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Diswashing Detergent Ban in 2010

Beginning in select Washington State Counties this year, and statewide by 2010, detergent products, including major brands such as Electrasol and Cascade, will be removed from the shelves as part of a ban making it illegal to sell or distribute dishwashing detergents containing more than 0.5 percent phosphorus.

Why? Phosphorus in waste water is causing oxygen levels in rivers and lakes to be below state water quality standards. Phosphorus feeds algae blooms, and when algae die, their decay uses up oxygen, choking lakes and streams, suffocating salmon and other aquatic life. Phosphorus can leak into water bodies through industry and waste water treatment plants, storm-water runoff or even through faulty septic systems.

Low phosphorus dishwashing detergents that are safe for the environment include Ecover, and Seventh Generation. So, if you've already switched to these brands to keep your family safe, you're also saving the environment.

Source:
The Bellingham Herald

Toxic Teflon

In 2006, under pressure from the U.S. EPA, DuPont and 7 other companies promised to phase out by 2015 a cancer-causing chemical called PFOA (Perfluorochemicals), used to make Teflon and also found in grease-resistant coatings for food packaging (like microwave popcorn). In its place, the chemical industry is pushing new, supposedly “green” food package coatings.

Perfluorochemicals are found in carpets and on clothes, on fast-food wrappers, and on the inner lining of pet food bags. You might know them as Teflon®, ScotchgardTM, Stainmaster® and Gore-Tex®. They pollute water, are persistent in the environment, and remain in the human body for years.

PFCs are associated with smaller birth weight and size in newborn babies, elevated cholesterol, abnormal thyroid hormone levels, liver inflammation, and weaker immune defense against disease--all good reasons to reduce your exposure.

What can you do?
Avoid the optional stain treatment on new carpets and furniture.

Find products that haven’t been pre-treated, and if the couch you own is treated, get a cover for it.

Choose clothing that doesn’t carry Teflon® or ScotchgardTM tags. This includes fabric labeled stain- or water-repellent. When possible, opt for untreated cotton and wool.

Avoid non-stick pans and kitchen utensils.

Cut back on greasy packaged and fast foods. These foods often come in treated wrappers.

Use real plates instead of paper.

Pop popcorn the old-fashioned way on the stovetop. Microwaveable popcorn bags are often coated with PFCs on the inside.

Choose personal care products without “PTFE” or “perfluoro” in the ingredients.