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With just a few days left until it’s time to ring in 2009, now’s the time to be thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. We all have one or two that we make year after year after year, with varying degrees of success—but this year, resolve to green your beauty routine with these easy steps:
Read the labels.
You can start changing your products with one easy step: skim the ingredient list before you purchase anything. Watch out for lead in hair dye, mercury in eye drops or mascara, pthalates in nail polish, and fragrance in, well, everything (it’s one of the top five allergens ever). If you’re the plan-ahead type, check the Skin Deep Database from the Environmental Working Group; you can enter a product’s name, get its safety rating, and find an alternative before you go shopping.
Choose organic.
Just because a personal care product claims to be organic doesn’t mean it truly is; watch for ones that are certified with the USDA organic symbol to be sure. Not only will you be helping the planet by choosing items that are pesticide and chemical free, you’ll be helping your skin: do you really want your skin soaking up all those synthetics?
Make your own.
Here’s the easiest way to be sure you know exactly what’s going on your skin, and mixing up your own products isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Many can be made with a few on-hand ingredients, including honey, sugar, and fruits and vegetables; try this deep conditioning mask for hair or a rose-scented lotion.
More organic beauty
How to Go Green: Women’s Personal Care
Food for Your Face: 5 Key Natural Beauty Ingredients
How to Give Up Shampoo
How to Go Green: Natural Skin Care
Love green gadgets, fashion, and news? Get the latest from Planet Green's dynamic duo Suchin Pak and Daniel Sieberg on the G Word.
Make your own scrubs and conditioners; upcycle old clothes and turn them into new accessories--learn how with Planet Green Fashion & Beauty.
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