Chemicals. Chemicals. Chemicals. Chemicals in Your Hair. Chemicals in the Air. Chemicals, Chemicals, Everywhere.
What epitomizes our industrialized lives more than the omnipresence of chemicals? They are in our food and drinks, our clothing, furniture, and walls. These chemicals are found in numerous household products, our medications ranging from over-the-counter drugs to antibiotics and vaccines, and even in children's toys, dinnerware, and teething items. They saturate our gardens, yards, garages, cookware, bakeware, and eating utensils. Virtually everything we and our children encounter, whether consumed or simply exposed to, is tainted with chemicals.
The Word Wildlife Fund famously stated that we ingest, on average, the equivalent of a credit card's worth of plastic every week. Numerous studies have detected high levels of glyphosate in human urine; a notable study from UCSF found that 93% of its participants tested positive for this chemical. Whether these substances are beneficial, benign, or harmful is not the main concern. The fact remains that our bodies and brains have been inundated with a plethora of synthetic compounds. Regardless of whether they are artificially or naturally derived, they deviate from our body’s innate composition.
Over the past 50 years, we've witnessed a disturbing surge in chronic diseases affecting both the body and mind. This epidemic has raised many questions about its root causes, with various factors being scrutinized. It could be argued that one significant change during this period has been the proliferation of chemicals in our daily lives. Pinpointing a single agent as the definitive cause of these diseases is a monumental challenge. However, one thing is crystal clear: these chemicals are not inert. As we grapple with understanding their impacts, we must recognize that they've become integral to nearly every industry sustaining the American populace.
It's as if the 'Big Chemical' industry has woven its influence into every facet of American enterprise: Big Food and Drink, Big Agriculture, Big Pharma, Big Medicine and Healthcare, Big Tech, Big Energy, and Big Retail. Each of these sectors employs or integrates chemicals in some manner and to different extents—be it prominently (as in Big Food and Big Pharma) or more subtly (like Big Tech). The final recipients of these chemical-saturated products from all these industries? It's us—the individuals. Children, parents, grandparents, our pets, wildlife, and even Mother Nature herself.
What concerns me is the often-underestimated capacity of our bodies to absorb these chemical incursions. These chemicals have the potential to integrate into our most fundamental cellular functions, impacting the very systems that sustain human life. We continue with our daily routines, and these industries operate as usual, with the prevailing belief that medicine and technology will counteract the effects of these chemical aggressors. Yet, when the treatments intended to heal us from this chemical onslaught also contain synthetic compounds, can we truly be confident that we're moving towards a genuine improvement?
Governmental regulation of these industries presents itself as the champion defending the American people from the chemical onslaught perpetuated by these very sectors. However, when the senior-ranking official from a regulatory body conveniently finds a position on the board of a significant industry they once 'regulated' shortly after their tenure, it raises serious questions about the genuineness of their intent. The age-old adage proves true yet again: the love of money is the root of many evils. In a capitalistic society, the potential for money to corrupt is omnipresent.
While it might seem that individual Americans have limited influence over these overwhelming forces, awareness itself is a form of empowerment. Knowledge begets power. As the collective understanding of the American populace grows regarding these compromised entities, we have the potential to curtail our consumption of chemically laden products. Realizing that there are alternatives—available and accessible—gives us hope. But embracing these alternatives demands a conscious effort, the determination to reintroduce them into our daily lives, and the resolve to phase out harmful industrial products.
What I'm about to suggest might sound nearly insurmountable, particularly given the intricate systems that significantly shape our involvement in society. These encompass the education system, healthcare, our economic landscape, prevailing social and cultural norms, technological infrastructures, religious institutions, familial structures, and media and information networks. Each wields a potent influence on our pursuit of a chemical-free existence. Indeed, some can pose genuine barriers to active participation within our communities.
For example, entering the American education system almost universally necessitates vaccines. Regardless of where you stand on the vaccine debate, it's undeniable that vaccines contain chemical adjuvants. While many are considered benign, others, like thimerosal, aluminum, and Polysorbate 80, have raised concerns. By choosing to decline some of these chemically laden injections for our children, we inadvertently restrict their access to public education. Furthermore, if you depend on or decide to let your child partake in school lunches, you're exposing them to some of the most industrialized, chemically-laden, ultra-processed foods produced by major food, beverage, and agricultural industries. Thus, in this single system, our children encounter various chemical exposures, from vaccines to processed foods and beverages. And this doesn't even factor in the potential for chemical-laden sports supplements when participating in organized school sports.
Sports and health supplements, by their very nature, are often a blend of various ingredients, some of which may be chemically derived. While they may be promoted or marketed as "natural", the reality is that many products undergo an industrialized process before reaching consumers. Take whey protein, for instance. Though sourced from whole milk, its transformation into the familiar powder form may involve several processing steps, some of which could use chemicals. Now, I'm not dismissing the potential benefits of sports and health supplements, just as I won't overlook the protective effects of vaccines or the curative properties of antibiotics. My point is merely to highlight that, in our quest for improved gym performance, enhanced on-the-track results, or better immunity, we often introduce a variety of substances into our bodies, some of which may be chemically derived.
The question then boils down to three primary aspects:
1) Are the benefits worth the risks?
2) Can we trust the sources claiming so?
3) Are there other, more natural pathways to health, wellness, and performance that we either aren't being informed about or, worse, are being demonized?
Once again, this circles back to the recurring theme of trust in our systems—especially those purportedly advocating for our health and prosperity.
These pressing questions delve deeply into the core aspects of American society and warrant a thorough long-form examination in a separate essay. However, for now, we ought to reflect upon them and the central thesis I've presented in this essay regarding the omnipresence of chemicals in our daily lives. This concern becomes especially significant for parents of young children who, due to their tender age, are often most exposed to a chemical-saturated environment. I'd argue that the entire domain of "child-centric products" is largely underpinned by the chemical industry.
Why, you might ask? Because there has never been a distinct "child's world" in human history. There is only the real world, the adult world, in which both adults and children coexist. Yet, in America and other 'WEIRD' nations, a unique set of socio-economic factors, including both parents working long hours, a more individualistic society, and decreased multi-generational living arrangements, has led to the high prevalence of overburdened and fragmented nuclear families. Such conditions amplify the perceived need for specialized child products and environments.
This vacuum in the market, paired with these socio-economic conditions, provides the ideal grounds for an intense emphasis on child product production and marketing. In other parts of the world where extended families often live together and societal structures are different, this emphasis is absent or significantly reduced. Thus, in places like America, a concept of a "child's world" has been fabricated, largely to capitalize on these nuclear family dynamics. And who better to orchestrate this than major industries in collaboration with chemical giants?
So, here’s my straightforward, immediate solution for families seeking to significantly reduce chemical exposure in their lives and those of their children: abandon the concept of the “kid world.” Cast it aside. Welcome your children into the adult/real world where everyday life takes place. Begin by feeding them wholesome, real food, discarding the typical "kid food." Purge your home of rigid plastic toys, trinkets, and eating utensils. Teach your children to dine using regular dishware, allowing them the opportunity to learn—even if it means making a few mistakes along the way. They'll adapt more quickly than you might expect.
Instead of defaulting to plastic entertainment, immerse them in the wonders of nature, introduce them to books, and engage them in authentic hobbies and crafts that nurture both their cognitive and motor skills. The real world, abundant in its offerings, far surpasses any artificial, chemical-ridden diversions. By simplifying and shifting our attention to nature, arts, and genuine human connections, we naturally protect our loved ones from the covert perils of chemical exposure.
Let us be clear, chemicals, in their essence, aren't inherently evil. Many have paved the way for incredible advancements in medicine, technology, and everyday conveniences. However, it's the unchecked proliferation and rampant use of chemicals in almost every aspect of our lives that's concerning. As consumers, every purchase we make, every product we choose, becomes a powerful statement. When we consciously opt for natural, chemical-free, or minimalist alternatives, we're not just making a personal choice; we're casting a vote. This vote, made with our wallets, can guide industries, urging them to reconsider and reshape their production practices for a more sustainable and health-conscious future.
In conclusion, while the vast world of chemicals looms large and omnipresent, individuals have the power to make informed decisions for themselves and their families. By consciously choosing a path of awareness and action, by reconnecting with nature and the essence of real living, we can steer our ship towards healthier, more organic shores. The journey to a chemical-reduced life may not be easy, but it's worth every effort. For in the end, our health, our children's well-being, and the very essence of our natural world hang in the balance. Let us champion the cause for a cleaner, purer, and more genuine way of life, for our sake and for generations to come.
Stay aware. Stay empowered. Stay free.
-Greg
BONUS: Concrete Steps Families and Individuals Can Take to Reduce Chemical Exposures in Their Daily Lives:
Opt for Natural Cleaning Products: Instead of commercial cleaners, choose vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and essential oils for cleaning. These are effective and don't contain harmful chemicals.
Organic Foods: Whenever possible, buy and consume organic foods. They are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Use Glass or Stainless Steel: For food storage and drinking, use glass or stainless steel instead of plastic to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals like BPA.
Limit Processed Foods: These often contain a myriad of chemicals in the form of preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors.
Filter Your Water: Invest in a good water filter for your home to remove contaminants and chemicals from your drinking water.
Natural Personal Care Products: Choose shampoos, lotions, and other personal care items that are free from parabens, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals.
Use Natural Bug Repellents: Instead of chemical sprays, use essential oils or plants that naturally repel bugs.
Ventilate Your Home: Ensure that your home is well-ventilated. Regularly open windows and doors to let in fresh air and dispel indoor pollutants.
Limit Synthetic Fragrances: Avoid air fresheners and choose natural alternatives like essential oil diffusers.
Choose Non-toxic Cookware: Avoid non-stick cookware and choose alternatives like cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic.
Grow Your Own: If space allows, start a garden. This gives you control over what goes into the soil and onto your plants.
Buy Natural Fiber Clothing: Choose clothes made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk. These tend to have fewer chemicals than synthetic materials.
Ditch the Lawn Chemicals: Avoid using chemical fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn. Opt for organic or natural alternatives.
Reduce Plastic Usage: Plastics can leach chemicals, especially when heated. Use alternatives like cloth, paper, or biodegradable products.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common household chemicals and their alternatives. The more you know, the better choices you can make.
Community Engagement: Advocate for and support community initiatives that promote green spaces, reduce pollution, and limit the use of harmful chemicals in public spaces.
Implementing these steps can not only reduce your family's exposure to potentially harmful chemicals but can also foster a stronger connection with nature. Remember that every small change counts, and collectively, they can make a significant difference in your family's health and well-being.