Why, Why, Why “Go Green?” By Marcia Fine

Reasons to consider “Going Green”:
1. Health
Numerous studies from Dr. Doris Rapp’s, OUR TOXIC WORLD, a tome of 500 scientific studies about harsh chemicals, and research by the Nobel Prize winning doctors, Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility, paint a clear picture of the harm involved not only to our health, but especially our most vulnerable citizens, children. To have the latter exposed to toxic elements when their hearts and lungs haven’t fully formed, reinforces most mom’s common sense. There is also a great body of research linking chemicals to cancer, allergies, learning disabilities and ADHD.

2. Toxic Build Up
The consistent use of products containing toxins builds up in our homes and our bodies, especially in Arizona where our windows are shut tight for so many months. Ever notice your eyes tearing up or your throat closing in the cleaning supply aisle of your local grocery store? Out-gassing is a serious issue that allows seepage through plastic bottles. That’s why there’s a strong smell even though the containers are tightly sealed. The cleaners we’re using are often more dangerous than what we’re trying to clean up.

3. Your Children
Kids follow you around wanting to help you clean. Precious darlings! Ever read the warning labels on the back of Clorox Wipes, Lysol or other popular products? Maybe reconsider using them to clean up around food or allowing them to touch skin.
Teach your children to re-cycle and be environmentally sensitive. There are a lot of important messages we give our kids. Many can only be learned from you. Teach them not all our resources are renewable. Set an example by choosing products that don’t contain harsh chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, lye and formaldehyde. A word about formaldehyde. Labeled as a possible carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) it is contained in hundreds of products under many different names. All these ingredients can be irritants that cause nausea, vomiting, burning in the eyes, ears, nose and throat and exacerbate allergies and asthma. Ever notice a rash on your child’s skin after you’ve changed their sheets or put them in fresh nightclothes? Some name-brand dryer sheets contain formaldehyde. Just make sure you’re doing what you can to reduce toxins in the home.

Tags: going green, health, toxic products, toxins