In 2008 there have been a number of controversies surrounding all natural and organic nonfood products, even a lawsuit between the state of California and companies selling products that tested highest for a known carcinogen: 1,4-Dioxane. According to the Organic Consumers Association Whole Foods Market California, Avalon Natural Products, Beaumont Products, Nutribiotic and other manufacturers have been implicated.
 
In the July 7, 2008 article entitled “USDA to define ‘natural’ personal care products” published by the Sacramento Bee newspaper writer Jane Liaw reports, “At the national level, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is working on a definition of ‘natural products’ to be used in future standards, said USDA National Organic Program spokesman Billy Cox. It does not certify natural products. The department's National Organic Program certifies organically produced cosmetics and body care products but on a voluntary basis.”

Many consumers and companies producing organic skin care, beauty and household products believe stricter requirements for organic nonfood items such as organic skin care products, cosmetics and personal hygiene merchandise will motivate organic manufacturers to achieve and maintain higher standards
 
                                                                          

Green Beauty and Organic Skin Care Products: Protect the Environment and the Future

The United States government created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a mission to protect human health and the environment.  According to research by the EPA Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCP’s) cause thousands of toxic, chemical substances to act as pollutants in our environment. PPCP’s can be found in prescription and over the counter drugs, veterinary drugs, fragrances, cosmetics and personal care products.

“The importance of individuals adding chemicals to the environment has been largely overlooked. The discovery of PPCP’s in water and soil shows even simple activities like shaving, using lotion, or taking medication affect the environment in which you live,” states the EPA.gov web site. “The number of PPCP’s is growing. In addition to antibiotics and steroids, over 100 individual PPCP’s have been identified (as of 2007) in environmental samples and drinking water.”

When you buy organic skin care products, nontoxic personal hygiene items and eco-friendly beauty products you help protect your body from harmful chemicals and the environment from pollution.   
 

Eco-Friendly, Organic Skin Care Products Can Protect You and Your Family

On February 4, 2008 the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization focused on public health and the environment, issued a statement entitled “Study Shows Infants Exposed to Reproductive Toxins from Shampoo, Lotion and Powder.” The release stated that, “An EWG study found that personal care products expose children to an average of 60 chemicals every day that they can breathe in or that absorb through their skin. EWG product testing, conducted in partnership with Health Care Without Harm and other members of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, showed phthalates in three-quarters of 72 name-brand products tested. Because federal law contains no safety standard for cosmetics, it is legal for companies to use ingredients that are reproductive toxins like phthalates, carcinogens, and other potentially harmful substances.”   

According to the EWG Cosmetic Safety Database, “Most people use these products without a second thought, and believe that the government must certainly be policing the safety of the mixtures in these myriad containers. But they are wrong about this. The government does not require health studies or pre-market testing for these products before they are sold.” “And as people apply an average of 126 unique ingredients on their skin daily,” the EWG web site continues, “these chemicals, whether they seep through the skin, rinse down the drain, or flush down the toilet in human excretions, are causing concerns for human health, and for the impacts they may have to wildlife, rivers and streams.”

Although we still do not know for certain the long term affects these PPCP’s and chemical ingredients have on humans minimizing your exposure to them will support your overall health.  Children are especially sensitive since their bodies are still growing, maturing and developing. Eating organic foods keeps dangerous pesticides and insecticides out of your family’s diet, while organic skin care and body products keep harsh chemicals away from the skin and reduce pollution in the ground and water.



Green Living with Organic Skin Care Products

Living an environmentally friendly and healthy lifestyle is something all people should strive for, especially if we are going to preserve a stable world for future generations. Don’t simply trust advertising and commercials, read product labels and educate yourself about natural and synthetic ingredients.  Choose eco-friendly personal care and organic skin care products wisely.