September 15, 2008
Can A Green Mom Get A Tattoo?
I have a confession to make. I want a tattoo.
I've always wanted one. I know that they are frowned upon by some. I know that they are not allowed by certain religions. I know that I don't want my kids to consider getting tattoos until they are past 25. Hypocritical or not, I think that you shouldn't get one when you are young because, unlike piercings or wildly colored hair, they are relatively permanent.
I turn 40 in one month, so that is what I'm giving myself. A tattoo. On my lower back so it won't be seen by many - especially since I am not slender enough for a fan of low slung jeans and tiny shirts that ride up and show your booty.
But - shh - don't tell my mom. She never reads my blogs, and although, I did apply to be on the television show LA Ink, so if I do get picked (chances are slim to none) I suppose she would find out since she loves TLC.
In any event, can a green mom get a tattoo? If I talk and blog about reducing toxic chemicals in your home and the products you buy, including beauty products, is it hypocritical to choose to get a tattoo? Will that mean I'm not walking the walk?
I've been reading through the material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for the inks (actually, pigments) used in permanent tattoos. The MSDSs identify the ingredients used in the pigments. At least some don't look too bad for a woman done with making babies. So, if you know the ink that is being used, it looks okay. And some pigments can be mixed with relatively benign carriers.
Unfortunately, I have also seen reports of inks intended for automobiles being used, and those contain known carcinogens. And some tattoo pigments can contain "bad" chemicals. It is NOT a well regulated field in terms of ingredients in tattoo pigments. So, red pigment can contain cinnabar and cadmium red, both toxic; orange & yellow can contain cadmium; green can contain lead chromate; and white can be lead white. Plus the carriers can contain propylene glycol or formaldehyde (a known carcinogen).
So, assuming I can work with a tattoo artist that uses safer pigments, is it okay to get a tattoo for a green mom? If my philosophy is smart mamas do it all naturally, can I get a tattoo? What do you think?
Read more from Jennifer on simple steps for non toxic and green homes, babies and kids from Jennifer at her blog The Smart Mama.
Original 5 Minutes for Going Green Post.
It's Your Turn...
Thanks! Kirtsy is our Favorite.
15 Comments on Can A Green Mom Get A Tattoo? »
#1 - ColleenM @ 2:24 pm
Go for it! If you are concerned about it being green - get ti done in green ink!! Just kidding. I got one done when I was 25 and I am still glad I did. It is small and can be easily hidden. Many people don't even know I have one, including my mom and dad.
#2 - Jen @ 2:39 pm
Hiya! I just turned 32 last week, and celebrated by getting my first tattoo. It's small, and can be easily hidden as well. Do your homework (it seems you have) and check out a few tattoo shops in your area. Most *reputable* artists have no problem disclosing the inks they use, and showing you the tattoo area. I say go for it!
#3 - Lance @ 2:44 pm
I say "go for it" too! You're only 40 once, this sounds like a great gift for "you".
#4 - Tammi @ 3:38 pm
I say do it! I'm a green mom and I have one and planning on several more.
I have heard about vegan tattoo inks. I haven't done much research on them but possibly they are less… chemically… than regular inks. It would be something to think about. I was thinking about using vegan ink on my future tattoos.
What kind of design where you thinking of?
#5 - Tammi @ 3:59 pm
Sea blossom? That is really pretty!
#6 - Jennifer (The Smart Mama) @ 4:06 pm
Tammi - Yes, Sea Blossom from Daniel Merriam. I like the little dragon/sea horse in the far right corner (well, far left actually but far right when facing) and also the face but not her boobs - they look strange to me! In any event, thinking 2 of the dragon/sea horse . . .
#7 - Dawn @ 5:05 pm
I too say go for it…I got my first one when I was 22, second two years later…I wanted one for my 35th birthday…then for mothers' day…now I'm going to wait until I'm 40 (in two years) and get one over an ugly one I have…
Choose, but choose wisely.
#8 - Mimi @ 5:40 pm
It seems everyone is in support so do it and you better post picts!
#9 - mommy bee @ 8:03 pm
I'm a henna girl myself…make it big, make it wild, it'll be gone in three weeks…
That said, well, I think a lot of things we do aren't strictly 'green'…on the other hand, that doesn't make them bad. I think it's important to consider quality of life along with quantity…I'd rather eat a few frozen twinkies along the way and die two years sooner than have a long, dull, twinkie-less life.
#10 - Anita @ 8:46 pm
Being a green mama myself and sporting a tat - this thought has never even crossed my mind. Seems kind of silly now that I read your artiucle - just as when I started reading labels - it's obvious - of course tatoo ink has chemicals.
I still love mine though and definitely think all folks who want one shoudl get one! Can't wait to see a pic!
#11 - Jennifer (The Smart Mama) @ 2:12 pm
Okay, I've reached out to a tattoo artist - and she uses vegan, organic ink! Whoo-hoo - she's going to send me the ingredient lists. All right now.
#12 - Ashlee - Mama's Nest @ 9:32 am
I'm a tattooed Mama who's husband just happens to a tattoo artist! Looks like you've found someone but that was my rec. There are many artists out there that use vegan, organic inks which are so much better for your body. If you use those you're good to go. If you go conventional my only tip would be to stay away from red. Good luck! And watch out, it's addicting!
#13 - teensygreen » Blog Archive » Green Weekend Reading @ 1:00 am
[...] One of my favorite posts last month from 5 Minutes for Going Green - Can A Green Mom Get a Tattoo? [...]
#14 - Krista @ 3:55 pm
I've read that many products that are called "organic" are made with a coal tar derivitaves - Since coal is a carbon compound, they technically are "organic." With this in mind, I wonder if those "organic" products are really all that safe. Any thoughts?
#15 - Peggie @ 7:13 pm
First - Happy Birthday to you.
Second - Have a blast with your tattoo!
I love that you thought all this out before getting inked and frankly, thank you for doing the homework I'll want to do one day. It's been my not-so-secret-wish to get a tattoo one day too. I'm cheering you on!