5 minute read
Therese Forton-Barnes ............................Michael J. Billoni
Going green with Therese Forton-Barnes
The founder of Green Living Gurus shares her story
BY MICHAEL J. BILLONI
In the 1960s and ’70s, Buffalo native Therese “Tee” Forton-Barnes was raised on an all-organic food lifestyle. Back then, there was not much available; organic wasn’t the trend it is today. But Forton-Barnes’ mother, an original member of the Lexington Food Co-Op, taught her early on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and avoiding toxic chemicals as a way of life. Young Tee thought everyone ate the way her family did but soon realized this wasn’t the case.
Forton-Barnes attended Ithaca College and earned a degree in Business with a Health minor. She dreamed of opening a health food supermarket but, when Whole Foods beat her to the punch, she opted for event planning instead. Her company, Events to a Tee! and Associates (events2atee.com), has planned and executed more than 700 events in the Buffalo area in the past thirty years.
“I always try to plan an event by making certain all five senses are used by each attendee,” Forton-Barnes explains. “Each event I produce is a puzzle. There are many pieces and I must find ways for each one to fit. My sixth sense is organizing.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic completely shut down the event planning business, Forton-Barnes recognized an opportunity to pursue her passion to help people eliminate toxic and harmful chemicals and live healthier lives. She launched a new business using fifty-plus years of hands-on, real-world experience living a holistic, non-toxic lifestyle.
“The Green Living Gurus, LLC are promoters of healthy living and a non-toxic lifestyle,” Forton-Barnes says. “Our mission is to help people reduce their exposure to toxins, especially carcinogens, in their homes and daily lives. We assist people with compromised health conditions in creating a non-toxic home, reducing chemical exposure, lessening fear of cancer, and other illnesses, and increasing odds for a healthy life. Reducing exposure to chemicals can also eliminate headaches, migraines, rashes, runny noses, itchy eyes, sore throats, wheezing, and hives.”
Forton-Barnes continues to train and further her education; she recently completed a course that explores the history of the environmental health movement, public policy around toxins, industry front groups, epigenetics, toxicology, and detoxification protocols. She also has studied potential exposures in and around homes, such as home construction, furniture, carpeting, bedding, personal care products, indoor air quality, basement, garage, and lawn care.
Green Living Gurus, LLC sells a line of cleaning products called Tee’s Organics. Unlike traditional cleaning products, these use safe, non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients. All bottles are refillable. The company also partners with Austin Air and is
Green Living Gurus founder Therese Forton-Barnes
Photos courtesy of Therese Forton-Barnes
Enroll Today!
www.va.gov/western-new-york-health-care/ 716-862-8829
an Amazon associate, which allows them to provide customers with a “one-stop shop for all items organic, non-toxic, green, and sustainable” including air purifiers, reusable personal care products, and more.
Forton-Barnes also launched a podcast, Green Living with Tee, in 2020; it’s now nearing its hundredth episode. On the show, Forton-Barnes helps listeners navigate the process of making healthier choices and informs them of alternative products and options that are not harmful to their health and the environment. She also hosts special guests such as doctors, health coaches, fitness experts, and epigeneticists to discuss various topics. Listen at thegreenlivinggurus. com/podcasts.
For information on how to avoid toxic chemicals and lead a healthier lifestyle, visit thegreenlivinggurus. com. FY
Michael J. Billoni is a storyteller and publisher.
Hear from Green Living Gurus' customers
The most exciting part of doing business for Forton-Barnes is hearing from satisfied customers. Check out what a few of them have to say:
“I used to put on a mask and make sure the kids and dog were not in the room when I would clean. I then realized I was polluting my house with toxic chemicals! Therese has helped us learn about the massive amounts of chemicals in products and avoid them, from candles, laundry soap, personal care, and cleaning supplies. I was so happy she began Tee’s Organics. Now, no one needs to leave the room. I don’t need five different products; I clean the bathroom, the toilet, the kitchen, and even the car with it. I love the smell, and it has changed my life. I don’t mind cleaning anymore. The kids love it too!” –Laura
“As a cancer survivor, I was on a mission to find a cleaning product that did not have toxic cancer-causing chemicals in it. I was ecstatic to have found Tee’s Organics. My eyes used to water when I would use the ones loaded with chemicals. I knew this could not be good for me. I now have peace of mind knowing I am not spraying any chemicals in my home and the air we breathe is so much cleaner. I use it for everything, and my husband and I love the smell!” –Mary
“Therese has taught me so much about everyday products and what to be on the lookout for in ingredients. I always thought I needed to use chemicals to clean. I started researching the ingredients I was spraying in my home and realized this could not be good for my family or me. I studied how the chemicals I was using also can harm our immune system and potentially make us sick. I am so happy she began Tee’s Organics product line, and the slogan is perfect: ‘healthy for you and your home!’” –Kathy
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