When I head to the store I try to keep in mind that there may be a hidden price to pay for the things I buy, both in terms of human health and for the environment. On the health front, I may be unwittingly exposing myself to harmful chemicals through the products choices I make. My water bottle, for instance, may be leaching toxic chemicals into the water even though the water tastes just fine. And my brand new mattress may leave me sleeping in a bed of noxious fumes. Product manufacturing has plenty of negative environmental effects as well—things like the emission of greenhouse gasses, pollution of air and waterways and the destruction of wildlife habitats.
That said, I can’t afford to make the perfect environmental choice every time I shop. Just like food shopping, I find I’m faced with a constant trade-off between the environment and the checkbook, and in the case of home decorating, my personal style factors in as well. I buy “green” as often as possible, but I try not to feel guilty when it doesn’t work out.
A typical kitchen is filled with products for preparing, storing and serving food that make life easier and more convenient. But there is a dark side to that convenience. Disposable paper products, a staple in many kitchens, waste precious resources and typically are not recyclable. Plastic products are an even bigger problem. Plastic manufacturing is a highly toxic business that produces industrial pollutants that end up in our air and water. And to make matters worse, at the end of its useful life, plastic winds up in landfills and waterways, where it continues to release toxins and never completely biodegrades. From a health perspective, chemicals used in plastic production may leach into your food and drink or release toxic fumes into the air while you cook. Fortunately, there are plenty of ecofriendly alternatives to use in the kitchen.
Bring this plastics guide to the store to help you decide what to buy and what to avoid. Keep in mind that most plastics used for food and drink storage are classified by the recycling code found on the bottom of the product.
| Recycling code | Name | Common uses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 PET or PETE |
Polyethylene terephthalate | • Soda, water or juice bottles • Containers for peanut butter and other foods |
• Clear and lightweight • Typically for single use only • Easy to recycle |
#2 HDPE |
High-density polyethylene | • Milk and water jugs • Detergent and bleach bottles • Shampoo and cosmetics containers |
• Opaque white color • Easy to recycle |
#4 LDPE |
Low-density polyethylene | • Squeeze bottles for honey or mustard • Some plastic wraps • Food storage bags |
• Very flexible and strong • Can be hard to recycle |
#5 PP |
Polypropylene | • Food storage containers • Sippy cups • Syrup and ketchup bottles • Yogurt and margarine tubs • Medicine bottles |
• Rigid form • Can be hard to recycle |
| Recycling code | Name | Common uses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
#3 PVC |
Polyvinyl chloride (also known as vinyl) | • Some cling wraps • Squeeze bottles • Detergent and window cleaner bottles • Toys |
• Dioxin, a by-product of PVC manufacturing, is a known human carcinogen • Additives like lead or plasticizers pose further health threats • The least recyclable plastic |
#6 PS |
Polystyrene | • Styrofoam packaging • Clear, rigid takeout containers • Plastic cutlery • CD packaging • Medicine bottles | • Styrene, a chemical that may leach from polystyrene containers, has been linked to brain and nervoussystem disorders • Styrofoam does not biodegrade |
#7 Other |
Includes polycarbonate and other plastics | • Baby bottles • Water and sport bottles • Five gallon water bottles • Water filtration pitchers |
• Polycarbonate plastic contains bisphenol A (BPA) (See Health Alert: Bisphenol A below for more information) • Note: #7 is a catchall category for all other plastics. Not all plastics labeled #7 contain BPA. If it says BPA-free, it’s OK to use |
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastic, which is found in many water bottles, baby bottles and even in the linings of metal soup, juice and baby formula. The scary thing about BPA is that small amounts of it can cans for soup, juice and baby formula. The scary thing about BPA is that small amounts of it can leach out of the containers and into the food or drink inside. The problem is magnified when items are heated, which is commonly done in microwave ovens. Numerous studies have found that very low doses of BPA can lead to some pretty big health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, reproductive effects and even cancer. BPA has been banned in children’s drinking products in some areas and many companies are moving away from products that contain BPA but it is still very common. Look for BPA-free on the label when you buy plastic containers.
Keep your food fresh and the environment clean by using nonplastic containers whenever possible.
Heat combined with plastic isn’t a good thing. Minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals by keeping plastic out of the microwave.
• Use microwave-safe glass or ceramic containers only.
• Skip the plastic wrap and cover food with
• a microwave-safe ceramic plate.
• a silicone lid.
• ecofriendly wax paper.
• chlorine-free paper towels.
HealthyHintsAvoid plastic wrap made with PVC or plasticizers—unless you want toxic chemicals leaching into your food. Many brands now state “PVC-free” right on the box.
Don’t cook your fresh, organic food in a toxic pan. Traditional nonstick coatings can emit potentially cancerous particles and gases. Thankfully, there are plenty of great alternatives.
Some brands of nonstick have been simmering with cookware have been simmering with controversy over their use of per-fluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical that has been linked to numerous health risks and has been found in the blood of 95 percent of the population. Even worse, PFOA is a persistent environmental contaminant that does not break down over time. Making the switch to an alternative cookware is best, but if you still use nonstick pans, keep in mind that they are more likely to leach PFOAs if they get too hot (over 500 degrees) or when they get old and the coating begins to flake.
Pick up a used cast iron pan at a thrift or antique store. You’ll be saving resources by buying used, and it may even be pre-seasoned.
Do you serve your children meals on your best china? Probably not—and with good reason! If you’re like most people, you probably start out your kids with plastic cups and plates and paper napkins. If you are loath to buy more plastic (or just sick of having so much of it around your house), head to the thrift store to buy some inexpensive but durable nonplastic dinnerware. You might be surprised to find how fun it can be to collect mix-and-match pieces for your dining table. Who knows, you may like the look so much, you’ll convert the whole family! Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
Our lives are so crazy busy these days, we tend to eat and drink a lot on the run. And it’s easy to rely on disposable products like plastic baggies and one-time use bottles when we’re in a hurry. This just adds to the mountain of waste that is building up in our landfills and polluting our waterways. Switching to reusable products is easy—all it really takes is a change in habit (and maybe a small investment) to make eating on the go a much more ecofriendly activity.
Eating on the go can produce a ton of waste. Lighten the load (for the garbage hauler, that is) by going with reusable lunch and snack containers. Pack in a cloth napkin and some reusable flatware, and you’re good to go!
Beware cheap lunch boxes contain lead. Testing done that may contain lead. Testing done by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found that many soft vinyl lunch boxes contained high levels of lead. Because lead is a nervous-system and reproductive toxin, even at low levels, it is smart to completely avoid exposure to it. Be sure to check for the words “lead-free” on the label when buying soft lunch boxes.
Bottled water is an environmental nightmare. Do your part by kicking your bottled water habit and investing in a reusable bottle.
Investing in a reusable bottle could pay you back in no time flat. Consider that an average bottle of water costs you $1. Pick up a reusable, BPA-free bottle for under $10, and you’ll make your money back in ten uses.
Double the green factor by buying reusable lunch bags made from recycled materials. Look for bags made from recycled soda bottles, colorful recycled foil juice packs, reclaimed rice bags, recycled cotton and even old billboards.
HealthyHintsDon’t drink water out of bottles that have been left sitting in the sun! Nasty chemicals are more likely to leach into warm water than cold.
Your baby is precious. So is the earth. Give yourself peace of mind by choosing a bottle safe for both.
HealthyHintsBreast-feeding reduces or eliminates the need for bottles. That’s truly the best thing you can do for both your baby and the environment!
Sometimes you can’t avoid disposables. When you do go that route, look for ecofriendly alternatives like unbleached waxed paper bags, natural parchment paper and paper products made from recycled paper.
A house full of toys is pretty much inevitable when you have kids. But before you load up the toy chest, make sure those toys are well made from nontoxic and sustainable materials safe for both your children and the environment. Lead paint, toxic plastics, small parts—these are the reasons for thousands of toy recalls every year. Fortunately, laws such as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 are being put in place to protect children from many of these dangers.
No matter how hard you try, poorly made and even potentially dangerous toys will make their way into your house now and then, whether from a birthday party, an enthusiastic relative or just a bad day at the mall. When they do, use your good judgment to evaluate them for safety or check the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall list (www.cpsc.gov) just to be sure. When a cheap toy breaks, use it as an opportunity to show your child the difference between a poorly made and a well-made toy; they will grow up to appreciate the difference.
Meanwhile, you can help protect the environment and create a sustainable future for your kids by voting with your toy dollars! The next time you need a toy, skip the big box and head to your local toy shop or craft show and start asking questions about safe and sustainable materials.
Soft, cuddly, squishy, squashy. Fabric and plush toys are classics for babies and little kids. But because almost everything goes in their little mouths, you need to be extra careful that soft toys are well made and free of toxic finishes or fillers. Try to steer clear of environmentally unfriendly fabrics as well, like polyester and petrochemical-derived fleece.
The ideal soft toy for your young child would be:
While wood toys have never gone out of style, the popularity (and price) of plastic certainly has had an impact on the types of toys found in most households today. Wood can be an environmentally friendly option, although it is important to keep a few points in mind.
Toys made from recycled materials are more popular than ever. Hit a local craft show or seek out one of the many Web sites dedicated to handmade creations, and you will be amazed at all the whimsical and functional toys produced from repur-posed materials. Of course, if you’re the crafty type, you’ll want to check out the Do It Green sections for some fun projects using recycled materials from around your own home.
Use your imagination—you could make a toy from just about anything.
It’s virtually impossible to avoid plastic toys when you have kids. When you do buy plastic, look for high-quality, durable products from reputable manufacturers like Lego, Brio and Haba, and avoid the dollar stores as much as possible!
If you have young children in the house, or if you’ve got the craft bug yourself, you probably have a load of arts-and-crafts supplies around. Environmentally friendly versions of many of these products are available, so keep your eyes peeled and make the switch whenever you can.
Give a baby a spoon and a metal bowl. Who needs to go to the toy store?
BlackBerrys, iPods, video-game players, camera phones—what did we do without them? Make your playtime a little more ecofriendly with these helpful hints.
What parent would ever knowingly give their child a toxic toy to play with? Probably no one you know, but it can be harder than you think to monitor the situation. Up until recently, government regulations regarding toys have been mediocre at best. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 has helped improve the situation by banning lead and certain phthalates in products for children. However, toys made with these materials will still be hiding in the bottoms of toy boxes (and even on some store shelves) for years to come. It is important to be aware of these known toxins and to steer clear of toys that contain them.
Phthalates. Ever wonder how those cute little rubber duckies get so squishy? The plastic material often contains phthalates, a chemical used to add softness and flexibility to products. Phthalates are believed to be harmful to humans, causing reproductive problems and increasing the risk of allergies, asthma and cancer. Certain phthalates have been banned for use in children’s products by the CPSIA of 2008.
Lead. A heavy metal used as a stabilizer and strengthener in PVC and as pigment in paints and coatings. In humans, it interferes with brain development and can cause problems with learning, memory and behavior. Lead paint is now banned on products for children brought into the US, but numerous violations have occurred in recent years. If you have a toy you suspect may contain lead paint (brittle, flaking paint is a sign), it is easy to test at home, using an inexpensive lead-testing kit available at most hardware stores.
PVC. PVC, a plastic material (also known as vinyl), is commonly used in products for children, including toys, pacifiers and teething rings. PVC is hazardous to humans because it contains toxic additives that can “off-gas” into the air or be absorbed through the skin. It also emits dangerous vapors called dioxins into the air during manufacturing and when it is incinerated. Unfortunately, PVC is not part of the CPSIA of 2008, but kudos to retailers like IKEA and Target who have instituted a voluntary phase-out of PVC in their stores. (You may see the recycling code #3 or V on the bottom of a product containing PVC, but there is little or no market for recycling.)
Buy gently used toys instead of new. Most children won’t even know the difference—they’re just happy to have something new to play with. You’ll be amazed at how many high-quality used toys are available once you start looking.
Some of the best sources are:
The way you decorate your home says a lot about you—not only about your style but about your environmental values as well. You can let those values shine through by making thoughtful choices regarding the types of home furnishings you buy. Whether it’s a new couch, an outdoor play structure or changing the way you light your home, it’s possible to decorate in a way that is both pleasing to the eye and environmentally friendly.
Furniture is one of the bigger investments we make for our homes. Of course, we want it to be good looking and long lasting, but we should also expect it to be environmentally friendly and safe to use. The challenge is to find a piece that fits both your impeccable style and your green values.
When you’re in the market for new furniture, look for these low-impact materials.
A new type of sustainable certification is cropping up for furniture and other products for the home. It’s called Cradle to Cradle, and it ensures that the product was produced using environmentally intelligent design can be taken apart at the end of its useful life and be reused or composted.
Upholstered furniture is often treated with flame-retardant chemicals containing polybrominat-ed diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) that off-gas into the air and have been linked to thyroid disorders, hyperactivity and cancer.
When purchasing upholstery, try to avoid the following:
Most of us don’t have an endless budget for fixing up our homes, and buying sustainably produced new furniture is a luxury we can’t always afford. Fortunately, there are alternatives that are just as sustainable, if not more so.
Make the switch to environmentally friendlier light bulbs in your home. It’s a bright idea and will save you money in the long run!
Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) light bulbs use much less energy than regular incandescent bulbs. There are many benefits to making the switch.
CFL bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury, a highly toxic element. Use the following precautions when using CFLs.
When I first started to make the switch to CFLs, I ran out and bought a whole bunch of them, only to realize they didn’t work for light fixtures with dimmer switches—something we have a lot of in our house. Fortunately, I found that dimmable CFLs do exist. They cost a bit more, but they will save you money in the long run. My advice? Think before you buy!
Light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs are even more efficient than CFLs, and they do not contain mercury.
Enjoy the great outdoors, but don’t destroy it by choosing outdoor furniture that wreaks havoc on the environment. Choose deck furniture and play equipment made from these ecofriendly materials instead.
The Environmental Protection Agency requires a minimum of 30 percent postconsumer waste to constitute recycled paper. Read the fine print on the package and look for an even higher percentage. Paper made from 100 percent postconsumer content is available—you just have to look for it.
Keep a separate recycling bin for paper in your office at all times. It will help you get into the recycling habit and keep you from having to sort through the trash on recycling day.
Working at home may save on gas, but be careful not to cancel out those energy savings by generating unnecessary waste in your home office space. Consider these steps to green up your home office.
According to Co-op America, a nonprofit consumer and environmental advocacy group, the pulp and paper industry is the single largest user of water and the third-highest greenhouse-gas emitter among industrialized countries. Additionally, the chlorine bleaching process generates large amounts of polluted wastewater that contaminates waterways and can even affect our drinking water. Our dependence on virgin paper is also destroying old-growth forests and devastating the natural habitat for many wildlife species. Using recycled paper measurably reduces these negative impacts.
You may think of your bedroom as your sanctuary, but it may not be the best place to nurture your dreams after all. In fact, the eight hours or so that you spend in bed each night may be harming your health rather than enhancing it. Chemicals such as flame retardants and formaldehyde are commonly used in the manufacturing of mattresses, bed linens and pillows and may be slowly diffusing into the air you are breathing while you sleep. That’s not exactly the kind of bed-mate you would wish for!
When you make your bed with an ecofriendly mattress and bedding, you are also supporting sustainable agriculture and helping to keep petrochemicals out of the environment. Knowing that you are doing your part to help the planet should help you get the good night’s sleep you are hoping for!
Conventional mattresses are not exactly environmentally friendly. Typically made from materials like polyurethane foam, nylon, polyester and synthetic latex and treated with flame retardants, they are not happy campers in the landfill. They’re not healthy for people either, because most flame retardants contain poly-brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) that migrate into the air and accumulate in our bodies. PBDEs have been linked to thyroid disorders, hyperactivity and even cancer in animal studies. Here are some better options.
HealthyHintsNatural and organic mattresses are expensive, and sleeping on one may only be in your dreams. If you can’t afford one, and you purchase a conventional mattress instead, give it time to air out before you use it, ideally in a well-ventilated room.
One-third of your life is spent in bed. Use that time wisely by snuggling up in chemical-free bedding made from sustainable fabrics—it’s better for both you and the planet.
(For more information about these fabrics, see Chapter 5 about low-impact clothing.)
