Saturday, January 25, 2014

Book Review: ToxIn ToxOut by Bruce Lourie and Rick Smith

An appropriate sequal to "Slow Death by Rubber Duck." "Duck" was a book that explained how insidious toxins are...where they lurk in our environment (everywhere) and how they get into our bodies. And, unfortunately, often stay there. On subsequent book and talking tours, the authors were often asked, "How do you get the toxins OUT of your body?" They decided to answer this question in depth in this book, "ToxIn ToxOut....Getting harmful chemicals out of our bodies and our world." Anyone interested in greener living will appreciate the work and thought that went into this sequel. They investigate a half dozen ways that may help eliminate toxins from our systems: eating organic foods, bottled vs. tap water, perspiration, indoor air quality and the role big business has to play in cleaning up our world. Insightful is an understatement! With the current lack of political will to improve our toxic planet, it is up to a grassroots movement to produce change. As with "Rubber Duck" this book ends on a high note....citing 10 ways to easily, relatively inexpensively and without deprivation, decrease the level of toxins in YOU. I love the feeling of empowerment that knowledge provides!! Don't hesitate to pick up a copy of ToxIn ToxOut from all major book retailers, and set yourself up for a decreased level of toxic body burden.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Update and Re-Post of a Book Review - Slow Death by Rubber Duck

I am doing an updated, but re-printed, blog post. Why do something I have already done, you ask? Well, this is a book near and dear to my heart. It explains why I do what I do - make non-toxic personal care and first aid products. (See my website, www.eScentialwellness.com, to learn more about my products.) The reason I am re-printing this book review is because the authors have just come out with a NEW book, which I received for Christmas. It's next on my "must read" list and when finished, I'll review the new book. But for those who missed the first post, or need a refresher on the first book, here it is! Then you can rush out and buy the new sequel, "ToxIn ToxOut".

The 2 authors are Canadian...which is significant, to me, as I too am Canadian. I am going to cheat,  (but credit! ) here...I am going to lift the synopsis of this book directly off of the Amazon.com website. Not that I am too lazy to do my own summary, but....I couldn't have done it more succintly or better than they did. Here it is:  " Pollution is not only an abstract, distant problem seen in belching smokestacks and contaminated waterways; it’s also personal. Some of the most dangerous pollutants come from commonplace items in our homes and workplaces—shampoos and toothpastes, carpets and children’s toys.

To prove this point, leading environmentalists Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie conducted their own research by ingesting and inhaling a host of things that are part of our everyday lives. Using their own bodies as the reference point to tell the story of pollution in our modern world, they expose the miscreant corporate giants who manufacture the toxins, the weak-kneed government officials who let it happen, and the effects on people and families across the globe. This book—the testimony of their experience—exposes the extent to which we are poisoned every day of our lives."


For those of you with a keen interest in environmental toxins, this is a must read. The authors, Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie are two Canadian environmental activists. The good news is that the book is a fairly easy read, humorously written, and not really fear mongering. True, the bulk of the book can be a bit scary, but, before you despair, the last part of the book provides you with simple things you can do to de-toxify your life. I finished the book feeling empowered, not depressed. Knowledge is power.

I confess that I did throw away my non-stick fry pans, and am now storing food in glass rather than plastic.
I have been using Dr. Bronner's soaps and my own glycerin soaps and products for years, anyway!!
If you have any inclination to be kind to yourself and the environment, read this book!
It is available at Chapters, Indigo, Coles, Amazon and your public library.