TIP TALKS

The Newsletter of the Toxics Information Project (TIP)

Autumn 2003

Director’s Message

What an amazing year we have had! From our first Advisory Committee meeting in November, 2003, we moved forward on a variety of fronts. We have created nearly 50 handouts on toxic chemicals in everyday life and healthier alternatives – and counting. We have established an exciting and informative TIP website thanks to professional web designer Meggan Gould. We began this newsletter. With the help of a $1,500 grant from the New England Grassroots Environment Fund (NEGEF), we put together an attractive traveling exhibit, and took it to health and environment fairs around the state. We gave out many handouts at these events. We sponsored several talks, workshops and seminars. Included were:

MARCH: “Understanding Neurological Health Effects From Household Chemicals“, for school professionals, led by TIP Advisory Committee member Lynn Tondat Ruggeri, PhD.

“Healthy Kitchen Forum”, Providence Cooks Show, RI Convention Center

APRIL: “Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Schools ”, led by TIP Advisory Committee member Charles Obert, certified pest control operator & sanitarian.

JUNE: At the RI Sustainable Living Festival, Apeiron Institute for Environmental Living, Coventry, RI. Seminar, “Healthy Homes, Healthy People: TIPs Toward A Less Toxic Life Style” Also, this event marked the DEBUT of our new TIP Traveling Exhibit!

JULY: “Less Toxic Living (Ways to a Healthier Life Style)” Interest Group at FGC (Friends General Conference) Gathering, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, PA.

SEPTEMBER: “Introduction to Less Toxic Living” Presentation at Highland Court

Retirement Living, 101 Highland Ave., Providence, RI

We had informational tables at: Earth Day Celebration, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, and the North Kingstown Environmental Fair, both in April; at a Breast Cancer & the Environment Lecture at Cape Cod Community College in May; at the Eco-Pavilion, 30th Anniversary ZAP Blackstone River Celebration , Cumberland, RI, in June; Channel 10 HealthFit Expo, RI Convention Center, and the Texas Instruments Wellness Fair, North Attleboro, MA, in October.

We are in the process of offering a series of Trading TIPs discussion groups. The first, “Introduction to Less Toxic Living”, was held at the café, 729 Hope Street, in Providence, in September. In October, we offered “Less Toxic Living: Personal Care & Household Products” at the East Side Marketplace in Providence. See below for information about the ongoing “Less Toxic Holidays & Gift Ideas” groups.

So, what do we do for an encore? What’s in the works for 2004? LOTS!

At the October 28 Advisory Committee Meeting, we decided on:

Becoming A Non-Profit: TIP is going to incorporate as a Non-Profit Organization in the state of Rhode Island and follow that up by applying for 501-C3 status with the federal government. This will enhance our fundraising by allowing us to make ALL contributions to TIP tax-deductible. (Presently, gifts and grants over $200 may be processed through our fiscal agent, the Apeiron Institute for Environmental Living for tax purposes)

Becoming a Membership Organization: TIP will recognize the commitment and concern of our supporters by including them as members through a new membership option. We hope to thus increase the feeling of unity and interaction as we pursue the mission of creating a healthier world for all.

“Less Toxic Landscaping” Campaign & Contest: Inspired by the “most beautiful holiday decorations contests you see at Christmas, we will be offering a variety of prizes for less toxic grounds, gardens & lawns on the East Side of Providence. Along with the contest, TIP will offer an educational program to help people, whether contestants or not, to learn ways to care for and enhance their property with little or no use of toxic chemicals. There will be full details in the Winter TIP TALKS, but those who might be interested in helping with the planning, please contact me – it is going to be creative and fun!

“Pet Peeves” Group: Animals are even more vulnerable to chemicals than we are – especially if we are not inclined to go out and roll in the grass and eat dirt. I’ve had reports of cats getting sick or even dying from going on a neighbor’s lawn (to which lawn chemicals had been applied). Also, one study showed that dogs in homes where 2-4-D was applied had double the rate of cancer. TIP is forming a group to address concerns about pets and toxics, and share information on healthy pet care. The specifics will be decided by participants, but it is expected that the group will include support for the “Less Toxic Landscaping” campaign among its activities. To be notified of the first Pet Peeves group meeting, contact me with your E-Mail address or phone number.

Meanwhile, enjoy wonderful rest of 2003! And check out our holiday hints below, and in the November and December Trading TIPs groups. Remember that “less toxic” is not about sacrifice for the “environment” – it’s about enhancing your life and the lives of your loved ones, being healthier and happier!

Liberty Goodwin, Director, Toxics Information Project (TIP)

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TIP TOPICS

WHAT’S A “HOLIDAY” ABOUT?

The holiday season brings forth in most of us a powerful mix of memories, expectations and desires. But, too often, our materialistic society channels all of this into a simple message: BUY! The pressure is intense to get just the right gift for everyone, to wear the right clothes, have the right decorations in our homes, and more. At TIP, we see this orgy of commercialism as even worse because it so often involves an increase in exposure to the toxics in everyday products against which we work all year round. And we see many of the “gifts” people give as not only diminishing the health of the recipient, but adding to the degradation and poisoning of our environment.

In misguided attempts to beautify, to be elegant, to “spruce up”, people turn to such toxic products as “air fresheners” (obscenely misnamed) & scented candles; carpet and dry cleaners, powerful antibacterial cleaners and bleach; cosmetics, and perfume. To save time, they store and microwave foods in plastic containers that leach toxins as they heat. They prepare foods in aluminum and Teflon-coated cookware, both the subject of serious concerns about possible health effects.

Then there are gifts to babies and young children of plastic toys, even teethers, that contain chemicals suspected of causing negative environmental and human health effects. According to the Ecology Center in Berkeley, CA, these include: direct toxicity, as in the cases of lead, cadmium, and mercury, carcinogens, as in the case of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and endocrine disruption, which can lead to cancers, birth defects, immune system suppression and developmental problems in children.

There are the heaps of often expensive presents, made using large quantities of energy and resources, generating toxic waste in the manufacturing process, which may be put aside the day after, or contribute to an already unhealthy and spiritually empty life style.

New Year’s has been for a long time my personal favorite holiday. For me it holds the deep significance of provoking a soul searching look at my life, where I have been, and where I’m going. It involves, at its best, a renewed commitment to the values I really admire, a determined effort to live up to the highest standard I can. I believe TIP as an organization is calling to us all to do something like that. TIP is about examining reality and pressing forward to a healthier and better future. TIP is about – don’t laugh – LOVE. Love in the sense of caring deeply for the health and well-being of all people.

Let’s seek now a renewed understanding of the meaning of “holiday” – Holy Day – a day dedicated to meaningfulness, beauty and joy. A day that brings out the best in humankind, not the most crass and superficial. Certainly we all wish to express our love for our nearest and dearest – let’s find more positive and life-affirming ways to do that! This will include not merely the avoidance of toxics, but the reaching out to give and receive that which will enhance our health and our lives. In the pages below, TIP will offer just a few suggestions for how to accomplish this goal.

First, a call to take a look at the forgotten ones, those left behind in the frenzy of activity, the excitement and pleasures. Fifteen to twenty per cent of the population have some degree of chemical sensitivity. For many such, holidays can be a time of greater exclusion, not joy.

CANARY CORNER

NOT WELCOME AT THE INN (PARTY)

By Liberty Goodwin, TIP Director

I speak of the “Canaries” – those who are especially vulnerable to the outpouring of not just things, but toxics. If ”holiday” means nothing more, it should at least signify a greater dedication to being kind and thoughtful to our fellow human beings, especially those less fortunate than we. And in a very real sense, this group is unfortunate indeed. These are the folks with asthma, allergies, pulmonary disorders, ADHD. They are the greatly misunderstood and maligned persons with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) and CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Disorder).

Think, as you celebrate this year, of what it would be like to never be able to go to a dinner, an entertainment, any kind of holiday gathering without fearing that you will have to retreat, sickened, before the fun even begins. Or worse, to know that there is no chance you would be able to tolerate being in a place where so many are expressing their sense of holiday spirit by dousing themselves with an array of chemicals in the form of perfume, scented shampoo, deodorant, skin cream and makeup. Where the room itself may be outgassing fumes from newly cleaned carpet or newly scrubbed floor and windows.

I have a moderate form of chemical sensitivity, so I am in the “maybe I can stay” category in everyday situations – but most holiday events are simply not possible for me. I am here to tell you, it doesn’t feel good! I may never again have the pleasure of going to the opera or the theatre, or a typical party, unless I choose to wear a charcoal filter mask – not comfortable physically or socially. I had to rent a portable oxygen tank in order to be able to attend each of my sons’ weddings. And this is the final indignity in a way. We who are struck with symptoms such as blinding headache, sometimes dizziness and disorientation, from chemicals know to be toxic by those who have studied them, are laughed at. Dismissed as a bit dotty, as having a condition that is “all in your head”.

Guess what? It IS in our heads. The most common offenders, perfume chemicals, (as many as 300 in a fragrance product), go directly to the brain and there cause neurological changes that result in the health effects we experience. Because, unlike substances ingested and processed by the digestive system and liver, inhalants are not purified by the body before reaching the brain.

I ask you then, this year, on behalf of all the “canaries” and other chemically vulnerable groups, to help us by:

Leaving off the perfumed products.

Leaving the scented candles unlit – or in the store.

Thinking carefully about the other products you use, and

choosing the least toxic possible.

Giving encouragement and understanding to the “canaries” in your life.

We welcome comments and questions about concerns of the chemically sensitive.

LESS TOXIC HOLIDAYS YESES & NO-NOS

Use less toxic dry cleaning and carpet cleaning (See TIPs below). Use non-smelly, non-chlorinated household cleaners and natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda. Avoid powerful antibacterial cleaners, whose overuse has resulted in microbes with alarming resistance to antibiotics. Don’t microwave in plastic. . For cosmetics & skin care, avoid phthalates and fragrance. SEE THE NEW TIP MATERIALS LIST OR TIP’S WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION ON ALL OF THESE. Seek less toxic holiday decorations such as organic wreaths found at: http://www.badgersett.com/Wreaths.html and unscented candles. Although you are probably not going to “eat healthy” at parties, you can give some thought to positive New Year dietary changes. Focus on toxicity, not just fat. They are related – toxics concentrate in fat. About kids – remember they don’t think the way we do, and they expose themselves in a way we don’t – rolling around on lawns, eating dirt & whatever. Keep a careful eye on products within their reach. My son Scott and a friend ate library paste at school once. They reasonably assumed that since paste is flour and water, it wouldn’t hurt them. Problem: The commercial kind was laced with rat poison. They both wound up in the emergency room. Remember that commercial products, even seemingly “natural” ones, may have chemicals added for a variety of reasons.

HOLIDAY TIPS

FOR PLEASANT, HEALTHY AIR

Don’t use air fresheners, scented candles, potpourri, incense and the like. They mask rather than remove odors. Air fresheners actually pollute indoor air with such potential carcinogens as paradichlorobenzene and limonene; scented candles produce polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, like those produced by charbroiling).

Avoid mothballs. These also produce paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene fumes. Air clothing that has been dry-cleaned outside if possible for 72 hours. Vent bathrooms and don’t use “air fresheners” and deodorizers…
(“Tips for better indoor air,” UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, Feb., 1999)

Better Solutions: Electronic air cleaners that are designed to remove VOCs (volatile organic chemicals); using natural cleaners that do a good job on mold as well as dirt. Not using household products that emit chemical fumes. Enlisting the aid of toxics/odor-eating house plants such as areca palms.

(See Taylor book, described on first page)

WET CLEANING AND AVOIDING PERC – TIPS FROM UCS, OCT. 2000 http://www.mixitproductions.com/prjmisc/guides/greentips/tip07.html

If you have any of the rebel -- or cheapskate -- in you, you've probably been tempted to ignore the "dry clean only" label at one time or another. Perhaps more than tempted if you've heard anything about perchloroethylene (“perc”), the solvent used by 90% of American dry cleaners. This toxic chemical can cause headaches, nausea and memory problems, is associated with various reproductive disorders and is a suspected carcinogen. While the workers at dry cleaning establishments, and their neighbors, are at highest risk from exposure, customers may also be affected. And when perc gets into the air and water, everyone can suffer.

Until recently, there was no alternative that was safe all around -- for your health, the environment *and* your clothes.

But now, you can have your clothes professionally wet-cleaned. Like home laundering, wet cleaning involves immersing garments in water (instead

of a chemical bath), followed by drying and finishing. But wet cleaners' machinery is different from yours. Theirs controls the elements most responsible for shrinkage -- water temperature, agitation and drying -- in ways that yours can't match. Their expertise is also superior, enabling them to customize treatment effectively to specific fabrics and stains. Preliminary research indicates high rates of customer satisfaction with the way clothes turn out. People say they look as good as dry-cleaned garments -- and smell much better. Depending on where you live, availability could be your biggest obstacle. If you can't find a wet cleaners nearby, ask your dry cleaners if they do wet cleaning too. You'd be surprised how many do. Unfortunately, the cost of wet cleaning is comparable to dry cleaning, so switching won't satisfy the cheapskate in you. But the rebel (and the do-gooder and the health nut) should be happy. And the clothes horse shouldn't mind a bit. Check out these links:

http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/chemfact/f_perchl.txt

http://www.deq.state.va.us/osba/factshts/wetclean.html

Source: Union of Concerned Scientists, Cambridge, MA 617-547-5552

E-Mail:  ucs@ucsusa.org

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HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES

After compiling over 100,000 laboratory tests, the Environmental Working Group has released a list of conventionally grown produce that is the most and the least contaminated by pesticides. Among the worst were apples, peppers, celery and cherries. Among the best were asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, kiwi, mangoes, onions, papayas, pineapples and sweet peas. Of course, the safest course of action is to buy organic fruits and vegetables.  Find the full list at: http://www.foodnews.org/reportcard.php

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CHEM-DRY CARPET CLEANING

http://www.chemdry.com/chemdrycleaning.shtml

Many people assume that the best way to clean is to "soak" their carpets and "suck" the water back out, the method commonly known as steam cleaning. But this soggy approach may have some serious drawbacks. It can dump buckets of water on your carpet and pad. Unlike the Chem-Dry process, steam cleaning frequently uses high pressure that forces water down through the carpet backing straight to the pad. When left behind, this water can create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria in just hours. Steam cleaning can also leave behind chemicals and soapy, dirt-attracting residue. Some steam cleaners use harsh chemical with a high pH, which can cause irritation to some people and perhaps a family pet.

Chem-Dry's patented Carbonating Cleaner is applied using a low pressure applicator that applies millions of microscopic carbonated bubbles into your carpet, lifting the dirt and grime to the surface to be swept away instead of being forced deeper into your carpet. Because Chem-Dry uses a fraction of the water, no pools are left behind that could breed mold and bacteria. Because it contains no soaps, detergents, solvents, enzymes, or other harsh chemicals, Chem-Dry's Natural® is said to be safe to use around your entire family, including your pets.

NOTE This item is based on Chem-Dry advertising, but seems to describe a less toxic process. TIP will continue to research carpet cleaning options.

LESS TOXIC GIFT IDEAS

People are besieged with piles of THINGS at holidays, and many homes become junk heaps of seldom used items. Less is more. Better gifts are action gifts, service gifts, practical gifts, attractive gifts that are less toxic and don’t take up too much space. Better gifts are fitted to the life-style and needs of the giftee, sometimes helping them toward a healthier modus vivendi, but not aggressively or obnoxiously. The ideal gift should be a combination of something the giver would like the giftee to have with something the giftee would really appreciate. Some concern is appropriate, too, for the reduction in sheer trash from wrapping paper and boxes used for a brief moment of glory.

MOVING OUT OF THE BOX

1. Think of giving services. If you are really dedicated, you could go in and give a thorough organizing job or house cleaning (using natural cleaners). We have several times given in-laws an evening of baby sitting as a gift. Think of what services your giftee could really use, that you can either do for them yourself or pay someone else to do, such as carpentry, or landscaping help. Think of cooking some meals for an older person or harried parent(s), or taking kids on an outing. One of our sons greatly enjoyed a neck massage we gave him while visiting Newport.

2. Similarly, you can give a non-material gift such as a trip to Bermuda, or a weekend at a country inn. You can give a boat ride or a theatre ticket. You can give a membership to AAA or some other organization – one in which the giftee is interested. One other often appreciated gift is a restaurant discount book – not totally non-toxic, but environmentally friendly – no piles of wrapping or stuff to clutter the house!

3 Think of making donations in their name to a charity or organization the giftee cares about.

4. Give someone a “Surprise Day” – you plan fun activities, places to eat/visit. The person receiving the gift doesn’t know what to expect! Some in my experience: A helicopter ride, roller rink, a show, Baked Alaska at an air terminal restaurant.

5. Give a class or workshop: yoga, dancing, life-enhancing or mind-enhancing topic, job skills, hobbies, general learning, time at a gym, a golf course membership, massage.

LESS TOXIC IN THE BOX GIFTS

Think ordering on line or through catalogues. Far more less-toxic gifts are available thus,

and it saves you hours of tromping through stores and crowds. They’ll also do the wrapping and shipping for you. A few clicks, and you’re set. Especially good for stuff like DVDs, books, etc.

2. God bless gift certificates! They can be very appropriate less-toxic gifts as long as the issuer is a non-toxic and natural type retailer, or at least neutral. Examples: Garden Grille or Whole Foods Market. There are lots of on-line natural products stores and catalogs that offer such certificates. Many folks enjoy the freedom to choose their own gift.

3. Think books and magazines. Think magazine subscriptions to publications that will educate, such as Utne, Mother Jones, Natural Health etc. If that is too far out for your giftee, seek one that addresses an interest and is at least not promoting toxic stuff or violence! Books can be educative on the joys of natural, or on environmental and health concerns, or they can be just entertaining or informative on other subjects. Think DVDs and other videos – especially good and positive ones that you would want everybody to be warmed and uplifted by.

4. Think of things made of natural materials that are a bit different, or fun, or beautiful, to buy. Think of solar garden lights and solar radios. Think of string hammocks, of organic wreaths.

5. Think of gift baskets, either assembled yourself or put together by a retailer. Whole Foods Market, for example, will provide a gift basket of selected unscented personal care products (or whatever).

6. Think of putting together a special calendar with pictures you have or some chosen by the recipient. There are several companies that specialize in making these to your order.

7. Think of electronic air cleaners, faucet and pitcher-style water filters, chlorine-removing shower filters. Think of toxic-eating house plants that purify the air.

8. Think of glass and ceramic tableware, storage containers, and bakeware. Think stainless steel pots and cast iron frying pans.

GENERAL THOUGHTS ON GIFT NO-NOS

Gifts should not be outgassing – should have low to no VOCs (volatile organic chemicals). Don’t give fragranced items – as in cosmetics, scented candles and “air fresheners” or art materials that are not clearly labeled “non-toxic”. Also watch out for cosmetics and some plastic toys that contain phthalates. Don’t give aluminum or non-stick Teflon cookware, or plastic food containers, especially for microwaving. Gifts should not be high in environmental pollutants. Watch out for some computers that emit unhealthy fumes when new. Avoid items likely to wind up in a landfill, like disposable cameras.

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TIP TALKS Autumn Issue 2003

SUBSCRIPTIONS/SUPPORTERS

NEW: Paula Goldberg, Chris Pontus, Domenic Bucci, Kathy Florsheim, Marcia Lowe,

THANK YOU: Meggan Gould, Chris Pontus, Lynn Tondat Ruggeri, Charlie Obert, Morris Bochner, Pam Webster, Patrice Pop

TOXICS INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP)

P.O. Box 40572, Providence, RI 02940

Telephone (401) 351-9193

E-Mail: TIPTALKS@toxicinfo.org

Web: www.toxicsinfo.org

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