Recently I posted about how Americans are environmentally aware and yet continue to purchase unnecessary disposable products. Many of these products are popular among germaphobes. Often I wonder what germs might be lurking in my house or neighborhood that I should be so deathly afraid of them. Americans are afraid of cold and flu germs. What many don't realize is that we NEED to be exposed to these germs in order to build our immune system. However, what we as a society have done is create superbugs which are much worse that the original.
So, we're obsessed with avoiding the flu and colds. We use hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap. We have disposable hand towels, sponges, and mop heads. We douse our bathrooms and kitchens with dangerous chemicals. Problem is, Americans are much more likely to die from cancer, heart disease, and diabetes than the flu. Many of these diseases are lifestyle diseases - caused by poor diets, lack of exercise, and exposure to toxins. These diseases don't have a quick fix, like antibacterial soap. We need to make a conscious effort to change the way we live, watch what we eat, and care for the environment. It's a long-term commitment. We shouldn't be afraid of our neighbors; we should be afraid of ourselves. When I try to talk to people about these issues, they look at me as if I'm an extremist. "What?! Stop using commercial cleaners? Use all natural personal care products? Try to reduce pollution? Exercise?!! You're just an extremist!"
Yes, I guess I'm an extremist...but I'm not the one obsessively pulling out the hand sanitizer...
4 comments:
This reminds me of a post on One Green Generation recently about how people call us abnormal. We're doing what people have been doing for thousands of years - we're not the abnormal ones!
I tend to be a bit of a germaphobe a do try to avoid colds and flu, but that's mainly due to the fact that I have asthma and what is a minor illness to others will set off a major attack that can land me in the emergency room. The difference is that I believe soap and hot water, and perhaps vinegar or other natural substances are adequate cleaning substances. The hand sanitizer I carry is made by Burt's Bees. As a nurse, I have long been aware of the proliferation of drug resistant germs due in part to the overuse of antibiotics and antibacterial products.
In most cases, proper hand washing with soap and water (and plenty of friction) are all that's necessary.
@Erin - oh goody! Another blog I need to investigate. Thanks for commenting.
@Deanna - you're right. There are individuals who need to avoid picking up cold and flu germs due to weak immune systems, etc. Thanks for pointing it out.
When my family visits me, I think they do believe I am extreme and they find it slightly annoying I think, that I don't have paper towels EVER and that I only use vinegar and baking soda to clean. Sometimes they even go to the store and return with cleaning items and paper towels for me! Someone once said on my blog that it is a bore to try to explain yourself to people who will never understand.
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