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Denver green pets 101, do away with harmful exposures
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From TRADE SECRETS: A MOYERS REPORT
"The chemical revolution of the past 50 years has altered nearly every aspect of our lives. Many of the products we rely upon every day – from plastic bags to computers – would not exist without synthetic chemicals. Most of us believe the chemicals in consumer products have been tested and approved by some government agency. In fact, until they are proven harmful, most chemicals are presumed safe."
Program Transcript Teaser
NARRATION: They are everywhere in our daily lives - often where we least expect them.
DR. PHILIP LANDRIGAN, CHAIRMAN, PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, MT. SINAI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE: We are conducting a vast toxicologic experiment, and we are using our children as the experimental animals.
NARRATION: Not a single child today is born free of synthetic chemicals.
AL MEYERHOFF, FORMER ATTORNEY FOR THE NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL: With chemicals, it's shoot first and ask questions later.
NARRATION: We think we are protected but, in fact, chemicals are presumed safe - innocent - until proven guilty.
SANDY BUCHANAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OHIO CITIZEN ACTION: Years of documents have shown that they knew they were hurting people, much like the tobacco industry.
PROFESSOR GERALD MARKOWITZ Ph.D, JOHN JAY COLLEGE: Historians don't like to use broad political terms like "cover-up," but there's really no other term that you can use for this.
NARRATION: In this special investigation, we will reveal the secrets that a powerful industry has kept hidden for almost fifty years. Transcript continues
A basic Doggone Green action; eliminate toxic exposures for the whole family including your pets.
While Sarah Palin may have described herself as a “pit bull with lipstick” she might want to read the lipstick ingredient label. Do you know anyone who has put lipstick on their dog, cat or parrot or maybe dyed their dog or cat’s fur? A quick search on the internet will show videos of such absurdity.
The European Union (EU) has more strict and protective laws for cosmetic products than we do. In 2004 the EU banned the use of chemicals in cosmetic and personal care products that are known or strongly suspected of causing cancer, mutation or birth defects.
In the U.S. the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has asked, “Companies to make those same reformulated products readily available in every market they serve - both domestically and globally.” Seems simple enough; it isn’t. The campaign says, "While some companies operate out of ignorance; others know better and use toxic ingredients in their products anyway."
Cedar the Doggone Green Crusader reminds us, “While the chemicals in any one consumer product alone are unlikely to cause harm, it is the collective impact over time that puts pets and their people at risk. It’s estimated that infants and children receive application of three personal care products daily; men apply ten products and women apply six cosmetic products and thirteen personal care products.” A pet’s exposure to toxins is even higher.
How often are you using safe and pet friendly, non-toxic grooming and lawn care products? What about household cleaning product; dish soap, floor and countertop cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, clothes detergent and dryer sheets. These products contain all kinds of chemicals that are dangerous to pets, kids and their parents. Many have never been tested for safety.
Then imagine these harmful products going down the drain and making their way into the environment. In the end they are discharged into lakes, rivers and streams. It becomes a toxic nightmare for plants and animals.
WARNING: Read grooming product ingredient labels; if there isn’t one, don’t buy it! Eddie the dog, from Pets for the Environment says, “Pet (grooming) product manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on labels." Pets need grooming products made especially for them, free of harsh ingredients.
Remember, a pet’s skin is 5 x more porous than a humans; a pet’s life span is more compressed aging 7 x faster. Pets lick and put everything in their mouth. As a result they are more prone to ingesting chemicals.
Outdoor pet dangers include oil, antifreeze and coolant puddles, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other lawn-care products. Some people even spray pets with chemicals to chase away fleas and ticks.
What is a pet parent to do?
Get rid of harsh, toxic products; look for safer alternatives
Read labels, ask questions. Do you think the “natural” cosmetics and personal care products usually found in health stores are free of harmful ingredients? Wrong.
Do the research
If you choose chemical-laden products for the lawn follow the directions
Ask yourself this question, if a product has to be tested on animals why should I use it?
When walking your dog be reminded that other people’s lawns can be a toxic stew. Check with your city to see what chemicals are used in parks and recreational areas and when they are applied.
For more info:
Watch the pollution in people video from the Environmental Working Group
Trade Secrets with Bill Moyers on PBS
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