Written assignment #2

I will be using the hazard scale that the website provided:

0-2 low hazard                   3-6 moderate hazard                     7-10 high hazard

For my personal care product, I looked at all the ingredients for my deodorant stick. The following are all of the ingredients, plus their hazard level: 

·         Water- 0                                                                              Low hazard

·         Cyclohexasiloxane- 1-2                                                        Low hazard

·         Polyethylene-5-8                                                                  moderate to high hazard

·         C12-15 alkyl benzoate-1                                                      Low hazard

·         Propylene glycol-4                                                               moderate hazard

·         Glycine-1                                                                             Low hazard

·         Fragrance-8                                                                         high hazard

·         Calcium chloride-2                                                               Low hazard

·         Mineral oil -4                                                                       moderate hazard

·         Phenyl trimethicone- 0-1                                                      Low hazard

·         Lauryl PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone- 4-6        moderate hazard

The most hazardous ingredients in this stick of deodorant are polyethylene and the fragrance. Since fragrances are not fully labeled, there is an unknown identity within them. That being the case, I will look into polyethylene and how it is harmful to the body. Polyethylene is a very common ingredient in many items, such as makeup, dental floss, and deodorant. Lesser usages are not as harmful, but too much polyethylene in your body can be very hazardous. The main risks associated with polyethylene are: 

·         Allergies - a toxin in the human immune system 

·         Cancer- small percentages of animals showed a tumor formation  from moderate doses

·         Human irritation

·         Neurotoxicity- animal testing showed that some animals had brain damage due to high doses

As you can tell, there are some nasty side effects, but at low doses, I am not worried. In fact, since all these ingredients make contact with my armpit in such low quantities, I am not worried about any repercussions. I would know of any physical irritation, and since I have no received a rash or skin irritation, I do not mind the hazard risks of the ingredients. As of right now, I do not know of any deodorant substitute that does not have any hazardous ingredients. Since the purpose of deodorant is to dry on contact with liquid, this chemical reaction will have to have some powerful ingredient in order for it to work. I will definitely look into different brands of deodorant that are more natural and healthy for the skin, but until then, I am happy with my product. I did find this website very interesting and will do more research on my everyday products and discover what harmful ingredients are used to make them.

Entry 1- my footprint

Here are the results of my Ecological Footprint:

Going over a quick review of everything, we can see that if everybody in the world lived like me, we would go through 4.4 Planet Earths. Looking over my pie chart, my footprint break down is services at 45%, food at 18%, shelter at 15%, mobility at 11%, and goods at 11%. And finally, to support my lifestyle, it would take 19.6 global acres of Earth's productive area. Looks like I am a horrible human being, but by the looks of it, not as bad as others in the class.

The following are my three strategies for reducing my footprint:

1. The most obvious choice for me is to recycle more. I know I should, but I hardly recycle. It is just something that my roommates and I never set up. I will finally make the push this quarter and start some sort of a recycling program.

2. To be more energy and gas efficient. Last year was the first time I lived in my own place and payed my own bills. Needless to say, my roommates and I suffered paying high bills during the winter. We are going to try and use less electricity during the day, as well as less propane to heat our house when it gets cold.

3. For my last strategy, I will try and eat less prepackaged foods, and more locally grown produce. I will also cut back on my protein intake. I have a local farmers market, as well at a Trader Joes a few blocks from my house, so I will make more of an effort to shop there.

I believe that these three steps will help reduce my current ecological footprint. I know these three strategies are very vague, but that leaves me with more ways to help save this planet. I will be doing weekly updates to inform you on my life changes and how successful they have been.

until next time