Safe Cosmetics Campaign Spreads Nationwide

Do you remember when global warming was just a figment of the youth's/Democrat's/fill-in-suitable-demographic-profile here imagination? It was the pre-Gore war: raging liberal environmentalists vs. corporate America. Weapons of choice? Scientific journals and meek politicians, thrown in each other's faces like so many bits of confetti. And now look at it - 9 out of 10 Americans agree: we're in trouble.

Grassroots is where most mainstream movements gain momentum and spread. And now, after local campaigning and internal organizational efforts, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is moving to that grassroots level - nationwide.

We've been following their progress and have been impressed with their results so far. Apparently, harnessing teens is a big plus in grassroots efforts, as they have time, energy, and an enormous peer audience. Next week, in fact, Marin County is playing host to the 3rd Annual Teens for Safe Cosmetics National Summit where leaders will convene to spread awareness about the issues and teach how to further the campaign's goals.

Education being one of them - here is a recent finding, lifted from one of their newsletters, about triclosan, a common ingredient in antibacterial soaps, oh so popular in this winter cold season.

"Researchers warn that triclosan, a chemical used as an antimicrobial and preservative, acts as an endocrine disruptor. Exposure to endocrine disruptors can lead to early puberty, serious reproductive issues and breast cancer. Triclosan's hormone-mimicking behavior could also be responsible for harming aquatic wildlife, since this chemical is washed into our waterways."

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