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Less Toxic Disinfecting in the Age of Corona

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In the midst of the current virus outbreak, many of us are seeking ways to disinfect. Be aware that some products that kill viruses in the short term, also contain chemicals that can leave residues on surfaces that may impact our bodies in the longer term. For example, Lysol Disinfecting Wipes get grade of “D” on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG’s) healthy cleaning product ranking, because the ingredient alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride is a potential cause for general systemic/organ effects, respiratory effects; and possibly developmental, endocrine, or reproductive effects. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes also get a “D” for the same reasons. Purell products have mixed EWG ratings so best to check individual product.

Aside from washing with basic soap and water (synthetic fragrance-free always a safer choice), the Environmental Protection Agency has created a list of disinfectants to address the virus, and lists hydrogen peroxide as a COVID 19 killer. Most sources are recommending a 0.5-3% solution.

Seventh Generation produces safer disinfecting products that use thymol as their main ingredient. While the product website does not specifically state that they can kill COVID 19 yet, the company attests that the products eradicate Influenza A virus, H1N1, Rhinovirus type 37, and Methicilin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The website says: “Seventh Generation disinfectants are not registered under the EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogen program at this time. We have submitted an application under this program and will provide an update here once EPA review is completed.”[1]  The brand CleanWell offers a similar set of products (wipes and hand sanitizer) using thymol.

Also for hand sanitizer, one natural brand we suggest in this case (overdoing alcohol isn’t advised) is Dr. Bronner hand sanitizer which uses ethyl alcohol, water, organic lavender oil, and organic glycerin. You can make your own hand sanitizer with these ingredients (solutions with at least 60% alcohol will work):

Though they do effectively kill various germs, no sources are specifically recommending the use of vinegar or tea tree oil against coronavirus. Be healthy! #CoronaVirus #GreenCleaning

[1] https://www.seventhgeneration.com/blog/coronavirus-information-and-resources

 

 

 

 

Drinking Dark Waters? Learn More About Why YOU Should Care About PFAS Chemicals

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When out shopping for kitchenware, for those of us tired of food sticking to pans, the words “non-stick” may catch our attention. Similarly, when we want clothing that can handle poor weather conditions, we look for waterproof fabrics. Though these products certainly provide us with convenience, the chemicals utilized to create the non-stick, water-proof phenomena can lead to serious health concerns. As now being shown in the movie Dark Waters, with activist actor Mark Ruffalo, the chemicals are called “PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances),” man-made substances developed as surfactants, which allow water, oils or grease to slip on the surface of the item due to the lower surface tension caused by the chemicals.

Some common household items that may contain PFAS (which may be identified on labels as “Teflon”, originally developed by Dupont) are:

  • Nonstick cookware (i.e. pots, pans, etc.)
  • Microwave popcorn bags; Fast food wrappers and takeout containers, grease-resistant baking paper, pizza boxes 
  • Personal care items (nail polish, mascara, shampoos, body soaps, detergent, deodorants)
  • Coatings used in upholstery, carpets, or rugs that resist stains
  • Cleaning products (polishes), Paints (spray or liquid), car waxes, varnish
  • Water-resistant clothing (i.e. boots, raincoats, etc.)

Additionally, PFAS has been detected around airports, military bases, firefighting training sites, and industrial plants. The areas surrounding these locations often show high PFAS levels due to the firefighting foams used for training or emergency purposes. PFAS contaminates ground water which, on Long Island, becomes our homes’ tap water. 

As consumers, we regularly interact with PFAS due to how many products contain the chemical. However, it usually takes prolonged exposure to PFAS before it begins to impact one’s health (usually via drinking water). When ingested, PFAS chemicals linger within the body for long periods of time due to their slow rate of molecular break down, gradually increasing their levels and the risk of disease over time. Studies have found that PFAS chemicals (as well as the variants PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) and PFOA (perflorooctonoic acid) induce the following at varying levels of exposure:

  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Kidney and liver toxicity 
  • Endocrine disruption
  • Increased risk of developing tumors (mostly kidney and testicular cancers)
  • Low infant birth weights

Though continually drinking PFAS contaminated water could eventually cause a greater risk of developing diseases, water filters such as Carbon (GAC), Ion Exchange, and Reverse Osmosis filters can reduce the PFAS levels in our drinking water to counteract the risks of acquiring illnesses. To reduce our exposure, it is also important to try and limit our daily use of products that contain these chemicals. Here are some ways we can avoid these risks:

  • Limit eating food stored in grease-resistant food wrapping such as fast food take-out containers;
  • Carefully read the ingredients of personal care products;
  • Purchase PFOA-free and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-free cooking wares such as stainless steel or ceramic;
  • Use less toxic cleaning products;
  • Contact your local health department or water district if you are not sure if your area is contaminated with these chemicals.

In regard to water filters, please be aware of the pros and cons of each filter type: 

  • Carbon is effective for long—chains (PFOA & PFOS) but has difficulty with shorter-chains (PFBS & PFBA); [1]
    • Cost of purchase and installation is less than Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis filters; 
    • Limited to the faucet the device is attached to. 
  • Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis are effective against long and short-chain PFAS; [2] 
    • Cost of purchase, installation and annual maintenance is more expensive than a carbon filter in the long run; 
    • Rather than specific faucets, Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis filters can be applied to the entire house.
  • NSF International tests and certifies products and systems, so check if your filter follows the NSF standards. [3]
    • Look for the following terminology on the product label: “NSF P473” or “NSF Certified to Standard P473.”

 See also:

  1. EPA: Reducing PFAS in Drinking Water with Treatment Technologies
  2. EWG: Removing Toxic Fluorinated Chemicals From Your Home’s Tap Water
  3. MSU Extension: List of household filters approved for certain PFAS removal

Fair Trade and What It Means to You

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I had the fortune to be able to attend the 15th International fair Trade Summit in Lima, Peru this past month, along with members of the NYC Fair Trade Coalition, and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of fair trade certified products. Products that are produced with a Fair Trade certification mean that care is taken to ensure workers are paid fairly, working conditions are humane, no child labor is used, and environmental sustainability is factored into production. They are usually “artisanal,” hand-made or in small batches. Some common fair trade products are coffee, chocolate, and sugar, as well as clothing, jewelry, rugs, and handcrafts. Guests brought beautiful examples of all of the above from all around the world! Quite incredible to see.

Several conference workshops focused on climate change and the impacts to farmers producing the materials needed to create Fair Trade products. The Cool Farm Alliance spoke about their Cool Farm Tool – an online greenhouse gas, water, and biodiversity calculator. One workshop I attended had a lively debate on whether all Fair Trade products should be organic, with arguments on both sides—while most people would love to see all products produced using materials that are certified organic, sometimes it is not practical depending on market conditions, and this can sometime be due to the cost of certifying and maintaining farmland organically when it comes to food products, for example. The topic of upcycling (transforming unwanted materials into higher value items) and circular economy (an economic system aimed at eliminating waste) were discussed in terms of ways to reduce waste in production, and also issues of race and class in international trade—who is producing for who? Is the system truly fair?

We visited a Fair Trade Certified pottery shop, a chocolate factory making candy from jungle cacao, and a textile weaving company. All incredible to see. When you see the work, time and detail that goes into making items, and the faces behind that labor, it gives you a much deeper appreciation for the products they produce. The final leg of our journey led us to the magical heights of the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu and many sightings of llamas and alpacas, the fur of which is used to make a plethora of Peruvian textile products. Overall an unforgettable experience that taught me never to take hand-made items in our stores for granted. You can make a difference — what we buy does matter—so always look for the Fair Trade symbol whenever possible. #FairTradeSummit

How to Help Groups Directly Fighting the Amazon Fires

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Do you feel concerned about the Amazon fires in the Amazon? We would like to share our research on the causes of this problem, as well as ideas on how you can help to make a change.

The Amazon Rainforest remains an integral symbol to our planet’s natural history. This massive rainforest that encompasses most of the Northern sections of South America is one of the last vestiges of ancient rainforest life we have left on the planet. Historically speaking, as a species, we have had a shared, yet complex relationship with the Amazon. It is important to add that to this day, numerous indigenous cultures live within its biome.

Unfortunately, due to the gradually increasing changes in climate over the last hundreds of years, and questionable relationships between governments, economies, and their people, the Amazon Rainforest has seen a sharp decline in its expanse, and its health. According to the Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM), the recent increases in fires are directly correlated with the increase of deforestation instances. The dry season months (May through August) commonly have forest fires, but not to the extent measured thus far.

Deforestation is the act of clearing a wide area of trees to change the purpose of the land. This practice was implemented on a concerning scale starting in the 1970s to increase their export rates of beef, soy and other agricultural crops by creating space for cattle ranching and the development of more fertile soils. In order to make these clearings, slash-and-burn techniques are mainly used. In the hands of a farmer inexperienced with the technique, or in a program regulating a mass scale of the practice, these fires can spread recklessly. After a decade of regulations which gradually decreased the incidence of fires in Brazil, the number spiked again in 2019 with instances as of this recent Summer season reaching an appalling 84,000+.

On a grand scale, if we do not save the burning Amazon, our “Earth’s lungs”, the rate of carbon emissions polluting the atmosphere will increase. We encourage our readers to take the time to research this alarming sequence of fires and what can be done to help contribute to the healing process of the afflicted lands, organisms, and peoples. Below are several nonprofit
organizations dedicated to such goals:

What Kind of Water Filter Should You Have?

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Water is a necessity for humans, animals and plants. As we take steps to clean up our oceans, lakes, and rivers, so too we must pay attention to the quality of water in our homes and communities. Municipal water treatment facilities are responsible for maintaining the quality of drinking water by removing many harmful contaminants found in it, but not all substances can be filtered away with one-hundred percent efficacy. Any contaminants that make their way past mechanical filtration systems tend to be so small that specialized filtration mechanisms may be required to sift them apart. The common household products we use on a daily basis such as dish soaps, shampoos and detergents may further contribute to the decreasing purity of our groundwater aquifers beneath the ground, which the source of our water here on Long Island.

We can take extra steps in reducing the pollutants in our groundwater by choosing less toxic products such as plant-based soaps and detergents found at health food stores, vs. the typical name brands which are petroleum based and may contain harmful contaminants such as 1,4 dioxane (as well as fragrances containing hormone-disrupting phthalates). Local wildlife also relies on a healthy water ecosystem—after water goes through treatment or our cesspool/septic system, it goes back to our waterways… 

We can also protect our own health through the installation of home water filters that target specific contaminants such as volatile organic compounds, pesticides, and other chemicals. And although purchasing a home water filter may be an expense, it is worth it to prevent the risk of illnesses, and is cheaper and less wasteful than drinking from plastic water bottles. Below is a list of some of the common harmful ingredients found in daily-use products that further pollute the quality of our water:

•   Synthetic perfumes/fragrances – common in lotions, soaps, detergents, shampoos, and conditioners.

◦   Impedes the lymphatic system process of cleaning your body of toxic antigens and wastes

•   Potassium Sorbates & phenoxyethanol – found in hair-care products and some cosmetics. 

◦   Can cause contact dermatitis, organ toxicity and irritates the skin, scalp, eyes, or lungs

•   Dimethicone – found in lubricants, moisturizers, and cosmetics.

◦   Can cause skin and scalp irritation due to the chemical trapping bacteria within the skin. 

◦   Non-biodegradable

•   Formaldehydes (DMDM Hydantoin, Bronopol, quaternium-15, and others) – found in cosmetics, baby shampoos, body soaps, and hair gels. 

◦   Skin irritations and rashes caused by skin PH sensitivity and allergic reactions

◦   Carcinogenic

•   Contaminants – unplanned byproducts of the multitudes of ingredients mixed into products.

◦   Are NOT listed in product labels due to the unpredictability of byproduct outcomes.

◦   Some known harmful contaminants:

‣   1,4-dioxane

‣   formaldehydes 

‣   polyethylene glycol

‣   polyethylene ceteareth

‣   talcum

‣   butane and isobutene

‣   coal tar

‣   Heavy solids (lead, nickel, and others)

Many types of water filters can be outfitted into your home to help filter out different contaminants. It is recommended that you have your home’s water tested to see which pollutants may be present. It may also be of benefit to check your county/state Annual Water Quality Reports as a reference to the general safety. Attached below are links to the New York State Annual Water Quality Support, and we encourage any readers out-of-state to search for their respective state’s reports. Additionally, please see our Water Filter Factsheet for a brief synopsis covering the types of water filters that can tackle the contaminants according to the specifications needed in your home’s water quality. 

Helpful Links:

NYS Annual Water Quality Report

View / Download: Water Filter Factsheet by Green Inside and Out

Recycling in Long Island is Changing

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Recycling in Long Island is changing. The U.S. used to sell much of its recyclables to China. But last year, China banned the import of most recyclables. Suddenly, municipalities including our local LI towns, had no place to bring their recyclables. The recycling center in Brookhaven actually shut down due to this change. Several towns switched back from single stream recycling (where paper, plastic and glass could all be mixed together), back to “dual stream,” meaning households must sort paper vs plastic & glass.

  • Three LI towns have stopped picking up glass: Brookhaven, Smithtown, and Oyster Bay (though residents can drop off at Smithtown drop-off locations).
  • Three LI towns — Brookhaven, Smithtown, and Southold — have also limited their plastics recycling to plastics numbers 1 and 2 (numbers are found on the bottom of plastic containers).
  • These above three Towns, as well as Huntington, Islip and Hempstead, do not accept plastic #6 which includes Styrofoam as well as many sushi takeout trays.
  • Plastic bags (made from plastic #4) are recyclable — at grocery stores — NOT in your blue bin municipal pickup.
  • All LI Towns accept rinsed out aluminum trays and cans. No aerosol spray cans.

Always rinse out containers. Another issue is “wish-cycling” or “aspirational” recycling, meaning putting items in the bin that are not recyclable. This can contaminate the pile, which is too difficult to sort, so the pile gets thrown out. Examples of this are paper milk or juice containers that are lined with wax or plastic. Note that many towns offer recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) at drop-off facilities. Recycling programs will continue to change as the U.S. improves its domestic recycling opportunities. Always check your Town’s website and calendar for details of days for pickup, and toxic substance disposal.

CLICK FOR SIMPLE COMPARISON OF LONG ISLAND TOWN RECYCLING: