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GREEN 101
RED ALERT
(The Environmental Working Group suggests that consumers should be on high alert for the following 7 ingredients listed in order of danger significance)
- Coal Tar: Used in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams, coal tar is a known carcinogen. Coal tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, which are used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green 3, which is used in mouthwash, should be avoided.
- Fragrance: This ubiquitous term is used to mask hundreds of ingredients, including phthalates, which disrupt the endocrine system and could cause reproductive and developmental harm. Also linked to neurotoxicity and neurodevelopmental disorders, toxicity of the brain, kidneys, liver & lungs and birth defects. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, “every” person tested (all of them) had detectable levels of phthalates in his/her body. Women of childbearing age & kids are at the greatest risk.
- Hydroquinone: Commonly found in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, it is a neurotoxin and is allergenic.
- Aluminum: Often used in eye shadow as a color additive and also used in deodorants, it is listed as carcinogenic, toxic, and mutagenic.
- Triclosan: This chemical is used in almost all antibacterial products, including soap, toothpaste, and cosmetics. Triclosan is often contaminated with dioxins, which are highly carcinogenic and can also weaken your immune system, decrease fertility , and cause birth defects.
- P-Phenylenediamine: This is the chemical that has given a bad name to regular hair dye. It can damage your nervous system, cause lung irritation, and cause severe allergic reactions. It’s also listed as 1,4-Benzenediamine; p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.
- Lead and Mercury: Lead could appear in toothpaste as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica. It is a neurotoxin that also appears as lead acetate in men’s hair dye. Mercury is found in a cosmetic preservative called thimerosol.
Orange Alert
(The following chemicals can create the formation of carcinogenic chemicals called nitrosamines, so we suggest avoiding these as well.)
- Cocamide DEH
- Lauramide DEA
- Cocamide MEA
- Triethanolamine TEA
- Diethanolamine DEA
- Mineral Oils: Can also be labeled as “petroleum” or “liquid paraffin”. They coat the skin like plastic so it cannot breathe. Slow down the skin’s natural functions and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Can also be contaminated with PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) which can be carcinogenic. Stay away from petroleum jelly.
- Parabens (methy-, ethyl-, propyl, butyl, isobutyl): These are synthetic preservatives. Found in hair shampoos, conditioners, styling products, soaps & body washes, moisturizers, shaving creams & gels, cosmetics & makeup, toothpastes. Studies link parabens with acute & chronic health hazards.
- Butylparaben & Methylparaben: Linked with allergies & skin toxicity, biochemical changes, developmental & reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, tissue irritation & organ toxicity.
- Ethylparaben: Linked with cancer, as well as the other disrupters above.
- Propylparaben: As well as disrupters above this is highly toxic to the environment.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES): This ingredient is derived from coconut oil. It is used in brake fluid and antifreeze and also in a huge variety of skin care products, including toothpaste, shampoo, bubble bath & soap. Basically found in anything that lathers. Known to irritate skin. They lower the skin’s immunological response. The increased penetration by SLS & SLES messes with our skin’s integrity and lowers its natural immune response. Environmental Working Group considers it to be a carcinogen.
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): PEG is a potential carcinogen that is typically used as a grease-dissolving cleaner and a thickener for skin care products. These chemicals are deemed to be so toxic by the EPA that workers have to wear protective clothing when handling them. They can easily penetrate your skin, causing brain, liver, and kidney malfunctions. Also look out for propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, & butylene glycol.
- Formaldeyde-Producing Preservatives: Formaldehyde is not often seen on personal care products but it’s released by many commonly used preservatives. Here are the most common:
- Diazolidinyl Urea: found in face & body moisturizers, cleansers & body washes, sunscreens & hair conditioners & styling products. Linked to cancer, allergic reaction, skin toxicity & neurotoxicity in forms of brain & nervous system effects.
- Imidazolidinyl Urea: found in face & body moisturizers, cleansers & body washes, sunscreens, feminine products, cosmetics, including foundations, powders, eye shadows & mascara. Linked to allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, cell toxicity & skin toxicity.
- Dimethyl-dimethyl hydantoin: found in hair shampoos, conditioners, styling products, face & body moisturizers, cleansers, body washes & sunscreens. Linked to allergic reaction, irritation of the eyes, skin & lungs & organ toxicity.
- Quaternium-15: found in face & body washes, cleansers, shampoos & conditioners, baby shampoos, soaps, sunscreens & cosmetics. Linked to allergic reactions, skin sensitization, reproductive effects & birth defects.
- Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol): found in face & body moisturizers, washes & cleansers, soaps & hair conditioners, styling products. Linked to allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, skin sensitization, birth defects, severe skin toxicity & endocrine disruption.
- Talc: Found in baby products, underarm deodorants, & cosmetic powder products. Talc contains a chemical that is similar to asbestos & can increase the risk of certain ovarian cancers.
- Acrylates & Methacrylates: Found in nail products, these products can cause contact dermatitis.
- Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): This additive is very common in cosmetics. It is a dying agent that strips off the outer layers of skin, exposing you to bacteria and other toxins. It can also promote brown spots and even accelerates aging!
- Tocopherol Acetate: This may sound innocent, but it is a synthetic version of vitamin E, which is a suspected carcinogen and causes dermatitis.
- Phenonip: This is a preservative blend that contains the aforementioned parabens: phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, proylparaben, and isobutylparaben.
- Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): The oddly named “Quats” are used as preservatives. They are primary cause of contact dermatitis. They will be listed on your ingredient list as benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, quaterium-15, & quaternium 1-29.
- Cationic Surfactants: found in your hair conditioner. They were originally used in the paper industry but, ironically, can make your hair dry & brittle after long-term use. They are also allergenic & toxic. Look out for these ingredients: stearalkonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, and lauryl dimonium hydrolyzed collagen.
- Benzyl Alcohol: Look out for this ingredient list, as it is a petrochemical that can be a sever irritant to your eyes & respiratory system.
- Silicone Derived Emollients: These chemicals coat your skin like plastic wrap and even worse, can accumulate in your liver & lymph nodes, which can promote the tumor growth. These emollients include: dimethicone, dimethicone copolyol and cyclomethicone.
- Carbomer 934, 940, 941, 960, 961C: This chemical is used as a stabilizer & thickener in creams, cosmetics, toothpaste, and bath products. It is a known allergen that causes eye irritation.
**As seen in the Gorgeously Green book.**
10 Simple Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Footprint on the Environment
“We are passionate about changing people’s perceptions about being green. One person can make a difference.”
--Jennifer Jordan
- Replace three (3) frequently used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs—reduce your carbon footprint by 450 pounds a year.
- Car pool, use public transportation or drive a fuel efficient car—reduce your carbon footprint by 1 pound for every mile you do not drive.
- Keep your tires properly inflated and get better gas mileage—reduce your carbon footprint another 20 pounds for each gallon of gas saved.
- Run your dishwasher only when it’s full.
- Use cold water to wash your clothes—reduce your carbon footprint by 500 pounds each year.
- Move your thermostat down two degrees in winter and up two degrees in the summer—reduce your carbon footprint by 2,000 pounds.
- Use a low-flow showerhead because less water means less energy to heat the water—reduce your carbon footprint 350 pounds a year.
- Take shorter showers because showers account for 2/3 of all water heating costs.
- Buy products with less packaging and recycle paper, plastic and glass—reduce your garbage by 10% and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint by 1,200 pounds a year.
- Turn off what you’re not using and even unplug electronics you’re not using—reduce carbon footprint by thousands of pounds a year.
--Source: www.earthday.net
Why “Fresh & Green” - A Look at Man’s Giant Footprint on the Environment
“We believe we still have a chance to ban together and work on making a better future for all generations.”
--Sasha Windes
- Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, carbon dioxide (a green house gas linked to climate change) in the atmosphere has increased by 35%. www.earthday.net
- The United States is five percent of the world’s population but uses 25% of its natural resources. Environmental Protection Agency
- Homeowners use up to 10 times more toxic chemicals per acre than farmers. www.thinkquest.org
- By 2030 the number of automobiles in the world will increase by 50%. www.earthday.net
- Much of the United States has already warmed as much as four degrees. www.earthday.net
- Agriculture and biodiversity are already being impacted by global warming. 10% of all known plant species are under threat of extinction. www.earthday.net
- People living in cities such as Atlanta, Baltimore and Cincinnati could by mid-century see a 60% increase in the number of high smog level days. www.earthday.net
- Automobiles count for almost a third of the U.S.’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions – the largest source after power plants. www.earthday.net
- Americans use 50 million tons of paper annually consuming more than 850 million trees. www.earthday.net
- Americans throw away enough aluminum to rebuild our entire commercial fleet of airplanes every three months. Environmental Defense Fund
- Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees; two barrels of oil (enough to run the average car for 1,260 miles); 4,100 kilowatts of energy (enough power for the average home for 6 months); 3.2 cubic yards of landfill space; and 60 pounds of air pollution. Trash to Cash
