Mani-Pedi To Go — Hold The Toxins, Please

SUSTAINABLE LIVING | by CELESTE TELL

FORMALDAHYDE. TOLUENE. DIBUTYL PHTHALATE (DBP). Huh? Ever walk into a day spa and feel overwhelmed by the smells? Turns out those chemical smells are not just unpleasant but downright toxic, known to cause several forms of cancer, infertility and birth defects. So what’s a gal to do? Give up mani-pedis?

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Not so fast. Necessity is, of course, the mother of invention. Enter eco-cosmetics, eco-day-spas and full-service eco-spas:

DIY: While there is no such thing as an “all-natural” nail polish, Butter London and Priti are among several new formulas that are free of formaldahyde, toluene and DBP. To do your own mani-pedi at home, order online or find local Butter London sources at BrandHabit.

Eco-express: Looking for a quick manicure, pedicure or a mini-spa pick-me-up? Check online for local day spas advertising a non-toxic experience. If you haven’t been there before, stop in to check it out. Trust your senses, nose first. Look for:

• Nontoxic nail polish and organic skin products
• Adequate ventilation
• Safe and hygienic disposal of waste materials (some spas send you home with files and buffers used during your manicure to continue to use at home)
• Anti-bacterial sterilization of reusable materials and tools
• Space designed with natural materials (no offgassing of toxic chemicals from carpet or plastic furniture)
• Good quality, yet energy efficient lighting

Full-eco-pampering: For the ultimate global green pampering experience, plan your next vacation around one of Concierge.com’s 10 best eco-spas in the world. Closer to home (at least for me) and more down to earth, the new Hyatt at Olive 8’s Elaia Spa offers a full spa menu with “natural and organic products sourced directly from an ever-expanding group of regional growers.” Check online listings to find full service eco-spas in your neck of the woods.