Marc Fischer/istockphoto
DCL
We all like to look good. I know I do. Have you heard about my hair? It's amazing, but it is that way naturally so I get a free pass on something that most people have to strive at. And because I'm a male, I have believed for a long time that I also get a free pass when it comes to environmental issues and cosmetics. I was horribly mistaken.
Cosmetics can be damaging to the environment and to health. Some mascaras may contain mercury. Some brands of cosmetics have hormone-altering chemicals. Cosmetics don't seem that people-friendly, so it's easy to imagine how eco-unfriendly they must be.
These hormone-altering chemicals can end up in our water supply. Chemicals like phthalates can causes less males to be born, sperm counts to drop and penis-sizes to shrink. (So if guys think they get a pass on these cosmetic issues, they'd better think again.) Triclosan disrupts the natural life cycle of frogs. And we all know what mercury did to the hatter population.
Do not dispose of your liquid cosmetics by dumping them down your sink or your toilet. If you have a cat, dump the liquid cosmetics in the cat litter and stir before throwing the litter out. Otherwise, mix the cosmetics with sand/litter and throw it away with the regular garbage. The sand/litter will soak up the harmful chemicals and keep them in the landfill and out of the water supply. (we hope)
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