Hi my name is Mattie and I am a member of Teens for Safe Cosmetics: New York.

Sure, the end of summer can make any teen feel a bit sad with a new school year beginning, and the weather starting to turn. But the girls of Teens for Safe Cosmetics are looking forward to the fabulous launch of the Teens Turning Green Collection, featured exclusively at Whole Foods Markets nationwide. The Collection will land on shelves by the last week in September.

 Teens Turning Green [3:32m]: Play Now | Download (68)
 Teens Turning Green: Download (4)

It is the first line of truly eco-skin care that’s been formulated specifically for teen skin! And as if that fact alone isn’t enough, each of the products included in our line attains Whole Food Market’s new Premium Body Care Standard, the most comprehensive in the industry. Knowing what you’re putting on your skin is free of parabens and PEGs means that one less thing to worry about every day. Besides picking out a cleanser or moisturizer is almost an overwhelming task, all by itself.

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EFAs (essential fatty acids) are crucial for healthy growing brains and mental function. Here is straight and simple info to help you understand EFAs and how to find the ones that support children’s focus and brain function.

Douglas MacKay is a licensed naturopathic doctor who serves as Nordic Naturals Research Advisor. He is Founder of MacKay Naturopathic Center in Dover, NH.

 Brain Nutrients [5:31m]: Play Now | Download (164)

Hey! I’m Emily, and I am a sophomore in High School and a part of Teens for Safe cosmetics. A few weeks ago, Teens for Safe Cosmetics had our kickoff meeting for the 2008/ 09 campaign. It was a great meeting with tons of fabulous ideas for our Teens Turning Green Collection, for events, and for new advocacy strategies. However, the most exciting new change was all the new faces in the room! About 10 new teens came to our meeting, and I was reminded of the first time that I went to a meeting and everyone else seemed to know what they were doing while I, unfortunately, was leagues behind in comprehension.

I talked to my new friend Bonnie to figure out what exactly confused her about the new environment and how I could help. We figured out that the best way to understand the science, health effects, and to get familiar with green alternatives was to evaluate her own products. We decided to get informed on a really cool site called Skin Deep. This site, put up by the Environmental Working Group, lets anyone search their favorite brands, products, and the ingredients in them. Each of these are rated on a 0 to 10 scale for how healthy the product, etc, is (10 being the worst, 0 the best). The page then tells you why it was rated that way and what health affects it is known to cause.

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Hi I’m Emily. I’m starting my sophomore year in High School and have been part of Teens for Safe Cosmetics for almost a year. I am in this campaign because I believe that what my mom, sisters and friends put on our bodies daily should not be toxic. I’m looking forward to the national launch of the Teens Turning Green Collection at Whole Foods Market in a couple weeks as a way to educate my generation about greener alternatives in skin and body care products. It is truly inspiring to know that teens are making a difference when they stand up for what they believe in.

These tips are not only about health but have me thinking about the impact that I can have on the planet as I get back into my routine of endless homework, emailing and talking on my cell phone. And even though we are heading back to school, the sun’s rays are still really strong — so find a non-toxic sunscreen (check link below) when you’re hanging on the beach the last few days of summer or biking to school. It’s pretty simple to start back to school with an eco outlook. Check out these tips and links, and watch Jessica talk about greening her college life in the Big Apple. Have fun!

 Teens for Safe Cosmetics Video [1:15m]: Play Now | Download (5)
 Teens for Safe Cosmetics Video [1:15m]: Download (48)

• Protect your skin year-round with sunscreen. Choose a safe sunscreen that actually protects your skin (look for UVA and UVB protection) and is free of toxic chemicals. Look at Environmental Working Group’s new report and complete list of safe offerings.
• Cell phones have become indispensable tools in today’s society, but too much use can pose serious health risks. To minimize exposure to the electromagnetic energy, limit calls, turn cell phones off, wear a headset or use speakerphone, text message, and use landlines for long chats.
• Turning off your wireless network at night not only conserves energy, but also lessen EMF exposure while you are sleeping. Even when you are not using it, the wireless signal is still transmitted throughout the home / office / school / building, etc. Take that simple precautionary step!
• Purchase 100% post-consumer and alternative fiber paper, reuse lightly-used sheets for scratch, print on both sides whenever possible, and designate a place to keep paper isolated for easy recycling and to lessen what goes into landfills.

About Teens for Safe Cosmetics
Teens for Safe Cosmetics is a coalition led by dynamic and passionate young women raising awareness about potentially harmful ingredients in beauty and daily use products that may be linked to cancer, reproductive harm and other health risks. Their mission is to educate the public about harmful chemicals found in cosmetics and personal care products, advocate for legislation that protects one’s right to health and to inspire teens across the nation to work together around these issues and create change within their communities.

Teens for Safe Cosmetics launches Teens Turning Green Collection
Teens for Safe Cosmetics has brought together phenomenal eco-conscious companies to create a line that attains Whole Foods Market’s Premium Body Care seal, the most comprehensive retail standards. Companies have used a holistic approach in the creation of these products, incorporating how age, variation in skin type, and environment can effect teenage skin. The line will launch exclusively at Whole Foods Market nationwide in October 2008. For the first time in history, Teens Turning Green will offer teenagers a line made specifically for their skin that is safe. Hand-selected by teenagers for safety, sustainability, and practicality, the Teens Turning Green collection is a cross-section of the best products on the market.

Learn the big reasons why most kids can benefit from a little daily multivitamin. Despite even the best attempts at a healthy diet, many don’t get all the essentials they need. Think of it as a combination of insurance and investment, and get the most recent nutritional recommendations for smart parents and smart kids.

 Does Your Child Need a Multi? [5:28m]: Play Now | Download (140)

Hi. I’m Danielle, a high school senior in Northern California. There are simple changes that we can make to better “green” all aspects of our daily lives. Below are four more tips that will get you started as we head back to school. If you CAN make healthier choices, why not?

This past year I replaced my plastic water bottle with a Klean Kanteen. I feel much better about drinking from a bottle that it is not contaminated with phthalates, a chemical used to make plastic softer that is a known endocrine disruptor and toxic to our bodies.

In the process of doing my own research, I’ve come to realize that there IS a “greener” alternative for pretty much every action you do and every item you use.

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Do you wonder if the reasons you choose natural foods for your kids could also apply to toothpaste? Learn about the choices and get tips for natural oral care products that work well—and taste great—for even the pickiest kids.

Pam Scheeler has a B.S. in biochemistry and works in Tom’s of Maine’s Consumer Care and Professional Advocacy groups for oral care formulation and testing.

 Natural Oral Care for Kids [4:52m]: Play Now | Download (177)

Hi, my name is Erin and I am a high school senior from Northern California. I founded Teens for Safe Cosmetics with a group of my peers because I don’t think that we should have to choose between beauty and health! And now I apply a similar philosophy to all aspects of my life: why risk my well being when I don’t have to?

With summer’s end just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about back to school. Can you believe it?! In addition to finding out about classes, teachers, schedules, and readjusting to waking up to my alarm clock, I think back to school is the perfect opportunity to embrace a more eco-conscious lifestyle. From my shampoo and mascara to my outfit for the first day of school to binders and text books, I am Turning Green!

Check out these four simple tips, watch Kylie’s video tips and join us on this ever-evolving journey towards a healthy body and world. Check back throughout the month of August for more back to school tips from Teens for Safe Cosmetics. And enjoy these last few weeks of summer!!

 Kylie's Video Tips [1:27m]: Play Now | Download (245)
 Kylie's Video Tips: Download (878)

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 Organic Kids Body Care: Play Now | Download (779)

Many people “go natural” when they have a baby, but what about later on? If raising your kids “green” has proved to be a challenge, tune in for simple ways and reasons to choose natural products. This highly respected eco-entrepreneur talks about makeup, deodorant, toothpaste and supplements from her own mothering experience. Lynda Fassa is the founder of Green Babies, the oldest existing organic cotton clothing company on the planet, and author of Green Babies and Sage Moms.

Hey everyone! It is summer time and it is officially the time of year I miss my hometown area the most. I grew up spending summers in Surf City, NJ on Long Beach Island and spent probably 8 hours a day in the sun. Well, now we know that is not the best idea and also that if you are going to surf the summer away, you better be wearing some strong sunblock.

Some of my favorites include: Dr. Hauschka SPF 20, Aubrey Organics Green Tea SPF 25 & California Baby SPF 30 Fragrance Free (for the little ones). For more information on summer sun protection check out this pdf of our Be Good To Your Whole Body brochure from June. Don’t forget to grab some Aloe Vera Gel too, just in case you do get burned, it is still the best for soothing sun-fried skin.

On another note, if you are like me with stress, travel and the general day-to-day chaos, you might not always eat enough vegetables or greens. This month we launched a great EXCLUSIVE product from the folks at Amazing Grass called Amazing Meal. There are 3 flavors (Original, Chocolate and Pomegranate-Mango) and it provides a power-packed punch with 3000mg of raw greens, a serving of protein, a blend of goji, maca, açaí and other antioxidant rich foods, complemented with a probiotics and a comprehensive enzyme blend. It is guaranteed to liven up your morning shake or give you a quick boost while on the run this summer.

Have fun!