I am so proud to make and sell products that are safe for both human health and the environment. One thing I know for sure from attending so many trade shows over the last two years, consumers are more aware and mindful of the harmful effects of toxic chemicals found in everyday items, like cleaning products, personal care items, and food. Since the global pandemic, more consumers are now mindful of toxic ingredients and have shifted their focus on purchasing natural and organic products without toxins and preservatives.
Furthermore, according to a survey of 1,000 adults conducted by GreenPrint, called the Business of Sustainability Index, at least 66 percent of US consumers and 80 percent of young US adults are willing to pay more money for non-toxic products, to support environmental sustainability. Environmental activists like Greta Thunberg from Sweden started a movement with getting children, teens, and younger adults more engaged with the importance of climate change. The growing trend of conscious consumerism has increased due to more awareness of product recalls for well-known cleaning products, household goods, hair, and skincare products. Sadly, the United States has banned less than 10 harmful chemicals in personal care products. In comparison, European nations have declared more than 1,600 chemicals or ingredients as unsafe for cosmetics and personal care products Environmental Working Group (2021).
Too many products on the market contain harmful ingredients like dyes, titanium dioxide (harmful in sprays, powders, and toothpaste due to respiratory concerns), parabens, formaldehyde, and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, which can often cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, skin irritation, reproductive harm, and even cancer. I am so happy that I live in Maryland, which passed House Bill 643 (HB0643), which makes it illegal to include 24 harmful ingredients in cosmetics, and personal care products. The United States has a long way to go to better protect all of us from potentially harmful ingredients in our cleaning, personal care products, and food.
Prioritize your health and invest in using non-toxic products made with natural and botanical ingredients. YOLO Health and Wellness products are made in small batches with high-quality, organic, and botanical ingredients. Our organic, botanical, and handcrafted products are safer for you and kinder to the environment. Please check out our products and review our ingredient profiles. Be well.
Sources:
Environmental Working (EWG). (2021. August). On Protecting Consumers from Toxics in Cosmetics, U.S. lags at least 80 countries. Retrieved from: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2021/08/protecting-consumers-toxics-cosmetics-us-lags-least-80-countries
Environmental Working (EWG). (2021. June). Maryland Consumer Protection Bill Becomes Law. Retrieved from: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/maryland-consumer-protection-bill-becomes-law
PDI Technologies, Inc. 2023. April). Consumers Want Sustainable Products. (Retrieved from: 2023 Report: Do Consumers Care about Sustainability? | PDI Technologies, Inc.