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Booga-booga…nah, the Boogey Monster probably has no place in your thoughts anymore now that you’re all grown up. But remember when he did scare you many moons ago?
That’s the feeling I get when I think about anti-bacterial products. You may think this is silly. Perhaps, you may even completely disagree with my sentiments.
Anti-bacterial products on the market claim to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria. They ply their commercials with scenes of sick people in tight spaces [think an ill-looking gentleman in an elevator with a red nose, a handful of Kleenex and sneezing], goopy chicken on a countertop, and even worse in my opinion, a montage of young children putting their toys with super-imposed images of bacteria into their mouths.
Once these commercials are done with scaring you into thinking you need to kill every microbe around you, you’re left with little choice but to round some up, and start spraying your house like mad, right?
On the flip side, we’ve been hearing about these anti-bacterial agents lowering our natural defenses against germ strains. Additional evidence is also showing that the use of these products could also be initiating drug-resistant strains of bacteria.
The most common ingredient in anti-bacterial products is a chemical called Triclosan. Other “ingredients” are Triclocarbon/Trichlorocarbamide, PCMS/Chloroxylenol and Tetrasodium EDTA. Although some say that these “ingredients” are harmless to the environment, there is significant evidence that these active agents are dumped into our water systems. And even though they are supposed to break down in water quickly, Johns Hopkins University research shows that 75% makes it down our drains and PAST sewage treatment plants. It was also found through substantiated research through the University of Minnesota, that when these chemical ingredients are exposed to sunlight within the water, a mild dioxin was created. This “mild dioxin” is also called: “a carcinogenic hormone disruptor that accumulates in the food chain even at low levels” [Ecoholic, Adria Vasil]. Now to throw in the chlorination factor, which much of our drinking water is…this has created an even more toxic form of the pollutant.
On a greater scale of the effect on the environment, if farmers are using sewage sludge to fertilize, Triclosan [and the rest of the nasty ingredients] is used to fertilize the crops that you are eventually buying and eating from. And…these chemicals accumulate within the soil. SCARY.
These is plenty of research for each side of the fence. There are studies that have supported benefits to the use of antibacterial soap. There are other studies that show that washing with plain soap and warm water was just as effective in removing unwanted bacteria. The USDA has published reports finding no link between the use of using anti-bacterial agents and the decline of infection rates. This is enough evidence for me to have made my decision. As well, Tufts University microbiologists found that the over-use of anti-bacterial products and the use of antibiotic medications at the sign of illness can leave us with superbugs, having upset our internal natural balance of microorganisms. They [Tufts] also found “that E. coli that survived being treated with Triclosan became resistant to 7 of 12 antibiotics,” [Ecoholic, Adria Vasil].
Canada is currently looking at this issue, and I hope we follow in British footsteps with the ban of Triclosan.
Again, I will sound like a broken record in saying this, but READ LABELS. I personally steer clear of products with the aforementioned chemicals. We use good old soap and water for washing our hands. We use vinegar and water to clean and a natural disinfectant [natureclean all natural household disinfectant]. Don’t get me wrong…it’s not that I NEVER use hand sanitizers…I use them as I enter and leave a hospital / clinic, I use them upon request of a new mom when I want to cuddle their new precious bundle of joy, and I use it if we are in a pickle: child in desperate need of a snack at the petting zoo after falling into the mud in the goat pit…I would prefer hand sanitizer over goat poop and whatever other crud that could be on the surface of my little guy’s hands.
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No more lame excuses this time as to why I haven’t posted in a long while. Jersey Shore’s finale was some time ago, and my Christmas shopping is done [hee]. To put it simply: I’ve just been lazy, and loving every moment of it! I will do my best, however, to keep blogs a little more consistent.
BUT…I have to interrupt my 5-part series on beauty and body products to blog about a program that truly made a difference for me, and in turn my family.
Healthy Homes Calgary
Nearly 2 years ago, a friend suggested I contact Clean Calgary for a Healthy Homes visit. I was vaguely familiar with Healthy Homes due to radio commercials, but really didn’t know it’s full scope. I knew they came into your home and went over it with a fine tooth comb to see where you sat on their “green” scale, and that they came bearing gifts of information and product to help with your transition into healthier living. The thing that struck me most, was that this program was absolutely FREE. Needless to say, I emailed them immediately, and had an appointment booked for the following week.
Healthy Home Program Highlights [pulled directly from their website]
“Healthy Homes Calgary aims to improve personal health, build community resilience, and reduce pressure on the natural environment. These objectives are achieved by working with families directly in the home, providing accessible, easy-to-use information, as well as the resources and tools necessary to create positive and lasting change.
The holistic approach, which covers energy and water conservation, chemical use and indoor air quality, waste reduction, sustainable food choices and mindful purchasing, allows the Healthy Homes Calgary staff and volunteers to engage Calgarians in a deep and meaningful way.”
Jenna and a volunteer came to my home for the first of two home visits, which are spaced three months apart. They were here for over two hours and it was quite intense. We chatted about why I contacted them and what I was doing thus far to have a healthier home.
They went over my past utility bills to assess our energy and water consumption. We talked about whether we recycled [yes], and composted [no] and the benefits surrounding these topics. We talked at great length about household chemicals and dangers, and went through every room in our house searching them out. They brought water-efficient shower heads and tap aerators, and they tested our toilets for leaks. They read the labels on my hand soaps, shampoos, dish and laundry detergents and went over all findings with me. I was so surprised when I found out that the Method products I was currently using weren’t as friendly as I was led to believe. They looked on our counters, in our cupboards, in our fridge, at our appliances and rugs. They went through all our “stuff”… and we had A LOT of stuff.
It was somewhat overwhelming and hard to digest the plethora of information they were giving me; but at the same time, it was almost euphoric to hear it, and to know I could change things right then and there, quite easily.
Before they left, they gave me an information package on everything we had gone over that day with their recommendations and suggestions, which was nice, as my mind was in a whirlwind by the end. They then pulled out a tonne of goodies for us to begin using: dish soap, all purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, fabric softener, soaps, toilet bowl cleaner, disinfectant…you name it, they gave it to me. They also threw in a rain barrel and composter – ALL FREE! I couldn’t believe my eyes. They had made it so easy to get started.
The second visit came three months later with Jenna and another volunteer. This time we went over what I had done with the information from the previous visit and then moved on to food. There were two short videos that I watched that addressed over-consumption, and how our food choices impact the world. We covered the topic of organic eating and whether it’s always the best option, eating foods that are grown closer to home, and where to purchase these healthier foods.
We looked at the fact that I was driving to the grocery store three to four times per week for produce, milk and meat. They introduced me to spud.ca – an organic foods delivery service. They calculate how much you will require per week, you choose your items, and voila – you have at-your-door service three days later! When choosing to go organic, you must know you will need to increase your food budget. Our food budget went up by 20%, but our waste went down dramatically as well. If I am paying $6 for that 2L of milk, you are getting a straw with your bowl of cereal! Again, lots of great information with the visit. I loved the fact that not only were they “teaching” me, but giving me the tools to pursue this lifestyle shift smoothly.
I learned so much from Healthy Homes. I am now passing on some of what they have taught me along the way. I have learned that very little effort can make a huge difference – changing lightbulbs, closing curtains to reduce heat loss through windows, unplugging appliances used only occasionally. Really – so little effort!
I can go on, and on – which I will, in my upcoming blogs about the changes you can make. I think that contacting Healthy Home was THE best decision I have made for my family. With the information they have armed me with, I am able to make educated, and informed decisions to make my home a healthy environment for my family and feel confident doing so.
I would suggest that if you are in the Calgary area, you contact Green Calgary about their Healthy Homes Calgary program. If you are not in Calgary, I urge you to see whether there is a comparable program available to you in your area.
http://www.greencalgary.org/your-home-and-community/healthy-homes-calgary/
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This blog post is late, I know. I do have a few poor excuses; one of which is Jersey Shore [my guilty pleasure], but mostly just general procrastination. A bigger part of why I am so tardy is that I became grouchy whenever I began to go over the information about personal care products…and to note, I’ve gone over this information numerous times over the past year. It doesn’t matter how often I review the facts…I still feel slightly uneasy, kind of scared.
I went over what I’ve got in my drawers, shower and makeup bag. What could I have possibly done to myself over 30 some odd years?
In recent years, lobbyist groups have uncovered and publicized truths about the beauty product industry. The dangers have ALWAYS been there…the makers have known of the dangers since the 50s. It’s just recently that our own Government has started to give a damn and finally passed a law that cosmetics and personal care products are to have ingredient lists on them.
I was just emailed this link last week, and it fits perfectly into what I wanted to write about. It is absolutely BRILLIANT!!! Watch it, and you won’t be disappointed! http://storyofstuff.org/cosmetics/.
Back to the nitty gritty:
Did you know that the Environmental Working Group found that more than one-third of all personal care products contain at least one ingredient linked to cancer? 57 per cent of all personal care products contain chemicals known as “penetration enhancers” that can drive other ingredients faster and deeper into the skin [our largest organ]. 60 per cent of that which we put onto our skin goes into our body! I have to say, the worst part for me is the fact that 80 per cent of personal care products contain ingredients that pose serious health risks, but are deemed legal and unrestricted!!
The European Union [EU] has banned over 1,100 personal care product ingredients. The FDA has banned only NINE. 89 per cent of the near 11,000 ingredients used in personal care products have NEVER been evaluated for safety by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel, or any other institution for that matter. Whew! Lots and lots of numbers. Here are some more:
On average, a person uses ten products a day. Within those ten products are over 500 chemicals – many of them harmful to our health. Up until recently, I was completely oblivious to what I was dousing my hair and skin with. Do you know what you’re exposing your body to? My general recommendation is to use products with the smallest, healthiest ingredient list, to lessen the number of personal care products we use, and use less of those actual products.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: READ LABELS. I cannot stress the importance of reading labels enough. I listed a number of things to steer clear of in my first blog, but I will reiterate some of those again, and more: Components linked to breast cancer and reproductive disorders = PARABENS. You’ll find parabens listed as “methyl-“, “ethyl-“, “propyl-“, “butyl-“, and “isobutyl”; Components toxic to the reproductive system, listed as “fragrance” = PHTHALATES. You may see these listed at DEHP, BBP, DBP, DMP and/or DEP; ingredients interfering in testosterone production = TRICLOSAN [antibacterial]; known to be carcinogenic, but makes frothy bubbles = SODIUM LAURYL/LAURETH SULFATE; harmful to the kidneys and liver, also found in brake fluid and antifreeze = PROPYLENE GLYCOL.
Total Debby Downer, hey?
Another thing with labels. Don’t be fooled by marketing claims. There are a bunch of terms used on products that are completely meaningless as they are NOT REGULATED. Some of these terms are: hypoallergenic, doctor tested, doctor approved, dermatologist tested or approved, nontoxic and no synthetic ingredients. I made myself a cheat-sheet at the recommendation of a friend and I carry it in my purse in order to reference it when needed. If I am ever suspicious of an ingredient, I don’t buy the product. That simple. I was given a GREAT piece of advice when looking for safe products: look for the dove symbol on the back of the bottle…two doves/birds in a circle.
Look over your products and try to find a suitable replacement if you find what you are currently using isn’t as safe as it could be. Try and cut down the number of products you use on a daily basis, and use less of those products. Try making your own products if you can. There are things that are probably in your kitchen that you can use: olive oil, almond oil and coconut oil can be used as moisturizers. Oatmeal can be used in place of a face mask. There are some wicked facial scrub recipes on the net using sugar and honey. I do a lot of my shopping at Planet Organic where I can get what I need under one roof, with knowledgeable staff that can help me if needed. I have found many wonderful products, after having to try several duds, in my opinion.
Hand soap: I like Nature Clean which can also be purchased at Superstore and CTC in some provinces!
Body soap: I loooove Rocky Mountain Soap Company pumpkin patch soap, which is supposedly great for your skin, and those suffering from sensitive skin. Kogi is also an excellent line. Although expensive, cut them into thinner pieces, and let them dry out. They last longer!
Body lotion: Patrick Curelle. This is the cleanest lotion I can find on the market. I find it works really, really well and is reasonably priced. Kogi, Carina, Beautiful Basics and Rocky Mountain Soap Company also make great lotions.
Cosmetics: I am currently using and liking Pure Minerals. Pure Ananda is another very highly-rated mineral makeup that is hard to get your hands on. You can order it online through a company based in Airdrie, AB: http://www.naturalegreen.ca/
Dr. Hauschka is extremely expensive, but also very “clean” and very, very popular. The Company grows its own 100% certified organic ingredients.
Shampoo & conditioner: Kogi and Carina Organics are both excellent, but sometimes hard to find. http://www.naturalegreen.ca/ does sell these products. Druide for kids is AWESOME!!! Please, ditch that Aveeno Baby and get Druide. They are a much more affordable brand based out of Quebec and also offer shower gels, soaps and facial products. Weleda uses a high percentage of quality organics, as does B.C.-based Life Roots. You can also look to Terra Essentials and Aubrey Organics – but look at their labels, as they sometimes contain ingredients that I find questionable.
Styling agents: Carina Organics gets really great ratings, although I haven’t tried it…yet. Aubrey Organics, Jason and Kiss My Face offer aerosol-free hairsprays, mousses, gels and waxes without petroleum pastes.
Hair dye: Did you know it is safer to lighten your hair rather than dye it darker?? This blew me away. Hydrogen Peroxide is used as a chemical lightener, and it isn’t all that bad in more diluted solutions. It breaks down quickly into water and air. The biggest issue with bleaching your hair, is that peroxide is most often mixed with ammonia which is a skin and lung irritant and is also toxic to aquatic life. If you wish to try to lighten your locks in a friendlier way, try lemon juice – blow dry it into your hair and continue until you get your desired effect.
All permanent hair dyes contain PPD [p-phenylenediamine – extremely toxic!! PPD is what allows the colour to “stick” to your hair. Dyes are made up of a concoction of nasty chemicals that are toxic to us, and to the environment. The National Cancer Institute states that deep-coloured dyes [dark brown and black] may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and multiple melanomas when used every month over a long period of time. As well, those dying their hair more than once a month using a permanent colour were more than twice as likely to develop bladder cancer.
Semi-permanent dyes and temporary colour do not share those risks…although, because they are not absorbed into your hair, they are washed down the drain, polluting our water supplies.
Natural Instincts is free of ammonia but still contains over a dozen chemicals. Herbatint is a biodegradable, ammonia and cruelty-free herbal air colour gel with low concentrations of PPD and peroxide. Herbatint also has a semi-permanent line that is vegetable-based and PPD-free! Other lines that are healthier alternatives are Ecocolors and Naturcolor. You can of course, use Henna to get darker tresses.
Antiperspirants: According to government bodies [aka: Health Canada], there’s apparently nothing to worry about with the use of antiperspirants. The aluminum and/or zirconian closes the pores to reduce perspiration and it’s been said there could be a link with these minerals and Alzheimer’s due to studies finding higher aluminum concentrations in the brain tissue of Alzheimer’s patients. I ditched my antiperspirant long ago as I will not risk it – no matter what Health Canada says.
Deodorants: These are just odour-masking products. They contain chemical fragrance, and coal tar-based colours such as Yellow No. 6 that are possibly toxic to the liver. Deodorants have preservatives such as formaldehyde in them which have nasty side affects that include being an air pollutant, a lung irritant, and a probable human carcinogen.
If you’re looking for a more natural-based deodorant, look for one with the highest organic content. Crystals made with the natural rock salt Alum are apparently effective and I’ve used Rocky Mountain Soap Company’s deodorants which I have found to work well.
Again, it’s not happy reading, but I hope you’ve found this informative and helpful. Watch: http://storyofstuff.org/cosmetics/ for even more information.
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Kermit the Frog said it for different reasons, but boy, was he right!
I am not ashamed to admit that I was a beauty product junkie. I loved all things that could “beautify” me. I had numerous make-up bags full of lipsticks, bronzers, shadows, pencils, mascaras…the list goes on. I used a different shampoo each time, because someone had a new, delicious scent. Lotions with bronzing capabilities and lotions with sparkle, lotions that smelled like you could eat it…it all enticed me. I was not a slave to brands…in fact, if it was less expensive, I’d just buy one of each colour! I have spent countless hours in the aisles and at the counters sniffing, testing, admiring, and buying. My obsession wasn’t consuming – but it sure was gratifying! I felt great smelling and looking nice.
When my husband first noticed he had scent sensitivities, and a few of the scents I wore would cause a very scary reaction, I had to start saying good-bye to some of my “friends”. Then one day, all the scents were gone. All of the air fresheners, all of the scented candles, perfumes, body sprays, shampoos, conditioners, lotions and soaps. I missed some of them dearly. Every so often when he was out-of-town, I’d dust the cobwebs off the Gain Detergent and do a load of laundry. Just like the commercial, I’d smell each piece of laundry while I folded it and thoroughly enjoying it.
Then I began my research on the scent-sensitivities afflicting my husband. Buh-bye Gain. It was very disturbing reading about scents and what they can do us. I no longer miss those items that used to bring me so much joy.
Chemical fragrances, or synthetic fragrances are mostly petroleum-based. If you see “fragrance” on the label, it usually means that the scent ingredients are unregulated and untested. Some research suggests that some of these chemicals act as hormone disruptors [causing defects in boys, and early puberty in girls], are cancer-causing carcinogens, and are neural damaging.
Ontop of scent, I have found other ingredients in my products to be just as damaging. I suggest reading labels. It may be time consuming, but I guarantee you’ll feel much better about using it. Although Canada itself doesn’t demand complete ingredient disclosure, my personal opinion is, if there’s nothing to hide, why not disclose it?? My personal rule of thumb is to not purchase if it doesn’t have an ingredient list.
The following list is taken directly from the book Ecoholic, by Adria Vasil. These are the Top 10 beauty product ingredients to stay away from.
- Diethanolamine [DEA]: A suspected carcinogen common in shampoos, body wash and makeup. Cocamide DEA, MEA and TEA may be contaminated with DEA.
- Formaldehyde: You might not see it on the ingredient list, but it is found in imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15. Formaldehyde can evaporate into the air when the product is wet.
- Parabens: All types of parabens [methyl, ethyl, etc.] hae been found to be estrogenic – they mimic female hormones. Parabens have been found in breast cancer tumor samples but haven’t been conclusively linked to cancer.
- Petrolatum: Comes from non-renewable crude oil, kind of like tanking up at the pump. Not breathable. Mineral oil is also petroleum-based.
- Phenylenediamine [PPD]: Also goes by the name of P-diaminobenzene. Found in all permanent dyes, especially darker shades, it has been tied to increase bladder cancer in long-term, frequent users.
- Phthalates: You’ll rarely see this controversial family of hormone disruptors om labels. It’s often tucked away under the ingredient “fragrance”.
- Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate [SLS]: Skin irritants; laureth is less irritating than lauryl, but can still cause dryness. Found not to cause cancer after much suspicion, but not everyone is convinced.
- Talc: A powder found in everything from eye shadow and blush to baby powder and deoderant. Any talc that is contaminated with asbestos fibres is recognized as a carcinogen.
- Toluene: This powerful solvent is found in nail polish. Long-term exposure affects the nervous system, liver and kidneys and contributes to smog.
- Triclosan: An anti-bacterial chemical used in pretty much everything. It is building up in our rivers and sewage sludge and can turn into carcinogenic dioxins when exposed to sunlight and water.
If you are looking for safer alternatives to what you are using, please post a comment with your email address, and I will message you with a few alternatives that either come highly recommended through various eco-groups, and those I have purchased, tried and endorse.
I told you being green wasn’t easy! It’s a lot of reading between the lines. This is just the start of a multi-part series on beauty and body products for the entire family. At the end of the series, I will give a list of those products that I recommend, where to purchase, and the approximate price.
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I have thought about blogging about what some of my closest call a “weird obsession” for a long time. I guess, just as it had been to decide to try and be a more eco-responsible human being.
My name is erin, and I am an at-home mom to a five-year-old…the one who truly led me on the path to my “new” so-called obsession. I had watched good friends and former neighbours, Deb and Ian, recycle, use a water barrel, and compost for years. They would also talk to me about different cleaning options to be more ecologically responsible. I have to be honest…and Deb and Ian – I LOVE YOU GUYS! – I thought they were a little bit nutty at the time! So much time I thought, wasted on doing all of these things. I had waaaaaay better things to do with my time, energy and money.
Well, after a few years of listening to it from across the fence and experiencing infertility, the seed was planted. We were finally blessed with a little boy who was, and is, a true miracle in every sense of the word. Then, about two years ago, my husband and I were watching a David Suzuki episode called “The Disappearing Male”, and our household was turned upside down!!
I was petrified to think of what I could be doing to our son and to ourselves. I hadn’t thought even for a minute about what the baby bath products I was using, the carpet fresheners, air fresheners, detergents, dryer sheets, hand soaps and lotions that we enjoyed the scents of so much could be doing to us!
Out went the dangerous plastics, air fresheners, harsh cleaning products and other common household plagues. This was just the start. My friends, Deb and Ian, introduced me to a book, which is now my “bible”, to which I refer to for many things. It is called ECOHOLIC by Adria Vasil. The author has been writing her “Ecoholic” column for NOW magazine since 2004, and has been an advocate for the earth since her teens. www.ecoholic.ca.
At first read, I was entranced. I just couldn’t put the book down! It covers everything from beauty products to clothing, to outdoor living and everything in between. The beauty of this book: It’s CANADIAN!!!!! The book is full of product and store recommendations, websites and references – most of which are in/from Canada. I suggest, if you want to make your home a safer and healthier place for your family to pick this book up through amazon.com or take it out at the library.
I am rambling, as the excitement is rising in me that I can share things revolving around being an “ecoholic”.
Please note, I am a MOM [after having spent the better part of my life in Corporate Communications]. I am not a doctor, scientist, or researcher. Nor am I an eco-guru. I am passionate about reducing my eco-footprint to give Mother Earth a bit of a break. I am expressing personal opinions only. You will have to do your own research and form your own opinions. My household and life is not completely green, although every activity we partake in, everything we eat…it’s all done with an informed decision. If this gets you to think about things a different way, that’s a start! As Adria Vasil states in her intro: “Start small. Start by leading by example.” Touché!
From hereon in, I will be trying to make the effort to post on a weekly basis which will include: eco-tips, product reviews, product suggestions, website references and the lot. I am excited to have finally done become an official blogger. Many thanks to Lisa of familynavigation.com for giving me that final kick in the pants I needed to begin.
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