Green Teens for Safe Cosmetics
Teens care deeply about the health of the planet and going green—and this includes the creams and cosmetics they use on their bodies. Teens for Safe Cosmetics are raising awareness and lobbying in stores around the country about potentially harmful ingredients in beauty and daily use products that may be linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and other health risks. The mission is to educate about greener alternatives, advocate for laws to protect health and inspire teens across the nation to work together to create change within their communities. The average teen uses between 15 and 25 products a day containing about 200 chemicals. If they were educated about safer products, would they still make the same choices? From butyl acetate in nail polishes to petrolatum in lipsticks to coal tar in creams and hair dyes, these girls have a lot to protest in the cosmetics industry. But there are plenty of greener alternatives, and through lobbying and boycott of dangerous substances, teens are taking a stand that may alter the way we select products in the future.
Middle School Parents Aren’t Ready for College
Although nearly nine out of 10 parents expected their child to go to college, nearly half of all parents of middle schoolers have not started planning for college and nearly two-thirds have not started saving. According to a major new report by the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) with financial support by The Sallie Mae Fund, most parents agree that a college degree is necessary to get ahead in today’s world. Yet less than 20% of parents surveyed reported taking steps such as researching colleges, meeting with teachers or counselors, and looking into the college admissions process—all critical parts of the college enrollment process. Middle school is a crucial stage in which parents must make important decisions about their child’s pathway to higher education. ”Whether your child is in middle school, in high school, or preschool, it’s never too early or too late to start preparing for college—financially and otherwise,” said Kathleen deLaski, president of The Sallie Mae Fund. “Even if your child is entering high school, by putting aside $100 a month, you could save enough for the first year tuition at many public universities.”
Jill Anderson 01/22/08
We've also been using nighttime contacts for 3 years, started at age 12. So much easier than soft contacts or glasses. The only downside is that he is limited to wearing them 9 hours per night. On those rare occasions when he gets to sleep in, he has to wake up to take them out, then go back to bed. Best to do it sooner, before their eyes get really bad.
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