Get Eco-Healthy!

Want to know more about how to be “Eco-Healthy?” Here you will find useful information and tips on everything from pesticide-free pest control to avoiding toxic flame retardants.

Click on any of these topics to find out more:
Pest Prevention
Air Quality
Household Chemicals
Lead
Furniture and Carpets
Mercury
Art Supplies
Plastics and Plastic Toys
Playground Equipment

Pest Prevention

Pesticides are toxic chemicals designed to kill living organisms. Some pesticides are associated with cancer, birth defects, hormone disruption and nervous system problems. The use of pesticides indoors is particularly risky.

Fortunately, there are many alternative ways to control insects and weeds without the use of pesticides. Toxic Free Homes [PDF] provides information
on indoor pest control without pesticides.
For information on lawn care without pesticides, see the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Healthy Lawns website.

Air Quality

Moisture can lead to mold and mildew, which can be harmful to our health. See the Oregon Department of Health Services website for more information on mold and mold prevention.

Indoor air quality is especially important for children with asthma. This checklist, provided by the National Institutes of Health, can help you evaluate how asthma friendly your child care facility is.

Scented candles and air fresheners often contain harmful chemicals. Click here for information about air fresheners.

Household Chemicals

Cleaning chemicals can be toxic to children and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Check out this link for help finding safer cleaners and other household chemicals. For practical and easy-to-use recipes for cleaning without toxic cleaners, click here.

On the question of whether its okay to use bleach, keep in mind that there are effective alternatives to bleach. For example, Seventh Generation makes a set of cleaners with hydrogen peroxide, a safer, yet effective alternative to chlorine bleach. Click here for more information on disinfectants and bleach alternatives.

Lead

Lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage, lower intelligence and behavior and learning problems. For more information on protecting children from lead poisoning, see the Oregon Department of Health Services website. For more information or to attend a free workshop, that will equip you with a free lead testing kit, visit the Community Energy Project.

Mercury

Mercury is an element that was used for decades in fever thermometers. However, mercury is a known neurotoxin, so the less we use it in our homes and childcare centers, the better. Fortunately, there are plenty of good alternatives to mercury thermometers such as digital thermometers.

Furniture and Carpets

Some foams used in furniture contain toxic flame retardants, so it is important to make sure none of the foam is exposed. Check out this site for more information on how to avoid these toxic flame retardants.

Wall-to-wall carpets usually require toxic glues and adhesives to affix them. Also, more carpet space means more opportunity for allergens to hide and cause problems.

Art Supplies

Some art supplies can contain toxic ingredients. For more information on non-toxic art supplies.

Plastics and Plastic Toys

Even when plastic containers say “microwave safe,” using them in the microwave can cause the chemicals in the plastic to leach out into the food. Therefore, when microwaving food or beverages, always use a glass or ceramic container.

Click on the links below for more information on
* which plastics to look for and avoid;
* different types of plastics;
* the detailed science about plastics and health effects;
* plastic water bottles.

Playground Equipment

Arsenic, a toxic metal, can leach into soil from treated wood used for play equipment, where children can be exposed. Learn more about how to avoid treated wood.