Health & Beauty

How did getting clean become bathing in chemical fragrances, synthetic dyes and chlorine bleach? And why does caring for your body and health require animal testing? Where do these products come from and how do large corporations treat their workers? Do organic make a difference in terms of ethics and cleanliness?

The cosmetic industry has undue influence on the perception of beauty. It's superficial, but that's the way it is. But knowing that cosmetics are not subject to FDA premarket approval—and that makeup-makers are not required to file data on ingredients or report cosmetic-related injuries to FDA—means that looks could literally kill. You search for information on the product label, but the data's not there. Hair dyes and nail polish are generally the most toxic personal care products.

Use your purchasing power to vote on this question: Is health care and medication a universal right?

To protect the future of our outdoor environments, we should consider the environmental impact of our camping trips, ski excursions and other visits to great outdoors? Where and how are sporting goods produced? In 1995, anti-sweatshop groups threw the spotlight on soccer ball stitching plants in Pakistan. In response, Nike and Reebok shut down their plants in Pakistan and several other companies followed suit. What should "Jocks for Justice" stand up for? How can you make sure that your outdoor or athletic activities are ethical?