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antibacterial soap
Thinking about buying some handy 'germ fighting' dish soap or bathroom cleanser? Think again. In all likelihood, those cleaners contain triclosan, a toxic pesticide that's marketed as an "antibacterial agent" but is powerful enough to threaten children's health and pollute mothers' breast milk.

According to researcher s at the non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG), triclosan

* may disrupt the thyroid hormone system, which is essential for brain growth in utero and during infancy.

* breaks down into very toxic chemicals, including a form of dioxin; methyl triclosan, which is acutely toxic to aquatic life; and chloroform, a carcinogen formed when triclosan mixes with tap water that has been treated with chlorine.

* pollutes the environment. Scientists surveying 85 U.S. rivers and streams found traces of triclosan in more than half. Studies done at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada show that triclosan exposure endangers frogs and other aquatic wildlife.

Dr. Stuart Levy, director of the Center for Adaptation Genetics and Drug Resistance at the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, says "No current data demonstrate any health benefits from having antibacterial-containing cleansers in a healthy household."

Nevertheless, the toxin is showing up in the most unlikely products: toothpaste, shower curtains, cutting boards and mattresses as well as liquid hand soap, dishwashing detergent, and window cleaner. It is touted by leading brands like Softsoap, Dial and Bath & Body works. EWG's research found it in almost half of 259 hand soaps.

What can you do?

* Worry less about germs. Medical professionals note that people who are exposed to household germs usually develop stronger immune systems and are healthier overall. Aim to be clean, not germ-free.

* Read product labels. If you see the words "antibacterial," "kills germs," or "triclosan," find an alternative.

* Shift your spending to safe, eco-friendly cleansers:

* Bon Ami
* B aking soda, vinegar and water
* Greenworks All Natural Cleaner
* Method Non-Toxic, Fragrance-Free All Surface Cleaner

For triclosan-free toothpaste, consider UltraBrite Advanced Whitening or Tom's of Maine , both of which are available in most grocery and drug stores. For other alternatives, consult the Safe Cosmetics Data Base.

For liquid hand soap, try Kiss My Face Self-Foaming Soaps.
go green live rich
With all the belt-tightening going on, most people seem ready to give up whatever eco-friendly actions they've adopted in order to economize. In his new book, Go Green, Live Rich, best-selling author David Bach makes a convincing case that saving energy and resources will not just save you money, but make you money, too. He offers four steps for greener living that could save you $10 a day every day of the year. They are:

1) improve your car's fuel economy: save $884 annually

2) seal leaks in your home to reduce heating and cooling needs; save $129.

3) adjust thermostat 3 degrees cooler in winter and warmer in summer: save $85.

3) Bring lunch to work (in reusable containers): save $1,560

Total savings: $3,758 per year, or approximately $10 a day.

And, says Bach, if you invest that $10 a day (instead of finding new things to spend it on), and you earn a 10 percent annual return (which you can earn through investments in green funds, by the way), in 30 years you would have $678,146.

So...before you conclude you can't afford to live green, do the math. Not only will you enjoy immediate savings, but you'll have extra investment income to help fill your green piggy bank for the future.

Martha Stewart Whole Living Radio - Martha Stewart has launched a new radio program on the Sirius Radio Network called Whole Living. I'll be a guest Wednesday, August 6, 10 - 11 a.m. Call in and say hello.

By the way, if you missed our live chat about gas prices at WashingtonPost.com, you can read the Q&A here.

Don't forget, to pass this information along to a friend, just click on the Forward button right below my signature.

Talk to you again soon,

 Diane's Photo
Diane MacEachern
Big Green Purse

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