Natural Products
One 2008 study published in the American Journal of Re-
The market research firm Packaged Facts reported in July
spiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that households
2009 that the natural health and beauty care market, which
that regularly used cleaning sprays had a 30 to 50 percent
grew 8 percent in 2008 and is approaching $7 billion, is
increased risk of experiencing asthma.
likely to reach sales of $12 billion by 2014. “Many Ameri-
People are demanding healthier alternatives and the
cans fear the health consequences of using chemical-laden
market is responding. While neither beauty products nor
deodorant, shampoo, foundation and other personal care
cleaners generally disclose their harmful ingredients, natural
products,” says Tatjana Meerman, the research publisher.
and organic alternatives from companies like Seventh Gen-
It’s easy to search for the content—and safety—of preferred
eration offer detailed labels. Conscious shoppers are reading
brand-name products at the Skin Deep online database,
them as they look for plant-based ingredients and essential
maintained by the Environmental Working Group. All of this
oils, instead of chemicals.
is good news for the environment, because the chemicals in
People can even make their own household cleaners,
personal care products find their way through bathing and
such as distilled white vinegar and water to clean windows,
disposal into the soil and water supplies, where they can
or baking soda, lemon juice and salt to scrub grout. These
negatively impact aquatic life and potentially, human health.
are safe for even the most sensitive family members.
The same holds true for common household cleaners
and chemical air fresheners, which contribute to indoor air
Contact: Natural Products Association, NaturalProductsAs-
pollution and can aggravate respiratory illnesses like asthma.
soc.org; Skin Deep, CosmeticsDatabase.com.
Efficient Autos and Going Car-Free
The car market has taken a serious hit from the econ-
omy, hybrids included. But while even the popular Toyota
Prius saw sales drop 44 percent between December 2007
and December 2008, environmentally friendly vehicles are
the declared future of the auto industry.
This year’s North American International Auto Show
in Detroit was all about electric models, from the Cadillac
Converj, a more luxurious version of the Chevy Volt, to the
Toyota FT-EV city car, expected in showrooms in 2012. Hy-
brid cars combine the gas engine with an electric motor and
utilize a car’s braking energy, making them both more fuel
22 www.VOFLnatural.com
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