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1. PROTECT POLLINATORS

Don't mow your lawn or weed your flowerbeds until June 1st (if you reside in the Northern hemisphere) - Reference: "No Mow May" episode with Dr. Paul Manning

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2. FARMER'S MARKETS AND LOCAL FARMS

Buy groceries from local farms and farmer's markets to reduce food waste and environmental impact, and to show large scale food producers that we care about where our food comes from.  Reference: "Community Benefits of Supporting Small Farms" episode with Amy Hill

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3. FOOD WASTE

Reduce food waste by freezing food that is soon to spoil, buying from smaller scale food suppliers (e.g. farmer's markets and food co-ops), and remembering that "best before" dates do not tell us when a food will actually spoil.  Reference: "Reducing Food Waste" episode with The Leftovers Foundation

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4. DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES IN KIDS

Be aware of lesser known indicators of potential underlying - or future - health issues in children that might warrant an assessment by a clinician versed in "retained primitive reflexes" and "sensory integration issues".  Signs to look for include: babies who skip crawling, babies not getting enough "tummy time", toe walking, speech delays, older kids who still put non-food items in their mouths, etc.  Reference: "Retained Primitive Reflexes, Sensory Integration and More!" episode with Rachel Harrington

 

5. TOXIC CHEMICALS

Avoid toxic chemicals for human and environmental health by:

• Not buying scented products (candles, air fresheners, etc.)

• Not wearing outdoor shoes in your home (they contain residue from car exhaust, pesticides, etc.)

• Switching personal care products and cleaners to chemical-free alternatives (e.g. vinegar, baking soda, etc.)

• Minimizing direct contact of food with plastic (at very least don’t heat food in plastic)

• Not wearing perfume or cologne

• Choosing organically grown or spray-free foods

  Reference: "Reducing Chemical Exposure for Personal and Global Health" episode with Lara Adler

 

6. CHOCOLATE

Only purchase chocolate from companies who source ingredients ethically:

• Ideally check if the company is listed on https://www.slavefreechocolate.org/ as an ethical company

• There is a better (but not guaranteed) chance the chocolate is more likely to be ethically sourced if it is "free trade", "organic", or if the company lists the geographical source of the chocolate (South America is usually the best option)

  Reference: "Is the Chocolate You're Purchasing Ethical?" with Ayn Riggs of Slave-Free Chocolate.Org

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7. KEEP GARBAGE OUT OF OUR OCEANS AND LAKES

An estimate 80% of non-commercial trash in waterways is "incidental" (i.e. unintentional)

• Keep trash as contained as possible (lids tight on trashcans, no loose garbage in the car, be mindful putting out garbage for collection on windy days)

• Bring a bag with you when out for walks to pick up trash you might find

  Reference: "Cleaning Up Our Oceans and Beaches" with Angela of Scotian Shores