See this at: thegreenguide.com| Added on 07/21/08

A new friend (whose wife just had a baby) was recently telling me about all the things they were doing to keep environmental contaminants out of their home. He asked me if I knew which house plants were most effective at reducing indoor air... See more

A new friend (whose wife just had a baby) was recently telling me about all the things they were doing to keep environmental contaminants out of their home. He asked me if I knew which house plants were most effective at reducing indoor air pollutants. I didn't know the answer off-hand but was curious to find out. I came upon a wonderful book by Dr. B.C. Wolverton, How to Grow Fresh Air. What I learned is, while plants can't cure major indoor pollution problems on their own, as noted in a recent Tip of the Week, they are an ideal antidote to the minor contamination introduced into our indoor environments through everyday household products and building materials. Plants produce oxygen, add precious moisture and remove toxins from the air through the tiny openings in their leaves. In fact, as few as 15 houseplants in an average-size home can offer a significant reduction in the number of indoor contaminants. This is not just folklore. In the 70s, the National Aeronautics and Space... See less

See this at: thedailygreen.com| Added on 07/18/08

Two down-to-earth experts answer your questions about raising children toxin-free.

See this at: greenyour.com| Added on 07/01/08

Natural baby clothing helps you take your organic baby clothes to the next level in protection. By choosing unbleached baby clothes, or clothes that do not contain dangerous dyes, you'll contribute less to (or completely avoid) the chemical textile... See more

Natural baby clothing helps you take your organic baby clothes to the next level in protection. By choosing unbleached baby clothes, or clothes that do not contain dangerous dyes, you'll contribute less to (or completely avoid) the chemical textile dyeing process—a practice detrimental to both the environment and to human health. And choosing untreated baby clothing means your little one won't be swaddled in fabrics that have been doused with chemical flame retardants or other chemical stain- and wrinkle-resistant treatments. Many of the baby clothes listed below are unbleached and dye-free, while others are colored with low-impact dyes. Some of the retailers below also feature products that carry Oko-Tex Standard 100 certification (see Certification below for more information). See less

See this at: diaperingdecisions.c...| Added on 07/14/08

The costs calculated below for disposable, single use diapers are based on two of the most popular brands, using a store known for its value pricing. The newborn pkg. (up to 10 lb.) contains 48 diapers @ $16.23 = $0.34 each . The average number of... See more

The costs calculated below for disposable, single use diapers are based on two of the most popular brands, using a store known for its value pricing. The newborn pkg. (up to 10 lb.) contains 48 diapers @ $16.23 = $0.34 each . The average number of changes for a newborn is 12-16 times per day for the first 2 weeks. 14x7x2=196 diapers @ $0.34 =$66.64 The Infant # 1 pkg. contains 104 diapers up to 14 lb. @ 0.22 ea. An average baby requires 10-12 changes per day for the first 3 months 11x30x2.5 =825 diapers @ $.22 each = $181.50 The Infant # 2 pkg. 12-18 lb. contains 88 diapers @ $0.26 each. An average baby 3-6 months old requires 10-12 changes a day 11x30x3 =990 diapers @ $0.26= $257.40 Mega pack pricing was used for the balance of the packages as it is the least expensive. Each Mega Pack was $28.92+$2.02 GST For a total of $30.94 / pkg. The Infant #3 pkg. 16-18 lb. contains 96 diapers @ $0.32 ea. A 6-9 month old baby requires 8-10 changes per day 9x30x3= 810 diapers @ $0.32 ea. = $259.20... See less

See this at: theorganicreport.com| Added on 07/14/08

Investment for a Good Start into Life Organic Cotton Diapers are the Better Alternative Contributed by Christina Boecker, SEKEM Group When you feel the baby bumping inside you and it's only two more months to go, you know you have to start making... See more

Investment for a Good Start into Life Organic Cotton Diapers are the Better Alternative Contributed by Christina Boecker, SEKEM Group When you feel the baby bumping inside you and it's only two more months to go, you know you have to start making some decisions: What will life look like with the little darling around? How can you make sure your baby gets a good start? Only the very best and healthiest products are acceptable, of course! And what about the diapers? Disposables are handy, of course: in a minute the wet and smelly diaper is rolled up into a neat and almost clean bundle, and you get rid of it in your wastepaper basket. In another minute the new disposables are fixed and mummy and child are happy. But is this image true? Let's review a few common assumptions about disposable diapers and re-usable cloth diapers. A healthy choice? The manufacturers of disposables rely on studies, which seem to prove, that reusable cloth diapers, which tend to leave baby's bottom more wet than... See less

See this at: enn.com| Added on 07/01/08

You know that if you eat that sugar-filled cookie, it might spike your insulin, and if you put on cosmetics with chemicals in them, they will probably end up in your blood. But have you ever thought twice about putting on your favorite T-shirt, or... See more

You know that if you eat that sugar-filled cookie, it might spike your insulin, and if you put on cosmetics with chemicals in them, they will probably end up in your blood. But have you ever thought twice about putting on your favorite T-shirt, or snuggling into your cotton sheets? A growing number of parents are demanding organic cotton clothing and diapers for their babies. Many don't stop with clothing, but have furnished their homes with organic flooring or carpeting, organic mattresses, organic linens, organic window coverings etc. Are they fanatics or do they have scientific evidence to support their lifestyle changes? Cotton has long been considered by consumers to be the most natural, healthy fabric and they have made it the most popular clothing material. It has been easy to forget that cotton is a crop and as such, it is subject to the same issues as other crops normally considered as food. The last time you drove by a cotton field, did you consider that many of the foods you... See less

See this at: lesstoxicguide.ca| Added on 07/01/08

If you feel you must use a lotion, some less toxic alternatives are: * Aloe vera gel – food grade (Lily of the Desert) * Vitamin E oil – food grade * Olive oil (organic is best) * Lanolin cream (organic only). Note: lanolin is derived from sheep and... See more

If you feel you must use a lotion, some less toxic alternatives are: * Aloe vera gel – food grade (Lily of the Desert) * Vitamin E oil – food grade * Olive oil (organic is best) * Lanolin cream (organic only). Note: lanolin is derived from sheep and is a common allergen. Baby Food Feeding your baby organic food is a good investment in your child's health. Children eat more food relative to body mass than adults, and they eat foods higher in pesticide residues—such as juices, fresh fruits and vegetables. A recent University of Washington study found that pre-school children aged 2-4 years who ate organic fruits and vegetables had 6 times less pesticide residues in their bodies than children who ate conventional produce. Baby food is easy to make, and may even save you money. All you need is a blender and some cooked vegetables, fruits and meats. A little goes a long way with baby and you know exactly what is in the food you prepare. Babies do not miss salt and sugar so there is no need... See less

See this at: community.seattletim...| Added on 07/01/08

The consumer advocates dubbed "the Ralph Naders of the bridal industry" are trying to save people money again. The topic for Alan and Denise Fields this time? Babies. Their book "Baby Bargains" focuses on safety. The book is divided into chapters for... See more

The consumer advocates dubbed "the Ralph Naders of the bridal industry" are trying to save people money again. The topic for Alan and Denise Fields this time? Babies. Their book "Baby Bargains" focuses on safety. The book is divided into chapters for each baby product category such as bedding, clothing and toys. Each of these contains a "Safe & Sound" section highlighting shopping advice, safety tips (such as never use an electric blanket) and other valuable information (including how to contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall hotline). The nursery has both potential safety hazards and money wasters. For example, most baby bedding is sold in sets that include pillows, bumper pads, dust ruffles and a quilt, but you don't need all of those items. "The bumper is the only safety feature inside the crib," says baby safety crusader Nancy Owen, who recommends buying a thick, tall bumper. "The dust ruffle is just decoration. You want a bumper that preferably ties top and bottom... See less

See this at: thegreenguide.com| Added on 07/01/08

What kinds of chemicals are used to make baby clothes flame retardant? Are all sleep clothes treated with these chemicals and how safe are they? Most sleepwear made from synthetic fiber is polyester, and according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety... See more

What kinds of chemicals are used to make baby clothes flame retardant? Are all sleep clothes treated with these chemicals and how safe are they? Most sleepwear made from synthetic fiber is polyester, and according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), "less than 1% of either polyester or cotton sleepwear garments are treated with flame retardant chemicals." The key word here is "treated," which, in this case, does not mean exactly what one might suppose. Treated or not, most children's sleep clothes made of synthetic fabrics will contain flame retardant chemicals in one way or another. Sometimes the material is treated after it is woven or after the garment is finished; more often, the flame retardant is actually bonded into the composition of the fabric. Therefore most chemical-free (as well as comfortable) option is untreated, snug-fitting cotton stretchies. But it's crucial to note that cotton garments must be snug-fitting in order to comply with government safety... See less

See this at: healthychild.com| Added on 07/01/08

By Jane Sheppard Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). These four words can incite a considerable amount of terror in a parent of an infant. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib death or cot death, is the number one cause of death... See more

By Jane Sheppard Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). These four words can incite a considerable amount of terror in a parent of an infant. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib death or cot death, is the number one cause of death for infants from one month to one year of age. 90% of all SIDS deaths are in babies under six months old. Ongoing SIDS research occasionally leads to discoveries of risk factors associated with these deaths, but after almost 50 years, researchers say they still do not know how or why it happens. The prevailing official viewpoint on SIDS is that the cause is unknown (SIDS Alliance 2001). It may seem inconceivable that over a million babies have died of this "syndrome", and after almost half a century and many millions of dollars spent, no one in this age of science and technology can tell us why. But what parents are virtually oblivious to (through no fault of their own) is that a highly convincing explanation for this tragedy has been found,... See less

See this at: healthychild.com| Added on 07/01/08

by: Barry A. Cik, PE, CP, DEE, QEP, REM, CHMM* Chief Engineer, G.E.M. Testing & Engineering Labs Introduction This report, "Five Problems With Baby Mattresses," is intended to highlight the potential dangers of using baby mattresses composed of vinyl... See more

by: Barry A. Cik, PE, CP, DEE, QEP, REM, CHMM* Chief Engineer, G.E.M. Testing & Engineering Labs Introduction This report, "Five Problems With Baby Mattresses," is intended to highlight the potential dangers of using baby mattresses composed of vinyl (polyvinyl chloride or PVC), phthalates, polyurethane foam, harsh chemical fire retardants, and other chemical additives. It is becoming increasingly clear that toxic chemicals are affecting our children. A primary source of toxic chemicals in the environment of a child during its first few years of life is the mattress and bedding. Removing potentially harmful chemicals from these prominent objects represents a prudent approach for concerned parents and their doctors. Here is an overview of some specific concerns with baby mattresses: o Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), the surface material used in nearly all baby mattresses, is widely considered to be one of the most toxic and environmentally unfriendly plastics in use today. o Phthalates,... See less

See this at: healthy-communicatio...| Added on 07/01/08

Since 1992, Neways International has formulated and distributed some of the world's most innovative, safe, and effective products in the categories of nutrition, personal care, and household care. Our goal is to fill the world with Neways Healthy... See more

Since 1992, Neways International has formulated and distributed some of the world's most innovative, safe, and effective products in the categories of nutrition, personal care, and household care. Our goal is to fill the world with Neways Healthy Homes-homes in which families have replaced products that contain potentially harmful ingredients with safe, effective Neways products. Our products help you maximize your health and beauty while minimizing your exposure to potentially harmful ingredients. With safety and effectiveness in mind, our experts combine the best of science and nature to formulate our advanced products. Nature creates it, science refines it, and Neways delivers it. Whether you want to simply make your own home a Neways Healthy Home or also help others do the same, we welcome you to Neways See less

See this at: healthy-communicatio...| Added on 07/01/08

Time to Protect Babies From Dangerous Products CHICAGO, Feb. 28, 2005 (AScribe Newswire) -- From shortly after birth, mothers tenderly wash and pamper their infants with a wide range of baby products. These include soaps, shampoos, lotions, and... See more

Time to Protect Babies From Dangerous Products CHICAGO, Feb. 28, 2005 (AScribe Newswire) -- From shortly after birth, mothers tenderly wash and pamper their infants with a wide range of baby products. These include soaps, shampoos, lotions, and dusting powders, some of which are used several times daily. However, how would mothers react if they discovered that these baby products contain a witch's brew of dangerous ingredients? Hopping mad could be a reasonable understatement. Most disturbing are three groups of widely used ingredients known as "hidden carcinogens" -- ingredients which are contaminated by carcinogens, or which break down to release carcinogens, or which are precursors of carcinogens -- to which infants are about 100 times more sensitive than adults. - The largest group of hidden carcinogens includes dozens of wetting agents or detergents, particularly PEGs, Laureths, and Ceteareths, all of which are contaminated with the potent and volatile carcinogens ethylene oxide... See less

See this at: healthy-communicatio...| Added on 07/01/08

Toxic Beauty Cancer causing chemicals are hiding in your hand lotion by Maria Trombetta, staff writer | It's early morning and the shower is hot, soothing, relaxing. Reach for the Pantene shampoo bottle and lather up; spread the fragrant soap all... See more

Toxic Beauty Cancer causing chemicals are hiding in your hand lotion by Maria Trombetta, staff writer | It's early morning and the shower is hot, soothing, relaxing. Reach for the Pantene shampoo bottle and lather up; spread the fragrant soap all over your head. Then comes the conditioner; it penetrates the hair shaft and sends glossy shine all the way to the roots. Dove body wash is next, filling the bathroom with a soft, sweet almond scent. The water streams down, rinsing away all the dirt of the previous day. Step out of the shower and grab a towel. Don&65533;t forget the Coppertone sunscreen and the Lubriderm lotion for total skin protection!@1;By this point, you have now exposed your body to 24 toxic chemicals. Good morning! @1;Most people use personal care products on a daily basis. We are on a quest to smell good, have shiny hair and moist skin. But something nasty lurks beneath the sweet perfume and bubbles. Cosmetic companies are using chemicals that are known to cause cancer... See less

See this at: ewg.org| Added on 07/01/08

At EWG, our team of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers pores over government data, legal documents, scientific studies and our own laboratory tests to expose threats to your health and the environment, and to find... See more

At EWG, our team of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers pores over government data, legal documents, scientific studies and our own laboratory tests to expose threats to your health and the environment, and to find solutions. Our research brings to light unsettling facts that you have a right to know. See less

See this at: tribekids.com.au| Added on 07/01/08

Did you know that in the USA, Bubble Bath and foaming products are required to have a warning label on them saying that it is not recommended to be used everyday. This is because of the high incidence of urinary tract infections and skin irritation... See more

Did you know that in the USA, Bubble Bath and foaming products are required to have a warning label on them saying that it is not recommended to be used everyday. This is because of the high incidence of urinary tract infections and skin irritation resulting from excessive or prolonged use of many bubble bath ingredients! See less

See this at: littlejoeyorganics.c...| Added on 07/01/08

When you bring home your brand new baby you want to do everything in your power to protect and nurture them. You make sure they have a safe place to sleep, eat and drink the correct foods and provide a safe environment for them. What a lot of parents... See more

When you bring home your brand new baby you want to do everything in your power to protect and nurture them. You make sure they have a safe place to sleep, eat and drink the correct foods and provide a safe environment for them. What a lot of parents don't consider though, is the products that they use on their babies skin. You think if you bought it from the supermarket or pharmacy that it must be safe to use on your baby right? WRONG. If you study the ingredients currently found in your babies products you will find that there are ingredients in there that are banned in other countries, and ingredients that are listed as probable cancer causing. So many of the commercially available products out there for sale to use on babies are filled with synthetic and dangerous ingredients that in reality, should come no where near your babies skin. Artificial colours, synthetic fragrances, dangerous paraben preservatives ingredients laced with pesticides and petroleum by-products should play no... See less

See this at: thecradle.com| Added on 07/01/08

uring the first months of life, your baby will likely spend most of her time in a crib – newborns sleep an average of 16 to 17 hours a day. Given this, it's essential that our baby’s first bed should be not only comfortable, but safe from dangerous... See more

uring the first months of life, your baby will likely spend most of her time in a crib – newborns sleep an average of 16 to 17 hours a day. Given this, it's essential that our baby’s first bed should be not only comfortable, but safe from dangerous chemicals. The Hazards of Cribs Like any piece of furniture, a crib can be hazardous if made with toxic materials. Your baby’s crib or changing table might be made of pressed wood or particleboard. These engineered wood products and their finishes contain formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Formaldehyde is ranked as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). VOCs "offgas" easily from particleboard and the fumes can cause headaches and other symptoms. Lead paint, which wasn’t banned until 1978, may be present on antique or even hand-me-down cribs, sometimes hiding beneath a newer layer. Babies may mouth or chew on the crib – and the lead paint! Exposure to lead may result in lowered IQ,... See less

See this at: inklingmagazine.com| Added on 08/03/08

I love leftovers. Toss them in the microwave and voilà: a piping hot meal. I own scads of plastic containers for this express purpose, but I’m starting to wonder just how microwave-safe they really are. Many reusable plastic containers contain... See more

I love leftovers. Toss them in the microwave and voilà: a piping hot meal. I own scads of plastic containers for this express purpose, but I’m starting to wonder just how microwave-safe they really are. Many reusable plastic containers contain bisphenol-A (BPA), one of several chemicals called endocrine disruptors that may interfere with the body’s natural hormonal processes. Hormones control everything from when I get my period to the gender of any fetus I might someday carry, so it’s no huge surprise that BPA can mess with the reproductive system. But what freaks me out the most is that scientists aren’t spending much time figuring out what BPA could do to me. That’s because they’re more worried that it could be a problem for my future children. Or maybe even my grandkids. In 2005 the Centers for Disease Control found BPA in the urine of 95% of 397 randomly sampled citizens, indicating that pretty much everyone’s exposed. Small wonder. BPA is everywhere: in the polycarbonate plastic... See less

See this at: authenticliving.blog...| Added on 08/03/08

Good news... you can shop for your milk w/o worrying about BPA!!! I contacted both Organic Valley and Horizon regarding their milk cartons and what they use as the lining... I am waiting to hear back from Horizon, but here is the response from... See more

Good news... you can shop for your milk w/o worrying about BPA!!! I contacted both Organic Valley and Horizon regarding their milk cartons and what they use as the lining... I am waiting to hear back from Horizon, but here is the response from Organic Valley!! PHEW! Dear Laura, Thank you for contacting us at Organic Valley. No, we do not use BPA in the lining of our milk cartons. The plasticused is either #2 or #3 depending on the carton. I hope this provides you with the information that you requested. Do nothesitate to contact me if you require additional assistance. Sincerely, Brandy Smith-Vuich Organic Valley/ Cropp Cooperative Consumer Relations 1-888-444-6455 ext.437 brandy.smith-vuich@organicvalley.coop See less

See this at: cleanerplateclub.wor...| Added on 08/03/08

Published May 15, 2008 News and other info , Pet Peeves Tags: bisphenol A, BPA, FDA, plastics Do you like stories? Because I’m in the mood for a story. Once upon a time, there was a little chemical called bisphenol A, or BPA. BPA was small and lumpy.... See more

Published May 15, 2008 News and other info , Pet Peeves Tags: bisphenol A, BPA, FDA, plastics Do you like stories? Because I’m in the mood for a story. Once upon a time, there was a little chemical called bisphenol A, or BPA. BPA was small and lumpy. It looked kinda’ like this: Oh, sure, you know this story, right? We’ve talked about BPA before (here and here). Oh, but listen to this story, won’t you? It’s a good one. Well, BPA may have been small, but it had a big impact. It was a boon to the multi-billion dollar plastics industry, for example. It was used in polycarbonate plastic — the hard, clear, shatterproof plastics that comprise water bottles, food packaging, and many infant bottles. It was also found in epoxy resins — the stuff that lines the tops of bottles, and many food cans and infant formula cans. (Gosh, it sounds like it’s found everywhere! Why, yes, indeed! In fact a study suggests that it’s in the urine of 93% of the American population!). This little ol’ chemical had a... See less

See this at: enviroblog.org| Added on 08/03/08

« EnviroHealth in Blogs: Goods4Girls and drugs in the water | Main | Your neighborhood pharmacy -- now just a faucet away? » March 13, 2008 When we posted a little analysis of the new research on the toxic plastics chemical bisphenol A (BPA) leaching... See more

« EnviroHealth in Blogs: Goods4Girls and drugs in the water | Main | Your neighborhood pharmacy -- now just a faucet away? » March 13, 2008 When we posted a little analysis of the new research on the toxic plastics chemical bisphenol A (BPA) leaching from polycarbonate bottles, we had no idea how many questions it would inspire. This month, instead of the usual Ask EWG feature, we've put together a post in which we answer as many of your BPA questions as we can. We know you've probably got even more questions. Ask away and we'll do our best to answer, but keep in mind that there are some questions we just don't have the answers to yet. First, a little review: What is BPA? BPA is a chemical used in the production of certain kinds of plastics, including polycarbonate plastic (like hard, colored water bottles and 5-gallon drinking water coolers) and the lining of most food and beverage cans. BPA can leach from the plastic and into foods and beverages, especially when it's heated or used... See less

See this at: dailymail.co.uk| Added on 08/03/08

A Potentially deadly toxin is being absorbed into bottled mineral water from their plastic containers. And the longer the water is stored, the levels of poison increase, research reveals. As the sell-by date on many bottled waters is up to two years,... See more

A Potentially deadly toxin is being absorbed into bottled mineral water from their plastic containers. And the longer the water is stored, the levels of poison increase, research reveals. As the sell-by date on many bottled waters is up to two years, scientists have now called for extensive further studies. The research by world expert Dr William Shotyk - who has vowed never to drink bottled water again - will be published in the Royal Society of Chemistry's journal next month. It is sure to revive concerns about the safety of bottled water, the world's fastest-growing drinks industry, worth £1.2billion a year. The tests found traces of antimony, a chemical used in the making of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, used by most mineral-water sellers. Small doses of antimony can make you feel ill and depressed. Larger quantities can cause violent vomiting and even death. The study stressed that amounts of antimony were well below official recommended levels. But it also discovered... See less