GreenPeaceofMine

The Big List of Things That Suck - No.33 - FRAGRANCE

According to the National Academy of Sciences, more than 95 percent of the chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum, including toxins that have been linked to allergic reactions, among other things. More and more people are claiming “fragrance sensitivity” responsible for migraines, sinus attacks and more, yet since the industry is self-regulating, there’s no hard data calculating this cause-and-effect.

Where to find it: There are over 5,000 different fragrances used in household products like shampoo, laundry soap, cleaners and even foods.

Suck less: If you see the word “fragrance” on a label, put that baby back on the shelf.

- EcoStiletto.com

Huge cause of more then half of my allergic reactions to things.

(Source: ecostiletto.com)

The Big List of Things That Suck - No.32 - FORMALDEHYDE

Formaldehyde has been linked to immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer; it can be produced from the breakdown of diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium compounds.

And speaking of formaldehyde, many common chemical preservatives release the stuff over time, so also avoid the words QUATERNIUM-15, DMDM HYDANTOIN, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA and DIAZOLIDINYL UREA on your labels—all roads lead to the ‘hyde.

Where to find it: Eyelash adhesive, nail polish and hair dyes.

Suck less: Try a pre-mascara lash conditioner from one of the best-selling eco-beauty brands: They look like white mascara and slick on without clumping, building lash thickness and length at the ends. Cover the white with your mascara color of choice for super-thick lashes without falsies.

- EcoStiletto.com

Watch for the future posts on Nail Polish, Mascara, and Hair Dye for more info.

PREGNANT LADIES - YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO PAINT YOUR NAILS WHILE PREGNANT, OR GO TO THE SALON. THESE PRODUCTS CAN CAUSE EXTREME BIRTH DEFECTS AND LEARNING DISABILITIES. 

(Source: ecostiletto.com)

The Big List of Things That Suck - No.31 - FLAME RETARDANTS

Flame-retardants found in most mattresses have been linked to autism and ADD, among other things. Yet we find them in crib mattresses where infants sleep about 15 hours a day.

Where to find them: See that tag that says you can’t remove it under penalty of death? That means there’s a flame retardant in the mix.

Suck less: Yes, eco-friendly mattresses made from organic materials like wool or latex can be expensive. In lieu of a full-on mattress overhaul, get a thick organic mattress pad to reduce your exposure.

- EcoStiletto.com

True that.

(Source: ecostiletto.com)

The Big List of Things That Suck - No.30 - FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS (SINGLE-USE)

I’m just going to put this post in Italics with Bold where it’s crucial: 

American women throw away 60 million disposable feminine hygiene products each year. The average American women will use between 10,000 and 15,000 disposable pads, tampons and applicators in a lifetime. 13.5 billion pads and 6.5 billion tampons ended up in landfills in 1998, according to waste consultants Franklin Associates, where they take 500 years to decompose. Tampon applicators make up 2.2 percent of trash collected between 2001 and 2006 by The Ocean Conservancy—more than syringes, condoms and plastic six-pack rings combined.

Where to find them: Under the sink or in your purse.

Suck less: Reusable cups and pads have come a long way, baby.

- EcoStiletto.com

I think you’ve heard me say enough on this topic. I’ll swear by the Diva until the end. She forgot to mention how many pesticides are in tampons and pads. No WONDERS there’s so much cervical cancer! DUH!

(Source: ecostiletto.com)

The Big List of Things That Suck - No.29 - FUR

In addition to the horrors of killing animals for their fur, according to the Humane Society animal pelts destined to become fur coats, blankets and more are treated with formaldehyde, chromium and napthalene—all toxic, all the time. Fur is so not pretty.

Where to find it: Significantly more expensive collars, jackets, pillows and throws.

Suck less: Just say no—even wearing vintage fur promotes an industry that was built around death. Do good by donating furs you already own to Humane Society of the United State’s Coats for Cubs program, where your old coat can become a mother surrogate for an orphaned animal.

- EcoStiletto.com

I’m not a very big animal activist. Don’t get me wrong, I’m against animal cruelty, but I still eat meat - so long as it’s USDA Organic.  Fur clothing however…infact, fur ANYTHING grosses me out. I also think a real fur coat is just as gaudy as a faux fur one. With that said, Coats for Cubs - how stinkin cute!

(Source: ecostiletto.com)