Plastics – Christy's Non Toxic Lifestyle

We Need Your Help!

Readers, I need your help!

A few years ago, I posted a very informational piece on the off-gassing present in one’s car, particularly during the summer when the sun and accompanying heat can cause indoor plastic components to off-gas, many of which contain a toxin we all know as formaldehyde. As part of my research, I included a study from 2012 on the least-toxic cars on the market.

The good news is that many manufacturers had noted they were phasing out some ...

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9
FEB

0

Allergies, Asthma, Healthy Lifestyles, Inflammation, Non Toxic Choices, Plastics, Prevention, Toxic Overload

Is Your Car Making You Sick?

Posted by: Christy Begien

I recently learned that the temperature inside a car on a hot July day can be 40 degrees hotter than the temperature outside. So, if it’s 90 degrees outside when I jump in the car, inside it’s a raging 130 degrees! Of course it’s hot and most everyone’s first move is to turn on the A/C to cool down. Not so fast, everyone! We’ve all heard how it’s not healthy to leave a water bottle out in the sun. The ...

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21
JUL

4

Allergies, Asthma, Healthy Lifestyles, Immune System, Inflammation, Non Toxic Choices, Plastics, Prevention, Toxic Overload, Travel, Travel Tips

How did I get PERC on my Party Dress?

Posted by: Christy Begien

“Tis the season…” of holiday parties and getting dressed in our finest clothes, often clothes that can’t or shouldn’t be just tossed in the washer and dryer. Is traditional dry cleaning safe? I don’t think so. Heard of PERC? Read on….

What is PERC?

It’s an acronym for tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene. (If you can pronounce these you’re a rock star!) PERC is the primary solvent used in 85 percent of the approximately 35,000 dry cleaners in the U.S. (Green American)

According ...

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11
DEC

4

Clothing Alternatives, Healthy Lifestyles, Non Toxic Choices, Plastics, Prevention

The ABCs of VOCs!

Posted by: Christy Begien

VOC? What does that mean? The Minnesota Department of Health states that Volatile Organic Compounds are “a large group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. While most people can smell high levels of some VOCs, other VOCs have no odor. Odor does NOT indicate the level of risk from inhalation of this group of chemicals.”

I’ll bet most of you have heard of formaldehyde. It’s a VOC and considered volatile because it emits a gas at room temperature. ...

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25
APR

2

Allergies, Healthy Lifestyles, Household Products, Immune System, Non Toxic Choices, Plastics, Prevention, Toxic Overload

My Updated Research is in on Non-Toxic Yoga Mats!

Posted by: Christy Begien

Okay yoga friends, I continue to get questions on which yoga mats are the least toxic and healthiest to use. I’ve had some great comments from many of you and I have done more research. I’m happy to report that my latest research shows that a couple of the mats I recommended in my first post are still on the list! I’ve also learned of some others definitely worth checking out. Criteria were based on possible harmful chemicals used, environmental ...

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13
MAR

2

Allergies, Cancer, Children, Exercise, Healthy Lifestyles, Immune System, Non Toxic Choices, Plastics, Prevention, Recycling, Toxic Overload

Spring Snippets

Posted by: Christy Begien

Spring has sprung!! Welcome to my “Spring Snippets!” In today’s post I’m sharing “snippets” or small pieces of MANY different, interesting topics I’ve found during the past few weeks that continue to help me and my family live healthy lives.

This time of year I am in full-on mode for Spring break – fresh, lighter foods, new opportunities for getting outside, new books and music that make me want to learn, laugh and dance! Each and every day I discover a ...

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30
MAR

0

Allergies, Children, Exercise, Healing, Healthy Eating, Healthy Lifestyles, Household Products, Immune System, Inflammation, Non Toxic Choices, Plastics, Prevention, Spirituality, Stress Management, Toxic Overload

Just Say No… to Toxic Yoga Mats!

Posted by: Christy Begien

Are you a yoga enthusiast? According to a 2014 article in The Huffington Post, more than 20 million Americans practice yoga. Yoga Journal estimates that practitioners collectively spend nearly $27 billion dollars a year on classes, clothing and accessories. For many practitioners, a yoga mat is their first purchase. Last spring I learned that many yoga mats, including the one I had purchased, are made from toxic chemicals that can pose a significant health risk. The next time you’re doing ...

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24
FEB

23

Allergies, Alternative Therapies, Exercise, Healthy Lifestyles, Non Toxic Choices, Plastics, Prevention, Toxic Overload