It seems like everyday there is more evidence about the tens of thousands of synthetic chemicals found in everything from flavorings to cosmetics. If this wasn’t enough, we hear that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) throws out hints that the 85,000 synthetic chemicals floating around could be a key contributor to the amount of diseases and illnesses our society experiences. I don’t think I am alone when I say how overwhelming this feeling is. It feels like one day you look around and everything you consume, put on your face and use to clean your toilet is POISON. My biggest suggestion here is take a step back and breathe. This is not a time to feel guilt or shame, this is solely an opportunity for change and a brighter future for all. Remember, baby steps.
If you take nothing else from this article, I recommend you download the app “Think Dirty.” It’s an incredible source for rating your everyday household products and deciphering what is safe.
You might be wondering why you would even need such a thing, shouldn’t the products provided at grocery stores be deemed “safe”. The unfortunate truth is there are thousands of chemical ingredients that are commonly used, that haven’t had any safety testing done on them. Why? The FDA has “grandfathered” them into the system and ruled them as generally safe. While this statement can easily be written off as just being a “shock factor” quote, there is a lot about it that is unsettling. For starters, without testing, how can we understand what repeated uses of this chemical after days, months, or even years can do? Second to that, how do these chemicals respond with other chemicals? The FDA is working towards banning harmful chemicals, but that battle is not handled overnight. In the meantime, it is up to you/us to monitor what products you choose to put in you and around you.
My recommendations for you are to start simple. Educate yourself about the products you use regularly and make the small swaps as necessary. Hoping to switch over to completely clean cosmetics? Just start with a clean foundation. There are so many incredibly small brands/companies/stores whose mission is to have environmentally safe and clean products. This is a beautiful opportunity to support them, and in doing so, support your future.
