As parents, we want to provide the best of everything to our children; the best food, the healthiest snacks, the safest toys, in a safe environment. But, many parents are missing one of their most important jobs, making sure our children are not exposed to toxic chemicals.
Lurking everywhere, whether a classroom, kitchen, bedroom, bath or toy box, can be chemical hotbeds that can make your kids sick. Even if parents are in tune with what they’ve heard about dangerous plastics and the toxicity of perfumed air, many don’t know where to look for the most nasty and dangerous sources.
If you’re looking to protect your family, there are places to go to learn more. The Washington Toxics Coalition is a great source here in the Northwest. 21 Acres upcoming class, “Health-Wise and Chemical-Smart: How to Reduce Your Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals,” is geared toward parents, families and anyone who wants safer homes and products.
Held on three consecutive Mondays, beginning October 22, 6:30 to 8 p.m., the class if offered as part of the 21 Acres School curriculum, located in the new green Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living at 13701 NE 171st St., Woodinville, WA 98072
Topics covered in the three sessions are:
- Session 1: Are you concerned about toxics in your home and body? Find out which toxic chemicals, present in everyday products, threaten the health of your family and how these chemicals are linked to cancer, infertility, and learning disabilities.
- Session 2: The myth of safety: Why government agencies ignore the safety of our toys, furniture, and other household products. Learn how chemicals are "innocent until proven guilty" and how Washington state has become a leader in getting toxics out of products like children's pajamas and toys.
- Session 3: Become a toxics-buster! Find out how to bust the toxic chemicals that have invaded our homes and threaten the health of your family. Learn how to make better choices in the products you choose, how to care for your home and garden, and how to eliminate the most toxic chemicals from our lives. Make your own safer all-purpose cleaner to use in your home.
Instructor is Erika Schreder, Staff Scientist, who leads the Washington Toxics Coalition’s research program. Enrollment in the 21 Acres School is required. Course fee is $80 or $70 for 21 Acres members. Interested students may enroll and register one of three ways: 21acres.org/school; phone: 425-481-1500; or e-mail: deb@21acres.org.
