This section written by Dr. Kayla Kaiser
When I was a kid, I was obsessed with reading the back of the shampoo bottles in my parent's bathroom. I admit, I am still caught reading labels when I go shopping with Mike. The reason I like reading product labels is that you can see all the wonderful constituents of the mixtures, emulsions, and liquids that you buy.
Some things we buy at the store are homogenous. Water is one example. It is a pure substance (chemically), one type of molecule present. Other items are more heterogenous. Chunky salsa is one example; the tomatoes, garlic, peppers, onions, cilantro and lime juice are not evenly mixed. Even blended salsa has tomato seeds and it is not chemically identical throughout. Chunky salsa is a heterogenous mixture. Some substances are emulsions.
When you know about the individual substances in a mixture or emulsion, you can decide for yourself if the product is overall something that will promote sustainability and wellness, or if it is made up of substances (or made in such a way) that you prefer to avoid.
This section written by Dr. John Michael Kaiser
Currently, our society is experiencing quite a revolution of technological development from both an academic standpoint along with major contributions that are inserted into our daily lives through an industrial avenue--directly into your household, etc. There are many concerns that might/ or might not concern the average consumer when he/she carries out their daily purchases regarding the chemicals that compose the products that are purchased.
There are organizations out in the world that are trying to fight to get this information out to you as a consumer. The first such organization that will be mention is the "Environmental Defense Fund." The organization is a consortium of scientists, economists, attorneys, etc. Here is the Environmental Defense Fund's mission statement taken in quote directly from the website along with the appropriate links.
"What distinguishes Environmental Defense Fund is the combination of what we protect and how we protect it. We work to solve the most critical environmental problems facing the planet. This has drawn us to areas that span the biosphere: climate, oceans, ecosystems and health.
Since these topics are intertwined, our solutions take a multidisciplinary approach. We work in concert with other organizations—as well as with business, government and communities—and avoid duplicating work already being done effectively by others."
--http://www.edf.org/about/our-mission-and-history
With this mission statement in mind, one might be asking, how is this statement exactly related to the chemicals that are in consumer products? Below are two links that will hopefully liberate the viewer to follow up with an introduction to the issues at large that are associated with chemicals in the consumer products.
The first link contains a general overview in the form of a video that is 2 minutes long, which I would highly recommend to start with.
(1) Here is the 1st Link: http://www.edf.org/health/chemicals
Next, there is a diagram that lists all of the major "chemicals that are located in your home along with a brief description of where you might find them.
(2) Here is the "Infographic" link: http://www.edf.org/health/infographic-chemicals-your-home-and-you
****** We would hope that you would utilize the two links above to "kickstart" your awareness of the importance regarding the safety, etc. of the chemicals that are surrounding you on a daily basis. *****
Additional Questions regarding Toxic Chemicals in Consumer Products:
(1) What is being done by companies to remove toxic chemicals from the household and other consumer products? Click Here
(2) Where are toxic chemicals in the average household? Click here to see a general chart.
(3) How can I support tougher standards on toxic chemicals? The EDF has a petition to sign here!