MOM’s UNITE!!! And you, too dads, aunts, and uncles…

Jennifer here.

I’m not an “overprotective” mom. I’m not a germophobe either. But right now, I’m on high alert for protecting the BLOOD of my 3 children from chemicals and I’m angry. I’m angry that I have to protect them from CHEMICALS at all. I’m angry that I haven’t had easy access to critical information about the products I have been using to feed them, clothe them, clean my home with or sleep on with them. I’m angry that my kids are getting poisoned even though I try my best to keep them safe and keep myself informed.

There is a glimmer of hope though, I believe, because information is getting out and mom’s are taking a stand and getting involved.

They are getting involved right now to help pass a new bill has been introduced in Congress called the Safe Chemicals Act of 2010 that could really make a difference in how we regulate the chemical industry.I am also hopeful because I know a lot more now thanks to groups like Healthy Child, Healthy World, Three Branches Healthy Living, New Living (of which I am partner) Air Alliance Houston, and more. I thought I was doing everything I could by giving birth to them naturally, breastfeeding, and eating a balanced diet. Little did I know……

Here’s the top 5 things I’m pissed about and I’m going to do something about it:

1. The BOTTLES I had to use when I had trouble with my milk production were likely leaching toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates into the milk they were drinking. Read more.
2. The PJs they were sleeping in given to me by generous and loving friends and family members were treated with flame retardants that can get into their bloodstream and cause developmental problems. Read More.
3. My own BREASTMILK was probably laced with chemicals. In a study done in 2003 women from the U.S. had the highest concentration of FIRE RETARDANTS found in our breastmilk. It was 75 times the average found in European women’s breastmilk. Fire retardants effect human fertility among other things.
4. Not to mention the untested, chemicals such as stain proofing or waterproofing on the fabrics in their CAR SEATS or the lead that is in the buckles. Read more and find out what’s in your child’s car seat here.
5. The PLAYGROUND. YES. The PLAYGROUND. Laced with pesticides, pressure-treated lumber that leaches arsenic, artificial playing fields made from crushed rubber tired that off-gas VOCs and the list goes on.

Why did those chemical companies get to DUMP THOSE CHEMICALS into everyday household products, into our COMMUNITIES into OUR KID’S BODIES??????  Why haven’t these products been tested or outlawed? Who is studying these chemicals?  Who is regulating them?  Who is protecting our kids?

VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLARS AND YOUR TIME.

Here’s 5 things you can do:

1. Read the book, Healthy Child, Healthy World, by Christopher Gavigan or Toxic Bedrooms, by Walt Bader to find out more you can do to clean up your home and community.
2. Learn about the Safe Chemicals Act of 2010 making its way through Congress right now.
3. Pass around this blogpost and tell your friends about how they can get involved, too.
4. Contact your legislators about the Safe Chemicals Act.
5. Come to New Living’s panel discussion on Wednesday, August 11th from 12 – 1 to learn about how the Safe Chemicals Act will affect our community.

I hope to see you soon.  Moms can and will change the world.  Even though we’re really busy, and tired, and working….

- Jennifer Touchet

Watch Steven Deutser explain how to “Nurse Your Home Back to Health” – Part of New Living Talks

As part of our ongoing New Living Talks series we have another fascinating speaker, Steven Deutser of Park Lane Builders and Park Lane Healthy Homes, to discuss “Nursing Your Home Back to Health: Understanding Your Home, Your Health, and Indoor Air Quality.” Deutser, a home builder and healthy home auditor, explains the relationship between energy efficiency and health. He also explains why our homes are integrated systems where indoor air quality is dependent on how our homes are built, what they are built with, what products we choose to put in our homes, and how we act in our homes.

In the first clip Deutser answers the question “What is a Healthy Home?” In the second clip he gives us a tour of the Park Lane/New Living “healthy playhouse” in the New Living Store. In the third video you’ll see Deutser’s full talk.

Steven Deutser answers the question “What is a Healthy Home?”

Steven Deutser gives us a tour of the Park Lane/New Living Playhouse

Steven Deutser’s full talk “Nursing Your Home Back to Health: Understanding Your Home, Your Health, and Indoor Air Quality”

Steven Deutser is the owner of Park Lane Healthy Homes. Through Park Lane, he conducts home energy audits where he assess both the energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and homeowner practices to determine the health of your home. Check out the Park Lane Healthy Homes website or come see the New Living playhouse  at New Living to learn all about what makes a home healthy and what products you can use to make your home healthier.

Keep a lookout for more in our New Living Talks series here throughout the summer.

American Lung Association event at New Living 6-11-09 10:30-11:30AM

Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors.  Over the coming months, as red ozone days are sure to come, and the heat index in Houston gets to 100+ degrees, we are warned to stay inside.  However, even without going outside, poor air quality can still be a problem.   Indoor air quality is effected by many of the everyday products you use in your home such as cleaning supplies, paint, furniture, mattresses, and building materials.  There are many healthier alternatives to these items that parents can use such as bleach-free dishwashing soap, no-voc paint, and organic mattresses.  Improving indoor air quality can have a positive effect on children and adults suffering from asthma and allergies. New Living and the American Lung Association are teaming up for a short session on improving indoor air quality in your family’s home.  There will be helpful hints as well as new green home products that are accessible and affordable for the everyday consumer.

Additionally, childcare and refreshments will be provided.

All attendees will be entered in to win free NOVOC non-toxic paint for one room in any color and a kit of non-toxic home cleaning supplies.

RSVP or register for childcare to:  CRedwine@breathehealthy.org

Meet at New Living on Kirby Drive in Rice Village (park on Times or Rice Blvd)

6111 Kirby Dr.
Houston, Texas, 77005
Thursday, June 11
10:30-11:30 am
Phone:  713-521-1921

Hope to see you there.