Is Your Drinking Water Safe?

Do you know what is in your drinking water? Now you can find out. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) has done the research.

I live in a small rural community and we have our own well for the neighborhood. Even our community well had the results posted on the EWG website. I was impressed! Check out what you have been drinking from your home faucet

Do you think you might want to filter your water? This is what I use

6 Speed Cleaning Tips

Just 2 weeks before Christmas. With work, shopping, entertaining,and decorating who can even think about cleaning the house!

Here are some speed cleaning tips.
1. Carry an old pillow case from room to room with you to collect items that don't belong there.

2. Carry 2 trash bags with you - one for trash and one for charity.

3. If it isn't dirty, don't clean it. Think about it - how often do you wipe the entire front of the refrigerator or cabinet when all that's really dirty are the fingerprints and smudges around the handles? Save the overall cleaning for another time.

4. Start cleaning in the kitchen - the most used room in the house. Wipe where you see dirt

5. Learn to multitask. If you head in the direction of the washing machine, take a load of clothes with you. Leaving for the grocery store? Take the garbage out with you.

6.The pros simplify their cleaning by simplifying the products they use! They can tote all the products they need in one tray: What products do they use?

* light-duty evaporating cleaner (glass cleaner or multi-surface cleaner)
* heavy-duty degreasing cleaner
* tile cleaner
* powdered abrasive cleanser

That's it! No soap scum remover, no special counter spray, no single-use products designed to clean only blinds or fans or walls. The pros know that these four simple products can handle any ordinary cleaning chore.

Take a page from the pros! You'll save money as well as time if you streamline cleaning products. Check out these non-toxic cleaning products.

Other speed cleaning ideas can be found here

Watch for the next post on a Self-cleaning Bathroom!

Avoiding Fire Retardants

Wow, it has been a month since I last posted. I guess Summer hit me. I know I had a great time at my National convention and learned a lot.

Today I want to share with you some information from the Environmental Working Group about Fire Retardants. They state that "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." Just another assault on the health of your children!

Go to EWG for the full report but a couple of things to watch out for in regards to your children:

1. Don't let your children put the TV remote or cell phone in their mouth! And be sure to have them wash their hands after touching those items.

2. Pajamas do NOT have the PBDEs in them but synthetic fibers are treated with a chemical additive to make them fire resistant. That additive is present through 50 washes! To avoid this chemical exposure, choose natural fibers which are inherently fire resistant!


Check out the full report from EWG

Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollution

Open your windows! Not only will you enjoy the nice summer breeze you could be improving your health!

The LA Times article lists many possible home air hazards and how some of them can be eliminated.

One of the most common problems related to the air in your home and your health is household cleaners.






Here are cleaning products that do not have those chemicals mentioned in the videos

House Cleaning and Health Safety

I have made several posts on house cleaning and health safety. This is an area I am passionate about.

Are you Giving Your Child Toxins?
Safer, Toxin Free Home Environment
Did You Know?
How Household Cleaners Affect Children
Your Home Is a Toxic Waste Dump
Questioning the Chemicals in Your Cleaners

Yes, the cleaning products you use can affect your health. But how can you tell if what you are using is causing some of your health problems?

Here's a little test to find out. The test was taken from the book, Green Goes with Everything by Sloan Barnett. (The book is listed in my favorites on the right)

Check any of the following that apply in these two lists.
1. Do you:

• suffer from asthma?
• cough frequently?
• suffer from chronic congestion?
• have bouts of sneezing?
• have irritated eyes?
• often have a runny or stuffy nose?
• have persistent itching?
• suffer frequent headaches?
• often feel fatigued?

As Sloan points out, there may be other causes for the above symptoms, but answer the questions in this second list.

2. Do you:

• frequently use conventional household cleaning products?
• often wear makeup?
• microwave food in plastic containers?
• drink a lot of water bottled in plastic containers?
• have a lot of your clothes dry-cleaned?
• experience more intense symptoms the more you're at home?
• find the symptoms go away when you're on vacation?
• find your children's symptoms disappear in school and then return at home?
• have wall-to-wall carpeting?
• use air conditioners or humidifiers?
• have a pest control company contract?
• find your house to be damp or humid?
• find excessive moisture on your windows, walls or ceiling?

You may want to consider whether some of the items on the second list are causing the symptoms on the first list!

Toxins in Baby Shampoo, Soaps and Lotions

This is my grandson who really enjoyed his birthday cake. I know you wouldn't want your beautiful child or grandkids to be exposed to toxins when cleaning them up. But guess what --Johnson's Baby Shampoo, Baby Magic Lotion, Aveeno Baby Wash - these are just a few of the 48 products tested that have been shown to have cancer causing chemicals according to a recent study by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics .

Both Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane were found in 61% of the 48 products tested; 82% had just formaldehyde and 67% just 1,4-dioxane. These 2 chemicals are listed as possible carcinogens by numerous research agencies. No wonder there is a rise in childhood cancers!

Of course, using a contaminated product once is unlikely to cause harm. But, this is not the only exposure to these chemicals or other chemicals that our children are exposed to Used repeatedly, these chemical lotions can add up to harm. Babies’ skin is 5X thinner and more permeable than adult skin, making babies more susceptible to toxins.

One Interesting note is that these chemicals are not listed on product labels because they are contaminants, not ingredients, and therefore are exempt from labeling laws. So you really can't just look at the label to know if your product has these chemicals! To get the complete list of the 48 products and the study about these chemicals, you can download the report at "No More Toxic Tub"

What products don't have these chemicals? Here is a totally safe source of products for your baby. To learn more about these safe products click the picture to watch a video.

Organic Weed Control - Good Bye to Dandelions

Finally the weather has gotten nicer and the lawn is finally turning green. Of course, that means the dandelions and other weeds are growing too. That caused an interesting 'discussion' between my husband and myself. I am really trying to eliminate or reduce the amount of chemicals/toxins that we are exposed to and really didn't want to be adding a chemical weed and feed on my lawn.

I read about digging them out and putting vinegar on them to kill them. Yes those will eliminate the dandelions, but we have 1.5 acres of lawn. That would take forever and cause a major back-ache.

I found a great article that mentioned several ways to organically rid yourself of those dandelions.

The one that my husband and I could compromise on is Corn Gluten Meal. It is an organic weed 'n feed. We went to our local 'farm' store and they had it.

It is good to know that there is an organic alternative. Good-bye Dandelions!

Earth Day Tips for Going Green

Earth Day is April 22. Everyone is thinking of what they can do to celebrate Earth Day and creating some new Going Green habits. There are many things on this blog that you can do. Look over some of the previous posts and decide what is going to be your next step in your commitment of Going Green.

My suggestion is not to get overwhelmed. There are so many small steps that you can do. In trying to Go Green start with just one new habit. Make a commitment to do one thing a month until it is a habit and then add another idea the next month. Then by next year on Earth Day you will be an expert! Let me know your progress. I would be glad to have you write a post for me about your journey.

Meanwhile, here are some suggestions.

1. Eliminate those plastic bottles. In fact, if you bring those plastic bottles to the Disney store on Earth Day for recycling, you will get back a reusable water bottle (while supplies last)

2. Toss all those harsh chemical cleaners. Beware tho that if an item is labeled "green" it may be misleading you, according to TerraChoice. Read the GreenWashing Report. Here is one company you can trust for their Green products.

3. Read a book on Going Green. Become aware of the dangers of toxins in your home and steps you can take for going green. I highly recommend "Green Goes with Everything" by Sloan Barnett. You can see the link to the book under my library.

4. Pick up litter. A no cost easy thing to do. Get your family involved and take a walk around your neighborhood.

5. For more info on what you can do for earth day go to the government site

Earth Day is Everyday!

Let me know what habit you are starting this month.

Pesticides in Produce...Why Buy Organic?

I know there are some foods that I should definitely buy organic, but I'm often confused as to which ones those should be.

Now the Environmental Working Group has made it easy for us. They have created a shopping guide to show you the safest fruits and vegetables to buy. They conducted 87,000 tests for pesticide residue on 47 fruits and vegetables and then ranked them according to the contamination.

In their research they found that people who eat the most contaminated fruits and vegetables consume 12 pesticides a day! Scientists agree that these toxins are causing health problems.

Does washing and peeling the fruit and vegetables help? Peeling usually reduces the nutrient value of the food. Washing does help but still some residue remains.

Download the wallet size of this list and have it with you when you go shopping. How many toxins can you eliminate from YOUR diet?

Anti-bacterial Soaps - or Plain Soap

We all know that we should wash our hands to get them clean. Is hand washing enough? Or do we need to use anti-bacterial lotions and soaps?

The chemical in the anti-bacterial liquid soaps is triclosan, a pesticide that kills bacteria. Sounds like a good idea, right - to kill the bacteria? Wrong! You don't need to kill the bacteria you just need to banish them and good ole hand washing will do that.

There have been studies done that show that these anti-bacterial soaps aren't any better than good old fashioned soap and water in removing those germs. In fact, the Environmental Working Group reports that triclosan in lab studies has been linked to developmental defects, liver toxicity and cancer.

In a Web MD article it states: "In three separate studies, the researchers showed that the chemicals -- triclosan and triclocarban -- have potential to affect sex hormones and interfere with the nervous system. They also may become suspects in the search for causes of autism." Read the full report here: anti-bacteria soap

For me, I think there is enough evidence to stay away from those anti-bacterial soaps. Check the labels of what you buy. Check for triclosan or anti-bacterial on the label

Want a good non anti-bacteria soap?

For more information on anti-bacterial soaps:
Julie's Health Club
MSNBC

Lead in Children's Vitamins!

Did you hear that lead has been found in children's and women's vitamins? Yes, the lead that we are all worried about in children's toys can be found in their vitamins!

The FDA listed children and women vitamins that contain lead. It sort of sounds like the FDA is saying though, that the amount of lead is small and acceptable. Hmm...I don't know about you but I don't think any amount of lead is acceptable. Lead is a dangerous toxin and can be stored in the body.

Even the CDC says..."Lead poisoning is entirely preventable....The key is stopping children from coming in contact with lead. Lead hazards in a child's environment must be identified and controlled or removed safely."

Let's get the lead out! Here is an alternative source for those children and women vitamins - with no lead in them!

Rise in Autism - Environmental Factors Likely

In a study done by the University of California, scientists reported that environmental factors are probably to blame for the rise in Autism.

The scientists are advocating a nationwide shift in research to focus on the pesticides, viruses and chemicals in household products.

What kind of products are they looking into? pet flea shampoos, phthalates (compounds used in cosmetics), antibacterial soaps, and other environmental pollutants.

The surge in autism is similar to the rise in childhood asthma. That has also been linked to household cleaning products.

Why risk it? Eliminate those toxins.

5 Going Green Ideas for Lent

Wednesday was the first day of Lent. Many Christians take on spiritual disciplines for Lent. What if you incorporated a Green Habit for Lent?

Here are 5 easy ideas you can try:

1. Use cloth bags at the supermarket. Twelve million barrels of oil were used to make the 88.5 billion plastic bags consumed in the United States last year. And it takes four times more energy to make paper bags.

2. Stop buying bottled water. Here is an alternative.

3. Stop using toxic cleaning products and go with green cleaners. It will not only save you money from buying an endless array of chemicals from the store, but you will be healthier for it!

4. Visit CatalogChoice.org to stop unwanted catalogs. Did you know that each year, 19 billion catalogs are mailed in the U.S.? All those catalogs require more than 53 million trees and 56 billion gallons of wastewater to produce. Clear out the clutter!

5. Cook! Prepared and packaged foods have more fat, more sugar, more salt, more preservatives, and more garbage waste than anything you can cook yourself. You can have a healthy meal on the table in 30 minutes. Here's one recommendation to help!

Is the Water You are Drinking Safe?

Did you Know...

• We pitch into landfills 38 billion water bottles a year -- in excess of $1 billion worth of plastic.
• 24% of the bottled water we buy is tap water repackaged by Coke and Pepsi
• Americans spent more money last year on bottled water than on ipods or movie tickets: $15 Billion.
• In the United States, bottled water costs between $0.25 and $2 per bottle while tap water costs less than a penny.

Is your water safe?

• Municipal water falls under the purview of the Environmental Protection Agency, and is regularly inspected for bacteria and toxic chemicals. Want to know how your community scores? Check out the Environmental Working Group’s National Tap Water Database.
• Bottled water is widely considered to be a purer choice than tap water, but a new investigation finds that this isn't always the case.
• In its test of 10 best-selling brands of bottled water, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found mixtures of 38 different pollutants including bacteria, fertilizer, and industrial chemicals in some of the tested brands at levels that were similar to tap water.
• The water samples tested for EWG at a University of Iowa water quality laboratory revealed that 10 widely sold brands of bottled water, purchased in nine states and the District of Columbia, contained an average of eight chemical contaminants in each brand.

These chemicals in your water affects your health. There is an easy way to remove these contaminants and help you be healthier.

Want to save money and have clean drinking water? The easiest way is to use this.

Plastics - Are You As Confused As I Am?

I've never liked to use plastics. When people were putting their left-overs in plastic containers, I used my glass bowls instead. Now this wasn't a thing about the environment. I didn't know much about plastics and environment back then. It was because I didn't like the smell of plastic. Ok, call me weird.

Now I am hearing all about #2, #4, #5 #7. Yikes! What's this all about? Do you know which ones are 'good' and which ones are 'bad'? And it seems like the 'good' ones are not always good!

Green Daily reported how researchers accidently found that #5 plastics can be harmful to your health. #5 plastic has been used in many items - ketchup bottles, medicine bottles, aerosol caps, drinking straws, rugs, mats.

I heard a talk the other day from a Ph.D in cellular biology. She was saying how she is finding more and more people AND children with high levels of toxins in their systems. No wonder!

What plastics do you have in your home? Time to clean out the cupboards!

Children Exposed to Toxins

Wow, I just read that Fire Retardant Chemical is found at 3 times the level in Children than in adults.

That is partly because children are touching things that have that chemical and then put their hands and other objects into their mouths so that the chemical then gets into their bodies.

Also, young children eat far more than adults relative to their body mass, exposing them to a higher relative dose of toxins through their diet.

Health problems related to this? It says in the article that "a single dose of PBDEs during brain development can lead to permanently altered behavior patterns."

You can read the article here

Easy Steps In Going Green

I am learning more and more about 'being green'. Sometimes I hear about what others are doing and I realize how far yet I have to go. Actually, I'm not sure that I will ever do some of the things that others are doing, but I do know that every little bit I do does help.

So in the next few posts I'm going to give some Easy Steps in Going Green. Things that almost all of us can do with little effort.

1. Lint Hint - This will save you money too by lowering your energy bill. Clean the lint trap before every load you are drying to cut down on energy wasting drying time.

2. Take advantage of the sunshine. I've been doing that this winter - probably our coldest winter on record. On those cold but sunny days, open your drapes to let the sun warm your home. In the evening be sure to close them again. In the summer time, be sure to close the drapes to keep your home cooler.

3. Take off your shoes! The Washington Toxics Coalition reports that using entryway mats reduce the amount of pesticide residue on carpets by 25% and the amount of dust on carpets by 33%. And homes where shoes are removed at the door, according to the WTC, have 10 times less dust than homes where shoes are worn.

Watch for more tips in a few days!

More on Toxin Free Homes

Here are some more startling facts:

• There has been a 28% increase in childhood cancer since the addition of pesticides into household products (National Cancer Institute)

• There is an increased risk for leukemia in children where parents have used pesticides in the home or garden before the child’s birth. (Journal of the National Cancer Institute)

• Over 150 chemicals found in the average home have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological abnormalities. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

• The majority of chemicals have never been tested for long-term effects. The NY Poison Control Center reports that 85% of product warning labels were either inadequate or incorrect for identifying a poison, and for first aid instructions. And labels on household cleaners may not list all the ingredients because companies are not required to tell you everything that is in their products.

• When using Chlorine, antiseptics or bleach in industrial areas you are required to wear protective clothing that keeps you from being exposed to these toxins – hard hats, boots, gloves, apron or coveralls, chemical goggles or full face shield and use in well ventilated areas. These are the same chemicals we are exposed to when we wash our clothes, spray on our cabinets, wipe onto our eating areas, spray our rooms to kill germs, and swim in when we get into our pools.

• Children are more likely to be affected by these chemicals because they are still developing as their brains and bodies grow. They have more contact with environmental surfaces. They touch everything (and put hands in mouths!) and they crawl around on the floor as they play.

Want to join me in the mission to help protect yourself and our children? What can you do? One thing is to start using non-toxic cleaners. Listen to a 3 minute recorded message about Going Green with Get Clean – 1-925-924-3000.

• Warning labels on containers refer ONLY to toxins hazard from ingestion, however only 10% of health problems from chemicals are caused by ingestion. 90% are caused by the inhalation of vapors and absorption of particle