I am always amazed by the beauty of our natural environment and when I was pregnant I thought a lot about what I was taking into my body in the hopes that I would give my twin boys the healthiest start I possibly could. Unfortunately, with the prevalance of environmental toxins it appears all of my efforts many have still resulted in chemicals in my boys’ bodies. A terrifying thought.
When Environmental Defence asked me to raise awareness of their new report, I was more than happy to. This is something we all need to take a stand on so that our kids can have a happy healthy life and a healthy start. Here’s some information on the findings of their study:
Pre-Polluted: A report on toxic substances in the umbilical cord blood of Canadian newborns. The report found that Canadian babies are being exposed to a slew of chemicals while in the womb because they are so pervasive in the environment and in the products we use. Some of the chemicals tested for are linked to serious health issues such as cancer and developmental and reproductive problems.
Environmental Defence tested the umbilical cord blood of three newborn babies from the GTA and Hamilton, and found each child was born with 55 to 121 toxic compounds and possible cancer-causing chemicals in their bodies. We tested for, and found at low levels, PBDEs (flame retardants), PCBs, PFCs, Organochlorine pesticides, dioxins and furans and mercury and lead – chemicals that are pervasive and persistent in our environment. Of the 137 chemicals found in the umbilical cord blood, 132 are reported to cause cancer in humans or animals.
When it comes to reducing toxic pollution, government, industry, and the public all have a role to play. When scientists and government agree that a substance is toxic to human health, it must be phased out as soon as possible. Currently, chemicals like certain PBDE flame retardants can still be contained in imported furniture, despite plans for prohibitions having been announced by the federal government several years ago. Industry often takes action before bans are announced, but there are many chemicals still in products that businesses should stop using, like phthalates and PFCs (non stick coating chemicals). The public can make a difference by refusing to buy products that contain toxic “chemicals of convenience” and by letting decision makers in government and business know that it’s time for a change.
This video really brings the message home for me:
What can you do? Read the report to learn more, take action by signing the petition, and keep visiting Environmental Defence to find out more about how you can get involved.
Kids Deserve a Healthy Start Giveaway
To help raise awareness of healthy products, Environmental Defence is offering two lucky Family Food and Travel readers a prize pack of Leaves of Trees (a Just Beautiful company) Eucalyptus Mint Deodorant and Rose and Cardamom Lip Balm. Contest open to Canadians.
AND THE WINNERS ARE…
results powered by Random.org
I grow my own vegetables and am constantly reading labels before anything goes in their mouth or on their skin. It sure isn’t easy nowadays. Great that organizations like this exist to make life a little easier for Mom.
Besos, Sarah
Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo
Sarah De Diego (Journeys of The Zoo) recently posted..Don’t Miss the @Iams SO GOOD Doggie Concert Video! #IAMSSoGood
We use refillable water bottles and try not to buy items with excessive packaging.
We use natural laundry detergents and dish detergents!
I have a vegetable garden and avoid using chemical bug spray!
We use a eco laundry ball
We use eco-friendly products in the home and I teach my kids to recycle.
We, among other things, keep tabs on sites like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) with its helpful EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database (insights on which ingredients are okay and not okay), and try to stick with the idea that the less processed and more readable the label, the better. Not best, but generally better.
we are reducing the use of herbicides on the lawn and simply letting the weeds grow free
I’m using less chemical cleaners, and using more homemade, natural cleaners, especially around the kitchen.
We recycle and grow are own vegetables.
We are using “natural products’.. we also recycle and the kids love looking up ‘craft’ ideas on the net for things to do with egg cartons/toilet paper rolls/elastic bands. My daughter made a bouncy ball out of rubber bands, best ball she’s had in years!
we are trying to buy items with less packaging and buying bulk items when we can
Cook *almost* all food at home and let the children help so they are prepared to care for their own nutrition and also the earth by knowing the requirements of natural balance to the human body and earth – we are connected. We also are growing our own lettuce on our balcony, it is my 3 yr olds plant who hates lettuce but now loves it fresh! My 6yr old is in charge of the tomato plant, he doesn’t care much for tomatoes but when he sees how all our delicious sauces(pizza sauce, ketchup) etc are made he eats it all up! One goal we are working on currently is moving out of an apartment building -very unnatural and unsettling feeling so high up(we’re on 7). I want to feel good back on solid ground ;) Lol
We have been gardening organically for quite a few years.
I commented on the DIY Necklace Organizer post.
I buy environmentally safe cleaners
We’re using homemade chemical-free cleaners and hand soap now.
We don’t buy processed food and recycle all we can
I’m using non-toxic cleaners in my home!
My family and I grow a fruit & veggie garden and make just about everything from scratch for cooking & baking. Are pets are also on natural diets as well. All house cleaning products are all natural.
we try to stay away from processed foods, GMO’s (if we can find it labeled!), no DEA’s…
i cook from scratch, we recycle, try to use natural cleaners and lotions
I make all our meals from scratch and we recycle, we walk or ride bikes instead of using the car whenever possible
eating vegetables from out own garden and using beauty products that are natural (the less the ingredients the better it is).
Baking from scratch and using fruits and veggies from our farmer’s market. Hanging clothes outside in the summer, use microfiber rags for cleaning, windows, mirrors, dusting.
We try using reusable products and natural cleaning products.
Stephanie LaPlante recently posted..The Storm
I try to buy organic as often as possible and I only use vinegar, baking soda and some very natural cleaning products.
I use vinegar and baking soda to clean. My son has asthma and I don’t want to chance another reaction.
We use natural cleaners and we grow our own garden!
We use environmentally friendly laundry & cleaning products in our home, compost for the garden, & try to eat organically as much as possible.
I have always taught them to have respect for the Planet as if it were a living person.
I use environmentally friendly cleaners, we don’t eat processed foods
I am getting rid of the carpets in the house and have planted a vegetable garden and herb garden,
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I try to use as many organic products as i can for my kids skin and stuff.
We’re growing our own produce
By using basic cleaning ingredients & cooking from scratch I hope to provide a natural environment for my family
I am growing my own vegetables and some fruits this year. I try to recycle as much as I can and use natural products in my every day living.
Since I was pregnant with my 1st I started cleaning with vinegar and baking soda. Next thing is ordering soap berries for laundry and other household cleaning. Really want to learn how to make my own deodorant.
I use the EWG website ‘s Skin Deep to determine the amount of toxins in every product in our house and fin better alternatives.
Caroline Moustache recently posted..Discount Code for Dryer Balls
I make sure my family gets lots of sleep , excersize and healthy dinners
i use natural laundry soap and household cleaners
natural cleaners throughout the house
Starting to learn to make my own home-cleaners, instead of relying on store-bought ones full of chemicals.
I have a nice big garden in the summer time, I buy locally, shop organic when i can
Naturals products, healthy food and eco friendly cleaners
I use non-toxic cleaners and everything I use for my daughter is toxin-free. I do need to do more though in the way of living a toxin-free life.
Kera recently posted..natural miracles review & giveaway.
I am switching to all natural cleaners.
We are going to the local farmer’s market and we are buying more fresh, natural & whole foods.
I use vinegar for all my cleaning, sometimes I add salt for the stubborn stuff
We always recycle and use eco-friendly products.
We have a vegetable garden, use natural soap, shampoo, dishwasher detergent, and laundry detergent.
I only use products with no chemicals in them : )
i am committed to getting all GMOs (including trace ingredients) out of our cupboards. it has taken me months to find foods that the kids will eat to replace our old GMO laden foods, but it has been worth it for my families health!
I try to make my own cleaning agents
I try to buy organic foods when possible. Also, I look for eco friendly cleaning and laundry products.
Eco friendly cleaning products
using eco-friendly cleaning products
Not sure if I submitted my tweet link properly for today. Here it is: https://twitter.com/PumpkinGirl78/status/365273606579699712