The Next STEP newsletter provides empowering information about how to avoid everyday toxics and choose healthier alternatives. It's your friendly guide to earth-healthy living! Produced by citizen volunteers, this newsletter implements the Sebastopol Toxics Education Program (STEP), an innovative City program to reduce toxic use and exposure in Sebastopol, thus creating a healthier and safer town for everyone. This newsletter is sent bi-monthly to all City residents in their water bills. It's also available online, and you can sign up to receive email alerts when new issues are posted. (Just email that request to STEP [at] healthyworld.org.) For more about STEP, click here.

1) Read descriptions of the featured articles in our recent issues, starting with the most current (below).

2) See our handy index by topic. This is great if you have a question about a specific toxic or alternative, or just want to browse the content available.

3) See the chronological listing of issues on the official STEP page on the City of Sebastopol website <www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us/toxicseducation.shtml>. If that link doesn't work, you can go to the main page, www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us. Then click on Programs and then on the Toxics Education (STEP) program.

We welcome your questions, feedback, and suggestions for future articles.

I also want to thank the City Council and City staff for their work in making The Next STEP possible, and Jim Gleaves for his editorial assistance with this project.

Best regards -

Patricia Dines
Writer, Editor, Public Speaker, & Graphic Artist
Editor & Graphic Designer, The Next STEP

Recent reader feedback

"Thank you heartily [for] your excellent two-page newsletter! I've learned so much from it that I would not have thought to research by myself. It's also a striking example of good citizenship at work!"
- Glenna Elliott

"Just wanted to say thank you for all your positive information. My husband and I are trying for our second child and I really appreciated the article regarding autism cases being higher when exposed to flea shampoos for animals. This was a great eye opener for me and I plan on using only non-toxic cleaners pre-pregnancy and forever afterwards. This type of information really does help all of us -- so again, thank you....I am so happy to be a part of such a caring community."
- A Sebastopol Resident

July/August 2010 (Click link to download) * Choosing Healthy Sunscreens. EWG gives low marks to 92% of brand name products, for including toxics, making overblown claims, or insufficiently protecting the skin from sun damage. * Flea & Tick Product Warning. The US EPA recommends caution in using Frontline, Advantage, and similar fleat and tick products. * Prominent Reports Encourages Cancer Prevention Through Toxics Reduction. * Ask EcoGirl. If you haven't seen it yet, I invite you to check out my monthly friendly eco-advice column. * Quick tips for finding toxics information. Note: This issue is one page instead of the usual two, because of space constraints in the mailing.

May/June 2010 (Click link to download) * Report on our latest reader survey. Results include: 88% say that they find the newsletter helpful and interesting and 72% say that the newsletter has tangibly helped them reduce their use of toxic. Additionally, those using pesticides has dropped from 53% last year to 35% this year -- and half of those folks are using natural non-toxic options only. Read the newsletter for more reader feedback. * Easy actions, quick tips, and a note about recent changes to the newsletter. Note: This issue is one page instead of the usual two, because of space constraints in the mailing.

March/April 2010 (Click link to download) * Health Effects: Are Toxics Helping Making Us Fat? - While certainly diet, exercise, and genetics are key factors in our weight levels, chemicals (nicknamed "obesogens") are now being found to play a role in how much weight we gain and how difficult it is to maintain a healthy weight. The risk is especially high for children in utero and during their developing years. Find out more about what's being learned. * Quick tips for finding toxics information. Note: This issue is one page instead of the usual two, because of space constraints in the mailing.

January/February 2010 (Click link to download) * It's our anniversary - We're celebrating nine years of publishing The Next STEP newsletter. We want your input for what we'll do this coming year! Sebastopol residents, please return the yellow survey card with your water bill to give us your feedback. Other folks can email us at (STEP [at] healthyworld.org) to let us know (1) what you like about the newsletter; and (2) and what you'd like to see in future issues. * Discarding Wisely - If one of your New Year's resolutions is ridding yourself of unwanted items, this article will help you discard your detritus (including toxics) in ways that protect people and the planet. * Composting in Sebastopol - Did you know that 36% of Sonoma County's garbage is food and other "organic" materials? You can reduce your garbage flow, and maybe even save money, by composting at home or in your green can. This article tells you more! * Quick Toxics Reduction Tips - Here's quick information to help you - keep your pet safe; support better toxics labeling for household products; quickly know what's toxic and the alternatives; understand how toxics travel even to non-industrial areas - and find out more!

November/December 2009 (Click link to download) * Keeping Your Holidays Healthy - Here are some quick suggestions for reducing your toxic exposures during the holidays, including in your decorating, gift-giving, and house-cleaning. * Detoxing Your Toys - As a followup to our past stories, check out these two great resources for avoiding toxic toys. * Reforming Regulation - With poorly-labeled toxic materials still on store shelves, we can't protect ourselves solely with our purchase decisions. Citizen-level action is also needed. The good news is that the EPA is (finally!) encouraging Congress to make long-needed reforms to our toxic regulation system (TSCA). However, given industry resistance, we need to provide community pressure so that this rare opportunity actually bears fruit. * Peroxide Deodorizer - Here are some fun tips for using simple (and inexpensive) hydrogen peroxide to clean and deodorize. * Be Safe with Rat Poison - A reader, who's cat was poisoned by rat poison, asked us to encourage folks to use rat poison wisely to avoid poisoning pets and wildlife. We pass along her concerns about the risks and give tips for alternatives and safer use of this toxic material.

September/October 2009 (Click link to download) * Sparkling Your Home with Baking Soda - Unfortunately, many mainstream cleansers contain toxics that risk harm to your family and pets. The good news is that you can clean most of your home less-toxically with a few simple (and cheap) basics -- including baking soda! Find out more about using this versatile tool to clean, deodorize, and more. It even now comes in new packaging options, including a shaker, resealable bag, and "spill-proof" fridge box. * More Uses for Baking Soda. Baking soda is also great for soothing a bee sting, soaking your body, applying a natural deodorant, and baking! * Mercury Pollution Permeating Our Fish - A recent federal study found toxic mercury in every fish tested at nearly 300 streams across the country. This paints a disturbing picture of how widespread mercury pollution has become. It also presents challenges for consumers seeking to include the health benefits of fish in their diets. Learn more about the risks plus the resources for identifying contaminated fish, choosing healthier fish, and taking action to reduce the harm to ourselves and wildlife. * EU: Cancer Prevention Must Address Environmental Factors - The EU for the first time officially acknowledged that cancer prevention must equally address environmental, lifestyle, and occupational causes. Historically, prevention activities have focused primarily on shifting lifestyle risk factors such as smoking. However, we're all also being involuntarily exposed to known carcinogens in our air, water, food, and environment. In the U.S., medical experts are also recommending that cancer prevention activities recognize the links between cancer and everyday chemicals. This article offers information and resources for action. Personal note from Patricia: As we currently passionately debate how to pay for this country's medical care, it seems that a vital part of the solution is to reduce costs by removing key causes of disease, such as toxics.

July/August 2009 (Click link to download) * Properly Disposing of Our Techno-Toys - Many of this culture's enjoyable offerings can come through our technological devices, including TVs, stereos, phones, computers, game players, and more. However, if discarded improperly, the toxics hidden in these devices can harm both people and the planet. Find out more about how to green your use of electronics from purchase through disposal. * Chemical Protections - Another risk of toxics during their life cycle is one of accidental release at chemical facilities. A new bill would increase safety standards at these facilities and encourage transition to safer materials. Find out more about this proposal and how you can support it. * Safety in Sunscreen - Along with summer comes that perennial question: What sunscreen shall we buy to best protect our family's health? Assisting with that inquiry is a 2008 EWG investigation that unfortunately found that "4 out of 5 sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns." Find out more about the issues and how specific brands stack up. * Healthy Living Can Be Easy - The STEP Online Index is overflowing with information to help you live less-toxically. See example timely topics in the newsletter.

 

May/June 2009 (Click link to download) * Thank You For Your Feedback - The results of our annual survey are in. Thanks to everyone who let us know your thoughts. We're glad that 91% of you find the newsletter helpful and interesting! We're also delighted to hear what information has been helpful to you and what you'd like to see covered in the future. Congratulations to everyone who is finding ways to reduce our individual and shared exposure to toxics! * Answering Your Questions - Quick answers to reader's survey questions. * Fluorescent Lightbulbs & the Mercury Debate - The public is often advised to use compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) instead of the usual incandescent ones, in order to lower energy consumption, save money, and reduce our impact on the planet. But what about the mercury they contain? This article explores the pros and cons of this remedy, including offering tips on CFL's safe use and disposal.

 

March/April 2009 (Click link to download) * Remaking the EPA - President Obama has committed to returning the EPA to integrity and protection of the environment. Will it work? The vision is inspiring, long needed, and would make a huge difference in so many areas of the environment and our shared health. However there are likely pitfalls of vested financial interest, competing budget priorities, and bureaucratic inertia. Here are some simple actions we can all do in our essential role of citizen to help the positive possibilities emerge. * Gathering Evidence of Toxics Harm - A key component of protecting ourselves is avoiding what threatens our well-being. With toxics, that means avoiding harmful products in our daily lives but also reducing their shared use. Is the level of harm really serious? Here's more evidence that the negative impacts on our health and wildlife are indeed significant. * Removing the Barriers to Regulatory Action - Review of a book describing the methods that industry proponents use to hinder addressing toxics' negative effects, thus allowing the harm to continue. Examples and remedies.

 

January/February 2009 (Click link to download) * >> STEP Feedback Survey - Please send your STEP survey card back in with your water bill. If you don't receive one, email me at (STEP [at] healthyworld.org) and I'll send you an email version. (The original card is ideal, if you have it.) We really want to hear your thoughts and it's important that the City hear from readers. * Toxics & The Thyroid - Thyroid disorders are estimated to impact between 13 and 30 million Americans. Yet, even people concious of thyroid issues can be unaware of the role that toxics can play in causing these illnesses. For example, one chemical shown to cause problems, perchlorate, is now common in our water and food. Find out more and insist on better regulation. * Free E-Waste Recycling Event - Disposing of electronic waste (or e-waste) properly is a vital way to keep toxics out of our shared environment. Find out more about this free event Sat. Feb. 28 and Sun. March 1 at Park Side School in Sebastopol. * Timely Detox - Are you looking for ways to detox your life? The STEP Online Index of past issues can help! It offers a veritable cornucopia of useful tips for identifying and reducing the toxics in all areas of our everyday lives. Just look by category at <www.healthyworld.org/STEPIndex.html>. Example topics are in the newsletter.

 

November/December 2008 (Click link to download) * Preventing Plastic Pollution - Now there's another reason to stop our culture's flow of plastics into the environment. In addition to their own toxic components, plastic in the wild absorb other human-made toxics such as PCBs and DDT. Find out more about the problem, and the ways you can recycle, reduce, and reuse your plastics. * Healthier Holidays, on a Budget - You can create healthier, less-toxic holidays - on a budget! Here are some tangible ideas for doing just that. * Updates on Past Stories - Bhopal survivors are finally getting some remedial action; China's poisoned products continue; and California's toxic protections increase. Find out more in this issue!

 

September/October 2008 (Click link to download) * Toxics & Learning Disabilities - An estimated one in six U.S. children undr 18 suffer from a learning or developmental disability, including ADHD. Is there a connection between these and toxics? A new study examines that question and finds disturbing links. Learn more about the study, and its implications both for individual and community health. To me this demonstrates once again that often the simplest and cheapest cure is not another expensive drug but avoiding toxic exposures in the first place. The article also includes suggested approaches to individual healing. * Affording Organic - Are you wondering how to fit organic into a tight budget? Here are some thoughts about how we can respect our budget, our health, and the planet - all at the same time!

 

NOTE: To access earlier issues, see the methods at the top of this page.

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ABOUT STEP

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"Information Empowering Action for a Better World"

This page is on the Community Action Publications (CAP) website because we participate in and support the STEP program and want to make additional information available about its activities.

For more information about these and related topics, as well as our community work, see www.healthyworld.org.

This entire website is (c) Community Action Publications, 1998-2010. All rights reserved.
Page last updated 07/22/10.
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