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Green Halloween: Getting Techie
Why all the fuss about PVC?
A major part of the miracle of plastic is the sheer number of different items it can be made into—from credit cards to children's toys to industrial pipe. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most popular and most versatile; it's the plastic used in all those products, plus bottles, imitation leather, and car interiors (to name just a few more).
And while it's indisputably useful, PVC is also hazardous, creating and releasing dioxin during its creation, use, and breakdown. (Dioxin, the main ingredient in Agent Orange, is thought to cause cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system damage.) Greenpeace maintains a database of PVC-alternatives for residential and commercial builders, but ridding it from the rest of your life takes constant vigilance.
What's so bad about my makeup?
Let's be clear: a one-night-only application of eyeliner to complete your Dracula look is probably not going to hurt; there are women slathering the same stuff on their eyes every day who are still alive. But on the whole, most commercial cosmetics contain a variety of chemicals that result in their color, texture, and waterproofing abilities—and most cosmetics are not regulated by the FDA. The ones we mentioned above each have their own dangers: parabens, which are chemical preservatives, have been found in breast cancer; phthalates, which are chemical plasticizers, cause sperm damage and infertility; and fragrances are full of toxins and allergens.
Why bother with Fair Trade?
Fair trade is a model of international trade that promotes giving farmers and producers equitable compensation for their labors. Though the numbers vary by location, Fair Trade uses what counts as a living wage in each farmer's country of their origin, and ensures that the lion's share of the producers' hard-earned profits aren't whisked away by predatory (and unnecessary) middlemen. By supporting Fair Trade-certified products, you're leveraging your power as a consumer to push for better trading conditions and fair returns for marginalized producers and workers. Go to TransFair USA to learn more about Fair Trade certification in the U.S.
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