Air Pollution
91% of the world’s population breathes polluted air! Yet over one-third of countries have no laws protecting outdoor air quality! The World Health Organization (WHO) released updated air quality guidelines and targets for common air pollutants. WHO’s new guidelines aim to push governments to reduce pollution levels, protect the health of children and adults, and prevent climate change.
Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill, repel or control unwanted pests, such as insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), fungus (fungicides), harmful to cultivated plants, humans and animals.
Only a small amount of the pesticides actually reach their target; most of it leaches in the environment, contaminating the air, water, soil, and our food. Persistent pesticides, like DDT, can still be detected in humans 50 years after they were banned. Scientists have found pesticides in:
• Blood, urine and hair
• Breast milk
• Cord blood of newborns
• Placenta
No Safe Level
No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to negatively affect a child’s intelligence, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. While the effects of lead poisoning may be permanent, if caught early, there are things parents can do to prevent further exposure and reduce damage to their child’s health.
PFAS: Forever Chemicals
Hundreds of everyday products are made with highly toxic fluorinated chemicals called PFAS. They build up in our bodies and never break down in the environment. PFAS are universally detected in pregnant women and cross the placenta. Very small doses of PFAS have been linked to cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, and other diseases.
Microplastics and Babies
Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic, often too small for the eye to see. And they’re everywhere.
A new study finds that they are released in huge quantities from plastic baby bottles when they’re used to prepare formula. The study suggests that bottle-fed infants around the world may be consuming more than 1.5 million particles of microplastics per day.
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What We Do
Little Things Matter raises awareness of the growing environmental risks we face as a global community by translating science into free, easy-to-understand and actionable materials. Our goal is to spread awareness about the effects of toxic chemicals on the health of our population and planet.
We believe that every child has the right to a healthy environment.
”
Follow Our Footsteps
We`d like to celebrate the work of Gloria Majiga-Kamoto. 💪🏽
In 2017, when Majiga-Kamoto realized that the government was not taking action to reinstate the plastics ban 🎎, she formed a coalition of activists and NGOs to compel the government toward implementation. With the coalition, she advocated for the ban in the news media and among journalists, documented livestock killed by plastic consumption and drew affected farmers into the campaign, and brought on a public interest lawyer to join the case.
The powerful plastics industry argued that the ban would cost jobs and hurt the nation’s economy, while it simultaneously sought to drag out the court proceedings and indefinitely maintain the stay order. Refusing to let the industry narrative sway public opinion, Majiga-Kamoto refuted the false dichotomy of jobs vs. environment while rallying public outcry over the government’s failure to act.
As the debate on the ban became increasingly public, Majiga-Kamoto debated plastic industry representatives and rebutted their claims, explaining the long-term impacts of plastic pollution on Malawi’s lakes, rivers, agriculture, livestock, and wildlife 🐝. She raised public awareness about the importance of the ban and celebrated stores that ceased using thin plastic, presenting them with framed certificates recognizing their efforts.
Courtesy of Goldman Environmental Prize.🏆 https://bit.ly/3zazNHf
Meet the "Warrior Moms" of India! These incredible mothers are standing up against the severe air pollution plaguing their country, especially in cities like Delhi .
The Warrior Moms, a powerful coalition, are challenging the status quo on air quality. They`re not only raising awareness; they`re on the frontline, organizing protests and demanding immediate action to control the hazardous air pollutants posing significant health risks, especially to their children.
Let`s support these Warrior Moms and make clean air a top political priority! #WarriorMoms #CleanAirNow #EnvironmentalJustice #IndiaAgainstPollution #delhiairpollution #airpollution #delhipollution #delhichokes #environment #delhismog #delhiairquality #cleandelhi #mycleanindia #swachhbharat #wemeantoclean #delhiairemergency #letmebreathe #helpdelhibreathe #airpollutionawareness #cleanair #delhincr #airquality
@who @ehnewsroom
Read the article: https://bit.ly/3SJuUgm
🌟 Recent Research 🌟
Researchers found that #prenatal exposure to #PFAS may increase #cardiometabolic risk in #adolescence. "This is important," says author Dr. Li from @brownpublichealth, "because it could lead to elevated cardiometabolic disease risk in adulthood".
Cardiometabolic risk factors include – #obesity, #diabetes, #dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure – all of which increase the risk of developing #heartdisease and type 2 diabetes, among the leading causes of death worldwide.
Read the full study here: https://bit.ly/3HaNOGh
PFAS are universally detected among pregnant women and cross the placenta to the developing #fetus.
You can avoid exposure to #PFAS by:
1. Making sure your water supply does not contain elevated levels of #PFAS (ask for information from the water supplier)
2. Avoiding PFAS in large, carnivorous fish and food products contaminated by PFAS from fast food packaging.
3. Vacuuming frequently with a HEPA filter.
4. Avoiding textiles and non-stick cookware that contains PFAS (look for PFAS-free rain gear, furniture and carpets).
Microplastics are extremely small fragments of plastic products and packaging that are made from over 16,000 chemicals!
Scientists found thousands of chemicals in everyday plastic products. Yet only 6% are subject to international regulations. Scientists’ Red List has identified 3600+ unregulated plastic chemicals of concern for people and planet.* These chemicals are one of the reasons microplastics are so harmful to human health.
Plastic chemicals interrupt or delay hormones, disrupt brain development, decrease fertility, and more. It`s time me demand stronger regulation from our governments and increased public awareness:
• Regulate the use of problematic chemicals in plastics.
• Inform users about chemicals used in plastic production
• Make plastics less complicated so we can manage and recycle them better
• Encourage safer plastics
“The evidence is clear. Governments just need to get their act together.”
—Prof. Martin Wagner, Norwegian University of Science & Technology, PlastChem Project Lead https://reut.rs/3w1NSHT
*PlastChem Report, 2024
Our human footprint on this planet used to be smaller. Not long ago, a person could stand at the edge of the shore or peer across a deep ravine and see no trace of humanity. Now, our human footprint is everywhere; PFAS are found in remote wildlife and glyphosate falls in the rain. We need to remember the beauty of the world from which we came, so that we can step back, come together, and fight for what matters. 🌎💪
Our healthcare system can be praised for its advancements in crisis situations, but it has lost sight of the fact that 75% of chronic disease is lifestyle related, of which food quality is fundamental.
The food industry`s neglect of human health and the healthcare industry`s disregard for the pivotal role of nutrition are two sides of the same coin, perpetuating a cycle of illness and suffering. It`s time to break this vicious cycle and prioritize nourishment and a re-connection between food and health as the cornerstone of well-being.
Big industry uses chemicals like phthalates to create strong and long-lasting scents. One sneaky place that manufacturers like to hide phthalates is under the term "fragrance". These chemicals are in the plastic family and can interfere with hormone production and interrupt the brain`s processing.
Products that use “fragrances" are everywhere, from laundry detergent to shampoo, stickers, children`s books, and trash bags. Products historically purchased by populations of color often contain disproportionate amounts of toxic chemicals.
If it smells strong and lingers, it likely contains phthalates. Avoid and reduce the use of products that list fragrance on their labels. Studies have shown that changing to cleaner personal care products can lower the amount of certain phthalates in your blood. https://bit.ly/48rEURy
Utilize sources like the Environmental Working Group`s database to find alternative personal care and cleaning products: https://www.ewg.org/ewgverified/.
Learn more about phthalates by visiting https://bit.ly/3wq53m6
🌍 Did you know that buildings are a major contributor to the global plastics crisis? 🌍
Next week, join us for a groundbreaking webinar where top experts will unveil new research on the overlooked role of the building and construction sector in plastic pollution—and discuss actionable solutions!
What You’ll Learn:
🏗️ Building and construction is the second largest plastics-using sector worldwide
📊 Insights from two cutting-edge research reports
📋 Practitioner and policy strategies to tackle this environmental challenge
Webinar Details: 📅 Date: November 19, 2024
⏰ Time: 12 PM EST
🔗 Register via this link: https://bit.ly/3O7BGdZ
With the UN Global Plastic Treaty negotiations coming up in Korea, now is the time to get informed! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how we can make a difference.
🌍 Did you know that buildings are a major contributor to the global plastics crisis? 🌍
Next week, join us for a groundbreaking webinar where top experts will unveil new research on the overlooked role of the building and construction sector in plastic pollution—and discuss actionable solutions!
What You’ll Learn:
🏗️ Building and construction is the second largest plastics-using sector worldwide
📊 Insights from two cutting-edge research reports
📋 Practitioner and policy strategies to tackle this environmental challenge
Webinar Details: 📅 Date: November 19, 2024
⏰ Time: 12 PM EST
🔗 Register via this link: https://bit.ly/3O7BGdZ
With the UN Global Plastic Treaty negotiations coming up in Korea, now is the time to get informed! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how we can make a difference.
Meet Teresa Vincente
Teresa Vicente led a historic, grassroots campaign to save the Mar Menor ecosystem—Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon—from collapse, resulting in the passage of a new law in September 2022 granting the lagoon unique legal rights. Considered to be the most important saltwater coastal lagoon in the western Mediterranean, the once pristine waters of the Mar Menor had become polluted due to mining, rampant development of urban and tourist infrastructure, and, in recent years, intensive agriculture and livestock farming.
Worried by the slow death of the Mar Menor, Teresa was moved to action after a mass fish die-off in 2019. She became convinced that the only way to give the lagoon a chance of survival was to grant it legal personhood and recognize its rights. “Rights of nature” has been proposed and debated for years, but the theory did not gain much traction until recently: Ecosystems in Latin America and New Zealand had been granted such legal rights but none in Europe. Despite being told by experts that it was impossible, Teresa pushed ahead. Courtesy of the Goldman Environmental Prize
The Toxic Chemicals Line Up
Phthalates
Phthalates
EDCs
EDCs
Pesticides
Pesticides
Lead
Lead
Air Pollution
Air Pollution
PFAS
PFAS
Fluoride
Fluoride
Microplastics
Microplastics
PFAS
PFAS
little Steps big impact
Sometimes the events that alter history and have enduring impact happen behind the scenes or without much fanfare. Little Steps, Big Impact takes a moment to highlight those significant events and celebrate their contributions.
Shifting to phthalate-free products
can quickly lower toxin levels
A new study shows that young women who use conventional foundation, blush, and mascara have higher levels of phthalates in their blood. Phthalates are hormone-disruptors, and can mimic or block hormones from properly signaling in the body, disrupting important reproductive and neurological systems.
When the young women in the study stopped using
products with phthalates, the level of some chemicals
in their blood lowered up to 45% after three days.
To reduce the amount of phthalates in your blood, swap personal care products for those without phthalates, parabens, or PFAS (or just stop using them). Products without these chemicals can be found by searching EWG’s SkinDeep database.
little videos that capture the big picture
Expand your mind and understanding of how environmental toxic chemicals affect all of us with these short educational videos.
The Deadly Impact of Airborne Particles: air pollution is all around us, what can we do?
Little Things Matter: The Impact of Toxic Chemicals on the Developing Brain