I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for summer to hurry up and get here. I mean, who isn’t eager to put away the parka and bust out of their boots? After seven months of flannel pajamas and wool socks, it feels liberating to don a t-shirt and a pair of flip-flops.

But before my feet see the light of day, they need some serious TLC. I’m planning a trip to my budget-friendly neighborhood nail salon in Manhattan, but this year I’m bringing my own bottle of eco-friendly, non-toxic nail polish. Most nail lacquers are loaded with chemicals like toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) that, quite frankly, scare the bejesus out of me. My fears aren’t totally unfounded: DBP, a chemical used to keep nail polish from chipping, has been connected to cancer in lab animals (which is a whole other issue) and long-term fertility issues in newborn boys.

So, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite non-toxic nail polish brands. Scope them out, and get yourself a bottle. After all, nothing says spring like a lovely green, er, pink pedicure. (photo credit:  via spaRitual)

Rescue Beauty. The new collection from the buzzed-about New York nail boutique includes sparkly, metallic shades that are perfect for adding a little spring bling to your fingers and toes.  www.rescuebeauty.com

SpaRitual. The newest offerings from SpaRitual include a couple flattering shades of orange, a perfect pink, a pale peach, and an aqua color that looks like it might be especially fun to flaunt. www.sparitual.com

Priti Nail Polish. A cult favorite, the polishes from my favorite organic spa in New York are available in a wide range of colors. Visit this Website to find out where to get them in your area, www.pritiorganicspa.com

Zoya. Zoya has two new collections for summer, offering every shade under the sun, from on-trend metallics to bright seasonal reds. www.zoya.com

Related:  previously on altCon
(1.15.08) – Priti Organic Spa – an urban sanctuary
(6.10.08) – eco nail care
(12.16.08) – Spirit Beauty Lounge- an eco chic online boutique