going green 12
Top 7 Ways to be
Green from Head to Toe
B
eing fashionably green is about more than just what you wear. It’s also about the other things we put on our bodies such as sunscreen and even shampoo. Terri helps you be fashionably forward thinking as she runs down her ‘Top 7 Ways to be Green from Head to Toe.” 1) Pick Safer Personal Care Products Many personal care products we use contain toxic chemicals and preservatives. Preservatives usually contain dangerous parabens. And some ingredients won’t be found on the ingredient list because they’re hidden under the term “fragrance.” That term is used to avoid listing things like phthalates which can alter hormones. CosmeticDatabase.org is an easy to use resource to easily find what’s in all the products so you can choose ones with the safest ingredients. Another good bet is to avoid products which contain the ingredients: quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea formalin and methylene oxide. 2) Buy Better Make-Up T h e r e ’s n o t h i n g pretty about what could be lurking in your favorite blush, lipstick, or eyeliner. Some brands actually contain mercury, lead, or chemicals which are known to cause everything from cancer to reproductive problems. Again, CosmeticDatabase.org is a good place to
Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community
By Terri Bennett
start researching the products you use. You can search by specific brands and product names. 3) Be a Resale Shop Regular Resale shops are the perfect places to get a steal of a deal on gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. There are resale chains that specialize in all kids’ clothing. Not only can you buy fashions for less, you can also sell what your kids have outgrown. Check out consignment shops where you live to get deals and unique finds for the grown ups in the family. And don’t forget your local Goodwill. Many locations now look like department stores and you could put together a complete look for an unbelievable price. 4) Rent High Fashion Clothes & Accessories You know the problem with trendy clothes and accessories. One day they’re in…and they next day they’re out. Consider renting instead of spending top dollar for items that will be used occasionally. WearTodayGoneTomorrow.com is a fashion lover’s paradise. And, BagBorrowOrSteal. com rents everything from handbags to sunglasses. 5) Opt for Organic Cotton Make a fashion statement by opting for organic cotton. 25 percent of all insecticides and 10 percent of all pesticides are used on conventionally grown cotton. That doesn’t