Use less personal care products

Green Tip of the Week

Use less personal care and beauty products

· Designate one day per week to use significantly less product.

Examples include:
§ Taking shorter, less frequent showers
§ Using a smaller amount of soap, shampoo and conditioner
§ Use a pumice stone instead of soap
§ For women: designate one make-up free day per week
§ For men: designate one shave-free day per week


· Purchase natural, safe, environmentally-friendly cosmetics and personal care products. Avoid harmful chemicals such as:
    § Parabens
    § “Fragrance”
    § Colorants and synthetic dyes
    § Phthalates § Petrol chemicals

· Check out what’s safe for your body and the environment at www.ewg.org.

Did you know?
· Chemicals found in personal care products have been linked with many forms of cancer, birth defects, and can disrupt the timing of puberty in children and increase the potential for health problems later in life.
· The Environmental Working Group publishes a safe Cosmetics Guide. View EWG’s quick reference guide, and the smart shopper’s tips.
· Companies are allowed to use almost any ingredient they wish, and our government doesn't require companies to test products for safety before they're sold.
· By cutting down on the number of chemicals contacting your skin every day, you will reduce any potential health risks associated with your products.
· Every day, hundreds of different chemicals get flushed down the drain and into the groundwater when we shower, shave, brush our teeth, etc. These chemicals are then introduced into the ecosystem and can have a detrimental affect to the wildlife, starting with microorganisms. Read more here.