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<keyword id="6355460" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi">Holi</keyword> or the Festival of Colours is just around the corner, all set to usher in a colourful spring after the austere winter and promising to bring the colour of joy and passion in our humdrum life. But before you start preparing for the traditional colour splash, have you got all the ingredients to make it a green Holi? <keyword id="2132784" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi-colours-industry">Holi colours industry</keyword> was pegged to <keyword id="30450" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Touch">touch</keyword> Rs 4,500 crore in 2012-13, according to an analysis by the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (<keyword id="6355988" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Assocham">Assocham</keyword>), and the numbers are sure to go up this year. Interestingly, the <keyword id="47445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-market">Indian market</keyword> has also witnessed a growing demand for hazard-free herbal colours. The market for <keyword id="2132783" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Herbal-dyes">herbal dyes</keyword> is estimated to be growing at 30-40% annually although the products are a bit expensive. 
 While a chemical-free colour plunge is the most desirable and eco-friendly way of celebrating Holi, you must walk through the market once to find out what’s in store. Broadly speaking, you will find three types of <keyword id="586078" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="chemical-colours">chemical colours</keyword> here – powders, pastes and wets or liquid ones. Most of these are chemical/synthetic dyes, containing substances such as <keyword id="2132786" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Oxides">oxides</keyword>, <keyword id="6395221" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="heavy-metals">heavy metals</keyword> (lead, chromium, nickel and cadmium), <keyword id="1322867" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="acids">acids</keyword>, <keyword id="2132787" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Alkalis">alkalis</keyword>, <keyword id="2132789" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Powdered-glass">powdered glass</keyword> and <keyword id="2132788" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mica-dust">mica dust</keyword> – all supremely harmful for your skin, hair and eyes. 
 The powders mostly have <keyword id="2132790" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Toxic-colorants">toxic colorants</keyword> and an asbestos/silica base; the pastes have a mix of toxic compounds and inferior quality oils and water colours include strong alkalis. No wonder we get itches, rashes, redness and swelling after a thorough colour soak, a colour-filled balloon attack or a terrific <keyword id="2132798" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pitchkari">pitchkari</keyword> fight. Also, darker shades like red, blue and green have high levels of chemicals, metal oxides and industrial dyes, which are used to provide thick texture. Shiny colours can also contain powdered glass. 
 
10 chemical colours that can harm you 
If you revel in rainbow hues and mostly buy synthetic colours, here’s a harm list for your ready reference. 
 
1. Abeer/Gulal: Popularly believed to be the least harmful of all chemical colours, this one contains a whole lot of mica dust that can cause <keyword id="100486" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Skin-irritation">skin irritation</keyword> and other infections. This <keyword id="2132796" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Powder-colour">powder colour</keyword> is available in many hues including red, pink, green, yellow and magenta. 
 
2. Red &amp; pink: These colours have mercuric oxide and rhodamine B; both can cause <keyword id="1654686" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="eye-irritation">eye irritation</keyword>, <keyword id="28956" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="skin-cancer">skin cancer</keyword> and more. 
 
3. Blue: Has <keyword id="890372" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prussian-blue">Prussian blue</keyword> that may cause contract dermatitis. 
 
4. Green: Contains copper carbonate/copper sulphate; this may cause severe eye <keyword id="6450271" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="allergy">allergy</keyword> or even temporary blindness. 
 
5. Yellow: Features auramine, which may cause eye and skin allergy, as well as respiratory and <keyword id="2132814" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Digestive-tract-irritation">digestive tract irritation</keyword>. 
 
6. Orange: Contains chromium Iodide, which is toxic to blood and liver. 
 
7. Violet: Has methyl violet; this can be carcinogenic and may cause severe eye irritation. 
 
8. Purple: Contains chromium iodide; this can also be carcinogenic and may cause <keyword id="6465125" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="asthma">asthma</keyword> or allergy. 
 
9. Silver: One of the components is aluminum bromide and it is also known to be carcinogenic. 
 
10. Black: Contains lead oxide, which may cause renal failure and learning disabilities in the long run. 
 
 
 
Go ‘natural’ to stay safe You can either buy herbal dyes or use home-made colours, which are clinically safe and totally <keyword id="6356826" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="environment">environment</keyword> friendly. The herbal variant is now easily available in the market and uses components such as flour, henna or arrowroot powder as base, and vegetable dyes to add colour. But before buying them, make sure they are non-carcinogenic, lead-free and lab-tested for safety. 
 You can also prepare <keyword id="583108" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi-colours">Holi colours</keyword> at home as you get some excellent colorants from certain flowers and plants. All you need to do is dry and powder them or soak/boil them in water. Add a little scented oil and eco-friendly Holi colours will be ready for use. Take a look at the 8 exotic colours you can prepare at home. 
 
1. <keyword id="2132779" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ruby-Red">Ruby Red</keyword>: Prepare red sandalwood powder/paste or mix it in plenty of water and boil for <keyword id="2132794" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Liquid-colour">liquid colour</keyword>. You can also crush dry red hibiscus flowers and boil it in water. Peels of red <keyword id="92372" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Pomegranates">pomegranates</keyword> or twigs of madar tree produce a vibrant red when boiled in water. Otherwise, put carrot or tomato juice in plenty of water to take the stickiness out and use it. 
 
2. <keyword id="2132806" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Turmeric-yellow">Turmeric Yellow</keyword>: This one is the easiest to make. Mix turmeric or haldi powder with double the amount of besan to prepare a vivid yellow powder. Flowers like marigold and yellow chrysanthemums can also be dried and crushed to obtain different shades of yellow. To produce liquid colours, mix any of these powders in plenty of water and boil it. 
 
3. Profound Pink/Magnificent Magenta: Soak sliced beetroot in lots of water for 12 hours or so before using the liquid. 
 
4. Sunny Orange: Put tesu or palash flowers (flame of the forest) in water and soak overnight. Or boil them in water for a vibrant yellow-orange shade. 
 
5. Emerald Green: Dried and powdered henna leaves will work best. For wet colour, soak the henna leaves overnight or prepare a paste of spinach/coriander/mint, and mix it in water. 
 
6. Turquoise Blue: Jacaranda and blue hibiscus flowers can be dried, powdered and used. 
 
7. Dark Brown: Boil tea leaves or coffee powder. Let it cool before using. 
 
8. Charcoal Black: Boil dried amla in an iron vessel and leave it overnight. Mix with water and use. 
 
3 tips for a ‘safe’ Holi 
1. Say ‘no’ to colours: Especially pastes and liquid colours, as these tend to stain the skin deeper and last longer. Avoid colours altogether if you are suffering from asthma, eye or <keyword id="624291" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Skin-infections">skin infections</keyword>, or any other chronic disease. 
 
2. Cover yourself well: The more you do that, the less exposed you will be to harmful chemicals. Wear full-sleeve dresses and don a pair of sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes. Apply baby oil, cream or waterproof <keyword id="74032" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sunscreen">sunscreen</keyword> lotion on your skin – so that the stains will get off easily. 
 
3. See your doctor: Don’t neglect post-Holi syndromes like skin or eye irritation. A mild anti-allergic and soothing skin lotion should be able to fix it, but severe allergy, <keyword id="2132809" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chemical-burn">chemical burn</keyword> or <keyword id="2132810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Retinal-damage">retinal damage</keyword> cannot be ruled out either. See your doctor as soon as you can and start proper treatment. 
 
Image credit: Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images

Usher In The Festival
Of Colours; Gear Up For A Chemical-free Holi

Apple made news this week for its deplorable working conditions, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/secret-filming-inside-apple-factory-bbc-panorama-2014-12">forcing children to dig in mud pits for the tin</a> used in iPhones.
But Apple's tactics aren't an anamoly.&#xa0;At least 27 million people across the globe are enslaved. Earlier this year, I learned 43 of them work for me, making products most of us daily.
In collaboration with the U.S. State Department,&#xa0;<a href="https://madeinafreeworld.com/about_us">Made In A Free World</a>, a company dedicated to raising awareness about global servitude, launched <a href="http://slaveryfootprint.org/">Slavery Footprint</a> - an interactive website that reveals how you personally contribute to the tragic phenomenon.&#xa0; 
After answering questions about my location, food consumption, and technology use, among other lifestyle choices, I learned that my actions forced 43 people to work for me without pay or the opportunity to stop.&#xa0;
First of all, I own an absurd amount of jewelry. The website made that clear.&#xa0;

I've always avoided diamonds, however, because of the geopolitical damage they cause. Wars funded by the diamond trade have cost an estimated 3.7 million lives in&#xa0;Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Sierra Leone, according to <a href="http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/business-and-human-rights/oil-gas-and-mining-industries/conflict-diamonds">Amnesty International</a>.&#xa0;
But I never knew that rubies pose an equally evil threat. The origin of Burma's second-largest import, the government or army-controlled ruby mines commonly run off of forced labor, according to the Made In A Free World site. Silver mining has a tarnished history, too.&#xa0;
My next-biggest contribution to the slave trade appeared to be my beauty regimen.&#xa0;I don't even think I use that many products or wear heavy makeup. Nevertheless, my virtual bathroom cabinet was packed.&#xa0;While I'm dusting bronzer on my face, <a href="http://www.antislavery.org/includes/documents/cm_docs/2012/7/7_spring_2010_feayure.pdf">tens of thousands of Indian children</a> collect mica - the mineral that gives makeup its sparkle - with their bare hands.
Mica also appears in mobile phones, computers, televisions, and toasters. Based on my answers to this section, some big-name companies could have contributed to my enslavement of 43 humans.&#xa0;Let's break down the electronics.

I own a Mac computer, on which I use Microsoft Office nearly everyday. My roommate and I regularly play N64 on lazy Saturdays. And General Electric manufactured my microwave.&#xa0;
Okay, so no more hot food and video games, right? But boycotting can actually worsen the situation, according to <a href="http://www.antislavery.org/english/">antislavery.org</a>. If consumers stopped buying these products, the lack of business could undermine already dismal economies, forcing countries deeper into poverty, one of the main causes of slavery.&#xa0;
While the website doesn't reveal its algorithm for determining slaves per capita, focusing on the numbers misses the point. Slavery creates products that most of us blindly use everyday. By increasing awareness, projects like Slavery Footprint encourage consumers to demand transparency from retailers.
Thankfully, the&#xa0;U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted a rule, which took effect in May 2014, requiring companies to trace and report many of their raw materials' origins, <a href="http://qz.com/136664/there-could-be-slaves-in-the-supply-chain-of-your-chocolate-smartphone-and-sushi/">Quartz reported</a>.&#xa0;
But unless Apple and other retailers engage in fair-trade practices across the board, my 43 slaves will remain in servitude. <a href="http://slaveryfootprint.org">Click here</a> to assess your own slavery footprint.&#xa0;

I Just Found Out 43 Slaves Work For Me

<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image">AP Photo/Manish SwarupA child laborer freed by the Bachpan Bachao Andolan, or Save Childhood Campaign, in Bombay India.</div></div>At least 27 million people across the globe are enslaved. And 43 of them work for me.
In collaboration with the U.S. State Department, <a href="https://madeinafreeworld.com/about_us">Made In A Free World</a>, a company dedicated to raising awareness about global servitude, launched <a href="slaveryfootprint.org">Slavery Footprint</a> - an interactive website that reveals how you personally contribute to the tragic phenomenon. 
After answering questions about my location, food consumption, and technology use, among other lifestyle choices, I learned that my actions forced 43 people to work for me without pay or the opportunity to stop. 
First of all, I own an absurd amount of jewelry. The website made that clear. 
<div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"><a href="http://slaveryfootprint.org/survey/#jewellery">Slavery Footprint</a></div></div>
I've always avoided diamonds, however, because of the geopolitical damage they cause. Wars funded by the diamond trade have cost an estimated 3.7 million lives in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Sierra Leone, according to <a href="http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/business-and-human-rights/oil-gas-and-mining-industries/conflict-diamonds">Amnesty International</a>. 
But I never knew that rubies pose an equally evil threat. Considered Burma's second-largest import, the government or army-controlled ruby mines commonly run off of forced labor, according to the Made In A Free World site. Silver mining has a tarnished history, too. 
My next-biggest contribution to the slave trade appeared to be my beauty regimen. I don't even think I use that many products or wear heavy makeup. Nevertheless, my virtual bathroom cabinet was packed. <div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"><a href="http://slaveryfootprint.org/my-footprint#results">Slavery Footprint</a></div></div>While I'm dusting bronzer on my face, <a href="http://www.antislavery.org/includes/documents/cm_docs/2012/7/7_spring_2010_feayure.pdf">tens of thousands of Indian children</a> collect mica - the mineral that gives makeup its sparkle - with their bare hands.
Mica also appears in mobile phones, computers, televisions, and toasters. Based on my answers to all the sections, some big-name companies could have contributed to my enslavement of 43 humans. Let's break down the electronics.
<div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"><a href="http://slaveryfootprint.org/my-footprint#results">Slavery Footprint</a></div></div>
I own a Mac computer, on which I use Microsoft Office nearly everyday. My roommate and I regularly play N64 on lazy Saturdays. And General Electric manufactured my microwave. 
Okay, so no more hot food and video games, right? But boycotting can actually worsen the situation, according to <a href="http://www.antislavery.org/english/">antislavery.org</a>. If consumers stopped buying these products, the lack of business could undermine already dismal economies, forcing countries deeper into poverty, one of the main causes of slavery. 
While the website doesn't reveal its algorithm for determining slaves per capita, focusing on the numbers misses the point. Slavery creates products that most of us blindly use everyday. By increasing awareness, projects like Slavery Footprint encourage consumers to demand transparency from retailers.
Thankfully, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted a rule, which took effect in May 2014, requiring companies to trace and report many of their raw materials' origins, <a href="http://qz.com/136664/there-could-be-slaves-in-the-supply-chain-of-your-chocolate-smartphone-and-sushi/">Quartz reported</a>. 
But unless Apple and other retailers engage in fair-trade practices across the board, my 43 slaves will remain in servitude.

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Usher In The Festival Of Colours; Gear Up For A Chemical-free Holi

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