[Check out our audio-pitch:Audio_Pitch_Celia_Sophie.mp3 (1,91 mb)]
Cosmetics
The earliest documented origin of cosmetics is in ancient Egypt. Back then cosmetics were made from various mixtures from natural mineral pigments, various oils, water or animal fats. It was also common that both men and women used cosmetics – it was used to wade off evil spirits.
Fertilizers
Mineral fertilizers contain important plant nutrients such as:
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
But fertilizers containing minerals with phosphates are found to be toxic.
The toxic component is called apatite, which is extracted to manufacture fertilizers.
Apatite itself is not toxic but can become so if it is contaminated with cadmium, which, unfortunately, is frequent.
These toxins get washed away from the fields by rainwater and pollute rivers and streams.
[by Celia & Sophie]