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If you missed this great workshop, you can read all the workshop materials complete with useful links at: http://www.hptaonline.com/green.html. Jayashree Dattar, HPTA Liaison to the HPS Green Committee, has started a "Hopkinton Goes Green Pledge" on the care 2 petition site http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/HopkintonGoesGreen
Questions? Jayashree Dattar jdattar@comcast.net 508-625-1028
Mass PTA has joined Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, a national advocacy campaign for smarter federal policies about toxic chemicals. Read more about the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Campaign at www.saferchemicals.org. Mass PTA urges its members to share this information and to get involved as individuals and as units.
BUILDING THE GREEN GENERATION WORKSHOP MATERIALS
Building the Green Generation
Only 5% of the world’s population lives in the United States, yet we consume 33% of the world’s energy. Our convenience oriented lifestyle is depleting natural and non-renewable resources across the world while we spin in a merry-go-round of consumption, creating a constant stream of waste and toxic by-products which are polluting our environment, our bodies and our children. It is time for us to pause and consider the consequences of our behavior on the next generation. As parents, teachers and educators, we are in a unique position to spotlight these issues and work together with our children to foster environmentally sustainable practices in our homes, our schools and our community. Together we can reverse this trend. Together we can build THE GREEN GENERATION.
THE STATE WE ARE IN…and HOW WE GOT THERE
The Story of Stuff
Watch Annie Leonard’s thought provoking documentary about the impact of a consumer driven economy and excessive waste on our environment at www.thestoryofstuff.com. It is an eye-opening film that gets to the heart of the problem. It may motivate you to make small changes in your lifestyle and become a part of the solution.
The Story of Bottled Water
- In 2009, Americans used enough water bottles to circle the earth 190 times
- 16 million barrels of oil were consumed to manufacture water bottles in 2009
- Manufacturing one water bottle requires 5 bottles of water
- Up to 40% of bottled water is filtered tap water
- There are more regulations on tap water than bottled water
- Most bottled water is filtered tap water
- 1 billion people in our world have no access to clean drinking water
Up to 40% of bottled water is filtered tap water. There are more regulations on tap water than bottled water. Watch Annie Leonard’s The Story of Bottled Water at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-leonard/the-story-of-bottled-wate_b_507942.html
Learn more about the myth of bottled water at: http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/
Join the Filter for good campaign at www.filterforgood.com
THEN GIVE IT UP!
Toxins In Our Environment
The TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) is a weak law that is over 30 years old. It was passed by the EPA in 1976 and grandfathered in 62,000 chemicals without any standardized tests. Since then more than 20,000 new chemicals have been introduced into the market yet the EPA has banned less than a total of 10 toxins. This lack of regulation and the corporate lobbying power of this industry have resulted in a preponderance of toxic chemicals in everyday products and a resulting increase in diseases like pediatric cancer, birth defects, hormone disruption, infertility, autism, ADHD and a rise in allergy related asthma among our children. Learn more about this issue, visit the following sites.
This video from Healthy Child Healthy World provides a wake-up call on the toxins lurking in our homes:
http://awakeupstory.healthychild.org/share.html
EWG’s Study of 10 Americans:
(This section is summarized from the EWG Video)
EWG (The Environmental Working Group) recently did a study of 10 Americans from around the country. The Red Cross collected blood from 10 random Americans and EWG analyzed the samples for 113 toxic pollutants. The results were shocking.
An average of 200 pollutants was found in each person:
- 28 were waste by-products like dioxin
- 47 were consumer product toxins including pesticides and flame-retardants
- 212 were industrial chemicals and pesticide by-products that were banned 30+ years ago!!
While chemical industries claim that the small doses of toxins are harmless, exposure to chemical cocktails during infant development stages can result in devastating illnesses which manifest years later. Many of the chemicals found in this study are associated with multiple illnesses:
- 134 are associated with cancer
- 151 are known to cause birth defects
- 154 are linked with hormone disruption
- 186 cause infertility
- 130 cause immune deficiency disorders
- 158 are neurotoxins like lead, PCBs that affect intelligence, motor coordination, ADHD and autism
Over the last twenty years, there has been a sharp increase in diseases. Most of us know children with asthma, juvenile diabetes, learning disabilities or ADHD.
- 84% increase in acute lymphocytic leukemia between 1975-2002
- Birth defects are on the rise – 1/125 baby boys are born with hypoplasia
- 57% increase in pediatric brain cancer
- 1/150 children have autism today. In some states it is approaching 1%
- Allergies and asthma rates have gone up x%
- Infertility issues have seen a 20% increase in men
- 1 in every 8 women will get breast cancer
- For all other cancers, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men are affected
Who were these 10 Americans?? What do these numbers mean? Can this really be so bad?
Watch the video to find out: http://www.ewg.org/kid-safe-chemicals-act-blog/kid-safe-chemicals-act-10-americans-video/
The Good News on Toxins!
On April 15th, 2010 Congress introduced the Kids Safe Chemicals Act. We are at a historic crossroad for this issue and we must support the work done by the environmental organizations so that the Safe Chemical Act is not diluted and is passed into law.
Visit EWG for more information and to pledge your support:
REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE
As consumers we must be responsible for our habits. Conscious consumption coupled with sustainable choices and behaviors can make a big difference. Your kids will catch on quickly.
REDUCE - About 1 billion people don’t have access to clean drinking water. Do you really need a tub full of hot water for a bath? There are many ways to reduce our consumption of products and energy:
- Buy food and household products in bulk to minimize packaging waste
- Eliminate unnecessary items from your shopping list
- Support products made from renewable resources
- Turn off the lights whenever you can
- Turn off the faucet when you are shaving or soaping
- Take shorter showers. Turn off the water when you are soaping.
- Make baths an occasional treat
- Use cold water when washing clothes. Get detergent that is made to work with cold water. This is a major energy drain.
- Line dry clothes in the summer
- Get rid of 50 items this spring
- Start a ‘Get a Gift, Give a Gift’ ritual with your kids. Help them donate old toys.
- Get your name off catalog mailing lists
- Print only if you must and print double-sided
REUSE – Today’s lifestyle is chock full of disposable conveniences. Americans use 380 billion plastic bags every year. Everything from plastic bags and bottles to paper plates, paper towels and napkins end up in landfills around the world or create toxic by-products in incinerators that burn waste. Plastic toys and bottles are swirling in our oceans and devastating our marine animals. If each of us can make an effort to replace disposable goods in our lives with reusable materials, we could reverse this trend.
- Stop using bottled water. 80% of plastic bottles end up in the trash.
- Put a filter on your faucet and use a stainless-steel bottle instead
- Bring your refillable stainless steel mug to your favorite coffee shop
- Carry reusable grocery bags in your car. Take them to the library, the mall or the beach
- Minimize use of paper towels. Buy kitchen towels and cloth napkins by the dozen. They can last for years.
RECYCLE - With a 47% recycling rate, MA is among the best in the country. Hopkinton’s recycling rate is just under 30%. Recycle everything you can. Find out what the rules are in your town. Ask questions if you are confused. Hopkinton is a self-sorting town, so residents are responsible for separating paper and cardboard from commingled containers which include bottles, jars, cans and plastics.
- Know the rules – download Harvey’s recycling flyer and review it with your family at dinner:http://www.hopkinton.org/gov/recycling/pdf/2010Calendar.pdf
- Convert old trash barrels into recycling containers using clearly visible recycling stickers available at the Wood Street drop-off center.
- Ask questions if you are confused. Email the Recycling Committee. Call Harvey.
- Milk and juice containers can be recycled. Rinse them out first.
- Cardboard can be recycled unless it is contaminated. So, rip off the top of the pizza box if it is clean and recycle it. Trash the soggy bottom.
- Plastic food containers labeled 1-7 can be recycled – just rinse them out.
- Remove lids, caps, corks from all containers
- Aveda has a great recycling drive for plastic caps. Bring the caps to an Aveda store or have your school sign up as a collection centers and Aveda will send you free shipping labels: http://www.aveda.com/docs/Aveda-ReCap-letter-parent-feb26.pdf
- Find out if you can donate caps and other recyclables to your child’s school for their Art program.
- Plastic bags cannot be recycled in our town. Avoid them.
- No foam packaging or toys
- Consider composting - Your lawn and garden will be the envy of your neighborhood.
How Can I Reduce the Toxins in my Environment?
The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) is a non-profit environmental watchdog group based in Washington D.C. that uses the power of information to protect public health and the environment. In addition to their eye-opening research, they provide a plethora of resources from household tips, cosmetic shopping guide, organic food purchasing guide to their powerful cosmetics database called Skin Deep. EWG is the go-to resource for information and guidance on minimizing toxins in your home.
Body Burden Test
Start by taking the body burden quiz at http://greengoeswitheverything.com/quiz.html to learn which household products are contributing to your “body burden” and how you can make healthier choices.
Household Cleaning Products:
Many common household products have potentially toxic ingredients. EWG tests show that common household cleaners release hundreds of contaminants including chloroform, benzene and formaldehyde which are known carcinogens. Heavy metal, phthalates and reproductive toxins were also found. Since companies are not required to list their ingredients, many products have a partial list or none at all. Avoid products with ingredients that you cannot pronounce. If you see a Warning, Poison, Caution or Danger label on the product, it is best not to keep it in your home, especially if you have pets or young children. Learn to decipher the ingredients and look for natural options with Green Seal or Ecologo Certification.
Be especially vigilant if you are pregnant, of child bearing age or have young children in your home. The safest cleaning solutions are those you can create in your own kitchen.
EWG’s report on cleaning supplies (by brand) and related toxins(carcinogens, asthmagens, etc.): http://www.ewg.org/schoolcleaningsupplies/cleaningsuppliesoverview
10 Tips for Safer Cleaning at Home: http://www.ewg.org/files/2009/10/school-cleaners/home-tip-sheet.pdf
Here are some safer brands you can try: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/buying-guides/green-cleaning-supplies.html
You can even make your own cleaning solutions at home using vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, salt and lemon. For recipes, go to: http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/all-natural-cleaning-solutions-00000000011547/index.html
- Sprinkle baking soda on half a lemon to clean countertops and sinks
- Add ½ cup of lemon juice to laundry to brighten whites
- Use lemon juice to scrub cutting boards, stained plastic containers and to neutralize odors on your hands
- Cut a lemon in half and toss in your garbage disposal to remove odors
- Microwaving lemon halves for 2 minutes will get rid of any residual odors
- Use a paste of oatmeal and water to scrub hands if they are extra dirty
- Salt added to detergent can help scrub pots and glasses
- Toothpaste is an excellent silver polish
- Vinegar and water is great for cleaning tiles, showers and countertops
For recipes, go to:
1. Real Simple website: http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/all-natural-cleaning-solutions-00000000011547/index.html
2. Women and Environment’s Non-toxic cleaning recipes: http://www.womenandenvironment.org/campaignsandprograms/SafeCleaning/recipes
* These products contain ingredients in EWG’s Ingredients to Avoid list
Personal Care Products
EWG detected 16 chemicals including phthalates, parabens, triclosan and masks in the blood and urine samples of 20 American teenagers aged 14-19. These chemicals found in cosmetics and hair care products are commonly associated with cancer and hormone disruption. Research shows that teenagers are highly sensitive to trace levels of these chemicals during the critical phase of their transition to adulthood. Teen participants used a daily average of 17 personal care products compared to adult women who use an average of 12 per day. Federal law does not require product companies to disclose all ingredients or test ingredients for safety before their products are sold. Babies are even more prone to illnesses caused by these chemicals as they absorb more chemicals per pound of body weight at a time when their bodies are still developing.
Skin Deep (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ )- EWG’s cosmetics database breaks down products into their individual ingredients and provides a hazard score based on the types of toxins and illnesses associated with them. It is an easy-to-use tool where you can search for specific products by brand or category or ingredient. Find out how the products you use today are rated and then find safer alternatives by clicking on specific categories such as Skin Care, Makeup, Hair, Nails, etc.
Download the Shopper’s Guide to Safe Cosmetics and carry it in your purse as a quick reference guide on what ingredients to avoid in cosmetics: http://www.ewg.org/files/EWG_cosmeticsguide.pdf
Learn more about the Dirty Dozen Ingredients in Cosmetics: http://www.thegreenguide.com/personal-care/dirty-dozen
List of Green Cosmetics from Teens Turning Green: http://www.teensturninggreen.org/get-educated/greener-alternatives.html
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:
- Antibacterial soap with triclosan
- Whitening Toothpaste with triclosan (look for baking soda toothpaste)
- Parfum or fragrance is a catch-all term for a chemical cocktail that causes hormone disruption
- Oxybenzone
- PEG and –eth
- Parabens
- Dyes
- DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl urea
- Nail polish and removers with formaldehyde
- Dark hair dyes with ammonia
- Anti-aging creams with lactic, glycolic, AHA and BHA acids
- Play make-up like face paint and nail polish
* These products (one or more ingredients) got a red hazard rating in EWG’s Skin Deep’s database
* These products have a green rating in EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetics database
Visit www.cosmeticsdatabase.com for more info |
