Plastics: Everyday Use, Everyday Risk

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Thursday, July 03, 2008
Posted by Matthew Parker
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Have you ever stopped and thought about the amount of times you are exposed to plastics in a typical day? For most of us, the “morning ritual” may consist of showering with our favorite shampoo, using antiperspirant, checking our daily email while sipping on a cup of hot coffee (or our favorite energy drink), and packing our lunch in the most convenient plastic and Tupperware containers. Before we have been awake but one hour, we have unconsciously exposed ourselves to hundreds of plastics. But we rarely ask ourselves the question, will these common plastics have any adverse effects on our health or the health of our children? The outlook, while still somewhat cloudy, is nonetheless gravely dim. Chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics, such as bisphenol A (BPA), present in our everyday lives and activities, are shown to have detrimental effects on natural human development and growth, often referred to as endocrine disruption. Chemicals found in computer screens and car seats, shower curtains and shampoos, plastic water bottles and prophylactics are all putting us, and, more importantly, our children, at risk of developmental delays and reproductive obstacles, including, but not limited to, decreasing sperm counts and a higher susceptibility to certain cancers.

Friday, June 27, 2008
Posted by Janelle Sorensen
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A look back at health news this week. This week: updates on lead, pesticides, organic foods, allergies and pending legislation.

The Center for Environmental Health found lead in artificial turf and outdoor carpet sold by major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware. They have filed a lawsuit in California compelling manufacturers and retailers to recall the toxic turf and stop using lead in their products.
A little bit of pesticide can go a long way – causing genetic disruption for generations. Speaking at the Rodale Institute, Dr. Warren Porter cited growing evidence that extremely low doses of pesticides can impact gene expression that could cause multi-generational effects.
The USDA refuses to admit what 50 million organic consumers know: organic food is healthier. While the agencies entrusted with safeguarding our food and health pass the potato, a fast-growing body of scientific literature suggests that the connection between farm practices and the healthfulness of our foods merits attention.
New evidence blames traffic-related pollution for increasing the risk of allergy and atopic diseases among children by more than fifty percent. What's more, the closer children live to roads, the higher their risk. You can reduce your own vehicle emissions (and save mucho dinero at the pump) by following these ten easy hypermile tricks.
The Kids Safe Chemical Act is still being reviewed by congress. Send your legislator a quick pre-written email to urge them to support this vital legislation. Make it even more powerful by personalizing the message.

Thursday, June 26, 2008
Posted by Emily Lynne Ion
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Over 50% of Americans are classified as being over-weight or obese. No matter how many trendy diets bombard the market, the real solution to reducing this troubling statistic is a lifestyle that sustains positive habits and healthy decisions.

This month, Janet Little, certified nutritionist for Henry's Farmers Markets, introduces a comprehensive lifestyle makeover program called "You Renewed". The program is a six week guide to initiating healthy eating, fitness, and wellness techniques into your daily life. She breaks the information into three sections, "Eat", "Move", and "Think", and infuses them with exercise tips, nutrition facts, recipes, product recommendations, and ways to reduce stress.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Posted by Emily Lynne Ion
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The Home Depot announced an ambitious nation-wide recycling program for used compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs, the ultra-efficient light bulbs that are quickly replacing their standard incandescent counterparts. Disposing of CFLs, however, is problematic because they contain a small amount of mercury, a pollutant and neurotoxin. The Home Depot's initiative provides a safe and convenient means for consumers to recycle their old CFLs without worry about health hazards or environmental pollution.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Posted by Mandy Geisler
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In partnership with LUNA, Healthy Child Healthy World invites you spread awareness and sustainability by hosting a Healthy Home Party in your community.

Monday, June 23, 2008
Posted by Christopher Gavigan
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via: Environmental Working Group

The California state Assembly is considering SB 1713, a monumental bill that would ban bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor, from baby bottles and children's feeding products.
There has been a political roadblock, and the bill could be killed by chemical industry lobbyists before it passes out of the Health Committee tomorrow.

But you can push it through. Click here to ask the Health Committee to support SB 1713.

Friday, June 20, 2008
Posted by Emily Lynne Ion
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Plastic bags have a pervasive presence in our everyday lives. They hold our groceries, line our trashcans, clean up after our animals, and carry our lunches to work. Once used and discarded, plastic bags disappear into land and ocean fills, and more come to take their place. But their post-consumer life has surprisingly far-reaching consequences for wildlife, the environment, local economies, and even our health.

A little-known statistic is that each disregarded plastic bag can take up to 1000 years to decompose. In fact, plastic bags do not biodegrade, they photodegrade. This means they break down slowly into toxic microscopic particles called petro-polymers. The particles contaminate soil and waterways, sometimes entering the food chain and endangering animal health and, eventually, that of humans as well.

Thursday, June 19, 2008
Posted by Janelle Sorensen
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Things are looking pretty good on the legislative front. We’ve got a long way to go, but with the continued support of parents like you, we’re making amazing strides in our efforts to make this world a healthier place.

Canada braves the ban. Our neighbor to the north reviewed 150 worldwide studies on BPA and became the first country to take a definitive position on the health risks of BPA, officially declaring it toxic to humans. The Canadian government is currently taking steps to ban the importation and sale of baby bottles made with BPA polycarbonate.
On April 1, 2008, Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire signed the Children’s Safe Products Act (House Bill 2647) into law. The Act is widely considered the country’s most strict toy safety law so far. Scheduled to go into effect in the summer of 2009, the law is intended to cut the amount of cadmium, lead, and phthalates in toys as well as children’s jewelry, car seats and other items. Learn more at SafeToys.com.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Posted by Healthy Child
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Tim Smith - Senior Director Sustainable Development - Shaklee Corporation

We had a moment to ask Tim about his work with Shaklee and what inspires him to work towards sustainability.

HC: What is your job description?

TS: As the Senior Director of Sustainable Development for Shaklee Corporation I’m responsible for the planning and implementation of innovative sustainability programs. This includes working with non-governmental, non-profit, for-profit, and philanthropic organizations to advance ecologically sound and sustainable business practices that benefit our planet.

HC: What motivates you to do the sustainable development work you are doing?

TS: I have always gravitated to companies with social and philanthropic values. This includes Levi Strauss & Co. early in my career and over 20 years with the Shaklee Corporation. My motivation comes from a deep appreciation for the shared values among my colleagues and Shaklee Independent Distributors. The philosophy of “Living in Harmony With Nature” has been a part of the company’s culture since its founding by Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee in 1956. My personal mission statement was derived from an acronym for SHAKLEE: Sharing, Helping And Keeping Lives Enriched Everyday. If you spend any time with the “Shaklee family” of distributors you will quickly understand the source of my values and motivation.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Posted by Mandy Geisler
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Shower curtains are an inexpensive and a much needed item in our bathrooms. Especially our kids love the very bright, colorful shower curtains, which makes taking a shower much more enjoyable. But don't we all dislike the smell of the new shower curtains? It even can make us feel generally sick.