Thank you to our colleagues at the Canadian Environmental Law Association, the Ontario Environment Network and Ontario Headwaters Institute for adding our voice to yours on the "Protecting Water for Future Generations: Growing the Greenbelt in the Outer Ring" submission to the EBR. We look forward to meaningful expansion of our 'waterscape' and welcome improved protections for community health throughout the Greenbelt region.
WHEN Recognized at the 72nd UN Day SDG Awards
WHEN was the proud recipient of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Recognition Award during UN’s 72 Anniversary Ceremony at the Toronto City Hall on October 21st, 2017. WHEN was recognized for its outstanding efforts in helping advance action towards Sustainable Development Goal #6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, and Goal #11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. These 17 Goals build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals, while including new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice, among other priorities. The SDGs came into effect in January 2016, and they will continue to guide The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) policy for the next 15 years.
WHEN promotes sustainable development, environmental justice, and toxic free communities by leveraging women as champions for change. There are enormous challenges facing environmental issues today and a growing number of individuals are calling for clean air, food, and water. With the help of many generous donors, WHEN has worked to address a variety of environmentally linked health issues such as asthma, reproductive health, chemical and electrical sensitivities and particularly cancer prevention. WHEN routinely organizes and participates in environmental health advocacy at both an individual and community level.
Achieving the SDGs requires the partnership of governments, private sector, non-for-profits, civil society and citizens alike to make sure we leave a better planet for future generations. More resources related to the SDGs can be found here.
To help support WHEN and the work we do become a donor today!
WHEN Joins 50+ Organizations for Total Asbestos Ban
WHEN is helping to keep up the pressure on the federal government to ensure a total ban on asbestos. This is due to the important research and organizing of CELA and partners in their in-depth analysis of the details of the proposed asbestos management plan.
Read the recommendations here.
Clean Air at Home
Speaker:Vittoria Vecchiarelli
Written by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain
Considering our ice cold winters and snowstorms, it is no wonder that Canadians spend more than 90% of their time indoors. But are we really aware of our indoor air quality and the harmful toxins that exist within our homes? Not to mention, the health risks that can occur from being exposed to these agents?
Although not always visible to the naked eye, some of the air contaminants present within our homes include mold, dust, tobacco smoke and fumes. These toxins can get into our household air when we participate in such activities as cooking, cleaning and showering or can be released into the air by the presence of certain items within the home including hairspray, paints, glue, carpets and furniture. The amount of indoor pollutants is further increased by inadequate ventilation and smoking inside, in addition to the gases released from household consumer products/appliances. These agents can cause breathing difficulties, irritate the eyes, nose and throat, worsen pre-existing conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and allergies as well as cause cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and heart failure. Children in particular are at far greater risk of acquiring health issues from exposure due to having only partially developed bodies, breathing in more air than adults as well as having their fingers in their mouths more often.
Although we may notice that symptoms improve within a few minutes or hours after leaving pollutant infested areas, there are different precautions that can be taken to reduce the amount of contaminants that exist within our homes. 5 simple, low cost steps that can be taken to ensure cleaner air at home are outlined below:
STEPPOLLUTANT INFORMATIONACTION
STEP 1:
CONTROL MOISTURE, CLEAN MOLD
- Mold grows when there
is too much moisture in
home
→ i.e. showering,
cooking, flooding and
leaks
- Mold can grow on anything
that holds moisture:
→ i.e. fabric, drywall,
cardboard, etc.
Keep all surfaces at home as dry and clean as possible:
- Keep relative humidity between 30-50%
→ Closer to 30% in winter months
→ Closer to 50% in summer months
- Turn on fan or open window before
showering and a few minutes afterwards
- Turn on fan or open window when cooking
on stove
- Wipe water droplets off bathroom tiles,
windows and other surfaces where water can
collect
- Clean up floods immediately and dry area
completely. Throw away all items that cannot
be fully dried
- Get rid of clutter in home
- Make sure air vents at the back of clothes
dryer is connected to the outside of home or
building
Mold in area <1m2
- Scrub with water and mild detergent as soon
as they are seen
- Dry area quickly and completely
Mold in area >1m2
- Discuss how to fix problem with landlord if
tenant or a professional if home owner
STEP 2:
GET RID OF DUST
- Dust can include a mix of:
toxic chemicals, pollen, pet
dander, allergens, dust mites
and other pollutants
- Products (i.e. furniture,
electronics) slowly breakdown
into dust
→Therefore if products are
made with toxic material,
the dust will be toxic as well
- Clean floors (i.e. tiles, hardwood) with a
damp cloth and vacuum carpeted areas at
least once a week
- Clean surfaces with a damp cloth
- Take off shoes and wipe pets’ paws at the
door to reduce dirt and dust from entering
home
- Get rid of clutter to reduce dust and make
cleaning easier
NOTE:
- Dry mop/cloth does not get rid of dust
→It pushes dust back into the air
STEP 3:
LET BAD AIR OUT, FRESH AIR IN
- Turn on fan or open a window when frying,
sautéing or grilling food
- Turn on fan or open a window when cleaning
and using products like nail polish or
hairspray and craft materials like glue and
paint
- Make sure air vents are not blocked by
objects such as furniture to maintain good air
flow
- Make sure appliances (i.e. gas stoves,
heating and cooling systems) are working
properly
- Check ventilation systems and replace/clean
the filters and fans often
NOTE:
- May want to open windows when traffic is
less heavy to avoid being possible source of
outdoor air pollution around home
- Never use barbecue or portable fuel-burning
camping equipment inside home or garage to
avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
- Ensure carbon monoxide detector in home
and check that batteries are working
STEP 4:
REDUCE TOXIC CLEANING PRODUCTS
- Cleaning products that release
toxic chemicals into the air
and on surfaces include
cleaning sprays, liquids and
powders, drain cleaners and
air fresheners
- Use non-toxic cleaning products more often.
Consider using non-toxic alternatives (i.e.
baking soda and vinegar) instead of
commercial cleaning products
→ Non-toxic fragrance air freshening options
include:
1) Mix water with few drops of essential
oils in spray bottle and spray in air
2) Simmer cinnamon & cloves in water on
stove
- Avoid products like cleaners that come in
aerosol spray cans
→ These can leave chemicals in the air longer
→ Instead use other types of products (i.e. powders and hand pump creams)
- Wear gloves and turn on a fan or open a
window when using chemical cleaning
products
STEP 5:
KEEP TOBACCO SMOKE OUT
- Tobacco not only gets into the
air we breathe but also gets
trapped in furniture, fabric,
carpets, toys and clothes
→Can stay on these things in
home and get pushed
back into the air for weeks
- Tobacco smoke can also stick
to hands, skin and hair even if
smoking outdoors
- Make home smoke-free. Do not allow
anyone to smoke indoors
- Smoke outside and wash hands after
- Set up an outdoor smoking area away from
doors and windows so others are not
exposed
As demonstrated, taking simple precautionary measures can essentially have a large effect on the greater scheme of things when it comes to reducing pollutant exposure within our homes. Making a conscious effort to clean our indoor air can have significant effects on improving our overall health and ensuring a better quality of life.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Other than taking the precautionary measures mentioned above, are there any other methods that can be used to naturally clean indoor air?
NATURAL CLEANSERHOW IT NATURALLY CLEANS INDOOR AIR
Beeswax Candles- Unlike regular paraffin candles, pure beeswax candles
have no scent and do not emit smoke
→ Therefore unlike traditional candles, beeswax candles
do not release toxins into the air
- Beeswax candles release negative ions into to the air.
These ions bind to the surrounding toxins, thereby
removing pollutants from the air
- Remove common allergens (i.e. dust and dander) from
the air
→ Therefore especially beneficial in individuals with
asthma and/or allergies
Salt LampsMade from Himalayan salt crystals and works as an air purifier
- When lit, lamp emits negative ions into the surrounding
atmosphere, removing toxins from the air and
neutralizing them
- Naturally clears air of allergens (i.e. smoke, pet dander,
pollen and other air pollutants)
- Dilutes odors within the air, allowing for easier breathing
→Reduces and improves asthmatic symptoms
Bamboo Charcoal- When linen Moso air purifying bags are filled with
bamboo charcoal, they absorb unpleasant odors and
dehumidify the air
→Also proven to reduce the amount of formaldehyde,
ammonia, benzene and chloroform gases emitted by
various products (i.e. paint, carpet, furniture, air
fresheners, chemical cleaners, rubber and plastics)
- Bamboo charcoal’s porous structure also assists with
removing bacteria, harmful pollutants and allergens from
the air
- Absorbs moisture and traps impurities within their pores,
thereby preventing the build-up of mold and mildew
- Can also remove bathroom and car odors
Purifying Plants- Purifying plants absorb harmful chemicals and other
pollutants (i.e. benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene,
toluene, xylene and ammonia) found in the surrounding
air, in order to produce oxygen
- According to NASA, Peace Lilies are the most dominant of
all the air purifying plants
Can making your home more energy efficient and protecting your home from bad weather conditions, contribute to the indoor pollution problem?
Making your home more energy efficient by sealing up cracks and openings and reducing the natural air flow through the house can contribute to the indoor air pollution problem. A tightly sealed home will have relatively higher levels of humidity, interior mildew and molds as well as frequent condensation on windows and stale air. The Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp (CMHC) has also reported that houses tightly sealed for energy efficiency are unable to off-gas chemicals. Since the chemicals are unable to go anywhere else, they end up building up within the home.
Additionally adding storm windows, weather stripping/caulking can further increase the concentration of indoor air pollutants already present within the home.
What are the different types of air purifiers and which pollutants do they remove from the air?
AIR FILTER TYPEAIR POLLUTANTS IT REMOVES/BENEFITS
HEPA Filters
(High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters)
- Small pet dander particles
- Dust mite residue
- Pollen
Carbon Filters- Cigarette smoke
- Fireplace fumes
- Formaldehyde
- Volatile Organic Compounds
→ (i.e. paint fumes, carpet glues, new building
material etc.)
- Pet odors
- Kitchen odors
Pre-Filters- By trapping larger particles before they reach the
main filters of the air purifier, pre-filters are able to
extend the time between filter cleanings/changes
and maintain air purifier’s functionality and
efficiency
SOURCES
1) "Frequently Asked Questions About Air Purifiers." Sylvane. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2017. <https://www.sylvane.com/air-purifier-faq.html>.
2) "Healthy Indoor Air | Clean and Fresh Indoor Living | Clean Air At Home." Healthy Indoor Air Clean and Fresh Indoor Living. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2017. <http://healthyindoorair.ca/healthy-air-at-home/>.
3) Mama, Katie - Wellness. "How to Naturally Clean Indoor Air | Wellness Mama."Wellness Mama®. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2017. <https://wellnessmama.com/4629/clean-indoor-air/>.
4) "Questions About Indoor Air Quality?" National Ag Safety Database - National Ag Safety Database. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2017.<http://nasdonline.org/1442/d001242/questions-about-indoor-air-quality.html>.
5) "Top 4 Ways to Purify Air at Home Naturally." Lung Institute. N.p., 16 June 2016. Web. 21 Mar. 2017. <https://lunginstitute.com/blog/top-4-ways-to-purify-air-at-home-naturally/>.
Fashion is Toxic, but What's the Haulternative?
Speaker: Sarah Peel
Written by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain
As children, we were used to our parents picking out our outfits, but eventually we were given the opportunity to discover who we were within the world of clothes. Using the language of fashion, clothing allowed us to learn to speak about ourselves. When we get dressed we take on the role of an artist, painting a self-portrait, highlighting interesting and attractive things about who we are and in the process clear up any misconceptions. Clothing and style give a crucial introduction to the self. Fashion is creative, and acts as a form of self-expression. Frances Corner stated “faster than anything else, what we wear tells a story of who we are or who we want to be.” In addition to the importance of personal style and fashion, it is important to know how your wardrobe is being processed and manufactured. Sarah Peel is the program director of Fashion Takes Action (FTA), Canada’s only fashion oriented non-profit organization. Their mission is to advance fashion sustainability through education, awareness and collaboration. FTA takes a systems thinking approach, which entails working with academics, the public, various brands, industry and consumers.
The fashion industry is the second largest global polluter for overall impacts after oil. It is the second most chemical dependent industry. 8000 chemicals turn raw materials into textile. These toxic chemicals pollute 5,640,000 Olympic sized swimming pools of water per year. The environmental problems associated with the textile industry are those associated with water pollution from the runoff of untreated waste during the processing of toxic chemicals used when producing clothing. The toxic chemical use is of environmental concern, as it decreases oxygen concentration due to the hydrosulfides, which block the passing of light through water and becomes detrimental to the water ecosystem. The chemicals used get evaporated into the air we breathe and can get absorbed through our skin, resulting in allergic reactions and can cause harm to children prior to birth. Moreover this chemical pollution can cause physiological and biochemical alterations, resulting in impairments to our respiratory and reproductive systems and eventually lead to mortality.
There are dye houses worldwide that are notorious for polluting the local water supplies by dumping waste water into local streams and rivers. A solution to this particular issue includes the use of waterless dyeing. Dyeing clothing works best in an airless environment with pressurized high heat, which allows the dye to disperse throughout the fabric. This method could be practical for polyester and natural fibers such as, cotton and wool. The down side is that the fabric can become damaged when undergoing such a process. Nonetheless as 45% of all fibers comprise of cotton, perhaps this could be a solution of improvement for producing less water waste. Other methods include AirDye, which uses less water and energy to dye their products. This allows air to disperse the dye, so that the dye can be embedded within the fibers instead of just superficially, thus allowing for long lasting colour and the ability to withstand more washings. Lastly one company uses DryDye technology. Instead of water, they use compressed and pressurized carbon dioxide to diffuse the dye within polyester fabric. The CO2, takes on a liquid-like property and is contained in stainless steel chambers. After the dyeing cycle, the CO2 becomes gasified and the dye within the cotton fibers condenses as it separates from the gas. The CO2 is then recycled and pumped back into the dyeing vessel. Thus using CO2 is safe and environmentally friendly as the gas is contained and can be used repeatedly without the risk of any gas being emitted.
The fashion industry employs more than 200 million people worldwide, which does not include cotton farmers. 80% of garment workers are women. 36 million people living in modern slavery, supply to various chains of Western brands. As a society we purchase 400% more clothing today than we did 20 years ago. A lot of that goes to waste because it is not quality clothing. Therefore this is considered a fast fashion garment that has a short product life cycle. Such that factory workers in economically disadvantaged situations work in poor conditions to create a product that is considered disposable. Since the product does not last long and is never found in vintage shops, the clothing does not get recycled, but gets dumped. Sarah stated that every household in Ontario sends approximately 48 kilograms of textiles to the landfill per year. She urges consumers to donate old clothing instead of wasting it, as textiles can be repurposed.
It is necessary to be aware that clothing manufacturers are using an array of toxic chemicals on new garments. Flame retardants are used to protect the product during shipping. Therefore that new clothes smell is actually flame retardants in which the clothing has been dipped in. Formaldehyde is also used as an anti-wrinkle and to prevent mildew while the items are being shipped. Formaldehyde is a highly toxic chemical that by the International Agency for Research on Cancer has been classified as a carcinogen. In a study conducted in New Zealand, it was found that clothing produced in China emitted levels of formaldehyde up to 900 times over the limit considered safe for human use. Such clothing is sold daily in other countries with less strict regulations. People with chemical sensitivity, who have been exposed to heavy toxin loads, may suffer from headaches, fatigue, nausea, aches/pains, and breathing difficulties. Those who do not have particular sensitivities can experience rashes, in areas where the clothing is tight.
A report regarding 20 top fashion retailers stated that two-thirds of their clothing contained nonylphenol ethoxylates, which in high concentrations can disrupt the endocrine system of animals. The products were also found to contain high levels of toxic phthalates and cancer-causing amines from carcinogenic dyes. Since Greenpeace’s Toxic Threads/Dirty Laundry campaign, large retailer companies from the fashion industry have begun working on phasing out harmful chemicals used in the processing of their products. Additionally Greenpeace continues to urge companies to eliminate such chemicals as perfluorochemicals, which are used in water-proofing fabric, and eliminate the use of alkylphenol ethoxylate, used in detergents; and to additionally allow consumers to follow and be aware of what chemicals and type of manufacturing process is being used. Only 16/600 dyes are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as safe for human and environmental health. Therefore it is necessary to wash new clothing before initial wear and to try to find clothes with nontoxic dyes.
When purchasing your wardrobe, ask yourself is it sustainable fashion? Sustainable fashion refers to any process used to attempt to make the production of that textile more conserving and ecologically safe; by avoiding the depletion of natural resources and without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Therefore things to go over include:
Locally made
No waste
Fair trade, responsible labor
Use of organic, sustainable or recycled fibers
Natural, non-toxic dyes
Slow fashion (not mass produced, quality made garments)
Can be applied to all garments, shoes and accessories
The 7R’s of fashion crusaders
Reduce the amount of clothing you buy
Reuse garments
Recycle (many textiles are recycled and used for clothing)
Repurpose clothing
Research
Repair/tailoring
Rent clothing
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) What other substances should I be aware of?
Brominated Flame Retardants – used on children’s sleepwear
Perfluorinated chemicals – used to make breathable synthetic fabrics
P-Phenylene diamine (PPD) – used as colouring agent on black clothing, leather and hair dyes
Phthalates – used to make plastics softer, i.e. new shoes or synthetic clothing and jackets
2) What can I do to avoid toxic exposure and how do I shop now?
Wash any new clothes before wearing (Note this will NOT remove certain types of chemicals)
Shop for natural fibers i.e. cotton, bamboo, linen or wool (refer to list in question #3)
Avoid permanent-press or wrinkle-free clothing and try using steam to eliminate wrinkles instead
Avoid direct skin contact with synthetic or treated fabrics, especially in hot or humid weather, as your pores open and admit more toxins
Avoid products labelled water-resistant unless the manufacturer provides details of chemicals or processes used
Purchase second-hand clothing
Purchase locally made or organic clothing items, as well as natural and vegetable dyes
Look for fabrics that are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified
3) What are some healthier textile alternatives?
HEALTHIER TEXTILE ALTERNATIVESEXAMPLES
ALTERNATIVE PLANT FIBERS:
Considered sustainable, as they are produced in small quantities, cultivated without pesticides and come from plants that are not agriculturally produced.
- Aloe
- Abaca
- Banana leaves
- Coir: from outer shell of coconut palm
- Flax
- Kapok: used in cushions, mattresses and life jackets
- Milkweed
- Nettle
- Pina: from leaves of pineapple
- Raffia
- Sisal: agave plant used in production of rope and twine
FIBERS FROM BY-PRODUCTS:
From industrial, agricultural or commercial production. Most fall under category of rayon.
Defined by origin and type of processing to become a textile
- By-product fibers that are rayon processed are regenerated
as cellulosic fibers and include: Lenpur and Cupro.
- Azlon fibers are by-products of naturally occurring proteins
industrial food production; soy milk protein fibers are most
common These proteins are subjected to enzymatic
treatments and a wet spinning process to create a filament,
which is used to create the fiber.
OTHERS:- Bamboo
- Cashmere: animal fiber, a type of wool, biodegradable and can be recycled
- Cotton
- Linen: is biodegradable
- Lyocell: type of rayon fiber produced from cellulose of trees and is biodegradable
- Nylon
- Polyester: polyethylene terephthalate, some is biodegradable
- Seacell: blend of lyocell and seaweed, ideal for undergarments due to soft and anti-bacterial qualities
- Silk
- Straw: after grain harvested, can be used for bedding, feed animals, used to make hats, sandals, rope or paper.
- Wool
SOURCES:
1) Floyd, Allison.”Toxic Threads’ No More: Fasion Industry Increasing Transparency, Reducing Impacts.” Sustainablebrands.com. Web.23 Mar. 2017. <http://www.sustainablebrands.com/news_and_views/articles/fashion-industry-increasing-transparency-reducing-impacts>.
2) Kaye, Leon. "Clothing to Dye For: The Textile Sector Must Confront Water Risks." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 12 Aug. 2013. Web. 23 Mar. 2017.
<https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/dyeing-textile-sector-water-risks-adidas>.
3) Sana Khan (4), and Abdul Malik (4)(5). "Environmental and Health Effects of Textile Industry Wastewater." Springer. Springer Netherlands, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 23 Mar. 2017. <https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-94-007-7890-0_4>.
4) The Alternative Daily. "Are You Wearing Clothes Treated with Toxic Formaldehyde?" The Alternative Daily. Web. 23 Mar. 2017. <http://www.thealternativedaily.com/clothes-treated-with-toxic-formaldehyde/>.
5) "The Serious Business of Clothes." The Book of Life. Web. 23 Mar. 2017. <http://www.thebookoflife.org/the-serious-business-of-clothes/?utm_source=You%20Tube&utm_medium=You%20Tube%20-%20Why%20Clothes%20Matter%20-%20Video%20Description%20-%20TBOL%20Article&utm_campaign=You%20Tube%20-%20Why%20Clothes%20Matter%20-%20Video%20Description%20-%20TBOL%20Article>.
6) "Toxic Fashion." Toxic Fashion.Web. 23 Mar. 2017.<http://toxicfashion.org/chemical-txtsust.html>