Upon reviewing our recent poll about stress, I found the results interesting. Behind mental and emotional stress, environmental stressors are a huge concern that people feel encumber their well being.
After living in Southern California for 7 years, I understand!
The seemingly mundane tasks that everyone perform daily require much greater attention than the average person allots. For instance, getting ready for a day of errands involves a shower and primping. If the water comes from the city system, then that relaxing hot shower is in fact full of disinfectant chemicals that react with organic material in toxic ways. The hot shower is delivering harmful chemicals, like fluoride and chlorine, for the body to absorb via the skin and breath. Then, there’s the soap, shampoo and conditioning products used. Sadly, even the “natural” products are still full of unpronounceable, toxic ingredients. Following that cleansing shower, often comes the body lotion, deodorant, styling aides and makeup. All of which can become very troublesome when zero attention is applied to the list of ingredients. Go figure that a trip to the grocery store could be more harmful than expected before stepping out the door.
If you wonder how impactful these things are, I encourage you to watch this video about The Story of Cosmetics put out by the Story of Stuff Project: http://storyofstuff.org/cosmetics/ . I can say first hand that the impact of such toxic chemicals has a debilitating impact on a person’s health. I’ve watched my mom, a career cosmetologist and makeup artist, suffer health-wise for decades.
But if you are also like me, you may think, “that’s not happening to me, because I do a good job keeping my home free of disease-causing agents.”
I am writing to say, think again.
I recently tried a new hair care system, because it was paraben free, sulfate free and organic. It said it was cruelty free, and, yes, the packaging was pretty. I was sucked in.
After a month trial, I thought my new shiny mop was looking better and feeling healthier! Sadly, I was wrong. After entering the list of ingredients into a database, I discovered that on a scale of 0—10 (0 – harmless essentially edible versus 10 – toxic-related disease guaranteed) my new fabulous shampoo was a 6!
The horror!
Then, I got even more concerned that If I was duped once that I was probably wrong about other items in my home. (Concerned is a nice way to say I became obsessed!) After checking my toiletries, let’s just say I went shopping. (I rediscovered a great line too, check it out: http://www.divineresponse.com.)
Why would anyone want to knowingly increase their chances for cancer or some other form of organ failure?
Convenience is one answer. And yes, it’s not convenient to avoid the major stores to shop for choice items. But now, there’s the internet. We can get anything from anywhere with a click.
So here’s my challenge, look up your products in the database (if they aren’t listed you can search by pasting the ingredients into a form). See if you are safe or if you are a doctor’s visit waiting to happen. Yes, it takes some time, but it is well worth the confidence and security in your health.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/
Let me know what you find, too!
To less stress…and NOT being duped,
Erica
