The Next STEP newsletter provides empowering information about how to avoid everyday toxics and choose healthier alternatives. It's your friendly guide to less-toxic, 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.

	The Recent Issues list (below) describes and offers links to our most recent issues.
	Our handy Index by Topic makes it easy for you to look up a question you have about a specific toxic or alternative. Or just browse the content to see what's available!

The most recent issues are also listed on the City of Sebastopol website at www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us/page/toxics-education-program-STEP.

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

Jan/Feb 2012 (Click link to download) ** IMPORTANT: Please remember to fill out and send in the yellow Feedback card that comes in the Jan/Feb bill. We want to know what's been useful to you in past newsletters, and how we can best serve you in future ones! If you can't do this, as a secondary option, you can also download a replacement form at www.healthyworld.org/STEPSurvey.html. Just be sure to note on your name and address, if you live in the town of Sebastopol, so it will be counted as resident feedback. * New Limits on Power Plant Emissions. This past December, the EPA announced that it's finally moving ahead with regulations to limit toxic releases from coal-fired power plants. Learn more about what's planned, and the predicted benefits to our health and pocketbooks. Our support is vital to ensure that this action continues moving forward. * What's the Problem With Mercury? Almost all Americans have at least trace amounts of mercury in our bodies, largely because of coal plant emissions. What are the impacts on our rivers, food supply, and health? * Removing Toxic Lead from Gasoline: A Success Story. As we take on current challenges, it's vital that we also celebrate past successes. Learn how we've nearly eliminated lead from gas worldwide, and how that's benefited both our health and our finances. * What Pesticides Are In My Food? Two online resources can help you see what toxic pesticides are being regularly found on which food items, and what foods are most important to buy organic. Also, is it OK with you that our food regularly has multiple poisons on it? * Timely Tips. Handy resources to help you learn what toxics are in everyday items, and the less-toxic alternatives.

Nov/Dec 2011 (Click link to download) * Why Toxic Products Stay on the Market So Long. As we consider how to protect ourselves and our communities from toxic materials, one significant question that comes up is why products stay on the market so long. A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) explores both industry tactics that delay action for decades, and the significant design flaws in our regulatory system that let them get away with it. The NRDC also suggests its remedies, including much-needed reform of the federal TSCA regulations. * It's Raining Roundup. Two new studies by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) found significant amounts of glyphosate (Roundup's key ingredient) in the rain, streams, and air of their survey areas. This shows how much Roundup, and other pesticides, move from their application site to risk harm to other plants, crops, ecosystems, animals and people. They also pollute our air, drinking water, and food. This is just another argument against using pesticides such as Roundup in our lives. * Should Everyday Consumer Products Contain Triclosan? The antibacterial chemical triclosan is commonly found in consumer products such as soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, as well as embedded into products such as toys, bedding, and kitchen utensils. But evidence is growing that it's not only harmful to human health and the environment, but also doesn't produce its claimed benefits in these products. Learn more to decide if you want this in your home.

Sept/Oct 2011 (Click link to download) * Protecting Our Health From Toxics. According to New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine, health care costs for children's toxic exposure is estimated at $76.7 billion a year. Learn more about what exposures they found, and two prominent doctor's recommendations for trimming toxics' harm. * Supporting Much-Needed TSCA Reform. Learn about how the "Safe Chemicals Act of 2011" could make a huge difference in every American's health, by overhauling the barely functioning federal Toxics Substances Control Act (TSCA). There's even a weblink to make it easy for you to show your support! * Fixing the System. Read author McKay Jenkins' personal story of getting cancer, investigating toxics, and writing a book about what he found. His conclusion is that we can make "smart personal choices" to reduce our exposure, but that we're being involuntarily exposed in so many ways that we must also look at our overall systems. * Detoxing Your Life. Get handy links and tips for learning what's toxic, discarding it safely, and using healthier options instead. * What Are the Health Care Costs of Toxics? One overall estimate is that environment-related diseases cost Americans between $132 and $165 billion dollars a year. Our country is struggling with high health care costs, and the conversation usually focuses on who should pay the bill. But what if we recognized how much of that cost came from toxics, and reduced our shared exposure in order to save us both money and suffering? * Scientists Shed New Light on Toxics' Link to Parkinson's Disease. New research shows the link once again, and reveals more about the mechanisms.

July/August 2011 (Click link to download) * Are You or Your Family Being Exposed to Formaldehyde at Home, Work, or School? Most folks are unaware that this known toxic material is regularly appearing in consumer products, including furniture, clothing, building materials, and personal care products. Find out more about how to protect yourself! * Signficiant Levels of Mercury & PCBs Found in California Fish. The results of this study impact anyone who fishes or eats fish, and shows how much our pollution is impacting all the creatures who live in water ecosystems. * Developmental Disabilities Are Increasing. However, the scientifically-demonstrated link between them and toxics is usually not reported. * EPA Banning Many Home Rat Poison Products. Learn what's being removed from shelves, and be sure to remove them from your homes and businesses too.

May/June 2011 (Click link to download) * The STEP Survey results are in. Thank you so much to the folks who shared your thoughts about the newsletter, including how you use it and what articles you'd like to see in the future. Some of your desired topics are already included in this issue! * Cultivating Lush & Healthy Garden Soil. Two readers asked for more information about building garden soil, both to prevent pests and produce more abundant yields. Here's some key information and resources! * More Ideas for Detoxing Cookware. As a followup to the last issue, I share some readers' suggestions for less-toxic nonstick pans, and more. * A Great Drain Declogger. I found a new non-toxic solution, woo hoo! * Answering Your Questions & Timely Tips.

March/April 2011 (Click link to download) * Movie Night. The next time you're seeing a movie, by yourself or with others, consider looking beyond the predictable mainstream formulas and celebrities to explore the wonderful world of documentaries. This article describes some engaging and topical film options, and offers links to websites where you can find more selections. * Detoxing Cookware. A reader asks how to avoid the toxic PFCs used to make nonstick pans and other consumer products. "What are our options?", she wonders. "Those nonstick pans are so useful!" This month's column describes the issues with PFCs, what products they're in, and how to help reduce our exposure by buying healthier cookware. * Our voices are needed to effectively implement California's Green Chemistry Initiative. This innovative state initiative seeks to encourage safer chemicals from the start. Here's how you can help ensure that the final rules are written to reflect it's great vision. * The EPA finally plans to limit rocket fuel in our water and food. Find out more!

January/February 2011 (Click link to download) * Letter From The Editor: Celebrating Ten Years. * Invitation to fill out our annual feedback card. We want to know what's been useful to you in past newsletters, and how we can best serve you in future ones! Note: It's ideal if you can fill out the yellow card that comes in your water bill . However, you can also download a replacement form at www.healthyworld.org/STEPSurvey.html. Just be sure to note on it if you live in the town of Sebastopol, so it will be counted as resident feedback. * Health Impacts: What MCS Can Show Us All. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is just one of the diseases connected with our onslaught to everyday toxics. Here's what we can learn from these "canaries in the coal mine." * Chemical Trespass & Body Burden. This recent study from the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) shows that we're all carrying toxics in our bodies -- toxics we're exposed to without our permission or informed consent. This demonstrates once again that protecting ourselves requires that we take both personal and community-level action. * Update on California's Green Chemistry Initiative. We're previously reported on this innovative state initiative to encourage safer chemicals from the start. Unfortunately, the implementation has taken a negative turn, although there are signs that the government will hear the community's feedback and steer back on course. * Detoxing Tips.

November/December 2010 (Click link to download) * Greening Chemistry. I recently had a chance to see Green Chemistry pioneer Dr. Paul Anastas speak at Bioneers, where he told the compelling story about his path to articulating and innovating methodologies for chemicals to be designed to be safe from the start. * Take Action To Fix TSCA. Good news! Finally, after being needed for decades, Congressional leaders are taking serious action to repair the broken federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). TSCA's vision is great, to protect us from toxics, but it has fallen far short in so many key and shocking ways. However, with our assistance and insistence, we can have laws that truly protect our well-being. * Detoxing Tips.

September/October 2010 (Click link to download) * STEP Updates. Good news! With this issue, The Next STEP returns to its original two-page format. Also find out about our online index by topic to past issues, and how anyone can sign up to receive email alerts when new STEP issues are posted online. And we invite you to share your copy of STEP with others! * ADD, Toxics, & Mainstream Foods. ADD/ADHD impacts an estimated 4.5 million children, creating rippling financial and emotional costs throughout their lives and our society. Now new studies are finding connections between ADD/ADHD and neurotoxic pesticides in our bodies -- pesticides commonly found in mainstream foods. Can understanding this link help us reduce incidence of this illness? * Pesticide Ban Encouraged, for agricultural and other uses of the neurotoxic chlorpyrifos. * Support Cosmetics Regulation Reform. Who knew that health and beauty products had such toxic materials in them? Do we really need lead in our lipstick? * Protecting Sea Creatures -- & Ourselves. A new study shows disturbing levels of toxics in whales, revealing a level of ocean pollution that risks harm to all sea life and the millions of us who eat and depend upon seafood.

UPDATE: Good news! At the 7/20 Sebastopol City Council meeting, the Council decided unanimously to restore The Next STEP newsletter to the original 2-page format that it's been most of it's 10-year lifetime. I felt that this format was needed to produce the project's stated goal of reducing our shared use and exposure to toxics, and I'm delighted that the Council is still inspired by and supportive of that objective. I'm feeling re-invigorated and excited about continuing to produce this newsletter! - Signed, Patricia Dines, Editor, The Next STEP

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 flea 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.

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Page last updated 1/1/12.
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