Green Daily

The awakening many U.S. adults are having about the invasion of synthetic (and often, carcinogenic) chemicals in those everyday personal care and cleaning products is enlightening to many an eco-head. After all, none of these chemicals is really needed. We don't need them to shampoo our hair, wash our hands, deodorize ourselves or clean up that kitchen table. The reason for all those personal care product chemicals? Low manufacturing costs.

The all-natural product renaissance is well underway, and there are some companies out there really paving the way for these products. Seventh Generation, Aubrey Organics and Avalon Organics are just a few smaller companies that manufacture natural personal care products. But, seeing the trend towards eco-living, many large manufacturers are getting into the game as well. No surprise there.

With all-natural personal care products, the price carries a retail premium. Are most customers willing to pay that to keep chemicals off themselves and out of their homes? Many are, but it's far from the majority in an age of subprime mortgage defaults, inflation, rising energy prices and other economic quagmires. But, as more and more customers learn about the toxic waste sites inside their own shower stalls, many will find that going natural is better from themselves and the environment as well. Does your portfolio hold any companies with an interest in ecologically sustainable and all-natural personal care products? Maybe it should.