I had a look at the list of the 12 ingredients the David Suzuki Foundation suggests I avoid in my cosmetics. Now that I’ve found toxic ingredients like fragrance and parabens in almost everything, I’m not sure how to dispose of the products I no longer want. I don’t want to pour them down the drain, so should I take them to the dump?
Lisa, Toronto
Identifying the “Dirty Dozen” ingredients to avoid in your cosmetics is a huge first step. Now that you’ve done your homework — reading the fine-print ingredient lists with their numerous complex chemical names – it’s natural to want to turf everything overnight. And you’re not alone. Almost 80 per cent of products reported in our spring survey contained at least one of the “Dirty Dozen” ingredients. They are that widespread.
When it comes to disposal, you were right not to throw products in the garbage. One option is to consider finishing up what you have and then buying a safer alternative without harmful ingredients next time.
If you’d rather stop using your product today, find out if your city considers personal care products household hazardous waste. I see that the City of Toronto’s website 
Lindsay Coulter gives you the straight goods on living green. Send your questions to queenofgreen@metronews.ca. For more great tips, visit The David Suzuki Foundation at davidsuzuki.org.
