December 2010 Newsletter

Greetings!

So, almost all the holiday parties are over, maybe just one or two left.  You might be too busy to slow down, but it is a great time to look back at what you’ve accomplished and what you haven’t, and time to set up new goals for the coming year.  When you think about your personal goals in the areas of financial, physical, mental (spiritual), and relationships, I would like you to consider including “Green Living” as well.

 

Here are some ideas that Natural Medicine Doctor, Michelle Schoffro Cook recommends for you to be healthier by taking initiatives on green living.

1. Avoid chemical cleaning products in favor of natural cleaning ones.  Baking soda, vinegar, or orange oil can replace almost any chemical cleaner.

 

2. Avoid chemical pesticides at home. Use baking soda with sugar or peppermint oil.

 

3. Toss the non-stick pans.  Teflon, Silverstone and other coatings emit harmful perflourochemicals (PFCs).  The EPA classifies them as carcinogens.

 

4. Choose no-VOC paints for your home.  VOCs are volatile organic compounds, many of which are linked to cancer.

 

5. Stop microwaving your food.  Microwaving changes the protein structure of food making it potentially-harmful to your body.  Microwaves also emit radiation that can be damaging to people standing near them.

 

6. Eliminate mold.  A few drops of tea tree oil can be used on a cloth to wipe down walls, floors, and other surfaces to help kill mold.

 

7. Switch from sponges to natural cloths for cleaning.  Most sponges have been treated with a chemical called triclosan, which is toxic to the skin and immune system.

 

8. Stop using fragrances.  Most perfumes and colognes, scented candles, plug-in air “fresheners,” pot pourri, laundry soap, fabric softeners and dryer sheets are loaded with toxic ingredients that have been linked to hormonal imbalances, mood swings, fatigue, brain damage, and many other symptoms.

 

9. Don’t heat food or store it in plastic.  Most plastic contains bisphenol-A (BPA) that migrates into the food stored in these containers.  BPA has been linked to thyroid and other hormonal problems.

 

10. Don’t use mothballs.  Mothballs contain paradichlorobenzene which is seriously toxic.  Instead choose sachets made with natural herbs and essential oils like rosemary, lavender, thyme, and mint, which are natural moth-repellants.