The Environmental Working Group did a safety assessment of ingredients in personal care products. They found that 89% of ingredients have not been evaluated for safety. One third of ingredients in cosmetics contain one or more substances that are classified as possible human carcinogens. Over one half of the products they looked at contain “penetration enhancers” that increase a product’s penetration through the skin into the bloodstream. The website includes an online database to research specific products. Take a look at www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep (Skindeep)

Interestingly, personal care products are turning up in water supplies. For example, the Suffolk Water Authority has been testing for them in wells near sewage treatment facilities that discharge into the ground--and is finding them!

The European Union has a website where you can look up sources of pollution in a number of European countries. Part of this site is background information on specific pollutants. Take a look: European Union Pollutant Information

Plan-it Systems makes this daily planner from recycled materials. Phone: 888-452-0790
Plan-it Systems

Looking for recycled paper, office or school supplies? Try these folks! (We have.) Phone: 800-641-1117
GreenLine

This solar powered pool filter uses mineral ions to kill algae. Sold by Real Goods. Phone: 800-762-7325
Real Goods
For more information about chlorine, contact Greenpeace USA Greenpeace

A source for all sorts of things for living more lightly on the earth…
The Simple Living Network

If you're looking for information on solar energy, try: LIPA's Solar Web Site

Several Long Island organizations collect wearable used women's business clothing for women just entering the work force. In the Town of Huntington, call Confidence Closet: 631-424-7848. In the Town of Brookhaven, call the Office of Women's Services: 631-698-2074.

For information on safe lawn care and non-toxic alternatives and a list of organic landscapers in your area, go to: Grassroots Info

For information on food choices and environmental impacts, go to: Healthy Planet