Articles
Sustainability and Lifestyle
Choosing the Safest Sunscreen
Janelle Sorensen
Healthy Child Healthy World
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
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Sunscreen is an invaluable outdoor necessity for protecting skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays, but like any other product you want one that actually works and isn’t loaded with potentially dangerous chemicals.
Quick Tips for Sun Safety
Janelle Sorensen
Healthy Child Healthy World
Thursday, June 19, 2008
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Some ideas for protecting yourself so you can have care-free fun in the sun!
What Lies Beneath: Toxic Turf Under Our Toes
Janelle Sorensen
Healthy Child Healthy World
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
In an effort to recycle the growing waste piles of used tires, manufacturers across the country have begun making artificial turf out of the discarded rubber. They are using scrap tires as crumb rubber in-fill on playing fields, as shredded loose fill around playgrounds, as composite solid playing surfaces, and even as landscaping mulch. While it seems an environmentally-friendly option at face value, there is growing concern over the potential impacts these materials may have on children’s health. Initial research shows potential chemical and heavy metal leaching depending on a wide variety of external factors, like climate, rainwater pH, and usage. Overall, it’s better to be safe than sorry and we should put a moratorium on using recycled tires where our children play until more extensive research has been conducted.
My kids love the first opportunity of the season to kick off their shoes, peel off their socks, and run around outside with bare feet. I admit, my toes appreciate a little dirt in between them now and then, too, but more and more these days, I am wondering about what lies beneath. Not so much in my own yard, but at my neighbors and at the park and the playground. I’ve worried about pesticides for years now, but recently a new concern has arisen. It all started when I noticed a big truck dumping new ground covering around my daughter’s school playground. What the heck was it?
After school I followed her back to the playground and smelled its acrid odor before I saw it (my nose is my initial alarm system for toxic intruders and in this case, the bells were ringing loudly). As we stepped closer I saw that the ground covering was a loose fill of what appeared to be shredded tires. Wait a minute, I thought to myself, aren’t tires considered hazardous waste? Isn’t that why we can’t just toss them in the garbage? Why are we using these where our kids play?
This definitely warranted an eco-mom investigation and what I discovered was confusing to say the least.
Chlorinated Pools and Your Child’s Health
Janelle Sorensen
Healthy Child Healthy World
Monday, June 16, 2008
When I was a child, the smell of a chlorinated pool triggered immediate sensations of joy. It meant that very soon I would be one with water and swimming until my muscles refused to respond anymore. Today, we’ve learned that those telltale fumes could potentially trigger a whole lot more, like asthma.
Buying a Plastic Pool with a Clear Conscience
Janelle Sorensen
Healthy Child Healthy World
Saturday, June 14, 2008
With the dangers of certain plastics making regular headlines, it’s no surprise that we get questions from parents about all sorts of plastic products. Recently we were asked about kiddie pools, since most are made from PVC, also known as the “Poison Plastic.” Our initial searching for a safer plastic pool resulted in only one option. Kids-R-Us has hard plastic pools in a variety of colors and sizes (look for the #2 in the chasing arrows recycling code). Here are some additional thoughts for parents to consider when your options are limited.
Natural Sunshine = A Healthy Child
Janelle Sorensen
Healthy Child Healthy World
Friday, June 13, 2008
For decades we’ve been warned against the dangers of sunshine with only minimal mention of the benefits of these same rays. Indeed, with more than a million people a year being diagnosed with skin cancer in the US alone, we do need to be on our toes. But, an April 2008 Environmental Health Perspectives report shows that avoiding the sun may be just as damaging to our health. In fact, recent research is compelling us to rethink sun exposure policy particularly for vulnerable groups including pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants and children, the elderly, and those who must avoid the sun.
Prevention Tips and Must Haves for an All-Natural First Aid Kit
Janette Rizk for Whole Body/Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Summer time will come up quickly and our friends from Whole Foods are sharing their great prevention and all-natural first aid tips with us.
Trimester Calendar
Laura Forbes Carlin and Alison Forbes
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
A trimester-by-trimester guide to help you prepare your home, and yourself, for the arrival of your new baby.
Ten Steps to Clearing Clutter
Laura Forbes Carlin and Alison Forbes
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
There is no better motivation for re-evaluating than becoming a parent. Babies may be small, but they come with a lot of stuff! If your home and life already feels cluttered and full, just think about what it will be like when you add all of your baby's things into the mix. Take ten easy steps to clear clutter for good!
Is There a Healthier Plastic Container?
SustainLane
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Plastic. It’s everywhere. It holds our water, our groceries, our microwavable munchies. Not surprisingly, plastic constitutes 9 percent of the 156 million tons of trash Americans generate each year.
Giving Green and Responsibly at a Baby Shower
Janelle Sorensen
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
No matter if the theme for the baby shower is green or not, the best gifts for baby are non-toxic and environmentally-friendly. Welcome a new baby into this world, while doing your best to make that world a healthy, clean place for the baby to grow up in.
Hosting a Green Baby Shower
Janelle Sorensen
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A baby shower is a celebration of life and it should be as clean, safe, and healthy as possible. Make your theme green and natural to help create a healthy world for healthy babies.
The Not-so-little Regulatory System that Couldn’t: How Toys End Up Toxic
Dr. David Wallinga
Thursday, March 13, 2008
How many times have we heard, “If it wasn’t safe, the government wouldn’t let them sell it.”? While true to some degree -- such as the FDA’s pre-market testing of pharmaceuticals -- a lot of things slip through the regulatory cracks.
The Battle Over the Ban: Getting Gender Bending Chemicals Out of Children’s Products
Janelle Sorensen
Healthy Child Healthy World
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The headlines about toxic toys are increasing and so are policy initiatives to protect our children. States across the US are reviewing bills and you can help support them with the click of a button. It really couldn’t be any easier.
Going Home with Your New Baby
Dr. Alan Greene
www.drgreene.com
Thursday, January 03, 2008
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Shortly after your labor and delivery, the mixed anxiety and joy of this life experience will be in your past, and it will be time to look forward to the future—to the time when your baby will live and grow in the protective environment that you will create in your home.
The Laundry Room
Dr. Alan Greene
Excerpted with permission from Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth and Baby Care
Friday, December 07, 2007
As the holidays approach there are opportunities for green purchases beyond the usual toys and special gifts. The world surrounding a new baby, in particular, the laundry room, is full of choices for green purchases.
Environmental Safety of Toys
Jonathan Weinkle, MD
UPMC Presbyterian-Shadyside and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Nothing says “happy childhood” like a brand-new toy, a playground set, or an afternoon of arts and crafts. Unfortunately, just like bubble baths and pajamas, these items can contain chemical or physical dangers to children of which parents need to be aware.
Make Your Own Household Cleaners
SustainLane
Monday, November 12, 2007
Vinegar? Check. Baking soda? Check. Lime, cornstarch, salt? Check, check, and check.
Finding Materials for a Healthier House
SustainLane
Monday, November 05, 2007
Just ask the three little pigs (especially the first two): Choosing the right building materials for your house is an important decision with serious consequences.
Save Money, Live Better: Building Healthier Homes
SustainLane
Monday, October 29, 2007
Building or remodeling a home is a perfect opportunity to use sustainable alternatives in the construction process.
Which Diapers Are Better for the Planet?
Dr. Alan Greene, M.D.
http://www.drgreene.com
Monday, September 24, 2007
As a father and pediatrician, I’ve changed many diapers—enough to teach me that diapers are a daily reminder that as humans we deplete resources as we consume, and we make messes with our waste.
Dissin’ Disposables: Why Cloth Diapers Rule
SustainLane
Monday, September 24, 2007
Today's cloth diapers are almost as convenient as disposables.
Summer BBQ - Food Safety Tips
Nicole Meadow, Registered Dietician
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Nothing is more fun than a summer BBQ… but did you know that this is a time when rates of food borne illnesses soar? Yes, it is time to talk about food safety so that all of your parties can go off without a hitch!
Exercise Your Child’s Brain
Molly Watson
SustainLane
Monday, September 10, 2007
When my son first started pre-school the teacher invited all of the new parents to an evening event with a child development expert. We would learn how best to help our children learn.
Riding to School Safely with Kids
SustainLane
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
When kids bike to school--instead of being driven by their parents or caretaker--the benefits are numerous. Not only does it ease local traffic and teach the children a lifelong skill, but it helps kids release pent-up energy and arrive at school with a clear head.
Traffic Congestion: The Chemicals in Your Car
Bill Baue
Monday, August 06, 2007
Is your car giving you a headache? It could be the fumes from the plastics inside or the fuel and its byproducts.
Rest Easy on a Safe Bed
Aisha Ikramuddin and Pamela Lundquist
Friday, August 03, 2007
There's nothing like a good night's sleep to keep you feeling healthy. But what do you do when your mattress or sheets (or both) are "sick?"
Reigning Cats and Dogs: All-In-The-Family Pet Care and Hygiene
Healthy Child Healthy World
Excerpt from The Household Detective: Protecting Your Children from Toxins at Home
Thursday, August 02, 2007
For pet owners, dogs and cats are beloved members of the family. Not only do pets complement our needs to nurture, but also they contribute to children's awareness of other dependent living things.
Shopper’s Guide to Plastics & Food: Microwave Ovens
Allison Sloan and Pamela Lundquist
The Green Guide #88/89
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
A “microwave-safe” label does not guarantee that containers don’t leach chemicals into foods when heated.
The Cleaning Blues
Aisha Ikramuddin
The Green Guide #53
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
In reality, all you need are a few mild cleaners to make for a spotless home. Safer cleaners can even be home-made!
New Life for Old Floors: Alternative Materials Add Character to Home Designs
Orna Izakson
E/The Environmental Magazine, Volume XV, Number 2
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
When updating a home, one of the best things you can do for your health and your property value is to get rid of that dusty, allergen-trapping old carpet. But then what? There’s a dizzying array of flooring options. But thinking ecologically can help you narrow the field to something that’s right for your home, your values, and what’s left of your money.
What are some tips on maintaining a green swimming pool? (E Magazine Q & A)
Fred Durso, Jr.
E the Environmental Magazine
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Burning Clean: Wood Stoves and Fire Places
Bill Baue
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Brian Robertshaw of West Brattleboro, Vermont, worries that his children – a three-year-old daughter and a baby girl – might burn themselves on the family’s wood stove, but he admits that he isn’t too concerned about the health effects of the wood smoke in his home’s air.
The Kids’ Gym: Play as Exercise
Jen Lemen
SustainLane
Thursday, July 12, 2007
School’s almost out, and soon your kids will be running wild with boundless energy. Why not join them? Playing with your kids and their friends is a great way to bond with them. It’s also a quicker and easier route to keeping in shape than going to the gym.
What Olmsted Knew
Richard Joseph Jackson, MD, MPH
March 2001 issue of Western City magazine
Friday, July 06, 2007
National Center for Environmental Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tenants Rights
Community Environmental Health Resource Center
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Among the tools that healthy homes advocates have at their service are state and (sometimes) local tenant-landlord laws.
Special Centers for Pediatric Environmental Health
Katherine Kirkland
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC)
Thursday, July 05, 2007
In 1998, the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) established Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Units (PEHSU) to increase awareness and knowledge of health care providers and health agency officials about children's environmental health.
The Public’s Right to Know
John Wargo, Ph.D., Professor, Yale University and HCHW board member and Linda Evenson Wargo, M.E.S
The State of Children’s Health and Environment 2002: Solutions for Parents and Policymakers, Healthy Child Healthy World
Thursday, July 05, 2007
The guiding principle behind government and corporate policies should be: The public has a right-to-know about health hazards in air, water, food, consumer products, and land. To recognize hazards, all must be better informed. This understanding is necessary for parents and other caregivers to identify and avoid significant health threats. Democracy and effective participation in governmental affairs is not possible without this knowledge; and individual freedom is placed at risk.
Fragrance in Perfumes and Cosmetics
Pamela Lundquist
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Cosmetics and perfumes make us more attractive. But mixed in with the colors and scents are a wide variety of unattractive chemicals.
Detecting and Removing Lead Paint
Healthy Child Healthy World
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Find out how to detect lead paint in your home -- and what to do to contain or remove it.
Formaldehyde Surges
Allison Sloan
The Green Guide # 72
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
There's a gas coming out of some latex paint, nail polish and even permanent press fabrics. It happens to be an eye, nose and throat irritant and probable carcinogen. But it's easy to reduce your family's exposure.
Fragrances in Candles, Incense and Potpourri
Pamela Lundquist
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Aromatherapy practices like burning "flavored" candles or incense release a lot more than scent into the air you breathe. Deep, relaxing breaths needn't come with a lungful of chemicals.
Fragrances in Air Fresheners and Deodorizers
Pamela Lundquist
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Given all the chemicals in most commercial air fresheners, they should be called air polluters. Luckily, there are healthier ways of keeping your home smelling fresh -- like nothing at all, that is.
The Family Homestead: A Tale of History and Hazardous Waste
Philip Dickey
Alternatives Volume 19 #4
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
After ten years of giving advice about proper disposal of hazardous household products, I finally have had to take my own advice. In October, my wife, brother, and I helped my parents move out of the house that they have lived in for 42 years and moved them to a retirement community.
The Benefits of Breast Milk Outweigh Any Risks
Sandra Steingraber, Ph.D. HCHW Advisory Board Member, Biologist, Author and Mother
Having Faith: An Ecologist’s Journey to Motherhood
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
One of the most important decisions you'll make as a new parent is how you will feed your baby.
Recommended Books
Healthy Child Healthy World
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
The following books are excellent resources on children's environmental health issues and how to make your home and community safer for children and adults alike.
Paints and Finishes
Healthy Child Healthy World
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Whether you paint your own home or have it done by a professional, painting your home should be a pleasurable experience. "When I first began looking at all the color options for my living room, I was so excited," recalls Jenny Hyman, who moved into her new apartment in Astoria, New York, in 2000.
Old Home Renovation Resources
Healthy Child Healthy World
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Websites to help you renovate an old home safely, without harming the environment or yourself.
Old Homes: The Horrors of Vinyl
Mindy Pennybacker
The Green Guide #69
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
On a trip this summer, I stayed in a tall, narrow Victorian house converted into a motel. Arriving late at night, I entered my room, its walls covered in flesh-colored PVC vinyl, its plastic smell off-gassing into the hot stagnant air, and wished I could check right out.
Old Homes: Mold and Mildew Retrofit
Mindy Pennybacker
The Green Guide #69
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Buildings seldom manifest sickness as completely as Poe’s House of Usher, which finally sank into a mire, but the occupants of an unhealthy house can often feel that things are heading that way.
Old Home Renovation
Mindy Pennybacker
The Green Guide #69
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
They go by various names, from fixer-upper to money sink. But if you opt for an old house or apartment rather than something newly-built, you’ll gain two big environmental points right off the bat: You’re not contributing to urban sprawl, and, like a hermit crab, you’re recycling a preexisting "shell."
Fragrances: What Your Nose Needs to Know
Pamela Lundquist
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
The fact that common consumer products that previously didn't have a smell now have scents added to them shows how popular fragrances have become. But are scented tissues or toys worth it when you consider the additional chemicals that create them?
Fragrances in Cleaning Products, Fabric Softeners and Laundry Detergents
Pamela Lundquist
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Household cleaners are often scented so that cleaning seems more effective and enjoyable. But what's in that "clean" smell?
A Sane Home: In A Plywood, Particleboard & Pressure-Treated Wood World
Kristin Ebbert
The Green Guide #58
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Safe, economical alternatives to manufactured woods like plywood, particleboard and pressure-treated wood DO exist. And they won't put your kids at risk.
Managing the Hazards of Insulation: Alternatives and Solutions
Bill Baue
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Asbestos exposure represents the greatest risk associated with insulation. Luckily, asbestos sealed within insulation poses no risk until it becomes exposed or damaged. To be on the safe side, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises homeowners to treat all older insulation materials as if they contain asbestos.
Independently Certified Wood
Healthy Child Healthy World
Monday, July 02, 2007
Unsustainable forest management is causing biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and negatively affecting the economies of communities worldwide. Clean air, clean water, and medicinal plants are all at stake.
Humidifiers: Steaming Up for Safety
Aisha Ikramuddin
Monday, July 02, 2007
Come winter in a chilly climate and chances are that you will suffer from a dry throat and itchy skin. As the temperature drops, so does the humidity, and that makes us feel uncomfortable. A humidifier -- a device that boosts moisture levels in your home -- can solve the problem.
Floor Coverings
Healthy Child Healthy World
Monday, July 02, 2007
Modern flooring is often made of synthetic materials. Some can emit unhealthy fumes into indoor air. And their adhesives and finishes may compound the problem. These products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to indoor air pollution.
Eating Cotton?
Mothers & Others for a Livable Planet
The Green Guide #82/83
Monday, July 02, 2007
As parents, we don’t often think that cotton, the "fabric of our lives," will wind up in the food our children eat or the milk they drink. In fact, only 40 percent of the plant – the boll – is used for the fiber, while the remaining 60 percent goes for seed oil and other byproducts.
Drugging Our Water: We Flush It, Then We Drink It
Melissa Knopper
E/The Environmental Magazine, Volume XIV, Numer 1
Monday, July 02, 2007
Birth control pills, estrogen replacement drugs, ibuprofen, bug spray, sunscreen, mouthwash and antibacterial soap: all of these products could turn up in your next glass of tap water, according to a recent United States Geological Survey (USGS). USGS scientists sampled 139 rivers and streams, finding hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and personal care products lingering in the nation’s water supply.
Don’t Let Termites Eat You Out of House and Home
Aisha Ikramuddin
The Green Guide #37
Monday, July 02, 2007
Termites are nature’s recyclers. They break down cellulose from fallen trees and decomposing wood and return it to the soil. However, we don’t want termites to recycle our houses. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites devour homes to the annual cost of $5 billion in toxic treatments and damages in the United States.
Are Carpet Cleaners Safe
Aisha Ikramuddin
Monday, July 02, 2007
Among the inevitable things in life is the fact that all carpets will get dirty over time. Carpets and rugs, of course, take a lot of abuse from rambunctious children and pets, dinner guests who spill, people who refuse to wipe their feet before entering–the list goes on and on.
The Cosmetic Mask
Kristin Ebbert
The Green Guide #31
Monday, July 02, 2007
Each day most of us bombard our bodies with a multitude of grooming aids, body care and medicinal products, scents and solvents – some containing very questionable ingredients.
Shopper’s Guide to Plastics & Food: Alternatives to the Problem Plastics
Allison Sloan and Pamela Lundquist
The Green Guide #88/89
Monday, July 02, 2007
These simple steps will help you reduce the use of plastics for food packaging and storage.
The Green Pet
Sylvie Farrell with reporting by Aisha Ikramuddin
The Green Guide #24
Saturday, June 30, 2007
How to control fleas without resorting to chemical warfare.
The Cosmetic Mask: The Ugly on MakeUp
Kristin Ebbert
The Green Guide #31
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Natural alternatives to potentially harmful perservatives (and other makeup ingredients) are available.
The Cosmetic Mask: The Stink on Fragrance
Kristin Ebbert
The Green Guide #31
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Strong fragrances are avoidable -- at the very least look for labels that say the product is "fragrance-free."
The Cosmetic Mask: Perms to Dye For
Kristin Ebbert
The Green Guide #31
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Color or perm your hair with gentler, natural ingredients.
The Cosmetic Mask: Decoding Cruelty-Free
Aisha Ikramuddin
The Green Guide #31
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Making sense of the animal testing issue and personal care products.
The Cosmetic Mask: Coming Clean on Soaps & Shampoos
Kristin Ebbert
The Green Guide #31
Saturday, June 30, 2007
How to get clean without harming yourself or the environment.
Why We Need Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods
Food, Farms and Genetic Engineering
Mothers & Others for a Livable Planet
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Labeling of genetically engineered foods is not required by law, except where genes from common food allergens, such as peanuts and shellfish, are used, or the nutritional value is enhanced.
POPs: 10 Ways to Minimize Your Exposure
Francine Stephens
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
10 solutions and suggestions to minimize risk of exposure to Persistant Organic Pollutants
Companies and Genetic Engineering
Food, Farms and Genetic Engineering
Mothers & Others for a Livable Planet
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Companies need to hear consumer opinion on genetic engineering.
Why Go Organic?
Healthy Child Healthy World
Monday, June 25, 2007
In 2003, consumers purchased $10.8 billion worth of organic products, from staples like milk, eggs and lettuce to personal care products, nutritional supplements and pet food, according to the Organic Trade Association.
Safe Pipes: Lead in Your Drinking Water?
Bill Baue
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Lead is invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making it impossible to detect in water without testing.
Safe Drinking Water: What’s a Consumer Confidence Report?
Sarah Milstein
The Green Guide #79
Saturday, June 23, 2007
The United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world, but across the country, groundwater is increasingly sullied by pesticides, fertilizers, industrial chemicals, and septic systems. That’s why it’s crucial to protect our water at the source.
Safe Drinking Water: Testing Your Water
Aisha Ikramuddin
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Safe Pipes Mean Safe Water
Bill Baue
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Stacey Lindell of Putney, Vermont, always runs her cold water tap for at least 30 seconds before helping herself, or her children, to some.
Safe Drinking Water: Filtration
Aisha Ikramuddin
Saturday, June 23, 2007
How to Choose a Water Filter
After you test your water, if you find that the levels of contaminants are high, you may want to invest in a water filter. Remember, though, that in order for the filter to be effective you’ll have to change filters and maintain the system, otherwise it can actually result in higher levels of contamination.
What’s in Your Bottled Water?
Tracy Fernandez Rysavy
Co-op America’s Real Money newsletter
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Is your bottled water really safer for your health than tap water?
Every minute of every day, Americans spend around $18,600 on bottled water. Most of these consumers buy their water by the bottle because they feel it’s more pure than what comes out of their faucets. At an average of 500 to 1,000 times the price of tap water, one wonders if it’s worth it.
What’s in Your Bottled Water? Your Alternatives
Tracy Fernandez Rysavy
Co-op America’s Real Money newsletter
Saturday, June 23, 2007
By far the cheapest – and often the safest – option is to drink water from a tap. It’s also the most environmentally friendly option.
How to Dry Clean Only Without Perc
Kristin Ebbert
The Green Guide #46
Friday, June 22, 2007
Despite what labels say, dry cleaning is not the only answer.
How Clean is Dry Cleaning?
Kristin Ebbert
The Green Guide #46
Friday, June 22, 2007
Mori Mickelson was breastfeeding her 11-month-old son in the bedroom of her New York apartment when she began to get a headache, dizziness, burning in her lungs, and a feeling of losing consciousness.
OTHER THAN DEMO
Ricky Cappe - Green Built Consultants, Inc.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Annihilation is no longer an option. You cannot raze it. It does not have to be eradicated. Demolition is now
outdated.
10 Largest Companies that Make Our Food
The Agribusiness Accountability Initiative
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Data pointing out the companies that are heavily involved in producing our food.
Nit Picking: Safely Treating Your Child for Lice
Allison Sloan
Green Guide #54/55
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
An estimated 6 million American kids in elementary school contract head lice, or pediculosis, every year. Infestations, however, are more anxiety-producing than physically harmful. The Harvard School of Public Health argues that "lice rarely (if ever) cause direct harm, and they are not known to transmit infectious agents from person-to-person. Thus, they should not be considered as a medical or a public health problem."
In the Supermarket
Food, Farms and Genetic Engineering
Mothers & Others for a Livable Planet
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
How to navigate around genetically engineered products in the supermarket.
Ten Tips For a Pest-Free Home
By: SustainLane
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Stop playing a helping hand in the breeding of pesticide-resistant super bugs and ditch poisonous pest control! Here are some simple ways to do it on both the inside and outside of your home.
Encourage Creativity with Healthy Art Supplies
By: SustainLane
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Keeping plenty of art supplies around for your kids will encourage creativity and group play. But even older kids have a knack for putting things in their mouths. That's why it's good to make sure the supplies you choose are safe and sustainable.
How to Provide Safe Drinking Water for Your Family
Healthy Child Healthy World
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Water is life, but it is also easily contaminated hence it is necessary to test and maintain the water used daily by your family. Tips and suggestions on how to provide your family with safe water.
Produce PLU Codes Reveal If It’s Organic, Transgenic or Conventional
Healthy Child Healthy World
Monday, June 18, 2007
What the Price Look Up code can tell you quickly without having to rely on the cashier in a produce market.
Keep Safe From Mad Cow: How to Choose Safer Beef
Healthy Child Healthy World
Monday, June 18, 2007
While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is emphasizing that one mad cow does not an epidemic make, you may be feeling apprehensive about eating beef or serving it to your family. Humans can contract the human form of mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), by eating beef contaminated with affected brain or central nervous system tissue. Experts agree that the risk of exposure to BSE in the United States is now low.
Forty-five years after ‘Silent Spring,’ are pesticides still a danger
Kathleen Schuler and Carin Skoog
Reprinted with Permission From: Duluth News Tribune
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Tomorrow, May 27, we celebrate the centenary of the birth of noted biologist, author and mother of the modern environmental movement, Rachel Carson. Carson died of breast cancer in 1964, two years after she published “Silent Spring.”
Hormones in Our Food
Kathryn Perrotti Leavitt
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Hormones are regularly used in animal food production. Are the residues harmful to humans and who is most vulnerable to their effects?
Healthy Highways: The Traveler’s Guide to Healthy Eating
Nikki & David Goldbeck
Ceres Press
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Any car trip can result in a visit to a fast food restaurant. Fight the urge by keeping a copy of the book, Healthy Highways: The Traveler's Guide to Healthy Eating in your vehicle at all times!
Fish and Seafood: Charting a Course for the Safest Choices
Pamela Lundquist
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Tuna fish sandwiches are a staple in many kids’ lunches. In fact, tuna is the most popular fish in the U.S. The good news about tuna’s popularity: Fish is a healthy protein source that’s naturally low in fat and one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart attacks and lower bad cholesterol (LDLs) while raising good cholesterol (HDLs).
The bad news: Tuna and many other kinds of fish can be contaminated with toxins due to pollution. These toxins are particularly dangerous for children. They can raise a child's risk for cancer, cause brain damage, and disrupt hormonal activity. Even developing babies in the womb can be exposed to — and harmed by — these chemicals.
Dr. Greene’s Organic Prescription
Dr. Alan Greene
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Go Organic at Your Own Pace
Are you ready to make healthy organic changes in your family's diet, but confused about the best way to stretch your food dollars? Welcome to Dr. Greene's Organic Prescription! Whether you're new to eating organic or you have been making organic choices for years, Dr. Greene will help you make the best choices possible - for your health, your children's health, and the health of the planet. You may be surprised by the items on Dr. Greene's list!
First Steps: The Diaper Debate
Pamela Lundquist
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
From birth to toilet training, a baby goes through an average of 8000 diaper changes. This sheer volume of diapers makes one thing clear: Your choice of diaper – cloth or disposable – has a tremendous impact on the welfare of your baby and the planet.
Get Our New Book!
Leading medical & health experts team up with celebrity parents to help you create a cleaner, greener, safer home and lifestyle.
New DVD
Creating Healthy Environments for Children: Easy Steps for Homes, Child Care Centers and Schools.
