Thinking of the Environment

I came across this great website a few years ago, and I have used it many times for any questions I have about toxic chemicals and the environment.

I was first introduced to the Environmental Working Group when I had questions about what types of chemicals were in the body care lines that people were using. You can put in the name of any brand of body product (shampoo, conditioners, creams, and even makeup) and the database will break the product down into the individual ingredients. Then, each ingredient is rated based on scientific literature. They explain if and why any of the ingredients are linked to health concerns and they let you know which products are tested on animals (more and more people are looking for products that have not been tested on animals). They also give a link that will take you to products that have a lower toxicity than the one you are testing. This can help us make better choices when it comes to body care products that we put on our skin every single day.

Currently, they are sending around a Healthy Homes Checklist that people can use to look at some of the ways they can reduce toxic chemicals in their homes. I have printed one off and I am looking forward to going through my home and making some changes!

I have also noticed a sunscreen section on their website where they have rated sunscreens as part of their campaign for safer and more effective sunscreens. This will come in handy for the upcoming summer months.

So check it out because I know for me I can always learn new ways to cut down on my exposure to chemicals!