Using Art to Keep Canada Just Beautiful

photo credit:

This month, we’re using toxic makeup to make a statement. And no, don’t worry; we’re not putting it on our faces.

Artists will be visiting four Ontario universities to educate students about toxins found in commonly used cosmetics and personal care products and how to avoid them by doing what they do best: making art. They will create 12ft x 5ft murals based on the image to the right by using toxic cosmetic products, such as lipstick, instead of regular old art supplies such as paint. 

This unique awareness initiative is the latest from Environmental Defence’s Just Beautiful Campaign which aims to give personal care products a makeover.  

Want to get involved? You can take part and support this initiative in a number of ways. Visit us at one of the art installations in Toronto, Waterloo, Ottawa and Sudbury and donate your toxic makeup to the artist to use as paint for the mural or sign a petition with what used to be your favourite lipstick before you found out that it contains lead. The petition calls upon the cosmetics industry to remove toxic chemicals from personal care products. 

Here are some scary facts: every day, Canadians are exposed to chemicals while using soaps, cosmetics, deodorants, perfumes, lotions and more – and not all these chemicals have been tested for safety. In fact, many are known or suspected of causing health problems like cancer, birth defects, infertility, breathing problems, neurological problems, and more. Under current laws, manufacturers don’t have to list all the ingredients in these products, making it difficult for Canadians to make informed purchasing decisions. 

Stop by one of the following campuses between 10am and 4pm and get involved:

Tuesday, September 11 - University of Toronto, St George Campus

Wednesday, September 12 - University of Waterloo

Friday, September 14- University of Ottawa

Tuesday, September 18 - Laurentian University in Sudbury  

Are you unable to be there in person? No worries! You can help support the campaign with your artistic skills. We are inviting Canadians to submit an image of their art created with toxic cosmetics. The images will be posted on Environmental Defence’s Facebook, Twitter and Flickr pages.  

Send your photos my way at jmayville@environmentaldefence.ca with “Just Beautiful” in the subject line. We are accepting photos until Wednesday, September 26.  

You can also join in the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag: #Just Beautiful. 

Thanks in advance for your submissions!