Teens Turning Green

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.

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.