Christopher Gavigan's Top 5 Tips for a Safe Summer

With the passing of Memorial Day and the official start of June, we have one thing one our mind: summer fun! But to ensure we make the most of our time outdoors, Christopher Gavigan is sharing his top five tips for avoiding hidden toxins and having a safe, healthy summer.

1. Playing in the grass. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly 70 million pounds of active pesticide ingredients are applied to lawns and gardens each year. Use natural, non-toxic methods to care for your lawn, and be sure to ask about what’s been applied at parks or any public places you frequent.

2. Drinking from the hose. It’s a classic thirst quencher, but hose water can contain a cocktail of heavy metals and toxic chemicals, according to new testing from HealthyStuff.org. Skip hose water (even for your veggie garden) unless the label says the hose is drinking water safe and you’ve tested the water for lead.

3. Wearing sunscreen. Many sunscreens contain potentially toxic ingredients. Avoid PABA, oxybenzone, nanoparticles, parabens, and phthalates (read more about infant sunscreen safety here).

4. Using bug spray. Yes, you want to protect your kid from Lyme Disease and West Nile. But bug sprays can contain some seriously toxic chemicals. Avoid products containing DEET, permethrin, and synthetic fragrances.

5. Grilling meat. Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic compounds that form in meat cooked at high temperatures. Reduce exposure by trimming excess fat; grilling in low, indirect heat (or pre-cooking meat in your oven and finishing it on the grill); removing charring from cooked meet; and keeping the grill clean. Practicing these food safety tips allows for grilling fun. Here, Christopher shares his wife's favorite turkey burger.

Looking for additional summer safety tips? Check out these honest suggestions for fun in the sun.

As the Eco Expert for StrollerTraffic, Christopher first shared a version of this post on how to avoid harmful exposure to toxins in StrollerTraffic's Summer Survival Guide.