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Healthy World Watch October 23rd, 2009
Kathryn Meigel
Friday, October 23, 2009
Top Tips
• Ready to green your beauty routine? Switching to eco-friendly beauty products can be overwhelming when you think of the various items we use everyday. The Daily Green has advice on the three you should switch out first.
• Eating more fresh fruit while on the run is a bit tricky, and making sure it is clean even more so without water. Grab-n-Go Fruit and Vegetable Wipes are a natural way to remove contaminants with no need to rinse after use.
• Recent claims to protect against the H1N1 virus or “swine flu” from various product manufacturers have landed companies in hot water with the FDA. One item in particular that is not effective is antibacterial soap, its no better than regular soap, but a whole lot more toxic. Check out these simple tips to increase protection.
Recent Research
• According to a recent article in The Economist, America is one of the most dangerous places to eat. Statistics show that 26% of the population becomes ill due to food-born illness annually, and tracking the contaminated food nearly impossible. In addition, as genetically engineered food proteins become more common in the food chain we see a dramatic rise in inflammatory reactions to food. These foreign proteins are thought to be a possible culprit behind the 1 in 3 American children with autism, allergies, ADHD or asthma.
Other News
• FDA warns parents to be cautious when using face paint this Halloween. Often suggested as a safer alternative to masks, face paint has recently come under scrutiny having been found to contain toxic ingredients. Under federal law face paint is not to contain lead or mercury, but recalls on an Oriental Trading Company product back in May was prompted by microbial contamination, causing rashes and swelling in children. Here are some alternatives in selecting safer face paint.
• Kicking formaldehyde out of bed. A bill backed by industry and environmental groups would set federal limits on a potentially dangerous chemical inside your home: formaldehyde. But it could mean a small increase in furniture prices for consumers.
• Target and CVS start to pay eco-conscience consumers. The two retailers have announced plans to give cash-back incentives to customers that bring in reusable bags. A testing of the new program at select Target stores earlier this year resulted in a 58% reduction in plastic bag use; the goal is 100% participation. Allen Herskowitz, at the Natural Resources Defense Council hopes this move will persuade other big retailers to take similar steps. He states plastic bags are “the most deadly forms of marine debris, lethal to threatened species of marine mammals throughout the world."
