Eco-Lifestyle Awareness: Toxins in the Home Shopping Green Intro to Composting By Keith and Tracy Fortin

What are toxins and why should they worry us?

Toxins The human body is a sponge! Environmental Defense of Canada testing of Canadians blood shows we are polluted with chemicals that have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, birth defects, respiratory illnesses and neurological defects It is estimated the average woman applies 126 different chemicals on herself every morning through beauty and self-care products Non-existent labeling requirements in North America

Toxins – Main Culprits Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) Teflon Bromine Mercury Tri-closan Bisphenol-A (BPA)

Toxins - Phthalates  Different types of phthalates include DEHP, DIDP, DINP and many others.  Commonly used as “plasticizers” – keeping materials such as vinyl soft and rubbery  Also commonly used to lubricate and help fragrance last longer in beauty products or cleaning products  Linked to premature and low birth weight births, genetic defects, ADHD and Autism  “Fragrance” and “Parfum” often indicate phthalates

Toxins - Teflon Used to line frying pans, in pizza boxes, windshield wipers, cosmetics, clothing and more (look for non-stick label) Similar products include Gore-tex, Scotchgard and STAINMASTER Found in the blood of 98% of Americans A persistent, bioaccumulating toxic chemical found in our bodies, air and water all over the world

Toxins - Teflon Causes birth defects, developmental problems, hormone disruption, high cholesterol and is a likely carcinogen Nothing gets rid of it!

Toxins - Bromine Used as a fire retardant Seen often in furniture, rugs, television sets Persistent and Bioaccumulative Waft out of our household products into the air and land as dust Causing real health problems for humans and wildlife

Toxins - Mercury One of the oldest poisons known to humans and a naturally occurring chemical Exposure to high levels can cause permanent brain damage, central nervous system disorders, memory loss, heart disease, kidney failure, liver damage, cancer, loss of vision, loss of sensation and tremors

Toxins - Mercury Is a suspected endocrine disruptor which do damage to the reproductive system Linked to multiple sclerosis, ADHD, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's Found in many consumer products, by- product of coal burning, waters and fish Video of mercury’s effect on brain neurons  Mercury Video Mercury Video

Toxins – Tri-closan The active ingredient in most “anti-bacterial” products (also known as Microban) Environmental Working group has found Tri- closan in over 140 kinds of consumer products ranging from liquid hand soap, toothpaste, underwear, towels, mattresses, sponges, shower curtains, phones, flooring, cutting boards, fabrics, toys and so on…..

Toxins – Bisphenol A (BPA) Main ingredient in baby bottles (before recent ban) Used to make CD’s, DVD’s, water bottles, drinking glasses, kitchen appliances, utensils, eyeglass lenses, water carboys, medical supplies, laptops, cars, interiors of tin cans and more….

Green Resources Local  Farmers Market  Carbon Environmental Boutique  Earth’s General Store  Health Food Stores  Save-On Foods  The Organic Box  Planet Organic

Shopping Smart  Understand the Labels-third party certifications  Read the Ingredients When in doubt research your product first

Shopping Smart  Consider the embodied energy Where was it made? How is it packaged? Does this companies values align with my own? Am I supporting my local economy?  Ask questions  Expect more!

Shopping Online Resources  EWG’s – Skin Deep Database  Life without Plastics  EccoAmmo  S.A.G.E.  Raisingspaces.com  Reducedimpactfamily.wordpress.com

Composting Myths  Takes a lot of time/effort  Smells, attracts bugs, pests  Need the room/space to put it, seasonal  Its hard work! All WRONG!  It is easy, fun and enlightening!  It can be done year round

Composting Why?  Discarded organic matter  nutrient rich natural fertilizer – FREE  Household trash is 1/3 to ½ organic matter How?  3 methods Worm composting Backyard composting Grass-cycling

Composting

How?  Outdoor composting is simply layering/mixing 4 major ingredients Brown – dried out grass, leaves, twigs, paper Wet – keep pile moist Green – leaves, grass clippings, green kitchen scraps Soil – add a little black dirt or compost (micro-organisms)  Continue adding, mixing  Creates heat as it breaks down  Compost within 1 season, great for lawns/gardens

Do’s and Don'ts Do’s  Grass clippings  Kitchen peelings  Egg shells  Newspaper (sparingly)  Sawdust  Bread  Cooked pasta  Weeds (before seed) Don’ts  Herbicide/pesticide grass clippings  Dandelions  Oily foods  Dairy products  Meat  Pet feces

Thank You for Coming!