The 1990s were a time of great fun and flair, but looking back, some of the era’s common practices were actually pretty toxic. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore 20 of these practices that have thankfully been left in the past.
Tanning Beds
Back in the ’90s, a bronzed look was the goal, and tanning beds were the go-to solution. Little did we know, those UV rays were more foe than friend, significantly increasing the risk of skin cancer. Today, we’re wiser and warier of these artificial sunboxes.
Smoking in Public Places
The ’90s saw ashtrays on restaurant tables as a norm, not an exception. Smoking indoors was as common as flip phones, oblivious to secondhand smoke’s dangers. Now, public smoking is a big no-no, for good reason.
Loading Up on Trans Fats
Trans fats were hidden in many favorite ’90s snacks, from cookies to frozen pizzas. These artery-clogging fats were stealthy villains in our diets, unbeknownst to many. Thankfully, we’ve since cracked down on these sneaky fats for better heart health.
Extreme Diet Pills
Remember when diet pills were all the rage? They promised quick weight loss but often came with a side of serious health risks. Today, we’re more about balanced diets and healthy lifestyles than quick fixes. The focus has shifted to sustainable health changes rather than risky shortcuts.
Drinking Sugary Sodas
Drinking soda in the 90s was almost like drinking water. However, these sugar-laden drinks were contributing to a host of health issues. It’s a relief that we’ve since fizzled down our soda consumption. This change is a big win for our overall health and waistlines.
Overplucking Eyebrows
Thin eyebrows were the beauty trend, leading many to overpluck. This not only harmed the brows but also impacted self-esteem. Fuller, natural brows are now in, thankfully saving us from the tweezers. Now, fuller, natural brows are in vogue, thankfully saving us from the relentless plucking.
Excessive Use of Hair Gel
Hair gel was used in abundance to achieve those slick ’90s hairstyles. Unfortunately, many of these products contained alcohol and chemicals that damaged hair. We’ve since learned to embrace more hair-friendly styling products.
Wearing Lead-Based Makeup
The dangers of lead in cosmetics weren’t widely known in the 90s. Many makeup products contained lead, posing health risks. The beauty industry has made significant strides in creating safer, lead-free products for everyday use.
Using Plastic Baby Bottles with BPA
BPA in plastic baby bottles was a hidden threat in the ’90s. This chemical posed risks to infants’ health, but awareness was low. Today, BPA-free bottles are a must for baby safety. This shift has led to a greater focus on non-toxic materials in baby products.
Sitting Too Close to the TV
“Sit back from the TV, or you’ll ruin your eyes!” was a common warning. While not as harmful as once thought, it reflected concerns about prolonged screen time, which we still grapple with today. The evolution of screens has only increased the importance of this conversation.
Not Wearing Seatbelts
During the ’90s, not everyone took wearing seatbelts seriously. It wasn’t as strictly enforced as today, and some people ignored this important safety measure, putting lives at risk. Nowadays, increased awareness about seatbelts has undoubtedly saved many lives.
Binge Drinking Culture
Binge drinking was often viewed casually in the ’90s, particularly among young adults, and its negative health effects were frequently overlooked. However, recognizing the importance of drinking responsibly has been a crucial factor in steering towards healthier lifestyle choices.
Ignoring Sunscreen
Sunscreen was often an afterthought in the ’90s, especially for daily use. The long-term effects of UV exposure weren’t as emphasized. Thankfully, we’re now more vigilant about sun protection. This increased awareness has been crucial in the fight against skin cancer.
Glorifying Overwork
Working long hours without breaks was seen as a badge of honor. This “always on” mentality ignored the toll on mental and physical health. We’re now advocating for a healthier work-life balance. The conversation around burnout and self-care has become central to this new approach.
Using Aerosol Sprays
Aerosol sprays like hairspray and cleaners were popular but bad for the ozone layer. Now, we use eco-friendly alternatives instead, which shows we care more about the environment in our everyday choices. This shift is a big step towards protecting our planet for future generations.
Not Recycling
Recycling wasn’t a widespread practice in the ’90s. The environmental impact of waste was less understood. But now, recycling is a key part of our efforts to protect the planet. This shift in behavior marks a positive step towards sustainability.
Playing Violent Video Games
Back in the ’90s, there wasn’t much talk about how violent video games might affect behavior. Now, there’s a greater awareness of the media content that young people engage with. Discussions about media’s influence on behavior have evolved, becoming more detailed and informed.
Ignoring Mental Health
Talking openly about mental health was not common. Issues were often brushed under the carpet, leading to undiagnosed and untreated conditions. In the modern world, mental health awareness is growing, thankfully. This progression has opened doors for better support and understanding.
Relying on Disposable Cameras
Disposable cameras were everywhere, but their environmental impact was significant. The invention of digital photography has reduced this waste, a win for the environment. The move towards digital has been a game-changer in reducing our ecological footprint.
Using Fax Machines
Fax machines used to be important but used a lot of paper. With digital communication now common, we hardly use fax machines, which helps save paper. This move to digital has made offices more eco-friendly.
READ MORE – 16 THINGS MEN KNOW (BUT WILL NEVER REVEAL TO THE LADIES)
Have you ever wondered what men really think or do? Then look no further. A recent internet survey asked, “What are some ‘guy secrets’ girls don’t know about?” Here are the top 16 answers:
16 THINGS MEN KNOW (BUT WILL NEVER REVEAL TO THE LADIES)
18 BABY BOOMER SLANG PHRASES THAT MAKE MILLENNIALS SCRATCH THEIR HEADS
While it’s easy for younger generations to feel like they’re steeped in slang, Boomers know that some of the best phrases have been passed down for years. Think you’re hip to all of them? Read on for 18 popular phrases of Baby Boomer slang.
18 BABY BOOMER SLANG PHRASES THAT MAKE MILLENNIALS SCRATCH THEIR HEADS
20 THINGS OLD PEOPLE LOVE THAT THE REST OF US DON’T UNDERSTAND
Different generations enjoy different things, but have you ever seen something an old person loves and thought to yourself, why? A recent internet survey asked, “What is something that old people love that you don’t understand?” Here are the top 20 answers.
20 THINGS OLD PEOPLE LOVE THAT THE REST OF US DON’T UNDERSTAND
20 THINGS WE DID WHEN WE WERE YOUNG THAT WE REGRET NOW
It’s easy to say hindsight is 20/20, but what advice would you really give your younger self? Here are 20 things that most people did when they were young that they regret today.
20 THINGS WE DID WHEN WE WERE YOUNG THAT WE REGRET NOW
THINK 60’S OLD? THESE 17 AWESOME FACTS WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND
When it comes to aging, there’s no need to fear the big 6-0! In fact, it’s a cause for celebration! In this post I highlight the 17 things that make being 60 absolutely amazing — from newfound wisdom to retirement adventures. Let’s embrace our 60s together!
THINK 60’S OLD? THESE 17 AWESOME FACTS WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND
