Environmental Defence's Top Tips for Detoxing Your Holidays

Do you know which harmful chemicals can be lurking in your home over the holidays? Keep your celebrations merry and nontoxic with these tips, courtesy of Environmental Defence.

Deck the halls

• Keep in mind that chemicals such as lead and PVC can lurk in decorations, including tinsel, lights, and artificial trees.
• When it comes to plastic ornaments, many are made with phthalates—a group of chemicals in plastics that have been linked to asthma and cancer.
• What do? Choose a real tree if possible, and opt for natural decorations too.

Giving to our little ones

When giving presents to our little munchkins, make sure that the goodies you choose are safe and free of harmful toxins. And because kids’ little bodies are still developing, they’re much more susceptible to harmful effects than us grown-ups are.

• Personal care products for little ones, such as bubble baths, can contain a multitude of irritating ingredients. Learn what to steer clear of, and how to find safer options.
• Beware of flame retardants. Believe it or not, these chemicals can be added to children’s clothing, PJs, toys, and electronics. Look for natural options that aren’t treated with these chemicals, and check out our article “Flame Retardants” for more info.
• Teething or not, kids often put toys in their mouths, further exposing them to chemicals such as lead in paints and cadmium in jewellery. Environmental Defence recommends looking for materials such as wood, stainless steel, and organic cotton.
• You can also check out our gift guides from this year and last year for safer gifts for kids.

Making a few simple adjustments means a safer, merrier holiday for everyone!