Janice Donatelli at ARTEMIS Environmental Building Materials (contact info below) had these suggestions about how we can be healthy with regards to environmental toxins:
Focus on the basics – air, water, and light. These things are vital to our health and are our right and they are FREE to the citizens of this planet. Although our air and water are in jeopardy, we can, in addition to fighting for access to cleaner air and water, do the following things:
AIR
- Limit the use of toxic chemicals in your house (see resources below).
- Make sure to open windows and get some fresh air in your space every day, even in winter.
- Eliminate wall-to-wall carpeting if possible. Carpeting traps dust, molds, street dirt, …
- Take your shoes off at the front door. Don’t track in potentially harmful substances from the street.
WATER
- Capture rainwater with rainbarrels and use it to water your gardens.
- Use permeable materials around your home and on your driveways to prevent storm water runoff into the sewer systems.
- Use cleaners safe for people and the environment, or use muscle, baking soda, vinegar.
- Drinking water – filter it. Use GLASS containers when possible.
LIGHT
- Create as much of it as you can, however you can. OPEN those drapes and allow the natural light in.
Necessity breeds creativity! Do what you can at your income level and get creative to find solutions for a healthier and safer place for you and your family.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
- Pay attention to what you’re putting on your skin –it’s your largest membrane.
- Women may choose to be particularly vigilant about limiting their exposure to harmful chemicals if they’re planning on having children
- Read labels, do research – google chemical names to find out about them, see resources listed below for sites that could help you with research.
ARTEMIS
Environmental Building Materials
3709 Butler Street
Pittsburgh PA 15201
T: 877/297-8267 or 412/353-0197
info@artemisenvironmental.com
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG has info on water quality, sunscreens, fruits and vegetables that tend to hold the greatest and least amount of pesticides, and more.
EWG’s Skin Deep Database
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/
This is EWG’s searchable database with info on and ratings of personal care products. Frightening yet empowering!
Consumer Reports Greener Choices Website
http://www.greenerchoices.org/
This is a good place to look for info on products used in the home.
