Hey! I’m Emily, and I am a sophomore in High School and a part of Teens for Safe cosmetics. A few weeks ago, Teens for Safe Cosmetics had our kickoff meeting for the 2008/ 09 campaign. It was a great meeting with tons of fabulous ideas for our Teens Turning Green Collection, for events, and for new advocacy strategies. However, the most exciting new change was all the new faces in the room! About 10 new teens came to our meeting, and I was reminded of the first time that I went to a meeting and everyone else seemed to know what they were doing while I, unfortunately, was leagues behind in comprehension.I talked to my new friend Bonnie to figure out what exactly confused her about the new environment and how I could help. We figured out that the best way to understand the science, health effects, and to get familiar with green alternatives was to evaluate her own products. We decided to get informed on a really cool site called Skin Deep opens in a new tab. This site, put up by the Environmental Working Group opens in a new tab, lets anyone search their favorite brands, products, and the ingredients in them. Each of these are rated on a 0 to 10 scale for how healthy the product, etc, is (10 being the worst, 0 the best). The page then tells you why it was rated that way and what health affects it is known to cause.
Once you figure out that some of your products may be toxic, you may want to swap some of them for healthier ones. Take a look at our Greener Alternatives list opens in a new tab. Here is my challenge to all of you: look up 5 products that you use daily on Skin Deep, get educated about the ingredients and find greener alternatives. Then, change one product tomorrow. Let us know what you learn and we will post your stories. Also, help us spread the word and build campaign chapters around the country. if you're interested email us at info@teensforsafecosmetics.org opens in a new tab.
Next week, we will start telling you about our fabulous new product line, The Teens Turning Green Collection, launching exclusively at Whole Foods Market nationally in late September.
About Teens for Safe Cosmetics opens in a new tab
Teens for Safe Cosmetics is a coalition led by dynamic and passionate young women raising awareness about potentially harmful ingredients in beauty and daily use products that may be linked to cancer, reproductive harm and other health risks. Their mission is to educate the public about harmful chemicals found in cosmetics and personal care products, advocate for legislation that protects one’s right to health and to inspire teens across the nation to work together around these issues and create change within their communities.
Teens for Safe Cosmetics launches Teens Turning Green Collection
Teens for Safe Cosmetics has brought together phenomenal eco-conscious companies to create a line that attains Whole Foods Market’s Premium Body Care opens in a new tab seal, the most comprehensive retail standards. Companies have used a holistic approach in the creation of these products, incorporating how age, variation in skin type, and environment can effect teenage skin. The line will launch exclusively at Whole Foods Market nationwide in October 2008. For the first time in history, Teens Turning Green will offer teenagers a line made specifically for their skin that is safe. Hand-selected by teenagers for safety, sustainability, and practicality, the Teens Turning Green collection is a cross-section of the best products on the market.
