Non-Toxic Dad News: March 21, 2024

I thought I was all about healthy living, but I recently got a reality check. My friend spilled the tea (pun intended!) about what's REALLY lurking in those innocent-looking teabags.

It turns out that we might be steeping a whole lot more than just tea leaves.

• Nanoplastics

• Bleach

• Something called epichlorohydrin (A chemical with chlorine in it, mainly used to make glycerol (a thick, sweet liquid) and epoxy resins (strong, glue-like materials).

These are some seriously nasty chemicals, the kind we try hard to avoid in our homes. They're linked to things like cancer and messing with our hormones – not exactly what I want in my morning pick-me-up!

Imagine drinking this stuff daily. It's time to ditch those toxic teabags and find some healthier ways to get our tea fix. Could this be one of those sneaky things affecting our health without us even realizing it?

Here, I'll dig deeper into this issue and share some safe, non-toxic tea alternatives. Stay tuned!

But First… My Upcoming Events!

I've been talking a lot recently about the harmful effects of EMF. If you want to learn more about how EMFs may affect your health, download this free guide: 6 Signs You May Be Becoming Electro-Sensitive. Also, check out the free EMF Hazards Summit, April 11-14th.

I’ll be speaking at the Disrupt Clinical Event on April 13th in Austin, TX. Come say hi, I would love to meet you! 

Moving forward, I’ll keep you informed of my upcoming podcasts and events!

Do you ever find yourself eyeballing those colorful silicone cookware ice trays or pondering the safety of your kiddo’s snack bags? Welcome to the club! With the buzz around silicone cookware’s less-than-stellar report card, it’s only natural to wonder about the other silicone stuff we’re not tossing in the oven. Here’s the scoop on navigating the silicone jungle, minus the heat.

Ah, the great BPA-free era – sounds like a win, doesn’t it? You’ve probably seen it everywhere, from water bottles to food containers, all proudly flaunting their “BPA-free” badges like a superhero cape. It’s like the whole world suddenly got a conscience about what we’re putting into our bodies and our kids’ lunches. But hold on a minute, let’s not start the parade just yet. Shopping Smart consumers should dive a bit deeper, because the waters of safety claims are murkier than they appear.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent a fair amount of time dreaming up ways to make your outdoor space look its best. Whether it’s decking out the deck or giving that old playset a new lease on life, there’s something about a fresh coat of wood stain that really brings the yard together. But hold up—before you dive brush-first into that stain can, let’s chat about something not so fun: the sneaky side of wood stains, aka VOCs.

Ditch the Bag, Embrace the Ball (or Teapot!)

For the purest tea experience, lose the pre-packaged teabags. Here's why:

• Avoid Toxins: Many teabags contain hidden plastics and chemicals like bleach that can leach into your hot water. Yuck!

• Better Flavor: Loose-leaf teas offer a fresher, more complex flavor profile than the crushed bits you'll find in bags.

• Less Waste: No more paper bags and staples ending up in the trash.

• Control the Ingredients: When you use loose-leaf, you know exactly what you're getting.

How-to:

• Tea Ball: Perfect for a single cup. Find one made of stainless steel. Fill with your favorite loose-leaf tea.

• Small Teapot: This is ideal if you enjoy multiple cups. Choose glass, ceramic, or stainless steel—avoid plastic..

DIY Ginger & Lemon Zinger

This refreshing and immunity-boosting tea is a cinch to make:

Ingredients:

• 1-inch knob of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

• 1/2 lemon, sliced

• 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)

• Hot water

Instructions:

1. In a mug or teapot, combine the ginger and lemon slices.

2. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the ingredients.

3. Let steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on desired strength.

4. If desired, sweeten with a touch of honey.

Get Creative: Experiment with different herbs and spices like mint, cinnamon, or turmeric for a flavor boost!

It's crazy how these little daily habits can add up when it comes to our health. Taking small steps, like switching out our tea, might have a bigger impact than we think. What other hidden toxins could be lurking in our everyday routines?