Parabens are a group of chemicals that can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution, toothpaste and are also used as food additives. Parabens have been a source of controversy as studies have shown they can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers and can inhibit development of the male reproductive system.
Organic production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.
Recycling is the reprocessing of old materials into new products, with the aims of preventing the waste of potentially useful materials, reducing the consumption of fresh raw materials, reducing energy usage, reducing air (from incineration) and water (from landfilling) pollution by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are organisms whose genetic materials have been altered using genetic engineering. Many health professionals around the world have sounded the alarm on GMOs claiming environmental concerns such as increased cancer risk, allergens, toxins, and contamination.
FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.