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The tar sands are a big (literal) black spot in this country - and is the largest, and arguably most damaging industrial project in history - for both communities and the environment. As people working on environmental health issues, we at FemmeToxic oppose this mega-project, and firmly support actions against the tar sands. (See Emilou's blog here for a recent action in Montreal demanding real change, not climate change.)   It was therefore encouraging to see LUSH staff protesting the tar sands across the country - koodos to them. However, we also want those actions to be made with integrity, and we are concerned with how far LUSH goes with this. If they truly "believe in protecting the environment, people and animals" as their campaign organizer Brandi Hall states, then why do they have parabens, propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate in their 'all-natural' products? While our toxic twenty list speaks to the health impacts of these ingredients, according to the David Suzuki Foundation, sodium lauryl sulfate is also damaging to fish and other wildlife.    Why don't we all ask LUSH why they are taking a stance on the tar sands, but continue to produce personal care products with un-safe ingredients, and sell them as "all natural?" Next week, between June 14th and June 18th, why don't we all head into LUSH and ask why these ingredients are in their "all natural, organic" products? (While you're at it, you may want to write the Health Minister and demand better legislation on cosmetics, so that if something makes a marketing claim, it has to be true, which isn't currently the case in our lax laws.)   Taking public stances on environmental and health issues is a good thing, and yes, we need to stop the Tar Sands. For that, we are glad to see LUSH folks out there, addressing the issues in their "own backyard." However, we also need to stop greenwashing and hold these gigantic so-called 'green' companies to account. After all, they're talking the talk; we're only asking them to walk the walk.   Keep your eyes on our website for more ways to take action in the coming week!