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Berkeley, CA — As someone who cares about sustainability and health, I want to understand the impact of the products I use. But I’ve become increasingly frustrated by the lack of accurate information available.
Companies attract customers trying to shop responsibly by using vague terms such as “natural,” “chemical free” and “environmentally friendly” — which have no clear definition.
Some resources, such as EWG’s Skin Deep® database, score products based on their ingredients. But the claims they make usually aren’t properly backed up. Vague citations like “open scientific literature” aren’t enough for me to trust their bold claims about health risks.
Some platforms even have financial incentives that could bias their ratings, which makes it even more challenging to make fully informed choices.
I’m all for more awareness around the health and environmental impacts of products and ingredients. But scare tactics in marketing distract well-meaning consumers from exercising their purchasing power responsibly.
Nina Thompson (she/her), is a high school student from Berkeley, CA.
Edited by shaylyn martos and Amber Ly.