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Sustainability leader, activist, and recipient of the Women in Sustainability Leadership Award, Lindsay Dahl, takes a critical look into the hidden dangers of everyday chemicals including microplastics in consumer products, revealing their impact on our health and urging a reevaluation of what we consider safe in our homes and environments. From the cleaning supplies under our sinks to the beauty products on our bathroom shelves, activist Lindsay Dahl reveals that the "clean living" movement is often anything but. The concept itself is devoid of oversight and regulation, but it sounds right. It promises a better, more ethically sound way of living--and isn''t that what people want? Smart and revealing, The Dirt on Clean Living draws on Dahl''s extensive experience as a lobbyist and as a parent. Dahl sheds light on the toxic ingredients that are often overlooked or misunderstood by consumers, and the ways in which companies act to their own benefit rather than the consumer''s. Who would think that the higher-priced baby bottles are the ones that contain chemicals that are detrimental to babies'' health? And who would think that companies would knowingly put out those products? The label of "clean" has long allowed for a murky ethical balance between companies, products, and consumers. In this personal investigation, Dahl reveals how microscopic amounts of these chemicals can have far-reaching consequences, not only for individual health but also for public safety. Through vivid storytelling and robust scientific evidence, Dahl makes a compelling case for why we need to rethink what we consider "clean" and "safe." More than just a warning, The Dirt on Clean Living is the call to action our world urgently needs. By exposing the hidden dangers in everyday products and offering actionable strategies for reducing exposure, readers will learn how to: Parse marketing language to understand which "everyday" chemicals are especially dangerous Identify brands that are working to limit chemical exposure Make safer purchasing choices for their families Get involved with current legislature to protect future generations The Dirt on Clean Living is an essential read, one that dares to take the first powerful step toward a healthier future for both ourselves and our communities. ...
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"Through fast paced storytelling, Cleaning House shows us how activism and grassroots power is the only thing strong enough to take the chemical industry head on. Cleaning House is the story of everyday activists, social justice leaders, angry moms, and Dahl's journey from skeptic to the front lines of the environmental health movement. This book should remind us-what and who we are fighting for-and to not back down when the going gets tough." - Erin Brockovich, environmental activist & author of Superman's Not Coming
"Cleaning House is essential reading for everyone who wants to ensure the products they bring into their home are safe for their family and the environment. The unfortunate reality is many cleaning and personal care products still contain dangerous chemicals. This book is a brilliant guide on how to stay safe when there's no one else to protect you." - Jeffrey Hollender, Co-Founder & former CEO, Seventh Generation
"With a perfect blend of credible science, advocacy, and personal storytelling, Cleaning House exposes the systemic failures that allow harmful chemicals into our bodies, impacting our fertility. Dahl's work is both eye-opening and empowering, providing the knowledge and tools we need to demand safer products and policies for future generations." - Dr. Lora Shahine, author, reproductive endocrinologist & fellow with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
"Cleaning House is a cautionary tale about how misinformation and partisan politics can threaten our environment and public health. Dahl shows how powerful we can be when we work together to ensure key consumer safety protections are not rolled back. A must-read for our generation and poignant reminder that bipartisan progress is still possible." - Manish Bapna, President and CEO of NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council)
"In a world where our environment is more important than ever, Dahl helps us take agency in the place closest to us-our homes. Cleaning House sheds light on the burden we have placed on busy parents' shoulders, unfairly asking them to navigate a complicated marketplace. Dahl brings us hope and provides an actionable roadmap as a path forward." - Eve Rodsky, NYT bestselling author of Fair Play and Find Your Unicorn Space
