I’ve been meaning to share these first two resources with you since I began this blog, so forgive me for holding out on you.
The first is Skin Deep, the Environmental Working Group’s cosmetic safety database. I’ve always been a label reader, but for all my years of practice identifying chemicals I try to avoid, I still need help. Though the database was first released in 2004, I didn’t discover it until 2007 when EWG released their improved and expanded current edition. I was elated. No more wandering the chemical engineering world (which is actually more like a galaxy) searching for credible, coherent information on suspected and known toxins. While Skin Deep isn’t perfect, it is an incredibly informative and easy to use free resource. You can search for any cosmetic product, discover its toxicity score, read about its individual ingredients, and more. Your skin is a living organ that absorbs most of what you put on it – get informed!
The second is the Guide to Less Toxic Products from the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia. This I stumbled upon serendipitously a few years ago. I use this guide mostly for household cleaners, but it also covers personal care and baby care (pest control is coming soon!). It lists less toxic alternatives for each item, but I find the numerous recipes for home-made alternatives the most helpful. Methinks Nova Scotia must be pretty cool.
Lastly, don’t forget the Pesticide Action Network’s What’s On My Food?, which I’ve covered separately here.
