Learn About Green Living

a. Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Products

Many products we use daily—like furniture, toys, and personal care items—contain harmful chemicals. These can enter our bodies and are linked to health issues like obesity, learning problems, and cancer. Over 85,000 synthetic chemicals are in use today, but most haven’t been tested for safety.

For example, Bisphenol-A (BPA) was banned from baby bottles in some states, but companies switched to similar untested chemicals. This cycle of replacing one toxic substance with another puts our health at risk. Exposure can also lead to multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), causing reactions to even small amounts of chemicals. These dangers affect not just us but also animals, plants, and the environment during a product’s entire life—from making to disposal.

b. Environmental Pollution and Toxins

Pollution harms air, water, and soil, affecting humans, plants, and animals. Here’s how:

• Air Pollution: Dirty air from particles and gases can cause asthma, cancer, and birth defects. Toxins like mercury settle on plants and water, building up in animals and humans up the food chain.
• Water Pollution: Contaminants from farming, mining, and waste pollute drinking water, making people and wildlife sick with bacteria, viruses, or chemicals like arsenic.
• Littering: Plastic, metal, and glass litter harms wildlife—animals can get tangled or eat it, leading to starvation. It also ruins beaches and parks.
• Soil Contamination: Chemicals in soil from spills or industrial waste can make plants, people, and animals sick, with studies linking dioxin exposure to diabetes and heart issues.

Over 355,000 people die yearly from poisoning, mostly in developing countries where toxic chemicals from industry and farming pollute unchecked.

c. Climate Change and Global Warming

Climate change, driven by human activities, is altering our planet. Glaciers are shrinking, seas are rising, and heat waves are longer. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts a temperature rise of 2.5 to 10°F this century, causing:

• Northeast: More heat waves and flooding threaten homes, farms, and fisheries.
• Northwest: Water shortages and wildfires damage forests and infrastructure.
• Southeast: Sea level rise and heat impact health and agriculture.
• Midwest: Floods and heat affect farming and water quality.
• Southwest: Drought and fires reduce water and crop yields.

With the middle class expected to triple in 15 years, resource use will soar. Sustainable living is now essential for survival.