It's time for us to take a toxic holiday<

This Go Green, May 16 issue, produced by Niche publications, part of the Daily Herald, is invaluable.

The physical environment, as well as the food we consume, plays an important role in our health. It is my hope that all citizens Go Green.

I thought I would never encounter formaldehyde until my death, but that is not the case.

After finding out that was the cause of my skin rash, I felt some investigation was necessary.

As a homemaker, how was I coming into contact with it? It is amazing to find it in so many things, from cosmetics and cleaning products to particle board. Formaldehyde is not mentioned at all because there may be "only a trace of it" in the product.

On the other hand, vinegar and baking soda are much cheaper than those highly advertised cleaning products we are urged to buy.

It is no wonder so many people have health problems when you consider the unhealthy environment we live in.

Add that to our chemical cuisine (don't you wonder about those preservatives in our cereal, snacks, etc.?) and you come up with a not-so-pleasant future.

It is time for a toxic holiday in America. Please ask yourself if you really need that perfect lawn, expensive cleaning product or that chemically-preserved snack. You just may live healthier and longer.

Patricia D. Herrmann

Arlington Heights