Cleaning the GREEN way for a Healthly Planet!

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!
This is a post from last year that I feel is important to share again on EARTH DAY!!Cleaning!!! No one wants to do it, but it must be done. Before the invention of commercial cleaners, people used items they had around the house like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, borax and lemon juice. These are still great items to clean with but if you don't feel like making your own cleaning recipe, there are GREENER OPTIONS. You must choose your products wisely because some that claim to be GREEN ARE NOT. First let me educate you as to why it is unhealthy to use most cleaners that have been on the market for years. They contain harmful chemicals which aren't safe. You, your children and pets are inhaling chemicals deemed hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency/epa.gov
You can find products online if not at your local market.
vitacost.com
Greendepot.com
Environmental Working Group explains it best. Also look at the link regarding cleaning products used in schools...alarming!!!
www.ewg.org/schoolcleaningsupplies/faq
"1. Why you should clean greener


It's straightforward: There are health risks associated with many conventional cleaning products. These products can contain ingredients linked to asthma, cancer, reproductive toxicity, hormone disruption, neurotoxicity and other health effects. People who use or are around cleaning products at home or on the job may increase their risk of developing asthma or triggering asthma attacks.

Children accidentally exposed to harsh, corrosive cleaners can suffer burns to skin and eyes, and inhaling the fumes can cause lung damage. Exposure to low levels of these chemicals over a lifetime may increase the risk of developing serious health conditions, such as cancer or reproductive problems.

2. How to choose greener cleaning supplies

To pick a safer cleaner, you need to:

Find out what's in your cleaning supplies.
If you want to know what ingredients are in your cleaning products, you probably won't find them on the label (with a few exceptions).


Instead, you'll need to call the company or try looking on the product manufacturer's website, because manufacturers are not currently required to label their products with a full list of ingredients. Some companies will provide more information if you call or, increasingly, you can check the product's website. There is also new industry website to check called "Ingredient Central," where you can start your hunt for ingredients in a wide range of cleaning supplies.

It can be challenging to track cleaning ingredients down because the government doesn't require that cleaning products carry a list of ingredients, or even that products and ingredients are tested for health and safety. There are a few exceptions, like antibacterial cleaning products. These contain pesticides that have undergone testing overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency and the pesticide content must be on the label. In California, cleaning supplies that emit certain state-identified carcinogens and reproductive toxins at levels above health-based limits must have a warning label.

Once you know the ingredients, you should avoid these seven:
2-butoxyethanol (or ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) and other glycol ethers
Alkylphenol ethoxylates (some common ones are: nonyl- and octylphenol ethoxylates, or non- and octoxynols)
Dye (companies often hide chemical information behind this word; when it's unknown, it's safer to skip it)
Ethanolamines (common ones to look out for are: mono-, di-, and tri-ethanolamine)
Fragrance
Pine or citrus oil (on smoggy or high ozone days, compounds in the oils can react with ozone in the air to form the carcinogenic chemical formaldehyde)
Quaternary ammonium compounds (look out for these: alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC), benzalkonium chloride, and didecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride)

Read more about these ingredients and how to hunt down complete ingredient lists on Enviroblog. Consider exerting your "purchasing power" to support the companies that list all ingredients on their products -- even when it's not required.


3. Tips for cleaning greener at home


Do them all today or take it step by step -- whatever works to get you cleaning greener!

Less is more: Dilute your cleaning supplies according to instructions and use only what's needed to get the job done.
Open the window: Clean with windows and doors open so you don't trap air pollution inside your home.
Use gloves and other precautions: Cleaning chemicals may harm or penetrate skin and eyes -- check warning labels.
Keep kids away: Children are more vulnerable to toxic chemicals. If they like to help, let them clean with soap and water, not toxic cleaners.
Avoid "antibacterial": If your family is generally healthy, there's no need to use potentially toxic "antibacterial" products, according to the American Medical Association. Wash your hands with plain soap and water.
Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other acids: These combinations can produce deadly gases.
Don't be fooled by labels -- buy certified green products: Label claims aren't always true. Cleaning supplies certified by Green Seal or EcoLogo meet green standards.
Try natural alternatives: Experiment with non-toxic options like vinegar (great for windows when diluted with a little water -- wipe with old newspaper or rags) and baking soda (mix with water to form a paste for scrubbing). Of course mix with care; some ingredients are dangerous when combined.
Take care with pine and citrus oil cleaners: Avoid using these cleaners especially on smoggy days, when the ingredients can react with ozone to produce cancer-causing formaldehyde.
Skip the biggest hazards: Avoid air fresheners, use a baking soda and water paste to clean the oven and tackle toilet stains, and use a mechanical snake to unclog the drain.
Dispose of your old toxics safely: If you choose to toss your old cleaners instead of using them up, drop them off at your local hazardous waste facility. Don't pour cleaning supplies down the drain -- some of the ingredients can harm wildlife as well as people.


In the Kitchen:

Skip the biggest kitchen hazards, use safer alternatives: Replace oven cleaners with a baking soda and water paste and corrosive drain cleaners with baking soda and vinegar or a mechanical snake.
Fight germs without nasty chemicals: Microwave your sponge -- wet it and zap for two minutes to kill germs.
More non-toxic ways to fight germs: Wash your hands often with regular soap and water -- no need for "antibacterial" soap. Wash dishes and clean counters frequently so germs don't collect and avoid "antibacterial" dish soap. Take out the garbage regularly to avoid germs, pests, and bad odors.


In the Bathroom:

Skip the biggest bathroom hazards, use safer alternatives: Scrub toilets with baking soda and water instead of an acidic toilet-bowl cleaner. Use baking soda and vinegar or a mechanical snake instead of corrosive drain cleaners when you have a clogged drain (prevent clogs by using a drain cover).
Fight germs without nasty chemicals: Focus on the toilet -- keep germs isolated by tossing toilet cleaning rags into the wash right away and keeping the scrub brush in an out-of-the-way spot.
More non-toxic ways to fight germs: Wash your hands often with regular soap and water -- no need for "antibacterial" soap. Wipe down showers after each use to prevent mold and mildew.
Forgo air fresheners: Air fresheners are unnecessary and potentially harmful. They only disguise odors, while pumping a bunch of potentially toxic chemicals into the air. Open a window, run a fan, and try to identify and clean up the real source of the smell. A box of baking soda is another safe way to eliminate odor.


Your Floors and Furniture:

Sweep and vacuum frequently to remove dust, which often harbors household toxins. Read more about toxic dust and how to control it in our Healthy Home Tip: Get rid of that (toxic) dust.
Mop with a dilute vinegar solution (e.g., ¼ cup vinegar in 1 quart of water).
Try a microfiber mop to remove dust and dirt efficiently while using smaller amounts of both water and cleaning supplies.
Dust with a soft or microfiber cloth and skip dusting sprays.
Clean spills promptly so they are more easily removed with less toxic products.


4. Investigate alternatives to in-home pesticides


It's best to keep pesticides away from your home -- in and out. At-home exposures are one of the main ways people are exposed to pesticides, and since they're designed to kill, they can (not surprisingly) be dangerous to living beings (people, pets, wildlife).

Lawn and garden care. Organic gardening and lawn care is effective, and "how to" advice is readily available. Organic is healthier for your kids, pets and the environment than chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

Indoor pest control. Try preventive and non-toxic alternatives first, there are lots of effective options that don't contain pesticides. Pesticides should be a last resort. While pesticides must be listed on product labels, the other inert ingredients usually aren't and inert ingredients aren't necessarily safe.

Pet treatments. Ridding your pets of bothersome and harmful pests presents a unique challenge since pests (like ticks) can carry disease, but pesticides can harm the pet as well as human family members. Try some simple prevention steps, like frequent bathing and combing, and of course vacuuming to catch any bugs and their eggs. If you choose to apply pesticides to your pet, follow the product's instructions, wash hands immediately, and be sure young children are unlikely to have contact with the pet for 24 hours. The US EPA offers tips for pet owners who use pesticides to do so with caution to reduce adverse effects on treated pets."


Its amazing to me that companies are allowed to sell products which aren't safe for humans!!! By switching your cleaning routine, you can keep your family safe!! Do you have a cleaning tip?? Share it with us!

Recycle your old flip flops!!

What do you do with your old flip flops? You probably buy them every year for your children or wear your own out after a summer or two. Now you can recycle them at OLD NAVY from April 22nd (Earth Day) til May 21, 2011.

Terracycle will be recycling them into 4 playgrounds instead of putting them in a landfill!! Terracycle also has many other items which they recycle and you can earn money from them. Check out their website for more info...Terracycle.net

Remember to take your flip flops to an OLD NAVY near you. Do your part to make the world a little greener!!!

New Carseat Safety Guidelines

Now that the snowy season is over more and more people will be taking car trips. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration now recommend leaving carseats in the rear-facing position until children are 2 years of age or they outgrow the weight and height limits of the seat. Children older than 2 should be in a carseat with a 5 point harness. This sounds like a good idea to me. Apparently the head and neck are more easily injured in the front facing position. We even harness our dogs in the car for their safety.

One product that I recommend for car trips is a neck rest for your child. It is more for comfort than anything. You know how you feel if you fall asleep with your neck crooked so imagine how your child's neck feels! These neck rests are made by Nature's Purest in Organic Cotton. I found mine at Buy Buy Baby or you can purchase them online. Nature's Purest also makes other accessories for your tot like should rests for the stroller straps or carseat. Happy Traveling!!

Eco-Friendly Blocks for Toddlers

There are several options out there when it comes to choosing Blocks for your toddler. I have come across a few that offer more than the just a plain Block set. I think it is important to find a set that uses eco-friendly wood, non-toxic paint and still allows your child to have fun.

The first set incorporates numbers to help your child with math skills. This is a unique way to teach your child numbers as they play.
MULTIBLOCKS

Another set is Tegu Blocks which have magnets inside. This really is a new way to play with blocks and build things without the blocks falling over. The many toys your tot can make with these is endless since the magnets give the blocks a whole new purpose.

Plan Toys also has several options and they are a carbon neutral company.

While toddlers are playing with blocks they are actually building their math and geometry skills. Encouraging block building does more than just entertain!

All Organic Eggs Are Not Created Equal

We have been eating Organic Eggs for quite awhile. Eggs are a good source of protein for toddlers if they are not allergic to them. Fats and cholesterol do not need to be restricted before the age of 2 so they are a good choice and easy for busy Moms to prepare.

A few months ago I came across some important information from the Cornucopia Institute. They are "in support of ecologically produced local, organic and authentic food." They have a rating system for eggs. The Organic eggs I had been buying....did not get a score to my liking.

Needless to say we switched to Vital Farms eggs that we found at Whole Foods. They are actually better!!! The eggs themselves look healthier, the yolk is more vibrant in color. The shell is firmer than our other brand. I am sure they come from happy hens!!! Check out The Cornucopia Institute Organic Egg Scorecard to see how your eggs rate. Or you can raise organic chickens in your backyard and play them classical music so they lay happy healthy eggs!!!

Valentine's Day ideas with a "Green" theme

Valentine's Day is less than a week away!!! Instead of buying cards for your kids to send, why not use the backs of the Christmas Cards that are collecting dust and make fun cards. You can glue on buttons, beads, and whatever you have around the house. Add sparkles, ribbon or just use crayons or markers to make personalized cards. Already tossed the cards...use construction paper for a fun project.

If you are looking for sweet treats, look for Organic or Fair Trade Certified Chocolates. The way Chocolate is produced is bad for the environment, uses pesticides, and employs child labor. So give some sweet treats that mean something more the usual fare.

For the flower lovers out there...FTD now has Go Green option
I really love the variety at Organic Bouquet. Flowers are a quick option that most people enjoy receiving.

If you are trying to set the mood with candles this Valentine's Day, please use natural soy, beeswax or bamboo candles and avoid those overly fragrant brands which are actually releasing toxins into the air. Not very romantic is it???

Whatever you plan for Valentine's Day, try to make it a GREEN one!
Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Toddler and Baby Snacks in a snap!

If you have a toddler, you know that at times feeding becomes a challenge. I have been making almost all of her baby food. The exception is when we go out for errands or are in a hurry to feed her and nothing is prepared. It can also be difficult to find some varieties of fruits and veggies that are organic at this time of year. I have found several brands of BPA free options that are delicious and nutritious for babies and tots.

Happy Baby has several varieties of organic meals. My favorites are the Amaranth Ratatouille and the Salmon Lentil. The time and cost to make both of these would be too great if I were to find all organic ingredients. Brooke also likes the Turkey! While she's moved on from these, occasionally I mix it with something new that I am trying to introduce to her.

She also loves the Plum Organics mixes of Blueberry, Pear and Purple Carrot as well as the Spinach, Peas, and Pear. She will now even eat our healthy version of Creamed Spinach made with Goat Cheese/Spinach puree since she was introduced to spinach at such a young age!! I sometimes mix these with her goat yogurt, brown rice or quinoa. Plum Organics also has a great selection of other flavors. They even have Gluten-Free Fruity Fingerfuls which is a cereal with either freeze-dried Banana, Apple or Strawberry.

She also likes the Ella's Kitchen "Green One" Smoothie Fruit which has organic Kiwi. I have never been able to find organic kiwi anywhere!!! They also have a Strawberry/Apple which she devours. Unless you find organic frozen strawberries, fresh are impossible to find in January unless you are in CA or FL. Ella's flavors are great to mix with plain goat yogurt once your baby moves on to solids.

Another quick snack that we always have on hand is homemade pickles. We cut up organic cucumber into bite size toddler pieces and soak it in rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, agave nectar, salt and garlic. She loves this snack and it eases her teething pain!

You can find the Plum Organics, Happy Baby and Ella's Kitchen at Babies R Us, Buy Buy Baby, Whole Foods or your local market or online at Diapers.com. Getting toddlers to eat can be challenging, so if you find something they love, mix it with something new to help them get the proper nutrition they need. Here is a helpful reminder "The Dirty Dozen List" of what foods should definitely be organic from Environmental Working Group.