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News / Opinion / Letters to the Editor

Letter: Stop buying toxic chemicals

By Patty Page, Vancouver
Published: May 27, 2020, 6:00am

I wonder … How much healthier would the planet and its inhabitants become if we all made one simple decision: to stop buying common but nonessential toxic chemicals? Of course, I understand that the interpretation and application of that decision is many-faceted, and it might take some research. But understand this clearly: The best we get is a “danger” or a “caution” on some labels. Our government does not guarantee the safety of most products or ingredients, even those intended for our children.

So please, wonder with me for a moment. What if we all said, “No more cancer-implicated glyphosate-based weed killer in my yard” or “no more hormone-disrupting personal care products in my bathroom” or “no more asthma-aggravating artificial fragrance in my laundry”?

If we all said “no” to poisons that we have direct control over — to buy or not to buy, to use or not to use — would it precipitate a shift in consciousness? If even 25 percent of us made these deliberate choices for health and safety over comfort and convenience, what would be the ripple effects? How might manufacturers respond?

What better time to try than right now?

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