Good Better Best - Living GBB

Local on 2

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:33:22 -0600

Local on 2 talks healthier products with Good Better Best!

We had such an amazing morning with Stephanie Langston and Laura Schweizer at Local on 2 recently, chatting about healthier and more sustainable options to your home cleaning, beauty and skincare products. We absolutely adore these ladies. Watch the full segment here.

Your Body is Your #1 Gift

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 11:55:05 -0600

Another day, another year around the sun and all the voices asking what you are going to resolve to do with this next year. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a resolution is “a promise to yourself to do or to not do something”. These promises we make to ourselves in January of each year often consist of promises to change. We make commitments to change the way we look, the way we act, the way we spend our time and often the ways in which we eat and move our bodies.

I am no different in having made these promises to myself, declaring the ways in which I will make substantial habit changes and then finding it difficult to uphold for a couple of months, let alone a year. So, this year I thought I would take a different approach- rather than resolve to make a big ‘change’, I’ve decided to focus on 7 lifestyle habits.

Our everyday habits play a major role in our health; the food we eat, the products we use, the amount we rest, how we spend our money and the way we spend our time. If we narrow down all the ‘things we do’ to simple tasks and focus on them one at a time, we can make significant impacts to improve our health, support our communities and make strides toward preserving our planet.

Having a list of 7 habits may seem more difficult than that one resolution, until you see this list and consider the reasons why focusing on the simple lifestyle habits to employ everyday could have the greatest impact of all. AND we have a full year (or more!) to continue to work on building lifestyle habits which are Best for You!

Consider tackling this list one at a time. Maybe there are a few you already have mastered, or other ideas you would add; the idea is to start with the basics and take the time needed to build a habit which you no longer think too much about. We know one of the greatest motivations for change is either a personal experience or having a sense of accountability to either yourself or others. With this in mind, please read on to consider the “why” you would want to consider focusing on daily lifestyle habits to make a big impact.

The why starts with studies which have found increases in certain cancers at younger ages, higher rates of autoimmune conditions, and more people experiencing fertility challenges—trends researchers are actively studying.

Our environment and the products we use are increasingly being studied for their potential impacts on our health, and we are only going to continue to learn more about how our daily choices can change our overall health and wellbeing.

One ground breaking study in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, launched in 1994 (30 years ago!!) by The Silent Spring Institute to evaluate the higher incidence of breast cancer in Cape Cod than the statewide rate from a 1993 study, found an association between longer residence on Cape Cod and increased breast cancer risk, after accounting for known risk factors. This research launched further extensive studies into household exposures. Since this time, The Silent Spring has contributed to identifying over 900 chemicals that show biological activity linked to breast cancer development.

These few studies noted here are just the tip of the iceberg. And rather than overwhelm, we can start by taking small steps to become informed about how our daily activities can drive change to create better outcomes today and for future generations. These solutions may feel ‘hard’ not because we don’t know what to do, because they aren’t always convenient. Well that my friends how we can work together to make choices that when demanded in mass will change our standards for everyday living.

As we head into another new year, consider resolutions and self-promises designed to make long lasting impacts on your health and for your family. Let’s start small – with no purchase required…just thoughtful decisions for you and yours.

One change at a time, one focus area a month, could change your entire life. Your body is your gift, let’s treat it with kindness.

1. Spend time with friends and family

Relationships are strongly linked to longevity and overall wellbeing. While you may be in the presence of others often, consider taking active steps to be present in others presence. Put down the devices, make eye contact and lead with curiosity.

A 2023 study by the World Economic Forum and Mercer states “The latest discovery from what is believed to be the longest study into human happiness suggests that the secret of a long and healthy life lies in forging and maintaining good, close relationships with other people.”

2. Drink Clean Water

Working from home and missing that water cooler? Forgetting to take a break to fill up your fancy water bottle? Make it a priority to drink an adequate amount for your body and lifestyle – learn how to determine “adequate” here.

Your body needs water to support liver and kidney function and keep our skin looking young and healthy.

*Want to ensure you are drinking clean water? Check out the EWG’s Tap Water Database

3. Focus on Sleep

A dark room away from devices and interruptions will go a long way. When possible, find your natural rhythm and/or establish a routine which allows your body and mind to achieve rest. Without sleep we cannot survive, so do yourself a favor and put thought into how you rest.

4. Eat whole, fresh foods

Recent research published in The Lancet has highlighted associations between ultra-processed food consumption and adverse health outcomes.

I know, I know – whole foods may not feel as convenient as the many quick options made available to us.

The great news? The number of companies focused on finding new ways to use better ingredients to provide easier options. Reading labels or sticking fresh whole food options will be the best path to change.

Altering the way we eat is not about perfection, it is about progress! So how do you begin?

· Start with 1 day a week or 1 meal a day. Evaluate what you are eating to determine if it is “ultra-processed” and where possible make alternate food decisions.

· Search for a local farm and/or CSA (Community Sourced Agriculture) program which is transparent in their use of pesticides and farming practices.

5. Move your body

Set small achievable goals. Try not to commit to something which takes a large amount of time, will make you so sore you never want to try again, or makes you feel uncomfortable. Walking, yardwork, stretching in front of the TV and dancing in your closet…it all counts!

The World Health Organization details how physical activity and daily movement supports both our mental and physical health.

6. Meet the sun

Vitamin D plays an important role in immune function and overall health. The Cleveland Clinic shares guidance on how much time in the sun is beneficial.

Get out in the sun and find out how soaking up some rays can have positive effects on mood.

7. Start to Swap your everyday products; Less toxic and more sustainable.

Become an informed consumer to contribute to better health and a better earth. As mentioned above, the environmental exposures may be a significant contributor to many chronic diseases.

Making individual changes, product by product, and demanding better options is one way you can support your health, the planet and making a bigger change.

At Good Better Bestwe can support you in this journey and provide tools to Start the Swap. Reach out to schedule a Discovery Call. We are here to support your journey to establishing daily lifestyle habits which are less toxic and more sustainable.

Our mission at Good Better Best is rooted in the belief that small, thoughtful choices can lead to meaningful change—choices that are Good for the Planet, Better for our Communities, and Best for You. My goal in sharing this information is not to prescribe or diagnose, but to help simplify complex topics and offer practical ideas that people can realistically apply in their everyday lives. I believe meaningful change doesn’t come from perfection, but from curiosity, intention and small steps taken over time.

I am not a scientist or medical professional, and I do not claim to be an expert in these fields. I am someone who cares deeply about health, sustainability, and everyday choices that shape our lives. This article is based on personal research, ongoing learning, conversations with experts, and a growing body of publicly available studies that explore how lifestyle habits and environmental factors may influence wellbeing.

A Better Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:09:03 -0600

Many common holiday gifts can contain hidden toxic chemicals that can disrupt hormones or that have been linked to cancer. We've put together a list of some of our less toxic and more sustainable, perfectly giftable favorites for this holiday season.

Little Seed Farm Bourbon Beard Oil $19.99: We love Little Seed Farm's more sustainable glass packaging and the simple, natural ingredients in this luxurious beard oil. Daily use softens hair, moisturizes skin, and keeps his beard fresh all day.
LEAF Shave Twig Razor $89: this is truly the gift that keeps on giving, as this investment piece will last him a lifetime. This zero-waste razor constructed from stainless steel has replaceable blades (without the icky, mystery-ingredient lubricating strips) and is designed especially for our favorite face-shavers.
LEAF Shave Bowl and Brush Set $79: The Leaf Shave Bowl and Brush set transforms his shave from routine to ritual. A rich, creamy lather makes all the difference, helping him get the smoothest, most comfortable shave possible. Thoughtfully designed with durable, no-slip grips and modern features, this duo is the ultimate way to elevate his mornings. (And we won't tell if you decide to use it, too!)
Good Better Best Trucker Cap $24.99: This trucker cap is made with recycled materials, but still super comfortable and easy to wear. Each hat comes with a QR code where you can see it's entire lifecycle.
Emogene & Co Hydrate Moisture Accelerator $48: Because guys need skin care too. This locally made, deeply moisturizing serum is perfect for all skin types and is amazing as an aftershave leaving his skin kissably soft. It is packaged in recyclable glass and is even refillable here at our GBB studio!
Emogene & Co All Purpose Healing Balm $17: This balm really does it ALL. Using simple and transparent ingredients, he can use it on rough dry hands, cuticles, or for cuts and scrapes. The 1 oz container is the perfect size to keep in a glove box or first aid kit. It is also refillable at our GBB studio.
Humble Deodorant $12.99: Just 4 simple ingredients, plus botanically-based fragrances. Formulated to absorb & neutralize body odors, this deo will leave him smelling so fresh and so clean without aluminum and hormone disrupters. Plus the compostable paperboard packaging means this deo is also zero-waste. Black Spruce and Palo Santo & Frankincense are two of our favorite scents for men, but this deo comes in 8 scents + an unscented option.
Wild Meadow Soaps Hair Soap $8: This locally hand made, no-waste hair soap will leave his hair so soft, silky, and strong that you'll want to run your fingers through it nonstop.
GBB Better Up Consultation $150: We know how overwhelming and time consuming it can be to research better-for-you products. Give the gift of time and care to your loved ones. Let us do the work and create a personalized plan, without hassle or stress.
A custom gift basket: You tell us your budget and who you're shopping for, and we curate the perfect gift. Email us to request recommendations for a personalized gift basket.

Shop Holiday Gift Ideas for Him

Need more ideas? Check out out Better Holiday Gift Guide: For Her .

A Better Holiday Gift Guide: For Her

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:07:15 -0600

Many common holiday gifts, such as lotions, soaps, and candles can contain hidden toxic chemicals that can disrupt our hormones or that have been linked to cancer. We've put together a list of some of our less toxic and more sustainable, perfectly giftable favorites for this holiday season.

Little Seed Farm Mini Holiday Body Oil $11.99: We love Little Seed Farm's more sustainable glass packaging and the simple, natural ingredients in this luxurious body oil. Package in a mini, 1 oz bottle, this is practically begging to be gifted! The limited edition Vanilla Peppermint is lovely for holiday season (but also comes in other scents if that's not your jam). Consider the larger 4 oz size for even more indulgence.
Poppy and Monroe Sugar Scrub $30: Locally crafted by a small, woman owned business. This hydrating blend of shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and lemongrass delivers a boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, leaving your skin refreshed and rejuvenated.
rms Mini Lip Oil Trio $35: Like clean skin care, for your lips- aka essential during the cool, dry months. This trio is great for gifting as a set, or splitting apart, and features no endocrine disrupting chemicals commonly found in lip products.
LEAF razor in Rose Gold $109: this is truly the gift that keeps on giving as this investment piece will last a lifetime. This zero waste razor constructed from stainless steel has replaceable blades (without the icky, mystery-ingredient lubricating strips). Plus, the rose gold!? *chef's kiss*
Emogene & Co Hydrate Moisture Accelerator $48: this locally made, anti-aging, deeply moisturizing serum is perfect for all skin types and the epitome of luxury. It is packaged in recyclable glass and is even refillable here at our GBB studio!
Emogene & Co All Purpose Healing Balm $17: This balm really does it ALL. Using simple and transparent ingredients, you can use it on dry spots, cuticles, lips, or as the first step in a double cleansing routine, and is also refillable at our GBB studio.
Planet Friendly Hair Ties $15: Made from soft organic cotton and durable natural rubber, these hair ties are organic, biodegradable, and perfect for everyday use while being gentle on your hair and kind to the planet.
Sibling Candle Refill Kit $29: traditional candles may contain petroleum derivatives and non-disclosed fragrances that can release harmful chemicals polluting the air in our homes. Enter this cleaner candle alternative, featuring coconut and soy wax with safer scent oils. Plus they are SUPER fun to make, reusing any upcycled vessel.
GBB Better Up Consultation $150: We know how overwhelming and time consuming it can be to research better-for-you products. Give the gift of time and care to your loved ones. Let us do the work and create a personalized plan, without hassle or stress for them with a gift card valid for a Better Up Plan
A custom gift basket: You tell us your budget and who you're shopping for, and we curate the perfect gift. Email us to request a personalized gift basket.

Shop Holiday Gift Ideas for Her

Need more ideas? Check out our Better Holiday Gift Guide: For Him.

Your Guide to a Good, Better, Best Holiday Season

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:06:28 -0600

It's the most wonderful time of the year. The one where we slide in to cooler temperatures and celebrate the holidays with family and friends. And yes, also the season for gifts. The tradition of gift giving to celebrate goes back centuries, but what started as a way to honor and emulate religious figures has essentially been highjacked by hyper-consumerism (and maybe even some stress for those of us whose love language is not "Gift Giving").

Americans are estimated to have spent over $10 Billion (yes, that's billion with a "B") on unwanted gifts last year. An estimated 16% of people end up throwing at least one unused gift directly into the trash. Aside from the money wasted (which primarily benefits big box store corporations), the packaging, wrapping, and boxes contribute to an average of approximately a 25% increase PER household in waste production from Thanksgiving to New Years'! That's over a hundred million bags of trash in the landfill each Christmas season!

We also should consider the exposure to toxic chemicals that could potentially be hidden in inexpensive home and personal care items that are frequently gifted. Mass produced and inexpensive lotions, lip products, and candles are holiday gift giving staples that can all contain harmful, endocrine disrupting or cancer causing chemicals. I'm pretty sure none of us want to give harmful gifts, since the point of gift giving is to show we care. We just have be mindful of what we purchase!

Friends, we can (and must) do better this season!

Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

1. Prioritize experience gifts whenever possible. Treat a friend to a nice dinner or a spa experience. Gift a Good Better Best Better Up consultation to give the gift of time back as we take research and logistics of swapping to less toxic and more sustainable products off their plate. Take the grandkids to the park or a movie. Take a trip together. The real gift is time (something none of us seem to have enough of!), and shared memories with YOU.

2. Consider second hand gifts from thrift shops. Vintage t-shirts are fire with the teens. Give books or board games a second life. Vinyls are making a big comeback!

3. If buying new, consider practical and functional objects, rather than inexpensive gifts that won't last through the season. Check out our Gift Guides for Her and for Him for less toxic and more sustainable gifts they are sure to love. We have curated lists of gift ideas that minimize exposure to toxins, prioritize sustainable packaging, and support small businesses.

4. Shop local and support small businesses. Billionaires don't need your money, but your local mom and pop store sure does. Shopping local supports job creation, reduces carbon footprint (less shipping), and money spent here is much more likely to actually stay in your community.

Better Holiday Gift Guide: For Her

Better Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

Ingredients to Avoid: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:37:17 -0600

What it Is:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) are closely related surfactants. Surfactants are a type of chemical that have an effect on the surfaces they touch. They are commonly used to make products lather, reduce surface tension to break bonds in order to trap dirt and clean surfaces, and help other chemicals emulsify or mix (like oil and water). SLES is an ethoxylated derivative of SLS, meaning it has been processed using ethylene oxide.

Where it is found:

It might be easier to tell you where they are NOT found, because SLES and SLS are found in a HUGE variety of personal care products, such as:

foaming facewash, laundry detergent, shampoo, soap, and toothpaste, just to name a few. They can also be found in cleaning products and even used a food additive in the United States (The use of SLS as a food additive is banned in Europe).

Why we avoid it:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can be derived from either petroleum or vegetable based sources, such as palm oil - and there's no way to tell which you're getting based on current labeling standards. Petroleum is a non-renewable resource. And while Palm Oil can be regrown, the extraction can also lead to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss, so SLS is not great from an environmental standpoint. In addition to the environmental impacts of the raw materials used to derive this ingredient, SLS is also a very common skin irritant. It's pretty harsh on your skin barrier and hair, and can cause dryness, redness, itching, flaking, and strips your skin and hair of natural oils. If you experience eczema, you may want to consider evaluating and avoiding this (and related ingredients) in all products that come in to contact with your skin (including laundry detergent!). Additionally as we wash these chemicals away and down our drains, they can build up in soil and water, and have even been linked to neurotoxicity of aquatic life.

SLES is a derivative of SLS, so all the same sourcing concerns regarding environmental impact still apply. Because SLS is so harsh, it's often processed in to SLES. The ethoxylation process makes for a chemical that is overall gentler, but even SLES is linked to skin and eye irritation which can build up over time. This means you might be able to use a product for a while without a reaction and suddenly develop a sensitivity to these harsh chemicals. However, the bigger concern is that in the ethoxylation process, SLES is commonly contaminated with measurable amounts of 1,4-dioxane, which is a suspected human carcinogen. I'm sorry, what? Erin, did you just say a chemical commonly found in my facewash could be linked to cancer? Yep. And that's a NO from these 2 cancer survivors, especially when there are safer alternatives available that don't have links to suspected carcinogens!

Because 1,4-dioxane is a contaminant/by product and not an ingredient intentionally added by manufacturers, it won't be listed on an ingredient label. And you definitely won't find it listed on cleaning products, whose ingredients don't even legally have to be disclosed. This is why we choose to avoid the potentially contaminated ingredients all together.

Also Known As:

In personal care products where ingredients must be listed, SLES may also be called:

● DSSTOX_GSID_29298

● DSSTOX_RID_78753

● SODIUM POLYOXYETHYLENE (7) LAURYL ETHER SULFATE

● SCHEMBL675596

● 95508-27-3

● POLY(OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL), ALPHA-SULFO-OMEGA-(DODECYLOXY)-, SODIUM SALT

● GLYCOLS, POLYETHYLENE, MONO(HYDROGEN SULFATE), DODECYL ETHER, SODIUM SALT

● SODIUM POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (5) LAURYL ETHER SULFATE

● C14H29O5S.NA

● SODIUM POLYOXYETHYLENE (12) LAURYL ETHER SULFATE

Read your labels (or let us do it for you!) and avoid products containing any of these.

TLDR (Summary):

SLS and SLES are very common and widely associated with skin, eye, lung, and scalp irritation. The manufacturing process that derives SLES from SLS makes SLES a more gentle and better tolerated chemical, but also introduces the potential for contamination by cancer-causing agents. There are also concerns about the environmental impact of these ingredients, which may be derived from petroleum with negative environmental impacts, and may also be toxic to aquatic life. We avoid these ingredients in products we recommend because they are not good for the planet, better for our communities, OR best for you.

References:

EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database (2007-2016). Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Available online: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706089/SODIUM_LAURETH_SULFATE/ December 8, 2016.

ConsumerNotice.Org

Johannes Reiner G. Asio, Janice S. Garcia, Charalabos Antonatos, Janice B. Sevilla-Nastor, Lorele C. Trinidad. “Sodium lauryl sulfate and its potential impacts on organisms and the environment: A thematic analysis” Emerging Contaminants, Volume 9, Issue 1, 2023, 100205, ISSN 2405-6650, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emcon.2023.100205.

Our Product Selection Process

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:18:06 -0600

The mission at Good Better Best is to "Make Better Easy". We sort through the many products in the marketplace which are labeled as 'clean' or 'natural' to ensure that the products you purchase with the intent of being non-toxic or harmful are truly meeting your demands. We want you to know our top priority is to select products and companies who have a similar mission and want to truly help us have healthier bodies, homes and planet.

Our products are selected individually, not a broad brush of a vendor, to ensure we prioritize getting the best options for you. In an ideal world all of our products would be the Best for our bodies and our planet. While we work to achieve this, we have chosen to prioritize our Bodies (your health) as the number one priority, followed closely in importance by selecting products which a smaller impact on our planet and communities.

All product ingredients are assessed for any harmful toxins. We have an absolute NO list along with an extensive list of ingredients to avoid. You can find our NO list below. There are also many resources we refer to as guidance, including the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Silent Spring Institute. These are trusted resources who help us to determine how we can all make better choices.

We will always be transparent with our process, our reasons for recommendations and our product selections. We do this work so you don't have to!

Just Say NO to these ingredients:

Fragrance

Pthalates

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Bisphenol S (BPS)

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3)

Tricolosan (TCS)

Triclocarban (TCC)

2,4-dicholorophenol (24-DCP)

2,5-dichlorophenol (25-DCP)

Butyl paraben (B-PE)

Ethyl paraben (E-PB)

Methyl paraben (M-PB)

PEG compounds

1,4-dioxide

Sodium laureth sulfate

Methylisothiazolinone (MI)

The Better Up Approach

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:17:31 -0600

Helping you Make Better Easy through our unique approach

Inform and Empower

We believe knowledge is power. Our plan begins with an consultative session where we’ll explore the impact of everyday products on our bodies and environment. From home to personal care products, we’ll discuss plans and a timeframe to begin making changes.

Product Swaps

We’ll recommend specific product swaps to meet your lifestyle needs. Suggested swaps include cleaning products, reusable containers, and personal care products which perform to your standards. We source and bring the products to you, make the swaps and determine the best plan for refills and sustainability that work for your life.

Customization

Your lifestyle and preferences matter. We’ll tailor the plan to fit your unique needs, ensuring a smooth transition which is sustainable. There is not a one size fits all solution to the everyday products we use. We adjust based on your needs.

Step-by-Step

We know changing habits can be hard, especially if it is not convenient. We make it easy to adopt better for your choices without compromising quality or performance.

Track your Impact

You will see the impact you are making for your health and our world. We track the reduction of toxic ingredients entering your home and the positive impact you are making on the plant.

Why choose the Good Better Best Lifestyle?

Good for our Planet

Reducing plastic waste, conserving water, and supporting sustainable practices—our choices matter. Let’s create a positive impact together.

Better for our Communities

What we put into the ground and air around us impacts our community. If we work together we can reduce the toxins in the world around us, not only help you but supporting the ones you care for.

Best for You

By choosing our product swaps, you’re investing in your health. Say goodbye to harmful chemicals and hello to better-for-you ingredients