Over 2000 commercially available products carry the Safer Choice label The USEPA Safer Choice program helps identify products that perform well and are safer for human health and the environment. The Safer Choice label recently replaced the USEPA Design for the Environment or DfE label. Although both programs are the same, Safer Choice is a better description of the consumer […]
New study finds toxic phthalates in many vinyl floors. A study released by the NGO Healthy Stuff finds toxic phthalates present in many vinyl floors. These floor materials are sold by major retailers including Lumbar Liquidators, Lowels and Home Depot. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which are chemicals that may cause low testosterone, birth defects and cancer. […]
GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals assesses and compares chemicals based on their intrinsic hazard. GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals (GreenScreen) is one of the tools in the chemical management toolbox! It can help determine if a chemical should be used or replaced with safer alternatives. Chemicals with high hazards, such as carcinogens and mutagens, are assigned a benchmark 1 […]
Dark side of nail salons exposed. The New York Times recently published two reports about nail salons in New York. The first article, The Price of Nice Nails is about how female workers are underpaid, exploited and face ethnic bias and other abuse. The second article, Perfect Nails, Poisoned Workers, focuses on some toxic ingredients in nail products tied […]
Using greenhouse gases and other waste streams to create valuable chemicals can restore the environment. The Green Chemistry and Commerce Council (GC3) is a business-to-business forum that advances the application of green chemistry across supply chains. This year they hosted the tenth Innovators Roundtable. I was particularly impressed with some entrepreneurs who are taking inherently bad chemicals (e.g. […]
Microbeads are tiny polyethylene beads used widely in some personal care products. They have different functions such as: Exfoliating agents in skincare products including body washes Texture enhancers by providing a silky texture in skin creams and lotions Facilitate the ability to spread skin creams and lotions Provide color in toothpaste to add visual appeal What you […]
Lots of water, energy and chemicals are needed to pretreat, dye and finish our clothes. Levi Strauss and Co. just launched its updated Lifecycle Assessment of a Jean. It takes 3,661 liters of water to produce just one pair of jeans. The denim industry is valued at 60 billion dollars and growing. Whether the trend […]
The textile industry is innovating. Less hazardous dyes, new equipment and novel processes are reducing the water, chemicals and energy in fabric manufacturing. Sarah Bellos, President of Stony Creek Colors and a Natural Resources Management Scientist is working with farmers in Tennessee to help them transition from growing tobacco to growing indigo. Due to a declining demand for […]
I just returned from the International Symposium on Alternatives Assessments. This emerging field is focused on the adoption of safer chemicals and ultimately safer products and materials. It was hosted by the University Massachusetts Lowell Center for Sustainable Production. A group of technical experts met to discuss ways to advance the science and practice of Alternatives […]
The GHS is the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. The GHS, developed by the United Nations, is a system for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labeling of chemicals according to their health, physical and environmental hazards. Because it is not a regulation, no country is obligated to adopt all, or […]
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