Check out this site:
https://www.ewg.org/
It is a highly respected site that rates the quality of the products we commonly use for healh and environmental safety.
For this post I want you to research THREE common products you use or find at home and report what you finding. Is the product good/bad and did it change your opinion of it.
For example: Search here for common skin care or cosmetic products: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep#.WoGyc7ynGUk and report what you use and what you found out.Or search here for common household cleaning products and report what you use and what you found out:
https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners#.WoGy77ynGUk
Or search the food you eat and report the findings: https://www.ewg.org/foodscores#.WoG1cLynHRY
Sample post:
I like to use L'Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Designer Eyebrow Pencil, Brunette. After researching the product I found it contains some ingredients that cause me concern. For example: The product uses Castor Oil for enhanced skin absorption with can lead to developmental or reproductive toxicity.
Bath and Body Works products are very harmful to the environment and to ourselves. After researching some information on this, the ingredients cause me concern. Their products include BHA and BHT, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl- and others). On the runner's plate, the blogger writes, "hey are likely carcinogens and hormone disruptors and may cause liver damage. Found in: lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, and other cosmetics" for BHA and BHT; for Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, she writes, "a chelating (binding) agent added to cosmetics to improve stability. May be toxic to organs. Found in: hair color, moisturizers"; and for parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl- and others), she writes, "prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (or hormone) disruptors, which may alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies. Found in: shampoo, face cleanser, body wash, body lotion, foundation."
ReplyDeletehttp://www.therunnersplate.com/2017/03/17/why-i-wont-use-bath-body-works-lotion-anymore-a-beautycounter-hydrating-body-lotion-review/
I like to use Windex Glass Cleaner to clean the mirror in my room that i use to do my makeup and get ready in the morning. As clean as the mirror, gets, I have recently learned that Windex contains a harmful leaning agent that can lead to acute aquatic toxicity in the environment. I also like to use the Jessica Simpson Fancy Nights Perfume as I get ready for the day. After doing some research on this fragrance, I have found that it is a "known human immune system toxicant and allergen" and it releases high levels of "wildlife and environmental toxicity" when sprayed. Lastly, I use the CVS Oil-Free Makeup Remover Towelettes to remove my makeup at night. These wipes contain an ingredient called "retinyl palmitate (vitamin A palmitate) that contributes to developmental or reproductive toxicity.
ReplyDeleteI use the brand dove very often. I use multiple of their products and it is concerning to know that ingredients in their products could cause brain damage. "Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly.In 1886, scientists discovered that compounds of aluminum are actually neurotoxic, capable of causing brain damage"https://dailyhealthpost.com/dove-products/
ReplyDeleteThe thought of having brain causing products that i use almost everyday is scary and makes me more cautious of what products i use.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI chose to look into Lysol cleaning products because I think that we can all agree that we have all used them at least once before. I found out that their 4 in 1 all purpose cleaner can cause some concerns for cancer, developmental & reproductive problems, and respiratory problems & asthma. The fact that it says some concern means that it would be rare for these sorts of problems to develop, but it is still nerve rattling to hear that they can cause these sorts of problems. It makes me a bit uneasy using their products and I will certainly be more mindful of what sorts of problems cleaning products can cause when shopping for them in the future. Oddly, this cleaner can cause all sorts of problems in us, but the cite says that it is not very damaging to the environment.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/4749-LYSOL4in1AllPurposeCleanerPacificFresh#.Wo28rminHrc
Every morning before I go to school, I eat a bowl of cereal. After some research, I have discovered some statistics about cereal that were unexpected. EWG says, “Breakfast cereals are the fifth-highest source of added sugar in the diets of children under 8, after sugary drinks, cookies, candy and ice cream." Though cereal packages display the positive health benefits, it fails to address how unhealthy they are.
ReplyDeleteAnother favorite food of mine in Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread. EWG calculated that this product is 57% sugar by weight, which is incredibly concerning especially since many children eat this spread.
Finally, I use Clorox Disinfecting Wipes when cleaning things in the bathroom. I learned that there is moderate concern for this product in relation to respiratory problems, and some concern with skin irritation and even cancer. Though this product can be found in many households, the fact that there is even the slightest concern of its safety should be a sign that there should be changes made.
I have been using Colgate toothpaste almost all my life, and I have now learned that that toothpaste has diethylene glycol. From using the ewg website I have learned that diethylene glycol is a poison that is toxic to humans. The poison could eventually kill us which is very unsettling; this poison isn't just in Colgate, but in other toothpaste products as well. Having learned this has made me more careful when using toothpaste.
ReplyDeleteI also use Purell to clean my hands when its flu season, or I use it when I have touched something that is dirty. From using the ewg website, I have learned that Purell is hazardous, which can leave the skin, eyes, and lungs irritated. The fragrance in Purell many people are allergic to.
I also used to drink Sunny D, and I sommetimes still do, but I have now learned some terrible things about it. The ewg website helped me learn that Sunny D is not certified as organic, contains ingredients that create unhealthy amounts of artificial trans fats, and also contains synthetic (chemical) food dyes. It also has high processing concerns and food additives of moderate concern. After learning all these things about the products I use everyday has now made me very careful, so I can keep myself happy and healthy.
I enjoy eating Nutella, yet now I discovered that Nutella has many concerns. EGW gave it a score of 9 because antibiotics were probably used in this product, as well as hormones, food additives, and ingredients that contain unhealthy artificial trans fat, it also contains high levels of saturated fat, and it contains the non-specific ingredient “Flavor.” Added sugar is also the #1 ingredient. It also has processing concerns.
ReplyDeleteI researched Heniz Tomato Ketchup, EGW gives it a food score of 6. This is because it has food additives of lower concern, it is not certified organic, has moderate processing concerns and contains a non-specific ingredient named "flavor." Also EWG calculates that this product is 24% sugar by weight and contains 1 teaspoons of added and natural sugar per serving.
I also researched Sun Maid California Raisins, EGW gives it a food score of 5. The two main concerns with this product is that it is not certified organic and that EWG calculates that this product is 73% sugar by weight and contains 7 teaspoons of natural sugar per serving.
For as long as I can remember, there has always been a bottle of Windex glass cleaner in my house. In fact, my first chore was using it to clean the windows in my living room. After I looked at it on EWG, I learned that it has ingredients that make it toxic, and that it can cause respiratory problems. I think I'll continue to use the product, but it was weird finding out that I've been using a product that could be detrimental to health from such a you age.
ReplyDeleteThe second thing I looked at way Nesquick chocolate milk powder mix. It's literally been my favorite thing since I was a kid. I used to pile extra powder on the bottom of my glass every time I drank it. I read that it wasn't organic, which I already knew. However I was mildly concerned that it contained an unspecified ingredient referred to as just "flavor." I am positive I'm not going to ever stop using Nesquick.
The final thing I looked up was Breyer's vanilla ice cream. It has a high level of saturated fat, isn't exactly healthy, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it is hormone free.
My mom uses tide pods and clorox bleach for cleaning. These two product are harmful to humans if not used correctly. Also, certain cereals are bad for use, causing breakouts and diabetes.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite things to eat is cereal, but no matter what I'm having, I tend to not pay any attention to the serving size, and I just take the amount that I want to eat. I learned that the serving size has more sugar than it says it does, and I, most times, will have the serving size or more, so I'm consuming even more sugar than the box would say that I am. Another thing that I eat all the time is bread, and that contains potassium bromate. This additive can cause tumors and DNA damage and it is toxic to the kidneys. One house product I use that I learned about is the Tilex Bathroom Cleaner. This product is terrible for the environment and it negatively affects the respiratory system.
ReplyDeleteI use OPI nail polish very often until I read this article about animal cruelty. It tore me apart to see everyday items hurting innocent creatures for something as simple as painted nails. It was horrific reading about what kinds of tests are performed such as a lethal dose test. Animals are forced to swallow large amounts of a test chemical to determine the dose that causes death. I felt incredibly guilty for having purchased these products. I like to eat skittles. I researched how healthy they were. They are extremely unhealthy. I also like honey nut cheerios. They have whole wheat as the #1 ingredient which was really good but the amount of zinc is too high.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/016000141551-GeneralMillsCheeriosSweetenedWholeGrainOatCerealHoneyNut#.Wo75a2inG00
https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products?search=skittles#.Wo74zminG00
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/cosmetic_testing/tips/common_cosmetics_tests_animals.html?credit=web_id329654370
https://www.peta.org/living/personal-care-fashion/beauty-brands-that-you-thought-were-cruelty-free-but-arent/
I use Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula on my skin. I found out that it leaves me with a minuscule chance of cancer, high chance of risk for people with allergies/immunotoxicity, and can cause irritation if not used properly.I also use Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap, which I found out had very little risks except for people with asthma/ respiratory issues.I also enjoy, on occasion Ben & Jerry's, Ice Cream, New York Super Fudge Chunk, which has a high concern rate because of its low nutritional value, the ingredients used are not all organic and the processing of these ingredients would leave them likely for dioxin/pesticide contamination.Also, not all the ingredients are specified such as the flavoring.
ReplyDelete