Green News
Zero Waste Grocery Store
July 13, 2011 by Tonya · 1 Comment
Precycling Grocery Store
An upcoming grocery store in Austin, TX plans to promote precycling by having consumers bring their own packaging to the store! How does it work? Check out the diagram below and click here to watch the video. Sounds very innovative to me; too bad we don’t live closer!
Cell Phones as Possible Carcinogens
June 1, 2011 by Tonya · Leave a Comment
Cell Phones Pose Health-Risk?
The World Health Organization recently classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans. While it doesn’t say “absolutely” carcinogenic, the group of 31 scientists believe there is enough of a risk that further research is needed! The possible risks associated with cell phone usage: “brain cancer…developmental problems in kids, ringing in the ears, bone loss, concentration problems, and unsightly rashes.”
As an expectant Mom, this worries me since I am carrying an unborn child! And, I will think more about letting my child play with my phone. Not realistic to ditch your celly for good? There are several ways to reduce your exposure, according to Rodale News:
1.) Text instead of talking (not while driving though!)
2.) Use speaker-phone
3.) Tap call-forwarding
For more information about this recent announcement, check out these articles at WebMD and Rodale News. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Safe (and Not So Safe) Sunscreens
May 30, 2011 by Mecca · 3 Comments
Our current sunblock that leaves skin icky white.
The sun and I have an uneasy relationship. I love the sunny outdoors but with fair skin and red hair I have to be careful. Growing up I was always the kid swimming in a hat (no easy feat). Needless to say I have a long history with sunscreen, hats and sleeves. I’m always on the lookout for the safest yet easiest sunscreen options. My little guy and I use Earth’s Best / Jason’s Mineral Based SPF 30 Sunblock. Honestly it’s not great. It turns my skin completely white and getting the recommended gobs and gobs on your child’s face is not easy. And he looks like a ghost when I’m finished. And ew, it also gunks up under my nails.
BPA in Packaged Foods
April 6, 2011 by Tonya · Leave a Comment
Yes, you can reduce your BPA levels!
Recently the Breast Cancer Fund and the Silent Spring Institute completed a small study of five families to look at decreasing their BPA levels. After only three days of eating fresh foods (not packaged in plastic or canned) they showed a 60% decrease in BPA levels! Wow, that’s amazing to me. It’s bits of info like this that help motivate me to keep up with my family’s lifestyle. Sometimes I give in and buy the cans, but for the most part I buy fresh or frozen. It’s encouraging to know that every little bit adds up to decrease our BPA levels!
According to the Breast Cancer Fund, BPA is linked to the following: breast cancer, reproductive problems, obesity, ADHD, immune system harm and more. Click here to get the Top Canned Foods to Avoid wallet card.
Now, if I could just find the perfect stainless, spill-proof water bottle for my little one!
Food Dyes and Behavior
April 4, 2011 by Tonya · 4 Comments
A rainbow of dyes in our foods targeted towards children
When first becoming a parent and “going green” I read about the Feingold diet and decided it was best for my family to steer away from food colorings and such. Last week I was reminded of why I’m putting forth the effort to read food labels: the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is now reviewing research linking food dyes to behavorial issues in children. While the evidence does not point to causation, it does show a correlation with exacerbation of symptoms in those children who are diagnosed. This is enough for me to pause and think! Also, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) states that Europe has already banned most food dyes and those still allowed have to contain a warning label. I wonder what our FDA will decide to do?
Take a few minutes next time you’re at the grocery store and you’ll see food dyes in everything from cereal, crackers, pickles, and more. Some of my favorite cereals: Quaker Cinnamon Oatmeal Squares and Life have food dyes. Now, I choose the Barbara’s versions: Shredded Oats and Shredded Spoonfuls. They have less sugar and no food coloring. You can find Barbara’s cereals at Kroger on University Dr. and they are usually on sale too. 
What’s your take on dyes in your food? We’d love to hear from you! Also, if you have noticed food dyes affecting your child’s behavior take action and report it to the CSPI by filling out the form at this link.
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Madison County Curbside Recycling Expands
February 21, 2011 by Tonya · 2 Comments
Curbside Recycling expands to include cardboard and paper
Starting this week, February 21st, Madison County residents will be able to put cardboard in their curbside recycling bin! According to this article, recyclers can include: “junk mail, cereal boxes, small cardboard boxes, paper bags, office paper, envelopes, newspaper inserts, paperback books and comic books”.
This is awesome since we save so many cereal and cracker boxes at our house! They really do pile up, as you can see. It will be nice to recycle them weekly in our blue bin!
