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ecoFriendly Personal Care Products

There is an infinite selection of personal care products available. Here are a few choices you can make that will be better for both the environment and yourself.
Basic Hints
- Use fewer products. You will expose yourself to fewer chemicals.
- Buy in bulk and avoid what you don't need. It saves in packaging and money.
- Read the labels. Try to avoid the worst chemicals, which include:
- Placenta extracts - can give off hormones
- Mercury - found in mascaras and eye drops
- Lead acetate - hair dyes
- Animal parts - mink or emu oils, etc.
- Hydroquinone skin lightener
- Phthalates
Hair Dye

- Avoid dyes containing coal tar and ammonia
- Try to use henna-based dyes
- Avoid hair dyes during first trimester when pregnant
- Follow the instructions - don't leave on hair, any longer than recommended
Oral Care

- Don't swallow fluoride toothpaste
- Avoid fluoride toothpaste if your child is to young to spit properly, or if your municipality adds fluoride to the water.
- Look for "natural" toothpaste, often made with baking soda.
- Use a toothbrush made from recycled plastic
- Avoid conventional mouthwash
Deodorant and Antiperspirants
- Avoid products with parabens
- Avoid antiperspirants containing aluminum salts
- Look for a natural product. You made need to try a couple to find one that works well for you.
Nail Polish

- Avoid nail polish with dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde or toluene. If a nail polish is unlabelled, don't use it.
- Don't use nail polish if pregnant
- Don't use nail polish on kids
- If you must use nail polish, apply out of doors
Sun Protection

- Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and follow the directions - apply 20 minutes before going into the sun and reapply as directed.
- Avoid PABA if you have sensitive skin
- Don't use sun lamps or tanning booths
- Blocks with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide will provide some UVA and UVB protection
- Cover up from the sun. Don't rely on sunscreen alone.
- Limit exposure to sun during hottest part of the day
- Wear a hat with a brim
- wear sunglasses that block 99 % of UVA and VUB
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