Posted on

Hawaii Takes The First Step With Sun Screen Ban

I am sure everyone has always wondered if their sun screen is actually safe for them to use. For something to protect you from something as powerful as UV rays from the sun, it must come with its own set of risks. What most of society didn’t consider was how a product like sun screen could be so damaging to the ocean and its inhabitants.  This is why Hawaii has become the first state to put their foot down and ban the chemicals that have been directly linked to harming and killing the coral in their ocean: octinoxate and oxybenzone.

Oxybenzone is the primary culprit when it comes to damaging the colorful, living rocks. Not only is it very clear that it is killing coral but also mutating its DNA which can lead to infertility. One of the biggest issues is that the holes where coral release their seeds so they can reproduce often get clogged from the negative effects of this chemical. Once these pathways are closed off, the coral can no longer reproduce and it will even have trouble taking in new food. This starves the coral and leaves nothing but a skeleton behind since the seeds remain trapped inside until they wither away after death. What is clogging these vital pathways though if the oxybenzone is merely poisoning and altering the DNA of the coral?

This is where octinoxate comes in. This chemical when taken in by the coral creates “bleaching”. This is a process where the coral begins dumping all of its stored food and nutrients out from its openings. It is a similar process to when we throw up to remove whatever may be causing us to become ill. It is meant to be a way of purging it’s system, but with a constant supply of octinoxate, it has no chance to ever store food and nutrients. Instead, it just continues trying to flush its system of a toxin it has no chance of fighting off.

With this ban, it makes the statement that we care about what we put in our oceans and waters and that we don’t want to see sea life that we love disappear. An even better question to ask ourselves is that if this is what is happening to coral in the sea, then what is happening to us as we rub that same poison into our skins? A great way to avoid being poisoned by these chemicals is by searching for a mineral based sun-screen, just always check the label to make sure that what you are buying is safe for you and for the ocean!

Posted on

The Real Story Behind Skin Lotions

Finding safe, reliable skin care products can be a challenge. In the case of skin lotions, often called skin
therapies and other exclusive sounding names, it is important to look at the ingredients. And more may
be needed for you to be the type of informed consumer you wish to be. Why? Most ingredients are
unknown items, with scientific labels. So, unless you are a chemist, you may need to do some research.
We recently did some label research on skin lotions. A bit scary, to be honest.
Did you know that most leading skin lotions, even one called a ‘baby lotion’ have parabens? Parabens
are common preservatives found in skin and cosmetic products. They provide protection against micro-
organisms. To be fair, the Food and Drug Administration has no opinion or regulations on the use of
parabens. But, concern is growing over potential health side effects. This is worth checking out.
According to Cosmeticsinfo.org, data indicates that certain types of parabens may interfere with the
functioning of the endocrine system. It may be that they disrupt glandular activity and hormone
production. And this may especially be true of infants and children.
As another concern, research has found that parabens accelerate the aging process. It’s ironic that they
are in products designed to enhance the youth and beauty of the skin.
Another ingredient found in a major body lotion product is myristyl myristrate. It is a thickening agent,
which, according to the Environmental Working Group, can irritate skin, lung and eyes.
This is not to scare you, but to increase your awareness of chemicals found in common, popular skin
lotions.
Take heart, there are healthy options. One product, called Renew™, is free of these chemicals. Further,
it has been clinically tested for safety and purity. The USA based green manufacturing company that
makes it, claims that this lotion is also good for treating eczema and relieving psoriass , rosacea and
diabetes skin problems. And there are many anecdotal claims to support this. Historically, steroid
creams have been used for treatment of these conditions. While such creams reduce inflammation,
they also interfere with the immune system – making them potentially dangerous.
Take a close look at what you are using in and on your body. And in this age of concern for the
environment, it is essential that we start with our bodies and our home.

Posted on

Triclosan

Are you someone like me that has a bottle of hand sanitizer in his or her purse just in case? You can go to almost any public establishment now a days and find a sanitizer dispenser ready to drop a dollop of germ-killing power into your hands. Most schools even recommend it to our kids. Well I’m here to let you know that hand sanitizer is NOT all it’s cracked up to be. While the idea of stopping the spread of germs and viruses is appealing, it is no different at killing germs then your regular hot water and soap is. The “extra protection” sanitizer offers may actually be making you sick!

The antimicrobial compound you find in hand sanitizer is called TRICLOSAN. This is not a newly added chemical, it has been around and used for decades. TRICLOSAN is not only found in sanitizers, it can also be found in many types of toothpaste. While it does indeed kill germs, it also comes with risks. It has been linked to hormone problems including but not limited to; infertility and early puberty. When a study was conducted on mice that were exposed to TRICLOSAN they found that many had been shown to develop liver cancer. I bet you’re throwing away that bottle right about now.

People around the world are finally catching on, so in turn the manufacturers are switching up their germ-killing game. Most are slowly phasing out TRICLOSAN in favor of BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE. I assure you this is NOT a good trade! BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE and other related quaternary ammonia compounds are known respiratory irritants. They can affect anyone’s breathing, but especially exacerbate breathing for those suffering from asthma. Go through your home and office and make sure to throw your sanitizer in the trash!

Please join us at our next webinar and learn about the hidden dangers in your household products. Also, learn how to swap them out AFFORABLY and create a healthy environment for your family. Text 480-707-3859 to enter to win a FREE GIFT basket and to get the details for our next webinar!

Posted on

Is Your Makeup Toxic?

Make-up is used by almost every woman on earth at some point in their lives. In fact, many women use it liberally on a regular basis. Typically, women don’t give a second thought tot he ingredients in their makeup. Unfortunately, most cosmetics have dangerous ingredients lurking behind beautiful packaging. Green Clean Life is here to tell you which dangerous ingredients to avoid.

One of the most dangerous compounds they have found in make-up is MERCURY. Yes, you heard me right. Mercury is a toxic element that can be absorbed through the skin, which in turn can cause damage to your brain. The FDA regulates the use of these compounds for a preservative that helps keep eye shadows and other eye make-up “fresh and new” on the shelves. That’s right you may have been putting MERCURY on your face and eyes. That’s not all. Certain skin-whitening creams may also be contaminated. While the FDA regulates this legally, there are some controversial scientific evidence that links Mercury exposure to Autism in children. Definitely make sure you are checking your products before buying or using!

You would think that was it, it’s not. Have you heard of Coal Tar? It is a known human carcinogen. You can find it in anti-dandruff shampoos, hair dyes, and treatments for psoriasis. It has been discovered that Coal Tar causes DNA damage which then in turn increases the likely hood of developing cancer. Coal Tar can also increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight, increasing your chances for contracting skin cancer. Products that can be found with Coal Tar should be used with caution or just avoided all together.

Last but most certainly not least we have Lead Acetates. Pretty much everyone knows that Lead is a highly toxic metal associated with neurological and organ toxicity. Surprise surprise, it also plays a role in cancer development. It is EXCEPTIONALLY poisonous to children! Although the FDA has requirements and regulations around the use of Lead in certain dyes, it does not have a stringent regulation on lead found in any other cosmetic. One of the main products that usually contains Lead is lipsticks. Imported cosmetics may also have high Lead content. For safety keep all cosmetics away from children!

If a product isn’t safe to be near your child, why is it okay to be near you? Please join us at our next webinar and learn about the hidden dangers in your household and cosmetic products. Also, learn how to swap them out AFFORDABLY and create a healthy environment for your family. Text 480-707-3859 to enter to win a FREE GIFT basket and to get the details for our next webinar!