 |
| ralphie 1 - aunt clara 0 |
Working to eliminate chemicals in our environment (and money in our political system) are probably two of the most important things, outside of raising our own vibration (In Course of Miracles speak there is only really one of us here, so raising our vibration, ie letting more light in through clean eating, meditation, positivity and doing what we love, raises everyone else's vibration, too), we can be doing right now.
1. LEAD - We crafty mamas love our old windows - but think twice before bringing them indoors. I am also seeing a lot of gorgeous old shutters made into headboards and things on Pinterest. Anything painted pre-1970's is going to be painted with lead paint and minuscule amounts can cause neurological damage in children (I once read a study that said people in prison have the highest blood lead levels in the country, huge spikes in levels mostly thanks to childhood exposure, maybe we are fixated on the wrong kind of lead when it comes to crime prevention).
Also soil testing, especially for urban gardens is very important. Lead was in gasoline until the 80's and between that and the paint there has been a lot of soil exposure everywhere.
2. FLAME RETARDANTS - Studies have linked one group of flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, to lower IQs, behavioral problems, early puberty and fertility issues. Flame retardants are in everything from couch cushions to television sets.
This is where changing the money in our political system (ie changing Citizens United) is needed.
The California Furniture Flammability Standard essentially requires that cushioned furniture, children’s car seats, diaper-changing tables and other products containing polyurethane foam are dipped in toxic chemicals. Most furniture sold in the United States is made to this standard. We need to change this.
When buying new stuff look for products made with wool, cotton or polyester filling instead of polyurethane foam - if you are stuck with the old stuff - dust, vacuum and wash hands regularly.
Ditch the fleece pajamas - I know those footed fleece pjs are comfortable but they are probably treated with a chemical called Proban which has been linked to genetic abnormalities and cancer. Kid's fleece pj's that do not contain chemicals are required to be labeled "for child’s safety, garment should fit snugly” - look for this label!
3. BPA - Use plastics that are labeled BPA free, avoid containers labeled with the recycling codes 3 and 7, avoid canned foods - Eden Organics are about the only BPA free cans, Staples offers a paper-less receipt program (I get my receipts emailed to me) - it's easy to sign up and one less receipt for the cashier (the thermal paper includes BPA), and me, to touch.
3 comments
Preachin' to the choir here but this is such good information...we need to read this over and over!!! I cringe when I see those shutters as headboards with all that peeling paint! Yikes! And you gotta love Ralphie! Good info about those numbers on the plastic, too...didn't know that. And canned food! Thanks!
I learn something new everyday about this Cait - at times it feels unbelievable that we can get ourselves out of this mess - but of course, it's unbelievable that we can't too - love reading about your journey with Ellie! xo
Kevin Drum did a long form article for Mother Jones on lead and the spike in crime rates- and he does statistics very well. You should give it a read.
I knew about the thermal receipts; heard about it on NPR. What about all those workers who handle those things all day long?
I had no clue about canned foods. I don't eat many canned goods. Just when I thought all those black beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans, etc... were healthy I find out there lurk hidden dangers. I love beans and I hate to soak them overnight and cook them for hours and hours... gonna have to give this some thought.
Post a Comment