“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
(Margaret Mead)

I recently watched a documentary called Unacceptable Levels. Created by Ed Brown, the film is about the chemicals in our bodies, how they got there, and what we can do about it.

After Ed’s wife suffered a second miscarriage, he began an investigation that revealed the largest unnatural disaster in human history. When you watch the film, you are going to love this couple, but you will be horrified by this story and the world of chemicals we live in.

It’s fair to say I was shocked to learn the following information from Unacceptable Levels:

• There are over 80,000 industrial chemicals in our system of commerce
• 90% of the chemicals and materials used to make the things in our lives come from oil
• The average person has over 200 synthetic industrial chemicals in their body

It made me wonder what this means for my health and the health of my family.

We live in a sea of chemicals today. While the level of chemicals in each household and personal care product, child’s toy, vaccine, medicine — even in our air, water, and food — may be “acceptable” separately, it makes sense that the combination might collect within our bodies.

To me, this combination seems dangerous. Are humans becoming walking, talking chemical cocktails?

Unacceptable Levels presents a lot of information that was new to me. Ed Brown delivers his message in a likeable and straightforward manner. In a little over an hour, you’ll learn about organophosphates, nerve gas agents, pesticides, carcinogens, Chinese water torture, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, toxic sledge, bio-solids, and our modern-day sewage system.

One hour with Ed Brown and you will agree… we are living with unacceptable levels of chemical exposure, and we must do something about it.

The movie motivated me to educate, act, and lead.

Educate

After watching this film, I began to pay more attention to the dangers of living in this modern world of chemicals. I am searching for ways to provide clean and healthy food, water, and products for my family. I am committed to learning, researching, and experimenting my way to the safest products for our household.

Act

I intend to use the power of my purchases to support companies that provide clean products and services, which will help drive interest away from businesses that make use of toxic substances.

Lead

I plan to call attention to this important health issue and share what I am learning.

My first act is raising awareness of this important documentary by asking families to watch Unacceptable Levels together and discuss it afterwards.

I recommend reviewing the products in your home thoroughly for items that contain the chemicals on this list. In the first few minutes of my review, I discovered that my deodorant and toothpaste contain propylene glycol, an active ingredient in antifreeze. My toothpaste also contains FD&C blue no 1. Most FD&C color pigments are made from coal tar and studies show that almost all of these pigments are carcinogenic¹.

As I find products and services that help my family limit our exposure to the toxic assault of modern life, I’ll share what I learn. For example, this 5-minute video highlights the products I use to detoxify my body and optimize my health.

I made a trip to Whole Foods Market this weekend. I found some potential replacements for my deodorant and toothpaste. Keep an eye on our products page to see if any of these replacements become “Happy Living Used & Approved” items.

1. Tom’s of Maine Natural Toothpaste | 2. Thai Natural Crystal Deodorant | 3. Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap | 4. JASON Healthy Mouth Toothpaste

Share It Forward

I want to thank Ed Brown for being a thoughtful and committed citizen. I hope the two years he spent creating this important documentary will attract others to change our dangerous world of chemicals.

I’m in. It’s my turn to pick up where his movie leaves off by making changes in my own life. I’m going to continue asking questions about the chemicals in products I use, find some answers, try out some options, and then share what I learn with my friends.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when watching this film but I plan to go slow and steady. I’ll replace one product, then another, then another… and with each small step I’ll be changing the small world I live in, and doing my part to the change the big world we live in.

I hope you’ll join me!

Image via Death to the Stock Photo | This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and then purchase we will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for reading & supporting Happy Living!