Let’s focus our sustainable minds on the products college students need. To make sure life in the dorms is as comfortable and efficient as possible, there are a few key areas to address: technology, clothing and school supplies.

Technology

Unlike the school days on campus that your parents reminiscent over (perhaps way too frequently for your taste), today’s supplies include some high-tech gear. While laptop computers, MP3 players and digital readers are energy sinks, they do offer some sustainable benefits. Most notably, these products are eco-friendly in that their existence makes other products unnecessary.

One can take an endless amount of notes in class, thus limiting the necessity for notebooks. The fewer notebooks used, the fewer trees cut down. And, if you want to take it one step further, read how to find the most energy-efficient laptops. The same goes for MP3 players: One of these puppies means you don’t need to buy CDs (if anyone even does that anymore). No CDs, no plastic discs, no packaging, no paper booklets. And, lastly, one Kindle requires a lot less material than a library of books — textbooks, novels or otherwise.

Clothing

Along with a new grade level, every person needs some new stitches for the year — it’s the American way. That being said, think about how much you might really need that new hat or belt that you’ll wear… oh, maybe three times. One of most common “green” challenges these days is making something new with something old — by altering some of your least favorite clothing into a new, fashion-forward and not-so-harmful-to-the-earth style. And hey, if you mess up then you just have a new set of rags to wash your car with on the first day back to campus.

However, if you’re like most people, you’ll end up purchasing at least a few new pieces. When doing so, look for clothing that comes from sustainable materials like bamboo or hemp. Again, unlike our parent’s generation, today’s clothing made from such natural materials can actually look stylish and most importantly not be so itchy. Companies like Project 571 offer “college-supporting organic clothing that is trendy, fashionable, fair and earth friendly.” This way you can be proud of your school and be green!

Supplies

Today’s university bookstores offer a much wider selection of products than the simple notebooks and binders of yesteryear. Think spiral notebook with post-consumer recycled paper, pens that utilize soy-based ink and planners that combine both green-thinking practices. The pen-and-paper medium is quickly becoming obsolete, but in the interim, those supplies we still find necessary can be as sustainable as possible.

Paper and notebooks

Paper Mate's recycled EarthWrite pencils

Ah, the things kids scribble, doodle and occasional write perfect notes on. When it comes to paper, the plethora of post-consumer used content claims and alternative products used can make a parent’s head spin. There can be a high price attached to sustainability. There is never a promise that just because paper is better for the environment that it will be easy to write on, either. Notebooks offer even more of a hazard where paper is concerned; if the pages aren’t of a quality texture, the whole thing will fall apart.

Green Earth Office has some pretty cool alternatives in an affordable price range. The most budget-friendly idea is a $25 paper sampler pack. It includes a selection of Forest Saver obsolete map paper, Eco 21 hemp/flax/cotton paper, Genesis 100% post-consumer recycled paper, New Leaf 100% post-consumer copy paper, Everest 100% post-consumer recycled paper, 100% denim blue paper, banana/post-consumer paper, coffee/post-consumer paper, Nepal Lokta paper and Hemp Heritage 25% hemp/75% post-consumer paper. Now how is that for multiple choices?

Pens and pencils

Pens and pencils are notorious for being the first items to disappear during the school year. They are often lost, stolen or forgotten about. Thanks to the Internet, there is no need to wander through aisles of Crayola and claims; there are specialty stores online that won’t charge (much) more than that.

What will $10 get you? To name a few possibilities: a pack of Papermate Earthwrite recycled pencils from BuyOnlineNow.com, made with reclaimed wood; recycled mechanical pencils from WholeSale Industrial Supply; and retractable recycled pens with a soft grip from Eco Green Office. Another hint: Papermate is the most widely available recycled pencil supplier.

To bust a common myth, many recycled pens and pencils look like run-of-the-mill pens and pencils. The moral of that story is to always be on the lookout while shopping for school supplies; the masses won’t be looking, and there will be plenty for the taking. Now sharpen those pencils and hit the aisles; school is almost in session!

Last year was the first year that I focused on a waste-free school lunch with my kids, and it went really well. The kids loved their fun, reusable sandwich and snack bags and the eye-catching designs had their classmates asking what it was that they were using. Let me share with you what we did to meet our goal of a waste-free school lunch year so that you can have the same success this year.

Let’s start with the outside. Gone are the days of brown bag lunches. Reusable lunch bags have been used for decades, so this part is easy. You can find a lunch bag at any of the nation’s large retail outlets. Finding reusable products to go inside the lunch bag is where it gets a bit trickier.

When it comes time to actually fill the lunch bag, there are two directions that you can go: reusable sandwich and snack bags or solid-sided containers. We actually have both. Although I live in a major metropolitan area, I wasn’t able to find reusable bags at a retail store, so I took my search to the Internet. There are several different brands to choose from, but I ultimately went with snackTAXI.

snackTAXI’s reusable bags come in several prints that both of my children love. The outside is made of 100% cotton and the inside is a polyurethane-coated nylon material. Although the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act states that both cotton and the coated nylon are naturally lead- and phthalate-free, snackTAXI conducted its own independent testing of the nylon and confirmed this statement. The bags can be easily rinsed out and left to dry overnight or thrown in the washing machine for a more thorough cleaning. I ended up buying two sandwich bags and two snack bags per child just in case I forgot to rinse something out at night.

The other option that we use for packing lunch items is reusable solid-sided containers. Although you can find these containers everywhere, I wanted something a little more environmentally friendly, so I found myself ordering a set for each child from the Laptop Lunches site. The containers are BPA-, phthalate- and lead-free. Laptop Lunches actually offers a complete bento set with a container, a stainless steel drink bottle and stainless steel utensils. However, the kids liked the soft-sided lunch bags better, so we used a do-it-yourself waste-free school lunch kit instead.

Now that you have the lunch bag and the food containers set up, you’re almost done with your waste-free school lunch setup. You’ll want to make sure your kids stay hydrated, so a reusable water container is key. We chose Klean Kanteen‘s 18-oz Klean Kanteen Classic with the sport bottle top and a sweat-proof cover from Built NY.

By the time we got down to the utensils and napkins, I was in money-saving mode, so instead of buying a custom lunchbox-sized utensil set, I just toss in a spoon or fork from the utensil drawer. The same goes for the napkin — nothing new and fancy for my two; what we have in the linen closet works. However, you can easily head to your local fabric store and buy a half-yard of organic cotton in a fun pattern and make your own napkins.

Now that you know how I went about implementing a waste-free school lunch setup in our house, I should share a few of my “lessons learned.” You will lose spoons and napkins. Thankfully, we didn’t lose any of the sandwich bags, snack bags or containers. You will also forget to rinse out a bag one night and wonder what the familiar yet old smell is the next morning when you go to repack the bag. This is where the washing machine comes in handy.

It is also a bit more expensive, in terms of upfront costs, than a traditional lunch using plastic bags. My products are all still in great shape, though, so I’ve got at least another year out of them, if not more. However, if you’re doing this just to save money, you are doing it for the wrong reason.

A waste-free school lunch is better for the environment, which means that it is better for your kids’ health. That is why we made the commitment last year and that is why I’m challenging parents everywhere to make the same commitment this year. Who is joining me?

Image courtesy of Little Overcoat

When you think about recycled children’s clothing, thoughts of secondhand stores and hand-me-downs may come to mind. Passing on your children’s clothes once they’ve outgrown them is a great way to help reduce the amount of “stuff” we have in our world. However, recycled children’s clothing goes beyond a second life for that favorite T-shirt and extends to products that are crafted from recycled fabric.

Unlike recycled children’s toys, which are relatively easy to find, kid’s clothes made from recycled products are typically sold by specialty retailers or are only available in limited applications. One company that is leading the way in the recycled clothing industry is Patagonia. Patagonia is probably most known for its expansive line of outdoor apparel, but it also offers a children’s line.

The Patagonia children’s line includes sweaters that have a 100% recycled polyester shell. This fabric is made from a variety of sources, including used plastic soda bottles, previously used garments that are worn out and second-quality fabrics. That’s right, plastic bottles can even be recycled into eco-friendly clothing.

In addition to offering children’s clothing made from post-consumer recycled content, Patagonia also encourages consumers to recycle their own clothing. The company’s Common Threads Recycling Program allows consumers to trade in their old and unusable Patagonia items so that they can be recycled into new products.

The important part of this program is that the clothing must be absolutely worn out and unusable. If there is life left in that product but you no longer want or need it, donate it to a charity so that someone else can get use out of it. But, if the item is completely worn out, Patagonia wants it back, regardless of its age.

This means that if you are a mom of four boys, there is a good chance that the beloved organic cotton Patagonia T-shirt will be worn out when your youngest is done with it. Instead of turning it into a cleaning rag, send it to Patagonia, where the company will recycle it into a new and fully usable product, in turn starting the shirt’s life cycle over again.

Big-name companies like Patagonia aren’t the only ones in the recycled kids clothing business; small business owners and even crafty mommas are in the business as well. One of the best sites to browse is Etsy, and it isn’t surprising to see recycled kids clothing among their offerings.

One Etsy store that had some cute items is Little Overcoat. This momma’s products are cute but eco-conscious as well. She crafts items that are made out of recycled, upcycled and even repurposed fabrics.

While recycled kids’ clothing is harder to find than organic clothing, the products are out there and all you have to do is spend a little extra time looking for them. My guess is that in just a few years we will be able to find recycled kid’s clothes next to organic kid’s clothes at all the major retailers.

I first learned about the dangers of parabens and nanoparticles several years ago when I was involved in a network marketing company selling a safe green skincare product. This company spent a lot of money on research, and what I learned from them is just becoming widely accepted knowledge today.

The cosmetics industry is completely unregulated. Chemicals that wouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the food you eat are permitted without restriction, monitoring or even labeling to be included in the products you put on your skin. This is a pathetic and inexcusable failure of our government to protect us from being poisoned by industry, and the results are palpable.

A 2008 study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) on chemical contamination in personal care products monitored 20 teenage girls from across America and found parabens and other toxic chemicals in the blood and urine samples of all 20 girls.

Parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-paraben) are used as preservatives and act as hormonal disrupters in the body. EWG found that teenage girls use more personal care products on average each day than their adult women counterparts. It’s no secret that teenage girls and even preteens today are physically maturing at alarming rates. The hormonal disrupters in their personal care products are certainly to blame, along with hormones in their foods.

The continued assurance by the personal care industry and even dermatologists that the “Dirty Dozen” chemicals used in personal care products are safe in trace amounts is irresponsible at best and grossly negligent at worst. It is recommended that parabens be placed in a safe container before disposal. Does that sound like something you want on your skin?

Nanoparticles such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are most often used in sunscreens to make them transparent. They are also used in lip moisturizers, and some sales reps will even tout the benefits of the nanoparticles, saying they “penetrate the skin layers” as if that’s a good thing! Think about it: nanoparticles are smaller in size than the pores of your skin. And zinc and titanium dioxide are heavy metals. What is it about putting heavy metals onto your skin and allowing them to penetrate into your bloodstream that seems like a good idea to you? Heavy metals are toxic; they damage brain cells, among other things. Enough said.

The fact is, we can’t trust our own government to regulate the personal care industry because the industry has been left alone since the 1940s. We can’t trust dermatologists to give us safe products for our skin because most of the products prescribed for skincare are toxic. In fact, when I was selling the safe green skincare product years ago, I couldn’t get any dermatologists to carry the product. Doctors were concerned that carrying a skincare product touted as “safe” and “green” might confuse their patients into thinking the products they are using now could be toxic (um, excuse me… they are toxic!) The doctors are convinced their products are safe because toxic chemicals are only used “in trace amounts.” None of the doctors I met with bothered to ponder that teens in the U.S. use on average 11 personal care products every single day, and often twice or more per day. I’m sorry, doctors, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the sum of using these products multiple times daily for years and years leads to toxic contamination of the blood and urine.

So, what do we do to protect ourselves if nobody is going to protect us? We need to get educated. We need to seek out safe green products. And we need to err on the side of caution. In a prior article for this website, I touted the benefits of organic coconut oil for its sun protection. This was before I checked out EWG’s website and found there is absolutely no scientific proof that SPF sunscreens reduce the risk of skin cancer and in fact, most high SPF sunscreens could increase the risk of cancer in some patients. When I first heard about using coconut oil in the sun, I ignored the advice because it came from well-meaning hippies. Clearly, they know something the rest of us haven’t figured out yet: Natural products are healthier and less dangerous.

Of course, you must take caution when considering how to properly dispose of paraben- and nanoparticle-containing products. We don’t want these products to leech into our soil or water supply (much like our skin), therefore we need to treat these chemicals as hazardous waste and dispose of them at approved facilities. That’s a big deal, considering how many products currently in your home possibly contain these toxins.

To seek out safe products check out Skin Deep: the Cosmetics Database by EWG.

Where to find dioxane

Due to the fact that dioxane is not required to be disclosed, there is no sure way of knowing how many cosmetic products include it as an ingredient. This chemical is most commonly found in liquid soaps, shampoo and bubble bath. Safecosmetics.org states that it is found in 97% of hair relaxers, 57% of baby soap and 22% of all skin products. It’s alarming to know that many baby products designed to “safely” wash a baby’s skin contain this potentially harmful ingredient.

What is it?

Be careful what you're massaging into your scalp.

Brace yourself — this isn’t going be pretty. Dioxane is a byproduct of ethoxylation, a process where ethylene oxide is combined with chemicals to lessen their harsh effects. For example, if a chemical causes a reaction on the skin, ethoxylation is added to ensure the final product keeps the skin looking and feeling normal. One of the most alarming aspects of this process is that ethoxylation is a known carcinogen linked to breast cancer. This chemical is an unnecessary additive because its primary function is to make soaps lather better (something we could probably live without if we knew it was harmful).

Concerns

Aside from the known carcinogen effect the chemical has, dioxane is absorbed by the skin at a fast rate. Safecosmetics.org states that the EPA has classified dioxane as a probable human carcinogen, and it is on the National Toxicology Program as an animal carcinogen. It is suspected to cause birth defects and harm to kidneys and respiratory tracts.

The use of dioxane in one product may not result in any harm at all, but the continual use of multiple products containing dioxane over years may lead to health concerns. This is the main concern, especially for babies. A baby can be exposed to dioxane in his or her shampoo, bubble bath and body wash all in one sitting. This has become the growing concern for many parents. Using certified organic baby products and adult cosmetic products will guarantee no exposure to this chemical. Organic certification does not allow the use of this additive to any products intended for humans.

Avoid the use of over-the-counter, mainstream soaps. Instead of using three different products, use a single bar of natural soap to clean your entire body. Bar soap is easy to find in its natural state and can be used as shampoo, hand soap, face soap and body soap. Using natural soap benefits the environment because it is nontoxic and earth friendly. Dioxane, on the other hand, can contaminate ground water because it doesn’t break down in soil. In fact, disposal of dioxane is rather difficult. At boiling temperatures, dioxane can be distilled and separated from water, but it should be regarded as hazardous waste when disposing. Find a drop-off location near you here.

Are the chemicals in your soap suds reason to worry?

Now I’m no chemist, in fact quite the opposite — just ask my high school chemistry teacher. I do, however, wish to discuss two chemical compounds that are used in everyday products: diethanolamine and petroleum distillates.

Diethanolamine (DEA) is a nasty creature commonly contained in cosmetics and personal products, and petroleum distillates are a “high-volume chemical” with usage exceeding 1 million pounds annually. And, that’s just in the United States, according to scorecard.org.

It is common knowledge that many chemicals just aren’t all that healthy — not for the environment at large and not for humans or other living beings. Would it surprise you to learn that DEA is a carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemical? What if I told you that it can be found in something most people use every day? According to preventcancer.org, DEA is, “used as a wetting agent in shampoos, lotions, creams and other cosmetics. DEA is used widely because it provides a rich lather in shampoos and keeps a favorable consistency in lotions and creams.” That’s right, a commonly known, cancer-causing agent is something many of use unknowingly scrub into our scalp and skin on a daily basis. Awesome.

But don’t worry, preventcancer.org also informs us that DEA is not harmful by itself. However, this website does continue by saying, “DEA can react with other ingredients in the cosmetic formula to form an extremely potent carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA). NDEA is readily absorbed through the skin and has been linked with stomach, esophagus, liver and bladder cancers.” This toxic reaction occurs if these contemporary products sit on grocery shelves or in our cabinets at home for too long.

As for getting rid of the stuff, DEA needs to be handled cautiously. Do not flush the stuff, which is baffling, because it goes down your drain every time you’re rinsing your shampoo or foamy soaps. Well-protected DEA products can be landfilled safely, but your best option is to take the stuff to a chemical recycling center.

Turning our attention now to petroleum distillates, these little buggers make their presence known in many common products. Liquid electrical insulation, building materials and indoor furnishings can all have some petroleum distillates contained. In fact, to further explain how wonderfully capable this compound can be, it can also be used in pesticides.

The best way to rid yourself of your petroleum distillates products? Distillation, of course. Drop them off at an approved chemical incineration facility.

Now that we know this important and mildly terrifying information, what do we do now? As the name would imply, preventcancer.org is a valuable resource on how to stay safe when it comes to preventing cancer, which we can all agree is a pretty good goal. There you can learn what ingredients typically contain these and other harmful chemicals and how to protect yourself and those around you.

PPD lurks in many everyday products. Take caution when disposing.

Think that organic means that something is always safe? Think again, especially when it comes to hair dye; the compound p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is in almost all hair products. The problem with PPD is simply that it is an allergen, which might explain a slight burning sensation when dying hair. I decided to find out just what is in this compound, list products that contain it, including hair dye, and also offer suggestions on proper disposal and earth-friendly replacements.

The PPD breakdown

Simply put, PPD is bad news because it is a contact allergen. PPD is a colorless solid if pure, but is usually yellowish thanks to oxidation. More importantly, PPD use is controversial because it has been linked to cancer by some individual studies, but those aren’t conclusive enough, according to the EPA. The EPA reported that the only side effect in rats and mice chronically exposed to PPD was a decrease in body weight, but there are no other signs of the chemical being toxic. Still, the jury is out on long-term effects, especially since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers PPD to be an officially labeled allergen upon contact.

What to expect when using PPD

Cotton might be the fabric of our lives, but PPD may be the additive of our lives. It is in many common items, including black clothing, inks, hair dye, dyed fur, leather and henna tattoos. As for hair dyes that are “safe,” here is some bad news: There is no such thing as a natural alternative that doesn’t contain PPD. Herbal and natural hair colors still contain PPD, for several reasons, mostly for the shine and texture it adds.

Alternatives to PPD: Think natural

When in doubt, look to nature for alternatives. In everything from hair dye to shampoo, look for vegetable-based rinses that coat the hair shaft with botanical extracts, including the following: blackberry, boysenberry, licorice root, chaparral, nettle, red sorrel, black walnut and other color pigments. Alternatives are available at most drug stores. When in doubt, look for PPD in the list of ingredients and if it is there, avoid it.

Unfortunately, there is no real way to reuse PPD, so it truly is best to simply avoid. PPD affects the soil it leaks into, and is extremely toxic to aquatic life. In humans, PPD ingestion and bodily contact can also cause serious health concerns and allergic reactions. If you have PPD-containing products you need to get rid of, treat them as you would other household chemicals — do not simply throw in the garbage!

What is it?

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas, and it is widely used in chemical industry and in manufacturing. It occurs naturally as a combustion byproduct, and it can be easily recognized by its pungent smell. Formaldehyde is also called formic aldehyde or methyl aldehyde. In its liquid form, it is found in formalin solution, with up to 40% concentration.

What contains formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is commonly found in cigarette smoke, pressed wood, particleboard, plywood, fertilizer, cosmetics, some paper products, plastics, dyes, textiles and foam insulation from houses built in the ’70s and early ’80s.

In homes, formaldehyde can be found in cabinetry, subflooring, furniture and wood paneling.

As far as cosmetics are concerned, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics lists items that could contain formaldehyde, including nail glue, nail polish, eyelash glue and hair gel. The site also explains that even though formaldehyde may not be a listed ingredient, personal care products sometimes contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) that release formaldehyde slowly over time. Some FRPs include quaternium-15, diazolidinyl urea, imidiazolidinyl urea, hydantoin, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM) and bronopol.

The European Union does not allow formaldehyde in cosmetics, and cosmetics containing FRPs must be labeled “contains formaldehyde.” Japan, Sweden and Canada have similar restrictions on formaldehyde.

Is it harmful?

According to the EPA, formaldehyde “can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea and difficulty breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million).” It is also thought to be a carcinogen, as studies have shown that it causes cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans as well. When humans are exposed to formaldehyde in large amounts, it can trigger asthma. Other health issues associated with formaldehyde are skin and/or eye irritation, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea.

Disposal

Formaldehyde is considered hazardous waste; therefore, it must be disposed of properly at a hazardous waste drop-off point near you. As it is a toxin, formaldehyde cannot be recycled or reused.

Are there alternatives?

Many companies make cosmetics that do not contain formaldehyde. A simple search will help you find safe cosmetics. Nail polish doesn’t have to be toxic! Holistic Beauty sells cosmetics without harmful products like formaldehyde and toluene.

As far as alternatives to formaldehyde in particle wood and plywood in your home, if you dig deep, you can find formaldehyde-free options. Eco Wise sells bamboo and formaldehyde-free plywood. Chicago-based Whitney Wood Works prides itself on being a sustainable business, and it offers cabinetry and children and baby furniture that’s safe for you and the environment. Taylor Made Cabinets in New England has formaldehyde-free kitchen options.

Do you really want this stuff entering your waterstream and potentially your body?

First, let’s explore the basics. When coal, a highly combustible sedentary rock that generates the majority of our global energy (as well as a hefty amount of our carbon dioxide emissions), is processed, a dizzying array of heavy metal-laden waste products are left behind. In particular, highly flammable and carcinogenic coal tar — which contains roughly 10,000 chemicals, including heterocyclic compounds, phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (the latter of which actually smells pretty good) — has been used in everything from Egyptian mummy preservation and the surface coating of roads to color-resistant fabric upholstery dyes and water-resistant roof shingle sealants.

Back in 1856, a man by the name of William Perkins tried in vain to create a synthetic form of quinine and realized during his laboratory experiments that coal tar came in handy as a dye ingredient. His findings have resulted in the substance migrating into many of our modern day personal care items, which is probably not such a good thing now that the European Chemicals Agency has deemed it to be a toxic and/or carcinogenic “substance of very high concern.” Oddly enough, the FDA and the National Psoriasis Foundation still seem to think that it’s safe enough to use in skin and scalp treatments such as DHS Tar, Oxipor, Neutrogena T/Gel and Polytar as well as in hair dyes, soaps, deodorants, cosmetics and even foods, but there are some serious health concerns that consumers should keep in mind.

Hair color devotees who never let a month pass without touching up their locks might want to pay close attention. According to a 2001 USC School of Medicine study, “women using permanent hair dye (containing coal tar) at least once a month for a period more than one year more than double their risk of bladder cancer,” and that risk increases more than four times when they’ve dyed their hair consistently for 10-plus years. Laboratory animals also succumb to coal tar’s carcinogenic effects, but the substance has also been proven to irritate the skin, eyes and mucous membranes; cause blindness; depress the central nervous system and result in respiratory and cardiovascular system issues.

And, of course, there is the disposal of coal tar and products that contain the toxin. Coal tar products have been known to leech into soil and work their way into municipal waterways, creating a host of gastrointestinal and thyroid issues, and raising risk for lupus, immune system deficiencies and rheumatoid arthritis. Consider coal tar a hazardous waste item. Please bring it to your nearest drop-off location instead of dumping coal tar-containing items in the trash or down the drain.

The best course of action for consumers interested in ensuring their health and safety is to avoid coal tar altogether by paying close attention to product labels and purchasing natural/organic versions whenever possible. If going au naturel with your hair color is not a bridge that you’re willing to cross, then consider exploring nontoxic, plant-based permanent coloring products such as Aubrey Organics’ Color Me Natural instead. If you have a psoriasis issue that needs addressing, there are multiple home remedies that are worth trying, including the application of cashew nut oil, marigold lotion or a cabbage leaf compress to the affected area. Although many conventional cosmetics utilize coal tar-derived colorants, it is easier than ever to purchase 100% natural versions manufactured by such companies as SANTE Cosmetics, Ecco Bella, Human Nature, Nvey Eco and Lavera.

More than anything, it is imperative that we all commit to becoming well-informed consumers who take responsibility for our own health and wellness. The days of blind faith are long behind us, so keep a scrutinizing eye on all product labels and support companies that are dedicated to sourcing ethical, sustainably harvested ingredients that are botanically based. Your whole body and the earth around you will thank you for it!

I know it’s a cliché that women like flowery-scented products, but I’m here to buck that trend. I hate perfume — on myself and other people — and most other artificial, strong-scented products make me nauseous, so I buy fragrance-free everything, from deodorant to bath soap to moisturizer.

Some people think I’m kind of weird for not liking the smell of say, red raspberry body wash, but as it turns out, I’m probably onto something. “Fragrance,” that vague term you see on the ingredients list of darn near everything these days, is on The Green Guide’s Dirty Dozen list of hazardous chemicals in cosmetics.

According to The Green Guide, “The catchall term ‘fragrance’ may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm.” Reproductive and developmental harm? That doesn’t sound good!

Cosmetic manufacturers use phthalates because they cling to the skin, helping products such as nail polishes, hair sprays, lotions and perfumes last longer. Unfortunately, they also can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin — at much higher doses than anyone initially guessed, no less — leading to a slew of health problems.

Supposedly, phthalates are being phased out, or have already been outlawed, in North America and Europe due to safety concerns, but you can still find them in some U.S. products with “fragrance” on the label. Phthalates also show up in medical devices, children’s toys and other items. Look for “phthalate-free” labels before you buy.

The Green Guide suggests buying fragrance-free cosmetic products (which I’ve been doing all along!) and using essential oils as an alternative to perfume. Real lavender oil smells way better than lavender “fragrance” anyway.

Now they have a reference book for the would-be consumer who is afraid of the pitfalls of false green marketing. Just Green It!: Simple Swaps to Save Your Health and the Planet is a resource for anyone looking for a guide through the green world.

Lisa and Ron Beres

Ron talked with 1-800-RECYCLING.com to share their insight and story of their entrance into eco-friendly living almost a decade ago. See their answers to their journey, their latest works and their hopes for the green future below. Until you read their book, they encourage you to visit GreenNest.com for a video and articles on how to go green for less than $250. As a bonus gift to readers, go to FreeGreenGift.com, where you can download “Ten Essential Secrets to Creating a Healthy Office.”

1-800-RECYCLING: Lisa and Ron — a husband-and-wife team — how did you first get started down the path toward becoming eco-experts?
Ron: In 2002, my wife, Lisa, a former interior designer, started feeling run down and tired all of the time, suffering from chronic fatigue, sinus infections, hormone imbalances and lowered immunity after moving into a newly remodeled home. She was well aware of the abundance of toxic materials that exist in homes today from her experience as an interior designer, but was unaware these materials can off-gas as dangerous chemicals into the air we breathe (i.e., that “new home smell”). After much research and a dozen doctor visits, she discovered that her own house and products within the home were making her sick. After making the necessary adjustments in the home, her health gradually improved to a 180º turnaround, and we decided to help other people in their endless efforts to attain optimal health. We became BBEC/Building Biologist (Building Biology — a study derived from Germany that encompasses how buildings impact life and the living environment) and Certified Green Building Professionals.

1-800-RECYCLING: Your site, GreenNest.com, is a resource to the environmentally conscious everywhere, how did it start?
Ron: After Lisa’s experience of getting sick from her own home, we wanted to create a resource and place for people to go that had similar issues. We wanted to find a place where they can find things like do-it-yourself air quality test kits for mold, to organic cotton linens, shower filters and more. So, in 2005, we officially opened GreenNest.com.

1-800-RECYCLING: What is it about green products on the market that are so misleading?
Ron: “Green” can be very misleading as a term and lends itself to greenwashing tactics by companies. In our new book, Just Green It!, we have a whole chapter dedicated to the subject. Greenwashing occurs when companies and organizations spend time and money claiming to be “green” through advertising and marketing, but do not actually back up their claim with equivalent environmental efforts. Their products may sound or appear to be healing the environment, but they are ultimately taking advantage of consumers.

1-800-RECYCLING: What is the first thing that we can do not to be fooled by fake green products?
Ron: The marketing term “green” or other terms like “environmentally friendly,” “eco-friendly” and “eco-conscious” are meaningless unless they share the label with some proof. They can also be misleading. Look for reputable third-party certifications such as Green Seal or USDA organic. There should also be a full and complete ingredients list. Evaluate the packaging. Is it made from recycled material and recyclable? For a product to make these claims, it should walk the walk.

1-800-RECYCLING: While writing Just Green It!, what did you find out about the green products market that surprised you?
Ron: When we first researched products for Just Green It!, we expected to find and did [find] many toxic offenders in the marketplace. However, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised as to the plethora of great eco-friendly, green and healthy products that are available to consumers, if they just know what to look for. It is a great time to be green! We have a section in the book called “The Extreme Green,” and one of my favorites is the “Poo Poo paper products” we have listed. I know you have heard of recycling and regifting; but now there’s poo-cycling and poo-gifting. The company featured uses 100% recycled and odorless paper products made from our fiber-eating animal friends’ poo, including elephants, cows, pandas and horses, to create a wide variety of products: paper, journals, notebooks, greeting cards, wine bags and even a bouquet of roses! You can frame your loved one in the poo picture frame (or an ex should you find this more suitable). The poo, or dung, is thoroughly cleaned and additional plant fibers are added back in to add strength. So funny.

1-800-RECYCLING: What word of advice would you have to companies that are clearly taking the shortcut to green instead of changing their products?
Ron: Don’t do it! You are not only short changing the world, but you are also short changing yourself. In addition, the average consumer is getting more educated on the subject of green as well. So, instead of trying to save your bottom line, build a green brand that the consumers will learn to love and trust, and you will be rewarded a thousand times more. Besides, it’s the right thing do!

1-800-RECYCLING: You’ve become media personalities, how did that first come about and how has it helped you to spread the word to more people?
Ron: While attending a workshop on indoor air quality in Santa Fe, NM, in 2004, we were overcome with the feeling that we should pass on the information we have learned in all of our studies and personal experiences to mainstream America. At the time, most of our family, friends and neighbors had no idea what “eco-friendly” products were, and we felt compelled to take action. The green movement wasn’t all over the national media like it is now, and the idea that homes could make you sick was even a smaller dot on the radar. So, while in conjunction with starting our online healthy product store, GreenNest.com, we started doing a few local speaking engagements, eventually a local cable show segment, radio interviews and soon after we were on FOX & Friends and The Today Show with Matt Lauer! The increased exposure has helped our platform tremendously and we feel very blessed to be in the position to share such valuable information to many more people than we could have ever imagined.

1-800-RECYCLING: If there was only one value that readers could get from Just Green It!, what would you want them to walk away with?
Ron: Going green will not cost you green. With new green products hitting the market every day, it’s easy to think it would cost you a fortune to truly go green. The truth is, going green isn’t about buying all new furniture, cork flooring and organic towels — although those are nice. It’s really about the simple decisions you make every day and changing habits to conserve energy, reduce consumption and make healthier purchasing decisions.