The Slightly Greener Method

1. Small changes in toxin reduction lead to significant health improvements

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."

Incremental changes matter. The Slightly Greener Method emphasizes making small, sustainable changes to reduce toxin exposure over time. Research shows that even minor reductions in exposure to harmful chemicals can have a substantial impact on health. For example:

• One study found that after just one week of eating organic produce, pesticide levels in participants' urine dropped by almost 60%
• Another study showed that eliminating endocrine disruptors from personal care products for just three days reduced overall exposure by an average of 35%

By focusing on progress rather than perfection, individuals can make meaningful improvements to their health without feeling overwhelmed or deprived.

2. Everyday products contain hidden toxins that affect our health

"Remember, you don't have to (and couldn't possibly) protect your child from every potential toxin."

Toxins are ubiquitous. Many common household items and personal care products contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact our health. These toxins can enter our bodies through:

• Ingestion (eating and drinking)
• Inhalation (breathing in fumes or particles)
• Absorption (through skin contact)

Key areas of concern include:

• Food and beverages (pesticides, additives, packaging chemicals)
• Personal care products (fragrances, preservatives, endocrine disruptors)
• Cleaning supplies (harsh chemicals, air fresheners)
• Household items (flame retardants, plastics)

While it's impossible to eliminate all toxins, being aware of their presence and making informed choices can significantly reduce exposure.

3. Children are more vulnerable to environmental toxins

"Children are much more sensitive than adults to toxic chemicals in the environment, and their exposure to the toxins in the air, in food, and in water are far greater."

Protect developing bodies. Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of environmental toxins due to several factors:

• Higher intake: Children consume more food, water, and air relative to their body weight
• Immature detoxification systems: Their bodies are less efficient at processing and eliminating toxins
• Rapid development: Exposure during critical growth periods can have long-lasting effects

Key areas to focus on for children:

• Organic food choices, especially for items on the "Dirty Dozen" list
• Safe personal care products free from harmful chemicals
• Non-toxic cleaning supplies and household items
• Dust reduction and improved indoor air quality

By prioritizing toxin reduction for children, parents can help protect their long-term health and development.

4. "Natural" labels are often misleading; ingredient lists reveal the truth

"Rather than trusting what the front of the food package tells you (Natural! Healthy!) you need to learn to examine the list of ingredients on the back."

Read beyond the marketing. Many product labels use terms like "natural," "safe," or "dermatologist recommended" without any regulation or standardization. To make truly informed choices:

1. Ignore front-of-package claims
2. Focus on the ingredient list
3. Learn to identify harmful ingredients
4. Choose products with fewer, recognizable ingredients

Common misleading terms:

• "Natural" (not regulated by the FDA)
• "Fragrance" or "parfum" (can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals)
• "Dermatologist recommended" (often based on limited or biased testing)

By becoming a savvy label reader, consumers can avoid products with hidden toxins and make healthier choices for themselves and their families.

5. Organic food reduces exposure to harmful pesticides and chemicals

"Organic foods are those produced without using chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides."

Prioritize organic when possible. Choosing organic foods can significantly reduce exposure to harmful pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals. Benefits of organic foods include:

• Lower pesticide residues
• No synthetic hormones or antibiotics in animal products
• Potentially higher nutrient content (especially antioxidants)
• Environmental benefits (soil health, biodiversity)

When organic options are limited or cost-prohibitive:

• Focus on the "Dirty Dozen" list for produce with highest pesticide residues
• Choose conventional items from the "Clean 15" list
• Wash and peel conventional produce thoroughly

By incorporating more organic foods into your diet, you can reduce your overall toxic load and support sustainable farming practices.

6. Endocrine disruptors in personal care products can cause weight gain

"Some parabens and phthalates and triclosan have been labeled obesogens, which are a particular type of endocrine disruptor that can cause weight gain."

Beware of hidden weight-gain culprits. Many personal care products contain chemicals that can disrupt the body's hormonal balance and contribute to weight gain. These "obesogens" work by:

• Increasing the number or size of fat cells
• Altering metabolism and fat storage
• Interfering with hormones that regulate appetite and satiety

Common obesogens in personal care products:

• Parabens (preservatives)
• Phthalates (fragrances, plasticizers)
• Triclosan (antibacterial agent)

To reduce exposure:

1. Choose products free from these ingredients
2. Opt for fragrance-free options
3. Use fewer personal care products overall

By being mindful of these hidden obesogens, individuals can support their weight management efforts beyond just diet and exercise.

7. DIY cleaning products are safer and more cost-effective alternatives

"Compared to schlepping to the store, spending a ton of money, and using products that are harmful to your heath, making most products yourself for pennies on the dollar doesn't sound so bad."

Simple, safe, and economical. Creating your own cleaning products offers numerous benefits:

1. Control over ingredients
2. Cost savings
3. Reduced packaging waste
4. Customizable scents and formulations

Basic DIY cleaning ingredients:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Castile soap
• Essential oils (optional for scent)

Popular DIY cleaning recipes:

• All-purpose cleaner: Equal parts water and white vinegar
• Glass cleaner: 1 part water, 1 part white vinegar, few drops of lemon juice
• Toilet bowl cleaner: 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 cup white vinegar

By making your own cleaning products, you can maintain a clean home without exposing yourself to harsh chemicals or breaking the bank.

8. Regular detoxification of your home environment is crucial

"Hopefully by now, you've implemented one or two (or perhaps several) tips from this part to reduce dust and improve air quality—well done!"

Maintain a healthy home. Regular cleaning and detoxification efforts can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and improve indoor air quality. Key areas to focus on:

1. Dust reduction: Dust can harbor numerous toxins
2. Air purification: Open windows, use air purifiers, and add houseplants
3. Product assessment: Regularly evaluate and replace toxic products

Seasonal cleaning checklist:

• Deep clean appliances (oven, refrigerator)
• Wash baseboards and vents
• Vacuum and flip mattresses
• Clean windows and window tracks
• Declutter and organize storage areas

By incorporating these habits into your routine, you can create a healthier living environment for you and your family.

9. The 80/20 rule applies to toxin reduction and healthy living

"If you can buy safer products 80 percent of the time, you don't have to worry so much over the 20 percent of the time you can't control."

Balance is key. The 80/20 rule provides a realistic and sustainable approach to toxin reduction and healthy living. This principle allows for:

1. Flexibility in choices
2. Reduced stress and guilt
3. Greater long-term adherence

Applying the 80/20 rule:

• Food choices: 80% whole, organic foods; 20% conventional or treats
• Personal care: 80% non-toxic products; 20% occasional use of conventional items
• Cleaning: 80% natural or DIY products; 20% stronger cleaners for tough jobs

By adopting this balanced approach, individuals can make significant improvements in their health without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.

10. Slightly greener choices compound over time for better health

"Life is for living. And to me, that means tossing parabens, yes. But it also means tossing back the occasional Twinkie. And loving every bite."

Progress, not perfection. The Slightly Greener Method emphasizes making small, sustainable changes that add up to significant health improvements over time. This approach:

1. Reduces overwhelm and resistance to change
2. Allows for gradual learning and adaptation
3. Creates lasting habits and lifestyle shifts

Steps for implementing the Slightly Greener Method:

1. Define your "why" for making changes
2. Identify your top priorities (e.g., food, personal care, cleaning)
3. Choose 1-2 small changes to start with
4. Build on your successes over time

By focusing on progress rather than perfection, individuals can create lasting, positive changes in their health and environment without sacrificing enjoyment or quality of life.

Last updated: July 30, 2024