GreenWeb is not primarily about
promoting better health, except where a better
environment can help, but our food and environment
are closely linked. While all
‘E number’ food
additives have been approved by the EU, many are
uneasy about how they may interact and how some can
be used to mask poor-quality ingredients, or may
affect the behaviour of children. You may want to
reduce your intake of additives by eating less
processed food – and of course these may also
contain undesirable amounts of salt or sugar. See
also the Food and Drink
section.
Walking the Way to Health,
Step
Out Caldicot, and
Abergavenny Cycle Group are GreenWeb members promoting
exercise as a way to
improved health. You may also join walks
arranged by the
Usk Conservation and Environment
Group. See our
Diary for more details. The
Ramblers Association will also encourage you to join their
activities.
Many women, and some men, are
conscious of the chemical cocktail used in
beauty
products. Manufacturers are regulated, but you
may prefer to avoid their products altogether, use
less, or change to any organic alternatives. But be
aware that organic beauty does not have standards
like food – ‘organic’ may not mean wholly organic,
though the Soil Association logo guarantees 95%
organic – and these products may do the job less
well.
Some suggest an approach based on
avoiding certain ingredients, such as parabens,
‘gender bending’ phthalates, sodium laurel sulphates
(SLS) and petrochemicals. WWF has a
Safer Shopping
site linked to its
Chemicals and Health Campaign.
There is more information on the
Ecologist web site.
Animal testing is of course
another matter for consideration. It is due to be
banned for beauty and hygiene products in Europe by
2009, but there will be exceptions where there are
toxicity and fertility risks. The
'Leaping Bunny' mark from an anti-vivisection
association gives assurance.
Toothpaste may also contain
parabens and SLS, and triclosan (which may encourage
bacterial resistance).
Palm oil is widely used in
soaps, cosmetics and shampoos, but rainforest
clearance for plantations threatens the orang-utan
and other species.
Choose non-chlorine bleached,
organic cotton sanitary protection – and do
not flush sanitary towels or even tampons down the
toilet, especially in rural areas on septic tank
drainage. Use recycled unbleached
lavatory paper.
Condoms that are flushed
down the loo often end up as unpleasant surprises
for sea swimmers.
Cleaning products can
contain many troublesome chemicals – lemon, white
wine vinegar and bicarb will do most jobs. Opt for
ecological products when buying washing powder etc.
Dry cleaning often uses a solvent,
perchloroethylene, thought by many to be neurotoxic
or carcinogenic; Johnson's GreenEarth system is perc-free.
Overuse of antibacterial
handwashes, wipes, etc. may eventually have the
same effect as overuse of antibiotics – producing
resistant bacteria.
If possible, choose (sustainable)
wooden products – e.g. furniture and toys –
rather than plastic or metal.
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