Cosmetics 
Good for You & the Enviroment

Choose cosmetics that are good for you and the environment

The world is changing and is making it easy to be green, even when selecting cosmetics. Here are some corporate commitments to look for when purchasing cosmetics:

Products that are vegetarian - The use of fresh organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics in the making of their products. Look for companies that use absolutely no animal fat or bi-product in the products.

Products that are vegan - Vegan products are often clearly labeled. This allows customers to easily decipher the products without ingredients like honey, lanolin, yogurt and eggs.

Products that are preservative-free - The use of preservatives cannot only cause irritation to the skin, but also when used in the bath or shower are then leaked into the environment. When choosing products that contain preservatives, look for companies that use the minimum amount necessary in their formulations.

Products that are free of wasteful packaging - Often solid products over liquid form generally can contain less wasteful packaging, such as soap, bubble bar slices, shampoo bars, massage bars, shower jellies, body butters, and facial cleansers.

No animal testing policy on products or ingredients - It's surprising, but many cosmetics companies continue to test on animals. LUSH, being a leading figure in the beauty without cruelty campaign, continue its support by not testing on animals themselves and aims to promote alternative testing programs that do not use animals. Look for companies with the Cruelty-Free sticker, or refer to the PETA website (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for a list of retailers and companies.

Support Fair Trade programs and small farms to supply raw materials - Utilizing Fair Trade ingredients and sourcing raw materials from local farmers is a way to sustain the environment on a larger scale. Choose products that contain Fair Trade ingredients such as cocoa butter and shea butter in body moisturizers.

Rewarding customers who reuse and recycle - This loyalty programs that encourage customers to reuse and recycle contribute back to the community by helping to minimize waste.

More information is available online at www.lush.ca or by telephone at 1 888.733.5874.

Credit: www.newscanada.com Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics