The growing concern over environmental degradation has reached a tipping point. Every day, we witness the alarming effects of our consumption habits on the planet—from overflowing landfills to oceans choked with plastic waste. The environmental cost of our throwaway culture is not just a distant problem but a pressing issue that affects our health, wildlife, … Read more
Let’s face it, pun intended, the ingredients in commercial skincare products are garbage. Most of the time, we have no idea what we’re rubbing into our skin. I’m at a complete loss as to why ingredients we can’t even pronounce became the norm for not only the products we use, but also the food we … Read more
The kitchen is the center of any house. It’s here that meals are not only made, but also memories are created, flavors are discovered, and wellness journeys begin. The cookware we use is an often-overlooked yet vital component of culinary art and wellness, especially amidst the fragrances of sizzling spices and boiling sauces. The selection … Read more
From Kathleen’s book Our Toxic World: A Survivor’s Guide. Eeek! You’re Putting What? Where?? While we’re on the subject of what’s touching your body, and especially your sensitive parts, consider feminine hygiene products, my sisters. Skin is the body’s biggest organ. We have 16 to 21 square feet of skin. And it’s very absorbent. Consider the … Read more
This is an excerpt from Kathleen’s book, Our Toxic World: A Survivor’s Guide We live in a toxic world. Toxic exposure is inevitable unless we can learn to live without breathing, eating or interacting with any substances around us. If you’ve figured out how to do any of those, please let me know your secret! … Read more
This is an excerpt from Kathleen Barnes’ book, Our Toxic World: A Survivor’s Guide What is it about the early parts of the year when I want to clean out clutter, sweep away old papers and cobwebs and get the house good and clean? Whatever it is, any time is a great time to have … Read more
You may have heard the term “endocrine disruptor” applied to many substances that surround us every day, but maybe you didn’t understand exactly what that means. So here’s your definition: An endocrine disruptor is any substance that interferes with the endocrine (hormone) production system in mammals. Yes, in simple terms, these things mess with our … Read more
I’ve written several times over the years about these bee-killing chemicals: https://kathleenbarnes.com/neonicotinoids-update/ https://kathleenbarnes.com/epa-issues-moratorium-on-new-neonicotinoid-products/ https://kathleenbarnes.com/monsanto-free-bee-healthy-gardens/ https://kathleenbarnes.com/bayer-monsanto-marriage-made-hell/ https://kathleenbarnes.com/roundup-more-proof-of-poison/ https://kathleenbarnes.com/bee-killing-pesticide-found-in-lowes-home-depot-plants/ Finally, there’s some movement in the right direction. There’s great news on the garden front this spring, especially if you buy plants for your garden or patio: This spring nearly 140 Big Box retailers are phasing out or … Read more
Yes, I was once one of those compulsive women who sanitized everything to the max. You know the type: bleach on the counters, bottles of hand sanitizer in the car, sluicing down grandchildren multiple times daily. I guess I was germophobic! And I couldn’t have been more wrong. In fact, what I was doing with … Read more
I recently had lunch at a lovely food truck with wonderful farm fresh food, all organic and delicious. Imagine my shock when my food was delivered in a styrofoam container. And my drink in a styrofoam cup with a plastic lid and a plastic straw! Four pieces of plastic into the trash from one meal. … Read more