Whitewash: Exposing the Health and Environmental Dangers of Women's Sanitary Products and Disposable Diapers

Kelly L. Green is a freelance writer living in Ajax, Ontario.

The authors and the Women and Environment Education and Development
Foundation have performed an enormous service for humankind by
completing this project. Clearly and concisely they present an
overwhelming case, comprising thousands of supporting facts and
documents, against the use of chlorine compounds in the bleaching of
paper products, specifically women’s sanitary products and disposable
diapers. Along the way, they analyze the trend toward increased North
American consumption of paper products, outline the environmental impact
of this trend, and provide a variety of workable options to help
individuals reduce their own consumption of these products and use their
consumer clout to demand changes from manufacturers.

This book manages to cover virtually every issue pertaining to the use
of sanitary products and disposable diapers, and every argument,
rationalization, and misconception regarding their use. The authors have
investigated in enormous depth issues ranging from dioxin pollution to
toxic shock syndrome, and succinctly share both the research process and
their conclusions with the reader. At every opportunity, they outline
options for action and provide support and motivation for individuals
who care about the environment and related consumer issues, but who may
lack information or a plan of attack. This book provides both.

Whitewash is so well written and well edited that it reads like a
fast-paced whodunit. The writers are too sophisticated and intelligent
to name any one party the killer, however. They give credit where credit
is due, and don’t let consumers off the hook. But even while
describing our self-destructive habits and the damage they have wrought,
they leave room for hope, and from hope springs action. It is not too
strong to say that this book deserves a place in every community library
and progressive bookstore, and in the home of every citizen who cares
about the future and health of our children. (N.B.: The cover and text
of Whitewash are 100 percent chlorine-compound free.)