This is a guest post from Amanda, owner of Beauty Green Cosmetics.
Change. It sucks, right?
Unless my pizza order gets changed from Large to Extra Large, I typically refrain from enjoying change.
So when my household started changing things in our house to a “green lifestyle”, it was slow, hard and not necessarily pleasant (however necessary). Since “green” is the new black and a rapidly growing industry worldwide, you’ll probably either choose to make some changes or have them lovingly thrust upon you by your significant other.
Let me help you ease into these transitions with a bit of wisdom from one who has been there, done that. Don’t worry, it’s really not painful.
1. Organic doesn’t mean vegan.
You don’t have to give up cheeseburgers and beer to be organic.
In the United States, the USDA Organic seal means that from the farm to your table it has never come in contact with chemical pesticides, lab created growth hormones, synthetic fillers and typically supports better animal health and welfare. FYI, a grass-fed beef steak tastes better.
Don’t believe me?
Do a blind taste test. I’ll come along too- if you’re buying. Due to so many ridiculous misconceptions, organic has been lumped into all the other trendy hipster food fads instead of being known as: The way everything everywhere used to be- CLEAN.
Don’t listen to the joker standing next to you in line at the checkout counter who tells you that “all natural” and “organic” is all the same. We’ll get into that conversation in a bit. Until then, tell him to shut his trap.
2. Organic doesn’t mean barbaric
Statistically, “going green” leads to overall better Earth practices, but it doesn’t mean you’ll have to start burning manure for lamp lighting. (Although I’m sure you look quite rugged in the lamplight.)
You know that scene in “Without A Paddle” where the lady tells the main characters that she’s “all natural” and hikes up her skirt to show off furry wolfman legs?
Ban that image from your mind. It was disturbing and most definitely NOT a requirement. Chances are, the changes you’ll notice will only be brand names of the body products and foods you eat.
Because of our modern lifestyle, organic versions of almost EVERY product and food item exist.
Thanks to the Internet, they are easily accessible to any ol’ boy (or gal) with a debit card. Typically, they are available at a very small cost difference, albeit, there are more expensive brands of organics out there. There’s no need to trade in your fat wallet and devilishly good looks just to be toxin-free.
3. Organic DOES mean higher standards
Newsflash: the Food & Drug Administration lacks the authority to regulate ANY of the cosmetic/toiletry products you use. In fact, this industry is self-regulated, meaning: They do what they want.
Friggin’ rebels.
Cosmetic safety laws haven’t changed much since the Great Depression. So that means your antiperspirant is allowed to have tiny shards of aluminum in it. (Seriously. Go check the label.)
You know where else that aluminum shows up?
The biopsies of breast cancer tumors found in both men and women.
The long lasting lipstick she kissed you with this morning? It’s got lead in it.
Oh and the baby shampoo you bought your niece last week? Formaldehyde. FOR.MAL.DE.HYDE!
Oh, but it’s only trace amounts.
Psh…. Granted, things like lead, arsenic, etc are natural compounds, it still shouldn’t be in the products you smear on your face forest.
4. Organic DOES mean fewer toxins
Why does that even matter?
I mean, what the hell are all those US government agencies for, if not to monitor the amount of toxic garbage I’m allowed to use every day?
Well, they do allow each company to put a certain amount of these toxins in our products, but surely not any more than would be safe… Right? So as long as you only use one body product per day, you should be okay.
Although, the national average male uses 6 body products per day, exposing themselves to more than 80 unique ingredients. The average female uses 12 body products per day. It is widely known that fragrances added to body products (shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, aftershave, body wash, cologne, hair gel, etc) contain endocrine (hormone) disruptors.
But look at your labels. Does it just say “fragrance”? Funny. I’ve never heard of the wild “fragrance” roaming the plains of Africa.
Oh wait, this all stems back to the old familiar story of the cosmetic/body product industry’s lack of accountability.
Their “fragrance” is considered a trade secret. Thus, they aren’t required to tell you about the toxic carcinogens in their “fragrance.”
Shrinking testicles. Do I have your attention yet?
Hormone disruptors, aka phthalates, do that and more. They cause an overproduction of estrogen. Years of product usage can lead to reduced sperm count, lowered sex drive, increased weight gain and a shorter lifespan of the cells in your reproductive region.
Honestly, those government agencies only exist to spy on you while you pick your nose. (They told me you do.)
5. Organic doesn’t have to mean hard to figure out
There are so many companies out there trying to cash in on the green trend because there are so many fools who fall/pay for it.
They use words like “Natural, green, organic, vegan, eco, fresh, kosher, toxin free”.
They can claim this crap because they are their own regulators.
Keep it simple.
If you can’t pronounce the ingredients on the label, put it back on the shelf, buddy. If you’re ever unsure, rate your products on the Environmental Working Group’s database. It’s free and they have a free app too.
If all else fails and you simply can’t figure out the organic stuff, but you don’t want to lose your reproductive organ’s capabilities, let your significant other take charge if they feel so inclined. Tell them about this article, then tell them how ridiculously good looking they are. (Bonus points.)
Stay beautiful, people.
About the author: You’ve just enjoyed some brain candy from the stunning Amanda Williams, owner of Beauty Green Cosmetics. When she’s not writing butt kicking articles to blow your socks off, she’s likely taming bears or hunting for Bigfoot. BGC contributes a large chunk of it’s profits to local chemo patients. If you want to be a chemical free rockstar, check out their products at www.BeautyGreenCosmetics.com . Then you’ll simultaneously be helping out cancer patients. You’re a good Samaritan without even breaking a sweat. An organic lifestyle should be cool and not something just for “hipsters.”