 |
||
|
Over the past 30 years, more and more reports, institutions and research studies have been pointing at this increasing and devastating evidence: Our planet is heavily contaminated by pollutants of all kinds. Pharmaceutical toxins, dyes, preservatives, plastics, pesticides and herbicides, to cite only a few, are constantly being released in the environment and they are the number one cause of human diseases. For example, the recent explosion of cancer cases is directly linked to our exposure to these chemicals. Genetic links to cancer would only account for about 20% of our chances to develop cancer. The remaining 80% would be all linked… to our environment and lifestyle… As frightening as it sounds, we should not be discouraged by this situation and even less should we wait to take action. Keep in mind that if you create a demand for environmentally friendly products, you will ultimately change the politics of companies that would not have before thought of considering the environmental factor in their manufacturing. For your everyday life, consider making the following simple changes. Not all at once of course, but step by step, at your own pace. You will notice that you easily get used to them to the point of making them a habit. Do it for yourself (limit your exposure to toxins) and do it for the planet, which also has a self-healing capacity that will ultimately reflect itself back on the health of every living being. House cleaning Today's cleaning products are literally full of toxins, especially chlorine and ammonia. By using them, you expose yourself daily to their detrimental effects. Chlorine is known to disturb our hormonal system, which includes hormones of reproduction, but also growth hormones and glucose-regulating hormones. It is a highly toxic chemical, which is also linked to cancer, immune suppression, neurotoxicity, infertility, and so on. When combined to at least one molecule of carbon, it forms organochlorines, which are extremely problematic because our bodies cannot break them down. Thus, unless intensive sauna protocols are implemented, they accumulate in our bodies where they enhance our chances of developing diseases. Ammonia, which is also present in most hair dyes, is on the other hand an irritant (it triggers asthma attacks in sensitive people) and a mutagenic chemical (it enhances chances of developing cancer). In the last century, disease has regressed and life expectancy increased. Certainly, science and medicine have contributed their share into this turning point, but most importantly, hygienic conditions have dramatically improved in Western countries. In other words, if we are living so much better today, it is before anything else because, for a change, people had more space to live, waste and dirt were eliminated consistently and water quality controlled. It is not because all of sudden we were able to chasse every single bug of our house with a different chemical. So clean toxins out of your closets and get natural cleaning products (www.nettoyants-lemieux.com), or get back to some good old grandma recipes… you'll be surprised at how effective they really are! House perfumes If you are using products such as synthetic candles and house deodorants, you will want to switch to aromatherapy, pot-pourri, natural candles or Berger lamps (www.lampeberger.fr). Indeed, all the chemically scented products now available on the market to make your house smell good release numerous toxic chemicals, and especially formaldehyde (a carcinogenic substance). This has been reported for a while by several studies, but dramatically corroborated by a pan-European study published in 2005. Note that tea lights, which are made of paraffin (a petroleum-based material), also releases formaldehyde, in addition to styrenes and other toxic compounds. You can find natural products for your house at natural health food stores or La Coopérative maison verte (www.cooplamaisonverte.com). House painting Ecological paints and varnishes may take longer to dry but they are free of toxic chemicals and give a surprisingly nice result. You can find them at La Coopérative maison verte (www.cooplamaisonverte.com) or at Décorateur Montréal (514-288-2413). Healthy eating You think organic food is expensive? Organic farmers do not benefit from governmental subventions like others, and they also pay extra fees to have their products certified. Consequently, it costs more to produce organic. However, increasing the demand will make the prices drop, like in other provinces such as Ontario. To make bulk orders of healthy foods, you can contact the following organizations: Contact lense solution Boil a cup of tap water in a saucepan (preferably glass). Add ¼ tsp of aluminium free salt and return to a boil. Cool down, pour into a sterile jar and refrigerate or freeze for later use. Feminine hygiene Pads and tampons are bleached with chlorine and contain dioxin, another toxic chemical, which can both cross very easily the vaginal membranes. In addition, they pollute the environment as they are not reusable. For your health and the health of our Mother Earth, consider the following alternatives: Natural gas Did you know that "natural diesel" exists? You need to use it at temperatures above -50C, but otherwise it easy to make, and easy to use! When mixed to regular diesel, it hastens its biodegradation. To make your own (from vegetable oil), phone Je l'ai! at 514-284-5393 (159 Duluth, Montreal). |
||
|
4538 rue Saint-Urbain, montreal › 514 807 4864 › a-h.genne@corpusdiem.ca |
