I’ve found 7 plastic-free organic hand soaps for you that contain no toxic chemicals and come in paper packaging you can easily recycle. Why hand soaps? Because the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say washing our hands with soap and water works better than hand sanitizer for killing the germs that cause Coronavirus, the flu, and other illnesses, like diarrhea and the common cold.

Why plastic-free? Because plastic trash is out of control!

And why organic? Because as good as soap is for fighting germs, too many soaps contain harmful toxic chemicals or come packaged in throwaway plastic.  The soaps listed below contain healthy ingredients that work – and don’t come in plastic!

7 Plastic-Free Organic Hand Soaps

Dr. Bronner’s

Zum

Tom’s of Maine

O Naturals

Makes 3 Organics

Ma’na Organix

Patchouli Soap

Here Are 7 Plastic-Free Organic Hand Soaps That Fight Coronavirus and the Flu

Dr. Bronner’s – Made with vegan ingredients and castile soap, but no synthetic preservatives or foaming agents. Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Available unscented, or in peppermint, lavender, almond, eucalyptus, hemp rose, hemp tea tree, and hemp citrus. Fair Trade certified and Non GMO verified, too!

Zum – Made with goat’s milk, essential oils, and fresh citrus herbs. Minimal paper packaging that can be recycled. Available in variety sampler pack as well as individually. Look for it online but in Whole Foods, natural foods stores, and food co-ops, too.

Tom’s of Maine – 5 oz. bars, available in 6-packs; available in lavender, orange blossom, coconut oil, and other plant-based compounds (NOTE: May also be available in store in CVS, various supermarkets, Whole Foods, Target, etc.)

O Naturals – 100% natural organic ingredients, vegan, and infused with essential oils. Available in oatmeal & coffee, agave nectar & soy milk, coconut & shea butter, jojoba & tea tree, and rosemary & peppermint. PETA certified.

Makes 3 Organics – Made in Santa Barbara, CA with USDA certified organic ingredients, including coconut oil and shea butter. Packaged plastic-free in a recyclable paper box. Also available in orange blossom.

Ma’na Organix – This hemp oil based soap is infused with eucalyptus that both cleans and leaves your hands smelling fresh. Ma’na is also sulfate- and paraben-free, cruelty-free and vegan. It’s packaged in a minimal recyclable cardboard wrap. Available in lavender, peppermint, spearmint, and cinnamon vanilla cappuccino.

Patchouli Soap – In case you’re wondering, patchouli is a fast-growing shrub related to mint and lavender with an “earthy, sensuous” scent. Additional ingredients in this soap include olive, coconut, avocado and castor oil, cocoa butter and cocoa powder, water, and sodium hydroxide.

When Should You Wash Your Hands During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

After you have been in a public place and touched an item or surface that may have been touched by other people, like door handles, tables, gas pumps, shopping cars, or electronic cashier registers and screens

Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, because that’s how germs enter our bodies

Before, during and after preparing food, and before eating food

After going to the bathroom

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

After shopping and packing and unpacking groceries

After opening mail

Remember to lather and scrub for 20 seconds. The CDC recommends people no longer shake hands with each other. If you somehow do shake hands with someone, wash your hands afterwards and before you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

NOTE: We may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through our link. It’s teeny tiny, so not enough to affect how we think, but helpful enough to keep us going. Thanks!

The post 7 Plastic-Free Organic Hand Soaps That Fight Coronavirus and the Flu appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Drugstores initially were places where we went to get medicine. While we may still get our prescriptions filled there, today’s drugstores also sell food, cosmetics, toys, office supplies, and home goods—and a surprising number of these items are the opposite of medicine. Many contain chemical compounds that can actually make us pretty sick if we’re exposed to them over time.

Here’s a rundown of some of the most toxic drugstore items that you should probably avoid—or at least cut back on—as well as healthier alternatives.

1 ) Tampons and Feminine Care Products

A disturbing array of toxic chemicals have been found in conventional tampons, menstrual pads, wipes, douches, and other feminine hygiene products. These chemicals, which include pesticide residues, dioxin, unknown fragrance chemicals and adhesives, have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, allergic rash, and reproductive harm. They raise alarms because vaginal tissue is particularly porous, which means that chemicals put into the vagina are easily and effectively distributed throughout the body, says Women’s Voices for the Earth in its comprehensive report “Chem Fatale.”

Safer Alternative: Skip products marketed as “vaginal cleansers.” The vagina is designed to self-clean; douching and excess washing, in fact, can lead to infections, says WomensHealth.gov. Choose unscented tampons, as well as chlorine-free bleached or unbleached cotton tampons and pads. Reusable, washable menstrual pads are also available, as are washable menstrual cups to collect rather than absorb menstrual flow.

2) Mascara

Mercury—a potent neurotoxicant that can cause kidney damage and potentially disrupt fetal brain development if the woman using it is pregnant—is sometimes used in mascara as a preservative and germ killer.

Stacy Malkan, co-founder of the advocacy group Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, says there is no reason “a known neurotoxin should be allowed” because safer alternatives exist. Unfortunately, there’s no way you would know whether your mascara contains mercury or not, because companies are not required to list it on their product labels.

Safer Alternative: To be safe, search online for “mercury-free mascara” or shop at natural foods stores. Or, try this recipe for making your own mascara.

3) Air Fresheners

Phthalates help disperse the fragrances in air fresheners into the air, where you may inhale them or absorb them through your skin.

Once these chemicals enter the blood stream, they can alter hormone levels or cause symptoms like headache, runny nose and itchy eyes.

The State of California notes that five types of phthalates are “known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm,” reports the Natural Resources Defense Council. Exposure to phthalates in air fresheners has also been associated with increasing the risk of asthma.

Safer Alternative: First and foremost, root out what is making your home smell bad. Then open the windows and let fresh air circulate.

Keep bathroom floors and the base of the toilet clean, use fans to move moist air out of bathrooms so mildew doesn’t develop, and don’t leave old food on kitchen counters or in an uncovered trash can, where it will smell as it decomposes.

To add a pleasant fragrance to your home naturally, simmer cloves, orange peel, and apple cider or pieces of apple on your stove, and enjoy fragrant cut flowers like roses and lilies.

Don’t Miss: Indoor Air Pollution Solutions: 15 Affordable Actions to Help You Breathe Clean Air

4) Lipstick

The post The 10 Most Toxic Items on Drugstore Shelves appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Why does it matter? Here’s the lowdown.

Many shampoos contain a potent cocktail of chemicals that include synthetic fragrances, phthalates, antibacterial agents, dyes and colorings. None of these ingredients are good for either you or the planet.

Χ – Synthetic fragrances and phthalates – Phthalates are essentially industrial compounds. They’re used to soften plastic, but also to help suspend the oily substances that give perfume their smell. They’re added to hairsprays, lubricants, wood finishers, nail polish, and yes, shampoo.

One single exposure to phthalates won’t cause trouble.

But multiple exposures over time, even at very low doses, have been linked to problems in fetal development.

Women who are pregnant and exposed to phthalates frequently and over time may give birth to baby boys whose genitals are deformed.

Phthalates are also linked to premature breast development in young girls and low sperm count in men.

Χ – Antibacterial agents – Ingredients like triclosan are often added to shampoo to “fight germs” or “kill bacteria.” But many public health officials worry that triclosan actually contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Plus, triclosan gets into our streams, rivers and lakes when it is in our shampoo and then washes down the drain.

Researchers have found that antibacterial compounds like triclosan can interfere with the development of tadpoles into frogs and cause other mutations that could threaten the survival of birds, fish and other animals that live on or around our waters.

Check out “5 Ways Triclosan is Wrong” here.

Χ – Dyes and colorings – I’m not sure what the appeal of having a pink or purple or green shampoo is.

Those dyes and colorings are usually derived from chemicals that have been linked to cancer, ADHD, and various allergies.

Natural dyes derived from blueberry juice concentrate, carrot juice, paprika, grape skin extract, beet juice and other plants are a much better alternative.

What Do You Want in a Non-Toxic Shampoo?

Fortunately, many caring and concerned companies are producing plant-based shampoos that are:

√ free of toxic chemicals

√ cruelty-free – not tested on animals

√ vegan

√ biodegradable – not in 10,000 years, but in a relatively short period of time.

Non-toxic shampoo ingredients could include:

• Jojoba and quinoa proteins to strengthen and fortify hair follicles
• Organic coconut oil to moisturize
• Chamomile, calendula and aloe for conditioning
• Sweet orange vanilla, lavender, grapefruit or another citrus fruit for a light and fresh fragrance
• Other fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers – plant-based ingredients, oils and fragrances that are easy on the planet as well as your body!

Some non-toxic shampoos I’ve tried and like include:

Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash

Jason Restorative Biotin Shampoo

Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo

Many new year’s resolutions are tough to keep. Switching to non-toxic shampoo should be a breeze!

Happy New Year!

NOTE: Posts like this one are sponsored by companies whose products and missions we support. Our editorial opinions remain our own, and we never recommend a product or service that doesn’t meet our environmental, health, and safety standards. In addition, we encourage you to shop locally. But if you can’t find what you’re looking for, we invite you to use our Amazon store. We will earn a tiny commission on your purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

The post Start the New Year Using Non-Toxic Shampoo appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Most deodorant stinks.

Not because it doesn’t keep YOU from stinking. It stinks because it contains nasty chemicals you just shouldn’t put on your body. That’s why Via Nature Natural Deodorant is such a breath of fresh air – literally. It’s also why we’ve partnered with them to bring you this expert information about the chemicals found in a lot of deodorants, plus the chance to get some of their great products for free. Read on!

Deodorants Are A Drug!

Believe it or not, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies deodorants as a drug, thanks to the various chemicals they contain:

Conventional antiperspirants often use aluminum compounds to create pore plugs that stop the flow of sweat.

Synthetic fragrances – chemical compounds that may be phthalate-based hormone disruptors – are used to mask odors.

Some deodorants and antiperspirants also contain triclosan, a pesticide that studies have shown compromises the immune system.

Why does Via Nature Natural Deodorant get a Thumbs Up?

We love Via Nature deodorants because they contain no:

√ Aluminum compounds

√ Parabens

√ Phthalates

√ Artificial fragrances

√ Sulfates

√ Synthetic dyes

√ Triclosan

√ Petrochemicals

Plus, they’re vegan and not tested on animals, either.

Get it fragrance-free or choose from among the three unisex scents derived from essential oils – Rosemary Sandalwood, Sweet Orange Lemongrass, and Lavender Eucalyptus. And no, Via Nature won’t break the bank. The roll-on version is only $5.99. You can also get a stick version for $6.99, or a spray at $7.49.

Try It for Free!

You’re probably thinking that you should give this a try, and you should. But you can try Via Nature Natural Deodorant for free by entering your email address below (we promise you will not get spammed!). If you’re one of the first 30 Big Green Purse readers to do so, Via Nature will send you a full-size deodorant in the style and scent of your choice. PLUS: You’ll also be entered to win a $250 gift basket of Via Nature products, which include hand and body lotions and various wonderful skin care oils. Once you enter, please share on Facebook and Twitter, too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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5 Ways Triclosan is Wrong

Triclosan is a chemical compound that is added to many consumer products, especially hand sanitizer. It was designed to reduce or prevent the spread of germs. However, some research on animals shows that triclosan could affect the way the body regulates hormones.

1)  In males, it could reduce levels of testosterone, which could lead to learning disabilities or infertility.

2)  A similar compound, triclocarban, could increase production of estrogen and testosterone, which could lead to breast and prostate cancer.

3) Triclosan might also interfere with the normal development and function of the brain and reproductive system.

4) Many doctors worry that triclosan does the opposite of what was intended and actually contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

5) Plus, triclosan gets into our streams, rivers and lakes when it is in the personal care products we unknowingly put on our bodies and then wash down the drain. Researchers have found that antibacterial compounds like triclosan can interfere with the development of tadpoles into frogs and cause other mutations that could threaten the survival of birds, fish and other animals that live on or around our waters.

How Can You Tell if a Product Contains Triclosan?

Triclosan is an added ingredient that should be listed on the label of any product it contains. Before you buy hand sanitizer – or toothpaste, liquid soap, and other personal care products – read the label. If it says “triclosan,” leave it on the shelf.

Is Triclosan-Free Hand Sanitizer Available?

Because consumers are demanding healthier, safer alternatives, many companies that make hand sanitizer are now producing a triclosan-free option. Where you shop in person, read the label before you buy. If you can’t find a triclosan-free hand sanitizer on the shelf, ask the store manager to order one. The following triclosan-free products are also available online and in our Amazon store:

Babyganics 

Cleanwell All Natural Hand Sanitizing Pocket Pack Wipes

EO Hand Sanitizing Gel

LA-Moon Organic Hand Sanitizer

Any other options you want us to carry in our store? Please let us know.

The post Green Back to School: Triclosan-Free Hand Sanitizer appeared first on Big Green Purse.

But let’s back up a minute, to the original question. How much money do you waste buying plastic every year? I’ve written about why using less plastic matters here. In short, the stuff is made from oil and other toxic chemicals, can make us sick if we’re repeatedly exposed to those chemicals, and wreaks havoc on wildlife and the environment.

If you’ve given up buying bottled water, use your own reusable cloth shopping bag and maybe grow some (or most) of your own food, your automatic response might be: “Almost none. I don’t buy plastic.”

But chances are, you’re still subsidizing the use of a fair amount of plastic, since almost everything anyone buys these days comes either shrink-wrapped, padded in plastic balls or peanuts (yes, polystyrene is a form of plastic), encased in a plastic package of some sort, or wrapped in paper that’s been coated with a plastic film so thin you don’t even notice it.

One area where I’ve become particularly aware of how much plastic I consume is in the bathroom. Even though I don’t use a lot of cosmetics and follow a mostly “natural” hygiene regimen, now that I’m paying attention, I’m appalled at how many of my personal care products come packaged in plastic. I’ve switched to bar soap that’s sold either wrapper free or wrapped in paper, my face cream comes in glass jars, and my hand salve comes in metal tins. I use wash cloths instead of disposable wipes to remove dirt and make-up, and a crystal for deodorant. But my shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, toothpaste, sunscreen, and mouthwash? They’re all packaged in plastic. Ditto for the blush, mascara and lip gloss I apply.

The kicker is, I’m not buying a lot of conventional products. What I buy is always free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and triclosan, as well as many other questionnable chemicals I’d rather not put on my body or wash down the drain. Because most of these items come in jars and tubes made from recycled plastic, I used to think that was good enough, since I can easily recycle them in my city’s curbside recycling program.

Beth, whose expertise I admire enormously, has done the research, and she says that, in most cases, the best plastic is no plastic at all, recycled or not. I recommend you read her book yourself to understand why. Let me just say that I’ve been so persuaded by her reporting that I’ve decided to embark on an effort to try many of the plastic-free alternatives she suggests, including several of her make-it-yourself recipes.  (Come back soon to see how her home-made shampoo and conditioner recipes did on my hair.)

At Big Green Purse, we recommend shifting your spending to the safest, greenest products available as the fastest, easiest way to protect yourself and your family while giving manufacturers real marketplace incentives to do better, too. (Read this post about how Beth shifted more than $1,000 to all kinds of great green goods as part of our One in a Million campaign!).

How big an impact can you have, if you just focused on beauty products? According to the YWCA report “Beauty at Any Cost,” five years’ worth of beauty products costs about $6,423 on average. One full year of college tuition and fees at a public in-state college is $6,185! Neither I nor Beth are recommending you stop using any of these products at all. But if you spend over $1,000 a year on personal care products, think of the impact you can have by shifting your spending to products packaged in glass or paper, or by making your own rather than buying so much. Whether you shift a dime or a dollar, you can make a difference.

I hope you’ll read this book, and not just because of what you do in your bathroom. Beth examined her entire lifestyle to figure out where she was using plastic and how she could cut back. The results are incredibly inspiring. “In the years since my plastic awakening,” she writes, “ I’ve gone from personally generating almost four pounds of plastic waste per month to a little over two pounds per year (the average American generates between 88 and 120 pounds per year), and I am continuing the downward trend. While I’ve learned many facts about plastic—how it’s made, which types leach toxic chemicals into our food, why plastic recycling is actually “down- cycling,” and the many ways in which it’s both helpful and harmful—the biggest lessons have been personal rather than factual.”

She acknowledges that “It’s nearly impossible to eliminate plastic from our lives entirely. And, unlike me, you may not even want to try. That’s OK. This isn’t a competition, and I don’t hold myself up as an ideal.”

Here’s what I especially like about Beth’s philosophy:  “The goal is to be aware and responsible,” she says without the least bit of preachiness. “You might find yourself saying, “I know this is plastic and bad for the environment (and for my health), but I really need it or want it right now.” You think about the consequences, weigh your options, and make a decision. Other times, you may say to yourself, “It might be nice to have this, but it just isn’t worth the pollution and health risks. I can do without it.” Perhaps you will set a goal—to reduce your plastic consumption by a certain percentage or keep it under a certain amount per month. Or you might define what constitutes an emergency situation for you, and save plastic for those times. Whatever you do, it will be your choice.” What a great attitude!

JUST FOR FUN!

In addition to all the great background information and straightforward action checklists, Beth provides some surprising insights into the ways she’s had fun going plastic-free. I love her suggestion for a “make your own” iPod cover:

“What do you do when your iPod cover cracks and you need a new one and all you can find to buy are covers made out of plastic or handmade covers from Etsy that just don’t fit your lifestyle and the way you want to use your device? This might seem like a silly concern when the mp3 player itself is made from plastic, but my plastic-free life is not about deprivation but finding creative ways to enjoy the possessions I already have without buying new plastic.

“So one night, when I was supposed to be working on a million other things, I entertained myself by devising my perfect knitted iPod cover, complete with holes for the power cord and headphone jack and openings for viewing the screen and accessing the click wheel. I felt pretty tickled with myself, and even more so a year later when the foam pads on a couple pairs of headphones wore out and I taught myself to crochet in order to make some plastic-free replacements out of wool. I feel a real connection to and appreciation for items I’ve spent hours making myself. I also feel much more motivated to take care of them properly. Whenever I need something new, I check Google first to see if someone has come up with a handmade version or instructions for doing it myself. I’m not always willing to take the time, but when I do, it’s always worth it.”

BUY NOW!

Beth is selling signed copies of her book through her blog to benefit the Plastic Pollution Coalition. Plus, any copies Beth sends out or that are purchased via BuyGreen.com are guaranteed to ship without plastic packaging. Get a copy for yourself, for your friends, and for community leaders who think there’s no way to live without plastic. Beth’s book proves them wrong from the very first page to the last.

The post Want a Plastic-Free Life? Buy This Book ASAP! appeared first on Big Green Purse.

We’re not.

We ARE living in a world that we share with billions of “germs,” most of which are perfectly harmless. In fact, many doctors believe that living with germs keeps us healthier by helping us build up a resistance to their ill effects.

This perspective seems to be routinely ignored by the cleaning products industry. A report by Women’s  Voices for the Earth, a non-profit Montana-based research group, investigates the link between toxic chemicals found in disinfectants and human health. Disinfectant Overkill: How Too Clean May Be Hazardous To Our Health analyzes the impact of “cleansers” that commonly contain chlorine bleach, ammonia, triclosan and other anti-bacterials, ammonium quarternary compounds, and nano-silver. Their conclusion?

“Some of the most common antimicrobial chemicals used in cleaners could have
serious health consequences. This is especially true for cleaning workers, young children and women who, despite progress on gender roles, continue to do 70% of housework in the average home.”

Furthermore, “The overuse of antimicrobials contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which some scientists say could leave the public with fewer tools in the fight against infectious diseases.”

WVE suggests this analogy to understand the impact today’s common cleansers have on us and the environment:

“Suppose you have a pesky fly in your house. One option is to reach for a flyswatter. Assuming you get a direct hit on the fly, your problem is neatly and efficiently solved. But imagine if all you have handy is a sledgehammer. Again assuming you get a direct hit, you will certainly take care of the problem fly. However, you are likely to put a hole in your wall in the process.

The sledgehammer might be supremely effective at killing flies, but are the side effects (i.e. holes in your wall) worth it?. The same is true for antimicrobial products; they are often too strong for the average daily need. Occasionally they may be warranted, just as a sledgehammer has its place and purpose. But on a daily basis, simple soap and water or other non-toxic cleaners will do the trick without causing potentially harmful side effects.”

WVE does not argue we should stop cleaning. On the contrary, “Disinfectant Overkill” makes a convincing, science-based case for using safe solutions to keep germs at bay.

Wondering where to start? These eco-friendly tips will help keep your hands clean.

These DIY recipes for home cleansers are cheap to make and work effectively on any surface in your home.

The post House Cleaning? Use a Fly Swatter, Not a Sledge Hammer appeared first on Big Green Purse.

What’s the diff? The mechanical action of handwashing – rubbing your hands together with soap and water – is what’s important because that’s what breaks down the tiny bits of grease, fat and dirt on your hands that germs cling to. Soap doesn’t actually kill the bad germs. It’s the combination of soap, rubbing, rinsing and drying that helps these bugs slide off your hands.

“Disinfected” implies you’re going to try to kill germs outright to try to stay safe – a losing proposition since there are so many germs in so many places, you’ll never be able to win out.

Besides, “Germs are essential for human life. Bacteria in our mouths and intestines help us to digest the food we eat and bacteria on our skin protect us from invading viruses and bad bacteria,” explains Dr. Edith Blondel-Hill, and an infectious diseases specialist at British Columbia Children’s Hospital.

What about bacteria and viruses, like the one that is causing swine flu? It turns out that bacteria and viruses are examples of two different types of germs. Bacteria exist virtually everywhere in our environment and make up 60 per cent of the living matter on earth. Of the billions of types of bacteria, only about 50 are known to cause infection.

Viruses cause far more illnesses than bad bacteria because they spread more easily. If more than one person in your family has the same sickness, says the Health Agency, odds are it is a viral infection.

Especially in response to concerns like the swine flu epidemic, consumers have a tendency to rush to buy antibacterial soaps and cleaning products. Yet there is no medical research to prove that antibacterial soaps offer any benefit over regular soaps in preventing common illnesses. In fact, many doctors worry that the widespread use of antibacterials is causing antibiotic resistance. In other words, the more antibacterial products you use, the more susceptible to disease you may become.

Plus, antibacterials like triclosan are believed to be causing deformities in frogs and other wildlife, since they get washed down the drain and out into rivers, lakes and streams where they impact the animals living there.

In a March 2004 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers studied 238 households in New York City. Half were given regular hand soap and cleaners and half were given antibacterial soaps and cleaning products. At the end of 48 weeks, there was essentially no difference between the two groups in reported infectious disease symptoms, including runny nose, cough, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea.

Make no mistake: if you want to stay healthy, you must wash your hands. Just skip the “disinfecting” products. Here are the Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations for effective washing.

1) Remove all rings and wet your hands with warm running water.

2) Put a small amount of liquid soap in the palm of one hand. Bar soaps are not as hygienic as liquid soaps because they stay moist and attract germs. If a bar soap is the only option it should be stored on a rack so that the bar doesn’t sit in water.

3) Rub your hands together for 20 seconds so you produce lather. Make sure you scrub between your fingers, under your fingernails and the backs of your hands.

4) Rinse your hands well with clean running water for at least 10 seconds. Try not to handle the faucets once your hands are clean. Use a clean towel to turn off the water.

5) Dry your hands with a clean towel. During cold and flu season you may want to give each family member his or her own hand towel.

6) Use hand lotion to put moisture back into your skin if your hands are dry.

7) Model good handwashing technique to your children. Have them sing a song like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” while rubbing their hands together to teach them the amount of time it takes to clean their hands properly.

8) Wash your hands regularly.

9) Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth if you haven’t washed them recently.

10) At work, when shopping or in transit, use alcohol-based wipes rather than antibacterial wipes if you don’t have access to water. But use sparingly, since alcohol kills good and bad germs.

The post What’s the best way to keep your hands clean? appeared first on Big Green Purse.

According to a study by researchers at the non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG), triclosan has been:

* linked to cancer in lab animals

* targeted for removal from some stores in Europe for its health and environmental risks

* recommended against use at home by the American Medical Association

  Triclosan’s human health and environmental impacts are serious:

* It may disrupt the thyroid hormone system, which is essential for proper growth and development, particularly for brain growth in utero and during infancy.

* It breaks down into very toxic chemicals, including a form of dioxin; methyl triclosan, which is acutely toxic to aquatic life; and chloroform, a carcinogen formed when triclosan mixes with tap water that has been treated with chlorine.

* It pollutes the environment. Scientists surveying 85 U.S. rivers and streams found traces of triclosan in more than half. Studies done at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada show that triclosan exposure endangers frogs and other aquatic wildlife.

Even though there is no evidence that triclosan is keeping homes cleaner, the toxin is showing up in the most unlikely products: toothpaste, shower curtains, cutting boards, and mattresses as well as liquid hand soap, dishwashing detergent, and window cleaner. It is touted by leading brands like Softsoap, Dial and Bath & Body works. EWG’s research shows it is an ingredient in almost half of 259 hand soaps.

“It¹s time to ban triclosan from all personal care and household products,” says EWG Staff Scientists Rebecca Sutton, PhD.

Dr. Stuart Levy, director of the Center for Adaptation Genetics and Drug Resistance at the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, says “No current data demonstrate any health benefits from having antibacterial-containing cleansers in a healthy household.”

The Environmental Protection Agency is trying to determine whether and how to regulate triclosan and other antibacterial agents. Their review could take months, even years.

In the meantime, here’s how you can protect yourself:

* Worry less about germs. Dr. Levy and other medical professionals note that people who are exposed to household germs usually develop stronger immune systems and are healthier overall. Aim to be clean, not germ-free.

* Read product labels. If you see the words “antibacterial,” “kills germs,” or “triclosan,” find an alternative.

* Talk to store managers. Tell them you’re refusing to buy antibacterial products because they threaten human health and the environment.

* Shift your spending to safe, eco-friendly cleansers:

*  Bon Ami

*  Baking soda, vinegar and water

*  Greenworks All Natural Cleaner

* Method Non-Toxic, Fragrance-Free All Surface Cleaner

For triclosan-free toothpaste, consider UltraBrite Advanced Whitening or Tom’s of Maine, both of which are available in most grocery and drug stores. For other alternatives, consult the Safe Cosmetics Data Base.

For liquid hand soap, try Kiss My Face Self-Foaming Soaps.

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