By Liz Thompson •
March 13, 2009
You have probably had at least one opportunity this month to bare your toes and if, like me, you were rather horrified at the first outdoor glimpse of them this season, you are ready to spring-ify your feet.
Well, Zoya has your piggies covered with Twist, their spring line, which includes peachy-pinky hues as well as a neutral violet, a vibrant plum and, of course, a couple of metallics. Choose from frost –Cassi is a lovely shimmering peach, or cream –Malia is sure to be a favorite this season, and your toes will invoke (tastefully done) Easter eggs.
As always, the latest Zoya polishes are free from dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde to provide you with a less toxic (not non-toxic) polish. So choose your color, find those flip flops and head out for a terrific spring.
Opening windows is the easiest way to reduce formaldehyde concentrations in homes. The best option is to use only building products that emit little or no formaldehyde. However, when conventional building materials are already in place and emitting formaldehyde, the problem will remedy itself with time. Materials that are several years old emit far less formaldehyde than new products.
Many of us think about green living and reducing our carbon footprints. But do we get enough fresh air into our homes? Energy efficient homes don’t get much ventilation, unless windows are opened regualrly. Airborne contaminants in homes can build up to many times the outdoor concentrations.
By Jennifer Lance •
February 27, 2009
Sometimes I feel like an idiot for trusting the American government to protect our children. I mean really, I should know better by now. I had just assumed any new chemical introduced into the US market would be tested for toxicity: NOT TRUE!
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) does not require chemical companies to test the 700 new chemicals introduced into the US market annually for their toxicity. This law is so bad the EPA has not even been able to ban the known carcinogen asbestos under TSCA after 10 years of trying!
Cleaning products and air fresheners can produce formaldehyde. UC Berkeley researchers found that chemicals in pine oils and citrus oils react with ozone in the air, producing formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a strong eye, nose, throat, and lung irritant. Formaldehyde is also an asthma trigger and a carcinogen, according to the EPA.
By Tina Casey •
February 5, 2009
Blue dye #1 is a food coloring that used to be made from coal tar, but apparently we don’t have to worry about coal in our candy any more. According to the FDA, blue dye #1 is now usually made from “raw materials obtained from petroleum.” What an improvement - you get a dose of petroleum derivative with your sugar fix.
If your kids are into eating blue stuff, might as well let them munch on a pair of organic blue jeans. At least the cotton is all natural. As for the blue dye - well, let’s go over the fold to see what’s up with that.
Just in time for Earth Day, Zoya has launched their exchange program to help eliminate more toxic nail polish and save your beauty dollars. Starting now through June, you can trade in any bottles of polish you may have around the house (any brand other than Zoya) and choose from one of the over 300 color choices at Zoya. Zoya will take your old polishes and dispose of them according to EPA safety guidelines. All Zoya polishes are free from formaldehyde, toluene, camphor and dibutyl phthalate.
