“‘Going green’ has never been easier now that Lori Bongiorno has helped us sort out the real information from the hype. There is something here for everyone, from those with a casual interest to those who would like to green every aspect of their life.”
Patti Wood, Executive Director, Grassroots Environmental Education

Personal Care Products
Even the most low maintenance person can easily use several personal care products every day—toothpaste, shampoo, moisturizer, and shaving cream for starters. When you factor in hair dye, anti-aging formulas, deodorant, make-up, blemish cream and so on, the list can get pretty long. Even kids aren’t exempt—we regularly slather them in diaper creams, powders, sunscreen and various other lotions and potions. According to the Environmental Working Group, a watchdog organization that has done extensive research on personal care products, most people use about nine personal care products every day, encountering a combined average of 126 different ingredients. That’s not a pretty picture when you consider the fact that we know very little about the chemicals we apply to our skin so freely.

Green

• Use fewer products. The best thing you can do is limit the number of products you use so you’re exposed to fewer chemicals.
• Avoid unnecessary products altogether. For example, synthetic bubble bath may feel pampering, but you don’t need it.
• As with most consumer products, buy the ones you use most often in bulk – it saves money and packaging.
• Read the labels and don’t be fooled by meaningless general claims. Try to avoid the most harmful chemicals. See the Environmental Working Group’s “What Not to Buy List.”

Greener

• Research the products you use most frequently. If they contain toxic ingredients, then find safer alternatives. Buy products from companies that have signed on to the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a pledge to formulate products that don’t use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health problems. Some examples of signees: Aubrey Organics, Avalon Natural Products, Burt’s Bees, Jason’s Natural Products and Weleda.

Greenest

• Make your own products. Better yet, invite your friends over to make them with you. Visit the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website, www.safecosmetics.org and download the Host a Healthy Cosmetics Spa Party kit created by the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, which includes directions on all aspects of hosting a party as well as recipes. www.Care2.com also provides recipes.
• Contact the manufacturers of your favorite products and ask them to sign the Compact for Safe Cosmetics if they haven’t already done so.