do not want genetically engineered foods at all. Currently, the United States is fighting to obtain
European Union clearance for the sale of genetically modified seeds, challenging European bans of
GMOs in the U.S.-based World Trade Organization.
GM opponents want all food and cosmetic products containing as little as 1 percent of genetically
modified organisms to be labeled accordingly, so consumers can decide whether to buy genetically
modified products or not. Greenpeace argues that instead of investing in GMplants, governments must
support organic farming methods that help repair the damage done by industrial farming and reduce
the excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
At the very least, produce with GMO ingredients must be properly labeled as such. “The last thing
I want to eat is a tomato with fish genes,” says Myra Eby, founder of natural skin care line MyChelle.
“It is only fair for the end consumer to knowingly purchase products containing GMO ingredients. I
feel all manufacturers choosing to use GMO ingredients owe it to us, the consumers, and they should
label the products properly so an informed decision can be made. It is shocking to me that the grocery
store shelves are lined with produce that contains GMO ingredients without any warnings on them.”
So do we have to shun any cosmetics made with soy and corn completely, for the fear of turning
into the Bride of Frankenstein? Make sure the product you fancy is made with oils obtained from a
certified GM-free source. Today, the identification of GMOs in food products and cosmetics remains
voluntary, but it’s good to know that all certified organic cosmetics are produced without GMO
ingredients. Many ecofriendly, “greener” brands usually indicate that their products are “GMO-free”
or “non-GMO” on a visible spot on the product label or box. Many other politically correct brands,
such as The Body Shop and Urban Decay, are planning on phasing out the use of genetically modified
corn and soya in their products. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer and ask whether
their soy-based products are made of genetically modified plants.
Fair Trade
Variations: ethically produced, fair trade
Fair trade means that a certain product or its ingredients were produced in Third World countries
by farmers and manufacturers who obtained reasonable, fair pay for their services and crops. When
you see a teal-green round stamp that was issued by the international fair trade certification body
FLO-CERT, this means the product was made by a community of workers who received decent pay,
with no forced or child labor, and that health and safety requirements were met. Does it make you feel
better about using such a product? Absolutely. Does it improve the quality of ingredients? Possibly,
since people who work in good conditions and enjoy adequate compensation for their efforts are less
likely to make mistakes or intentionally compromise quality, whether fruits, vegetables, cocoa, rice,
or coffee.
Natural
Variations: plant-based, botanical, natural botanical ingredients, made with plant extracts,
contains natural ingredients, contains essential oils
These claims are most frequently mistaken for organic. Natural and botanically based beauty
products are not necessarily formulated with naturally grown plants or their juices, essential oils, or
concentrated extracts. Only a few days ago, I was aggressively sold a stretch mark balm that a
salesperson touted as “completely natural,” even though the label clearly listed triethanolamine,