Teens Turning Green

Once again a group of homegrown, green-minded entrepreneurs is making a national splash. However, this time, they are not seasoned MBAs or corporate expats—they’re teenagers. Armed with confidence beyond their years and a desire to make a difference, these motivated young ladies, who are also behind Teens for Safe Cosmetics, have created their own product line targeted to teens, called Teens Turning Green, or TTG, set to launch via Whole Foods nationwide.

“To find the right products, we partnered with companies that are thinking full circle,” says Erin Schrode, a senior at Marin Academy. “It was important that our partners implement sustainable packaging and business practices, value fair trade and act in responsible ways that protect our health, planet and future.”

Corte Madera’s EO is on board, with its organic rosemary-and-mint sanitizing spray (created especially for TTG), which unlike other brands doesn’t contain triclosan, a hormone-disrupting chemical that made news last year as one of the most common pollutants found in San Francisco Bay.

Tzeira Sofer of Pomega5 is adding a pomegranate cleansing bar, toning mist and “pom” moisturizer to the mix. “As a visionary and an educator whose goal is to offer women safer, healthier products, I feel there couldn’t be a better partner for Pomega5,” Sofer says. “Teens for Safe Cosmetics is run by another visionary [Erin’s mother, Judi Shils] and a group of smart, conscientious and dedicated young women who are taking responsibility for carrying out the mission of educating consumers on how to make responsible choices about the products they use.”

Susan Griffith Black of EO echoes her words. “Since EO started in 1995, we have been in the business of evolving personal care products so that they perform, are beautiful to use, contain organic ingredients and are always safe and effective—at the same time keeping them accessible [pricewise].”

Before the product rollout at Whole Foods, Teens Turning Green will be launching their line this month at the Green Spa event at the Village at Corte Madera October 5.

Teen Facials

Here’s something to save those babysitting wages for: teen-focused facials, at some of the best spas in town.

Bay Club Marin
Teen Facial, $65 member/$75 guest
After a thorough cleansing, exfoliation and gentle extractions (as needed), a detoxifying massage is performed. A clarifying mask follows; then an appropriate protective emulsion is applied. Hygiene and skin care are discussed to help build good habits. Teens under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, 45 minutes (Corte Madera). 415.945.3000, bayclubmarin.com

Champagne Salon and Day Spa
Teen Facial, $60
A customized facial for teen-specific skin types. Focuses on acne treatments, exfoliation, cleansing and toning, 45 minutes (Tiburon). 415.380.9111, champagnesalonanddayspa.com

Evo Spa
The Teen, $85
Help promote healthy skin and positive skin care habits with this therapeutic treatment specially designed for youthful skin. The facial cleans problem areas; education and home-care recommendations are included. A series of treatments is recommended for optimal results, 60 minutes (Mill Valley). 415.383.3223, evo-spa.com

Stellar Spa
Skin Perfecting Purifying Facial, $120
A corrective, skin-brightening treatment to help diminish dark spots and blemishes. Ideal for all skin types in need of deep pore cleansing. Thorough exfoliation and extractions balance the skin; calming and nourishing tea tree, lavender, vitamin C and French green clay revitalize, 75 minutes (Corte Madera). 415.924.7300, stellarspa.com


Mimi Towle

Mimi Towle has been the editor of Marin Magazine for over a decade. She lived with her family in Sycamore Park and Strawberry and thoroughly enjoyed raising two daughters in the mayhem of Marin’s youth sports; soccer, swim, volleyball, ballet, hip hop, gymnastics and many many hours spent at Miwok Stables. Her community involvements include volunteering at her daughter’s schools, coaching soccer and volleyball (glorified snack mom), being on the board of both Richardson Bay Audubon Center. Currently residing on a floating home in Sausalito, she enjoys all water activity, including learning how to steer a 6-person canoe for the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club. Born and raised in Hawaii, her fondness for the islands has on occasion made its way into the pages of the magazine.