Introduction

About this website

The cartoons

Behind the dialogue

What you can do

EU policy

References

Glossary

What you can do

Hi uncle! Still a bit crazy?
Switching to a healthier lifestyle also means asking governments for better protection from harmful chemicals

Seven easy steps to healthy and sustainable living

• Buy organic, locally-produced food
  
• Discover the top 10 most important fruits and vegetables to buy organic: http://www.pan-uk.org
  
• Learn more about the benefits of organic food, see Frequently Asked Questions
  http://www.soilassociation.org/web/sa/saweb.nsf/shop/index.html
• Check how to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in your home
  http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/policy/toxics/reduce_your_risks/index.cfm
• Learn more about the least toxic home and garden pest control products http://www.pan-uk.org/
  
• Buy from the companies that have taken specific steps to substitute hazardous substances in different product areas. Find out which ones they are at: http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/international/press/reports/chemical-home-company-progress.pdf
  
• A healthy and sustainable life means reducing consumption and your contribution to climate change:
  Visit “What you can do about climate change: 50 top tips” www.climnet.org
  
  

Ask those responsible for change!

• Write to companies to request information about harmful substances in the products you buy and ask them to substitute these chemicals for safer ones. Sample letter available here.
• Read “Navigating REACH: An activists’ guide to using and improving the new EU chemicals legislation”
  http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/press-centre/reports/navigating-reach
• Ask your government, MP or MEP for stronger legislation on chemicals and for safer alternatives to harmful chemicals to be made available on the EU market. Sample letter available here.
• Join the HEAL postcard campaign: A vote for my child’s health to ban the use of pesticides in children’s playgrounds: http://www.env-health.org/IMG/pdf/HEA_013-07_FINAL.pdf
• Ask your government to promote increased production of organic, locally produced food and provide information on alternatives to pesticides. To learn how you can get involved visit the Soil Association website
  http://www.soilassociation.org/web/sa/saweb.nsf/getinvolved/index.html
  
  

Share information with adolescents and children

• Certainly don´t miss the hilarious rebellious organic fruit and vegetable war on the French internet channel
  www.terre.tv then “La Guerre des Etats” in the search function. (The film shows with sub-titles in French because the original version is English.)
  
• Why organic food? Find out more, including great tips for healthy children:
  http://www.kidsorganics.com/Why%20Organics.htm