consumer guides

Informative and yet disappointing when I tried to find products that I use. I've indeed eliminated a few items from my shelves - the book just needs to be updated! I wonder why she did not touch on big company named products alot. Many items recommended cannot be found in regular stores which is a bit scarey!! What are we buying out there!! A wonderful quote from the book and a real eye opener is on page 185 re fragrances and perfumes."...Yet manufactureres are not required to list on product labels the ingredients used in formulating their fragrances, scents, and perfumes. In other words, if these products are carried to a hazardous waste site in your community, you have the right to kow, but if you are going to apply them to the skin, you do not." This book took a lot of time and research. I think she could update, dedicating one book to household cleaners, and another book to personal care items. I would buy!

On the one hand, it's nice to know that many products I purchase have known carcinogens: Colgate toothpaste, Pantene shampoo, Cover Girl makeup, Halibut from California, cashews, sesame seeds, anti-perspirant, Clairol hair dye, etc. Unfortunately, I have never heard of the recommended alternatives, and they are unavailable at any store, ie: Logona, Ecco Bella, Aloegen Biogenics, Paul Penders cosmetics, etc. What is a person to do?

The authors of this book are doing us a favour by making us aware of how toxic these everyday items are, but does little to help the consumer who does not live in an area where alternatives are readily available. The real question is why our governments are allowing these companies to poison us. It's truly depressing.

This is a great guide but needs to be updated badly. There are graphs of specific company's products with their pro's and con's listed beside them. The problem is that many companies have changed the formulations of their products since the book's original publish date of 1995 and many of the specific products listed are no longer made...some by companies that no longer exist.

However, as a reviewer noted below, it is an essential guide for knowing which harmful ingredients to look for.