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MORNING

Wake Me Up

7:35 a.m.

My Chemical Romance

Cosmetics’ Ugly Secret

WORKING AT A NON-PROFIT where the majority of the staff is female, we’re surrounded by women all day. Most gravitate to the natural side of the perfume spectrum (and hey, that side looks great, too!) but on occasion a woman will pass us in the hallway, travelling in this perfume-scented bubble. Our first thought is usually “how can she smell exactly like morning dew?” But our second is usually one of concern. Every morning the average woman spritzes and dabs 12 personal care products on her face and body, exposing her to 126 different chemicals, some of them carcinogens, hormone disruptors and neurotoxins. We dudes don’t fare much better: the equation works out to eight personal care products and 86 different chemicals. We have no trouble reducing our “beauty” routine – Craig’s only consists of that dubious crystal deodorant anyways. We may be your typical guys, but we’re also loud and proud feminists. After considering the dubious chemical profile of so many cosmetics, we figured there had to be a way for the gals (and guys) in our lives to pamper themselves safely.So, we compiled a list of companies that care about our bodies and searched the kitchen cabinets for one-step primping products. We took tips from sources in the know, like eco-minded starlet Rachel McAdams’ blog. Check out the suggestions below and our resource guide for the fruits of our labour. Plus, now we understand the importance of the perfect moisturizer, shampoo or deodorant better than ever before. It’s not only about choosing a product that makes you look great, but also one that does us no harm. Whether that’s a homemade face scrub or a new local, chemical-free beauty company, there are plenty of ways to create a tried-and-true beauty regimen – minus the chemicals.

SHOP, BREW AND CONSERVETell your beloved but sinful cosmetic company it’s not okay to use sketchy ingredients.Read before you buy. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient name or have no idea what it means, hold off and research first.Beware of terms that seem gentler, but have no standards to prove it, such as hypoallergenic, allergy-tested, fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested.Is that green do-gooding company the real deal? Bleach company Clorox bought out Burt’s Bees, Colgate-Palmolive has Tom’s of Maine and L’Oreal has The Body Shop. Will formerly small, sustainable companies influence big-company practices or vice versa? The jury’s still out, so keep an eye on the ingredient list.Ever read the instructions for your products? We thought not. Most recommend using only a small amount rather than a massive dollop. Less product washed down drains and into waterways means your bottle lasts longer, too.Support local companies that prove they care about your health.

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Living Me To We | Morning

MORNING

Wake Me Up

7:35 a.m.

ONE STEP BEAUTY

The average North American splurges on personal care products every year – over $600 per year! Turn to your kitchen cupboard instead where a few universal foodstuffs can pamper as well as nourish.

Source: Green Beauty Guide, The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and Femme Toxic.

GO TO PAGE 153 FOR MORE TIPS AND INFORMATION

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Morning | Living Me To We