Since my husband and I live on property that includes a nearby creek, I have always had concerns about using products that are safe for the environment and safe for us. I am not saying that I would not be concerned about the products that we would use if we didn’t have a fresh water supply so close to us, but the creek has made me much more conscious about how the products we use impact our environment, thus resulting in a much larger effect than one may initially realize.

With that said and with the latest buzz about environmentally friendly products, I had to look into the impact that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) have on the environment and on the people who use them.  I quickly realized that products contain SLS or SLES, which are the foaming agents in soaps, shampoos, dish liquids, toothpastes, and bubble bath, can cause skin and eye irritation in adults and in children. There is also research that suggests that when these chemicals are mixed with other ingredients they have been linked to cancer, low fertility, and kidney and liver damage.  Shockingly, SLS can permeate body tissues, such as the liver, eyes, brain, and heart.

Furthermore, SLS does effect the environment. It is toxic to freshwater fish and aquatic animals. SLS does not break down in the water supply and it may be found in drinking water. SLS was denied as an ingredient in organic pesticides due to the fact that it pollutes the environment. Manufacturing products that contain SLS and SLES, as well as other harsh chemicals also have a negative effect on the environment.

Thus, I am constantly seeking products that do not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfates and other harsh chemicals. I have found that these green soaps and cleansers can be just as effective without having a detrimental effect on the environment.  Some of my favorite products include Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, Deva Curl products, and Burt’s Bees natural skin care. Maybe these small changes aren’t protecting the world, but it feels good knowing that I am making conscious decisions about my environmental impact.