Scary environmental toxins statistic: according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), researchers found that babies are being born with an average of 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants already in their tiny bodies. As a society, we are bombarded with toxins from virtually every direction: food, water, household products, cosmetics, air pollution…the list goes on and on.
Fortunately, there are several simple ways we can lighten the load and reduce environmental toxins in our everyday lives:
Know what’s in your personal care products and cosmetics. If the ingredient list includes parabens, triclosan, sodium laureate sulfate or scary acronyms like PEG, FD&C, and BHA, stop using it. Overall, try to use fewer products and choose fragrance-free whenever possible.
EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database is a great place to learn more about which brands and ingredients are safe (and not-so-safe) for you and your family.
Get picky about your plastics. Look for BPA-free and non-polycarbonate containers and bottles. When you can, use glass and ceramic food containers instead of plastic. And never, ever microwave anything in a plastic container (even if it says it’s microwave save). The heat from the microwave can release unwanted chemicals right into your food.
Filter out the fluoride and chemicals. Tap water often contains high levels of fluoride, which can damage a young child’s developing teeth, as well as potentially hundreds of unregulated chemicals. Affordable carbon filters that attach right to the faucet are an easy way to ensure your family’s drinking water is safe.
Do away with dust. Many people don’t realize that the air inside their home is more toxic than the air outside! Products in the home, from furniture to clothing to electronics, shed chemicals constantly. Outdoor toxins enter our homes on our shoes and through open windows and doors. All of these pollutants adhere to dust particles, which build up over time and wreak havoc on our bodies.
The best way to get rid of toxic dust is by using HEPA filters in the vacuum and HVAC system, damp dusting electronics and furniture, and wet mopping tile, linoleum and wooden floors. Prevent dust buildup by removing shoes before entering the home and using natural doormats.
For more helpful tips on reducing your toxin load, click here.