carpets

FLOR carpet squares

ayurvedic soluiton for sinus problems

here is very interesting excerpt I read today...next time I have sinus issues I will be making the yummy tea that is described at the end.

from www.care2.com/greenliving

Whatever their cause, all sinus infections respond to measures that balance kapha–since it regulates mucus and fluids in the sinus cavity. A heavy, cold, slow, and sticky kapha can be balanced by foods and behaviors that create the opposite effect. Therefore, you should favor a light diet of warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest, such as steamed vegetables, non-creamy vegetable soups, cooked whole grains, and cooked fruits. Avoid alcohol, red meat, and cold and iced foods and drinks, as well as all curdled foods like cheese and yogurt–both the dairy and non-dairy varieties. If you have symptoms of congestion and pressure, try frequent sips of hot beverages, such as herbal tea, throughout the day. You can also inhale the steam from a pot of freshly boiled water for five to 10 minutes, twice a day. Adding a couple drops of eucalyptus oil to the water after boiling will help open up nasal passages, but be sure to keep your eyes closed to prevent stinging.

Since you have a history of sinus infections, a weakened immune system undoubtedly plays a key role. Weak immunity and weak digestion go hand in hand. When you eat foods that are too hard to digest, for instance, your digestive system gets overloaded and creates a sticky toxin called ama. Over time, excess ama will travel to weak areas in your body–in this case, the sinuses–to block normal functioning and create disease.

To build immunity, you need to clear your body of toxins. An amazingly simple but effective way to help your body do this is to boil spring water and sip the hot water throughout the day. For extra relief during sinus attacks, steep the following in two quarts of boiled water: Two slices of fresh ginger, four leaves of mint, two cloves, and 1 teaspoon marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis). Make this ama-busting tea each morning, keep it in a thermos, and sip it hot all day long.

Finally, cook with digestion and immune-enhancing spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin, coriander, fennel, and black pepper. These spices also help clear your sinuses by promoting mucus drainage.

more on food-good news for organics with Vilsack in cabinet and Obasma in office!

great recent article in NY times on food revolution. yeah. finally.

knowledge is power my friends!

check out this easy to read list of fruits and vegetables ranked for
the amount of pesticide found on the surface. all tests were done on
conventional (non organic) foods found in a typical supermarket.

a great home-made vegetable wash recipe is as follows:

* 1/4 cup Vinegar
* 2 Tablespoons salt

Fill a clean sink with cold water, a plastic dish pan works wonders,
and add vinegar and salt and let sit 5-10 minutes, rinse. The vinegar
cleans the fruits and vegetables, while the salt draws out any
critters, dirt and anything else undesirable. It doesn't effect the
flavor at all and vinegar helps take care of the sprays and wax they
tend to use. Wash all fruits and veggies before putting away. Even the
ones where you peel the skins.

if you still don't like the idea of that you are exposed to pesticides
or the washing seems to difficult then you should consider organic
vegetables (still should rinse but extensive washing is not necessary
b/c pesticides are not used). see this article for more info:

SO AWESOME MICHELLE OBAMA'S GARDEN!

ways to reduce water use

baskets i like

land of nod baskets

why are evil flame retardants are so unavoidable in children's products?

PBDE-flame retardants...whatever you call them they are toxic, particularly for children and the BIOBURDEN of disease and cancer-causing toxins of the average american is shockingly high and most people have NO IDEA most health professionals are not educated on environmental toxins so they can't educate their patients! There should be huge public outcry but sadly there is hardly a whisper b/c no body knows what is going on and no one knows all the toxic chemicals they are unwittingly exposed to. People will spend hundreds of dollars a month on vitamins or supplements to stave off cancer but they do not know that all of their effort is for naught b/c they sleep on a SUPER TOXIC MATTRESS and their children wear pajamas covered in toxic flame retardants! there are not enough people talking about this. the government is useless when it comes to legislation against environmental toxins and just does whatever is beneficial to industry-Not what is healthy for people.

sopme states are trying to take matters into their own hands but it has been slow and uphill battle. here is the info about some state legislation to ban some of these chemicals. a PDF presented by the Ann Arbor Ecology Center

when my next baby comes along-I will be ready with a non-toxic mattress. of course it is expensive but I see not alternative. frankly, it makes me sick just to think I did not ahve this for F. Natural Latex Baby Crib Mattress

Here is what they say aboiut it on their website.

"We use NaturalSense 100% natural latex to create an all-natural environment for your baby's rest. Latex is naturally anti-microbial and dust mite free. In today's chemical society it's unfortunate to be surrounded by so many damaging chemicals. Our NaturalSense latex is free from the flame retardant additives for which there have been reported links to breast cancer. These flame-retardants exist in carpet pads, cushions, and all foam and spring crib mattresses. With our all natural crib mattress, however, you will breathe easier knowing your baby is sleeping on a toxic-free surface."

look out for PBDE's buy organic as much as possible.... why does it have to be so dang difficult and expensive to keep your child safe from the misguided plans of modern life and give them the best hope for a healthy life!

of course the US government posts on their official website the lamest and most pathetic discussion of PBDEs. this info basically gives the consumer NO info and NO hope and NO real answer. lame. horrible. makes me want to strangle someone......

Slow Food Nation-not yet but maybe someday

Here is a recent article in the SF chronicle discussed the upcoming Slow Food Nation festival in SF. sounds great and I wish I could be there.

it is an OK article (some bad grammar) that brings to the masses, issues discussed in a much more sophisticated way in books such as "Omnivore's Dilemma" and "In Defense of Food" and "Fast-food Nation".

As anything controversial and "new" and difficult to accept-the concepts of slow food and sustainable agriculture are painful for many people (especially Americans) to accept. just scroll down and read some of the comments to this article. I am not surprised to see that people react defensively as if you have threatened them personally when you tell them that 99% of the "food" they eat is NOT actually FOOD but crap, junk, chemicals, and that a dirty trick has been played on them by the economists and business people and the government. the biggest wool ever has been pulled over their eyes and now they are actually defending their right to buy and eat UN-FOOD. they have been "played". sad. very sad.

it is very important that these ideas on slow food and sustainable ag become part of the pop-culture so that more & more people are talking about it and eventually it will become common knowledge and then maybe change WILL come.

below are some nice lists excerpted from the article on slow food mission.

Ten points to better health

1. Know what you're eating. Find out where it comes from and what's in it. Think about what's in season now - what's ripe, not just fresh. A lot of these foods will turn out to be local.

2. Get cooking. And try making things from scratch. You'll save money and rediscover skills you forgot you had.

3. Plant something. It could be an herb pot on your kitchen counter or, if you have space at home, a small kitchen garden, or a communal plot in your neighborhood that you tend with family and friends. (The Victory Garden on Civic Center Plaza is a landscape of ideas, staffed by experts who can guide your hands to the soil.)

4. Pack a bag lunch.

5. Drink tap water. It's healthier for you, and it's free.

6. Learn about and celebrate the food traditions your family still possesses. These are like seeds, long stored and just waiting to be planted.

7. Invite someone to share a meal. Strengthen the bonds of friendship and community by cooking and eating together.

8. Learn about endangered foods and how we can bring them back to our tables.

9. Conserve, compost and recycle.

10. Vote with your fork.

Slow Food mission

"Slow Food" considers itself both a movement and a message - an alternative to fast food, industrial agriculture and the standardization pressures that it believes threaten local food variety and traditions as well as the health of humans and the planet. Slow Food Nation plans to encourage individuals to get involved in the food debate and to call for new initiatives from national leaders. It is urging the government to:

-- Identify and support food practices that are good, clean and fair - that is, that produce healthful and delicious food, humanely and without harm to the environment, in a manner that is socially just to both producers and consumers.

-- Ensure access to affordable, nutritious food for all - especially to residents of many low-income areas, commonly known as "food deserts," where fresh food is unavailable.

-- Provide and maintain resources and economic incentives that enable citizens, community groups and organizations to secure food directly from the source, thus strengthening the network of small producers.

-- Protect the rights of all farmworkers.

-- Support edible education, providing children with the tools they need to choose healthy food and to understand the impact of food choices on their health, the health of their communities and the planet.

-- Implement measures to restore and protect biological diversity.

-- Support the development of renewable sources of energy for the agricultural sector.

low impact living tips

awesome blog/info center for low-impact, eco-friendly, green living.

lowimpactliving.com

as we are making decisions for the next step for our family's living situation. we are definitely thinking "green" as ,much as we can afford to do so.

Green Living Supplies in Chicago IL is a building supply store that focuses entirely on green products-they are experts unlike the big "box" store people who look at you blank-faced and numbly if you ask whether something is sustainably made.

be suspicious of scented products

this is something I get really worked up about and I would get on the old soap box about it everyday if I knew that it would not get tiresome for myself and for all of my friends and family.

just do me 1 favor-when you are at the store and you are abut to buy some nicely scented product-ask yourself if that smell if coming from strawberries or "evil-x-y-z" chemical. if it is the latter then I would re-consider whether you really want to put that in your house with your beloved toddler and doggy for whom you just spent $200 buying organic food.

here is some shocking info on the hazards of VOC's volatile organic compounds in things many people use everyday, multiple times. this is just a drip from the faucet of info. there is so much more out there to be found if you are interested.

"Toxic Chemicals Found In Common Scented Laundry Products, Air Fresheners"
ScienceDaily (July 24, 2008) — A University of Washington study of top-selling laundry products and air fresheners found the products emitted dozens of different chemicals. All six products tested gave off at least one chemical regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws, but none of those chemicals was listed on the product labels.

click here for the rest of the story.

I am not trying to make you paranoid but instead arming you with info to make decisions.

maybe it is not a big deal if you are exposed to a small amount from 1 product but in most people's homes there are MANY products with scents and MULTIPLE routes of exposure in a given day such as thru skin from your clothes and towels with residue from dryer sheets, thru your nose from your Glade plug-in or scented candle, febreeze on your couch, that peachy smell in your favorite shampoo or body lotion that you rub all over after shaving, that lemon smell of your clean floor that your baby is crawling around on and then putting hands in mouth and LOTS of other things.

these products secretly expose you and your family on a daily basis to chemicals that cause cancer. many government and industry people claim that the dose of exposure is too low to really make people sick. and that may be true for SINGLE, brief exposures to a small amount of the chemical but there is very little or NO testing of the potentially toxic effects of daily, repeated low level exposure to these chemicals.

here is more info on volatile organic compounds and the link to cancer.

"Fast" clothes vs Sustainable clothes: thoughts on "greening" your wardrobe

In the process of "greening" our family, B & I have realized that one of the most difficult things to "green" is our wardrobes. This is actually something B & I have thought about and talked about often but always end the conversations with no real conclusions or plans of action.

it's relatively easy to use natural products for cleaning, reduce consumption & recycle as much as possible/available. but when we need (or want-ugh) new/different clothes or stuff (bags, cameras, baby paraphenalia) we don't know what to do. so sometimes we do nothing and in turn this is great b/c it reduces consumption but sometimes BUYING is inevitable.

so when B needs new pants for a business trip (working from a home-office means that normally B pays very little attention to the wardrobe dept and thus there is often a frenzy of concern over "what he will wear" on the business trips).

being an expert (and stylish!) clothes-buyer, I offer to go to the mall or old navy (we joke-"slavey") to pick him up a few new things. but then we look at eachother as the words "slavey" simultaneously rolls off our tongues and we realize that is not far from the truth and how can we possibly reconcile shopping at such a store?

the immediate answer is that it is largely a money issue but also a lack of knowledge of and convenient access to alternatives.

generally at this time in our lives, the majority of our "new" clothes are obtained at the thrift store or a sports-orineted store like REI. more rarely we get a few new things at Target or a mall store. fortunately we do not often need a lot of new clothes b/c we both wear the same sizes we have worn for years (except fo course when I was pregnant and after and that is a whole other story...)

So I decided to begin a quest researching what kinds of options are "out there" for sustainable, free-trade, eco-friendly, sweatshop-free clothing and material goods. and how to make myself, my friends, acquaintences, and anyone else who will (or has to) listen aware of the situation and what a person can do to incorporate "green" and socially responsible clothes and good shopping into their lives.

I expect that I will update this post on a semi-regular basis. but to get started here are a few resources I found initially.

link to article in the International Herald Tribune on "fast" clothes vs green clothes
- here is an excerpt from this article:
"....clothes — and fast clothes in particular — are large and worsening sources of the carbon emissions that contribute to global warming, both because of how they are produced and how they are cared for, concludes a thought-provoking report from researchers at Cambridge University entitled, "Well Dressed?"

The $1 trillion global textile industry must become eco-conscious, the report concludes. It explores how to develop more "sustainable clothing" — a seeming oxymoron in a world where fashions change every few months."

link to treehugger.com that has a bunch of links to stores that sell green shoes, furniture, bikes, and more. however it looks to me that may of these items are a bit to ALOT pricey.

link to greenpeople.org "the worlds largest directory of eco-friendly and holistic health products"well it looks like there is alot on this website. baby stuff, home stuff, very promising.

but I am still finding no info on how "green" the normal chain retailers are compared to eachother? hmmm I am going to have to look into this. let's face it, I don't always have time to plan ahead and order products online and pay high shipping fees (plus maybe increased carbon footprint of not "buying local-sort of")!!!

overall quite the modern conundrum

did we need another reason to keep our kids away from "junk" food

why take risks with your kids? if there is the remotest doubt that something is bad for kids or people in general-why do we still eat it? why does the FDA still allow it to be put into food that "normal" people consume everyday (often in large quantities).

I wish I knew the answer to those questions.......but at least we can educate ourselves and our friends (whether they like to hear it or not).

hate to say it but it's probably NOT the sugar in those snacks and soda that is giving your kid a "sugar-high". it's all the other invisible ingredients (preservatives like sodium benzoate and food
coloring like red 40 and yellow 5) that are put into American packaged foods.

If you think this is useful info then please pass it on to your friends and family. REMEMBER that everday as consumer- you VOTE with your DOLLAR. change is a choice.

Parents who suspect that artificial ingredients in food are affecting their children's behavior can now point to some cold, hard proof. A carefully designed study released Thursday in The Lancet, a leading British medical journal, shows that a variety of common food dyes and the preservative sodium benzoate — an ingredient in many soft drinks, fruit juices, salad dressings and other foods — causes some children to become more hyperactive and distractible than usual.
link to full article in Time

DANGEROUS DYES? A food safety advocacy group claims eight dyes commonly used in food, from Lucky Charms to M&Ms, cause behavioral problems in children. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration disputed these claims in the past, it seems unlikely it will ban the artificial colorings. The Center for Science in the Public Interest formally petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban eight food dyes, including the two most common—Red 40 and Yellow 5. The United Kingdom already phased out several of these dyes.

When Great Britain banned artificial dyes, food manufacturers switched to natural colorings. In fact, British versions of the candies listed above all use natural colors. Here's another difference: In the United States, McDonalds colors its sundae strawberry sauce with Red 40. In Britain? The sauce's red color comes from strawberries.Most artificial dyes come from coal tar and petroleum

Kids Fav Foods Colored with Artificial Dyes. Food manufacturers use dyes to simulate fruit or vegetable colors.
Here are a few examples:
* Kraft's Guacamole Dip—green color comes from Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Blue 1 (not from avocadoes)
* Aunt Jemima Blueberry Waffles—blue color comes from Red 40 and Blue 2 (not blueberries)
* General Mills' Fruit Roll-Ups—fruity colors come from Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, and Blue 1 (not from raspberries, strawberries, kiwis, or other real fruits)
* Betty Crocker's Au Gratin "100% Real" Potatoes—yellow color comes from Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 (not from potatoes)
* Apple Jacks * Froot Loops * Fruity Cheerios * Lucky Charms * Post's Fruity Pebbles * Trix * Starburst Chews * Skittles* M&M * Mars candy bars and other candies
link to full article from Informify

Artificial food colourings and preservatives have a "significant" impact on hyperactivity levels in very young children, finds research in Archives of Disease in Childhood. Removal of these substances could be in the long term interest of public health, say the authors. The authors base their findings on over 1800 three year old children, who were screened for hyperactivity and allergies.
link to full article in Medical News-net

link to article in science news

The additives, found in a host of sweets and soft drinks, have been linked to behavioural problems. But a team at Southampton University, carrying out a £750,000 study for the Food Standards Agency, (FSA) suggested seven colourings, including tartrazine and sunset yellow,
could also affect children's intelligence by up to five IQ points.
link to full article in the Telegraph

7 yummy SUPER foods

Easy to find & EAT super foods

always keep them in your fridge/cupboard and your world will be a brighter, happier, healthier place.

1. When You're Stressed...

Eat This:
1 Cup of Low-Fat Yogurt or 2 Tbsp of Mixed Nuts

Scientists in Slovakia gave people 3 grams each of two amino acids — lysine and arginine — or a placebo and asked them to deliver a speech. Blood measurements of stress hormones revealed that the amino acid–fortified public speakers were half as anxious during and after the speech as those who took the placebo. Yogurt is one of the best food sources of lysine; nuts pack tons of arginine.

Not That!
A Can of Soda

A study from the American Journal of Public Health found that people who drink 20 ounces of soda daily are three times more likely to be depressed and anxious, compared with those who drink less.

2. When You Want to Increase Your Metabolism...

Drink This:
Green Tea

Catechins, the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, are known to stoke your metabolism, making it burn hotter and torch more calories. A study by Japanese researchers found that participants who consumed 690 milligrams of catechins from green tea daily had significantly lower body-mass indexes and smaller waist measurements than tea-totalers (i.e., they avoid the stuff).

Not That!
Nothing

Skipping meals lets your body's calorie-burning furnace go cold. Spread out snacks throughout the day. Try a cup of yogurt with fresh fruit or almonds between breakfast and lunch, and a hard-boiled egg or hummus with vegetables in the afternoon.

3. When You're Low on Energy...

Eat This:
A Handful of Trail Mix

Raisins provide potassium, which your body uses to convert sugar into energy. Nuts stock your body with magnesium, which boosts metabolism and improves nerve and muscle function. (When magnesium levels are low, your body produces more lactic acid — the same fatigue-byproduct that makes your muscles ache at the end of a workout.)

Not That!
Espresso-Based Drinks

Sure, the caffeine will perk you up, but the spike in blood sugar that follows — with anywhere from 16 grams (latte) to 59 grams (white chocolate mocha) of sugar coursing through your veins — will ultimately launch your own personal energy crisis. Stick to brewed coffee with one packet of sugar, max.

4. When You Need a Brain Boost...

Eat This:
Blueberries

Antioxidants in blueberries help protect the brain from free-radical damage, which could decrease your risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and improve cognitive processing. Wild blueberries, if you can find them (or grow them!), have even more brain-boosting antioxidants than the cultivated variety.

Not That!
Ice Cream

Sugary foods incite sudden surges of blood glucose that, in the long term, cause sugar highs and lows, and make you as distractable as a toddler in the Disney store. And foods high in saturated fat can clog blood vessels and slow the flow of nutrients and blood to the brain.

5. When You're Under the Weather...

Drink This:
Ginseng Tea, Hot or Iced

In a Canadian study, people who took 400 milligrams of ginseng a day had 25 percent fewer colds than people who popped a placebo. Ginseng helps kill invading viruses by increasing the body's production of key immune cells.

Not That!
Caffeinated Beverages and Energy Drinks

Excessive caffeine messes with your sleep schedule and sabotages key immune agents. And insufficient sleep opens the door to colds, upper respiratory infections, and other ills. What's more, caffeine can dehydrate you, and hydration is vital during illness: Fluids not only transport nutrients to the problem zones, but also carry away toxins.

6. When You Need to Wake Up and Go...

Eat This:
Eggs and Whole-Wheat Toast

Eggs are a great source of protein, and having them for breakfast sets you up for a perfect day of eating. Saint Louis University researchers found that people who eat eggs for breakfast consume 264 fewer calories the rest of the day than those who eat bagels and cream cheese.

Not That!
Bagel and Cream Cheese

At 500 calories and 20 grams of fat, this deli disaster is one of the worst ways to start your day. Sixty grams of fast-burning carbohydrates will cause a dip in energy and a spike in hunger, long before lunchtime. The same goes for croissants, danish, donuts, and pancakes.

7. When You Want to Get ''In the Mood''...

Eat This:
Dark Chocolate

The cocoa in chocolate contains stimulants that increase your body's sensitivity. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, a chemical that can give you a slight natural high. And Italian researchers found that women who often eat chocolate have a higher sex drive than those who don't. Make sure your chocolate has at least 60 percent cacao.

Not That!
The Third Glass of Wine

The alcohol in wine affects your prefrontal cortex, which can decrease inhibition and up your sexual appetite. But only for the first glass or two. Beyond that, the toxic affects of alcohol in your system take over and are as likely to make you sleepy as they are to make you sexy. The more pouring, the more snoring.

Green, eco-friendly high-end jewelry from GREEN KARAT!

yes it is true! diamonds without the blood! I can hardly believe it. this is one of the coolest things I have come across in a long time. a company called green karat is wedding selling rings and other special jewelry made of recycled metals and lab-created diamonds and other precious jems.

the green karat website is a store-house of info on fair trade of gems and jewelry and sustainable mining practices as well as info on the many horrors committed on people and the earth in the name of gem-mining.

since childhood I always had a sad sense that mining was an atrocity committed by humans on the dear earth but when I saw the movie Blood Diamonds I was made aware that mining and gem-trade is not just bad for the environment but that it supports horrifying treatment of native peoples.

I vowed that I would never again knowingly support this.

I would not consider myself a big jewelry or precious gems-type person but I do love to have a special ring or necklace as a gift from time to time. now I have a way that I can buy responsibly and trust the source. in addition Green Karat will even recycle your un-used or broken jewelry and turn it into something new and magical. how cool!

Fair trade sports equipment

have you ever thought about how "fair trade" might apply to sports equipment, balls, and more?

check out fairtradesports.com

which sunscreens are the safest and really work?

see this link for the WHOLE LIST

Sunscreen Summary — What Works and What's Safe

In a new investigation of 952 name-brand sunscreens, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 4 out of 5 sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns. Leading brands were the worst offenders: None of market leader Coppertone's 41 sunscreen products met EWG's criteria for safety and effectiveness, and only 1 of 103 products from Banana Boat and Neutrogena, the second- and third-largest manufacturers, are recommended by EWG.

Many products on the market present obvious safety and effectiveness concerns, including one of every seven that does not protect from UVA radiation This problem is aggravated by the fact that FDA has not finalized comprehensive sunscreen safety standards they began drafting 30 years ago. Overall we identified 143 products that offer very good sun protection with ingredients that present minimal health risks to users.

short version of list is below......

1. Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock, SPF 30

2. Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum,

3. California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+

5. Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30

6. Marie Veronique Skin Therapy Sun Serum

7. Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40

8. Vanicream Sunscreen, SPF 35

12. UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+

14. Sun Science Sport Formula, SPF 30

17. Soleo Organics Sunscreen all natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+

18. Obagi Nu-Derm Physical UV Block, SPF 32

19. Mexitan Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50

20. EltaMD UV Physical, SPF

22. Eau Thermale Avene Tinted Compact, SPF 50

23. Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas Mineral Based Physical Sunblock, SPF 30+

27. Walgreens Sunblock with Zinc Oxide for Face, Nose & Ears, SPF 45+

30. Solar Sense Face Protection, SPF 45

32. Mustela Sun Cream for Sensitive Areas, SPF 50

41. Caribbean Sol Solguard, SPF 25

43. Institut Dermed Sun Protective Cream Oil Free, Untinted, SPF 28

44. Kabana Skin Care Green Screen Organic Sunscreen - Skin Tone Tinted, SPF 22

45. CVS Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 45+

46. Elemis Liquid Layer Sunblock, SPF 30

47. Dermalogica Super Sensitive Face Block, SPF 30

49. Blue Lizard Australian Suncream Lotion, Sensitive, SPF 30

51. Baby Blanket Sunscreen Stick for Babies, SPF /fps 45+

52. Skinceuticals Physical UV Defense, SPF 30

58. No-Ad Ultra Sunblock Lotion, SPF 60

59. Trader Joe's Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+

ever wonder if there is a safe toothpaste for your baby/toddler?

check out this baby gel toothpaste from Weleda

also Weleda's calendula baby cream is my number 1 fav for bum and face. it is a wonder. i just love it and love the natural calming scent. it works so great and is an amazing skin protectant with no evil chemicals.

clean green future lies ahead????

cleantech blog-the path to the clean green future and how it gets choked everyday

be a hacker

ikea hacker

life hacker

we think we're so cool......

great, unique, out of my price range but cool kids stuff! love the foam!

Knowing more about the plastics in your life

link to affordable green building/construction suggestions (pdf)

toxic PVC plastic in kids & baby products: a list of manufacturers with grades for PVC use

info on bioplastics-an alternative to PVC-laden plastics. let's hope this is part of our future

Michigan and Ypsi-Ann Arbor area bike trails

washtenaw county line to line bike trail map

washtenaw county border to border greenway

mountain biking in Michigan guide to detailed info on all trails throughout state

metro parks have good off-road paved bike paths

MDOT links to trails for bikes

Barton pond trail in ann arbor

Michigan rails to trails map

Guide to safety of plastics in everyday life

Here is a link to a really nice, concise guide on the safety of the
many plastics in our everyday lives. Please check it out and if you
find it useful then pass it on to your friends.

http://www.ilsr.org/recycling/sustainableplastics/IATP_Plastics_Guide.pdf

non-BPA and glass baby bottles

http://www.greentogrow.com/BisphenolAFreeBabyBottles.aspx
http://www.newbornfree.com/ProductInfo.aspx?id=2741882
http://www.babyplanetboutique.com/siliskin-glass-baby-bottles-p-1354.html

these are great non-toxic baby bottles. all good prices.

for F we used the born free plastic bottles and 4 oz glass
bottles from gerber. this combination worked really great for us. the
glass ones were most convenient for at home b/c they washed up easily
and thoroughly but weren't so great for travel (altho now that I think
back we only broke 2/8 over about 9 months that F was using
bottles).

check out safemama.com for recall info, BPA-product warnings and lots more

hi fellow mommies,

http://thesoftlanding.com/shop.html

enter SAFEMAMA2 for 10% off your order

also if you are confused and paranoid about BPA, lead paint, or
whatever other toxin you just found out you have been unknowingly
feeding your child for months............check out this blog for good
sensible info & links.
http://safemama.com/2008/04/18/safe-mama-tips-to-avoid-panic-and-confusion/

coupon for diapers.com

$10 off $50 order plus free shipping at diapers.com.

this website is an official distributor of Nature Babycare diapers- the first ECO-friendly high-performance diaper, based on new green technology.

Diapers.com has a lot more than just diapers for babies & lil' kids.

enter coupon code PTG9

good thru 11/2008

Un-shopping; 15 things to never buy again....

It now seems like everyone is talking about GREEN living, SUSTAINABLE practices, ORGANIC food, RECYCLING, and CARBON footprints. This is great b/c that means it is on the minds of alot more people and the tide is starting to turn.

But do you ever wonder how you can really incorporate this into your REAL life?

Don't be afraid to start small with incremental changes-maybe 1 change each month and before you know it you won't even remember what it was like before. AND you'll be saving money and living a more healthy lifestyle too!!

Here is a list of 15 things that are easy to NEVER buy again. as more households catch on it really will make a difference for the environment AND your family's health. JUST choose 1 or 2 and you're on your way!

if u like this idea then please spread the word........

http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/shopunshop/unshopping/neverbuy.cfm
http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/shopunshop/unshopping/MoretoNeverBuy.cfm

1. Styrofoam cups.
Styrofoam is forever. It's not biodegradable.
Alternative: Buy recyclable and compostable paper cups.
Best option: Invest in some reusable mugs that you can take with you.

2. Paper towels.
Paper towels waste forest resources, landfill space, and your money.
Alternative: When you do buy paper towels, look for recycled,
non-bleached products. Search the National Green Pages™ for recycled
paper products.
Best option: Buy dishtowels or rags to wash and reuse.

3. Bleached coffee filters.
Dioxins, chemicals formed during the chlorine bleaching process,
contaminate groundwater and air and are linked to cancer in humans and
animals.
Alternative: Look for unbleached paper filters.
Best Option: Use reusable filters such as washable cloth filters.

4. Overpackaged foods and other products.
Excess packaging wastes resources and costs you much more. Around
thirty-three percent of trash in the average American household comes
from packaging.
Alternative: Buy products with minimal or reusable packaging.
Best Option: Buy in bulk and use your own containers when shopping.

5. Teak and mahogany.
Every year, 27 million acres of tropical rainforest (an area the size
of Ohio) are destroyed. Rainforests cover 6% of Earth's surface and
are home to over half of the world's wild plant, animal, and insect
species. The Amazon rainforest produces 40 percent of the world's
oxygen.
Alternative: Look for Forest Stewardship Council certified wood.
Best Option: Reuse wood, and buy furniture and other products made
from used or salvaged wood.

6.Chemical pesticides and herbicides.
American households use 80 million pounds of pesticides each year. The
EPA found at least one pesticide in almost every water and fish sample
from streams and in more than one-half of shallow wells sampled in
agricultural and urban areas. These chemicals pose threats to animals
and people, especially children.
Alternatives: Buy organic pest controllers such as diatomaceous earth.
Best Option: Plant native plants and practice integrated pest
management. Plant flowers and herbs that act as natural pesticides.

7. Conventional household cleaners.
Household products can contain hazardous ingredients such as organic
solvents and petroleum-based chemicals that can release volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) into your indoor environment, positing a
particular danger for children. The average American household has
three to ten of hazardous matter in the home.
Alternative: Look for nontoxic, vegetable-based, biodegradeable cleaners.
Best Option: Try making your own green cleaner using vinegar, water,
and castile soap.

8. Higher octane gas than you need.
Only one car in ten manufactured since 1982 requires high-octane
gasoline. High-octane gas releases more hazardous pollutants into the
air, and may be bad for your car.
Alternative: Buy the lowest-octane gas your car requires as listed in
your owner's manual
Best option: Make your next car purchase a hybrid. Or ditch the car
and take public transportation, ride a bike, or walk.

9. Toys made with PVC plastic.
70% of PVC is used in construction, but it is also found in everyday
plastics, including some children's toys. Vinyl chloride, the chemical
used to make PVC, is a known human carcinogen. Also, additives, such
as lead and cadmium, are sometimes added to PVC to keep it from
breaking down; these additives can be particularly dangerous in
children's toys. PVC is also the least recycled plastic.
Alternative: Avoid plastics that are labeled as "PVC" or "#3." Look
for #1 and #2 plastics, which are easier to recycle and don't produce
as many toxins. Use sustainable construction materials.
Best option: Take action to tell manufacturers to stop using PVC
plastics, especially in children's toys.

10. Plastic forks and spoons.
Disposable plastic utensils are not biodegradeable and not recyclable
in most areas.
Alternative: Use compostable food service items. Companies such as
Biocorp make cutlery from plant materials such as corn starch and
cellulose.
Best option: Carry your own utensils and food containers.

11. Farm raised salmon.
Several studies, including one performed by researchers at Indiana
University, have found that PCB's and other environmental toxins are
present at higher levels in farm raised salmon than wild salmon.
Pregnant women, women of child-bearing ages, and children should be
very careful when choosing fish due to high levels of environmental
toxins including mercury found in many fish. Check out our Safe
Seafood Tip Sheet to see what the environmental and health risks posed
by different fish.

12. Rayon.
Developed and manufactured by DuPont as the world's first synthetic
fiber, it is made by from liquefied wood pulp. Unfortunately, turning
wood into rayon is wasteful and dirty, because lots of water and
chemicals are needed to extract usable fibers from trees. Only about a
third of the pulp obtained from a tree will end up in finished rayon
thread. The resulting fabrics usually require dry cleaning, which is
an environmental concern as well as an added expense and
inconvenience. Much of the our rayon sold comes from developing
countries, such as Indonesia, where environmental and labor laws are
weak and poorly enforced. There is mounting evidence that rayon
clothing manufacturing contributes to significant forest destruction
and pollution in other countries. Learn more about WoodWise clothes »

13. Beauty/Body Care with Phthalates and Parabens.
Phthalates are a group of industrial chemicals linked to birth defects
that are used in many cosmetic products, from nail polish to
deodorant. Parabens are preservatives used in many cosmetics that have
been linked to breast cancer though more research is needed.
Phthalates are not listed on product labels and can only be detected
in laboratory tests. To be safe, choose products from companies that
have signed on to the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. Learn more in our
Real Money article, "The Ugly Side of Cosmetics" »

14. Cling Wrap.
Many people don't realize that cling wrap may be made with PVC. #3 PVC
(polyvinyl chloride) leaches toxins when heated or microwaved and it
is an environmental problem throughout its lifecycle. Read more about
problems with plastics »

15. High VOC Paints and Finishes.
Volatile organic compounds or VOCs can cause health problems from
dizziness to lung and kidney damage and are infamous for polluting
both indoor and outdoor air. VOCs are found in products including
paints as well as finishes used for wood, such a stains or varnishes.
There are now a wide array of low or no-VOC paints on the market. Look
for paints certified by Green Seal (www.greenseal.org). Or, look for
natural paints made by green businesses listed in our National Green
Pages™.

Sustainable seafood choices

A nice and succint article by Gourmet magazine on sustainable seafood choices

BPA, PVC-free baby teethers and paci's

List of BPA, PVC-free tethers from Sassy at Soft Landing Blog