So I've been on a green kick researching tons of stuff about toxins, chemicals, parabens, carcinogenic, phthalates and my new favorite VOC (volatile organic compounds). Some of you may be nodding and others may be thinking what the hell are these things and why should I be aware of these things to avoid.
So I thought I'd add some definitions and a brief overview and then I'll let you take it from there on researching some more yourselves. What is a struggle for me is steering clear of products that are labeled harmful or potential unsafe for us as humans and then balancing all of the rest- helping to do our share of keeping our environment cleaner.
(This is with the help of some websites and books I've read-particularly Squeaky Green put out by Method)
Antibacterial agents/pesticides: A class of compounds (regulated by the EPA) that have proven ability to kill organisms. Among cleaning products these compounds are used to kill bacteria in antibacterial hand soaps or sanitizing sprays. There is some controversy about the health effect of their usage.PS The American Medical Association does not recommend antibacterial soaps. They do not kill virus-you know the common cold and flu kind!
Bisphenol-a (BPA): used to make polycarbonate baby bottles, can, in fact, cause neurological and behavioral harm to infants, parents of the bottle-feeding set are tossing out their colorful, durable plastic bottles in favor of glass and safer plastics.Check out this Mom's website-
http://www.thesoftlanding.com/ for the prefered PVC and BPA and Phthalate free products. We now have the boys using our plates and glasses and then no longer use plastics. Addie uses cups that are BPA free.
Parabens: These are a class of synthetic preservatives commonly used in personal care products. Some parabens have been found intact in human breast cancer tissue, and although they have not been sh ow to cause breast cancer, the link is enough to make many people worried about their health effects.Seriously check all your shampoos, cosmetics, body lotions, soaps...any word ending in -aben qualifies as a paraben!
Phthalates: A class of compounds that are often found in PVC plastics and used as solvents in many air fresheners. Several have been linked to a variety of health concernsReally-air fresheners are no-nos! Huh!
Some other helpful insights-
- Stick with name brands such as Crayola, Elmers and Mr. Sketch-they actually have lower toxin reports. Although there is no law that forces these companies from using chemicals such as trichloroethylen which can cause liver and lung damage. But look for Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) which pass products that are safe for kids to use. California actually has a long list of Back to School supplies that are acceptable to bring into school!!!
- Steer Clear of PVC vinyl (#3), whose manufacture and incineration releases carcinogenic dioxins into the environment and food chain. PVC often contains lead, and toxic plasticizers such as phthalates that can migrate into food, water, air and our mouths.
- Avoid plastics that leach chemicals suspected of disrupting hormone functions: #3 (PVC), #6 (PS), #7 ("Other," often polycarbonate).
- When choosing plastic containers, even those you'll use over and over again, choose those that are accepted for recycling in your area. The most commonly recycled plastics are #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE).
- Choose non-PVC cling wrap (such as Glad and handiWrap). (Green Guide http://www.thegreenguide.com/)
How many of you are thinking-is she wearing a tied died tee-shirt and Jesus walkers?
