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, byproduct of coal burning, waters and fish
Video of mercury’s effect on brain neurons
Mercury Video
Toxins – Tri-closan
 The active ingredient in most “anti-bacterial”
products (also known as Microban)
 Environmental Working group has found Triclosan 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
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!