My Project!
Hi! I'm an English major (creative writing track) at UWM. When I was given the challenge of creating a project idea, I was slightly overwhelmed because I didn't have any ideas. But as I went through my daily routine, I saw a major area that could use changing--my skin care routine.
I use store-bought facial soap, toner and astrigents loaded with chemicals. Some of the soaps even have those tiny little plastic balls in them which aren't biodegradable and pollute the earth. I thought of making my own skin care products using natural ingredients (I have yet to research the ingredients) and measuring the amount of money spent. Also, researching the name-brand products and the chemicals they use and how they could effect our envoirnment. Also, using natural ingredients vs. throwing away dozens of little plastic bottles is way better.
I also thought measuring the progress of my skin itself and seeing if the natural ingredients give my skin better results compared to using store bought soaps.
I haven't talked to my roomates yet, but I think they might want to learn more about this idea and maybe take this challenge along with me. I think the less we throw away will be so much more beneficial!
Krista
Skin care products
Hi:
If you aren't familiar with the Environmental Working Group, I highly suggest you check out their website, particulary the "Skin Deep" section: http://tinyurl.com/2rc55w
There should be lots of helpful information for you there.
I'll be interested to follow your challenge!
Meribeth Sullivan, Waukesha County Recycling Specialist
This is a neat idea, and I
This is a neat idea, and I like your considerations for getting your roommates involved. You could extend the make-your-own approach to others beyond your household. For example, once you are happy with your method for making the products, you could offer to give a workshop at the UWM Union Craft Center or have a soap-creating party. Making some to give as gifts would be another way to involve others. I look forward to seeing how it goes!
Thanks!
That's a really great idea for the workshop at the craft center and making my own soap as presents (xmas presents?). I'm really excited about this project!
Some scary information I found from Skin Deep...
The facial soap I use is by Clean & Clear called the deep action exfoiliating scrub. When I was browsing the website, I found out that that soap is one of the most dangerous soaps on the website! The top 5 most dangerous ingredients all had a hazard rating of 7 or higher. Here's what I found:
Popular Chemicals in Clean & Clear deep action exfoiliating scrub:
1.Peg-80 sorbitan laurate: 9/10 hazard score at Skin Deep
-endocrine and reproductive system disruptions with
high doses (tested on animals)
-violation restrictions: not safe to use on damaged skin
2. DMDM hydantion 7/10 hazard score at Skin Deep
-gastrointestinal, kidney, liver and renal system damages found while being tested on animals
-known human immune system toxicant
3. Fragrance 8/10 hazard score at Skin Deep
-known human immune system toxicant
4. Polyethylene 8/10 hazard score at Skin Deep
-brain and nervous system damage found when tested on animals
-skin irritant
-tumor formation found when tested on animals
5. Methylparaben 8/10 hazard score at Skin Deep
-determined unsafe for use in cosmetics (policy violations)
-Brain and nervous system damage found when tested on animals
-Linked to cancer
*So now my next step is to find out how these chemicals not only effect my body but also the environment and how I can make alternatives in my lifestyle.
All of this information is thanks to http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com.
It is alarming that so many
It is alarming that so many personal care products contain dangerous ingredients. This is not widely known. Greater awareness could lead these industries to feel some pressure to improve.
What were the things that made you like the Clean & Clear soap in the first place? What do the people you know base their choices on when buying soap? Maybe you can replicate those features in the soaps and skin care products you are making.
Thanks for posting what you discovered! Chris Beimborn, Be SMART
clean and clear soap
The things I liked in the first place with the clean and clear soap was the fact that it had little beads in it to get the dead skin off of my face. This past weekend I acctually made two different natural skin care scrubs using a book I recieved for christmas a few years ago. Insted of using plastic and harmful ingredients, I used oatmeal and groud up almonds with extra-virgin olive oil (they said it was for moisturizing) and I also used pureed cucumber (for smell). It wasn't nearly as gross as I thought it was going to be! I took pictures of every step to add to my presentation.
Is there anything else you reccomend adding to my project that you and other people interested in saving money and using less plastic might find interesting?
Thanks!
Sounds great! I can help you
Sounds great! I can help you figure out how to share some pictures on this site if you like. You can also attach your presentation so people can see it here on wastelesswisconsin.org when you're ready.
As you conclude your project, I just have these questions (maybe you are already addressing them in your presentation):
What was the result?
What will continue?
What was the most important thing you learned?
-Chris Beimborn, Be SMART