Wal-Mart and Target: Changes under way?

img from safecosmetics.org

Wal-Mart has recently announced that in January it will begin the process of phasing 10 hazardous chemicals out of the personal care products and household cleaners sold in its stores. This is a fantastic step in the right direction! Personally, I would love to see Target follow suit - Would you? Join the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics by bringing one of their handy-dandy little pre-written comment cards into your local Target this weekend to ask the company to (1) create a safe cosmetics policy, (2) phase toxic chemicals out of their current products, (3) introduce a wider selection of safe cosmetics options, and (4) keep customers informed of their progress. That's all it takes to be an activist for safer products - Just print and bring in the comment card! Chances are there's something you need to pick up at Target this weekend anyway (like this amaaazing shampoo I just discovered, with an equally amazing EWG score). Should ensuring that products are safe for use be the responsibility of the consumer, the retailer, the manufacturer, or the government? I applaud Wal-Mart for picking up some of the slack and making it easier for families to choose safe, healthy products. Hopefully we continue to see action like this from more retailers (Target please!), manufacturers (like Procter & Gamble), and government bodies (Safe Chemicals Act, anyone?). In the meantime, I'll continue to try to connect all of us consumers with the resources we need to choose harmless products :)