Safe Cosmetics-A must-take journey, not just for ourselves, but for those who’s voices are never heard

The meaning of the name cosmetics itself in Greek denotes “the art of dress and ornament”, the spirit and use of the act. The use of cosmetics by people is a trend that has been there for centuries, perhaps since the beginning of human understanding of himself and the space around him. Why? If the morals of several stories from our childhood are to be believed, beauty is not what lies on the surface, but rather what is inside a person’s heart and soul. However yet, our worlds also revolve around the magical storied of beautiful princesses and their handsome princes and the happiness of forever after. Every girl and boy at one age or another spends their lives dreaming of their happy ever after. Hence everyone wants to be beautiful from both inside and outside, if not for themselves then for those around them and to have an ending the same as in the fairy tales. But life is not a fairy tale and our world not a utopia.

Know the Full Story:

An attractive and enticing Package: But is it really what it seems?

The problem, however, that exists is that the harmful effects of using cosmetics due to problems with the infrastructure of the cosmetics is usually simply ignored. An easy example: the use of talcum powder:  The talc in it, which is the source of the name is a mineral produced by the mining of talc rocks and then processed by crushing, drying and milling. Processing of the talc while making powder does not separate minute fibers in it which are very similar to asbestos; and a known fact is that continuous use of it allows the fibers to enter the human body through the skin causing problems such as lung disorders or fertility problems. The question that is raised through this knowledge is simple and same: Is permanently ruining health an acceptable price to pay?

And yet the perfect shade is a mix of materials that pretty the package but hide truths beneath

The story doesn’t end here or on this little note. With increasing awareness now spreading around the world, there are several articles, researches and documented videos that show that more than 11,000 elements are banned in Europe because they have been proven harmful to human health and well-being. On the same note, only a bare minimum are banned in the US, the rest still used in the manufacture of cosmetics, and arriving at our doorsteps, packaged in an attractive and compelling fashion, appealing use with the promise of beauty and love.

What is the price we are paying for the sake of being beautiful like we all dream of?

That is not all. The story goes even deeper. We are humans so we raise our voice when awareness and pain strikes, but what of those who suffer but cannot raise their voice because they can not be heard?

Who are they? Animals! The poor creatures that suffer a torturous fate, a lonely solitude with pain, forced into oblivion to help us attain out dream of beauty. And the worst part is that we do not even care and even if we do, we are simply looking the other way, ignoring the cries of pain and torment of those animals because the resulting substance is something we crave and which we are dependant on. Animal Testing is not a matter that can be overlooked in the fight to make cosmetics more users friendly and less dangerous; rather it is one of the steps that need to definitely be climbed.

For the promise that would be fulfilled at a heavy price you may never recover from, should you participate?

Steps being taken:

The Story of Cosmetics: http://storyofstuff.org/cosmetics/ -The Ugly Truth of ‘Toxics In, Toxics Out’ is a seven minute animated video exploring and explaining the problems and their alternate solutions. An accomplishment and an achievement, the story of cosmetics brings truth to the voice being raised for change by showing that solutions to the problems do exist, are adoptable and are what the need of the hour is.

Safe Cosmetics is going many steps forward by doing the right thing on many counts, by addressing the problem at its root and throughout the cycle that runs in the manufacturing of cosmetics; where every step has the need for change. It is giving the chance and reason to everyone to play their part in being the ones to raise voices, for themselves and the others involved in the equation. http://www.safecosmetics.org/

Will you just sit back and watch?

Doesn’t the heart thump seeing the poor creatures being treated such? Every time you cross the street, go to a friends place and sit around in the park, when you see pet cats and dogs, you’ll remember the plight of those trapped because of human greed. Won’t you instinctively hesitate the moment you pick up a cosmetic and think back to the words that you read and wonder how it is affecting you, because believe it or not, now there is proof that it does!

Change will take time, it cannot be done overnight and the path to it will always be difficult but it’s the spirit that matters. One step at a time will lead you to a hundred. And who better to work for a change than ones self? As said “Be the change you want to see in the world”, you can be the one. Not sure how or where to start? The links below are for you, the first step you need to take to reach the hundredth. Knowing that somewhere you are also responsible for what is happening; wouldn’t you step forward and show the world that you care?

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Further Readings on the Subject:

http://www.alive.com/688a2a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=73

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/27661/harmful_effects_of_makeup.html?cat=5

http://antiagingchoices.com/harmful_ingredients/toxic_ingredients.htm

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/Additives/Cosmetic-Skin-Effect.htm

http://www.rachelsfriends.org/cosmetics.html

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Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfq000AF1i8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J14mfUNELvk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAvnbOX8QX4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glt-MCHCltk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9f4r8WI9o8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSwR70Xtaug&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0rNP2h0Syc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLqiZkIIdGU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzvQuXfewq8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=makiqwewJBE&feature=related

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Know all you can and make your own choice:

http://www.safecosmetics.org/

http://personalcaretruth.com/2010/07/1602/

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The way to play your part in this:

http://www.peta.org/index_landing.asp

http://www.safecosmetics.org/section.php?id=74

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/congress-initiates-safe-cosmetics-act-2010

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Campaigner

This Architecture student volunteered at UNDP during the flood relief campaign and is currently associated with Active Citizens Campaign of British Council. She writes for YL because she thinks she is playing her part here in changing the world.mariah.qaisrani.youthleader@gmail.com

1. 

   Lidia Valdez says:

   07/02/2011 at 2:41 am

   We must speak up for those who can’t. Let’s imagine those were our pets, our family members. And please, let’s not only stop trying to mask our faces, but our eyes towards this injustice.

   reply
2. 

   Aaronstein says:

   01/09/2011 at 10:14 pm

   I think this is among the most significant info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The web site style is perfect, the posts is really nice . Great job, cheers, Aaronstein

   reply