Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Millennial Central for Seventh Generation. I received a promotional item and product samples as a thank you for participating. Regardless, all opinions are my own.
Ever since my husband’s cancer had come back I started digging deeper into not only the foods we were eating but the products we were using as well. What I was finding out was really disturbing to me. Because we also have three special needs children I was thinking about the impacts these products could be having on them as well. I knew that to be healthier, we needed to start getting away from all these chemicals, and so our eco-friendly journey began!
The eco-friendly journey isn’t always easy. Even still I find myself getting hung up on products that appear to be eco-friendly only to discover they’re not at all. The problem is that chemicals aren’t well-regulated here in the United States. In fact, Congress hasn’t evaluated the Toxic Substances Control Act since 1976! Do you know how much things have changed since then? Our products contain more chemicals and harmful ingredients than they did all those years ago (80,000 more chemicals actually), and reform is well overdue.
That is why I’m teaming up with Seventh Generation to help spread awareness about the importance of chemical reform in the United States.
When I thought about the health concerns our family had and how many chemicals we’re exposed to on a regular basis, I was disturbed to realize how many we have already been exposed to and how that can affect their health, and I knew it was time to make a change. I also determined that I would share my journey with others to help them eliminate toxins in their lives as well because it matters to me. My husband’s battle with cancer is hard, and if I can raise awareness on the importance of ingredients in our products, I may save another family from going through that.
In addition to cancer, scientists have also linked exposure to toxic chemicals to many other health risks such as learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s, asthma, birth defects, and various reproductive problems. Another scary fact? The EPA has required testing on less than 10% of those 80,000 new chemicals introduced to our products since 1976. Chemicals that can do that much harm haven’t even been tested!
It’s important to spread the word about these facts and make small changes every day to rid our homes of toxic chemicals. So where do you start? First, I want to invite you to sign the petition with me. The best way to invoke change is to spread the word about the importance and stand up for it! If we can collect 100,000 signatures (we’re so close!) the Toxin Freedom Fighters will deliver them to Congress on April 30, 2014. Our signatures strengthen this movement and help spread awareness as well!
So how can you make changes in your life? I invite you to check out my Natural/Eco-Friendly Living category for more on our story and how we have made small changes to get to where we are today. It starts with a decision to learn more and take what you learn to move in the right direction. When in doubt ask questions and dig deeper. I know I am always willing to answer questions for those that ask and point to helpful resources! We’re all still on our journey as well, and we can learn together!
Sign the Petition!
Please join the Toxin Freedom Fighters and sign the petition! You can make a difference! Don’t forget to use all of the sharing tools they have available as well!
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This is very interesting, I did not know most of what you shared. 1976 is a long time ago, and I hadn’t thought about it until now, but that makes sense that there would be additional chemicals, but that many? Wow! I will take a look at the petition….
I know, even as someone who has really looked into our products, I was appalled at the number!
Emilee recently posted…Toxin Freedom Fighters #FightToxins
I signed the petition! This is probably why it is said to only shop in the outer aisles at the groceries store.
Yes! Shop the perimeter. I always recommend that, but with reason. Obviously there are many good things in some of the inner aisles like dried beans, peanut butter (good peanut butter) ;), etc.
Emilee recently posted…Toxin Freedom Fighters #FightToxins
Just signed the petition. Let’s free ourselves from toxins and unwanted chemicals.
Kathryn Dilligard recently posted…http://www.thesiteowl.com
I have signed the petition and it is so sad that they haven’t redone this act since 1976!
I signed the petition. Time to take care of the human body.
Trying to keep your family healthy is a real challenge isn’t it? Besides normal concern, we have several family members with bad allergies, a 6 year old with autism spectrum symptoms, a father with chronic Lyme disease, and I (grandma) have diabetes and HBP, so I am always concerned about how to cook as healthy as possible on our limited income and available healthy foods. I will sign the petition for certain.
Diana Ward recently posted…Majesty Bells Windchime Giveaway
Yes, it really is a challenge! With all 5 of us having at least one type of medical challenge, it really does make us more aware of what is going on around us.
Emilee recently posted…FabKids Back to School Outfit (ends 8/24)
This is very interesting,will check this out further
WOW! Thanks for sharing your personal information with us and your promise to make an eco-friendly, all natural living for your family! I have to admit, I do purchase things I know are not always eco-friendly, however, I’ve been a lot more conscious of some of the decisions I’m making! Like The Lola Granola Bars, I would love to win that contest! I want to try them so bad! I try to purchase healthier snacks and not always potato chips and Tasty cakes! We had that scare with my husband several weeks back where they told him that they were pretty sure he had cancer! Needless to say for those weeks we were scared to death! It wasn’t until after the surgery did we find out that all the biopsies came back normal & clean! Thank God for that! So, I can feel for you when you talk about trying to keep things natural and pure! I’ve been working on my husband to eat better and take better care of himself! We’re working on it, however, it may take a while until I can get him convinced of a lot of stuff! I just was at the doctor’s for my diabetic checkup and he went with me and we discussed the food that he loves to eat! The doctor told him that he should eat healthier foods and if he has to eat the red meat, to make sure it’s very lean! So, I thank you so much for all the help you have been to me with all of your reviews, posts, blogs & comments! We’ll get there it’s just going to take a bit more time for him to process! Thanks again, Michele 🙂
Michele Ash recently posted…Best Sweetest Day Giveaway (ends 10/18)
I had no clue. I feel they are purposely trying to make us sick or this wouldnt be going on.
I feel that way often as well! Some health documentaries have been really eye-opening for me!