Did you know that April is ‘Earth Month’?
Or that four days ago (Monday) was ‘Earth Day’?
If you’ve not heard of it, Earth Day is global event to raise awareness for issues related to environmental conservation and sustainability.
The aim is to encourage people to take positive action for a healthier planet.
You can see more about it here: Earth Day
Earth Day was founded by Senator Nelson in the USA on April 22nd, 1970. It was supported by an estimated 20 million people in the United States, with rallies, protests, and educational programs across the nation.
This put environmental issues on the agenda at a time when pollution and environmental degradation were not widely discussed.
Earth Day went global in 1990, mobilising 200 million people in 141 countries.
Each year, it focuses on specific environmental issues. For example, “Climate Action” or “Restore Our Earth.”
This year the theme is “Planet vs Plastics”, with a demand for a 60% reduction in the production of ALL single use plastics by 2040.
Funnily enough, that’s what our new exclusive Good Life Letter Soapnut Liquid is all about!
Clean your clothes without chemicals –
Now comes in 100% recycled plastic bottles!
This all-natural, chemical-free laundry detergent is contained in 100% recycled PET plastic, an energy-efficient lightweight packaging material.
To put that into context, most recycled bottles are only made from 15 or 30% recycled material.
So this is a really green product – and is designed to stop nasty chemicals entering the waterways after they leave your washing machine.
(And it also stops those same chemicals irritating your skin and airways!)
We were supposed to launch our own version in 100% recycled bottles with recyclable labels a few months ago…
But as you know, we were beset by delay after delay.
So this only became available last Monday!
It’s therefore an amazing coincidence that we have launched our greenest ever product in the middle of Earth Month, and on Earth Day!
Genuinely, that wasn’t planned at all. It was a very happy coincidence!
If you want to find out more about Soapnut Liquid, and how it can help save the ecosystem, please take a look at this: Soapnut In 100% Recycled Plastic
While on the subject of the environment…
The latest news on ‘Forever Chemicals’ – are we finally waking up?
Earlier this month it was announced that the USA is introducing environmental protections to limit long-lived PFAS chemicals in tap water.
If you don’t know already, PFAS stands for ‘per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). They are more commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’.
And they are everywhere…
In our food packaging,… our clothes and bedding… our cooking utensils… and inside our bodies.
Even things we imagine are super healthy to eat contain forever chemicals.
For example, in 2022, government tests on 3,300 food samples showed that 95% of strawberries tested had at least one PFAS present.
They were also in 61% of grapes, 56% of cherries, 42% of spinach and 38% of tomatoes.
It’s good that the USA government (and hopefully soon the UK government) is waking up to the extent and severity of the problem.
But what can you do about it right now?
Well, sadly, there isn’t much you can do, bearing in mind there is now no place on the planet that isn’t touched by these pervasive beasts – even foetuses in the womb!
Buying organic fruit and veg might reduce your exposure to other chemicals used in the agricultural process, but it won’t stop you ingesting PFAS.
But there are a few things that might mitigate against the worst…
6 ways to minimise your PFAS exposure
You should avoid non-stick pans and throw away old ones, as they older versions contain higher levels of PFAS.
Consider installing a water filter that specifically reduces PFAS compounds, such as activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems.
Be careful of buying too many stain-resistant clothes and furnishings, as they contain high levels of forever chemicals. Look for items labelled as PFAS-free or made without fluorinated chemicals.
Some personal care products, including dental floss that is marketed as ‘glide’ or ‘easy slide’, might contain PFAS.
And try to make meals from whole foods that don’t come in plastic packaging. Certainly, avoid eating ready-meals out of plastic containers that you cook in the oven or microwave.
Also bear in mind that while it’s grim news that so many forever chemicals are in our fruit ‘n’ veg – avoiding those foods altogether would be even worse for your health.
For more information about PFAS, here’s a useful UK-based website to check out: PFAS Free