Be Inspired: Living chemical-free
Who is setting the stage for moving into a toxic-free world?
> click the pic for main talk, and links below for more
Gregg Renfrew (USA)
Gregg Renfrew launched US Cosmetics company Beautycounter in 2013, a B Corporation that’s single-mindedly focused on creating transparency and safety in the personal care industry, through innovative skincare and beauty products that set a new health and safety standard.
Promo vid (good!) » BeautyCounter website »
Tyrone Hayes (USA)
Biologist Dr. Tyrone B. Hayes, PhD, is an expert on amphibians and a critic of the herbacide atrazine used on corn, which displays a disturbing effect on frog development. Global agribusiness has repeatedly tried to silence and discredit his research but Tyrone refuses to give in to these industry giants. In this TED talk, Hayes draws on his research with atrazine to explore with flmmaker Penelope Jagessar Chaffer how chemicals she was exposed to while pregnant may affect her unborn child.
Treehugger interview » Website »
Sarah Wilson (AUS) - Catalyst on Chemicals
Sarah Wilson is journalist, television presenter, blogger and author of the best-selling 'I Quit Sugar' book. In ABC's Catalyst program 'Our Chemical Lives' (2015), Sarah teams up with Dr. Maryanne Demasi to explore the effects of everyday chemicals – those found in our water, our food, our clothes, our makeup, our coffee cups – and question what we know about how these impact our bodies. (Sarah features at 16.10min in).
Sarah's blog » Intro » More on Catalyst »
Irene Falcone - Nourished Life (AUS)
Irene Falcone is a Sydney mum of four, and a reformed mainstream beauty addict. After years of battling fatigue, she threw away all her mainstream beauty products to “go organic”. Irene started her 'Nourished Life' business and blog to help other mums make the switch. Lots of good tips on toxin-free beauty and healthy living.
Blog » Women with Drive interview »More...
The Story of Cosmetics (2010)
Annie Leonard's animated short examines the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo, revealing the implications for consumer and worker health and the environment, and outlining the ways we can move the industry away from hazardous chemicals and towards safer alternatives.
Regulation in Australia
Chemicals used in cleaning products and cosmetics and toiletries are regulated by the National Industrial Chemical Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS), who also regulate industrial chemicals, including dyes, solvents, adhesives, plastics, laboratory chemicals, and paints.
The other three national schemes that assess, register and review chemicals and products are Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). See more at the ACCC Product Safety 'Chemicals in Consumer Products' page, and a review of the limitations at Choice's 'Chemicals in Cosmetics' page.