Why not make Earth Day matter this year? Pledge to ditch these 7 toxic chemicals in favor of more natural and healthy products.
1) Triclosan – Triclosan is an antibacterial agent found in soaps, shampoos, hand sanitizers, sanitary wipes and many cleaning products. Doctors worry that its overuse – and our overexposure to it – are reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics to fight germs. In fact, triclosan and other antibacterials may be giving rise to a group of “super bugs” that can’t be controlled with normal courses of treatment. Fortunately, the way to reduce the impact of most household germs is simply by washing our hands, bodies and surfaces with warm soapy water. Skip the antibacterial wipes and dispensers of antibacterial lotion that seem to be everywhere.
2) BPA – Bisphenol-A is a chemical compound that makes plastic soft and malleable, which is why for years it was used in baby products like baby bottles and nipples, water bottles, and water hoses. In animal studies, it’s been show to mimic hormones like estrogen. It’s also been linked to problems with the development of the reproductive and nervous systems. Many companies have phased it out of bottles, but it still shows up in the lining of cans used for canned food. To be safe, use a stainless steel or glass water bottle, glass baby bottles, and food that’s either frozen or in its natural state.
3) The Nail Polish ‘Toxic Trio’ – Many conventional nail polishes contain three chemicals that have been linked to birth defects, cancer and general malaise. The chemicals are toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde. Fortunately, it is now possible to find non-toxic nail polish that’s water and mineral-based, and some of those are “5-free,” meaning they also are free of formaldehyde resin and camphor. You can see a list of safer nail polishes here.
4) Glyphosate – Glyphosate is what’s called a “broad spectrum herbicide.” It’s used to kill weeds, especially broadleaf weeds and grasses that compete with agricultural crops, or lawns or ornamental plants around our homes. It’s marketed as Roundup, Rodeo or Pondmaster; you have probably heard of “Roundup Ready Seeds,” which are used to produce many of the foods we eat. Use of Roundup, or glyphosate, has become so widespread that it is now contaminating drinking water. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” It is also leading to antibiotic resistance, reports Civil Eats. If your week-killer is either Roundup or contains glyphosate, stop using it and take it to your community’s nearest toxic waste drop-off facility. You can find safer, more natural weed control options here, or forego grass altogether in favor of native ground covers that require little maintenance to look beautiful.
5) Neonics – Neonics is a nick name for neonicotinoids, a class of insecticides that are chemically related to nicotine. They are toxic to insects and popular with farmers and gardeners because they can be applied to the soil and when the soil is watered, they will be taken up by plants. When an insect sucks on a treated plant, it will die. Neonics show up on an insecticide label as something like acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, or imidacloprid. They kill wood boring pests, flies, and many other insects – including bees. In fact, the “colony collapse” being experienced by bees all over the U.S. could be directly attributable to beesfeeding on nectar and pollen on plants that have been treated with neonics.The evidence has led Lowe’s to promise to phase out the sale of plants raised from seeds treated with neonics. Before you buy garden plants this year, make sure to inquire whether they have been treated with neonics in any way.
6) Lead – Even though lead is a toxic chemical, it is frequently found in the pigments used to color lipstick and make it shimmer. Lead has long been linked to harming the intellectual development of infants and children; women who unknowingly apply leaded lipstick and lick their lips all day could be susceptible, as well. Fortunately, there are some safe alternatives, including plant-based lip balms and products made by companies that are committed to safer cosmetics. No matter what you use, keep your lipstick out of the reach of kids, who might not just play with it. They might eat it!
7)Parabens –Parabens are a chemical compound used as a preservative in cosmetics, moisturizers, hair care products, some deodorants, and shaving products, among others. On a product label, you might see the ingredient listed as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben or benzylparaben. Typically, only tiny amounts of parabens are added to a product. However, because consumers apply so many different products to their bodies, and those products are used every day, questions have been raised about the cumulative impact that parabens could have on human health. Parabens have been associated with certain forms of breast cancer, notes WebMD, which has prompted many people to switch to products that are parabens-free.
This Earth Day, take a moment to read the labels of the products you have around your home. Put aside those containing the chemicals listed above, and switch them out for safer, healthier options, many of which you can find in your local grocery store. You can definitely find them online!
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