In this enlightening episode of Too Young to Be Old, host Diane Gilman, the iconic "Queen of Jeans," dives into the hidden dangers lurking within our wardrobes. Joined by Douglas Mulhall, a renowned healthy product expert with over 30 years of experience, Diane uncovers the impact of toxic chemicals in everyday clothing and textiles, shedding light on how what we wear may be affecting our health more than we realize.

Episode Links & Resources

Examples of certifications for healthier & environmentally compatible products

Cradle to Cradle Certified. This is a link to the full list of certified products, and you can search for apparel, bedding, or textiles as filters: https://c2ccertified.org/certified-products?certified_products_by_date_asc%5Bpage%5D=2

OEKO-TEX buying guide. A detailed search function for certified products. You can search by product, type of material, and type of standard: 

https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/buying-guide

Examples of healthier & environmentally compatible clothing products 

Here’s a search result showing 125 Cradle to Cradle certified apparel products

https://c2ccertified.org/certified-products?certified_products_by_date_asc%5Bquery%5D=apparel

OEKO-TEX buying guide where you can search for clothing fabrics 

https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/buying-guide

Healthier sheets (examples only and costs vary - some are on sale)

Independent ratings of bedlinens: 

https://www.implasticfree.com/organic-non-toxic-bedding/

https://www.thespruce.com/best-organic-sheets-4153420

https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/best-sustainable-organic-cotton-bedding/

Black Bean Brownies (this is the recipe Katja uses with frequent variations)

https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/no-flour-black-bean-brownies/

Navigating the World of Fashion and Health Risks

Douglas introduces the concept of the "killer closet"—the idea that the clothing we choose, laden with synthetic additives, can introduce harmful chemicals into our bodies. Together, Diane and Douglas discuss everything from greenwashing in sustainable fashion to understanding which certifications consumers can genuinely trust. Listeners will gain insights on deciphering labels, avoiding “greenwashed” products, and the significance of choosing truly health-conscious clothing options.

You Are What You Wear

Expanding on the idea that “you are what you wear,” Douglas explains how skin—our largest organ—absorbs chemicals from fabrics. This revelation encourages listeners to be mindful of what they wear daily, especially close-fitting items like bras and leggings. The discussion highlights why popular fabrics like polyester aren’t inherently harmful but can be when treated with chemical additives. Douglas also shares practical tips on how multiple washes and certifications like "Cradle to Cradle" can make a difference in reducing toxin exposure.

Small Changes with Big Impact

Douglas and Diane explor