We all want the best for our children and family. By buying organic, using natural cleaning products, including plants into our home, we, at least I, think I’m ahead of the game of minimizing the infiltration of chemicals into our home and bodies. Wait til you read this article by the Environmental Working Group about how chemicals like PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) are sneaking into our homes:

WHY YOU SHOULD REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE TO TOXIC FIRE RETARDANTS.

Scientists have found that exposure to minute doses of toxic fire retardants such as PBDEs at critical points in development can damage reproductive systems and cause deficits in motor skills, learning, memory and hearing, as well as changes in behavior.

The PBDEs in everyday items like furniture, computers, televisions and other electronics migrate into the home environment and could expose children to concentrations exceeding the EPA’s recommended safe level. EWG tests found much higher concentrations of these chemicals in young children than in their mothers - because children ingest more PBDEs. The chemicals migrate out of products and stick to kids’ hands, toys and other objects they put in their mouths.

Until all PBDEs are banned from consumer products (including imports) and fire safety regulations are revised to promote safer solutions, American families - especially our children - will continue to be needlessly exposed to harmful chemicals.

WHICH HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONTAIN BROMINATED FIRE RETARDANTS.

Continue reading Avoid Fire Retardants in Your Home

I just came across this great article compliments of CBS2 for those of us trying to be mindful of the money we spend. This is helpful for the wallet and our health.

Here’s an example of an inexpensive meal according to dietician Suzanne Farrell:

whole wheat pasta, garlic spinach, and cannellini beans will serve seven and only cost $7. In fact, she said you don’t have to go any further than the perimeter of your grocery store to find the 20 healthiest foods all under $1 per serving:

* Oats
* Eggs
* Kale
* Potatoes
* Apples
* Nuts
* Bananas
* Garbanzo beans
* Broccoli
* Watermelon
* Wild rice
* Beets
* Butternut squash
* Sardines
* Spinach
* Tofu
* Whole grain pasta
* Milk
* Pumpkin seeds
* Coffee

The list is made up of mostly plant-based foods, which are known to decrease rates of cancers and heart disease.

“Try to do plant-based two to three times a week,” Farrell said. “Fish try to do twice a week.”

And since none of the foods on the top 20 list are prepared or processed the key to eating healthier on a budget is investing a little more time in the kitchen.

And don’t worry if you don’t see many foods on the list that appeal to you. Dieticians suggest you simply look for foods you like in the same area of the grocery store where these items are stocked.

I came across this eco friendly water purifier. Seems like a traditional idea that’s come full circle. From the Merchant4 site:

Chikutan Charcoal Stirrers

Think of Chikutan as the ultimate swizzle stick. This white charcoal is made from Japanese Bamboo. White charcoal is naturally activated through a controlled burning process based on traditional Japanese methods. Use these to stir your beverage and the charcoal will absorb impurities in alcohol, tea or water for a pure taste. In Japan, you will find Chikutan sticks at high-end bars. Before use, rinse sticks under hot water. 3 piece set ($22).

I’m not sure how many times you can use each stick, but I’m intrigued by the simplicity of this concept.

Lately, I have come across several blogs/boards and articles on people getting ‘the runs’ after having an Iced Coffee from McDonald’s, so I decided to investigate. Turns out this ‘iced coffee’, as they like to call it is really $1.79 worth of cleverly disguised chemicals. They should actually pay you to ingest this stuff!

Right off the Mc.Donald’s website is a listing of ingredients in their Vanilla Iced Coffee:

Premium roast coffee, light cream (skim milk, sodium phosphate, sodium polyphosphate, DATEM, sodium stearoyl lactylate, tetra sodium pyrophosphate, sodium citrate, carrageenan), vanilla syrup (Sugar, water, fructose, natural (plant source) and artificial flavor, caramel color (with sulfites), potassium sorbate (preservative), citric acid, malic acid

If that’s not enough to make you sick, here’s a quick breakdown of some of the offending additives:

sodium phosphate: is used to treat constipation and to clean the bowel before surgery, x-rays, endoscopy, or other intestinal procedures. Sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate enemas are also used for general care after surgery and to help relieve impacted bowels. AH HA!!

Continue reading Whatever you do, steer clear of the iced coffee!

My girlfriend just sent me a link to a very thought provoking documentary trailer that investigates the over prescribing of pharmaceuticals to our children. I am going to try to get my hands on the entire documentary, but for now please watch the trailer: http://www.generationrxfilm.com/