A HEALTHY EARTH MEANS A HEALTHY YOU

Since the Industrial Revolution, thousands of species have vanished from our planet. This constant assault on our environment from pesticides, dioxins, and poisons in our soil and water threatens the health of the whole earth. If we don't pay attention to the warning signs, we may eventually extinguish ourselves.

Start making healthy choices for your lifestyle today, because what's good for the planet is also good for you!

Less Plastic, More Health
Lightweight, durable and versatile, plastic is everywhere in our modern world; this is bad news for the environment and our health. Many plastics release vinyl chloride and other harmful estrogen-like substances that can lead to cancer, birth defects, hormonal imbalance, and lung and liver disease.

Some plastics are obvious, like the ones found in our TVs, computers, telephones, coffeemakers, water bottles, and food containers. But some plastics are less evident, showing up in carpeting, chewing gum, cosmetics, mattresses, sanitary napkins, polyester clothing, tissues, toilet paper and upholstery.

Cut your health risks by cutting out the plastic. Use glass containers, wooden toys, personal care products and cosmetics made with natural ingredients, as well as natural fiber clothing, bedding and mattresses.

Quit Plastic Water Bottles
Getting fresh drinking water is becoming more and more of a problem, especially now that we know that the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in plastic containers leach into the water. And all those plastic bottles piling up in landfills aren't good for our planet.

So how to get fresh, pure drinking water? The solution is to filter your water. I highly recommend this water filtration system, which filters your water direct from the tap. For your traveling needs, store fresh, filtered water in glass bottles.

Pick Unbleached Paper Products
Paper products are not naturally white. All white paper products are bleached with chemicals that leave behind a harmful residue of dioxin, a known carcinogen. This residue is found in coffee filters, diapers, lunch bags, napkins, paper towels, tissues and toilet paper. When dioxin enters the landfill as waste, it leaches into the soil, contaminating groundwater. Using unbleached paper products is good for both you and the earth.

Natural Lawn Care
Weed killers contain chemicals that are toxic to our nervous systems and have even been found to cause cancer. Instead of using chemical herbicides and artificial fertilizers on your lawns, fertilize with organic compost or manure, pull weeds regularly, and reseed any areas that are overgrown. Also, avoid cutting the grass too short, because this will expose the root system and leave the grass vulnerable to disease.

Pest Control without the Poison
Pesticide sprays are terrible for your health and the environment. The pesticides used to kill ants, roaches, and other pests are comprised of noxious chemicals that can shorten your life span. Research has discovered that children dwelling in households that use pesticides have a much greater chance of developing childhood leukemia. Instead of these poisonous pesticides, choose one of the many chemical-free pest controllers available at local health food stores.

Green Cleaning
Protecting yourself and the planet from toxic harmful products starts in your household. The first step is to completely stop using cleansers containing bleach or chemicals. These days, there is an abundance of natural cleaning products on the market, which are safe and will not pollute the environment.

You can even make your own cleansers. Diluted vinegar is an effective kitchen and bathroom cleanser and works for tiles, windows, toilet bowls, mirrors--even carpets. Another bonus? The acetic acid in vinegar helps inhibit bacteria and mildew. To make your own homemade cleanser, mix 1 cup of distilled white vinegar with 1 cup of water. For those tougher jobs that require elbow grease, avoid chlorinated powder and scour with baking soda or salt instead.

I hope you find ways in your life to be in health and harmony with the earth! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.