Day 15

We shape where we live just as much as it shapes us. Our home is a reflection of who we are, what we aspire to be, and what we value in our lives.

Think about your living space. Perhaps you have photos strung on the wall capturing precious moments or line shelves with mementos from your hobbies and passions. Even the colors of your walls can say a lot about your personality and life experience.Consider your furnishings, bedding, decor, body care routine and products you clean with. What story are you telling through your belongings? And how does your personal space impact your well being and that of the planet?   

Here are a few things to think about:  

Your bed: We spend a lot of time sleeping, almost one-third of our lives! Sleep is essential to a happy, healthy existence. But have you ever thought about what you are sleeping on? Many mattresses, pillows and bedding contain toxic chemicals that can negatively impact your health, including flame retardants, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Isocyanates.  According to a study from MadeSafe, these chemicals are linked to chronic illness including respiratory diseases and cancer.

Your furnishings: Furniture may be functional and decorative, but coverings, paint and even air fresheners contain VOCs, while foam and carpet padding contain toxic flame retardants. Exposure to these harmful chemicals is linked to cancer, thyroid problems, reproductive and nervous system diseases.

Your cleaning products: Cleaning is not always fun, but it’s even worse when product ingredients leave harmful chemical residue in place of dirt and grime. According to Women’s Voices for the Earth, chemicals have been linked to hormone and fertility problems, as well as an increased risk of cancer and respiratory disorders.  

How can companies get away with this, you ask? Unfortunately, chemicals are barely regulated at all in the US. In 1976, a bill was passed called the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)to protect people and planet from harmful chemical exposures. Yet 62,000 toxins escaped testing and most can still be found on the market today. Since 1976, over 22,000 chemicals have been introduced without any testing for public or environmental safety. Only 11 toxic chemicals are currently banned in the US. There is no federal law requiring companies to list all ingredients on products, so you may purchase products that contain dangerous chemicals without even knowing.  

Chemicals in products also have a large environmental cost. When you use chemical-laden products to clean your home, they wash down the drain and end up in water supplies.  Both wildlife and humans then drink this dangerously contaminated water. VOCs also contribute to ozone production, which can harm sensitive vegetation and destroy ecosystems. 

But as always, there is good news. You can begin to make your home a more sustainable, non-toxic place starting today! When shopping for new products, be a conscious consumer who considers organic, eco-friendly alternatives to decorate and clean. Making simple DIY cleaning products ensures you know all ingredients and saves money too!

Today, we challenge you to make your home a safe, non-toxic place good for people and planet.