Eco-Friendly Cookware

I’m always looking for more healthy ways to prepare and serve meals to my family.   There is a lot of talk nowadays about the harmful effects of PTFE and PFOA used in Teflon based non-stick cookware.  Studies have shown that  Teflon coated pans release perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a "likely carcinogen" and other chemicals when heated to 360 celsius, admittedly far above normal cooking temperatures. PFOA has been linked to cancer and birth defects in animals and is in the blood of 95 percent of Americans, including pregnant women.

I came across the Cuisinart GreenGourmet Eco-Friendly Cookware and was pleasantly surprised by what I found out.  I try to cook mostly without my non-stick cookware but I hate using oil when I don’t have to and I hate the messy clean-up from my regular pans.  So I decided to give the GreenGourmet skillet a try.

WOW.  That just about sums up my description of this product.  I’m seriously so impressed that I just had to share my find with other mothers who might be looking for similar products.  This skillet is truly better than any non-stick pan I’ve tried.  Eggs come right off without using any oil, butter or spray!  Nothing sticks to this pan, and you can cook extra healthy meals by not needing to use oils or butter.

A little more about the cookware:
Cuisinart GreenGourmet cookware is good for the environment because is uses manufacturing techniques that reduce harmful carbon emissions by consuming less energy. Featuring a ceramic-based nonstick coating made without the use of petroleum, exclusive Cuisinart Cermica cookware helps to conserve our natural resources and lets you cook with a good conscience. Rest assured that Cuisinart uses only packaging that is made for 100% recycled materials and is printed with soy ink. Beautiful stainless steel handles stay cool on the stovetop and are constructed of 70% recycled stainless steel-great protection for you and the environment! It can go directly into the oven and be used for top-browning and broiling foods unlike traditional nonstick surfaces. Energy-efficient and eco-friendly with the same high standard of quality you expect from Cuisinart, this collection proves it's easy being green.

Made with scratch-resistant nonstick ceramic-based surface

Water-based Ceramica nonstick surface won't peel off, free of PTFE and PFOA

Superior heat conductivity resulting in less energy use; oven- and broiler-safe

70 percent recycled, riveted, stay-cool stainless-steel handle

Limited lifetime warranty; hand wash only; oven safe up to 500 degrees F

I truly recommend this cookware for anyone looking for either a greener/safer way to cook or an all-around better non-stick pan!

Best Beach & Sport Sunscreens (safe for babies and kids!)

from Environmental Working Group

Choose from among our top rated sunscreens for broad spectrum protection with fewer hazardous ingredients. And follow our sun safety tips to protect your skin for a lifetime.




Loving Naturals Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Rating: 0



Heiko Kids 40 SPF
Rating: 0



Goddess Garden Kids Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+
[+1 other products by manufacturer]
Rating: 0



California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+
[+2 other products by manufacturer]
Rating: 0



Badger Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 30, Unscented
[+2 other products by manufacturer]
Rating: 1



Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stick, SPF 30
[+1 other products by manufacturer]
Rating: 1



Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+
[+2 other products by manufacturer]
Rating: 1



UV Natural Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30+
[+2 other products by manufacturer]
Rating: 1



Suntegrity Skincare All Natural Moisturizing Face Protection SPF 30
Rating: 1



Kasia Beautiful Health Skincare Good Day Sunshine
Rating: 1

see all sunscreens
Does your sunscreen work? EWG's investigation of 552 beach and sport sunscreens finds that 2 out of 5 contain chemicals that may pose health hazards or don't adequately protect skin from the sun's damaging rays. Some of the worst offenders are leading brands like Coppertone, Banana Boat, and Neutrogena.
More Americans than ever are using sunscreen to protect from sunburn and guard against skin cancer. Top choices include products with high SPF ratings, and that are waterproof or that advertise "broad spectrum" protection.

Most people trust that the claims on the bottle will ensure that the product truly protects their health and their families'. Nothing could be less certain. Until FDA strengthens and finalizes sunscreen safety standards first drafted 31 years ago, consumers can't be confident that products on store shelves are safe and effective.
We found 70 sunscreens claiming SPFs from 55-100+ that might tempt you to stay out longer in the sun, but they block just 1 to 2% more sunburn rays than an SPF 30 sunscreen. These products violate FDA's sunscreen safety standards.

Four percent of high SPF sunscreens (SPF of at least 30) protect only from sunburn (UVB radiation), and provide poor protection from UVA, the sun rays linked to skin damage and aging, immune system problems, and potentially skin cancer. FDA does not require that sunscreens guard against UVA radiation.

DON'T LIKE THE FEEL OF MINERAL SUNSCREENS?

Many consumers don't like to use these zinc- and titanium- based sunscreens because they can be hard to use and they often leave a ghost-hued residue. Others just want to avoid using products with nano-particles. If you fall in these categories,see a list of the top non-mineral sunscreens.

BPA in Canned Foods Causes Concern For Pregnant Women

from Growing Your Baby




Many parents worry about their children ingesting the chemical called BPA, or bisphenol A, from canned foods. Yet, pregnant women are at just as much risk from exposure to the chemical in their foods.


In a report released by the National Workgroup for Safe Markets, foods sold in metal cans can vary greatly from one can to the next as to how much BPA they have. Researchers fond that while one can of food may have low to moderate levels of BPA, another can of the same food can be tested with high levels. Some cans were tested to have levels of BPA high enough to cause changes in cells and linked to increased aggravation.


Nearly 92 percent of canned foods contain some levels of BPA in them. The National Toxicology Program has stated that there are concerns that constant exposure to this chemical can cause changes in the development of the brain, behavior and the prostate gland in children, before and after birth. Eating foods sold in metal cans that have BPA in the lining can pass the chemical to a developing fetus easily.


The National Workgroup for Safe Markets is calling for a ban on BPA linings by Congress. Some companies, such as Eden Foods and Muir Glenn, have already begun selling their products in BPA-free cans. So far the countries of Canada and Denmark already restrict the use of BPA in some products.


However, the Grocery Manufacturers Association claims that there is evidence that BPA is safe.
Obstetrician Hugh Taylor of Yale University School of Medicine studies the effect of BPA on prenatal development, and recommends that all pregnant women eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible.

“The entire life of that individual may be altered by a few months of BPA exposure in pregnancy. This is where the greatest risk lies. We are programming the hormonal response of the next generation. The worst effects may not become apparent for years.”

BPA is found in many common household products, from plastic bottles to paper receipts. Its use in children’s toys and baby bottles has been very controversial, leading some companies to market BPA-free products. – Summer, staff writer

Hurray, It’s a Giveaway! Baby Star Quick Change Diaper Pouch

Quick Change Diaper Pouch by Baby Star

The QUICK CHANGE is the perfect pouch for carrying diapers and wipes and is available in Baby Star's 16 exclusive design. The pouch has gusset sides and a reinforced base that allows for expansion and it fits four large diapers plus a wipe case comfortably.

size: 6"x10"
styles: decorative fabric pouch.
detail: 100% cotton, imported and machine washable.
 
All products are FORMALDEHYDE-FREE, making them safe for baby and the environment
Functional style for those unexpected emergencies, Baby Star's quick change diaper pouch can hold up to four diapers and a flat wipe case. Perfect for short trips with your baby star. All of their products are made of 100% cotton and plush fabrics that are formaldehyde-free and AZO-free, making them safe for baby and the environment.

Lots of colors to choose from!  Click HERE to see them online.

BOYS

 

GIRLS




UNISEX

ABOUT BABY STAR

We believe a baby star is born every day. Baby Star is a baby apparel and accessories company that creates products for the design-savvy parent and the texture-loving child. Born out of the desire to balance style and functionality, Baby Star strives to create essential items for both baby and parent in a clean, simple and modern way. All of Baby Star's products are made out of combinations of 100% cotton and formaldehyde-free fabrics, making them safe for baby and the environment. Baby Star believes in responsibility, sustainability and creating safe products for children.

ENTER TO WIN!

To win a Baby Star Quick Change Diaper Pouch in your choice of color, send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “Baby Star.”  Winner will be chosen at random.  Contest ends Thursday, May 27th at noon est.  Even if you’ve won other contests with us you can still ender to win!

Plasticizers~Hiding Where & Causing What?

from Hip Moms Go Green


Many people think of plastic just being one thing: plastic. Unfortunately, plastics are many different substances combined, and can come in many different varieties depending on how they are made, with varying levels of toxins and danger depending on how the plastic is used. One of the most common ingredients are plasticizers, particular compounds that are used to make materials more flexible. One of the most famous types of plastic, PVC, has a significant amount of plasticizer additive, although in this case the compound is used to make PVC more durable instead of flexible (with the plasticizer, PVC pipe would crack and split).

You may be surprised in the other common materials that use plasticizers, too. Some types of concrete, for example, use plasticizers to create stronger bonds and make it easier to spread out before it dries. Plasticizers are used in the manufacturing of certain types of wallboard, not because they add any permanently useful qualities, but because it allows companies to use less water so the board will dry faster.

What is the problem with these ubiquitous plasticizers? Well, they are part of a family of chemicals known as phthalates, which are made by the billions of pounds every year across the world. Phthalates have been proven to wreck havoc with the body’s reproductive system, causing everything from birth defects in males to increased chances of breast cancer. Numerous animals studies have shown a propensity for phthalates to damage the female reproductive system, the liver, and the kidneys as well.

This would not be so hazardous if plasticizers stayed sealed within plastic products, but they do not: phthalates tend to leech out of the plastic into surrounding substances, especially food or tissue. Plastic cups, food packaging, and plastic plates or dining ware

made with plasticizers are all possible contaminators of food. Even your nail polish may be a culprit. Medical devices are also suspect–you know those bags they store blood in for intravenous injection? Some are made with plasticizers, which have the ability pass into the blood, and then to the patient (so far manufacturers do not have a problem with this, since the toxins help the blood last longer in the bags).

Fortunately, not all manufacturers use plasticizers. But, you may want to skip the plastic-wrapped cheese, which has tested with some of the highest levels of leeched plasticizer compounds. When buying meat or pre-packaged vegetables and fatty foods, try to find products that are wrapped in paper products rather than the more dangerous cling wrap.

Guide to Vaccines

Everything parents need to know about immunizations

By Lisa Moran, Parenting.com
Children today are immunized against 16 diseases, including hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, pneumonia, polio, chicken pox, flu, H1N1 (swine) flu, rotavirus, and the human papillomavirus (HPV). It can be overwhelming and scary for new parents to try to sort through all of the information -- and misinformation -- out there on the topic of vaccines. Bottom line: Immunizations keep our children safe from deadly diseases, and any risk they may pose is far less than the risk of getting the disease itself.

Vaccine FAQs
Vaccination Schedule
Hepatitis B (Hep B)
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
Polio (IPV)
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)
Rotavirus
Influenza (Flu Shot)
H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Varicella (Varivax)
Hep A
HPV
At the Doctor
Mom's Experience
Age-by-age Guide
Support