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People often ask me why they should choose ‘green’ products. Are they really better for you, or are
they just another advertising gimmick?
Recent years have seen an emergence of studies which challenge conventional wisdom as to what is
safe and healthy for us, our children, and our planet. While ‘going green’ is a personal choice, and
while a totally 'green' lifestyle isn’t practical for the average person (yet), it’s important to know that
non-toxic, sustainable, and earth-friendly options exist – and why they should be considered.
Chemicals, plastics, and synthetic materials have become, over the last century or so, a pervasive and
ever-present part of our lives, but they’re not a healthy one. Many chemicals in common use today
have never been tested for safety. Others have been tested for acute toxicity in humans, but not for
long-term or cumulative use. You may be surprised to learn that in practice, the FDA has little or no
jurisdiction over chemical companies – in particular, ingredients used in cosmetics, textiles, and
household cleaning products undergo little or no testing before they’re released onto the open market.
This is in part because they are ‘proprietary formulas’ or ‘trade secrets’, and public or government
testing would put corporations in danger of having their formulas stolen. That’s no excuse to put
consumers at risk - but until the laws are changed it’s they way things are, so consumers have to learn
to protect themselves.
As concern about our health and the health of our children grows, more and more people are seeking
out natural alternatives to their favorite products. Infants and young children, with their still-developing
immune systems and high rate of metabolism (which means that they utilize more oxygen and
therefore inhale more polluted air per pound of body weight), are far more affected by chemicals and
pollution in the home. The last 25 years have seen a greatly increased incidence of childhood allergies,
asthma, even developmental disorders and cancer – all linked, some studies say, to chemicals they’re
exposed to every day. If you're a parent, making small changes around your home and in your cleaning
routines can significantly decrease your child's risk. Even if you're not a parent, taking steps toward a
greener lifestyle will make you feel good and stay healthy.
The best way to preserve your health and help the planet is by educating yourself. And, by choosing
products from responsible companies, you’ll be contributing to the growing movement of eco-conscious
consumerism. Every little bit helps. Even one purchase of recycled paper towels or organic cotton
clothing, or one trip to the coffee shop with your reusable mug, can make a world of difference.
There are all kinds of web sites dedicated to helping consumers understand why they should go
Green. I like National Geographic’s Green Guide; there, you’ll find articles on nearly everything eco-
conscious. Also worth checking out: EarthEasy, Earth911, and the Washington Toxics Coalition.
Why should you transition to a non-toxic, sustainable lifestyle? The question should be, why wouldn’t
you?
they just another advertising gimmick?
Recent years have seen an emergence of studies which challenge conventional wisdom as to what is
safe and healthy for us, our children, and our planet. While ‘going green’ is a personal choice, and
while a totally 'green' lifestyle isn’t practical for the average person (yet), it’s important to know that
non-toxic, sustainable, and earth-friendly options exist – and why they should be considered.
Chemicals, plastics, and synthetic materials have become, over the last century or so, a pervasive and
ever-present part of our lives, but they’re not a healthy one. Many chemicals in common use today
have never been tested for safety. Others have been tested for acute toxicity in humans, but not for
long-term or cumulative use. You may be surprised to learn that in practice, the FDA has little or no
jurisdiction over chemical companies – in particular, ingredients used in cosmetics, textiles, and
household cleaning products undergo little or no testing before they’re released onto the open market.
This is in part because they are ‘proprietary formulas’ or ‘trade secrets’, and public or government
testing would put corporations in danger of having their formulas stolen. That’s no excuse to put
consumers at risk - but until the laws are changed it’s they way things are, so consumers have to learn
to protect themselves.
As concern about our health and the health of our children grows, more and more people are seeking
out natural alternatives to their favorite products. Infants and young children, with their still-developing
immune systems and high rate of metabolism (which means that they utilize more oxygen and
therefore inhale more polluted air per pound of body weight), are far more affected by chemicals and
pollution in the home. The last 25 years have seen a greatly increased incidence of childhood allergies,
asthma, even developmental disorders and cancer – all linked, some studies say, to chemicals they’re
exposed to every day. If you're a parent, making small changes around your home and in your cleaning
routines can significantly decrease your child's risk. Even if you're not a parent, taking steps toward a
greener lifestyle will make you feel good and stay healthy.
The best way to preserve your health and help the planet is by educating yourself. And, by choosing
products from responsible companies, you’ll be contributing to the growing movement of eco-conscious
consumerism. Every little bit helps. Even one purchase of recycled paper towels or organic cotton
clothing, or one trip to the coffee shop with your reusable mug, can make a world of difference.
There are all kinds of web sites dedicated to helping consumers understand why they should go
Green. I like National Geographic’s Green Guide; there, you’ll find articles on nearly everything eco-
conscious. Also worth checking out: EarthEasy, Earth911, and the Washington Toxics Coalition.
Why should you transition to a non-toxic, sustainable lifestyle? The question should be, why wouldn’t
you?
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| Is Green Really Better? |
