Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 242 

The Health Benefits of Sustainable Living Part Two

Reducing Your Exposure to Toxins

There is a long list of benefits for living sustainably. As you can likely imagine, such a lifestyle is easier on the environment and as such is healthy for our planet as a whole. We use resources more conservatively, we reduce our personal environmental impact, we eat a more planet friendly diet, and we reduce our carbon emissions. 

But what most people do not realize is that such a lifestyle is one of the best ways to improve your personal health. Living sustainably changes so many of our daily habits, we get more exercise and we stay on a diet that is nutritionally sound. But, the benefits do not stop there. 

So join me for the part two of the health benefits of sustainable living where I am going to talk about reducing your exposure to toxins. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E242 The Health Benefits of Sustainable Living Part Two, Reducing Your Exposure to Toxins. 

But before we start out this episode I want to first talk about the good news story of the week because it is related directly to this week’s topic. 

Mercury Emissions Fall By 70% Over the Last Four Decades

When we talk about emissions, most people think about carbon dioxide and climate change. No one ever really thinks about Mercury. The health affects of mercury exposure are well documented and range from skin rashes to developmental abnormalities to severe neurologic disorders. 

That said, we are exposed to mercury on a regular basis. There are emissions from the ocean and the soil. Mercury is released from weathering rocks. It is emitted during volcanic eruptions.  

Human activity is the main cause of mercury releases, particularly coal-fired power stations, residential coal burning for heating and cooking, industrial processes, waste incinerators and as a result of mining for mercury, gold and other metals. Once in the environment, mercury can be transformed by bacteria into methylmercury. Methylmercury then bioaccumulates in fish and shellfish.

However, as a result of a UN Treaty and the phasing out of coal fired power plants, mercury emissions have reduced by 70% over the past four decades. And this is fantastic news since there are no safe levels of mercury exposure in humans, and children are at a particularly high risk of the effects of exposure. 

So, this week’s round of applause goes to yet another step in the right direction and for yet another reason to phase out fossil fuels. 

Now, let’s move on to this week’s episode on reducing your exposure to toxins. 

Some people would contend that we live in a toxic world. Others would say that there are social and psychological factors that contribute to the perception that we live in a toxic world. The negative impacts of social media, corporate environments, and constant exposure to stress and negativity leads people to feel as if the world is toxic. Additionally, the internet has made it easier to observe and be affected by the worst aspects of human behavior, which can contribute to a sense of toxicity. Additionally, there is a belief that the world has always been toxic, but the increased awareness and visibility of such issues have made them more apparent.

So, which is it? 

Here is my take on the subject of living in a toxic world. There is every reason to believe that environmental toxins are a significant concern. There is evidence that synthetic materials and chemicals have been released into the environment since World War II, leading to exposure that can occur even before birth, as these chemicals have been found in umbilical cords and breast milk. The top environmental toxins include chloroform, chlorine, polychlorinated biphenyl, pesticides, mold, phthalates, volatile organic compounds, radiation, electromagnetic fields, and heavy metals. These toxins can accumulate over time and lead to chronic illnesses in both children and adults.

The average person is exposed to more than 700,000 toxic chemicals a day. Additionally, the average person uses about nine personal care products per day, exposing them to 129 unique chemicals.These numbers highlight the extensive exposure to chemicals in everyday life. Of all the chemicals we are exposed to everyday, only a small percentage have been extensively studied and proven to be safe. Hundreds of chemical have been labeled and “known” carcinogens, “possible” carcinogens or “possibly” carcinogenic.  And this does not include the pesticides commonly found in our food. 

So, I think it is safe to say that we live in a toxic world. But despite that conclusion, it is possible to limit your exposure to toxins by shifting to a sustainable lifestyle. It is this type of lifestyle that enables us to make cleaner choices that thus produce a healthier life. 

🌿 Clean Choices for a Healthier Life 🌿

What is Sustainable Living?

So, once again, to reinforce this concept of sustainable living, what I am referring to is a lifestyle that: 

• Minimizes environmental impact
• Focuses on reducing waste, using non-toxic products, and consuming responsibly
• Benefits both the planet and personal health

Health Effects of Toxins and Why It Matters

• Many modern conveniences contain harmful chemicals
• We are exposed to a wide range of healthy effects, from short-term to long-term chronic disease. 
• Long-term exposure linked to chronic disease, hormone disruption, and neurological issues
• Exposure to environmental toxins, such as air pollutants, pesticides, and heavy metals, can lead to cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases, and increased risks of cancer, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory problems.
• Chronic exposure to low levels of toxins can also contribute to a "toxic inflammatory burden," leading to weakened immune function, hormonal imbalances, and an increased risk of various diseases.

Sources of Everyday Toxins

🧴 Household Cleaners – Ammonia, bleach, VOCs
🍽️ Food – Pesticides, preservatives, artificial additives
👚 Clothing – Synthetic dyes, formaldehyde
🏠 Furniture – Flame retardants, formaldehyde
🚗 Air Pollution – Car emissions, industrial chemicals
🚰 Water – Chlorine, PFAS ("forever chemicals”)

Now, all of that being said, there is no doubt that: 

Sustainable Choices = Less Exposure

Allow me to explain and give you some examples. 

Sustainable living reduces our exposure to toxins by minimizing contact with harmful chemicals in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the products we use daily. Here's how:

🌱 1. Choosing Organic and Local Foods

• Conventional produce is often sprayed with synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides—many of which are linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and neurological issues.
• Sustainable living encourages organic, regenerative, or local farming practices that avoid or greatly reduce chemical inputs.

🔎 Toxin reduction: Fewer pesticide residues on fruits, vegetables, and grains → lower ingestion of harmful substances.

💧 2. Reducing Plastic Use

• Plastics can leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and microplastics into food and water.
• A sustainable lifestyle emphasizes reusable, non-toxic materials like glass, stainless steel, bamboo, and natural fibers.

🔎 Toxin reduction: Less chemical migration into food and drinks → decreased hormone-related health risks.

🧼 3. Using Non-Toxic Household Products

• Many conventional cleaners, air fresheners, and laundry detergents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), synthetic fragrances, and harsh solvents.
• A sustainable home uses natural or DIY cleaners (like vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, lemon, castile soap) and eco-friendly certified brands.

🔎 Toxin reduction: Improved indoor air quality and less skin and lung irritation. We also avoid harsh disinfectants, and synthetic fragrance. 

🌬️ 4. Improving Indoor Air Quality

• Synthetic materials (furniture, carpets, paints) release VOCs and formaldehyde into the air. The solution to this is to use non-toxic furniture and paint. 
• Sustainable choices include low-VOC paints, natural furnishings, air-purifying plants, and better ventilation.
• Examples of air purifying plants are spider plants, snake plants, peace lily, aloe vera, and Boston ferns. These plants are effective and removing several toxic chemicals from the air. 

🔎 Toxin reduction: Decreased respiratory irritation and long-term cancer risks.

🌬️ Remember indoor air pollution can be 2–5x worse than outdoors!

🥗 5. Avoiding Processed and Packaged Foods

• Heavily processed foods often contain preservatives, artificial colors, emulsifiers, and flavor enhancers—some of which are linked to allergies, inflammation, and gut imbalance.
• Sustainable eating favors whole, fresh foods cooked at home, often in toxin-free cookware.

🔎 Toxin reduction: Reduced exposure to food additives and packaging contaminants.

🚿 6. Filtering Water

• Tap water in many areas may contain chlorine, lead, PFAS (forever chemicals), and other contaminants.
• Sustainable living often includes using a water filter to reduce chemical and heavy metal exposure. At the cabin, we have used a gravity fed water filtration system for years. Consequently, when I drink everyday tap water when I am at work I can truly taste the difference. 

🔎 Toxin reduction: Safer, cleaner drinking and cooking water.

👕 7. Wearing and Using Natural Materials

• Fast fashion and synthetic textiles are often treated with dyes, flame retardants, and wrinkle-resistant coatings.
• Sustainable living promotes natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool) and eco-certified clothing.

🔎 Toxin reduction: Less skin contact with irritants and chemical residues.

🛀🏼 8. Safe Personal Care Products

🚿 Common toxins: parabens, phthalates, triclosan, sulfates
 💄 Sustainable alternatives:

• Organic, cruelty-free brands
• Minimal ingredients
• Avoid synthetic fragrance and dyes

Why it matters: Skin absorbs much of what we put on it—make better choices.

📪9. Sustainable Homes = Healthier Spaces

🏡 Low-toxin home strategies:

• Use non-toxic paint and furniture
• Choose natural fibers for bedding and clothes
• Improve air quality with plants and ventilation

🌬️ Indoor air pollution can be 2–5x worse than outdoors!

Sustainable Living Reduces Toxin Exposure by

• Choosing organic and locally produced food. 
• Avoiding over-packaged & processed goods
• Supporting regenerative agriculture
• Minimizing plastics (especially single-use)
• Using renewable materials like glass, bamboo, stainless steel
• Choosing energy-efficient, low-emission appliances

10. Long-Term Health Benefits

🧠 Reduced risk of:

• Neurological disorders
• Hormonal imbalances
• Reproductive issues
• Respiratory problems
• Certain cancers

Life Changing Benefits of Sustainable Living

What you have to think about is that is living a sustainable life goes far beyond simply recycling or using energy efficient appliance. It is a mindset and a commitment to making conscious choices that not only have a positive impact on the planet but also on our society, local communities and on ourselves. Additionally, these choices can have life changing benefits.  

In particular, a sustainable lifestyle can vastly reduce your exposure to all the chemicals and toxins that are so prevalent in our modern world. And to get you started, there are a few simple things you should put on your check list. 

Quick Start Checklist

🔲 Switch to natural cleaners
 🔲 Eat more organic, seasonal food
 🔲 Filter your tap water
 🔲 Read labels on beauty and care products
 🔲 Use reusable containers, not plastic
 🔲 Improve home ventilation
 🔲 Avoid synthetic fragrances

And the best part is that these are things that you can start today. The bottom line is that when you prioritize sustainability you start to shift your perspective from material possessions to meaningful experiences, personal connections and overall well-being. Limiting your exposure to all the chemicals in our world is a great first step and an easy one to take. 

💚 Sustainable living is a preventative health measure as much as an environmental one. 

It is not about just saving the Earth, it is about protecting ourselves. 

 🌎 Every conscious choice reduces our toxic burden
 🌱 Small steps lead to a healthier, safer life for future generations as well. 
 🛡️ Protect your body by protecting your environment

🧠 Fewer Toxins, Healthier Life

Sustainable living is not just environmentally sound—it’s a powerful way to:

• Protect your hormones
• Support lung, skin, and digestive health
• Lower your cancer and chronic disease risk
• Improve your overall well-being

By living cleaner, choosing wiser, and consuming less, you reduce your chemical burden and give your body a better chance to thrive.