By Christina Fermin
Society & Politics Columnist
A few years ago I came across some information about the dirty little secrets many corporations do not want their consumers to know. Because there is little to no regulation on the many industries that we entrust with our lives, these companies literally get away with poisoning us. I took it upon myself to do some research in regard to what gets put into our food, cosmetics, medicines and other basic items we use everyday. I was amazed by the amount of toxins and chemicals that we are exposed to on a daily basis. After realizing the amount of chemical substances that are used in our foods and cosmetics it is no wonder the rate of cancer and disease has risen.
After the research I have done I have made an effort to be a conscientious consumer by reading the labels of everything I purchase. I do my best to stay away from toxins as well as anything with a caution and danger label. Your body is your temple and you only have one, treat it as such.
My first advice: read the labels! Reading the labels can be tricky since many of the ingredients are hard to read let alone pronounce and that should be your first sign. Many of us have cell phones that are able to connect to the internet via 4g, 3g or wifi. By doing a simple search of any specific ingredient you can know right away if that is something you can apply or ingest safely into the body.
As a matter of fact go look inside your food cabinet take out your favorite foods, lotions, shampoos, or detergents. Skim through the ingredients and do the research. You will be startled by what you find. I tell my friends and family to stay away from anything containing the ending paraben. Parabens are low cost preservatives found in many cosmetics, research studies have indicated exposure to these chemicals researchers found links to cancer, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity and developmental/reproductive toxicity. Now of course there is not a direct link, until further research is done I would not trust it.
The bottom line is we are the consumer and we rule the market place. Make your voice heard and make your vote count by the power of your purchase. Don’t buy from those companies that you know are putting harmful substances into the environment and everyday things you use. Write to those companies, write to your congress person, start a petition, sign one that exists and tell people about it. Europe has many regulations in regards to genetically modified foods, chemicals and toxins in their toys, cosmetics and cleaning supplies. Here in America, we are literally being poisoned by our own volition.
Don’t you remember that scare with the lead in children’s toys from China? That was just the tip of the iceberg. In recent years people have become more aware of this danger and that is why there are many alternatives and many websites out there aiding you on how to make your own lotions, soaps, detergents, etc. Take advantage; you will be happier, safer, feel better and be healthier. I have noticed a tremendous difference since I have been using all natural products. I feel better about myself and I know I am minimizing my carbon foot print. These companies are not going to change, so it is up to us to force that change. One website that has helped me make decisions in some of the things I purchase is www.cosmeticdatabase.com. This is a great resource where you can search by product, ingredient or company.
Peace and Love,
Christina
About the Columnist
With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now.
Good stuff.. thanks for the info and the website you linked.
V