Randy's Blog 

Annie B. Bond is a pioneer, author, and one of the world’s leading experts, on nontoxic living.   She’s also celebrating her 8th year with Care2 this summer, as the Executive Editor of Care2’s Healthy & Green Living channel.

Annie’s story is remarkable, and as she doesn’t like to toot her own horn, I’ll do that for her because she is one of my inspirations.

Annie was working as a waitress in the early ‘80s when she was poisoned by a gas leak in the restaurant. The toxic exposure made her body highly sensitive to chemicals.  She subsequently came in contact with a highly neurotoxic pesticide that caused her permanent central nervous system damage - leading to a three month hospitalization.  Annie had become so hypersensitive to chemicals that she virtually had to live in a bubble.  Of course, in the 1980s, chemicals were used in just about everything, so trying to live a normal life without chemical exposure was virtually impossible.

But Annie turned this terrible situation into an opportunity.  She literally “wrote the book on nontoxic living” because so little information existed at that time. She studied toxicology, dug through recipes your grandmother used, and showed the world that homemade solutions can not only work as well as big commercial brands, but they can also cost a lot less and be far safer. 

By reducing her exposure to toxins, Annie was able to help her body heal – so much so that she was able to have a child and is now able to travel and conduct seminars across the country.

We can all learn a lot from Annie.  You know that “fresh lemon scent” we’ve all learned to associate with “clean”? Chances are it contains a variety of chemicals you’d probably rather not be breathing in.  Annie’s helping break this marketing myth and many others we’ve been sold.

Those of you who’ve spent time in our Healthy & Green Living channel know what a fantastic range of tips and solutions Annie’s developed to help all of us reduce our exposure to toxins.  As a parent, I’ve found myself spending even more time reading her suggestions to reduce our family’s exposure to chemicals.  Time and again, Annie’s advice is far ahead of the curve. Case in point:  Annie’s been voicing concern about phthalates in plastics for years – finally, the US Government appears ready to take action to protect consumers.  

At Care2, we’re constantly getting messages from Care2 members who say Annie’s solutions have changed and even saved their lives. We hear this from people who experienced similar chemical poisoning like Annie suffered, but also an amazing number of people who just find that their shampoo, soap or various skin care products give them rashes or other sensitivities.  I know I sleep better at night knowing I’ve taken steps to significantly reduce the exposure my children have to toxins.  

Oh, and Annie also happens to be one of the sweetest, kindest individuals you’ll ever meet.  Thank you Annie for making a world of difference!