Our Mission

 Teens Turning Green is a national coalition of passionate and powerful teens educating about safe and healthy choices in our daily lives, schools and communities, advocating for policy change to protect our right to health and working collaboratively to inspire action and promate change that will sustain our earth.

Our Story

In 2002 it was revealed that Marin County breast cancer rates had risen an alarming 60% in eight years. When asked what was being done, the response was there wasn’t enough funding to do the necessary studies. Shortly thereafter, Judi Shils formed the Marin Cancer Project (currently known as Search for the Cause ) to explore potential causes, seek answers and work to eliminate them. Knowing that environmental toxins are one of the leading causes of disease, cancer, birth defects, asthma, and reproductive harm, she realized that education was the key to help inform citizens how to reduce exposure in their own lives. She also had the wisdom to know that if we rally together for change, change is possible.

Inspired by a group of teens who wanted to examine the toxic exposures in their lives that might potentially contribute to cancer and other health related concerns, Teens for Safe Cosmetics branched out as a program of Search for the Cause. The teens began organizing; growing in sheer numbers around this issue, they have become a powerful force for change. The campaign expanded from coast to coast and now new chapters are springing up rapidly. Through educating their peers and the greater community they have made a difference in many people’s lives and have been instrumental in influencing chemical policy change.

Teen campaign members became deeply interested in exploring other aspects of their life where they were exposed to environmental toxins. They looked at fashion, their homes and their schools and wanted to understand what alternatives were available. They held Turning Green events that featured panel discussions, lifestyle shows and sustainability programs.  Teens for Healthy Schools was launched in the Spring of 2008 as another program of Search for the Cause, harnessing the inquisitive nature of teens to investigate their schools and find the greener alternatives available to replace toxic products and practices. More and more schools are signing up to join this force for change.

The Teens Turning Green Concept is a natural transition for the campaign, encompassing all aspects of the teen initiatives under one umbrella. Not only focusing on cosmetics and personal care products, it broadens the scope to all areas of  life that potentially exposes one to harmful chemicals. To help drive the message of Turning Green, the new Teens Turning Green Collection provides a powerful way to educate the mass market by having a brand that is easily distinguishable to teens and exemplifies products that are healthy, safe, and effective (and even recommended by their peers!)

We hope that no matter where your interests lie, you can join our campaign and begin your journey to Turning Green.