Our toxic cleanup

CONCERNS about the chemicals found in cleaning and beauty products are driving some Tasmanians to make their own toothpastes, shampoos and deodorants.

The Carter family, of Taroona, use their own recipes to create chemical-free home and beauty products.

“I wouldn’t put anything on the outside of my body that I wouldn’t be prepared to eat,” said Lauren Carter, who has eczema flareups if she comes into contact with products containing lauryl sulphate, which is found in dishwashing liquids and shampoos.

The decision to go chemi- cal-free is often spurred by health reasons and a desire to reduce the risk of allergies, and it is increasingly backed by medical research.

Rose Bay mother-of-two Bec Hartnett said her health improved when she “threw out hundreds of dollars worth of beauty products” that had phenoxyethanol listed in the ingredients.

“Over time we just slowly swapped out things that were not so great and now pretty much our whole house is toxic free,” said Mrs Hartnett, who has set up an online directory to help people locate goodquality, natural products.

“There are many greenwashed brands out there that are spending lots of money on new ways to confuse us, trying to make us believe their toxic ingredients are safe.” Read more about why Tasmanians are choosing to live chemical-free lifestyles in TasWeekend, today