US.

-John

6/24/09

In April and May John Masters Organics received some fantastic press, with mentions in Elle, Vanity Fair and Teen Vogue just to name a few.

Now, just last week we received a call from people at Paramount pictures that the gorgeous and talented young actress Rachel McAdams (Mean Girls, The Notebook) has just requested that John Masters Organics products be used on the set of her new upcoming movie "Morning Glory" filming in New York City this summer. It is an honor with all the brands out there, Rachel McAdams personally wants our product line to be the official hair and skin care line for her movie set.

In addition we were notified by the Fox Network hit TV show "24" - that has already been using our products on the cast - will also have John Masters Organics products on-set in an episode of their next upcoming season in January.

It is nice to know that there are more networks and celebrities who are becoming more green and eco-aware. They feel, as my loyal customers and I do, that it's important to become aware and do something about the harmful chemicals being used on our bodies and released into the environment."

-John

3/27/09

After the Teens Turning Green Summit in Anaheim I was headed south to LA to appear on a TV segment for an environmental show to air on the Sundance channel. In between events I had an oppurtunity to drive to Big Sur and spend some time at the Esalen Institute.

The Esalen Institute was founded in 1962 as an alternative education center devoted to the exploration of "human potential", the world of unrealized human capacities that lies beyond the imagination.

There are various ways to experience Esalen, which include overnight visits, personal retreats, weekend and 5 day workshops and work study programs.

This place is simply magical and powerful. First of all the location in Big Sur is breathtakingly beautiful. Set high on a cliff overlooking the ocean with a community of people there commited to self exploration and growth, it truly nourishes the body, mind heart and soul. For me it was a life changing experience. That was just after 3 nights and 4 days there. It was a reminder to me of the spirit and reason I started John Masters Organics over 20 years ago. Being in NYC sometimes we don't take the time to nourish our spirit as we can easily get wrapped up in the daily pressures of business and stimulation that constantly surrounds us. I have made a concentrated effort to make sure I take time everyday now to enhance the spirit I felt at Esalen. Just a few minutes a day to start, before you know it you want to spend more time and seem to have it. Even just closing your eyes for 5 minutes while listening to beautiful, peaceful music can do wonders for you and anyone can do that.

As mentioned there are various ways to experience Esalen. I was there on a personal retreat. During a personal retreat you can attend a number of classes including yoga, meditation, estatic dance and more depending on when you are there. You also have access to their world famous natural hot springs baths which are hanging over a cliff and all you see is ocean and sky. It is open 24 hours a day and is equally amazing in daytime or under the stars. You can literally stay for hours. Esalen is famous for their latest massage techniques and you can experience a number of different techniques by appointment. As if all this wasn't enough your stay also includes 3 delicious meals a day. I was impressed by the food (buffet style all you can eat) offered. All vegetables are organically grown on the property and meat is offered to those who desire it. Snacks, beverages are available all day at no extra cost.

Another thing I appreciated about Esalen: no cell phone service-yes!! Imagine no phones constantly ringing and people being more involved with cell phones seemingly instead of direct interaction with another human being. You can get online in designated areas except during mealtime and there are old fashioned pay phones on the property if you need to call someone.

I must say I never left the property while I was there and could have stayed much much longer. I met wonderful people while there and had great conversations.

I want to thank all the teachers and residents at Esalen for helping make this place so magical. I can't wait to get back there and I highly recommend it to all that want to foster personal and social transformation while enjoying a restorative retreat. I cannot say enough about Esalen - just get there!!!
-John

For more info and to see upcoming workshops go to esalen.org

3/24/09

Teens Turning Green is a coalition led by teenagers to educate the public and each other about safe and healthy lifestyle choices. On Feb 9th I spoke at their national summit in Anaheim, CA.

In addition to educating the public about greener alternative choices in cosmetic and personal care products (many have links to cancer, birth defects and reproductive issues) they also are getting politically involved by pressuring our elected officials to do the right thing by passing laws that protect us.

Ok, so these dynamic, passionate high school teens played a key role in passing SB484, the California Safe Cosmetics Act in 2005. The governor was set to veto the bill but their last minute lobbying effort changed his mind and he signed the bill into law. Wow!!

Impressed yet? We are only beginning. In 2007 the teens went back to Sacremento to lobby for the Toxic Toy Bills Act, which is to ban phylates from childrens' toys and baby nipples. Again the govenor was set to veto the bill and the teens changed his mind. Fantastic!

These organized teens now have a current campaign to ban lead in lipstick. Believe it or not they tested 33 lipsticks including very high end products and 60% of them contained lead. Yes lead. "Lips Against Lead" is the campaign, check it out online at teensturninggreen.org/about-us/lips-against-lead.html . This past August 2008 a California bill to ban lead in lipstick lost by one vote. This bill is being re-introduced and I know the teens will have a major role in this bill being passed due to their ongoing effort. Come on elected officials, lipstick should not contain lead that gets into your mouth and directly into your body!!!

This organization is so inspiring to me I am honored to suppot them. There are chapters popping up all over the country, so teens wanting to join, now is the time. Go to teensturninggreen.org for more info. Parents should take notice on how powerfull our voices and actions can be.

Together we really can change the world.
-John

3/11/09
Rye extract is an amazing new ingredient that I've added to my newly- reformulated Firming Eye Gel. It's something you need to know about because it works so well!

Arabinoxylans found in the seeds of rye are responsible for the cohesion and mechanical resistance of the plant. The resistance is primarily working against gravity which wants to pull things down, including skin, resulting in sagging.

As we age, cells begin to lose their retractable properties over time, collagen fibers fragment and normal human fibroblast attachment to support decreases, all resulting in crows feet and sagging around the delicate skin around the eyes. The rye extract we use boosts the natural skin machinery involved in resisting these effects and restores the natural lifting properties of the skin. You will feel the lift after your first application.

Tested in vivo directly on humans (no other animals), after 56 days of twice a day application, the rye extract we use has shown significant anti-wrinkle properties, firms the skin and increases skin tone and tension resulting in visible improvement. Crows feet disappear and the skin around the eyes feels lifted and tighter.

I am so sure you will be satisfied with my newly-reformulated eye gel with certified organic ingredients and no nasty chemicals that I am offering a 25% discount on Firming Eye Gel orders in March. I really want you to try it and enjoy the results.

Super Natural Beauty -Feel Good about Yourself & the Planet
- John

1/31/09
Introducing my all-new, more organic skincare formulas!

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.

-John

Check them out here.

1/31/09
A lot of people wonder how you can be green in a big city. These days, I find that there are so many opportunities available to people, you can be green no matter where you live. Aside from my commitment to owning a green business, in 2006 I decided to join Global Green USA. The non-profit organization’s main focus is fighting global climate change and they are spearheading a number of projects that aim to create greener buildings and cities.

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!

-John

Learn more about Global Green (and make a donation!) here

To find out how to help make a greener world check out these links:

Oprah’s Going Green 101

Real Simple’s Green Living

1/31/09
In 2007, I bought an 18th-century stone house in upstate New York. I think reusing is always better than buying new, even when it comes to houses. I say, take an existing house and make it green! In my Organic Home blog posts, I’ll periodically update you on my progress as I make my old house as eco-friendly as possible.

Bottled Water

Speaking of making things green, 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.

-John

Want more information? Check out these links:

Ecological Water Filters

A World of Reasons to Ditch Bottled Water

Is your Tap Water Safe? Find out from the EPA

Green Your Water Bottle

5 Ways to Improve Your Tap Water