How Clean are your personal care products?

The pursuit of a more sustainable lifestyle can begin at home with your bath, kitchen, and laundry. The products you use on a daily basis may contain things that you may not want, but the good news is that there are options.

As a sustainability consultant, I advise clients to read labels, be aware of the latest product research, and take action on what comes into the house. Increasing eco awareness can help consumers make more informed decisions and choose products that best fit their specific needs.

Ongoing work by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) and its allies is bringing eco awareness to the consumer and encouraging some of the best selling personal care products on the market to reformulate their products to be safer for human health and the environment.

In a follow-up to a 2008 study, the OCA found greatly reduced carcinogens in some personal care products. However, a number of other more conventional products continue to have alarmingly high levels of the carcinogen.

The study differentiated personal care products and revealed that products bearing the USDA Organic seal were totally free of 1,4-dioxane. These included:

•    Dr. Bronner's
•    Intelligent Nutrients
•    Terressentials

The Organic Consumers Association advises consumers to avoid products containing the following ingredients:

•    Cocoamidopropyl Betaine
•    Oelfin Sulfonate
•    Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
•    Potassium Cocoyl Glutamate
•    Parabens
•    Phenoxyethenol

Personal care product preferences are often very heavily brand-driven.   As a personal consultant to individuals seeking a more sustainable lifestyle, I encourage clients to evaluate alternatives to traditional brands. Building a personal sustainability plan includes choosing products that are good for the environment as well as your personal health. There are some great products available today.

Have fun choosing new products that are right for you