Reduce chemical exposures from plastics
Use glass containers for storing and reheating leftovers. Heating plastic can leach harmful chemicals into food.
Less is More
Give gift experiences like museum passes, movie or theater tickets, or shop gently used second-hand items. This keeps items out of the landfill and can reduce the potential for chemical exposures from toxic toys.
O Christmas Tree
Choose a real tree. Many artificial trees are made from PVC plastic which contains hormone-disrupting phthalates and in some cases heavy metals like lead.
Go Low-Tech
Choose toys that don’t require batteries and avoid stocking up on the latest electronic devices. Recycling and disposal of batteries and electronics releases toxins that are harmful to health into the environment.
Stay Warm & Toasty
If using space heaters, use UL-certified electric heaters and never burn gasoline, diesel, or charcoal indoors. Install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and outside of every bedroom.
Skip the Glitter
Glittery wrapping paper may sparkle, but it cannot be recycled. Glitter is a microplastic. Microplastics are very small plastic particles that enter our bodies through food, water, and air and have been linked to adverse health outcomes.
Shop Green & Local
Shop locally to reduce packaging waste and pollution from shipping. Support businesses that limit harmful chemicals and use environmentally responsible practices.
Go Flameless
Burning candles releases harmful pollutants into the air. Choose battery-powered candles for a safe glow.
Wrap It Up
Use reusable gift bags or baskets, fabric, or recycled newspaper as creative alternatives to wrapping paper to reduce what ends up in waste streams. Landfills emit greenhouse gases that are harmful to health.
Go Fragrance-Free
Air fresheners, candles, and incense pollute the air with VOCs, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Add scent naturally by boiling cinnamon sticks on the stove, decorating with real evergreens, or baking cookies!
The Mount Sinai Institute for Exposomic Research is dedicated to translating cutting-edge research into actionable information that improves health outcomes for patients and communities. Through our Learning Hub and community events, we provide accessible educational resources to empower individuals with knowledge and practical tools to reduce environmental health risks. Additionally, Mount Sinai is home to the New York State Children’s Environmental Health Network and the Region 2 Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit to advance best practices in environmental health for families. By bridging research and community action, we strive to create healthier, safer environments for all.