Teens for Safe Cosmetics is a coalition led
by dynamic and passionate young women. We educate our peers and the public at
large about safe and healthy lifestyle choices that foster healthier homes,
schools and community environments free from harmful chemicals and pollutants.
We advocate for legislation that protects our right to health, and inspire
positive and collaborative change in our communities as we work towards a
sustainable future.
We strive to inform teens about an
all-encompassing eco-lifestyle, beginning with greener alternative choices in
cosmetics and personal care products as many ingredients have links to cancer,
birth defects, and reproductive harm. By supporting companies that are doing
right by body and planet and partnering with like-minded groups and
individuals, we are raising awareness about potentially harmful exposures and
taking the precautionary steps to reduce the burden on our bodies and lessen
the global impact.
Teen campaign members played a key role in
the passage of SB484, The California Safe Cosmetics Act in October of 2005.
Thanks to their 11th hour lobbying efforts in Sacramento, California's Governor
signed the bill, on tap for veto into law. The Bill required Department of Public Health to develop an
online reporting system, and requires cosmetics manufacturers, packers, and
distributors to submit information on carcinogens and reproductive hazards to
the system and disclose such information to the consumer.
In 2007, the teens went back to Sacramento to
lobby for the Toxic Toys Bill. The bill was to ban phthalates from children’s
toys and baby nipples. The Governor was set to veto this bill and the teens,
also fighting to ban phthalates from cosmetic products, changed his mind. The
bill became law in October 2007. They also spoke at a hearing lead by Senator
Carole Migden in San Francisco fight for laws in support of Nail Salon Workers
and then again in 2008, at a hearing to ban lead in lipstick.