What does this Vonnegut quote mean to you? What has disappeared? Simplicity and transparency. As educated consumers, we must command respect and not be misled. Products and foods go into our bodies, into our homes, on the fabrics we put on our children’s skin, and in the air we breath.
Change is not overwhelming if you pivot it accordingly and incorporate it into your lifestyle. If moderation is important to you, think of small changes you can do today. One is writing an industry action letter to a company whose products you do not feel are safe.
You can involve your children. They can investigate the ingredients in the products in your home and sign the letter. Post pictures of what your family is doing to make an impact on social media. Start a letter writing campaign with families you know.
Please feel free to copy and paste this letter verbiage and make it your own. Share this page or this concept with friends on social media and start some action today!
I wanted to provide you with the words… now you can help make changes happen. Go out with courage into the world and act!
Sometimes we have to be against something to be for something.
It only takes about 15 minutes to type and send letters to companies whose ingredients you do not want in your home. Don’t throw out the products you no longer will use. Return them to the manufacturer if you feel it’s worth the cost of shipping them back. Perhaps you will receive a refund.
Start buying organic, fair traded, locally made, cruelty-free, non-toxic and non-GMO products. Put your consumer dollars towards change.
Your Full Address
January 15, 2016
- Full title and name
- Company or organization name
- Company Full address (use two or more lines, as needed)
Dear (last name) (try to find a CEO or President’s name) and if you cannot:
Dear Sir or Madam,
The purpose of this letter it to inform you that I will no longer be purchasing products from your company. My family formerly used the following products (x,y,z). The reason I am no longer your customer is that you use the following chemical ingredients (or company practices-i.e. animal cruelty to test your products) in your products. (Pick and choose from below list)
- Aluminum- linked to nerve damage and brain disorders.
- DEA/TEA- potential carcinogen
- PEG/ceteareth/polyethylene-“Ethylene oxide (found in PEG-4, PEG-7, PEG4-dilaurate, and PEG 100) is highly toxic—even in small doses—and was used in World War I nerve gas.” [5]
- Triclosan & Triclocarban- endocrine disruptors; found in breast milk, cord blood, and in pregnant women. Triclosan is not necessary to be used in soaps to kill germs.“Recent research demonstrates that triclosan has effects on the thyroid, estrogen, and testosterone hormones in laboratory animals, including mammals” [4]
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate- linked to skin irritation, endocrine disruption, eye and oral toxicity, hair loss, respiratory and congestive issues.
- Parabens (Methyl, propyl, ethyl, butyl)- rapidly absorbed by the skin; may show up in breast tissue and an endocrine disruptor.
- Propylene Gycol- known to cause dermititis, kidney and liver abnormalities in animal studies.
- Phthalates- “Studies have shown that chemicals called phthalates can trigger what’s known as “death-inducing signaling” in testicular cells…hormone changes, lower sperm count, less mobile sperm, birth defects in the male reproductive system, obesity, diabetes and thyroid irregularities.” [1]
- Non-stick cookware- Perfuluorinated Chemicals (PFCs and PFOA)- “Peer-reviewed research suggests that certain nonstick chemicals can contribute to cancer, birth defects, flu-like symptoms, elevated cholesterol, abnormal thyroid hormone levels, liver inflammation, weakened immunity, and other health problems.” [2]
- Artificial Coloring and/or Food Dyes, such as Yellow #5, Red and Blue- linked to behavioral disorders in children, cancer and allergic reactions. [6]
- ‘Fragrance’- a cocktail of who knows ? There is no regulation in the US what ‘fragrance’ may include.
- Retinyl palmitate and Oxybenzone- (sunscreens)- biochemical and cellular level changes, endocrine disruption, bioaccumulates, photoallergenic toxicant.
- Toluene and Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)- (found in nail polish)
- PEG/cetearetj/polyethylene-(found in acne products)
- BHA, Boric acid, and Fragrance (found in diaper cream)
- DMDM hydantoin-(found in baby wipes)- derivatives of formaldyde and linked to allergies, fatigue, depression, weakened immune systems. [7]
- Alpha and beta hydroxy acids (lactic acid and glycolic acid)
- “FDAsponsored studies find UV-caused skin damage doubles for users of products with alpha hydroxy acid.” (anti aging products)-[4]
Your company has a social and environmental obligation to protect its consumers, rather than harm their health and our fragile ecosystems. I feel that (company name) cannot meet the needs of public safety as long as it uses toxic ingredients/animal testing/lack of sustainable practices/non-organic ingredients in its products.
In the future, if (company name) decides to eliminate the use of harmful ingredients I may consider becoming a customer again. In the meantime, I am a former customer. I will be placing my trust and spending my money with companies that source for organic/non-toxic/sustainable/fairly traded/vegan ingredients.
Sincerely,
(Sign)
Your name
Final Thoughts from Genbumom
Did you Know?
“The rate of new childhood cancer cases, including leukemia, has steadily increased over the last 40 years.” [3]
Why is this occurring? Research across the board from 3rd party and university studies are pointing to environmental toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, mercury, and artificial hormones in our food and water sources, as well as our personal care (bath and beauty products), not to mention household cleaners (laundry soaps, toilet cleaners, fabric sprays, dish soaps, etc.)
Toxic ingredients
I used to put this on my body! I use essential oils now for pure lavender benefits. This lavender body wash was a chemical cocktail absorbing into my skin. All you need is Castile soap, water, a little coconut oil and essential oils if you prefer fragrance for a body wash. So simple.
Source for new products that you feel safe to use. I make many household products using vinegar, Castile soaps, baking soda, and essential oils for cleaning.
I purchase items like organic coconut oil and pure shea butter for moisturizing and use essential oils for their anti-aging properties. (My skin looks better than it did 5 years ago- so does my husbands).
Find companies you trust. I love Shea Moisture and Acure brand products for bath and skin care. I use Ava Anderson nontoxic for makeup.
I use Young Living Essential oils. I buy my bulk products (for cheap) and organic via Bulk Apothecary or Mountain Rose Herbs.
Sources:
- October 28, 2013. Environmental Working Group. Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disruptors. www.ewg.org
- Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc. April 17, 2012. How Safe is your Cookware? www.huffingtonpost.com
- Dellavalle, Kurt. September 20, 2105. Childhood Cancer: More Evidence Points to Chemical Exposure. www.ewg.org
- June 16, 2014. Triclosan containing antibacterial soaps neither safe nor effective. www.ewg.org
- October 2, 2013. What are PEG’s. www.truthinaging.com.
- Center for Science in the Public Interest. Food Dyes a Rainbow of Risks. accessed January 14, 2016.
- Lipman, Frank. MD. What Chemicals should you Look Out For in your Personal Care Products? www.drfranklipman.com
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