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Eco-LifestyleAwareness:
Toxins in the HomeShopping GreenIntro to Composting
By Keith and Tracy Fortin
What are toxins and why should they worry us?
Toxins
The human body is a sponge! Environmental Defense of Canada testing of
Canadians blood shows we are polluted with chemicals that have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, birth defects, respiratory illnesses and neurological defects
It is estimated the average woman applies 126 different chemicals on herself every morning through beauty and self-care products
Non-existent labeling requirements in North America
Toxins – Main Culprits
Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates)TeflonBromineMercuryTri-closanBisphenol-A (BPA)
Toxins - Phthalates
Different types of phthalates include DEHP, DIDP, DINP and many others.
Commonly used as “plasticizers” – keeping materials such as vinyl soft and rubbery
Also commonly used to lubricate and help fragrance last longer in beauty products or cleaning products
Linked to premature and low birth weight births, genetic defects, ADHD and Autism
“Fragrance” and “Parfum” often indicate phthalates
Toxins - Teflon
Used to line frying pans, in pizza boxes, windshield wipers, cosmetics, clothing and more (look for non-stick label)
Similar products include Gore-tex, Scotchgard and STAINMASTER
Found in the blood of 98% of AmericansA persistent, bioaccumulating toxic
chemical found in our bodies, air and water all over the world
Toxins - Teflon
Causes birth defects, developmental problems, hormone disruption, high cholesterol and is a likely carcinogen
Nothing gets rid of it!
Toxins - Bromine
Used as a fire retardantSeen often in furniture, rugs, television
setsPersistent and BioaccumulativeWaft out of our household products into
the air and land as dustCausing real health problems for humans
and wildlife
Toxins - Mercury
One of the oldest poisons known to humans and a naturally occurring chemical
Exposure to high levels can cause permanent brain damage, central nervous system disorders, memory loss, heart disease, kidney failure, liver damage, cancer, loss of vision, loss of sensation and tremors
Toxins - Mercury
Is a suspected endocrine disruptor which do damage to the reproductive system
Linked to multiple sclerosis, ADHD, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's
Found in many consumer products, by-product of coal burning, waters and fish
Video of mercury’s effect on brain neurons Mercury Video
Toxins – Tri-closan
The active ingredient in most “anti-bacterial” products (also known as Microban)
Environmental Working group has found Tri-closan in over 140 kinds of consumer products ranging from liquid hand soap, toothpaste, underwear, towels, mattresses, sponges, shower curtains, phones, flooring, cutting boards, fabrics, toys and so on…..
Toxins – Bisphenol A (BPA)
Main ingredient in baby bottles (before recent ban)
Used to make CD’s, DVD’s, water bottles, drinking glasses, kitchen appliances, utensils, eyeglass lenses, water carboys, medical supplies, laptops, cars, interiors of tin cans and more….
Green Resources
Local Farmers Market Carbon Environmental Boutique Earth’s General Store Health Food Stores Save-On Foods The Organic Box Planet Organic
Shopping
Smart Understand the Labels-third party certifications
Read the Ingredients When in doubt research your product first
Shopping
Smart Consider the embodied energy
Where was it made? How is it packaged? Does this companies values align with my own? Am I supporting my local economy?
Ask questions Expect more!
Shopping
Online Resources EWG’s – Skin Deep Database Life without Plastics EccoAmmo S.A.G.E. Raisingspaces.com Reducedimpactfamily.wordpress.com
Composting
Myths Takes a lot of time/effort Smells, attracts bugs, pests Need the room/space to put it, seasonal Its hard work!
All WRONG! It is easy, fun and enlightening! It can be done year round
Composting
Why? Discarded organic matter nutrient rich
natural fertilizer – FREE Household trash is 1/3 to ½ organic matter
How? 3 methods
Worm composting Backyard composting Grass-cycling
Composting
CompostingHow?
Outdoor composting is simply layering/mixing 4 major ingredients
• Brown – dried out grass, leaves, twigs, paper• Wet – keep pile moist• Green – leaves, grass clippings, green kitchen scraps• Soil – add a little black dirt or compost (micro-organisms)
Continue adding, mixing Creates heat as it breaks down Compost within 1 season, great for
lawns/gardens
Do’s and Don'ts
Do’s Grass clippings Kitchen peelings Egg shells Newspaper (sparingly) Sawdust Bread Cooked pasta Weeds (before seed)
Don’ts Herbicide/pesticide
grass clippings Dandelions Oily foods Dairy products Meat Pet feces
