Low Tox Edit by Dagne Timuska

I’ve been delaying my first blog, blaming motherhood’s relentless “to-do list”. I’ll admit, I’m a procrastinator. But tonight, with a cozy fireplace on, I’m in a mood to get this out of my system as it has been on my mind for a week now!

On December 11th, I attended a local Green Party meeting as a guest speaker. Nervous and fluttery, surrounded by amazing environmentalists, university lecturers, and veteran science teachers, I felt like a minnow among whales.

Despite my initial self-doubt, I pushed through the talk and realized that my message resonated powerfully. We engaged in heated discussions, members agreeing and disagreeing, and I was relieved I hadn’t backed out.

So, what was my message?

I began by explaining the term “Greenwashing.” It’s how companies slyly promote environmentally friendly products through misleading tactics.

Terms like “natural,” “eco-friendly,” “green,” or “organic” have lost their trustworthiness.

Industries like beauty, food, fashion, and cleaning exploit our desire for healthier choices. Instead of investing in producing genuinely sustainable products, they pour resources into clever marketing strategies.

Take beauty products, for example. We desire high-quality, pure, and organic options, but brands twist words to hide adulterated, manmade “natural” ingredients.

In the food industry, labels scream “organic” while hiding high sugars and additives.

Similarly, the fashion industry masks unsustainable practices behind terms like “sustainable” and “recycled.”

The cleaning industry, in its greenwashing frenzy, presents products as plant-based and natural (think Ecover, Method, Astonish), but they navigate labeling laws to land products in our hands.

Labeling laws aim for product transparency, yet these industries exploit loopholes well. For instance, “fragrance/parfum” as a trade secret ingredient lurks in household items, from personal care to cleaning products. It hides thousands of undisclosed chemicals, undisclosed due to loopholes in regulations.

So, what happens to us consumers?

We buy these products, trusting label marketing, assuming they’re good for us. But often, without awareness, we expose ourselves to toxins daily, accumulating them in our bodies. We unknowingly carry a toxic load that overwhelms our system, affecting our health. By 10 AM, the average woman applies around 600 chemicals to her body. Men aren’t far behind.

When our bodies reach their limit?

We fall ill. Skin issues, allergies, joint pains, and severe health conditions like autoimmune diseases and cancer can ensue.

Consumers remain unaware of these risks as industries turn a blind eye. Our medical system doesn’t fully grasp that these toxins are root causes of health issues.

So, I urged our local Green Party to focus not only on renewable energy and sewage issues but also on raising awareness among locals. It’s about improving life quality and battling the pollution crisis in our midst.

During the Q&A, it struck me that this simple, straightforward message was necessary. Many working for our future needed a reality check: the work starts at home. If you want change, start with yourself!

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After this talk I realised how grateful I am to be in the position where I can help others to make better choices! Bringing awareness to those who want to hear my message is honestly the best! If you are someone who want’s my help check out my Home audit!

This talk got me into ur local Blackpool Gazette! See the full article here !