For the past few years I have had the wonderful opportunity to share information and lead discussion with other young women about the choices we make and why in reference to our personal care products. Every year we dig deeper into the issue of "The Cost of Beauty" at a workshop I facilitate at the Kinks, Locks & Twists Environmental and Reproductive Justice Conference. Did you know that the average person uses more than 9 distinct products per day and is exposed to approximately 120 different chemicals spread amongst those 9! That's a lot of exposure to harmful ingredients if you consider that these items are used almost every day of the year for close to a lifetime! You do the math. So what does it matter? Well, that consistent and cumulative exposure has been linked to multiple forms of cancer, migraine headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, respiratory irritation, organ dysfunction, brain cell damage, and a very weak immune system. The list goes on you can imagine... I'll be talking about this a bit on Saturday, as well as the increased risks for women of color and their exposure to toxins as we struggle face to face with a beauty standard that historically has been unnatural for us. We'll explore the cross section of the costs of beauty- financial, environmental, and health. Let's break the unhealthy addictions to these products together. Many other workshops will be offered as well at this awesome conference that focuses on women of color. All are welcome! Appropriate for ages 12+.
Saturday, March 13, 9am-4pm
Kinks, Locks and Twists: Environmental & Reproductive Justice Conference
Wyndham Hotel, 3454 Forbes Avenue, Oakland
Women of Color HERStory Month (WOCHM) is a city-wide celebration of the power, legacy and achievements of women of color held each year from February 15 - March 15 between Black History and Women's History Month. WOCHM is inspired by the rich culture, legacy and achievements of women of color in the Greater Pittsburgh Region across the country and around the world presented each year by New Voices Pittsburgh: Women of Color for Reproductive Justice.
