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!