You're not a bad mom if you use polycarbonate plastic.

by Jennifer Taggart, Attorney Specializing in Environmental Litigation & Compliance

You're not a bad mom if you use polycarbonate plastic. It seems that way sometimes, doesn't it? Often, we think that we are bad moms if we use polycarbonate plastic, that our kids wear pajamas containing flame retardants or have vinyl lunch-boxes. Of course, you are not a bad mom if you haven't gone green and non toxic. Or even started.

Trust me, I get it. It is overwhelming. Formaldehyde donors, phthalates, mercury, lead, flame retardants. The toxic alphabet soup of chemicals is paralyzing. Where do you start? How do you start? What the heck are phthalates and why should I care about them? How do you even pronounce that word?

And aren't the products we buy safe? Do I really need to worry? Don't the FDA, CPSC, DOT, EPA and all the other government agencies monitor and test consumer products for safety?

The truth is, however, that for some products, government agencies have no ability or authority to require pre-market testing. Take cosmetics, which includes baby bath products. The FDA has authority over cosmetics, but that authority is limited. As the FDA readily admits on its website, cosmetic manufacturers can use virtually any ingredient in their products without testing for safety, and the FDA does not conduct any premarket testing. The FDA has banned 9 ingredients in cosmetics. In comparison, the EU has banned over 1,100. That's a little scary. Actually, it is a lot scary.

But who has time to do figure out what is safe or not? Especially when you are trying to get the shopping done. Or just make it through the day.

Come and learn how easy it can be. Truly. With just a few simple steps, you can reduce or eliminate toxic chemical exposures. At the “Navigating in a Toxic World: How to Steer Clear of Toxic Baby Toys and More” class, we'll talk about potential exposures and how to reduce them. We will talk about whether you really need to avoid polycarbonate plastic, whether you need to buy organic or not, how you can reduce exposure to lead in the home, and more. We will talk about how you can save money while going green and more.

Trust me - I get it. I've got 2 kids, a husband, 2 dogs, a guinea pig and a job. I know it seems like just one more thing, and something that changes daily. But we will break down the issues together, and talk about easy solutions. You can hug that tree without getting dirty.

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Join Jennifer Taggart in The Pump Station & Nurtury’s™ Hot Topic Lecture "Navigating in a Toxic World: How to Steer Clear of Toxic Baby Toys and More"

Hollywood: March 5th and May 28th, 323-469-5300
Santa Monica: June 4th, 310-998-1981