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11:15 a.m. - 2008-06-30
3:00 p.m. - 2008-06-26
It's not that I wasn't happy with the Seventh Generation laundry detergents I had used in the past. It just seemed as though I would be getting a lot more bang for my buck with ECOS because not only is it phosphate-free and earth friendly, it also also contains a built-in soy based fabric softener and cellulose based optical brightener. I was a little skeptical about how well a product like this could soften my clothes and clean them. On a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being the best) I give it an 8. (I rated Seventh Generation laundry detergent at a 7, so this was an improvement). You probably already know how bad most laundry detergents are for the environment and your family. It's the PHOSPHATES that make them so effective, but it turns out, phosphates cause a lot of trouble. The problem with phosphates is that they attract algae bloom once they drain into our lakes and rivers. Algae feeds on the phosphates, reproduce and then die. Then the microorganisms feed on the dead algae, reproduce, and end up stripping the water of oxygen. Eventually, the river or lake dries up. This is not a good scenario for a planet that needs to conserve its clean water sources. Years ago, phosphates were removed from many cleaning products but not from dishwashing detergents. (There are however plenty of great earth friendly dishwashing detergents...more on this another day). If you'd like to try ECOS,AMAZON offers it for bulk rates. If you sign up for their "subscribe and save" program you will receive four 100 ounce bottles of ECOS for just $29.15. When you average this out it's less than $8.00, pretty much the average cost of most laundry detergents sold in supermarkets. The good news is this one is not only good for your wallet, it's good for your family and the environment and it smells great too! _____________________________
9:43 a.m. - 2008-06-20 There has been a lot of press recently about PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), also refered to as POISON PLASTIC. PVC can be found in most shower curtains and new cars and is extremely harmful to your health and your child's health. PVC has been called the "Poison Plastic" because it is one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created. According to CHEJ,( The Center for Health and Environmental Justice), "PVC is dangerous to human health and the environment throughout its entire life cycle, at the factory, in our homes, and in the trash. Our bodies are contaminated with poisonous chemicals released during the PVC lifecycle, such as mercury, dioxins, and phthalates, which may pose irreversible life-long health threats."
Despite the high cost of these curtains, $29.95, I ordered one myself and I was struck by how much softer these curtains were than the traditional PVC curtains. It also doesn't have that foul odor when you take it out of its packaging. I highly recommend this product, particularly to parents who want to keep their children as safe as possible from environmental toxins. It's also a major plus that they're better for the environment.
4:08 p.m. - 2008-06-15
Here is a detailed article regarding this issue, posted on ENVIROBLOG: "It seems like everyone and their mother knows about the risks associated with bisphenol A in baby bottles and hard plastic water bottles. Okay, so maybe they don't know the specifics. Recently, while trying to explain what I do to a new acquaintance, I got a blank look until I said "that chemical in water bottles" -- then the lightbulb went off. "Oh, the Nalgene thing! Yeah, I tossed mine and got a metal one." Anyway, all the media attention to plastic reusable drink containers has been a little perplexing for those of us at Enviroblog HQ. It's not that the risk of BPA in baby bottles is negligible, but it's minor compared to the potential exposure from canned infant formula. Like all other food cans, formula cans are lined with a BPA-based epoxy resin that leaches into formula, under normal use, at considerably higher levels than BPA from baby bottles. And what's really important is the combined dosage, day in and day out as infants develop. But a new bill, brought to the House yesterday by Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), would ban BPA from food and drink containers, including canned infant formula. The ban would affect all canned foods, including prepared foods like soup and pasta which EWG tests found to contain some of the highest levels of BPA. FDA estimates that 17 percent of the US diet is comprised of canned food. A bill addressing BPA in the Senate would ban the chemical from children's products -- another important step, considering potential exposures from toys, pacifiers and teething instruments that young children put in their mouths. The Senate bill, however, doesn't address food and drink containers. Since many babies are fed canned vegetables starting from 6 months to a year of age, it hardly makes sense to address one and not the other. Of course, given that there are literally no safety standards for BPA, any legislation at all regulating its use is a significant step forward."
1:32 p.m. - 2008-06-12
Be very weary of anything without this label that uses the word "organic", because chances are it is not 100% organic. In fact only 95% of the product need be organic for a company to claim that it is "organic", while the other 5% can come from nonorganic ingredients that have been approved by the National Organic Standards Board. Additionally, if you come across a product that has a "made with organic ingredients" on the label, this means that no more than 70 percent of the ingredients must be organic. Avoid packages that use the words "pure" or "natural". This is an ingenius way for companies to get you to buy their products by making their foods seem healthy when actually they're not. Also avoid any claims that indicate the product was "made with real fruit" or "made with whole grains." There need be no more than minute traces of these foods for a company to put these claims on their products. The word "enriched" is actually also something to steer clear of. This really means that the natural makeup of the food was messed with. And speaking of natural makeup being altered....did you know that nonorganic foods are now being made with GMOs, genetically modified organisms, and are irradiated. Irradiation is extremely controversial. Meat, vegetables, and fruits are nuked with radioactive materials to kill bacteria and prolong their shelf life. Although this procedure is deemed safe by the FDA, there are no scientific studies to prove its efficacy or safety. What we do know for sure is that molecules in these foods get broken down, creating free radicals that deplete their vitamin and enzyme content. The bottom line, buy organic produce as much as possible, particularly those labeled with the USDA organic stamp.
8:30 p.m. - 2008-06-10
I am a big fan of Seventh Generation products and have been for some time. We use their paper towels, toilet paper, all purpose cleaner, fabric softener, chlorine free diapers and chlorine free baby wipes. I thought I was on the right track until I realized the wipes and diapers, although good for my baby, were not good for the environment. Thinking of switching to cloth diapers? You would be surprised though to know that Cloth diapers use more energy and water than disposable diapers. The two best options, according to TreeHugger, "Are compostable and flushable diapers, or disposable diapers from companies such as Seventh Generation that are at least chlorine free." Ah yes, it seems I was on the right track after all! I am also currently using gDiapers. These are flushable diapers. I use them during the day and continue to use the Seventh Generation diapers at night. But while using these products gives me some peace of mind, there is still the issue of the baby wipes.
The cost to you, $9.95 for 50 wipes. The cost to the environment, priceless.
8:39 a.m. - 2008-06-06
Cellulose is derived from plant cells and is 100% biodegradeable.
12:32 p.m. - 2008-06-02
When it disappears down the drain, it produces organochlorines, which could be carginocenic; studies have shown that chlorine bleach could also contain immune system, reproductive, and nurological toxins. it is corrosive and can seriously irritate the skin, eyes and lungs.
1:06 p.m. - 2008-06-01
This Kit contains: Window Spray ~ 8 fl oz Countertop Spray ~ 8 fl oz ABOUT RHUBARB: Rhubarb is widely known as a fruit, but believe it or not, this tart garden variety is a vegetable. It also works wonders on burnt pots and pans. Apply rhubarb over scalded area and your pots and pans will be shining in next to no time. The Rhubarb family is a big one. There are more than 18 different varieties of this popular garden plant. A tender stick of rhubarb dipped in sugar makes a vary tasty treat-for kids and adults alike! Mrs. Meyer's products are cruelty-free and are not tested on animals. Contains biodegradable ingredients. Enter to win by leaving a comment on this giveaway post, helping us spread the word about the giveaway on your own blog, or subscribing to Eco Mama. Good Luck!
12:55 p.m. - 2008-06-01
1:34 p.m. - 2008-05-29
Their goal is to eliminate over 40,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the environment. If that isn't reason to smile and say, "Cheese", I don't know what is!
12:36 p.m. - 2008-05-29
More than 1,000 CSA farms are growing and harvesting fresh vegetables across America today. For more information check out LOCAL HARVEST or JUST FOOD.
3:59 p.m. - 2008-05-28 The Breast Cancer Fund and Healthy Child Healthy World are making a call to action in support of Senator Feinstein’s Toxic Toys amendment to the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act. This bill, which bans six types of phthalates (chemicals that make plastic soft) from children's toys, was modeled on similar legislation that has passed in 14 countries, the European Union and the city of San Francisco. It will go into effect in 2009. According to the Breast Cancer Fund, "Phthalates have been linked to breast cancer, early puberty in girls, reduced testosterone levels, lowered sperm counts, genital defects in baby boys and testicular cancer." That is why support of this Act is so important to ensure that our children will be protected against unnecessary exposure to harmful chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of toys. The Act is in conference committee until June 4th, 2008. However, the committee may move on this issue at any time. The conferees need to hear from your constituents in support of this important amendment, so the sooner you take action the better. Every voice counts! Click HERE for more information and to access a template that includes everything you need to make a difference today.
8:27 p.m. - 2008-05-27
Seems like a no-brainer, right? But current law is so deficient that the Environmental Protection Agency couldn't use it to ban carcinogenic asbestos. In the past 30 years, EPA has evaluated the safety of just 200 out of 80,000 chemicals, and banned only five. Pollution in people is associated with serious diseases like childhood cancer, autism, and ADHD, but right now the government has almost no authority to protect people from even the most hazardous chemicals. The Environmental Working Group is working hard to get Kid-Safe introduced and they are dedicated to passing it. Look for more campaign information soon and click HERE to learn more.
7:25 a.m. - 2008-05-24
This mom, not only a former model, is also a graduate of culinary school and really knows her way around a kitchen. She believes that the success of a recipe depends on the freshness of the foods used to cook it. And when it comes to our children, I have to agree, we want only the best for them, including seasonal, organic foods in their purest form. Weelicious is a website every mom should add to their favorites, If you're looking to prepare your own baby food and have questions, want recipes, and step by step instructions this is the site for you. The recipes sound delicious, and are certainly nutritious, but I'll let you know what my son thinks once I've had the opportunity to try them out on him!
9:35 a.m. - 2008-05-22 If you or your child are in need of a new pair of casual shoes for the summer I highly recommend TOMS. For every pair of shoes you buy they donate an identical pair to a needy child in Africa or Latin America. Over 70,000 pairs have been donated to date. Not only do they support children in need, TOMS also supports fair trade and living wages. Also, they use canvas and burlap materials for their shoes, both biodegradable.
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