Organic Cotton Why organic cotton linens?
For nearly 4,000 years cotton was grown organically. That changed after WWII, when the use of chemically intensive agriculture became the norm. The pesticides used on 'conventional' cotton increasingly threaten people, wildlife and the environment. Most pesticides were originally developed as toxic nerve agents during WWII and it is no wonder they have been linked to many forms of cancers. 
Conventionally-grown cotton occupies only 3% of the world's farmland, but uses 25% of the world's chemical pesticides. Over the years, insects have become resistant to chemical applications and more pesticides are required to control them. Today cotton is the most heavily sprayed field crop in the world. Using organic cotton benefits the environment by preventing pollution of air, water and soil. Organic means a cleaner, more healthful environment for family farmers who grow the cotton, and ultimately for us all.

PVC: According to the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice (which recommended removing vinyl shower curtains from store shelves earlier this year), PVC shower curtains outgas 108 different chemicals within the first 28 days of use and continue to do so for a very long time: that "new" smell is the telltale sign of all those chemicals going into your lungs and skin when you are most vulnerable: while taking a hot shower and breathing deeply. It's bad enough having to deal with chlorine and possible lead and mercury contamination in municipal water; the last thing you'd want to add to your list of daily exposure to chemicals is PVC-anything. PVC has been associated with many serious human ailments. We quote from the study: "Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic shower curtains purchased at Bed Bath & Beyond, Kmart, Sears, Target, and Wal-Mart all contain avoidable toxic chemicals including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, organotins and metals. Some of these chemicals are volatile, so they are released into the air inside our homes... Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. This investigation shows that PVC shower curtains are significant contributors to indoor air pollution."


Chlorine Facts
About 180 years ago, scientists, while researching the prevention of typhoid in the water supply, discovered that chlorine, bonding to organic substances, such as bacteria, killed it and rendered the water potable. Because of the corrosive effect chlorine had on organic matter, it was used as a horrendously effective weapon during World War One. By nature, the gas, which is heavier than air, stayed close to the ground and destroyed the soldier's‚ lungs. Today, chlorine is still used as the primary method for disinfecting municipal water supplies, swimming pools, and whitening laundry

Chlorine in shower water can cause dry hair and skin, eye and lung irritation. It can also trigger negative reactions in children, the elderly, and people with chlorine-sensitivity. A warm shower opens up your pores. As a result, you not only inhale the chlorine vapors, you also absorb them through your skin, directly into your bloodstream. Chemicals inhaled have magnified effects compared to ingesting the same chemicals which are somewhat filtered by the liver and kidneys. The EPA believes there is a measurable level of chloroform gas in most homes around the country. Scientific studies have linked chlorine to cancer of the bladder, liver, stomach, rectum, and colon, as well as heart disease. All good reasons to get a shower filter.

Hemp
Each year, 275 million pounds of pesticides are used on the conventional cotton crop alone, not to mention millions and millions more pounds of chemicals that are used to process the cotton fiber and manufacture conventional cotton products. And bad as conventional cotton is, synthetic fibers (nylon, micro fiber, etc.) are even worse! Hemp, on the other hand, grows easily without chemicals or pesticides in virtually any climate and soil. The hemp fiber is easily processed with just water and machine combing and is also at least three times stronger than the cotton fiber."

Fem Hygiene
Excerpted from Ecostiletto.com
Conventional disposable pads are made with polyethylene plastic, which depletes the ozone, contributes to global warming, and emits sulfur and nitrogen oxides. The FDA alleges that dioxin is no longer an issue in tampons, but some aren’t convinced. And the reason why they’re pure white? Chlorine bleach. But don’t forget about the pesticide and insecticide residue from the conventional cotton that make up tampons. That’s a lot of chemicals we’re putting near some pretty vulnerable parts. How to make your time of the month a little more green? If you like reusable pads or tampons, choose those made from plant-based materials that are both absorbent and leak-proof—or even reusable! Try organic cotton and chlorine-free.

Antibacterial
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ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/tbltts/)
Antibacterials like triclosan in personal care products interfere with testosterone production and have been detected in breast milk; overuse prevents them from working when they’re really needed, like to fight things like E. coli and Salmonella bacteria. Studies have shown that hot water and soap work just as well (or better) and don’t mess with us, or the ecosystem.

• Toluene: found to be toxic to the kidneys and liver and possibly a reproductive disruptor. It's of particular concern to pregnant women since it’s transmitted to the fetus via the placenta and then onto the infant through breast milk. banned in Europe
• Formaldehyde: known human carcinogen is an irritant to the eyes, nose and throat and banned in Europe
• Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): recognized carcinogen linked to birth defects and damage to reproductive organs. An increasing number of studies that also suggest it’s toxic to the liver, lungs and kidneys. Exposure occurs through inhalation, absorption through skin and ingestion in food.