This week, Tee sits down with Dr. Chris DeArmitt, founder of the Plastics Research Council and author of The Plastics Paradox and Shattering the Plastics Illusion (both available as free PDFs), to unpack some of the most persistent myths surrounding plastics, microplastics, waste, and human health. Dr. DeArmitt explains that his work began after his daughters were taught in school that plastics do not degrade, a claim he says is false and led him to independently review roughly 6,000 scientific studies, sharing primary sources publicly to encourage verification rather than fear-based conclusions.

Dr. DeArmitt also argues that public perception of plastics is largely shaped by media narratives and unexamined online claims, often reinforced by billionaire- and NGO-funded campaigns that conflate plastics with fossil fuels while overlooking full lifecycle analyses. He points to studies comparing grocery bags, noting that plastic frequently has a lower overall environmental impact than paper or cotton unless reusable bags are reused many times. He also challenges widely repeated claims like the "Texas-sized floating plastic island," calling it a myth rooted in translation errors and hypothetical modeling, and says measured samples from ocean gyres show predominantly fishing gear, with minimal consumer items such as plastic bags.

The conversation turns to health and household concerns, where Dr. DeArmitt maintains that FDA-approved food-contact plastics are rigorously tested for safety and that "natural" does not automatically mean non-toxic. While Tee remains cautious—sharing a personal BPA test result linked to a coffee maker—DeArmitt clarifies that BPA is not used in most common plastics and is more closely associated with polycarbonate products and thermal receipts, while phthalate exposure can come from sources like perfumes and certain medications. They also discuss recycling as helpful but overemphasized, arguing it does little to address litter, which Dr. DeArmitt attributes largely to behavior and enforcement rather than materials. The episode closes with a shared call for listeners to verify sources, understand labels, and make informed choices amid competing industry and advocacy narratives.

Connect with Dr. Chris:

Plastic Research Council

The Plastics Paradox

Shattering the Plastics Illusion

LinkedIn

Follow Therese "Tee" Forton-Barnes and The Green Living Gurus:

Austin Air Purifiers: For podcast listeners, take 15% off any Austin Air product; please email Tee@thegreenlivinggurus.com and mention that you want to buy a product and would like the discount. See all products here: Austin Air

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Healthy Living Group on Facebook

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Email: Tee@thegreenlivinggurus.com

Cell: 716-868-8868

DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS GENERAL GUIDANCE AND NOT MEANT TO BE USED FOR INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER OR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE.

Produced By: Social Chameleon

This week, Tee welcomes Paul Kealey, founder of EkoBuilt, for a grounded conversation on why "the house is medicine." Paul explains how many conventional homes are built vapor-closed yet leaky, trapping moisture inside walls and roofs and creating long-term mold exposure that quietly degrades indoor air quality, stresses the immune system, and impacts overall health.

The episode traces Paul's journey from teacher to builder and how discovering the Passive House Institute standard fundamentally changed his approach to home design. Together, they break down practical, achievable steps for improving existing homes—testing air and dust for mold and VOCs, integrating ERV/HRV ventilation, upgrading to MERV 13+ filtration, and sealing leaks with tools like Aeroseal, all aimed at reducing the cumulative "home hangover" caused by stacked environmental stressors.

Tee and Paul also explore often-overlooked issues such as elevated overnight bedroom CO₂ levels, humidity imbalance, and wildfire resilience. Citing findings from the Harvard Healthy Buildings Institute, Kealey explains how poor indoor air can impair sleep quality and cognitive function. The conversation closes with a clear takeaway: healthier homes aren't about perfection, but about thoughtful design choices that steadily improve comfort, resilience, and long-term health.

Connect with Paul and EkoBuilt:

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

TikTok

Follow Therese "Tee" Forton-Barnes and The Green Living Gurus:

Austin Air Purifiers: For podcast listeners, take 15% off any Austin Air product; please email Tee@thegreenlivinggurus.com and mention that you want to buy a product and would like the discount. See all products here: Austin Air

The Green Living Gurus' Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

Healthy Living Group on Facebook

Tip the podcaster! Support Tee and the endless information that she provides:

Patreon

Venmo: @Therese-Forton-Barnes last four digits of her cell are 8868

For further info, contact Tee:

Email: Tee@thegreenlivinggurus.com

Cell: 716-868-8868

DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS GENERAL GUIDANCE AND NOT MEANT TO BE USED FOR INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER OR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE.

Produced By: Social Chameleon

This week, Tee welcomes Kyle Hulbert, CEO of The Longevity Center and co-host of Longevity Unlocked, for a grounded discussion on how heavy metals can disrupt brain chemistry and contribute to anxiety, depression, irritability, brain fog, and long-term cognitive decline. Kyle shares his personal journey through unexplained fatigue and deteriorating mental health, which was ultimately traced back to mercury toxicity and low testosterone, followed by significant improvement through physician-guided detoxification and hormone optimization.

The episode breaks down common sources of heavy-metal exposure, how different metals affect the body and brain, and the role of clinic-based chelation therapies such as EDTA and DMPS. Tee and Kyle explain The Longevity Center's methodical approach, emphasizing comprehensive bloodwork before any intervention, and they highlight practical, everyday ways to reduce toxic inputs using trusted resources like The Environmental Working Group and MadeSafe. Kyle also offers a clear warning about the risks of DIY heavy-metal detox protocols and why professional oversight matters.

Tee and Kyle also explore water testing and filtration as a foundational step in toxin reduction. The conversation concludes with an important reminder: stay informed but level-headed. Reducing exposure is a gradual process, and panic or chronic stress about toxins can be just as harmful as the toxins themselves.

Connect with Kyle and The Longevity Center:

Website

Podcast

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Follow Therese "Tee" Forton-Barnes and The Green Living Gurus:

Austin Air Purifiers: For podcast listeners, take 15% off any Austin Air product; please email Tee@thegreenlivinggurus.com and mention that you want to buy a product and would like the discount. See all products here: Austin Air

The Green Living Gurus' Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

Healthy Living Group on Facebook

Tip the podcaster! Support Tee and the endless information that she provides:

Patreon

Venmo: @Therese-Forton-Barnes last four digits of her cell are 8868

For further info, contact Tee:

Email: Tee@thegreenlivinggurus.com

Cell: 716-868-8868

DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS GENERAL GUIDANCE AND NOT MEANT TO BE USED FOR INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER OR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE.

Produced By: Social Chameleon