I mentioned a few weeks back in my Fall Newsletter that I have been working on some exciting research to share with all of you and today's post is going to give you a taste of what I've been working on. The single most important lesson I've learned thus far is:

Not all products are created equal.

This slogan is actually very similar to Thorne Research's (a supplement company) marketing slogan - 'Not all supplements are created equal.' And I would have to 100% agree. Did you know what you purchase has a multifactorial IMPACT on the world around you? What you buy is information businesses are dying to know because what you choose to purchase tells them information you and I don't necessarily always think about.

1. First and foremost what we buy tells manufacturers what ideals are important to us: health safety, organic, USDA certified organic, non-GMO, non-GMO project verified, environmentally responsible, fair trade, EWG rating, manufacturing practices, vegan, cruelty free, ethically responsible, USA made, paraben-free etc.
2. What we buy influences how our family, friends and inner circles also shop. Our buying practices become a culture for those we interact with most. For example if your mom always bought dryer sheets growing up then you are mostly likely to buy dryer sheets as well.
3. What we buy sends a message to companies whether or not their marketing is effective. Did they successfully create a desire for something we now can't live without when a few years back it wasn't even something we thought we needed? There are so many products that I used to buy and spend money on because it was something that I thought my home needed. Plug-in scented candles, air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softener and a different cleaner for every different surface and area in my home are just a few examples of products I no longer purchase because I've deemed them unnecessary - contrary to what these companies want me to think!
4. What we buy can directly affect our health. This is probably the most important reason I began researching how I can personally change what I buy. My research, specifically, began when I learned how endocrine disruptors and plastics could affect my health.

I have begun re-thinking about my personal buying power & the small ripples it makes in our world. And I've made it part of my work to educate & make it EASY for you to exercise your buying power in accordance with your ideals. Why? Because it isn't easy to be a consumer these days when we have so many options and little information governing how we choose one product over another. Many of us read labels and the price and then we make a decision. We don't have the time to think about all the other factors that might also be important to us.

So, lookout for my first blog post on New Year's Day. I will be blogging about laundry detergent! I know, super exciting, eh? But, you WILL want to read it because it is the first of many posts that is going to make it easy for you to be an informed consumer!

Be Radiant,

~Dr. Dimpi