The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast: Recent Episodes
Emma Rohmann
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast helps you reduce toxins in your life without fear, judgment or shame, so you can be happier, healthier, and all-around more awesome. Weekly episodes are hosted by environmental engineer, mom of 2, and founder of Green at Home, Emma Rohmann. She wades through all the research, greenwashing, marketing, and misinformation so you don’t have to and shares practical, science-based strategies to help you reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals so you can live your best life. From the latest environmental health studies to product reviews to lifestyle hacks, this show brings you the best information from the best experts so you can make more confident decisions for you and your family. Learn more at www.greenathome.ca.
It may be goodbye for now, but not forever! In this episode, Emma talks about the show’s beginnings and why it’s time to take a pause after 93 episodes. She also shares where you can continue to get more support and resources.
Other Podcasts to Check Out in the Meantime:
Healthy Green Homes - EcoParent Podcast Network
Raising Kids, Naturally - EcoParent Podcast Network
Raising Greener Teens - EcoParent Podcast Network
Green Dreamer - Kamea Chayne
The Jane Goodall Hopecast
Natural MD Radio - Dr. Aviva Romm (archive episodes)
That Naturopathic Podcast - Dr. David Miller & Dr. Michelle Pobega
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
It always sucks when something you think is THE solution turns out to be not what you thought. But I think it's important to learn from it, and move on. This week’s episode began when a Green Product Forum member - Dana wanted to know about studies that have found PFAS in period underwear.
I chat about period undies, pads and tampons and cover the following:
- Regulations
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Dioxins, fragrance, glyphosate & other pesticides
- Safer alternatives
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Question from Green Product Forum member Amanda: What’s the most important thing to do to detox your bedroom?
In this episode I walk you through the things to think about when you want to lower your exposure to toxins while you sleep. From indoor air quality strategies to prioritizing product swaps to improving the quality of your sleep, I’ve got you covered.
Episodes mentioned:
Episode 7: What to Look for in a Healthy Mattress
Episode 72: Do mattress protectors make conventional mattresses safer
Episode 81: How to Choose an Air Purifier
Episode 59: Mold Toxicity & Remediation
Episode 69: Mold Illness
Episode 84: Should You Avoid Polyester Fabrics?
Episode 39: Healthy Sleep
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Whether you have pests already or not, prevention should be the first line of defense.
Pests are typically entering for one of 2 or 3 reasons: food, shelter, and in some cases, water. With that in mind, today’s podcast covers some things you can do to help prevent an infestation in the first place. And, if you already have a pest problem, we cover some strategies to try to get them out of your home.
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
I decided early on that I would cloth diaper my kids. Environmentally it just made sense to me. There is more information about cloth diapering on the internet than you could possibly consume. Which can make it feel incredibly daunting! So before you go Googling and thinking there’s some magic bullet 100% right way to cloth diaper, know that there isn’t. And, like so many things in life, at some point you just have to get started.
In this episode I share how you can decide if cloth diapering is for you, what you should know before getting started, and how you can cloth diaper long-term successfully. Some of the things I cover:
- The lowest cost are typically Prefolds.
- Fitted Diapers
- All-in-Ones
- Once you have the cloth diapers, how do you use them?
- Cloth Diaper Trouble-Shooting
- Diaper rash
But remember: if they’re leading to information overwhelm and therefore inaction on choosing a cloth diaper strategy, take a step back. The simpler the better.
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Sarah Rosensweet is a certified peaceful parenting coach, speaker, and educator. She lives in Toronto with her husband and three big kids (ages 14, 18, and 21). Peaceful parenting is a non-punitive, connection-based approach that uses firm limits with lots of empathy. Sarah works one-on-one virtually with parents all over the world to help them go from frustrated and overwhelmed to, “We’ve got this!”
In this episode we cover:
- Approaching hard topics with young children (like climate change, environmental pollution, etc.)
- Strategies to help kids understand your goals, particularly when they go against the grain.
- And more
Where to find more from Sarah Rosensweet:
Website - http://www.sarahrosensweet.com
Podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/Z_YOP4jb
Free parenting group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Recent research spurred some pretty scary sounding news articles about the dangers of gas stoves. But how bad are they? And what alternatives are better?
This episode covers:
- potentially harmful methane emissions
- What the headlines aren’t telling you
- find out if you should replace your gas stove
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Save 25% on the membership that helps health-conscious moms lower your child's toxic load for more balanced hormones, disease prevention, and immune support (with science-based, practical advice so you can skip the overwhelm).
Join now: https://greenathome.ca/collective
What is the best sunscreen?
In this episode, I’m going to break down some of the common messaging around sunscreens, including:
- Coral reef bleaching
- Hormone disrupting & carcinogenic active ingredients
- The problem with spray sunscreens
- Reports of benzene contamination
- Inactive ingredient safety
- What else to look for
Links mentioned:
https://greenathome.ca/best-non-toxic-mineral-sunscreen/
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Courtney Stewart was tired of her stainless steel bento box that leaked. And she realized her friends were also frustrated… so she decided to do something about it.
Courtney created The Good Kiind with a mission not only to create a well-made, long-lasting product, but to do so with ethical labour practices, high quality materials, while helping reduce world hunger through a global giving partner where they will donate meals to help children be more successful at school.
I invited Courtney on the show to talk about the shift from consumer to manufacturer, what we should know when it comes to product regulations, and how we can make more informed choices for our families.
Links Mentioned:
Episode 46: What it Means to be a Conscious Business
Episode 34: Non-Toxic Children’s Toys
Buy The Good Kiind: https://thegoodkiind.com/emma
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodkiind/
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
This episode was inspired by questions I’ve been getting in my inbox and in the Green Product Forum over the past few months about the hazards with having polyester in your home. I’m going to break it down for you to help you make more informed and educated decisions about your clothes and household textiles.
I’m currently working on a detailed textiles guide which will be added to the resources in my Membership, The Healthy Home Collective. If you’re looking for personalized support and step-by-step plan to reduce toxins in your home practically, this monthly membership might be a great option for you! Check it out at https://greenathome.ca/collective.
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Ever wondered what your body burden - in other words, the amount of chemicals in your body - is? Million Marker is a mail-in test kit that can help you answer that question when it comes to common hormone disrupting chemicals. This episode is an amazing conversation with Jenna Hua, CEO, and Jo Rochester, Chief Scientific Officer. We cover:
- How body burden testing works
- What the benefits and limitations of body burden testing are
- What toxicologists are saying about small amounts of ingredients we're exposed to every day
- What Million Marker tests for, and why
Jenna Hua has researched and published numerous studies that largely focused on citizens science, general health, and the impact of food consumption on a person’s well-being. Her extensive experience as an academic and health advocate led to her founding Million Marker in 2019. She holds a BS in Nutrition and an MPH and PhD in Environmental Health Sciences from UC Berkeley.
Jo has spent the last decade studying how environmental stressors affect hormones and health. She has published several scoping and systematic reviews, including a pivotal one on BPA and human health that has been cited over 1,000 times, greatly furthering epidemiological BPA research, and was used as the basis for regulation of BPA under California’s Proposition 65. Jo holds an MS and PhD from the University of California, Davis, and did her postdoctoral research at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She then worked at TEDX, The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, the foremost non-profit in endocrine disruption research and science translation.
Links Mentioned:
www.millionmarker.com
www.instagram.com/million_marker
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
In this episode, I’m speaking with Melita Cyril, owner of Q for Quinn. We cover:
- What she learned getting started in manufacturing
- Challenges with Made in Canada
- What makes materials she uses different to those in other socks
- How do you know socks are BPA and toxic free
- The costs of fast fashion
- And more!
Melita started Q for Quinn - a company that sells gentle, healthy basics for the entire family. She became an entrepreneur when she struggled to find the right socks for her then baby boy who suffered from eczema and she needed the best socks for his sensitive feet.
Melita is a mom of three children and in addition to running Q for Quinn, she is also a children’s book author. Melita holds an MBA from the University of Toronto and a BSc (Hons) Economics from the London School of Economics and has a background in banking and management consulting.
Links:
You can find more about Melita at:
https://www.qforquinn.com
https://www.instagram.com/q.for.quinn/
https://www.facebook.com/qforquinnshop
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
If you want to make a small financial contribution to support ongoing episodes, you can do so at http://buymeacoffee.com/emmarohmann.
Air purifiers are one way you can create healthier air with little effort on your part, if you’re using them right. In this episode, I’m going to help you decide whether an air purifier is right for you and give you tips to make it work the best for you.
To further narrow down your search, you can also find the top 5 recommended brands in the Guide to Choosing an Air Purifier. Grab the free guide from the link in my bio or here >> https://greenathome.ca/airpurifier.
We're told that food is medicine a lot in the holistic health space, which can be really stressful when your kid doesn't eat well. What do you do if your children only eat butter pasta and crackers?
In this episode I speak to Nishta Saxena, who has helped thousands of families with food and feeding over the past 15 years.
She’s a food and nutrition expert with CTV Your Morning and appears regularly on The Marilyn Denis Show, The Social and CBC. She’s an avid nutrition blogger and has contributed content to Best Health, CBC, The Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, and Today’s Parent.
Nishta completed her clinical dietetic internship at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, and her MSc in Clinical Nutrition Science at the University of Toronto, where she has a faculty appointment in the Department of Family and Community Medicine.
We chatted about:
- How do we know our child is getting what they need to grow optimally?
- What factors are at play with a "picky" eater?
- How can parents support a child who won't eat vegetables?
- Is supplementing with multi-vitamins necessary?
Links:
Website: https://nishsaxena428.lpages.co/feedbetterprogram/
http://www.Vibrantnutrition.com
nish@vibrantnutrition.com
Instagram: @nishtasaxenrd
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Greenwashing is the intentional or accidental misrepresentation of how “green” - which in my case I’ll include “healthy” and “non-toxic” - a product is.
It’s one of the biggest challenges for those of us striving for a less toxic lifestyle.
In this episode I share:
- some of the common greenwashing traps
- what to watch for
- how you can tackle label-reading without falling victim to greenwashing
This is important because it’s one of the ways choosing non-toxic products can feel hard and expensive.
Read the blog version of this episode here: greenathome.ca/how-to-avoid-greenwashing
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
I’m sharing some ingredients you won’t find on nutrition labels, and you might not even be aware of, but are showing up in our food. These are particularly concerning for infants - and pregnant people - but also important for all of us to understand. Because the more we know, the more we can advocate for change.
The ingredients I’m talking about are heavy metals. I’m going to share specific examples from 3 Consumer Reports investigations that looked at heavy metal concentrations in rice, rice cereal and infant snacking products, baby food, and herbs and spices.
This kind of information can be scary, but true to my mission to empower and inform, I’m going to share the research and findings, what it means, and how you can support you and your family moving forward.
Links Mentioned:
Study Findings:
https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/heavy-metals-in-baby-food-a6772370847/
Consumer Reports arsenic study: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/01/how-much-arsenic-is-in-your-rice/index.htm
Consumer Reports heavy metals in baby food: https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/heavy-metals-in-baby-food-a6772370847/
Consumer Reports heavy metals in herbs and spices: https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/your-herbs-and-spices-might-contain-arsenic-cadmium-and-lead/
Read the blog version of this episode here: greenathome.ca/arsenic-in-rice-infant-cereal-spices
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Answering community questions about choosing a rice cooker, silicone kitchen utensils, water filters, curtains, shower curtains, and nighttime mouth guards!
The conversation goes much deeper though, and I share my thoughts on approaching manufacturers, and what happens when our non-toxic goals might not be available in the market.
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Most parents I speak to have been there. Exhausted, at the end of the busy day, looking around a room full of toys and clothes and probably food on the floor, and no energy to deal with it.
The fact is, our lives have been impacted heavily by consumerist culture. And it’s no fault of our own. The marketing and social pressure makes it appealing to accumulate stuff. But it’s costing us more than we might think.
In this episode, I’m speaking with Stephanie Seferian. Host of the Sustainable Minimalism Podcast and author of the book, Sustainable Minimalism. We cover the basics of eco-minimalism, how to approach minimalism as a lifestyle, practical and tangible tips to declutter if your home is not yet minimalist, and of course I weave in the benefits as it relates to reducing toxins at home as well.
You can find more about Stephanie at:
https://www.mamaminimalist.com
www.instagram.com/mommyminimalist
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
This week’s episode I want to break down the 4 toxins most important to address in your home before having a baby, and 12 ways you can reduce them.
I am passionate about helping everyone reduce toxins, but the preconception and early prenatal period is a special interest of mine. Possibly because I wasn’t aware of what I know now, and I’m kind of mad about that.
I cover hormone disruptors and 3 simple ways to avoid them:
- Phthalates
- Bisphenols
- Pesticides
- PFAS Chemicals
Previous episodes mentioned:
Episode 36: Before You Get Pregnant: Things I Wish I Knew
Episode 04: Hormone Disruptors & Pregnancy – What You Need to Know
Episode 16: How to Choose the Right Water Filter
Episode 25: Teflon Alternatives for Cookware & Bakeware
Episode 24: Is Organic Produce Worth It
Episode 47: Organic Meat & Dairy
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
What are the misconceptions and benefits of acupuncture and how does it impact our body, specifically the pelvic floor and hormones.
For this episode I invited Dr. Jennifer Corey, ND to chat about her work as a Public Health Solutionist. We cover:
- What acupuncture is and how it works?
- What misconceptions there are around acupuncture in a predominantly Western Medicine society?
- Who should consider adding acupuncture to support their health goals?
- How it’s used to treat hormone-related issues?
Find more from Dr Corey -
Instagram: @drcoreynd
Website: https://www.drcoreynd.com/
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
When it comes to redecorating, less is more. In this episode I’m going to share some tips to help you redecorate more responsibly, and how you can do it while staying in your budget. I’m also going to answer some FAQs around thrifted furniture and synthetics in rugs and pillows.
For more detailed guidance, check out the Guide to Healthy Construction & Renovations: https://greenathome.ca/construction
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
If you cover a conventional mattress with a non-toxic mattress protector and organic cotton sheets, does this protect you from the toxins in the mattress?
This question was posed to me in a Q+A thread I hosted in my free Facebook Group, the Green Product Forum, and I know it’s a common one. I recorded a video response to the question and wanted to share the answer with you in this quick tip episode!
Now, if you are in the market for a new mattress, check out episode 7 for a run-down of what to look for in a non-toxic mattress.
And if you’re not in the Green Product Forum Facebook Group yet, be sure to join us at http://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum!
It’s an incredibly supportive community that has helped many members select mattresses they love among other products and less toxic household strategies. Plus, you get some bonus content from me - like the video used for this episode.
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
This is a bit of a love letter to cast iron pans. Taking the plunge to cast iron is something so many people in my Facebook Group The Green Product Forum struggle with, so I thought I’d compile some challenges and solutions for you to help you fall in love with cast iron pans too.
I talk about:
- Why cast iron pans are the best
- How they can be non-stick
- Big debate: soap or no soap
- What to do if you “ruin” the pan
- And my favourite brand
How to clean/season a cast iron pan: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CI1y4JwBC2C/
Blog: How to Choose a Non-Toxic Frying Pan https://greenathome.ca/non-toxic-non-stick-cookware/
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Does switching to non-toxic skincare and beauty products make a difference to your health?
I don’t think that’s the only thing we should base our decision on. In this episode, I share my thoughts on the green beauty movement and what we should consider when tackling this part of our non-toxic home journey.
Spoiler alert: I don’t think you HAVE to swap out all your products.
Download the label-reading training here: https://greenathome.ca/labelreading
Read the blog version of this episode here: greenathome.ca/is-clean-beauty-worth-it
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Mold illness can appear as many other chronic illnesses. It can also be the missing step towards healing from other health issues. But it can be difficult to find a practitioner who knows what to look for and how to treat it. In this episode, I’m chatting with Dr. Sharon Kelly, ND about mold illness, including:
- What is mold?
- How mold enters our bodies.
- What it does in the body.
- What is mold illness and how is it diagnosed and treated.
- What should someone look for in a mold-literate practitioner.
Resources Mentioned:
The book Toxic, by Neil Nathan MD
Find mold-literate practitioners and other resources: https://iseai.org/find-a-professional/
Find Dr. Kelly on Instagram: @sharonkellynd
www.bayviewnaturalhealth.com
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
When you’re looking to buy an existing home, it can be daunting finding something that checks all the boxes. You might not prioritize a home that has all the so-called “healthy home” bells and whistles over something you can’t change over time, like location or size… but there are some things you might want to add to your checklist.
For this episode, I invited Amanda Klecker, a home inspector and building biologist, to speak with us about what she looks for when assessing homes for her new home-buyer clients. She and I have known each other online for a few years, and I’m thrilled to have her join me for this conversation.
In this episode we cover:
- What your home inspector is likely focusing on and how health factors into their work (or doesn’t).
- The most common problems Amanda sees again and again that most people don't know to look for.
- What kinds of questions should someone ask when looking to buy a home.
- Do transformers and other external factors affect EMF exposure in the home.
- And so much more…
Find more from Amanda:
Website: https://healthyhouseontheblock.com
Blog: https://healthyhouseontheblock.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthyhouseontheblock
Read the blog version of this episode here: https://greenathome.ca/what-to-look-for-in-a-healthy-new-home-amanda-klecker
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
I call it Mom Brain, Dr. Lisa Weeks ND calls it Super Brain. However you say it, there’s no question our brains work differently when we become parents. Some of these changes are good (they’re there to keep our kids alive), and some can pose challenges in our society today (we have a lot of information flying at us and a lot on the go).
In this episode, we share:
- What happens in the brain when you become a parent
- How you can help “declutter” your brain
- How to reduce stress and boost productivity
- Our favourite tools to stay organized
- How stress and toxins are linked
Dr. Lisa Weeks, ND has over 14 years of experience working with moms who struggle with burnout and fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, overwhelm, IBS, fertility challenges, and hormonal imbalances. Her goal is to empower and educate patients to make simple yet effective changes to boost energy, mood, and vitality so that they are able to take back control of their health and life. She also treats infants and kids with digestive concerns, frequent illnesses, and skin rashes.
Dr. Lisa has a science background and has worked at various research labs across North America, studying cancer at the BC Cancer Institute, cystic fibrosis at Sick Kids Hospital, and atherosclerosis at Notre Dame University. These experiences have given her the foundation to unite scientific research with Naturopathic therapies and philosophy.
Where you can find Lisa:
www.drlisaweeks.com
Instagram: @drlisaweeksnd https://www.instagram.com/drlisaweeksnd/
Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast: https://perimenopausalmamas.com/
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
There’s a gaping hole in the fitness world when it comes to training people who menstruate: Understanding what happens during menstrual cycles and how it impacts workouts.
Seems like a no-brainer, right? Well, as we’ve discussed in other episodes, understanding our cycles is a gaping hole in much of the health and wellness space. Fitness is no different.
In this episode we cover:
- How exercise impacts your cycle and how your cycle should impact your exercise.
- The problem with popular fitness programs.
- How you can workout optimally throughout your cycle.
Shannon & Kat have both been active in the training industry for over a decade. As they started training more clients who menstruate, they realized no one was talking to clients about how their cycles are impacting their workouts, nutrition rest and recovery.
So they came up with the solution, Lifts & Cycles: a 12 week program that teaches women how to plan their workouts, nutrition, rest, and recover according to their menstrual cycles.
Find them on Instagram @clearcutshan and @1flykat.
Lifts & Cycles Program Details: https://liftsandcycle.net/optin1631828433008
If you like this episode you’ll love:
Ep 30 Hormone Disruptors: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep30-hormone-disruptors-are-the-worst/
Ep 33 Cycle Charting & Hormone-Free Birth Control:
https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep33-cycle-charting-for-birth-control-body-literacy-with-nora-pope-fcp-dr-jessica-liu-nd/
Ep 28 Lies and Truths About Women’s Fitness:
https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep28-the-lies-truths-about-womens-fitness/
Ep 60 Pre- and Post-Natal Fitness Myths:
https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep60-pre-and-post-natal-exercise-myths/
Today we’re going to be talking about the importance of filtering your water, and I’ll share the important steps you need to take to figure out what the right water filter is for you.
This is a replay of Episode 16.
We’ll cover the 3 questions you need to ask about your municipal water, things you must address if you’re on a well, and how to find the filter that will best meet your needs.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
The Devil We Know - Documentary on Netflix: https://thedevilweknow.com/see-the-film/
NRDC Report: https://www.nrdc.org/resources/threats-tap-widespread-violations-water-infrastructure
Is Fluoride Safe? Blog Post: https://greenathome.ca/is-fluoride-safe/
Guide to Choosing a Water Filter: https://greenathome.info/waterfilter
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
[REPLAY] This episode brings back episode 4, which is a critical foundational episode for anyone thinking of having a baby. Hormone disruptors are some of the most concerning toxins when it comes to our children’s health. And their impact begins from preconception.
In this episode I break down the myths, how you’re exposed, and what you can do to reduce your exposure.
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Indoor air has been shown to be 2 - 5 times more polluted than outside air. And this can be made worse in the winter months when our homes are typically closed up and we’re inside them more.
In this episode, I share simple tips to help improve indoor air quality this winter - from getting more fresh air to filtration to the impact humidity has and more.
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Does menopause mean you’re doomed for years of hot flashes, brain fog, and other not-very-pleasant side effects to a major hormonal shift?
Not on Dr. Jordan Robertson’s watch! In this episode we talk all about what’s happening in the body leading up to and during menopause, and why she thinks hormone replacement therapy is a valuable treatment option.
Dr. Jordan Robertson is a Naturopathic Doctor, women’s health Author and the owner of Clarity Health. With a background in medical research, Dr. Jordan has built our clinic with a vision of serving patients with the highest quality, evidence based, integrative care options available.
She has lectured across the province for medical doctors and naturopathic doctors and has been a guest on Canadian and International podcasts on women’s health. She has published a book on miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss titled Carrying to Term: a practical guide to reducing your miscarriage risk (Amazon 2018).
Dr. Robertson has a special interest in women’s health, including expertise on PMS, menopause, fertility, PCOS and endometriosis and is the off-site Naturopathic Doctor for the McMaster Hospital Endometriosis Clinic.
Catch her funny memes and evidence-based health content over on Instagram @drjordannd - https://www.instagram.com/drjordannd/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
“Does anyone else get super self-conscious when talking to people about the things you’re doing to reduce toxins, and then they react like you’re extreme and weird?”
“How do I convince my spouse/parents/friend toxins matter?”
These are examples of questions that have been asked in The Green Product Forum Facebook Group, and I wanted to share a bit of an off-the-cuff episode in response.
Because I think it’s important to recognize that other people not being on board is a very real barrier to your success. But it doesn’t have to be.
This is a quick and fairly off-the-cuff episode where I walk through some strategies to help you cope better in a world that isn’t necessarily prioritizing toxins as much as you’d like.
Other episodes mentioned:
Ep52 | Coping with Anxiety & Worry
Ep12 | How to Have Tough Conversations with Fiona Proctor
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Prenatal and post-partum fitness is such a mine-field of misinformation and misguided advice. But as I discovered first-hand, it is such an important piece of maintaining your health and well-being! Strength training in particular should be talked about more.
This episode features a great conversation with my own trainer, Reena Parekh. She is a fitness coach, pre and postnatal specialist and speaker located in Toronto. Her passion lies in helping pregnant and postpartum people regain strength with a body neutral, non-diet approach to strength training and coaching.
She is an advocate for maternal mental health, and a proponent of change in the fitness space encouraging clients and community to push back against postpartum bounceback culture and normalize conversations around pelvic health and maternal mental health.
You can connect with Reena on instagram at @itsreenaparekh
Get your free guide: 5 essential postpartum exercises
link: https://www.reenaparekh.com/newsletter
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Mold can be a serious health risk when it’s in our homes. But how do we know if we have concerning levels of mold, and what can we do about it?
I’m bringing in a mold remediation expert to chat all about this topic. Michael Rubino has spent the past seven years involved in construction and remediating mold contamination, through his company All American Restoration. His focus is on removing all traces of mold, the spores they leave behind and the toxins produced by the mold. Because this is what a person suffering from hypersensitivity to mold needs to regain their health.
In this episode we cover:
What is mold, and why it’s so concerning
How much is too much mold
How to know if you have mold that needs to be dealt with
What's involved in remediating mold
3 things he wishes everyone would do differently to reduce their risk of mold and mold-related illness
Learn more about this and get Michael’s Book, Mold Medic at https://www.allamericanrestoration.com/
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
If you’re an avid Bubly, Topo Chino, Polar, La Croix, or Perrier drinker, you’re definitely going to want to listen up. But this episode is really for anyone because I’m going to talk about regular drinking water as well.
In 2020, Consumer Reports tested 12 carbonated water products for 30 PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are the chemicals used to make non-stick coatings, stain-repellant, waterproofing coatings, fire fighting foam, and more – and they have become a serious problem.
I’ll be covering what PFAS is, why it is so concerning from a health and environmental perspective, what the Consumer Reports study found about its presence in carbonated water beverages, the problem with drinking water quality regulations in general, and what alternatives you have to enjoy a tasty fizzy drink.
Read the blog version of this episode here: greenathome.ca/pfas-bubly-topo-chino
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. For more Resources, check out:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Tylenol, Paracetamol, and other acetaminophen-based drugs are the most commonly used pain and fever medications for pregnant people. But are they safe?
A new Consensus Statement signed by 91 scientists and doctors suggest we should be taking more of a precautionary approach due to research indicating it may contribute to hormone disruption and neurodevelopmental issues.
In this episode, I summarize some of the findings used to create the Consensus Statement and offer guidance to help you decide how to move forward with fever and pain management during pregnancy.
Read the blog version of this episode here.
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Dr. Hilary Claire believes that "Mothers are the key to a brighter future, to healthier children and to a happier planet." And this is what drives her to support maternal and childhood mental health.
In this interview, we discuss:
What trends she is seeing with behavioural and mental health disorders
How toxins play a role in neurological functions in children
How can moms approach toxins in a way that doesn't add to their existing overwhelm and busy lives
… And so much more.
Dr. Hilary Claire is a clinical psychologist specializing in nutritional and environmental medicine. Learn more about her at drhilaryclaire.com and on Instagram @drhilaryclaire.
The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast is brought to you by Green at Home. Check out our other resources:
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
“This product contains ingredients known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm.”
These labels are seemingly everywhere now thanks to Proposition 65, a California State law that – thanks to online retail – has now made itself known across the US and Canada.
But what does it really mean? And should you panic if you see it on a product you thought was safe – or hadn’t even considered there might be a concern?
In this episode I walk you through:
● How Prop65 works
● What businesses are required to do by law
● How legal loopholes have exploited the intent
● What the labels mean for consumers
Read the blog version of this episode here.
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
I’ve been following Melissa Cameron, Organic Master Gardener and founder of The Good Seed, for a while now and she was an obvious choice to bring onto the show and answer some of the main questions when it comes to planning and planting gardens - both decorative and edible.
In this episode we cover:
● Where to start when planning a decorative garden.
● How to factor in light, soil, and space when choosing plants.
● The difference between native, adaptive, invasive species.
● Where to get quality plants and soil (and what to avoid).
● How to start an edible garden.
● What you need to maintain healthy soil.
● Starting plants from seed vs starter plants.
● When to plant inside vs outside.
● How can you control pests without using pesticides.
Melissa has co-created a masterclass, A Year in the Urban Garden that walks you through the stages of planning, planting and harvesting an edible urban garden. You can learn more about it here: https://thegoodseedto.com/
Follow Melissa on Instagram @thegoodseedto.
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
We are celebrating one year of The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast!!
In honour of the occasion, I’ve put together a compilation of clips from some of the most downloaded and most important conversations I’ve had to-date.
And for the month of October when this episode airs, I’m hosting a giveaway for a Healthy Moms Discount Card, worth $45, which offers huge savings on incredible products like mattresses, supplements, clothes.
All you have to do is leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.
For extra entries, you can also leave a review on the Green at Home Google and Facebook pages:
Google - https://g.page/r/CdLk5aGkLo_SEAg/review
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greenathome
To enter, screenshot your review(s) and send me a DM on Instagram, I’m @emma_greenathome. We’ll select one winner by random draw after October 31st and will notify the lucky recipient via DM.
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
When my therapist told me I likely had anxiety, it took me a minute to process. But now that I know - and have the tools to better cope with it - everything started to make a lot more sense.
I know anxiety is a common feeling around toxins because I hear it from my community all the time. There’s a fine line between being aware and conscious to freaking out about everything your child touches. And trust me, I’ve been there.
Today’s episode walks you through what I believe to be at the root of anxiety when it comes to toxins (it’s not you) and some tools I’ve been taught and use to help me better cope in all aspects of my life.
Links Mentioned:
Unhelpful Thinking Styles: https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/unhelpful-thinking-styles/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
In this episode, I share the biggest lessons I learned through my own research and from working with hundreds of women who may be a little like you - struggling to figure out the why, what, and how of creating healthier home environments to support their health and their family’s.
My goal is to give you the foundation that most people miss when they’re starting to create a healthy home. Not having a solid foundation is what makes it seem too hard, expensive, and overwhelming.
I see my job as an educator, coach, and cheerleader is to help you cut through all the BS out there and end the cycle of overwhelm and confusion and anxiety so many people feel when it comes to reducing toxins in their home.
So, if you’re motivated to reduce toxins in your home in a way that supports your family’s health – without sacrificing your mental health – this episode is for you.
Links Mentioned:
Healthy Home Collective: https://greenathome.ca/collective
Episode 19 - Toxin Myths Keeping You Stuck: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep19-5-toxin-myths-keeping-you-stuck/
Episode 17 - 3 Steps to Detox your Home without Overwhelm:
https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep17-3-steps-to-detox-your-home-without-overwhelm/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
If you've ever been told your lab results are normal, your symptoms are in your head, or there's nothing they can do, but you know in your gut something's wrong and you're not prepared to settle, you have to meet my guest in this episode, Andi Clark.
After struggling for 20 years with a myriad of symptoms, it was when she started doing fitness competitions that her body started shutting down. As a personal trainer, she was fit and yet she could no longer work out without it completely draining her. Over the years, she experienced fatigue, brain fog, muscle aches, skin issues, gut issues, and more. Yet her doctor did test after test (Andi fought hard to get some of those tests), and they came back normal.
Andi decided to take matters into her own hands and started researching and pushing for answers. Andi and I met about 5 years ago when she was working through what she called adrenal fatigue at the time. She joined my program, and we worked through my signature process to lower toxins in her home. Since then, she's figured out more about her body and how to support the symptoms she was experiencing.
She uncovered the missing piece to the puzzle as to why exercise and nutrition alone were not enough to stop her from experiencing two huge burnout crashes in her life. Because of this, she made the tough decision to sell her business and switch from a 25 year career as a successful Personal Trainer, Nutrition & Mindset coach to high-level executives and athletes into reversing and preventing burnout in First Responders. Word spread fast with the results they were getting and First Responders started asking for help all over North America, UK and Australia as well as hiring Andi to speak nationally for services. Then Covid hit, and other entrepreneurs started asking for help with sleep, focus, energy and other burnout symptoms.
Andi has now expanded her services of Burnout Prevention and Performance Optimization to include Elite Entrepreneurs.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Navigating the medical system when you know something's wrong, but your tests come back "normal"
- How the stress system works and what happens when it's off balance
- The role toxins played in her symptoms and recovery
- Advice if you're experiencing symptoms and/or struggling to get support from your doctor
Find Andi at http://www.biostresshacker.com
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
One of the most common hurdles I hear from my community is that their partners aren't on board and therefore addressing toxins is a challenge. Sometimes this can be solved by understanding how to better approach the conversation - something I have talked about on previous episodes and the blog and in my coaching programs - but sometimes there's a deeper relationship issue. And so for today's episode I wanted to bring you a relationship expert.
Allison Villa is a psychotherapist, relationship expert, creator of The 4 Relationship Seasons, and host of the Couplehood podcast. Her honest approach to parents in love has impacted couples, and families, worldwide. Allison's mission is to build a movement of #parentsinlove, because how you love each other today, will live on through your kids, and in generations to come. As a wife and mother, she understands how raising a family affects the romantic relationship and the challenges that modern parents face. With Allison's virtual therapy practice, and online offerings, this keepin-it-real-mama combines her personal and professional experience to teach busy couples how to stay connected, to have clear communication, and to build an intentional life for their family.
We talk about:
- The breakdown to breakthrough in her own marriage.
- The 4 Relationship Seasons: what they are, why every couple goes through them, and why naming them is empowering and provides clarity/direction.
- What to do when you feel stuck because your partner isn't willing to invest towards your goals.
- How to approach conversations that have ended up in disagreements in the past
Find Allison:
Couplehood Podcast: https://www.allisonvilla.com/podcast
Join her VIP community to get free relationship tools and inspiration: http://www.allisonvilla.com
Instagram: @allison__villa
Free Connection Workshop - Sept. 26, 2021: https://houseandhook.ck.page/f0fc48b130
Quiz: What's Your Relationship Season? https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/5f984bffa2c7af0014e9a0b7
Self-Care Toolkit: https://houseandhook.ck.page/59a389ff76
It's back to school for many of us. It can be exciting, but for many parents, I know it can also be a source of anxiety. And this applies if you've got smaller children ready to start daycare as well. Because when they're at school or daycare, they're spending 6+ hours in a building and with people you have zero control over.
This can feel overwhelming, especially if you're earlier in your toxin reduction journey. You've worked so hard to try to reduce your kids' exposure to things at home, but what happens when they enter somebody else's care?
If you're feeling anxious or just a touch worried about this, I'm here to hopefully put your mind at ease in this episode. And I want you to know that you are certainly not alone. I hear from so many people about their worries, fears, and anxieties that I want you to know whatever you're feeling, your feelings are valid. I want to help you acknowledge them, while helping you move past the worry about things you can't control.
Some of the common concerns I hear from parents when sending their kids off to school or daycare are:
- The hand soaps and cleaning supplies aren't what I would use. Is that a concern?
- The staff use bleach to clean toys and surfaces, is this safe?
- This one is more recent as I'm recording this a year and a half into the covid-19 pandemic, and that is, are the hand sanitizers they have to use toxic?
- These are the big ones, but I also address some other issues not to add more to your plate, but to help you make more informed decisions that are in alignment with the work you're doing in your own home.
Links Mentioned
Women's College Hospital Scent-Free Spaces Overview: https://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/health-centres/environmental-health/healthy-environments/scent-free-spaces/
Scent-Free School Resource: https://casle.ca/school-scent-free-programs/
EPA Design for the Environment Safer Choice Program: https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice
Guide to Choosing a Water Filter: https://greenathome.ca/waterfilter
Green Product Forum:
Is organic meat and dairy worth the cost premium? And what about the difference between free range, free run, hormone free, and all the other marketing claims out there?
Did you know that all poultry and pork have no hormones added in Canada and the US? And yet, lots of packaging proudly proclaim it - and sometimes charge more because of it - even though the package beside without the label is also free from added hormones.
And what about antibiotics. Well, they might not be as big of a concern as you once thought thanks to regulation changes.
Being a conscious food consumer can be a challenge. And when you don't have the means to just grab organic regardless of the cost, it's important to understand what you're actually investing in - and how you can make informed decisions.
This episode breaks it all down for you.
I cover:
- What's required for organic meat and dairy certification
- How organic differs from conventionally-raised meat (and what similarities there are)
- What other labelling claims mean
- How to buy organic on a budget
Links Mentioned:
Blog: Dirty Dozen & Produce Washes
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
As a consumer, it can be challenging to know if a business walks the talk when it comes to environmental and social impact. Many businesses struggle to communicate the impact they do make. This is where certifications can be useful tools. But with so many different certifications out there, it can be hard to know what they really mean. B Corp is a different type of certification than something like Greenguard or Organic certifications because it looks at a business holistically rather than a single impact area. This episode was originally going to be focused on the B Corp certification, but we went so much deeper than that. I think this was a really great conversation for conscious consumers and businesses alike.
We discuss:
- What is a conscious business.
- What makes certified B Corporations different
- The criteria business have to demonstrate compliance with
- How toxins come into play
- Is the B Corp seal enough for consumers to trust the brand
- Busting the myth that it's cost-prohibitive for small businesses
- How conscious consumers and conscious businesses can change the world
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Getting to 80 Program: https://www.gettingto80.com
Decade Impact website:: https://www.decadeimpact.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyoleary/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannabrown1/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/decade-impact/
IG: @decadeimpact
Kristy O'Leary is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Decade Impact. She is a multidisciplinary systems thinker with an innate ability to identify leading edge entrepreneurs and align them with untapped opportunities to drive breakthrough change. Her passion and purpose have coalesced around empowering entrepreneurs to affect positive social, environmental and economic change.
Brianna Brown is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Decade Impact, a strategy consulting firm for businesses determined to leave the world a better place. They are experts in using the B Corp framewor
When I first heard of gut health I immediately associated it with the stomach. But the reality is, gut health is a full-body experience. And something that plays a fundamental role in our overall health and well-being. From mood to hormone balance to energy levels, so many things that can affect our daily lives depend on having a healthy gut.
But what does having a healthy gut mean, and how can you improve yours?
I'm bringing back Dr. Olivia Rose, a naturopathic doctor based out of Scarborough, Ontario, to talk all things gut health.
We cover:
- What systems make up your gut
- Symptoms that suggest your gut may need a little attention - and a reminder that common doesn't equal normal
- What can disrupt gut health
- The insanely fascinating gut-brain axis
- And simple ways you can support your gut without drastic diets or hundreds of dollars in supplements.
Links Mentioned:
Episode 39 | Healthy Sleep: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep39-healthy-sleep-the-why-how/
Where to find more from Dr. Rose:
Instagram: @oliviarosend
Rose Health Clinic: http://www.rosehealthclinic.com/
ReLiv Organics Inc: http://www.relivorganics.com/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
For those of you who work in an office and have been home for the past 17 months, you might be thinking of the transition back to work or maybe you've already returned. Covid protocols are obviously going to be top of mind for many people but what about indoor air quality in general?
As we return to spaces outside our homes, we have less control over the environment. After all, you don't have a say in what cleaning products your building uses (or doesn't use) or how warm or cold your space is. And to some extent, that's true. But being in the buildings industry for over 15 years, I've realized it's a little bit like politics.
In this episode, I want to give you some insights from someone who has worked as a sustainability consultant alongside design & operation teams of commercial buildings. We'll cover some of the things you can control when it comes to creating a healthier space at work, and how to have conversations with your employer and building manager to help support spaces for everyone.
Health Canada, Indoor Air Quality in Buildings,2010: http://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/H46-2-93-166Erev.pdf
Harvard Business Review productivity article: https://hbr.org/2016/09/air-pollution-is-making-office-workers-less-productive
EPA Safer Choice Ingredient List: https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/safer-ingredients#searchList
Healthy Buildings, Joseph G. Allen & John D. Macomber: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-9216611-11556907?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chapters.indigo.ca%2Fen-ca%2Fbooks%2Fhealthy-buildings-how-indoor-spaces%2F9780674237971-item.html%3Fikwid%3Dhealthy+buildings
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/g
If you've been following me for a little while, you probably know that my interest in reducing toxins in my life actually started out of a concern for the environment. It wasn't for another several years that I started to appreciate the connection between a healthy environment and a healthy body.
Or that our daily actions as well bigger issues like air pollution, climate change, and water pollution were playing a much more important role in our collective health and well-being than we might think considering how little conversation there is outside environmental health conferences.
So when I discovered an Instagram feed that combined environmentalism with ways we can take control of our health, I was pretty excited. That feed was created by Dr. Catherine Clinton, a licensed naturopathic physician with a focus on gut health, autoimmunity and psychoneuroimmunology.
When in medical school Dr. Clinton was diagnosed with and healed from an autoimmune disease that effects the gastrointestinal tract, leaving her with a passion to prevent autoimmunity in children everywhere. She addresses the psychoneuroimmune system and gut health of children and families through a deeper connection with the world around us.
Catherine is passionate about the connections we have with the world around us and how these connections can regenerate our health and the health of the planet. She sees an urgent need for healing our internal terrain as well as healing the terrain of the world we live in.
Dr. Clinton practices in Eugene, Oregon and has written articles in multiple peer-reviewed medical journals and is a respected speaker, author, and pediatric health advocate.
As you'll hear in her own introduction, she started out with an education in philosophy, which I think really lends to a fascinating application of the science we discuss in today's show.
We talk about:
- Terrain theory vs germ theory.
- Now the natural environment impacts our health and simple (free!) steps we can take to balance some of our hormones.
- The biggest impact from our environment on our gut (and it's not food or drink!).
- How our immune systems work.
- The root cause of autoimmune disease.
You can find more about Dr. Clinton at:
drcatherineclinton.com
Instagram: @dr.catherineclinton
Facebook: facebook.com/drcatherineclintonnd
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
When it comes to getting toxic chemicals out of the products we use every day, the choices we make as consumers can only do so much. Yes, I firmly believe that the products we choose to spend our money on is a very important vote with our dollar. And it is often the first step in making the other changes that are also necessary: industry acceptance and government regulations.
Truthfully, advocacy has never been something I’ve focused on. I wasn’t “into politics” and didn’t think my voice would really make a difference. That thinking has changed in recent years, and part of this shift was actually speaking with my friend Kerri Torrey. She was part of a group of Beautycounter consultants that trekked to our nation’s capital to speak with lawmakers about the toxins found in personal care products.
I got more curious about Beautycounter as a brand the more I started seeing about the work they were doing in advocacy and transparency. Kerri started sending me blog posts written by a woman named Lindsay Dahl. And I thought, whoa, this woman is brilliant, a force to be reckoned with, and often “I wish I’d written that!”
And so it is with great excitement that today’s episode is an interview with Lindsay about her advocacy work, our role in creating change, and where the beauty industry is headed.
Lindsay Dahl is Beautycounter’s SVP, Social Mission where she leads the safety, sustainability, advocacy and giving teams. She has been working for over 15 years to remove toxic chemicals from the products we use every day. Working at the intersection of activism, product safety, and sustainability, Lindsay takes a comprehensive approach to integrating social impact into everything at Beautycounter.
Prior to joining the Beautycounter team, Lindsay spearheaded the passage of more than a dozen health protective laws at the state and federal levels, including the nation's first ban on the toxic chemical BPA from baby bottles and other landmark laws on chemicals like flame retardants, mercury, and phthalates. In addition, Lindsay created a nationally acclaimed program—Mind the Store—to encourage top retailers to remove toxic chemicals from products. This initiative led to comprehensive health protective policies from Fortune 500 companies such as Target, Wal-Mart, CVS, The Home Depot and Best Buy.
While working in Washington, D.C., Lindsay was the Deputy Director of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, the country's largest coalition working to update federal laws on toxic chemicals. Additionally, she was lead strategist for the grassroots movement that ultimately led to the overhaul of toxic chemical regulations, the first since 1976.
In this episode we cover:
- What is activism and how consumers play a role
- Strategies to affect change in regulations
- The biggest challenges in toxics regulation reform and how to overcome them
- The roles consumers, companies, and government each have in making safer products available for everyone
- Lindsay’s prediction on the future of clean beauty
- 3 actionable tips to support the movement for healthier products to become the norm
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
In today’s episode, I’m introducing you to Maria Rizzo. This is a conversation I had with Maria in 2019. She was educating and raising awareness about a condition she struggled with called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, likely caused by her work in a nail salon. MCS is a condition I don’t think enough people know about, so I wanted to reshare this interview because it’s still incredibly relevant and important to hear.
Sadly, I recently learned of Maria’s passing in December, 2020. Her health declined over the two years prior, much of which she spent in a hospital to be by her father’s side. Whether this caused her death, we won’t know. But we do know that hospital environments are not made for people who get sicker around cleaners, disinfectants, and synthetic chemicals.
I reached out to Maria’s partner to ask if I could share the audio recording of my conversation with Maria. He happily gave permission, and hopes it helps more people understand the challenges people with MCS face, and the shifts we can make to help make healthier environments more accessible.
This episode starts with a primer of what MCS is, and then you’ll hear a first hand account of what it’s like living with the condition from Maria, and how you can support those who may be chemically-sensitive around you.
Watch a video made by Maria that explains MCS: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=227609718541141
Maria’s Facebook Group, Fragrance Free Revolution, continues. You can join here: https://www.facebook.com/fragrancefreerevolution
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
This episode is a little different! I’m sharing a live Q+A session I held in my Facebook Group, The Green Product Forum a couple of months ago. In case you missed it, or you want to know answers to common questions I get over and over again, I’m bringing it to you today!
The questions I answer cover topics like:
- 'natural' tick repellent.
- How to convince your husband to switch to all the green products when he doesn't think they clean as well.
- New organic children's clothing vs second hand non-organic children's clothing in terms of toxins and environmental impact.
- I review product ingredient lists for Elements wipes, Everyone products, and Avalon Organics
- My favourite alternatives to sponges, paper towels for dish washing/kitchen needs
- And I go into a lengthy discussion about Water wipes. Are they really that bad?
If you liked this format, drop me a DM over on Instagram, @emma_greenathome.
And if support like this would benefit you, I offer bi-weekly Q+A calls within my membership, The Healthy Home Collective. It’s a great way to not only get personalized support with any questions, but you also get a strategic and streamlined process for approaching your home detox. Learn more at greenathome.ca/collective.
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Sleep is an important pillar of health that we’re all aware of, but most of us aren’t getting good quantity, quality, or both. As it relates to toxins, sleep is when our bodies do much of the detoxification we rely on to stay healthy. It’s also when our brains process what happened during the day and stores memories.
And I know we’ve all experienced the after-effects of not being well-rested - short tempers and low energy, for example.
So I wanted to dig into the science of sleep. Because the more knowledge we have about our bodies, the more informed decisions we can make about how we go about our days (and nights). For this conversation, I’m chatting with naturopathic Doctor Olivia Rose.
She is a writer and speaker with 14 years of experience under her belt. She has built a thriving private practice centered around evidence-based and traditional naturopathic medicine and has a special interest in digestive and immune health; infertility; weight management; skin rejuvenation and chronic disease prevention. In addition to being the clinic director and founder of Rose Health Clinic, she is also the CEO of ReLiv Organics, a natural and organic skin care line. Her work has led her to be consistently featured in television segments, podcasts and publications reaching thousands of people with her natural health expertise and wellness advice.
In this episode we cover:
- Why sleep is so important
- What happens in our bodies when we sleep
- Quantity vs Quality and how to improve both
- Sleep cycles, and what common triggers disrupt different stages of sleep
- Advice for new parents who can’t get a full night’s sleep
- Lifestyle shifts and supplements that can help improve sleep
Where to find more from Dr. Rose:
Instagram: @oliviarosend
Rose Health Clinic: http://www.rosehealthclinic.com/
ReLiv Organics Inc: http://www.relivorganics.com/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
This episode was inspired by a question I asked in my Facebook Group, the Green Product Forum (which you should join if you’re not in it already). And what became very clear, was that many people wished they knew more about choosing less toxic furniture.
And so, here we are.
Now, for those who haven’t heard of me, I take a very practical and risk-based approach to creating a healthy home. I don’t often suggest people get rid of the furniture they currently have, unless they’re causing health issues currently.
But if you’re moving, redecorating, or need to replace the 30 year old couch that’s holding on by a thread, thinking about how the furniture and décor you’ll need ahead of time is important.
Because while cleaning and personal care products have really come a long way and full disclosure is a lot more common, the furniture market has a lot of catching up to do. And that can make it super frustrating as a conscious consumer.
The more we can ask questions and demand better, the more we can shift the market. So, my goal for this episode is to give you some things to consider when it comes to ingredients, certifications, and how to ask questions to the manufacturers you’re considering.
This is specifically focused on soft-seating, but I cover issues that are applicable to other furniture pieces as well, including questions to ask, ingredients to avoid, and whether GREENGUARD is a legit certification.
For ongoing support in choosing less toxic furniture and products around your home, check out my membership, The Healthy Home Collective: https://greenathome.ca/collective.
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
One of the first areas of the home expectant parents tend to focus on when it comes to reducing toxins is the nursery. A lot has changed in the time since I was pregnant, and my design esthetic is non-existent. So for this episode, I wanted to bring in someone who is an expert not only in design, but also specializes in creating healthy spaces.
Loni Brown is a Healthy Home Expert and Founder and CEO of EntirelyEco and Wholesome Nest. She helps parents design and create beautiful eco-friendly, toxin-free homes for their families.
Loni specializes in Wholesome Home Design which blends non-toxic living with interior design for a healthier and more comfortable home. Her certified organic eco home shop has beautiful, eco-friendly home decor for the entire family.
For her expertise, Loni has been featured in MindBodyGreen, New Mom Boss, PABR Institute's Weekend Wellness Hour, and Familypreneur to name a few.
In this episode, we covered:
- What's the first thing expectant parents should do when planning their non-toxic nursery
- How parents on a budget can create a healthy, beautiful space
- What trends Loni is seeing with non-toxic products
- What to look for when choosing products and finishes for the nursery
- What greenwashing tactics are common with nursery decor and furniture
Links
Website (Online Shop): https://entirelyeco.com/
Website (Nursery Design / Blog): https://wholesomenest.co/
Free Guide: Create a Beautiful, Non-Toxic Nursery in 5 Simple Steps
https://wholesomenest.co/guide
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholesomenestco/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
It didn’t even occur to me that I should be thinking of shifting some healthy habits before getting pregnant. For many people, this isn’t something that happens totally planned, so a lot of us don’t do the prep work. But for those of you who CAN, this episode is for you.
It wasn’t until after I’d had my second child that I started learning more about environmental health – i.e. toxins – and learned that preparing for pregnancy 3 months prior to conception is recommended.
The CDC website on preconception health actually has a section on environmental exposures – They say:
“Avoid harmful chemicals, environmental contaminants, and other toxic substances such as synthetic chemicals, metals, fertilizer, bug spray, and cat or rodent feces around the home and in the workplace. These substances can hurt the reproductive systems of men and women. They can make it more difficult to get pregnant. Exposure to even small amounts during pregnancy, infancy, childhood, or puberty can lead to diseases. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from toxic substances at work and at home.”
It stops short of giving advice for what you can do in your daily life beyond workplace exposures.
In this episode, I’ll break down why pre-conception toxin reduction is so important and offer strategies to help you reduce the toxins that are known to have the biggest impact.
Links Mentioned:
Free Guide - 4 Hormone Disruptors to Avoid Before Having a Baby: https://greenathome.ca/prenatalguide
6-Week Course - Prepping for Pregnancy: https://greenathome.ca/preppingforpregnancy
Related Episodes:
Episode 33 | Cycle Charting for Birth Control & Body Literacy with Nora Pope, FCP & Dr. Jessica Liu, ND:
https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep33-cycle-charting-for-birth-control-body-literacy-with-nora-pope-fcp-dr-jessica-liu-nd/
Episode 30 | Hormone Disruptors are the Worst:
https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep30-hormone-disruptors-are-the-worst/
Episode 4 | Hormone Disruptors & Pregnancy - What You Need to Know:
https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep04-hormone-disruptors-pregnancy-what-you-need-to-know/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
If a baby is in your future, this is an episode you cannot miss. Especially if you need help convincing your partner that he needs to step up his game when it comes to reproductive health. Because for far too long, reproductive health conversations have been focused on women. All the advice, pressure, and responsibility has been given to us. But as the saying goes, it takes two to tango.
For today’s episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Shanna Swan and Stacey Colino, the authors of the new book, Count Down.
Shanna is one of the world’s leading environmental and reproductive epidemiologists. She is Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City where she is also a member of the Transdisciplinary Center on Early Environmental Exposures and the Mindich Child Health and Development Institute.
Dr. Swan has published more than 200 scientific papers and myriad book chapters and has been featured in extensive media coverage around the world. Her appearances include ABC News, NBC Nightly News, 60 Minutes, CBS News, PBS, the BBC, PRI Radio, and NPR, as well as in leading magazines and newspapers, ranging from The Washington Post to Bloomberg News to New Scientist.
Stacey is an award-winning writer, specializing in science, health, and psychological issues, and a certified health coach. Her work has appeared in publications such as The Washington Post, Newsweek, Parade, Woman’s Day, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Shape, Parenting, Men’s Journal, Sports Illustrated, and Good Housekeeping. She has co-authored two additional books on health.
The book Count Down takes a look at the dramatic decline in sperm count around the world and the impact of environmental chemicals and pharmaceuticals on reproductive health.
And importantly, it brings the issue of male fertility into the spotlight it deserves. After we finished recording, Stacey brought up the important statistics that reproductive issues are ⅓ women’s health, ⅓ men’s, and the rest is a combination of the two. We can no longer ignore half of this equation, which is why this conversation is so important.
This is a longer episode than usual, but it is well-worth it. We cover a lot of ground:
- Shanna’s initial skepticism about earlier studies suggesting sperm rate decline
- What her research found about sperm count
- Why the decline is significant and should be taken very seriously
- The chemicals contributing to poor sperm health
- Things you can do to mitigate exposures for you and your future baby
- And so much more.
You can buy Count Down here.
For a step-by-step plan to reduce your exposure to the key toxins explored in the book, check out my 6-week course, Prepping for Pregnancy: https://greenathome.ca/preppingforpregnancy
35 | Fertility & Hormone Disruptors
Where to Find More from Dr. Shanna Swan:
Website: www.shannaswan.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanna-swan-phd-339a4258/
Twitter: @DrShannaSwan
Instagram: @DrShannaSwan
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Most toy packages carry labels like “non-toxic” and “meets ASTM” and various other standards. And if you go to government websites, they talk about all the ways they protect us from dangerous products. But what do these claims mean, especially when it comes to the safety of children’s toys?
In 2008, Mattel recalled nearly 1million toys made in China that contained lead as high as 11ppm, 180 times the legal limit. There is no known safe level of lead for children, so even the legal limits aren’t necessarily safe.
Also in 2008, a Toronto newspaper purchased toys from 18 retailers and found lead in about one in every four products purchased. Most of the products were made in China.
Lead is a known toxin, particularly for children, and is the most heavily regulated toxin for children’s products in Canada and the US.
But it’s just one contaminant found in children’s toys – and if the chemical with the strictest regulations is falling through the cracks, what does that mean for the rest?
In this episode I cover:
- What regulations exist in Canada and the US, compared to the EU and China
- What isn’t regulated as much as we think
- The most common toxins found in toys
- What to look for in non-toxic toys
- How to demand better from manufacturers
Links Mentioned:
The Healthy Home Collective: https://greenathome.ca/collective
Related Episodes:
Episode 3 | Is Amazon Safe?: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/is-amazon-safe-what-you-need-to-know-before-buying-childrens-products-online/
Episode 29 | Inconvenient Proof: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep29-inconvenient-proof/
Episode 30 | Hormone Disruptors are the Worst: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep30-hormone-disruptors-are-the-worst/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
I’ve touched on the pill in other episodes, but not for actual birth control. When I learned about the work Nora Pope and Jessica Liu were doing to educate and raise awareness about cycle charting - an alternative form of birth control - I was intrigued. But what I learned after talking with them is how beneficial cycle charting can be for overall health.
This episode will be valuable for you whether you’re actively trying to avoid getting pregnant or simply want to learn more about your cycle. If you’ve got a pre-teen or teen who will be or has already started menstruating, this will be incredibly important for you as well because we talk about the issues with increasing use of the pill for cycle regulation in teens.
And if you have a teen, or a pre-teen, listen to this episode then queue up episode 8 where I chatted with Dr. Erin TeWinkel on healthy teen periods.
In this episode, we cover:
- What happens during a healthy menstrual cycle
- How the birth control pill works
- The importance of white flow (or cervical fluid)
- The problems with the pill (hint: it’s in our water)
- Why the pill shouldn’t be the go-to for teen period regulation
- When the pill may be warranted
- How to use cycle charting for birth control, fertility, monitoring PCOS and other symptoms
Nora Pope is a retired naturopathic doctor who has been educating physicians, surgeons, midwives, pharmacists, and health experts on the scientific use of natural medicines since 2003.
Dr. Jessica Liu, ND is the owner and clinical director of Lakeside Natural Health Centre in Mississauga, Ontario and has over 15 years of expertise and clinical excellence in the field of fertility, women's health and pregnancy care. Her program, “Creating Vibrant Fertility” has a particular focus in supporting women to move through their fertility trauma in order to awaken their optimal fertility potential.
Dr. Jessica and Nora are the co-founders of Fertility Continuing Education, an organization that creates continuing education in the field of fertility awareness, restorative fertility treatment and perinatal care to healthcare professionals. More information about this program at https://www.fertilityce.com/ and on Instagram and Facebook @fertility.ce.
Links Mentioned:
White Flow episode on That Naturopathic Podcast: https://thatnaturopathicpodcast.com
How to Choose a Water Filter: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep16-how-to-choose-the-right-water-filter/
Jerilynn Prior's work: https://www.cemcor.ubc.ca/about-us/past-current-projects
Laura Werschler, Body Literacy: https://www.learnbodyliteracy.com/cycle-science
Nora Pope's Article: "21 Days No More": https://ndnr.com/womens-health/day-21-no-more/
Lara Briden ND, IUD articles:
https://www.larabriden.com/pros-cons-copper-iud-natural-health-perspective/
More about their course: www.fertilityCe.com
Instagram/Facebook: @fertility.ce
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
In this episode, I’m bringing you something a little different. I recently recorded a video training for my membership clients on the strategy they can use when they’re feeling stuck or if they don’t know how to navigate choosing between different products.
Because it’s very easy to feel stuck as you’re working through ways to reduce toxins in your home, I wanted to share the audio version of the training here with you.
Usually, people get stuck because of one or a combination of 4 reasons:
- You don’t know what’s most important (how to prioritize products or strategies)
- You don’t have the time
- You don’t have the money
- You don’t have the support of your partner
In episode 23, I had a conversation with life and relationship coach Claudia Aronowitz about navigating competing priorities. This episode dives into the specific steps and strategies you can use to assess different products and actions, staying focused on your goals and overcoming barriers like time, money, and support.
Now, you’ll hear me mention a few times bringing questions to the Office Hours. These are live Q+A and coaching sessions I hold inside my membership community, the Healthy Home Collective.
If you want to lower toxins at home to lower your children’s risk of chronic illness and reproductive issues or support your own healing and prevention, with step-by-step action plans, product recommendations, and personalized coaching, you can learn more about the membership at greenathome.ca/collective.
Alright, let’s dig into the process I use to prioritize and overcome barriers.
Links Mentioned:
Ep23 Navigating Competing Priorities: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep23-navigating-competing-priorities-with-claudia-aronowitz/
Membership Program: https://greenathome.ca/collective
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Eczema seems like a rite-of-passage these days. A quick scroll through any mom’s group on Facebook and you’ll see questions come up regularly - with hundreds of suggestions for support.
One thing I learned early on as I started to dive into root cause healthcare is that eczema is often more than just a skin condition. As Dr. Cheung puts it in this episode, “it’s an outward expression of an internal imbalance.”
If you or your child is suffering with eczema, it might seem like nothing works. But that’s because it is a complex condition that has many different causes depending on the person!
I want to give you a foundation to understand eczema, the myths and misconceptions, and how to truly fix it - beyond band aid solutions like creams. And so for this conversation, I’m bringing on Dr. Tiffany Cheung to the show, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in eczema.
In this episode, we cover:
- What is eczema & what causes it
- What are some of the biggest misconceptions about eczema?
- How can people go about fixing it
- Steroid creams: Do they work and are they safe?
- Are vaseline and oat baths recommended?
Tiffany is a naturopathic doctor in Ontario and is the founder of the Erase Your Eczema System.
As someone who experienced eczema as a child and adult, she created the Erase Your Eczema System to help women, mothers + children take control of their eczema naturally without steroids. Through her 5 Step Protocol inside her program, Tiffany has worked with and coached many eczema warriors, young and old, to take back control of their skin so that they have a much better quality of life. Tiffany is passionate about educating on how to clear eczema from the inside out and how to lead a safe, non toxic lifestyle as it is closely linked with your skin.
You can connect with her on Instagram @tiffanyerikacheung_nd and also join her Facebook group Get Rid of Eczema Naturally Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/366246020755845/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Hormone disruptors are the most concerning toxins found in the environment, our homes, and our bodies. They are especially concerning for children.
I’m leading with the punchline because I don’t know that I’ve been overly clear on my stance about hormone disruptors.
I’ve been conscious about toxins in my own home for over 15 years. And I’ve spent the last 6 years doing in-depth research into the role toxins are playing in our health and well-being. Or I guess I should say the role they’re playing in our deteriorating health.
One very clear message has emerged, and that is that hormone disrupting chemicals are one of the biggest threats to not only our health, but our survival.
Now before you tune me out, thinking “whoa, dramatic, much?!”… there’s a silver lining here.
The good news is, our toxic load is something we can identify, address, and reduce.
We can’t control all sources of toxins or stress, or our genetics. But we can take steps to lower our toxic load. In this episode, I am talking specifically about hormone disruptors - why they’re important, what they are, and what you can do about them.
Join the FREE 5-Day Training How to Create a Healthier Home without Overwhelm: https://greenathome.ca/training
Links Mentioned:
Room-by-Room Hormone Disruptor Checklist: https://greenathome.ca/hormonedisruptors
Episodes Mentioned:
Ep4 Hormone Disruptors and Pregnancy - What You Need to Know: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep04-hormone-disruptors-pregnancy-what-you-need-to-know/
Ep16 How to Choose the Right Water Filter: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep16-how-to-choose-the-right-water-filter/
Ep19 5 Toxic Myths Keeping You Stuck: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep19-5-toxin-myths-keeping-you-stuck/
Ep29 Inconvenient Proof: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/ep29-inconvenient-proof/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
I get asked a lot “what proof do we have that ingredients in our personal care and cleaning products, air, water, food, and homes matter?”
Sometimes the question is out of curiosity and sometimes as a passive aggressive rhetorical question because they’re just waiting to debunk whatever I have to say. Often, it’s women asking me so they can arm themselves for yet another argument with their partner.
So in this episode, I break down this search for proof, and why it’s messing with our ability to make real and impactful changes in our lives.
Are you ready for a taste of what swirls around my brain while trying to fall asleep and questioning the meaning of life? Have a listen and let me know if it resonated.
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
If you follow me on Instagram Stories, you’ll know I love a good weights session. But this wasn’t always the case. I used to be that person who thought 5lb dumb bells were all I should use. After having my children and suffering chronic pain from pregnancy, nursing, and carrying them, I started working with a trainer and before I knew it (really it took a couple of years), I became a weight lifter.
There are so many misconceptions and fads around fitness that can really overcomplicate things - and also damage our relationship with exercise. But it is such an important part of our health, so I wanted to bring you a conversation with the real goods about fitness and strength training for women.
I am thrilled to introduce this conversation with personal trainer and go-to women’s fitness expert, Samantha Montpetit-Huynh. We talked about:
- Why women should weight train
- Simple ways to get more movement into your day
- How fitness can affect hormones
- How to set fitness goals that don't revolve around the scale
- The mindset hacks and myths you need to succeed
- And more.
You can learn more about Sam here:
Sam Core Trainer Website: https://samcoretrainer.com/
Free Facebook Group STC For Ladies Only: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sctforladiesonly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SamCoreTrainer/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
One of the top Google searches that land people on my website is “new home smell.” I’ve been aware of the issues with construction for nearly 20 years - my career started as a green building consultant where my job was to call manufacturers of various building materials to ask about the ingredients and VOC content. So I’m somewhat disheartened that this problem persists. But also not surprised.
Because of the trend of people coming to my blog post on getting rid of the new home smell (I’ll link that in the show notes if that’s you), I wanted to help those who are building or renovating avoid this problem in the first place.
So for this episode, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Lindsey Tourand, the Head of Innovation at Kiwi Innovation - a green building firm based in British Columbia, Canada. I know Lindsey from my days working in consulting engineering and know he’s the real deal. This is a recording of a conversation we had in early 2020 for clients in The Healthy Home Collective.
We covered:
- What you should consider before hiring a design & construction team
- How to define what green & healthy means for you
- What’s the most important factor when designing a new home
- How to optimize indoor air quality
- What to think about when insulating
- The worst-offending products
- Budget-friendly tips
- Resources for homeowners
Links Mentioned:
Kiwi Innovation’s Website: https://vivakiwi.com/
Green Building Advisor: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/
The Endeavour Centre: https://endeavourcentre.org/
A Pretty Good House: https://www.prettygoodhouse.org/
How to Get Rid of That New Home Smell Blog Post: https://greenathome.ca/6-ways-to-get-rid-of-toxic-new-home-smell/
Guide to Healthy Construction & Renovations: https://greenathome.ca/construction
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Learning about and acting on toxins, environmental degradation, and other hard topics requires the capacity to do so without letting it drag you down. It can be easy to sink into fear and despair, feeling like it’s too big to handle. We are needed. And we can make a difference. So we need the capacity to tackle hard things.
I was lucky enough to start to build this capacity with support from Lindsay Coulter when I worked with her in the David Suzuki Foundation’s Queen of GreenTM Coaching Program. I invited her to chat with me to help you build capacity too.
Lindsay Coulter is a dedicated mother of two, naturalist, community catalyst, soul activist, mentor, writer and horse lover in Victoria, B.C. She seeks to inspire others to claim sane leadership and find better ways to be in this world together. She believes in creating good human society wherever we are, whenever we can with the people and resources available to us now.
Her expertise is as a green living expert for more than a decade, as former David Suzuki’s Queen of GreenTM, a leader, mentor, facilitator, community catalyst, compassion cultivator, soul activist and courageous conversation starter.
Find her @SaneAction on Instagram and Facebook. She’s also the Director of Communications, Culture and Community of EPIC Learning Centre, a forest and nature school in Victoria, B.C.
In this conversion, we cover a lot of ground, including:
- What it means to take sane action
- Simple ways to build community and why this is essential
- How we can reconnect to nature in an increasingly disconnected world
- Eco-grief and building the capacity to cope
- How to show up on social media
- Having conversations with people who aren’t on board
- Hope and fear in chaotic times
This conversation is thought-provoking, envelope-pushing, and humbling. I encourage you to listen with an open mind - and more than once. There is so much goodness in here, I will come back to it at different times because I know it will bring up different ah-ha moments each time.
You can find Lindsay here:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaneAction
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saneaction
The forest and nature school, EPIC: https://epiclearningcentre.org/
Links Mentioned:
Margaret Wheatley "Beyond hope and fear": https://www.margaretwheatley.com/articles/BeyondHopeandFear.pdf
Episode 12: Having Tough Conversations https://greenathome.ca/podcast/tough-conversations-with-fiona-proctor/
Nature & Children: https://childnature.ca/taking-care-of-the-heart-through-nature-play-and-connection-in-chaotic-times/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
One of the questions that comes up most often in my the Green Product Forum, my free Facebook Group, is about the best cookware. So, I wanted to cover this as an episode because there are a lot of things people get wrong when they start thinking about these products.
Now, if you think I’m going to tell you to immediately chuck all your Teflon products and replace them in one go, keep listening. Because while I know a lot of people will tell you that, I take a different approach.
But yes, there will be products you want or have to replace… so do you go with ceramic? PFOA-free? Silicone? I’ll break it all down for you in this episode.
I walk you through the real problem with Teflon, alternatives for cookware and bakeware, and how to avoid greenwashing.
You can also read about some of the options discussed here: https://greenathome.ca/non-toxic-non-stick-cookware/.
Links Mentioned:
The Devil We Know - Netflix Documentary
Dark Waters - a film with Mark Ruffalo
The Healthy Home Method - https://greenathome.ca/method
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
I started prioritizing organic food where I could back in 2004. Admittedly, I didn’t do much research. I read Silent Spring, watched a couple of documentaries, was learning about pesticides in our soil and water supplies, and I was convinced it was the right thing to do. When I became a mom and had 2 kids to feed, I decided I should take a look at the facts to see if organic produce is worth the cost premium.
I wrote my first blog post on organic food back in 2015. This was actually the research project that launched Green at Home as a public-facing venture. Since that post, I’ve written others on the EWG Dirty Dozen, pesticide washes, and glyphosate. And let me tell you, this topic doesn’t get any easier.
The problem with trying to find balanced information about organic food is that there are lobby groups on both sides intent on pushing their agendas – making it very difficult to decipher fact from hyperbole.
In this episode, I do my best to walk through what I see as the key considerations when weighing the decision to invest in organic food – or not.
Join the waitlist to learn when the Healthy Home Method goes on sale and get access to exclusive bonuses: https://greenathome.ca/waitlist
Links Mentioned:
https://greenathome.ca/is-organic-produce-worth-the-price/
https://greenathome.ca/glyphosate-in-food/
https://greenathome.ca/ewg-dirty-dozen-produce-washes/
Studies:
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1408197/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1241395/
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1408197
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019306853
https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002671
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.120-a458
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151736/
https://occup-med.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12995-020-00290-z
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
One of the biggest hurdles to creating positive change in our lives is navigating competing priorities. I see it all the time with statements like “I want to choose non-toxic products, but they’re so expensive.” We’re constantly trying to balance the benefits with time and money.
Competing priorities are a fact of life. Rather than fighting them, I think it’s important we understand how to navigate them to make informed and confident decisions. This is why I asked personal development coach - and one of the early students of my Healthy Home Method - to speak with me about navigating competing priorities effectively.
In this conversation, we cover:
- The different stages of changes.
- The hardest stage when making a big change, and how to move past it.
- What creates the feeling of overwhelm.
- How we can navigate competing priorities effectively.
- 3 things we can all do to navigate change more easily.
Claudia Aronowitz is an accomplished Personal Development and Relationship Coach certified with the International Coach Federation.
Claudia is an engaging, strategic thinker who, prior to becoming a coach, spent over 20 years as a leader in the health and not-for-profit sectors.
Today, as a Personal Development and Relationships Coach, Claudia uses compassion, insight and straightforward communication to support her clients through change and transition. Her ability to clarify complex situations, and break them down into accessible steps, helps her clients gain new perspectives and confidence, while embracing new opportunities.
Having resided and studied in numerous countries, Claudia is fluent in three languages (Spanish, English and Hebrew) and is well equipped to embrace and understand a variety of cultures and viewpoints.
Connect with Claudia:
Instagram www.instagram.com/claudiaaronowitz_coaching
Facebook www.facebook.com/claudiaaronowitz
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiaaronowitz/
Website www.claudiaaro.com
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Zero waste became a buzzword in recent years, and has sparked some great conversation around what we can do to reduce waste. For many, however, I think “zero waste” is an unrealistic goal and can lead to not taking any steps to reduce waste.
If zero waste is your goal - amazing. But know that you can go low waste, not necessarily zero waste, and reduce your footprint and lower your toxic load while you’re at it. Now, I have a long way to go before I consider myself even low waste. It’s an ongoing work in progress… so for today’s show I’m sharing a conversation I had with Meera Jain, who is known on Instagram as the Green Mum. Her approach to sharing her low waste journey is so practical and approachable, I invited her to join me for a Facebook Live within my client community back in 2020.
Our conversation is still very relevant, so I’m sharing it with you on today’s show. In this conversation, we cover:
- How she got her husband on board
- Tips to bring others on board who might not be open to it initially
- Benefits she’s experienced as she shifts to low waste living
- Tips to reduce single use plastic in the kitchen
I highly encourage you to follow Meera on Instagram, @thegreenmum for more awesome tips and tricks!
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
When I started looking into diapers, wipes, and skincare products for my baby, I remember feeling slightly paralyzed by all the options. That was 9 years ago now for my first. Even in the 3 years between my first and second kid there were so many more products and a lot more marketing being thrown at me. I see a lot of expectant and new moms struggling with this today – because while there are more and more healthy options on the market, this can be a blessing and a curse.
So today, I’m going to break down what you should pay attention to when it comes to choosing least toxic diapers, wipes and skincare products for your baby. And yes, I’ll share some brand recommendations too. So if you’re about to have a baby or are a new parent wondering what to do, this episode is for you.
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Episode 19 5 Myths Keeping you Stuck
How I Cloth Diapered my Kids: https://greenathome.ca/how-i-cloth-diapered-my-kids/
How to Treat Eczema Naturally: https://greenathome.ca/treat-eczema-naturally/
Health-Proof Your Home for Baby: https://greenathome.info/healthproof
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
There is no shortage of information on what we should and shouldn’t be eating. And when you’re pregnant, this can get really confusing and overwhelming. What I wished someone spoke to me about sooner, were the changes I could make preconception and in early pregnancy.
I met fertility and women’s hormone expert, Dr. Rachel Corradetti-Sargeant, when she signed up for my Healthy Home Method program. So when I launched my course, Prepping for Pregnancy, I knew I wanted to share her wisdom with my students. This episode is a recording of a conversation Dr. Rachel and I had in the middle of 2019, specifically to support those who are preconception, trying to conceive, or in early pregnancy.
We cover:
- What's going on in the body preconception and how can we support this phase
- What kinds of changes to diets and lifestyles couples should consider when trying to conceive or are pregnant
- Nutrition advice she wishes more TTC couples followed
- Supplements recommended during pregnancy to support optimal health for the pregnant person and the baby
Dr. Rachel Corradetti-Sargeant is a licenced Naturopathic Doctor - part total science nerd and part no-holds-barred health nut. With special interests in fertility and women’s hormones, she is passionate about empowering her patients to make healthy changes and allow them to achieve conception, maintenance of a healthy pregnancy, and transitioning out of their fertility years later in life…
When she is not seeing patients, Rachel is running triathlons, contributing to magazine articles (look for me in Clean Eating and Elle magazines), reviewing the latest clinic research for Integrated Healthcare Practitioners magazine, or making a giant mess in the kitchen whipping up the latest healthy desserts.
Dr. Corradetti-Sargeant has two children who were conceived with the help of preconception care via naturopathic doctors and fertility care, so she is extra passionate about hormonal health!
Website: www.rachelcorradetti.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drrachelcorradettind
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dr_Rachel_ND
Instagram: http://instagram.com/Dr_Rachel_ND
Links Mentioned:
Prepping for Pregnancy 6-Week Online Course: https://greenathome.info/preppingforpregnancy
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
When I did my deep-dive into detoxing my own home after my children were born, I became paralyzed by fear, overwhelm and analysis paralysis. Even though I had been working to reduce toxins for 15 years, I totally lost control. And a large reason behind it was the access to more information that wasn’t available when I first got started.
I realised that my confusion and analysis paralysis were perpetuated because of myths. But they seeded enough doubt in me, that I became stuck and frustrated.
When it comes to the ingredients in the products you use every day, there is no shortage of information out there, seeking to discredit the notion that environmental toxins are a serious concern.
In this episode, I want to help you overcome doubt. I’m going to address some of the most common myths that lead to doubt and ultimately sabotage your success.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Register for the free webclass, What You Need to Know About Hormone Disruptors & Pregnancy: https://greenathome.info/prenatalwebclass
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Heavy metals are found naturally and in household products, and are linked with a range of health issues. They are especially important to be aware of when planning to conceive or pregnant because pregnancy mobilizes these elements and can be passed to the fetus.
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jessica Dupont, a Naturopathic Doctor, Birth Doula, Fertility Strategist, public speaker, mother and plant-based foodie, about what you need to know about heavy metals - without totally panicking.
We cover:
- What are heavy metals
- How we are exposed
- How are they removed from the body
- What are the issues when it comes to heavy metals during preconception and pregnancy
- How can you detox them safely when trying to conceive or pregnant
- What should you avoid doing in a detox
- The problem with chlorella, bone broth, and collagen
- How heavy metals affect fertility
Dr. Jessica Dupont’s practice focuses on Hormonal Regulation, Women’s Health (PMS, Fibroids, PCOS, Endometriosis, Menopause, etc.), Fertility, & Perinatal Care. Dr. Jessica has made it her mission to empower women worldwide to embrace their divine feminine power, take control of their health, and realize their optimal health potential so they can feel energetic, vibrant, and beautiful inside and out. It is her belief that by educating and supporting healthy women and mothers, we will have healthier children and healthier communities. She integrates conventional medical research with alternative medicine giving women a unique approach to their health so they can get to the root cause of their concerns and restore balance.
Dr. Dupont is the creator of the Naturopathic Doula Course and teaches Naturopathic Doctors across North America and the UK, is founder of York Region Naturopathic Doulas, and is the Creator of the noteworthy online fertility program Baby Bloomers. She has published various articles for a variety of health magazines and papers, and is one of the most sought after practitioners in the GTA regarding hormones, pregnancy and fertility.
Where to find Dr. Dupont:
Website: www.DrJessicaND.com
Fertility Detox Program: https://www.drjessicand.com/fertilitydetox
Baby Bloomers Online Comprehensive Fertility Program: www.babybloomers.ca
Instagram: @drjessicadupont
Links Mentioned in the episode:
Detox Smoothie: https://www.drjessicand.com/blog/2019/1/15/heavy-metal-detox-smoothie
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
So you’ve decided you want to get rid of toxic chemicals from your home. But where do you start? Or maybe you’ve already made some headway, but now you’re stuck not knowing if what you’re doing matters or what to do next?
It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed. There are lists, resources, articles, videos… so much information that is supposed to help you; but in reality, we are drowning in it.
Today, I’m going to be your life raft. If you know you want to reduce toxins in your home, but can’t quite seem to go from that want into action, because you’re feeling overwhelmed and stuck, this episode is for you.
I’m going to walk you through the steps I took when I needed to get out of my head and into a healthier home 6 years ago. Because even though I had been adopting healthy home strategies for over 15 years, after my second child was born I became paralyzed with fear and overwhelm. There were so many things to think about – all of a sudden I realized my goals had shifted and it seemed harder to navigate all the information after I had my kids.
In this episode, I break down the process I used to pull myself out of the overwhelm spiral – and what I still use to this day when I feel myself starting to struggle.
Mentioned in the Episode:
Why Framework:
I want to reduce toxins in my home to [insert specific benefit].
To do this I need to overcome [biggest challenge/hurdle/roadblock].
Because I don’t want to [what happens if you don’t address toxins now].
Healthy Home Collective: https://greenathome.ca/collective
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Today we’re going to be talking about the importance of filtering your water, and I’ll share the important steps you need to take to figure out what the right water filter is for you. Because there are a lot of options out there, and everyone has their opinion… but before you go down the rabbit hole there’s a critical piece of information you need: what are you trying to remove from your water in the first place?
Not all water filters can remove the same contaminants. And a lot of systems that I see get recommended as filters – like alkaline water machines – don’t remove contaminants at all. So we’re going to talk through the key things you need to know about what’s in your water, and what your options are for treatment.
We’ll cover the 3 questions you need to ask about your municipal water, things you must address if you’re on a well, and how to find the filter that will best meet your needs.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
- The Healthy Home Collective: http://greenathome.ca/collective
- Tap Score water test kit: https://mytapscore.com/?rfsn=4840256.9155ae&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=4840256.9155ae
- The Devil We Know - Documentary on Netflix: https://thedevilweknow.com/see-the-film/
- NRDC Report: https://www.nrdc.org/resources/threats-tap-widespread-violations-water-infrastructure
- Is Fluoride Safe? Blog Post: https://greenathome.ca/is-fluoride-safe/
- Guide to Choosing a Water Filter: https://greenathome.info/waterfilter
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Now with a title like “Fluoride, EMFs, and Radon” you might think this is going to be a 3-hour episode. These are all very big topics! I have spent probably over 24 hours researching all of these issues. That doesn’t make me an expert by any stretch, but I have a pretty decent understanding of what we know, what we don’t know, and how you can move forward on each of these issues without total analysis paralysis.
I think these topics are rife with confusion, overwhelm, and sometimes fear. If you’re like a lot of people I speak with, learning about these issues itself is a hurdle. Because once you learn something, you can’t unlearn something. I know when I was starting off my own healthy home journey, I ignored things like fluoride, EMFs, and radon for a long time because the thought of acting on the information was too scary. I didn’t want to have to debate my dentist or be afraid of things I couldn’t control when it came to my neighbour’s WIFI. And, well, radon wasn’t even on my radar until a few years ago.
But as I’ve discovered, these issues are important and I believe we can take action on them without fear. And because they all require a similar mindset – that is, trusting that you can take the information and act on it without fear - I’m giving them to you in one episode as a summary and quick action plan.
Links Mentioned in The Episode:
- Free Training Series: https://greenathome.ca/training
- Fluoride Blog: https://greenathome.ca/is-fluoride-safe/
- Cell Phones & EMFs: https://greenathome.ca/do-cell-phones-cause-cancer/
- Interview with Dr. Taylor Bean and Frank Clegg: https://www.facebook.com/100010664042801/videos/1311211315910991/
- Radon Blog: https://greenathome.ca/why-im-testing-my-home-for-radon/
- US National Radon Safety Board: https://www.nrsb.org/
- Canadian Radon Testing and Remediation: https://takeactiononradon.ca/test/radon-test-kits/
- Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program Professionals: https://c-nrpp.ca/find-a-professional/
- Health Canada Information on Radon & Remediation: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/radiation/radon-reduction-guide-canadians-health-canada-2013.html
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
Health isn’t just about genetics and biology. In fact, factors external to our bodies have been shown to impact our health to a greater extent than we previously thought. In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ingrid Waldron - an associate professor at the University of Dalhousie in the Faculty of Health and the Director of the ENRICH Project.
Her research looks at inequities in our social structures and how they impact mental and physical health. This conversation gives a summary of her mental health research, her work with Black and Indigenous communities impacted by environmental racism, and how we can help fight environmental racism as individuals.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What are social determinants of health
- How stress, stigmatization, and eco-grief affect health, especially of those living in polluted communities.
- What is environmental racism
- How Dr. Waldron approaches her research, from a community-driven and multi-media lens
- How this research led to a book, film, and ultimately affected legislative change
- How you can support communities experiencing environmental racism
Dr. Ingrid Waldron is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health at Dalhousie University and the Director of the NGO Environmental Noxiousness, Racial Inequities & Community Health Project (The ENRICH Project). As the Director of the ENRICH Project over the last eight years, Dr. Waldron has been investigating the socio-economic, political, and health effects of environmental racism and other public infrastructure inequalities in Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian communities. The ENRICH Project formed the basis to Dr. Waldron’s first book There’s Something in the Water: Environmental Racism in Indigenous and Black Communities, which received the 2020 Society for Socialist Studies Errol Sharpe Book Prize and the 2019 Atlantic Book Award for Scholarly Writing. The 2020 Netflix documentary There’s Something in the Water is based on Dr. Waldron’s book and was co-produced by Waldron, actress Ellen Page, Ian Daniel, and Julia Sanderson. The ENRICH Project also formed the basis to the creation of the provincial private members bill An Act to Address Environmental Racism (Bill 111), which was introduced in the Nova Scotia Legislature on April 29, 2015, and the federal private members bill a National Strategy to Redress Environmental Racism (Bill C-230), which was introduced in the House of Commons on February 26, 2020 and moved to second reading on December 8, 2020.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Free 5-Day Training Series, How to Create a Healthier Home without Overwhelm: https://greenathome.ca/training
The ENRICH Project: https://www.enrichproject.org/
There’s Something in the Water
Netflix Documentary: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81206890
Dr. Waldron’s Book: https://fernwoodpublishing.ca/book/there8217s-something-in-the-water
How to Support Bill C-230 A National Strategy to Redress Environmental Racism: https://www.enrichproject.org/billc-230/
Dr. Waldron’s Twitter: @waldron_ingrid
Dr. Waldron’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Iwaldron
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
If you’ve got a health concern that hasn’t been solved by your doctor, or worse, is being totally dismissed, you need to learn about environmental medicine. But regardless of your current health situation, this is an episode I think everyone can benefit from because we cover so many different misconceptions floating around about our health in general.
In this episode, I had a conversation with Dr. Marillea Yu, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a special interest in environmental medicine. She shared so many great pearls of wisdom in here, and I wasn’t expecting my biggest take-away to be nothing to do with toxins or medicine but rather how we treat each other… have a listen and you’ll hear the theme woven throughout.
We talk about:
- What is Environmental Medicine
- Why we should be aware of - not anxious about - toxins
- Why “quick fix” detoxes aren’t the answer
- The problem with “we have detoxification systems to handle everything”
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - what it is and how to be sympathetic to others
- How Environmental Medicine can support Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
- What to do when doctors don’t know what’s wrong with you
- Approaching detoxification from an environmental medicine perspective
- The problem with synthetic fragrance
- Why it’s important to address toxins before you get sick
Dr. Marillea Yu received her BSc in Biology at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island prior to becoming a graduate of The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her clinical interests centre on Environmental Medicine and the effects of everyday toxic exposures on health and wellness and its contribution to chronic and inflammatory disease and autoimmunity. This includes exploring the effects of industrialization on health outcomes, especially in communities and areas where resource extraction has occurred and the effects of industrialization are experienced first-hand.
When not at work she enjoys practicing capoeira, playing soccer, practicing her knitting, reading up on a variety of subjects and spending time with her family.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Healthy Home Solution: https://greenathome.ca/solution
Dr. Walter Crinnion’s Book “Clean, Green at Lean”: https://greenathome.ca/shop
Episode 15 on Environmental Racism with Dr. Ingrid Waldron (available January 12th): https://greenathome.ca/podcast/environmental-racism-with-dr-waldron
Where to find more from Dr. Yu:
Website: https://drmarilleand.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nontoxicdoc/ (@nontoxicdoc)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nontoxicdoc/
Green Product Forum: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: https://instagram.com/emma_greenathome
Website: https://greenathome.ca
The truth is, seeking to reduce toxins in your daily life isn’t “normal”. There is a lot of judgment for people who go against the grain, and this can be exhausting.
I spent most of my healthy and green home journey keeping what I’d learned to myself, and not sharing my reasons behind choosing less toxic products. But that doesn’t help educate others who are curious, nor does it make it easier when other people start commenting about your choices in unsupportive ways.
For this episode, I asked my best friend, canoe trip buddy, and fellow status-quo-disruptor, Fiona Proctor to talk with us about how to have tough conversations.
In this episode we talk about:
- Why women in particular (and in general) shy away from having tough conversations
- How we can approach tough conversations so we can be heard
- Subconscious vs unconscious decision-making
- The role of curiosity when interacting with others
- How to ask questions more effectively
- How to speak with your partner who isn’t on board
- How to speak with family and friends
Fiona Proctor is a Registered Nurse, Partner, Mom, and lover of life. She supports nurses (as well as other humans) to lead their truest lives, as well as be the change they so desperately want to see in the world. Fiona is an avid canoe tripper, wool and coffee lover, and can be found on the cross-country ski hills in ridiculous costumes teaching little people how to ski in the winter.
You can find Fiona on Instagram @nursesknowthyself and at her website: www.nursesknowthyself.ca.
One of my core values is to empower people to become more conscious consumers. To me, that doesn’t mean we’re always going to choose the greenest or healthiest option out there – but that we actually think about the impact we can have with where we spend our money.
One area I became interested in a few years ago is the effect our clothing purchases have on the environment and the people involved in making the clothes. And it changed the way I shopped forever.
But I struggled when it came to choosing environmentally and socially-conscious athleticwear in particular. Until I discovered the brand TMPL. And today I’m bringing founder Basil Farano onto the show to talk about the clothing industry, and the impact it has on our health and the planet’s.
Basil has over 20 years experience working within the manufacturing, wholesale & retail industries in Canada, the United States & Italy. He started his journey as the President and Licensee for Italian sportswear firm Kappa in North America, where he was responsible for growing the brand’s presence. He then spent over 8 years working in mobile strategy development for luxury fashion and retail brands.
After reading the Greenpeace report Toxic Threads, it opened his eyes to a new opportunity in the clothing industry. And it led to him becoming co-founder and partner of TMPL.
In this conversation, we talk about:
- The impact the fashion industry has on climate change
- The environmental and health impacts of chemicals used in conventional clothing manufacturing processes
- Why formaldehyde may be added to your imported clothing
- Why sportswear carries a higher risk from toxin exposure
- How TMPL found a better way to make sportswear
- What to look for in well-made, healthier clothing
- How consumers can play a role in reducing the negative impacts of the clothing industry
Links mentioned in this episode:
Greenpeace report: https://www.greenpeace.org/international/publication/6889/toxic-threads-the-big-fashion-stitch-up/
TMPL’s website (Emma’s affiliate link): https://tmplsportswear.com/?rfsn=4782446.b52dfd
Instagram: @tmplsportswear
When I learned how many women have undiagnosed PCOS, and the kind of pain and long-term health risks associated with the condition, I was shocked. It’s another example of how women’s health issues are so often misunderstood and sometimes even ignored. If you ovulate and you’re experiencing symptoms that affect your quality of life, I want you to feel empowered to advocate for better. And that starts with understanding what’s “normal”, what symptoms are not normal, and what your options are.
For this episode, I’m chatting with Dr. Anne Hussain, a naturopathic doctor and period literacy advocate. She helps her patients optimise their periods, hormones, fertility, and well-being. She practices out of Aurora, ON and provides virtual care for patients all across Ontario. She is the creator of Periodicity, an online program to help menstruators attain peaceful periods. Her personal experience with PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and beta-thalassaemia drives her passion to empower and educate womxn to practice self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-advocacy.
We discuss:
- What is PCOS and how is it diagnosed.
- What testing should you ask your doctor for (they might not do this on their own).
- Why the pill shouldn’t be your first or only treatment.
- What treatment options you have.
- Lifestyle approaches to symptom management.
- How toxins play a role.
- What to monitor long-term.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Podcast Episode on Teen Period Literacy with Dr. Erin TeWinkel: https://greenathome.ca/podcast/teen-period-health-and-literacy/
PCOS Bloodwork Checklist: www.annehussain.com/pcoschecklist
Instagram: @dr.annehussain
Hormone Disruptor Checklist: https://greenathome.info/hormone-disruptor-checklist
Today I’m talking about the number one struggle I hear from members of my Green Product Forum about making the switch to healthier, greener, more natural products… we’re talking about how you can create a healthier home without stressing about the cost.
It’s probably not surprising to you that the cost of creating a healthier home is such a common challenge. Green products are notoriously more expensive than their conventional counterparts, at least when comparing the initial price tag in the store.
And if you’ve got bottles of products piling up as you keep testing products but are struggling to find ones that work… well, that can really add up.
In this episode, I want to help you learn how to remove a budget constraint from the reasons you can’t lower your exposure to toxins.
I’m going to start off with some mindset strategies and then walk you through some free or low-cost tactics you can start to implement in your own home right away.
And I’ve created a PDF to go along with this episode so you don’t have to worry about taking notes – but it will make much more sense if you listen first. Then you can download it and help you take action. You can find the link to download in the show notes, or at greenathome.ca/onabudget.
Links mentioned in the episode:
Downloadable checklist of budget-friendly actions: https://greenathome.ca/onabudget
Join the Green Product Forum Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
5 Natural Dryer Sheet Alternatives: https://greenathome.ca/5-natural-dryer-sheet-alternatives/
Healthy Moms Discount Card: https://gohealthymoms.com - use code EMMASAVE5 for $5 off!
Shop Green at Home Approved Products: https://greenathome.ca/shop
Why is a podcast about toxins talking about teen periods? Because there is so much shame and stigma around menstruation, and I believe this affects our ability to advocate for our health and our bodies. And I believe this is one of the preventable root causes of misdiagnosed health issues, particularly common amongst womxn.
So this episode is to help empower and educate caregivers and teens alike on what’s normal with first periods, what to watch for, and why your period is the fifth vital sign of overall health. Most importantly, I want to help more teens know they shouldn’t have to suffer through menstruation every month.
To help with this important conversation I’m chatting with naturopathic doctor Erin TeWinkel, The Teen Wellness Warrior. She is on a mission to improve teen wellness and build their foundation so that they own their health for the rest of their life. Dr. TeWinkel believes that if teens are supported in their health early on, the stage for success can really be set. She acts as a mentor to empower teens throughout the many ups and downs of adolescence, creating a tailored plan to address hormonal struggles, acne, painful periods, anxiety and depression, dieting and healthy weight management.
We cover:
- Menstruation myths and misunderstandings
- What “normal” first periods should be like and when to get support
- Period products, from pads, tampons, cups, and period underwear
- What the Pill does and doesn’t do
- Diet culture & fad diets - what teen menstruators need instead
- Special considerations for athletes
- How teens might feel at each stage of the menstrual cycle
- Tips to have conversations with your teen when it feels awkward
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Facebook Group: Connecting with Your Teen - The hows, the whys, and the in and outs!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingresilientteenagers/
5 Day Mini-Challenge - Connecting with your Teen:
https://bewell41a815.clickfunnels.com/connectionchallenge
Instagram: @drtewinkel
Dr. TeWinkel’s Website: www.erintewinkel.com
Blog on pads, tampons, and alternatives: https://greenathome.ca/should-you-switch-to-organic-tampons-pads/
Book Recommendations:
The Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden
Finding a non-toxic mattress has never been easier but also has never been more overwhelming. With more and more brands on the market, we’re bombarded with sales and marketing tactics that make it sound like we can get a steal on a non-toxic mattress. Unfortunately, we often get “sold” on the idea of healthy, without much standing behind the claims because there are no laws that define “natural”, “non-toxic”, or “organic.”
There’s also a lot of fear-based messaging out there about conventional mattresses being pure poison.
So how can you figure out what the best mattress is for you?
Being an informed consumer is more important than ever, and I’m on a mission to not only tell you about great brands, but also teach you how to read labels and websites and ads so you don’t get roped into less-than-accurate claims.
In this episode we cover:
- What’s wrong with flame retardants (and why they aren’t as big of a deal)
- What CertiPUR Certifications mean
- Common greenwashing claims, and what questions to ask manufacturers
- What to look for in a natural mattress
- What to do when a certified organic mattress isn’t in your budget
- Where to find healthier options
Links Mentioned in this Episode
The Healthy Home Method waitlist: https://greenathome.ca/methodwaitlist
Mattress blog with brand recommendations: https://greenathome.ca/non-toxic-mattress-brands-where-buy/
The Green at Home Shop: https://greenathome.ca/shop
This is part 2 of a conversation with Dr. Taylor Bean, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in British Columbia, Canada who has completed the Immunization Certification. She supports families globally who want more information on vaccines from a respectful, transparent and informed choice point of view.
You can listen to Part 1 here if you haven’t already: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1352206/5881516
In this episode we cover:
- What should go into the decision-making process around what to vaccinate for and when to do it
- Risk factors to consider
- Understand the infections
- The importance of being able to ask questions
- Infant immunity & vaccine efficacy
- Separating or spacing out doses
- Supporting the body pre- and post-shot
- Fever & Tylenol use
- Vaccine optimization & efficacy
- Glutathione
- Rotavirus & Chicken Pox - are they needed?
- Adverse Reaction Reporting
- Vaccine injury
- How to work with Dr. Bean
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Dr. Bean’s vaccination resources - https://drtaylorbean.com/services/vaccination/
Alright folks, we’re getting brave here and talking about a topic that can be heated and polarizing. But in a way that is rooted in empowerment and information. We will NOT be telling you whether or not to vaccinate your child. That is a decision that is more nuanced than can possibly be delivered in a podcast.
This is a two-part conversation with Dr. Taylor Bean, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in British Columbia, Canada who has completed the Immunization Certification. She supports families globally who want more information on vaccines from a respectful, transparent and informed choice point of view.
In this episode we cover:
- How vaccines work
- Immune system basics
- Testing immunity
- Vaccine schedules & why there are boosters
- Adverse reactions
- What’s in vaccines: Aluminum & other adjuvents, Mercury
- Optimizing your health pre-vaccination
- Growth media of antigens
LInks Mentioned in This Episode:
Dr. Bean’s vaccination resources - https://drtaylorbean.com/services/vaccination/
So many people only think about the products they’re going to use after baby arrives. I was one of those people. And while that’s important, the sooner you can lower your exposures and body burden for preconception and pregnancy, the better.
After hours of research and training, I’ve come to the conclusion that addressing your exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals in particular is one of the most important things you can do to support your baby’s long-term health.
You know the phrase, “give a man to fish and he’ll eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime?” Well, I take the 2nd approach so you are set up for a lifetime of healthier habits. And it’s with this in mind that I’ve pulled together key information about hormone disruptors that I think everyone needs to know before having a baby.
We cover:
What are hormones & hormone disruptors
Myths and misunderstandings
4 key exposure pathways
Tips to reduce your exposure
Links mentioned in this episode:
Prepping for Pregnancy online course: www.greenathome.info/preppingforpregnancy
5 Hormone Disruptors to Avoid Before Having a Baby: https://greenathome.info/prenatalguide
Air Purifier Guide: https://greenathome.info/air-purifier-guide
DIY Cleaning Recipes: https://greenathome.ca/learn/#freeresources
Dirty Dozen: What it means & how to use the list: https://greenathome.ca/ewg-dirty-dozen-produce-washes/
How to Choose a Water Filter: https://greenathome.ca/how-find-best-water-filter/
Let Them Eat Dirt: www.greenathome.ca/shop#booksresources
Green Product Forum Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Studies referenced:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31324402/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31886849/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5484741/
Online marketplaces like Amazon, Wish, and AliExpress have in some ways made life easier, but they should come with a warning: Not all products may be as they appear.
This episode is an interview with Jennifer Myers Chua, co-owner of Hip Mommies, a Canadian distributor of high quality baby and children’s products. Over the years, especially after having our own child, Jennifer helped the business focus more on their value system. They look for goods that are thoughtfully designed, responsibly manufactured, third-party tested safe, non-toxic, earth friendly, prioritizing sustainable materials, and being multipurpose.
Through this process, she became intimately aware of the issues around counterfeit products and the dangers they pose for our children, and the planet. We discuss what she uncovered, how we can be more conscious consumers, and what you need to know before buying from Amazon.
You can also read a blog version of the interview here: https://greenathome.ca/counterfeit-childrens-products-amazon
Links mentioned in this episode:
Follow Hip Mommies at www.instagram.com/hipmommies
Today’s Parent article with stats on counterfeits: https://www.todaysparent.com/baby/baby-health/some-baby-products-could-be-fakes/
Hip Mommies Counterfeits page: https://hipmommies.ca/health-safety/counterfeit
Netflix Mini-Series – Broken: https://www.netflix.com/title/81002391
What You Need to Know About Hormone Disruptors & Pregnancy Webclass: https://greenathome.info/prenatalwebclass
Whether you’ve already swapped out some of your products or are wondering why it matters, this episode is a perfect resource to help you detox your skincare products while keeping your sanity in-tact.
There is a lot of misinformation swirling around what it means to be a non-toxic skincare product. And labelling laws don’t make it any easier, with claims like natural, non-toxic, and even organic in some cases that aren’t regulated.
In this episode, Emma breaks down the reason your skincare products should be one of the first things you look at when working to reduce your toxic load. She walks through some common ingredients of concern that probably aren’t on your radar, her favourite label-reading tools, how to read labels without getting greenwashed, and some of her favourite brands.
Links mentioned in this episode:
HERMOSA study of hormone disruptor exposure in teenagers: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1510514
What’s in Fragrance blog: https://greenathome.ca/fragrance-parfum/
Label-Reading Training + Brand Lists: https://greenathome.info/label-reading-sign-up
Complete Guide to Choosing Healthy Personal Care & Cleaning Products: https://greenathome.info/cleaners-personal-care-guide
Green Product Forum Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GreenProductForum/
Online Shop: https://greenathome.ca/shop
Prefer written content? Read the related blog post here.
Welcome officially to The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast! If you’re listening to this when it’s released, we are almost 7 months into the global covid-19 pandemic. I think a lot of people have started new projects during this time and it may seem like this is one of them. But in reality, I’ve been muttering about starting a podcast for a year. And I’ve been building up the content you’re going to hear each week for the past 15 years.
I was searching for a podcast on the impact our environment has on our health. And by extension, the impact this has on our happiness, wealth, families, communities, and the planet. Now when I talk about the “environment” as it relates to health, it means everything we’re surrounded by, including the products we use, food we eat, water we drink, and air we breathe.
Lots of podcasts have individual episodes on the subject (I’ve been interviewed for several myself), but none of them are dedicated specifically to this topic of environmental health. At least not in the way I wanted them to be.
And so, here we are, with the podcast I couldn’t find so decided to create myself!
I wanted to kick off the show with a little intro – to help you figure out if this podcast is right for you and share more about my background and expertise. Enjoy!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Green Product Forum Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/greenproductforum
Instagram: www.instagram.com/emma_greenathome