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LIVING GREEN: How good is your smell?

Our skin is our largest organ, absorbing what we soak in, spray and rub on.
chaun

Our skin is our largest organ, absorbing what we soak in, spray and rub on.

I admit there is the odd time when a faint whiff of a man’s cologne catches my attention. This is becoming a rarity, however, as workplaces strive to be allergen-free, mindful that more people appear to be reacting to fragrance.

The opposite is true when I feel hit by perfume, hair product or a deodorant containing strong fragrance. When going for a run, the exhaust from household dryers that use scented products such as Bounce make me feel like an insect shot with Raid.

In all seriousness, however, I am increasingly aware of the chemical-based fragrances (“parfum”) that permeate our personal and household products. A friend suffers from multiple chemical sensitivity. Her high sensitivity to fragrance, petrochemically derived products, many of which may not be detectable to most of us, has sent her more than a few times to the ER.

She has to take precautions when attending events, therefore, often reminding organizers to announce functions as “scent-free.”

I purchase most of my skin care products from local farmers’ markets, such as Port Moody’s Nasty-free Naturals. But my friend warns that many essential oils, often used in organic products, may still be extracted using chemicals. It is important, therefore, to ask the producer what extraction process has been used.

Go for steam distillation and be careful of products that claim to be scent-free. I have recently learned that some companies actually use a chemical to mask scents.

The David Suzuki Foundation has extensive information on toxins in personal care products and the relationship between them, the environment and your health (www.davidsuzuki.org).

 

HEALTHY LIVING & FEWER CHEMICALS

Here are some ideas for healthy, wholesome living:

• Cosmetics: A great addition to your wallet/purse is the Suzuki Foundation’s guide to avoiding the Top 12 chemicals typically found in cosmetics: www.davidsuzuki.org/publications/downloads/2010/whats-inside-shoppers-guide.pdf. Extra tip: When washing your hair, experiment with alternate days; doing so is better for your hair (your natural oils are what make it shine) and the environment and your pocket-book will also benefit.

• Deodorants: Healthier than antiperspirants (it is actually good to sweat), here is a simple and inexpensive remedy using a 1:6 ratio of baking soda to cornstarch (cleangreensimple.com/2011/01/gew-deodorant/). I just bought a product made from coconut oil and then learned apple cider vinegar (applied with a sponge) works fabulously.

• Household cleaners: For years, I have used just three simple natural cleaners to do everything: vinegar, baking soda and Dr. Bronner’s pure castile soap. West Vancouver’s Earthcare makes the amazing Pink Solution (except that it isn’t pink). This white cream goes a long way and works magic on sinks, tiles and even laundry (pinksolution.ca).

• Laundry: I use local VIP and Granny’s soap powder products. Plain washing soda is highly effective too. If odour is a concern, pre-soak with diluted ammonia. Skin rashes have been attributed to certain fragranced laundry detergents.

• Houseplants: Today’s interior design style appears very stark and sterile. Houseplants help to purify our indoor air from off-gassing due to a multitude of manufactured products (upholstery, carpets, plastics, etc.). Visit www.kidsgardening.org/node/13217 to see the multitude of benefits.

By taking steps towards fragrance-free living, you will actually become more sensitive to “unnatural” smells, just as many of us are now sensitive to cigarette smoke.

And for Valentine’s Day next month, why not show your love by giving something as safe as it is luxurious?

Melissa Chaun of Port Moody is an ecologist with a passion for all things sustainable. She has a certificate in Sustainable Community Development, volunteers on various city committees and is currently co-ordinating the monthly meetings for Tri-City Greendrinks. Her column runs monthly.