
30 years ago, I trained as a
professional hair colorist & chemical technician
with edgy salons that are world renowned in the field.
I was in a creative field that I loved and helping others
to feel good about themselves was a great feeling! However,
as I apprenticed, my hands became chapped & burned
from chemical contact. I lost sense of smell & taste
from the ammonia I inhaled daily from hair color and
perms.
In
2000 I graduated from further University studies and
spent the following 6 years in the medical field. After
realizing how toxic our healthcare system can be, I
began investigating the health effects of our daily
existence in a modern world. I eventually found my way
back to the beauty industry. Thus, I discovered the
same adverse and toxic connections in a huge industry
that promotes health and well-being.
The
chemicals entering our waterways from personal care
items we use daily are now equivilant to pharmaceuticals.
These endocrine disruptors and carcinogens are not only
killing aquatic life and cause abnormalities of fish
and marine life, but also come back to us in our drinking
water. “Eco” literally means ‘consequence’.
So let’s be consequence-friendly.
If
we, in the beauty industry truly educate ourselves and
our clients about the health dynamics of what we impose
on ourselves and our clients, I believe that we can
all take a stand, thus helping to change the beauty
industry in a positive way.
Many
popular companies that claim to be organic or natural
still use chemicals in their ingredients. Truths are
hidden in clever advertising. Some natural beauty lines
are owned by the same corporations that disregard any
responsibility towards our health and the environment
as well as needless animal testing.
There
are no U.S. laws about labeling beauty products organic
or natural. Make it your mission to educate yourself
about personal care items. Remember, you vote with your
dollar. Know about the companies that you support with
your money. Discuss these issues with your friends and
find true organic, chemical-free products that work
for you.
Together,
we can create a better world.
Vesta |