Dear Editor,
I want to bring some attention to an important issue that impacts many people in our community. The cosmetics and personal care industry is grossly under regulated, and many harmful ingredients find their way into products that we put on our body everyday.
I work as an independent consultant for Beautycounter, an American skincare and cosmetic company dedicated to getting safer products into the hands of everyone and committed to advocating for better laws that protect public health from harmful ingredients commonly used in the beauty industry.
Recently, I traveled to Washington, DC to meet with our Arizona delegation to discuss the Personal Care Products Safety Act and share that Arizona families care about having safer products. The time has come for Congress to protect our health and act on this important issue.
Best,
Teresa Taylor, 5141 S. Zenith Way, Tucson.
To The Editor:
I read with interest in the May issue of the Vail Voice commentary written by the Greek philosopher Epictetus, in which he differentiates between aspects of our lives we can—and cannot—control.
According to Epictetus, we have power over our opinions, aspirations and more, all of which form the “contents and character of our inner lives.” However, one of the most important powers we have was not mentioned in the commentary: the power we have over the words we direct to others—whether in spoken or written form.
Many people think the expression of words involves two simple steps: (l) have the thought and (2) express it. A third step inserted between steps one and two is equally important. That step involves quickly assessing how one’s words (especially name calling, put downs and negative labels) as well as their tone and volume will affect the receiver, then choosing words accordingly to achieve the most positive outcome.
There is no do-over for hurtful words—only the far distant second best: backpedaling with an apology; even an apology is not always forthcoming, since the speaker or writer has frequently forgotten the interaction and moved on.
Almost all of us can remember unkind words spoken to us as children by a thoughtless grownup or clueless child that can affect us even now as adults. We also remember the encouraging words that inspired us to greater heights. Comments made today can remain with folks for the rest of their lives.
We have a whole dictionary of words (well over a million) to choose from in the English language. I have a feeling Epictetus would agree that it’s a good idea for us all to stop and reflect for a moment (especially at this time fraught with political tensions) before we let those destructive words come tumbling out of our mouths or worse yet travel on social media–potentially all over the world–behind the cowardly mask of anonymity.
Babette2@comcast.net
