The Toxic Smart Program was developed by the Georgia Strait Alliance as an education program to help consumers learn more about the products we use routinely in our homes.

“The most alarming of all man’s assaults upon the environment is the contamination of air, earth, rivers, and sea with dangerous and even lethal materials ... We have subjected enormous numbers of people to contact with these poisons, without their consent and often without their knowledge.” Rachel Carson, 1962.

More than 35 years have passed since the publication of Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring, but pesticides and other toxic chemicals are as entrenched as ever in our society. Increasingly, people are routinely exposed to toxic pollution without their knowledge or consent.

There is growing concern about the impacts these exposures will have on human and environmental health. Despite abundant evidence of the risks associated with toxic chemicals in our homes, schools and workplaces, not enough has been done to protect the environment, our children or ourselves.

Consumer awareness is key to reducing these risks. The Toxic Smart Home Visit is designed to help you and others choose inexpensive, safe alternatives to the harmful substances in our homes. The program is part of a growing movement of people working for a less-toxic world, and should help you take leadership by setting an example of respect and responsibility, for the sake of human health and the health of the natural environment. Remember, every change that each of us makes as an individual does help make a difference.

The North Columbia Environmental Society is offering free 90-minute Home Visits to all Revelstoke residents. In a home visit you will learn how to:

• reduce your family's exposure to toxic chemicals at home by choosing non-toxic or less toxic alternatives
• reduce unnecessary toxic chemicals going into our environment through proper disposal and decreased use

During a Home Visit, The ToxicSmart Educator will complete a survey of the household products you currently use and suggest non-toxic or less toxic alternatives and recommend proper disposal for hazardous products. You will find out more on the local availability of alternative products, as well as finding out how and where to dispose of or deal with the hazardous products you may have. If you, or someone you know has ever wondered:

• how soap and fabric softeners work?
• what happens "down the pipe" when you flush the toilet?
• what to do with leftover dangerous substances?

If you, or someone you know is interested in a Home Visit, or would like further information, contact the North Columbia Environmental Society at 837-5529 (voicemail) or send an email to NCES.

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