Don't Do Anything Rash…

Gardening season is in full bloom, so don't let skin irritations keep you from digging all the way in. Sun, heat and humidity, as well as exposure to certain plants and biting insects, may lead to skin rashes and irritations. The best way to avoid rashes is to protect your skin and avoid the irritant, but that's not always possible. If you experience occasional skin rashes and irritations as a result of spending time outdoors—don't scratch. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, and avoid clothing that may have come in contact with the irritant. After washing, consult an old friend—Watkins Red Clover Salve. Red clover is a natural skin treatment that has been used for centuries to treat skin discomforts. It may be just what you need to avoid those little bumps in life.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Grape News for Your Skin!

The newest anti-aging beauty treatment doesn't require surgery, acid peels or injections. A few dabs of grapeseed oil onto your skin and around the eye area can help diminish fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin's appearance, and make it feel as smooth as silk. In the days of Cleopatra, women applied the leftovers from winemaking directly onto their skin, and those who stomped grapes at Italian wineries noted the smoothness of their skin. It wasn't until recently, however, that the anti-aging and skin beautifying properties were attributed to the oil inside the grapeseeds. You'll find traces of grapeseed oil in some high-end cosmetics, but you'll get the greatest benefits by applying grapeseed oil directly onto the skin. Extremely light and absorbent, Watkins All-Natural Body Oils contain pure, all-natural grapeseed oil in a unique blend of natural plant oils and vitamin E for smooth, vibrant, younger-looking skin.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Here's the dirt on food!

Lunchtime - a spoonful of this, a handful of that, a dab of ...dirt? Like it or not, we actually eat several pounds of dirt in our lifetime, according to Susan Moores, a St. Paul, Minnesota, dietitian. Luckily, Mom was right - a little dirt never hurt anyone - but there are a few other culprits that are cause for concern. Bugs, weeds and other critters wreak havoc on plants, and chemicals ar often used to keep them away. Since these chemicals are specifically designed not to wash off in the rain, it stands to reason that they won't wash off with tap water, either. Even organically-grown foods harbor dirt, insects and bacteria that water alone won't wash off. If the thought of ingesting dirt and other foreign matter isn't very appetizing, Watkins Fresh Wash can help make it all a little easier to swallow. Fresh Wash is proven to work 400% better than rinsing with water alone, removing over 90% of surface contaminants and impurities. It even doubles the healthy life of lettuce. Choose from spray or concentrate - either way, it will definitely clean your palate!

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

The Agony of De Feet

If you're itching to kick off your boots and tiptoe through the tulips, you'd better do some "sole" searching first. If there's one part of our body that we tend to neglect, it's our feet. With proper care, you'll feel good about baring your soles, and you may even avoid having to foot the bill for a doctor visit. If your feet are looking a little rough around the edges, try Watkins Peppermint Foot Scrub with pure peppermint oil and pumice-it will rid your feet of dry, dead skin and smooth out the rough spots. For a surge of energy that will absolutely knock your socks off, massage your feet everyday with Watkins Peppermint Foot Cream. The pure peppermint oil will energize your entire body and help to relieve pain and itching. If you work out, apply Peppermint Foot Cream before exercise. Research shows the aroma of peppermint can help you work harder and faster, resulting in more calories burned during exercise. Both are available at Watkins Museum and Store, just a pumice stone's throw from downtown.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Kosher Products

Some Watkins product labels are imprinted with a
Kosher symbol. The appearance of this symbol on
any product means that the product has been certified
Kosher by officials of the Jewish faith. The
specific symbol appearing on our products represents
the organization that has certified our products—
the Upper Midwest Kashrut Association.
The following Watkins products have been certified
Kosher and Pareve:

Aloe Vera Juice (both)
Black Pepper and Pepper Blends (all)
01115/01926 Cinnamon, Korintje
Extracts
21395/01195 Lemon
21385 Maple
21705 Raspberry
Vanilla
(all—Original Double Strength, Pure, Clear,
and Organic)
21376 Vanilla Nut
Gourmet Herbs and Spices (all except:)
01951 Cinnamon, Saigon
Gourmet Whole Peppercorns (all)
Organic Herbs & Spices (all) (U.S.)
Organic Seasonings
00510 Beef Seasoning
00511 Chicken Seasoning
Seasoning Blends
01960 All-Purpose Seasoning
01961 Apple Bake Seasoning
01977 Omelet & Soufflé Seasoning
01979 Pizza Seasoning
01981/21143 Poultry Seasoning
01982 Pumpkin Pie Spice
21992 Seasoning Salt

Food Sensitivities~Sugar

The following products contain some form of
sugar (including dextrose, corn syrup, etc.):

Flavored Salts (all)
05311 Chai Latte
01232 French Vanilla Cocoa Mix
Dessert Mixes (all but Chocolate)
Extracts
21385 Maple
Vanilla
(all—Original Double Strength, Pure, Clear,
and Organic)
21376 Vanilla Nut
02600 Good Tastings Bread Mix
02005 Lemon Pepper
Medicinal Products
32319 Cough Medicine (Canada)
02320 Cough Syrup Plus (U.S.)
02326 Supercold Cough Medicine (U.S.)
00511 Organic Chicken Seasoning
Pizza Crust Mixes (both)
Sauces & Condiments
Barbecue Sauce Concentrates (all)
01058 Calypso Hot Pepper Sauce
01056 Inferno Sauce
01168 Meat Magic
01169 Steak Sauce
01057 Tropical Salsa
Seasoning Blends
01961 Apple Bake Seasoning
01959 Chili Seasoning
01987 Coleslaw Seasoning
01989 Fish & Seafood Seasoning
01972 Grill Seasoning
01986 Potato Salad Seasoning
21992 Seasoning Salt
Snack & Dip Seasonings:
02068 Bacon & Onion
02054 Crab
02055 Cucumber & Dill
02056 Garden Vegetable
02062 Salsa & Sour Cream
02070 Sesame & Garlic (seasonal)
02064 Tomato & Bacon (seasonal)
02065 Tomato & Horseradish
Soup/Gravy (all)
02090 SoyNilla® (U.S.)

Food Sensitivities~Salt

The following products contain salt:

Barbecue Sauce Concentrates (all)
01058 Calypso Hot Pepper Sauce
01232 French Vanilla Cocoa Mix
Dessert Mixes (all)
Flavored Salts (all)
02600 Good Tastings Bread Mix
01168 Meat Magic
Organic Seasonings
00510 Beef Seasoning
00511 Chicken Seasoning
Pizza Crust Mixes (both)
Seasoning Blends
01959 Chili Seasoning
01987 Coleslaw Seasoning
01989 Fish & Seafood Seasoning
01972 Grill Seasoning
01986 Potato Salad Seasoning
Snack & Dip Seasonings (all)
Soup/Gravy (all)
01169 Steak Sauce
Salt

Food Sensitivities~MSG

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Some people have experienced unpleasant symptoms
after consuming foods with MSG. This is
thought to affect about 2% of the population
(fewer than the percentage who have allergic reactions
to other foods).

Watkins adds no MSG to any of its products;
however, MSG does occur naturally in a wide variety
of foods, such as Parmesan cheese, mushrooms
and tomatoes, and is present in flavoring agents
such as hydrolyzed proteins and autolyzed yeast
extracts.

In the case of hydrolyzed protein products (such
as in our Soup Bases and Barbecue Sauces), the
glutamate that is present is the same as that found
in fruits, vegetables, meats and grains. Also, an
8-ounce serving of broiled chicken breast contains
15 times more free glutamate—alleged to be the
cause of “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”—than an
8-ounce serving of processed food containing HVP
(hydrolyzed vegetable protein).

Food Sensitivities~Gluten-Free/Vinegar

Some people have an acute sensitivity to gluten, a
protein present in wheat and some other grains.
Because distilled white vinegar is made from grain based
alcohol, there are varying schools of
thought on whether gluten-sensitive individuals
should use products containing this ingredient.
Although the vinegar used by Watkins is, to the
best of our knowledge, gluten-free, it is our position
that this choice is up to the individual and
his/her health care provider. A separate list of
products containing vinegar is found after this
Gluten-Free list.

The products listed below do not contain distilled
white vinegar, and are, to the best of our knowledge,
free of gluten and/or gluten derivatives:

Aloe Vera Juice (both sizes)
01038 Baking Cocoa
01039 Baking Powder
Black Pepper and Pepper Blends (all)
Cinnamon (all)
01232 French Vanilla Cocoa Mix
Coffee, Organic (all) (U.S.)
01040/31040 Cooking Spray
Dessert Mixes (all)
Extract
21365 Peanut Butter
Flavored Salts (all)
Fresh Wash® (both)
Grapeseed Oils (all)
Gourmet Herbs and Spices (all)
Gourmet Whole Peppercorns (all)
Liquid Spices (both)
Medicinal Products
02332 Peppermint Whitening Toothpaste
02300/32300 Settelz
02326 Supercold Cough Medicine (U.S.)
01981/21143 Poultry Seasoning
02012 Sea Salt
Seasoning Blends (all except:)
01959 Chili Seasoning
01976 Meatloaf Seasoning
Snack & Dip Seasonings
02069 Blazin’ Cajun
02055 Cucumber & Dill
02057 Garlic & Dill
02062 Salsa & Sour Cream
02071 Sesame & Garlic (seasonal)
02070 Tomato & Basil (seasonal)
02065 Tomato & Horseradish
02090 SoyNilla® (U.S.)
Soup Bases
21175 Beef
21180 Cheese
21176 Chicken
21179 Cream

Products Containing Vinegar
The products listed below contain distilled white
vinegar or vinegar solids. Our supplier has stated
that “to the best of our knowledge, no gluten is
present” in the distilled white vinegar used by
Watkins. However, we provide this list as a service
to those who choose to avoid vinegar. These products
are otherwise gluten-free.

Barbecue Sauce Concentrates (all)
Hot Sauces/Salsas (all)
01168 Meat Magic
Seasoning Blends
01959 Chili Seasoning
01976 Meatloaf Seasoning
01169 Steak Sauce

Food Sensitivities~Dairy Products

The following products contain dairy-derived
materials and/or sodium caseinate:

01232 French Vanilla Cocoa Mix
05311 Chai Latte
01040/31040 Cooking Spray
Flavored Salts
01993 Butter
Snack & Dip Seasonings
02050 Bacon & Cheddar
02055 Cucumber & Dill
02057 Garlic & Dill
02062 Salsa & Sour Cream
02065 Tomato & Horseradish
Soup/Gravy
21180 Cheese
21176 Chicken
21179 Cream
21177 Mushroom
21173 Turkey

Nectarine-Cantaloupe Soup

This nutritious and colorful cold soup is an elegant, delicious way to serve fruit. It's as impressive as it is easy, and makes a beautiful first course for breakfast or brunch

6 nectarines, washed, unpeeled, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup honey
1 tspWatkins Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2tsp Watkins Cinnamon
Dash Watkins Nutmeg
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
3 cups peeled, seeded, diced cantaloupe
1/4 cup fresh blueberries
Mint sprigs

(may need slightly more orange juice before serving)

In saucepan, combine prepared nectarines, water, lemon juice, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Puree in blender or food processor ; transfer to large bowl. Add orange juice and cantaloupe to blender and process; add to bowl with nectarine mixture and stir to combine. Cover and chill thoroughly. Serve soup in chilled bowls; garnish with blueberries and mint.. (If soup becomes too thick during chilling, add more orange juice.)

Makes 8 servings.

Gingered Vegetables

1 Tbsp. Watkins Garlic & Parsley Grapeseed Oil
1 cup diagonally sliced carrots
1 cup diagonally sliced celery
1 cup red bell pepper strips
1 cup coarsely chopped onion
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1 cup fresh or frozen snow peas
1-1/2 tsp. Watkins Garlic Granules
1-1/2 tsp. Watkins Ginger
2 Tbsp./30 mL cornstarch
1-1/4 cup /325 mL water
2 tsp./10 mL Watkins Soup Base

Place a large skillet or wok over high heat; add grapeseed oil and heat until hot. Add carrots, celery, red pepper and onions; stir-fry 3 minutes. Add broccoli, snow peas, garlic granules and ginger. Combine cornstarch, water and soup base; pour over vegetables. Cook until mixture begins to boil and thicken, stirring often. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer just until vegetables are crisp-tender. Makes 6 servings.

Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce

2 tbsp Watkins Garlic & Parsley Grapeseed Oil
2 tbsp chopped onions
2 tsp Watkins Garlic Flakes
2 large tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped
2 tsp Watkins Basil
Salt and Watkins Black Pepper

Saute onion and garlic flakes in the grapeseed oil on medium heat until onions are soft. Add the chopped tomatoes and basil and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve over your favorite pasta or polenta.

Makes 1-1/2 cups sauce.

Cheddar & Summer Squash Casserole

2 Tbsp Watkins Grapeseed oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 lb. yellow crookneck squash
1 tsp salt
Watkins black pepper to taste
1/4 C. Watkins Cheese Soup & Sauce Base
1 Tbsp flour
1 1/2 C. milk
8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (low fat or fat free saves calories)
1 Tbsp parsley flakes (or 2 tbsp. fresh, chopped)
2 tsp Watkins Italian seasoning
1/4 C. bread crumbs
1 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Heat olive oil, and saute onion over medium heat until soft but not browned. Meanwhile, slice yellow squash; cut larger parts in half lengthwise before slicing.

Add squash, salt, parsley and black pepper to pan; continue to saute until squash starts to stick or brown, then add water. Cover, turn heat to low and cook until barely tender, not soft.

Use a blender or whisk to combine flour, Cheese Soup and Sauce base and milk. When well blended, cook in a separate pan, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove from heat, and stir in the shredded cheese. Pour over the yellow squash mixture, combining gently. Turn into a casserole dish or small lasagna pan.

Mix together the bread crumbs, Italian Seasoning and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over cheese-squash mixture. Bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with more fresh parsley if desired.

Vanilla Soda...Yum!

1 teaspoon Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar, or equivalent artificial sweetener
8 fluid ounces (1 cup) club soda
1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Place vanilla and sugar in bottom of each glass being prepared; stir to mix. Pour in club soda, stirring gently to blend. Carefully add a scoop of ice cream to each glass. Serve with a straw of long spoon.

Cantaloupe and Kiwi Salad

• 1 cantaloupe, cut into julienne slices

• 2 kiwi, cut into small pieces

• 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Dressing:

• 1 tbsp. lemon juice

• 1 tsp. lime juice

• 1/4 tsp. Watkins Orange Extract

• 1/4 tsp. Watkins Lemon Extract

• 1/4 tsp. Watkins Vanilla Nut Extract

• 1/8 tsp. Watkins Ginger

• 2 tbsp. yogurt

• 2 tbsp. granulated sugar

Combine dressing ingredients and pour over fruit. Marinade for a few hours or overnight. Sprinkle macadamia nuts on top before serving. Serves 6-8.

Tarragon-Mustard Potato Salad

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp prepared mustard
• 2-1/2 tsp Watkins Potato Salad Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Watkins Tarragon
• 3 green onions, sliced

Boil potatoes until just tender. Cool.

Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients except green onions. When potatoes are cooled, cut into cubes; toss with dressing and onions.

Fat-Free Chocolate Almond Pudding Dip

• 1/4 cup Watkins Chocolate Dessert Mix
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1/2 cup non-fat sour cream
• 1/2 tsp Watkins Almond Extract
• 1/4 tsp Watkins Vanilla

Combine Watkins Chocolate Dessert Mix, sugar, water and milk in a medium saucepan; mix well. Cook over medium heat until the pudding begins to boil and thicken. Pour hot pudding into a bowl. Let cool slightly; stir in sour cream along with extracts; mix well. Cover surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

Serve with graham crackers or fruits.

Have a Headache or Migraine?

Cause: Headaches are a neurological condition with symptoms ranging from
mild to severe and disabling. More than 23 million people in the United States
suffer from migraine, corresponding to over 17% of all females and 6% of all
males living in the U.S.

There are two main types of headache: primary and secondary.
Primary Headaches include tension-type, migraine and cluster headaches
and are not caused by other underlying medical conditions. More than 90%
of headaches are primary.

Secondary Headaches result from other medical conditions, such as infection
or increased pressure in the skull due to a tumor. These account for fewer than
10% of all headaches.

What May Help: Watkins Superfood Multiple (Super Multi), Female Formula and Osteogen
Why: Contain magnesium and calcium. Daily supplements of calcium and magnesium are recommended for those who suffer from Migraines. These minerals help to maintain healthy blood vessels, and low levels
of magnesium are common in people who suffer from migraines. Superfood Multiple (Super Multi) also contains riboflavin (B-2) which may help to reduce the frequency of migraines.

What May Help: Watkins Rezist Plus
Why: Ingredients help to block harmful invaders from entering the body which may help to reduce the triggers that lead to headaches.

What May Help:Watkins Peppermint Foot Cream
Why: Research has shown that peppermint applied to the forehead and temples may help to ease headache pain and compares favorably with acetaminophen in its ability to reduce headache symptoms.

What May Help: Foods high in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon, may help prevent migraines.
Why: They may help to reduce blood vessel spasms.

Helpful Hint: Certain foods and beverages are known to trigger migraines. If you suffer from
migraines, try to avoid the following: Aged cheeses, onions, pickles, cured meats, chocolate,
red wine, beer, sour cream, nuts, freshly baked yeast products, eggs, tomatoes, citrus fruits
and caffeinated beverages.

Try This:
At the outbreak of a headache, apply Watkins Peppermint Foot Cream, Icy Blue Ointment or
Menthol Camphor Ointment (Medicated Ointment) onto the temples, forehead and back of neck. Rub in circular motion. Repeat at least 2 times at 15-minute intervals.
If you experience chronic headaches, before going to bed, rub Watkins Menthol Camphor Ointment (Medicated Ointment) or Icy Blue Ointment onto feet. Put on a pair of cotton socks over the ointment. According to Naturopaths and personal testimonials, this may help to ward off headaches.

Getting Back to Our Roots

For 140 years, Watkins has been America’s pioneer in natural living products and we plan to continue this tradition for generations to come. Today's trends show the consumer’s demand for natural, organic products is on the rise. We are pleased that we have been ahead of the trend since the begining with our offering of Organic Herbs and Spices, Natural Personal Care and Natural Home Care — making Watkins the brand to turn to for all of your natural living needs! Going back as far as 1917, with our Pure Vegetable Oil Soap, you can see how Watkins has been developing natural solutions for your home and family for quite some time. Clearly we are not strangers to natural, organic products!

As we look to the future, we will continue to provide products that are good for the environment, your family and meet the growing consumer demand. Our goal is to use past, present and future knowledge of natural to take our products to an even higher level of natural, resulting in increased sales for your business!

Committed to Improving our Community

The need for companies to practice “green” manufacturing is more important than ever. Watkins has been a pioneer in natural living, utilizing the finest natural ingredients since 1868. We continue our commitment to you and the environment by implementing processes that reduce waste and conserve energy. Together we can make a positive impact on our environment.

How does Watkins reduce waste and make a positive impact on the earth?

• Offer a full line of plant-based home care products that are free of pollutants and biodegradable.
• Offer a full line of USDA certified 100% Organic Herbs and Spices and All-Natural Pure Extracts.
• Adhere to a strict paper, plastic, and aluminum recycling program.
• Utilize biodegradable packing materials.
• Use soy-based ink in our printed marketing materials.
• Employ e-communications and encourage customers, Associates, and vendors to obtain information online instead of in printed form.
• Gravity fed filling processes: We fill our bulk dry mixes using time-tested gravity feeds. This allows us to conserve energy that would normally be used to power a pneumatic or conveyor system.
• Use lighter weight product packaging. Simply reducing our plastic bottle weight for various products has saved thousands of pounds of plastic from waste.
• Encourage vendors to use renewable energy and cut waste.
• Utilize Lean business and manufacturing practices to help eliminate waste and streamline operations.

Go Green With Watkins!

Celebrate Earth Day by going Green with Watkins! By incorporating these simple steps in your daily routine, you can lessen your impact on the environment. At Watkins, we believe it should be easy to preserve Mother Earth while living a sustainable lifestyle.

Living Green Tips

Dispose of filthy Cleaning Products!
The average family will spend $600 replacing their cleaning products this year alone. Why not replace them with Watkins Natural Home Care products, they are healthier for loved ones and the planet. And, with families replacing products every single week and using roughly 40 lbs. of cleaning agents a year, you can see how simply replacing harsh cleaners with environmentally friendly products could really make a positive impact on the earth!

Wash your Hands!
Clean up your hands without exposing yourself or family to harsh chemicals. The common ingredient in antibacterial soaps is Triclosan — believed to take the form of Dioxin when it mixes with plain old tap water. Not only that, this harsh chemical has been linked with drug resistant bacteria and weakened immune systems in humans. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control found there is no benefit to using antibacterial hand soaps over the old stand-by — soap and water.

Watkins Natural Liquid Hand Soaps clean your hands — naturally — while they refresh your spirit with the scents of Lavender, Aloe & Green Tea, and Lemon. And get this, they are Triclosan free!

Bag it!
Keep a tote bag in your vehicle for daily shopping stops. When you stop to purchase groceries and other goods, make sure you bring your tote in the store with you to carry them home. Better yet, you can advertise your Watkins business and protect the environment at the same time with a Watkins logo tote (work with a local screen printing shop to get your own Watkins tote). With over 36 billion plastic sacks being used in the U.S. alone, this one effort could save a lot of ozone depleting chemicals from being released into the atmosphere. If you find yourself without your tote, opt for a paper sack instead - this option has much less impact on the earth. Imagine the impact we all could make if every Watkins Associate took this one simple step!

Laundry Day!
Pick one day of the week to do your laundry. This one simple decision will not only save you money on your utility bill, it will help conserve energy by taking advantage of residual heat from your dryer. You can further your eco-friendly actions by washing your clothes in cold water and use Watkins Lemon Liquid Laundry Concentrate Soap. Because it takes only 1 oz. per load, we are able to reduce the packaging to half the size of a standard 100 oz. bottle — less waste and less impact on the environment! Not only that, it doesn't contain phosphates, like other laundry detergents, that can't be removed from water sources with current waste water treatments and end up in fresh water areas.

Skin Irritations

Cause: Skin irritations such as eczema, dermatitis, or skin rashes are often
triggered by an allergy to foods, pollen, animal fur or other substances, as well
as dry air, too much sun and stress.

What May Help:Watkins Red Clover Salve
Why: Red Clover and pure natural plant oils help to relieve symptoms of redness,
rash and itching.

What May Help:Watkins Skin, Hair and Nails (SHN Formula)
Why: Contains omega-3 concentrate which may help to reduce inflammation.

What May Help:Watkins Superfood Multiple (Super Multi)
Why: Contains vitamins A, C and zinc, necessary for healthy skin and healing.

What May Help:Watkins Petro-Carbo Salve
Why: Helps protect exposed or irritated tissues from reopening during the healing
process.

What May Help:Watkins Shea Butters and Ultra-Rich Hand Cream
Why: When caused by dry conditions, Watkins Shea Butters and Ultra-Rich Hand Cream seal in the skin’s own natural moisture and provide a protective barrier against the harshest conditions.

The Power of Green!

Sorting through the confusion of green cleaning products.

Many companies are re-evaluating their product lines to better fit "green" standards.

Watkins didn't know it at the time, but the products that we have been committed to developing and bringing to your family for 140 years are getting a lot of attention and actively sought after by consumers.

Today we have many choices for natural and environmentally friendly cleaning products. How do we weed out the truly natural products from impostors? Gina Moore, Watkins Home Care Product Manager sat down with me to sort through this confusion and give us a few tips.

What makes a green cleaning product "green?"
At Watkins we have defined green cleaning products as items that use renewable, non-toxic, phosphate-free and biodegradable ingredients. Products that work, but don't create fumes or leave behind residue that may affect the health of your family or impact the environment.

How do "green" cleaners work?
Green cleaners break down dirt and grease using surfactants from natural renewable resources. For example, instead of using ammonia as the active ingredient, Watkins uses natural plant extracts. These active ingredients act like magnets pulling dirt up and away from the surface.

What should we be looking for when we are looking for "green" cleaning products?
Watkins of course! Your first indication that a cleaning product isn't as natural as it could be is the use of colorants or dyes. A neon pink or purple cleaner should send up a red flag. Pay close attention to ingredient decks, cautionary statements and label warnings. These might be an indication that the product isn't as natural as it could be.

How do we know a "green" cleaner is truly not going to harm our environment?
The Clean Water Fund, a non-profit organization, estimates that the average American uses forty pounds of environmentally harmful household cleaners each year. Multiply that number by 245 million Americans and the effects are significant! The important claims to look for with regard to environment are biodegradable and phosphate free. Also steer clear of aerosol cleaners that can deplete the ozone.

What ingredients should we steer clear of?
Watkins has established a freedom code for our Natural Home Care line complete with all the ingredients we steer clear of:

• Ammonia Free
• Animal Ingredient Free
• Benzene Free
• Biodegradable
• Boron Free
• Butyl/Ethyl Free
• Cellosolve Free
• Chlorine Free
• Diethylene Free
• Dye Free
• Ethanol Free
• Ether Free
• Formaldehyde Free
• Isopropanol Free
• Kerosene Free
• Mineral Spirit Free
• Non-toxic
• Petrochemical Free
• Phosphate Free
• Phosphoric Acid Free
• SLS Free
• Sulfuric Acid Free

Environmentally friendly cleaning tips:

Environmentally friendly cleaning tips:

• Cut down on skin irritations by using natural cleaning products on surfaces that will come in direct contact with your skin: upholstery, carpets, and kitchen countertops.
• Use a dishwasher detergent that is phosphate-free. Phosphates cannot be removed from water sources with current waste water treatments and end up in fresh water areas.
• Invest in a quality set of microfiber cloths. Use these instead of paper towels when cleaning to lessen your impact on the environment. Every little effort helps!
• Dispose of old, toxic cleaners properly. Contact your local recycling center.

J.R. Watkins Natural Personal Care Line is Here!

We are pleased to announce the latest addition to Watkins family of products — J.R. Watkins Natural Personal Care. We continue our commitment to you, your family and the environment by continually remaining on the forefront of product development and innovation. We are pleased to be one of the first companies to offer a complete line of natural personal care with formulas that are at least 95% natural, with many 99% natural or higher. We truly are at the forefront of this product category!

By using renewable, plentiful ingredients from mother earth, we are able to provide you with a luxurious line of natural personal care products.

When J.R. Watkins mixed his first 'natural remedies' batch in 1868, he probably had no idea his "green" philosophy would be more relevant today than ever. This new line represents more than 140 years of innovative, natural product development — J.R. would be so proud!

Natural Hand & Body Lotions
Created with your skin's health in mind! Our natural formula contains more than 10 natural oils and extracts to protect and pamper even the most sensitive skin.
(11 fl oz/325 mL)

20470 Aloe & Green Tea
20486 Lavender
20487 Lemon
20520 Mango

Natural Body Creams
Natural shea and cocoa butters are whipped together with more than 10 natural oils and extracts to protect, soothe and condition your delicate skin. This is a healthy treat your skin will never forget!
(3.3 oz/95 g)

40507 Aloe & Green Tea
40508 Lavender
40509 Lemon
40516 Mango

Natural Hand & Cuticle Salves
Formulated around a premium beeswax base, these salves incorporate natural oils that moisturize, nourish and revitalize hard-working hands.
(2.1 oz/59 g)

10490 Aloe & Green Tea
20481 Lavender
20521 Lemon
10495 Mango

Natural Body Oils
J.R. Watkins Natural Body Oils are a rich blend of luxurious natural oils regarded for their nourishing qualities.
(2 fl oz/ 59 mL)

20505 Aloe & Green Tea
20514 Lavender
20515 Lemon
20506 Mango

Natural Foot Care
Formulated with pure peppermint oil, our natural foot care will provide a burst of aromatic peppermint while tingling and reviving dry, tired and aching feet.
(11 fl oz/325 mL)

20478 Peppermint Foot Cream

Head to Toe Kit
We packaged our favorite natural personal care in our signature J.R. Watkins pouch so you can pamper yourself from head to toe, naturally!

Contains:
Aloe & Green Tea Hand & Body Lotion (1 fl oz/29 mL)
Mango Hand & Body Lotion (1 fl oz/29 mL)
Aloe & Green Tea Body Cream (.7 oz/20 g)
Lemon Cream Body Cream (.7 oz/20 g)
Lavender Hand & Cuticle Salve (.25 oz/7 g)
Lemon Hand & Cuticle Salve (.25 oz/7 g)
Peppermint Foot Cream (1 fl oz/29 mL)
Natural Beeswax Lip Balm - stick (.14 oz/4 g)