Organic Mommy “Soda”

Nothing makes me crazier than seeing parents at a restaurant ordering their toddler soda or even worse diet soda.  Do they really think that chemical sweetners and high fructose corn syrup are ok to give a small child?  Its just so void of nutrition and there are better options out there.  

I do understand children asking for it since they see commercials and other kids enjoying it right before their eyes.  My two year old asks for it and has never even tasted it!  So this is my solution to giving him “soda” and let me just say if your pregnant and missing a real cocktail this can be a nice substitute too…just imagine its a mimosa!

• Take 3/4 of your glass and fill with seltzer water ( i like raspberry flavor or lemon lime but plain works good too)
• Fill the rest of your glass with orange juice (you can substitute any juice you like)

its sweet and bubbly just like soda so the kids will like it but its tons less sugar and healthier too!  Enjoy!

 

BPA in more than just baby bottles

You may have heard about BPA being a dangerous chemical that is found in plastic baby bottles and many hard plastics.  But there is actually more BPA found in canned foods than many of these items.  This chemical is used to line metal food and drink cans and was found in over half of 97 cans of name brand fruits, veggies, soda, and other common foods in a study done by the Environmental Working Group. 

Amazingly more than 100 studies have found BPA to be toxic at low levels but not a single regulatory agency has updated safety standards to reflect this low-dose toxicity.  The FDA is responsible for ensuring that food packaging chemicals like BPA are safe. In the case of BPA, the agency has deemed the chemical safe even though its own exposure estimates for infants exceed doses shown to permanently harm the developing male reproductive system.

Of all foods tested, chicken soup, infant formula, and ravioli had BPA levels of highest concern. Just one to three servings of foods with these concentrations could expose a woman or child to BPA at levels that caused serious adverse effects in animal tests.   There are some ways to reduce your exposure to BPA in canned goods and make good choices at the grocery store. 

1. Avoid canned tomato sauce because the acidity in the tomatoes causes the chemical to leach from the lining of the can.  Better to choose tomato sauce in a glass jar. 
2. Choose fresh or frozen veggies instead of canned.  Not only will they be BPA free but they have better nutritional content over veggie that have been through the canning process.
3. Canned soda and juice often contain BPA.  Don’t drink soda because its bad for your health anyway!  Choose juice in plastic or glass bottles to be safe.
4. Use powdered infant formula instead of liquid formula.   Liquid formula can test 8 to 20 times higher than powdered because its more concentrated and not diluted by water. 

This doesnt mean you have to give up all your canned items, just use them in moderation and avoid your children eating them regularly since they are more suseptable to toxicity.  As we usually find its best to eat fresh organic food over any type of food that has been processed.  For more info on this testing please visit www.ewg.org

www.theorganicmommy.org

 

The Kid-Safe Chemicals Act

Here is a bill that I think all parents need to support and be informed about.  The Kid-Safe Chemicals Act is trying to overhaul the nations chemical regulatory laws.  The Toxic Substances Control Act, first passed in 1976, has never been amended to date.  This act declared 62,000 chemicals “safe” with little or no data to support this policy.  Since that time another 20,000 chemicals have been put into commerce in the USA, also with little or no data to support their safety. 

The human race is now polluted with hundreds of industrial chemicals with little understanding of the consequences on our bodies.  Babies are born pre-polluted with as many as 300 chemicals already in their bodies when they enter the world!  Its no wonder that in recent years pollution and toxins have been linked to increasing Cancers, Autism, ADHD, Infertility, and Birth Defects just to name a few.  But even with mounting evidence of a link between toxins and diseases on the rise, our government has almost no authority to protect people from these chemicals on the market. 

Here are some things to think about regarding chemicals and our childrens health:

• The USA has the highest cancer rates in the world.  One in every three women and one in every two men will develop cancer in their lifetime. 
• One in six children have a developmental disorder.  The EWG found that 242 chemicals can be linked to brain and nervous system damage.  One in every 150 children is autistic.  One in 15 kids is diagnosed with ADHD.
• Childhood asthma has doubled in past 20 years.  Auto-immune diseases occur in at least 5-8% of the population.  Type 1 diabetes in children is increasing 5% every year.
• One in every 8 babies is premature.  EWG has identified 237 chemicals linked to birth defects.  One in 125 baby boys have reproductive deformities. 
• Infertility is on the rise.  One in ten US couples is infertile.  Girls are entering puberty earlier than ever before.

The campaign to pass the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act will encompass the following items:

• requires that industrial chemicals be safe for infants and children
• requires that new chemicals be safety tested before sold
• requires chemical manufacturers to test and prove that the 62,000 chemicals already on the market be tested for safety in order for them to remain in commerce
• requires EPA to review chemicals that are found in people to be on an expedited schedule
• requires monitoring and regular updates of health and safety data
• provides incentives for manufacturers to further reduce health hazards
• requires EPA to promote alternatives to animal testing
• requires information be publicly available

What is not to love about this bill?  Through the kid-safe chemicals act we can give our children a safer and healthier future.  Thanks to the Environmental Working Group for pushing to pass this bill and all parents should sign the petition at the link below. 

To view Kid Safe House Bill 6100 http://www.ewg.org/files/Kid-Safe-HR6100.pdf

To view Kid Safe Senate Bill 3040  http://www.ewg.org/files/Kid-Safe-S3040.pdf

To send a letter to your congressman asking them to support this bill http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=24973

 

www.theorganicmommy.org

 

Mercury and High Fructose Corn Syrup

As if there werent enough things that have toxic chemicals in them now it seems that high fructose corn syrup is one more to add to the list.  Now I’m sure many of us try to avoid this anyway seeing that we know sugar isnt that healthy for us but you many not even realize how many foods contain this.  Many condiments, salad dressings, cereals, yogurts, lunch meats, and prepared breads and baked goods contain hfcs as well as sodas and sweets that you might expect.  Aside from healthy eating in general it has now been proven that hfcs tests positive for mercury! 

In a study published by Environmental Health, researchers found that almost half the samples of hfcs had detectable levels of mercury.  Another study found that one in three of 55 brand name foods contained mercury where hfcs is the first or second ingredient.  Mercury in all its forms is toxic and considering how much hfcs some children and teens may be ingesting it could be a significant amount to consider.  The average person takes in about 12 teaspoons of hfcs per day but many teens and consumers may ingest up to 80% more than the average person.

Have you seen the new commercials for hfcs now from the corn refiners association?  They are trying to make it seem that hfcs is just the same as sugar and in moderation its just fine because its made from corn.  Funny how there is no mention of mercury in the process!  The use of mercury containing caustic soda in the process to make hfcs is where the contamination occurs.  The refiners association is quick to say that there are now mercury free versions of this process but the truth is that there are four major plants that still use the older technology and produce hfcs with caustic soda. 

Once again it seems that the FDA is no where to be found when it comes to dangers in our foods.  If there are mercury free alternatives shouldnt there be a mandate that hfcs producers must use these methods?  There is no way to tell which version of hfcs is in products so you wont be able to tell if yours is the contaminated version or not so according to this research you have a 50/50 chance of getting mercury in your food. 

We all know that eating alot of sugar and processed food is not a healthy way to eat but now this is just one more reason to watch what your kids are eating and drinking.  So many “juice” drinks contain hfcs so its important to pay attention to what your buying in the grocery store for your family.  If possible cut down on your consumption of prepared and processed foods and opt for natural ingredients that you can put together yourself. 

www.theorganicmommy.org

 

Radioactive Countertops?

The EPA has recently reported an increase in calls regarding granite countertops emitting high levels of radiation. American’s love of granite countertops has created a market for granite from all over the world and a surprising number of these can contain uranium and give off radiation and radon. According to the EPA, a normal person is exposed to 360 millirem of radiation per year from both natural and industrial sources. Yet some granite has been found to emit this much radiation in just a few months if you spend just two hours per day in close range to the countertops!

Many say that not all granite is unsafe and for years it has been reported that granite contains low levels of radiation that are insignificant. But I have to say how silly is it that anyone can even claim there is a “SAFE” level of radiation for people? Have we become so complacant with chemicals and toxins in our environment that even our goverment agencies like the EPA try to tell us that there is an acceptable level? And as with many toxins I then would ask what is the risk to our children being exposed to possible radiation levels of this type?

Aside from all this controversy is the issue that granite is not eco-friendly. Its not renewable and cant be easily reused. Many sealers contain VOC’s that are harmful just like in paint. For more eco-friendly alternatives you can take a look at the website www.getwithgreen.com and they have a list of all the countertop materials with pros, cons, and eco-rating.

If you are concerned about granite countertops in your home you can contact the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technicians at aarst.org. If you have young children or are pregnant I would strongly urge you to think about this just in case. You want to make sure that the heart of your home isnt making your family sick from toxins.

 

What cookware is safe?

After receiving many “Eco” pots and pans this Christmas I wanted to do some research about their safety.  While many things are labeled environmentally friendly these days I wanted to see what I could really find out about them. 

• Silicone:  I saw my mother-in-law using these bake sheets and they just seemed so much like plastic I was sure that there had to be some toxins involved.  Surprisingly I couldn’t find any information that they are bad for you to cook with.  Silicone rubber is chemically inert which means no toxins or gases should be emitted from it.  They are derived from sand and oxygen molecules and is non toxic to soil and aquatic organisms.  It can be recycled as well but supposedly it lasts forever so even a frequent baker can reuse these thousands of times. 
• Stainless Steel:  This is actually a combination of metals and there is a possibility of them leaching into foods if your cookware is dinged or scratched.  Experts say even then the amount of metal is negligible but if you don’t want to take any chances then check them frequently to make sure they are in good shape.
• Cast Iron Cookware:  Sources agree that the iron does leach into your foods especially if its a long cooking dish like a stew or soup.  I have read that it can make your food take on a metallic taste (ewww!).   The FDA says iron is a healthy food additive but as we all know you can’t always trust the FDA to give you the full story.  I think I will stick to a multi-vitamin for my iron and leave the cast iron to my wood burning stove for potpourri!  Oh, if you do cook with it you have to season it after every use so that can get tedious.
• Teflon:  Here again it depends who you talk to.  Experts and the EPA say that Teflon is harmless and small amounts that may flake off into food do not cause any health risks.  But with so many other choices on the market I wonder if its worth even taking the chance.  Factory workers have supposedly gotten sick so it would seem that they might not be the healthiest choice to cook with.
• GreenPan:  I got this pan as a gift from one of my family that knows how into green things I am.  It contains no PFTE and supposedly their production methods create 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions.  I have to say the pan is a great alternative to Teflon, its easy to clean and not even burnt cheese sticks to it. 
• Glass:  Always an Eco favorite it is completely inert so there is no leaching of chemicals at all.  Its great for storing and reheating food in.   Its also affordable so I think its a great choice for baking and casseroles.

So hope this helps if you are confused about what in your kitchen is truly Eco-friendly.  Also remember to buy made in the USA!  Pyrex glass, Lodge cast iron cookware, and Calphalon are all still made in the USA.  Enjoy!

www.theorganicmommy.org

 

Pregnancy without toxins

Pregnant and green, no, I’m not talking morning sickness!  If you are pregnant or going to become pregnant then there are a few things you should consider in order to reduce your exposure to chemicals and possible birth defects to your baby.  As I am now pregnant with baby #2 my motto is you can never be too careful.  Research as much as you can and take time to think about the everyday things you do and how they might affect your baby.   Here are a few things to consider:

• Organic Foods:  Of course eating healthy is the first step along with a good prenatal vitamin.  But you not only want to think about healthy food choices but also how many chemicals, hormones, and steroids your taking in each day.  Its very important to eat organic as much as possible with meat, dairy, and produce in order to limit your exposure to chemicals and pesticides in the food.  Choose  fruits and veggies that are organic especially for the ones that are high in pesticides.  Try to eat organic milk, cheese, eggs and yogurt for calcium and if you can’t find organic meat then try to get hormone and antibiotic free.  This will help lower your baby’s chances of being resistance to antibiotics which is becoming more prevalent in our children these days.  Also you want to eat brown rice and whole wheat bread over the “white” varieties which use chemicals to bleach the flour and strip the food of all the nutrients it once had.   Avoid heating up food in plastic containers to avoid chemicals leaching into your foods. 
• Renovate your home:  The news of a little bundle of joy makes almost everyone I know want to change their home around and redecorate.  Its easy to get caught up in decorating the nursery with cute and cuddly things!  But really you don’t want to do any major remodeling in your home at this point.  Of course if your in an older home you could risk exposure to lead paint, mold, and a slew of other chemicals if you go taking down walls or ripping up carpet.  Just the same if you put new carpet down or vinyl flooring it can release chemicals which over long term could be harmful to the baby.  If you need to put new carpet down consider a natural alternative carpet such as wool which is non toxic.    If you want to freshen up the paint in the nursery let the hubby do it when you are not home and use the new VOC free paints that are available.  I have used the Freshaire brand and there is absolutely no smell or chemicals to worry about.   
• Pesticides:  If its summer when your pregnant try to avoid lawns that are treated with chemicals and pesticides.  Parks and playgrounds are targets for these so they have a well maintained “fresh” look.  You can call your town office to find out what they use and when they spray.  Of course if you have a pest problem in the home you want to avoid spraying any bug sprays in the home.  If you absolutely must then again have the hubbie do it when you are going to be out of the home for a long period of time and open all the windows. 
• Arsenic:  Most people think of this as a poison used in a murder mystery.  But its actually quite easy to be exposed to arsenic because it can leach out of pressure treated wood.  You want to avoid touching outdoor wood structures such as picnic tables, child play structures, and decks.  Make sure you dont walk barefoot on them and keep food out of contact just in case.
• Lead:  Most of us think about lead in paint but really you can be exposed to this in crystal glassware, antique ceramics, and even scented candle wicks.  If you are unsure you can buy a lead test kit or probably easier just avoid eating and drinking out of these items for now.
• Clean air:  The EPA says there is more pollution indoors than outside many times.  Open up the windows and let some fresh air in whenever possible.  Keep house plants around in each room which act as a natural filter.  Make sure that filters in air conditioners and furnaces are cleaned regularly. 
• Cleaners:  While you want your home to be clean and free of germs for the little one you want to avoid any harsh cleaners that contain several chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled.  Try using natural alternatives such as white vinegar and baking soda to clean the house.  They are cheaper, smell better, and do just as good of a job.  I promise you will be surprised!
• Baby Registry:  This is one of the most fun parts of being pregnant.  Its like shopping for free and there are so many great choices these days for the nursery.  Take the time to find out what eco products your baby can benefit from.  If your on a fixed budget then consider buying organic cotton pj’s, onsies, and blankets for baby which will be closer to his skin.  If you can afford it then look into all the great sheets, mattresses, and cribs that are eco-friendly.  Choose baby bottles that are glass (my favorite) or BPA free plastic to avoid any chemicals leaching into the baby’s formula.   Look for BPA pacifiers as well and toys that are eco-friendly and free of chemicals. 

Most of all enjoy your pregnancy and the anticipation of your babies arrival.  Take time to research things now because once the baby is here chances are you will have little free time!  Pass this along to all the mommies to be you know! 

www.theorganicmommy.org

 

Time to catch up….

I have been so bad about posting lately.  One reason is my husband has been laid off of work so I have more people in the house to deal with.  Second I am pregnant with baby #2 and my morning sickness has been just horrible so writing on the computer was the last thing I was interested in. 

So I am still buying organic foods but only what we absolutely use the most and are the worst offenders of pesticides and chemicals.  With no money except unemployment coming in right now I have to be really careful.  So I still buy organic milk, juice, grapes, apples, peppers, potatoes, and spinach.  Everything else depends on what deals are at the store!  So far we have only used our wood burning stove or our infra-red electric heater and have no plans of buying oil this year.  If we can make it through the season this way I will be very happy as we will only spend $400 on heating this season. 

So now that I am feeling better more posts to come soon!

 

Paycheck to paycheck organic

 These are my top five ways I have found to live more green and save some green.

1.  Stop buying expensive cleaning supplies for your house.  All you need is this all natural multi-purpose cleaner.  I use it for everything in the bathroom and kitchen and love it!  2 cups water, 1 cup white vinegar, and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide.  Safe to use around kids (great for the highchair tray) and pets.

2.  Compost your food scraps.  I just started composting a few weeks ago.  I always felt ok about throwing away food thinking that its biodegradable and that it wouldn’t affect the environment.  Duh!  If you put food in plastic bags then it doesn’t break down quickly and releases gases harmful to the environment.  I got a stainless steel pail with a lid that I keep right next to my kitchen sink.  It looks fancy so you would never guess its a compost pail.  It holds about two days of food scraps and then I take it out back to my compost garbage pail.  I took a regular garbage pail with lid that secures, drilled rows of holes in it and voila.  I add dried leaves and grass clippings as well as all the food scraps, coffee grinds, and egg shells.   Since I have to pay for garbage pickup it makes sense to have less of it and it saves me more trips out to the garbage pails. 

3.  Organic goodnight.  I always wanted to have all organic cotton bedding and sheets but could never afford it.  Its just so expensive.  So instead I decided a more budget friendly alternative would  be to buy organic cotton pj’s so at least my skin is covered in organic cotton even if my sheets cant be.  They are still a little expensive but for a tank and pj bottom it would be around $35 and the organic bedding is hundreds.

4. Reuse and recycle.  I always try to save furniture and old bedding because you can do so much with it.  Especially when you have kids its great to repurpose an old lamp into a fun kid lamp with a few accessories from the craft store.  I looked at the fabric clearance table the other day and I got two yards of “thomas the train” fabric for $4 total.  I had two old picture frames that I used to frame the fabric and now my son has two large framed thomas pictures for $4!

5.  Spend organic smart.  I know I’ve said it alot but if you have to stick to a budget then use your money wisely to get the most organic bang for your buck.  Buy dairy, meat, and fruits and veggies that are high in pesticide organically.  I always buy strawberries, peaches, apples, peppers, spinach, and potatoes organic.  I rarely buy organic onions, blueberries, or watermelon because they are very low in pesticides. 

Post some of your favorite budget organic tips!

www.theorganicmommy.org

 

Do you know how important bees are?

I have to admit that lately I am a little addicted to the Burts Bees line of products.  They are a little pricey but so far I think they are worth every penny.  I love the baby wash, sunscreen, and all natural mosquito repellant.  Anyway, my point is that some info on their website made me realize just how important the honeybee really is. 

Did you know that every third bite of food that you eat depends on bees for pollination?  Already we are hearing about food shortages so can you imagine if we lost 30% of the fruit and vegeatable plants that we rely on to feed our families?  You may have heard about the Colony Collapse Disorder that is affecting bees in recent years; it is a mysterious dissapearance of the honeybee that can be linked to habitat destruction, misuse of pesticides, invasive species and global warming. 

So what can be done to help?  First you can plant wildflower seeds in your yard that might attract honeybees.   They especially like the following:  Calendula, Daisy, Purple Coneflower, Sunflowers and Sweet William Catchfly.  Also they thrive in organic farms with fruit and veggie plants free of pesticides. 

You can also buy local honey.  It will taste better because it isnt mistreated to have a long shelf life so it will taste more floral.    Also you are keeping trucks off the road and supporting local beekeepers so they can continue to help bees and polination.

Honeybees have been on this earth for 25 million years so lets not let them die off now!  Plant something in your garden just for them and maybe even look into beekeeping.  Its supposed to be an interesting hobby and you get to eat your own honey!

 

www.theorganicmommy.org