Good Stuff: Pink Means Prevention

October is, as we all know, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Stores everywhere are overflowing with pink merchandise that somehow is supposed to “benefit the cause.” Most of this, sadly, is nothing but pinkwashing. We think the focus should be on prevention, living as healthfully as possible and doing everything we can to avoid getting this horrible disease in the first place. Here’s some good stuff to help you along.

ECO logical skincare sunscreen
Keep your skin healthy by using a natural sunscreen that delivers maximum broad spectrum protection every day. This one’s light enough for daily use, works well under makeup and absorbs well. Bonus: it’s also loaded with antioxidants that reduce signs of aging, support cellular renewal and aid in circulation.
$13.99, futurenatural.com

The China Study
This is the most important book you will ever read. It may even save your life. Dr. T. Colin Campbell details the connection between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and also its ability to reduce or reverse the risk or effects of these deadly illnesses. The China Study also examines the source of nutritional confusion produced by powerful lobbies, government entities, and irresponsible scientists.
$11.87, thechinastudy.com

Breville Juicer
The key to health is in prevention. Juicing fruits and veggies provides you with important nutrients and helps keep your body alkaline. A healthy and happy body is less prone to any kind of disease, particularly cancer, heart disease and diabetes. This juicer (which I use myself on a daily basis) is affordable and will fit on your kitchen counter.
$299.99, brevilleusa.com

Customizable Love Bottle
Make your green juice in the morning and carry it with you in this BPA-free reusable glass bottle with a watertight swing-top lid made of stainless steel, ceramic, and silicone. Customize your Love Bottle by adding stickers, bands or written affirmations for yourself or loved ones directly on the bottle. Write (with a permanent marker) on the clear part and it comes off in the wash, write on the printed part and your message stays. A portion of the profits will go to support Breast Cancer survivors.
$18, lovebottle.net

Vibram Five Finger Shoes
Exercise is another very important part of disease prevention. The benefits of running barefoot have long been supported by scientific research, and there is evidence that training without shoes allows you to run faster and farther with fewer injuries. Actually running barefoot may not always be so practical, but these five finger shoes are the closest thing to it.
$80, vibramfivefingers.com

Pink Hemp Bracelet
Being healthy is about what you eat, what you drink and what you think. Let’s not underestimate the value of emotional support and feeling connected to the loved ones in your life. Call me sentimental, but I love the idea of cementing the bonds with the amazing women in your life by trading friendship bracelets. This one is made from eco-friendly hemp and available in custom sizes. Or, why not make your own?
$7, etsy.com/people/customhemptreasures

Yogitoes Pink Skidless Yoga Towel
If you do Bikram yoga, or just sweat a lot (I do) one of these mats will transform your practice. The skidless towel is lightweight, super-absorbent, and has tiny clear rubber dots that grip to your yoga mat, which means that instead of worrying about slipping you can deepen your awareness and get more out of your yoga practice. A portion of each sale will be donated to the Dr. Susan Love Foundation.
$49.95, everythingyoga.com

Ecoist Pink Hope Chica Rosa
Ok, this one is not about prevention, but a gal needs to look good to feel good too, right? This coin purse (or mini-clutch) is handmade in Brazil by Women’s Cooperatives, using 200 recycled aluminum pop tops, hand crocheted together. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ecoist will donate 10% of sales of the Pink Hope Collection for the month of October.
$42, ecoist.com