Go au Naturel with Hevea Baby Products Pacifiers, Teethers, and Bath Toys

from Daily Candy



You considered not having an epidural — for about twenty seconds. There was nothing sustainable about that pain.

However, when it comes to caring for your little bundle, going au naturel is the only option. Hevea, a new-to-the-U.S. Danish import, makes it easy with pacifiers, teethers, and bath toys made from natural rubber.

Combining Scandinavian design with responsible manufacturing practices, the company easily passes the mommy test. But the real scrutiny begins when the goods land in the hands (and mouths) of babes.

Our pint-size tester took to the ergonomically designed paci right away (it dips down for little noses), the teether provided just the right amount of bite for her nagging gums, and the bath toys sailed through the tub without a hitch. Bath time bonus: The duck, fish, and frog don’t have holes, so water and muck can’t get stuck.

In other words, they’re painless.

Available online at heveababyusa.com, $9-$40.

5 High Impact Ways to Create a Healthy Home Environment for Kids

from The Soft Landing



The Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment released some amazingly helpful tips for parents who want to decrease toxic chemical exposure but aren’t quite sure where to start.

1. Bust That Dust
House dust is one of the main sources of children’s exposure to toxic substances, most of which come from normal wear-and-tear on consumer products.

• Clean with a good quality vacuum, or simply a damp cloth or wet mop. (Dry dusting just circulates the dust back into the air.) Vacuum or wet-mop once a week; twice a week if you have a crawling child.
• Take your shoes off at the door to minimize the amount of dirt brought inside. Use washable entrance mats, and launder them separately from clothing.
• Reduce the amount of dust in the home by minimizing clutter and by storing toys in closed containers.
• Helpful resources:
  • What’s on the Menu Today? CPCHE flyer on toxic chemicals in dust
  • Child Health and the Environment – A Primer (see section on Indoor Air and Dust, page 65, and more dustbusting tips on page 101)
  • Safe Renovations: Introduction – part of the CPCHE safe renovations fact sheet series
  • Playing it Safe: Carpets

2. Go Green When You Clean

• Wash your hands often, using regular soap and warm water: doctors recommend against using antibacterial soaps.
• Use non-toxic cleaning products. Baking soda is a good scouring powder for sinks and tubs, and vinegar mixed with water works well for windows, surfaces and floors.You don’t need to use bleach for most cleaning tasks.
• Don’t use air “fresheners.” Also, choose fragrance-free laundry detergents, and avoid using dryer sheets. The fragrances (or “parfum”) in these products can contain potentially harmful chemicals.
• Avoid dry cleaning, or find a cleaner that uses non-toxic methods. closed containers.
• And, of course, keep all cleaners and other household chemicals out of the reach of children.
• Helpful  resources:
  • Child Health and the Environment – A Primer (see p. 105 for toxic reduction tips related to cleaning and personal care products)
  • Buying Products for the Child Care Centre fact sheet (includes advice on cleaning products)
  • Your Child’s Skin May Act More Like a Sponge Than a Shield flyer addressing fragrance and other potentially harmful substances in personal care products
  • Playing it Safe: Carpets

3.  Get Drastic with Plastic

• Don’t use plastic containers or plastic wrap in the microwave, even if the packaging says “microwave-safe.” Harmful chemicals can move from the plastic into food and drinks.
• Store food in glass or ceramic containers, rather than plastic.
• When heating milk, use a non-plastic container. When the liquid has cooled to lukewarm, transfer it to bottles.
• Eat fresh or frozen foods whenever possible to reduce exposure to BPA, a chemical used in the lining of most food and drink cans.
• Avoid teething toys, bibs, bath toys, shower curtains and other items that contain PVC or vinyl (a type of soft plastic). These items can contain harmful chemicals called phthalates, which were banned in children’s toys in June 2011.
• Helpful resources:
  • Playing it Safe: Plastics
  • Avoid Toxic Plastics Using Recycling Codes as a General Guide

4.  Renovate Right

• Children and pregnant women should stay away from areas being renovated, to avoid being exposed to potentially harmful substances.
• Control and contain all dust. Seal off the rest of the house from the renovation site with plastic sheeting and duct tape and close heating and cooling vents. particularly in older homes (built before 1978), renovation dust can contain high levels of lead, which is toxic to the developing brain.
• Choose less toxic paints, finishes and glues. Look for products labeled “VOC-free,” “zero-VOC” or “low-VoC.” open the windows and use fans to bring in fresh air during and after use of these products.
• Keep your work clothes and shoes in a separate hamper, or in a shed or garage. wash them separately from other laundry.
• Helpful resources:
  • Safe Renovations: Introduction
  • Safe Renovations: Lead in Paint
  • Safe Renovations: Asbestos
  • Safe Renovations: Solvents, Glues and Paints
  • Playing it Safe: Carpets

5.  Dish Safer Fish

• Choose varieties of fish that are low in mercury, a chemical that is harmful to the brain. Healthier choices include atlantic mackerel, herring, rainbow trout, wild or canned salmon, and tilapia.
• If you eat canned tuna, look for “light” varieties, as these are lower in mercury than albacore or “white” tuna.
• If you catch sport fish in local waters, check your province’s or territory’s advisories to see whether it is safe to eat.
• Helpful resources:
  • Child Health and the Environment – A Primer (see sidebar “Fish Advisories: Limiting Methylmercury Exposure” on pages 60-61)

See?  You can do it!  CPCHE’s tips align perfectly with our mission of helping you navigate the overwhelming world of the most worrisome toxic chemicals one simple step at a time.  Small changes make for big results in this world of little exposures that pile up to affect your body burden.
>> Download the full brochure “Creating Healthy Environments for Kids” for more great info.

The new "dirty dozen" list of produce

from Yahoo Green



A new report published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) might make you re-think that "apple a day" -- if it's conventionally grown using pesticides.

According to the group's annual"dirty dozen" list of fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues, apples ranked number one as the most-contaminated item, up from number four last year.

Other changes from the 2010 findings: this year, cherries dropped off the list, and lettuce, previously absent, now appears at number 11. The EWG uses data compiled by the USDA to produce these findings.
Dirty Dozen 2011

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Nectarines (imported)
7. Grapes (imported)
8. Sweet bell peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Blueberries (domestic)
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/collard greens

The "clean fifteen" are also included in the report - these are fruits and veggies with the lowest levels of pesticides so there's no need to waste your money on organic versions. Some popular items include watermelon and avocado.

The EWG points out that if consumers simply chose their daily recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables from the least contaminated list over five from the dirty dozen, they would reduce the amount of pesticides ingested by 92% - without having to shell out extra money for organics.

Clean Fifteen 2011

1. Onions
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapples
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet peas
7. Mangoes
8. Eggplants
9. Cantaloupe (domestic)
10. Kiwi
11. Cabbage
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet potatoes
14. Grapefruit
15. Mushrooms

Pesticides on produce

Conventional farmers use an arsenal of pesticides to protect their crops from insects, bacteria, rodents, molds, and fungi. These substances can end up in the food supply. Washing and peeling fruit and vegetables can lower pesticide residues, but not necessarily. When the USDA tests for pesticides, they wash and peel fruit the same way a typical consumer would.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Services acknowledges that scientists do not have a full understanding of the health risks associated with exposure to agricultural pesticide residues through food, soil, water, or air. They also report that farmers who use pesticides experience an increase in neurological symptoms and that the harmful effects on children are greater than on adults.

Recent studies indicate that pregnant women should also be careful of their exposure to pesticides. Three studies published in 2011 in the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives suggest pesticide exposure can harm the developing fetal brain.

Organic vs. conventional produce

Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. However, organics can be harder to find and prohibitively expensive. If you are concerned about consuming pesticides, the EWG's dirty dozen and clean fifteen lists can help you make the safest and most affordable choices.

Finding Time to Exercise When You Have Kids

from Hip Moms Go Green



Being married to a former professional athlete and being a former personal trainer, swim instructor, and dancer myself, I used to workout.  A lot.  After college, my weekdays consisted of 4 to 5 days of a solid running program, while my Saturdays were filled with about 4-5 hours of trails running, a spinning class, an aerobics class and lifting weights.  A little bit excessive, but it brought me joy.  Oh, the bliss of running with only the sound my footsteps against the dirt trail, my breath, my thoughts, and the panting of my running partner (my dog).

When I had my first child, those days came to a screeching halt.  Exercising had to be taken down to an hour at the most and about 3-4 times per week.  At the time, my husband was still an athlete, so we had plenty of opportunities to alternate workout routines.  He would swim and lift weights while I watched the baby or went for a walk with him, and then he would babysit while I took a spinning class and lifted weights.  I would even incorporate exercise as I put him to sleep.  Instead of rocking him to sleep, I would do deep knee bends to calm my fussy boy.  Usually, I got to 350 before he fell asleep.

The entire "running" crew before baby #2 came into the picture. Notice the lazy puppy under the stroller.
Once my son was a bit older, I maximized my workout time by running on our treadmill at home and doing circuit training with a friend as my son napped.  While pregnant with #2, my son started liking the baby jogger.  But when the weather got colder, I resorted to workout videos.  Though I highly enjoyed it, it inevitably took me 15 minutes longer to complete any workout because he always wanted to join in.  I even got him his own set of 1 and 2 pound dumbbells.

With kid #2 in tow, it made things rather challenging.  Okay really difficult.  I had to come up with more creative ways to be even remotely active, since it was super cold for months after her birth.  And once the weather did finally warm up, she despised being in her stroller.  She’s 15 months now and I can run for precisely 15 minutes before her patience runs out and an all-out screamfest ensues.  Sigh.

Exercise is usually the last thing you want to do or have time for when you have children, but it should be an integral part of your life.  And not only for health reasons.  I especially think it’s important to be a good role model for your children.  If you build those foundations early, there is a better chance that your kids will continue those lifelong fitness habits without giving it much thought or effort.  If nothing else, exercising helps you keep up with your kids by building stamina.  I know it sounds counterproductive, but exercise seriously makes you feel energized even when you’re feeling fatigued.  So how can you exercise when you become a parent?  I’ll be the first to admit that i have dropped the ball on several occasions, but here are a few tips that have helped me:

• The first thing you must do is to make fitness a part of your life.  Schedule it, commit to it and don’t complain about it. By making it a part of your daily life, you are teaching your children how imperative and natural exercise should be.  If you have to, enlist a friend to do it with you so that you hold each other accountable.
• Then include your kids.
• Make it fun for them and seem effortless to include exercise as part of your daily routine.  It’s much easier if you establish and keep a set time (for instance, every morning after breakfast).
• Remember that kids tire and get bored easily.  And they get hungry as soon as you step out the door.  Plan ahead – bring toys, blankets, diapers, wipes, snacks, and water (they dehydrate faster than adults). I usually can buy myself more time if I pull out a new toy or snack every few minutes when my child is in the stroller.
• Try not to push the kids’ limits or that will defeat the purpose of having them view this time as a fun time.
• If  you prefer not to include the kids and enjoy working out alone, that’s certainly okay.  Do an exercise video or use an at-home treadmill during nap time, before they arise in the morning, or after they drift off to sleep at night.  But I am still a big believer in making sure your kids see you workout at least a couple of times per week.

Now that we have that down, you must throw out all preconceived notions of what exercise should look like. Exercise can come in various forms.  Whatever your neighbor is doing or what you used to do may not be what you will be able to do now (for most of us anyway).  Be okay with that.  It’s a different season in your life.

You’ll probably need to adjust your plans daily and even be spontaneous at times.  Some days you may be able to run 30 minutes without stopping, other days you may squeeze in 10 minutes total or have to stop every 2 minutes to pick up a toy or calm a fussy toddler.  Go with it and try not to get frustrated.  At least you got something in.

You’ll need to get in touch with your creative side – the possibilities are really endless when you start to brainstorm a bit.  Here are just a few things you can do with (or without) the kids in tow:

• Exercise DVDs with the kids.  There are several I have seen online or even at the library that includechildren, but I find that my son likes the adults ones just as much.  He’s super cute and uncoordinated while trying the exercises, but gets such a sense of accomplishment when he does.
• Put on some music and dance, jump rope (even if you have no rope), do jumping jacks, jump on a trampoline or a combination of all four.
• Use your tiniest tots as weights for exercises like squats and lunges.  Strap one in a carrier or just hold a (squiggly) baby.  I even use my 24-pound daughter as a weighted med ball for crunches.  Boy, does it tire me out faster!
• Perhaps the most traditional way of working out with kids… get out the jogging stroller collecting dust in the garage.  You know, the one (that you vowed to use after the baby was born.  Use it for its intended use – to walk or jog!  (I find that my kids ike it better when I go faster.) Make it a better time for the kids by strategically stopping at a playground halfway.  Let them play and stretch out their legs for a while, then walk or jog back home.  When I ran with my son, we would stop at the train tracks (his favorite place).  While waiting for a train, he would get out of his stroller and we would do lunges together until a train passed by.  On days he didn’t feel like joining in, he would “help” me count my lunges.
• While you are at the playground, run the perimeter as you watch your kids.  If they are on the younger side, make sure you check-in often, as little ones need that face-to-face reassurance.  Many parks have pull-up bars you can use, but if not, use a makeshift one (monkey bars).  While you play with them, incorporate dips, push-ups, lunges, squats, step-ups, intervals – you name it.  You might get a few stares from other moms, but who cares?
• Go for a walk or hike with a tot strapped to your back for extra added weight (and extra calories burned).  Older children can hike or ride a bike beside you.
• Like to cycle?  Buy a bike trailer and let the kids enjoy the ride as you pedal through the streets or trails.
• If your kids like to go to the pool, run or walk in the shallow end while they play.  If your child is not old enough to play alone, carry your child playfully as you walk briskly in the water.
• Do yard work together – mowing, raking, digging, planting, etc.
• Make household chores fun by turning on the music and dancing while cleaning. Or make it a race.
• If you have stairs in your home, put them to use.  Run up and down them several times or jump.  I have even been known to do a modified step aerobics session using my stairs on a few occasions.
• Make it a goal to “train” for a specific race.  If your child is still on the young side, have them in a stroller as you walk or run the race.  With older kids, have them run with you or sign-up for the kids race.
• Not motivated enough to workout alone?  Join a class.  Check the web or call local gyms to see what is available in your area, but usually there are a few “Mommy and Me” options and groups – baby boot camp, dance classes and so forth.
• Make it a family affair.  Walk, bike, go on a nature hike, play basketball, play soccer, play tag, play catch, race each other, go bowling, go roller skating or ice skating.

If you still find it hard to fit in a block of exercise, exercise in parts throughout the day. Do 1 minute of lunges while brushing your teeth or showering.  Do a minute of push-ups (dips, squats, crunches, fill-in-the-blank) after accomplishing a task like picking up the toys, washing dishes, writing an email and so forth.
Just keep it light and fun for everyone’s sake, and soon it will be easy to establish it as a habit.

Avoid Toxic Plastics Using Recycling Codes as a General Guide

from The Soft Landing

What exactly are we trying to avoid in some plastics anyway? The biggest problem is a set of harmful chemicals called endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC).  EDC’s are synthetic chemicals that mimic or block hormones and disrupt the body’s normal functions. This disruption can happen through altering normal hormone levels, stopping or stimulating the production of hormones, or changing the way hormones travel through the body, thus affecting the functions that these hormones control.

EDC’s are found in ingredients used in everyday plastics, personal care products, flame retardants, insecticides and more. In recent studies, health effects linked to low-dose exposure to EDC’s included reduced fertility, male and female reproductive tract abnormalities, miscarriages, menstrual problems, early puberty, brain and behavior problems, impaired immune function, obesity, diabetes and cancer.
Children are at higher risk because these chemicals can effectively interrupt various stages of development.  Children also eat, breath and metabolize more than adults due to their rapid rate of growth, causing them to be even more susceptible.

Current regulation does not require that manufacturers label their products with materials used or recycling codes.  If you do find recycling code labels they can be used to help as a general guide, but keep in mind that they are not definitive.



What About That Study Showing That Even BPA-free Plastics are Bad?
As we teach folks about the pervasive nature of toxic plastic, we often see a look of helplessness settle over their faces.  It all seems so overwhelming, and many people respond with hopelessness, “If it’s all around us, then there really isn’t anything I can do anyway.”

And if you read that recent study and went straight into panic mode, it’s time to step back and look at the bigger picture.  The battle has NOT been lost – we’re just getting started!  The key is knowing how to choose your priorities and begin making changes there.  Starting with the easiest and most obvious offenders to quickly decrease your family’s exposure to unnecessary chemicals.

We make it a practice of working to eliminate plastics that have already been proven troublesome like BPA, which has been linked to endocrine disruption in over 200 studies.

Just think – if you simply replaced most of your disposable plastic products and started eating naked, you’d be eliminating a huge source of chemical exposure in your everyday life!

Deciphering Product Labels and Recycling Codes
Categories to avoid:


PETE or PET (#1):  Polyethylene Terephthalate is fine for single use, but begins to break down when exposed to heat and harsh detergents.  Commonly found in bottled water, soda bottles, cooking oil bottles and peanut butter jars.

PVC or Vinyl (#3 or “V”):  We are literally surrounded by Polyvinyl Chloride, making it difficult to avoid.  We’ll discuss its common uses, what makes it toxic and how best to avoid in upcoming steps.

PS (#6):  Polystyrene is commonly found in packaging pellets or “Styrofoam peanuts,” cups, plastic tableware, meat trays, to-go “clam shell” containers. Styrofoam cups, meat trays, and containers break down easily when coming in contact with hot, fatty foods.

Other (#7):  This plastic category serves as a catchall for any plastic other than the named #1- #6 plastic types. These miscellaneous plastic containers can be a combination of several plastic polymers and are often layered with 2 or more of the #1- #6 plastic types.  It’s important to note that not all #7′s are toxic, so specifically look for #7 (PC or polycarbonate) and avoid it. We’ll discuss its common uses, what makes it toxic and how best to avoid it in upcoming steps.

*NOTE:  We also recommend avoiding newer plastics until thorough testing has been done to verify their safety.  This is why we don’t recommend jumping over to Tritan copolyester quite yet.



Categories generally considered safer:


HDPE (#2):  High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is commonly used in detergent bottles and milk jugs.

LDPE (#4):  Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) can be found in dry cleaning bags, produce bags, trash can liners and some food storage containers.

PP (#5):  Polypropylene (PP) is the most common plastic used for sippy cups, reusable dishes and utensils.  It can also be found in baby teethers and    toys, large outdoor playhouses, kids riding toys, bottle caps, reusable water bottle lids and drinking straws.

Additionally, silicone, glass and wood are safer alternative choices and are not included in recycling categories.

Insist on Transparency from the Manufacturers of Your Favorite Products
Keep in mind that you are voting with every dollar you spend.  You’re telling the manufacturers of plastic products and the chemical industry what you will accept and what you won’t.  The more you support the companies who have gone the extra mile to remove toxic chemicals from their products (and even label them in every once in a while – have mercy on us all!), the more they’ll continue doing so.

And don’t forget, you can find an amazing grouping of safer products made by trustworthy manufacturers at The Soft Landing!

P.S. This little bit was taken from our Free Mini Course on Learning to Do Your Own Research, so be sure to sign up for the rest of the goodies! 

2011 Sunscreen Cheat Sheet is Here!

from Safemama



It’s here, the 2011 Sunscreen Cheat Sheet!  Each year this task gets tougher for many reasons.  One is the development of new ingredients and formulations.  Another is that there are now many natural sunscreens on the market from big and small companies that fit the bill.  I don’t have EVERY natural sunscreen out there in my list but I try to provide a wide variety of products at varying price points.  The biggest problem for some is the lack of availability in stores.  Sunscreen’s are not cheap  and paying shipping on top of a big price tag can set you back a handful. But the sunscreen’s I find to be the best performing are usually worth the few extra bucks.

Award Ceremony

Best Overall Sunscreen goes to Purple Prairie this year for their SPF 30 Sun Stuff.  They just reformulated their SPF 30 lotion and after trying it out I think this one is the best bang for your buck.  It works in every sunny situation, doesn’t leave you looking ghostly and has a great ingredients list.  Plus, your purchase supports small businesses.  A little goes a long way and after testing it out in sun, surf and swimming pools I think it protects great minus the greasy.  Double thumbs up.

Best Ingredients goes to Badger for all their sunscreens.  Every year Badger sets the bar for safe ingredients and this year is no exception.  It’s truly all natural and organic.  They have also gone a step further to up the ante on their sunscreen ingredient and are now using non-nano uncoated Zinc Oxide. Badger’s sunscreen is a top performer in protection especially with rough or lengthy swimming.  It’s the most water resistant sunscreen I’ve used and protects even after hearty swimming.  Badger is always a safe bet.  Totally worth the money, especially if you have swimmers.

Best Solid/Stick Sunscreen goes to Babo Botanicals for the Clear Zinc Sports Stick! This is a new product for the company and it doesn’t disappoint.  It smells like apples and goes on CLEAR.  I can’t stress enough how fabulous that is.  It protects, it stays on, it smells good and you don’t look like a channel swimmer gearing up for IronMan.  I don’t leave home without it.

Go ahead and check out this years sunscreen contenders.

The dangers of triclosan and how to avoid it

from Care 2 Green Living Blog



Triclosan, the controversial disinfectant that many associate with hand sanitizers, is actually in all manner of cosmetics and personal care products.

The Trouble With Triclosan

Triclosan is an antimicrobial, meaning that it kills harmful microorganisms. This can definitely be a good thing. If you’re in the hospital, for example, you want to know that everything from the nurses’ and doctors’ hands to their instruments are completely sterile. In a case like this, I think that you could make a pretty strong argument for using antimicrobials like triclosan.

The big problem with triclosan is that it’s become ubiquitous. It’s in a host of over the counter personal care products, and that means that it’s also in our bodies and washing down our drains.

There are quite a few health concerns associated with triclosan. It’s a suspected endocrine disruptor and carcinogen that accumulates in the body over time. Since it’s in so many products, many of us are exposed to triclosan on a daily basis through multiple products in our daily routine.

When triclosan makes its way into waterways, it breaks down into harmful dioxins, polluting waterways. When triclosan goes down the drain, it also gets mixed up with sewage sludge, and from there makes its way into our food supply. How does that happen? It turns out that EPA allows sewage sludge to be used as a fertilizer on food crops.

Over time, organisms that triclosan targets also start becoming resistant to the chemical. That’s bad news if you’re counting on the stuff to sterilize an operating room, for example. When we over-use these harsh chemicals, we make them less effective for situations where they could have been beneficial.
Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by SCA Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget

Common Products That Contain Triclosan

The other day, while brushing my teeth, I was idly reading the ingredients on my toothpaste tube, and what should I see? The second active ingredient, after fluoride, was triclosan! Of course, that got me curious about what else in my medicine cabinet contains triclosan, and a little bit of research was incredibly eye-opening. Here are some common personal care products that contain triclosan:

• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Pet shampoo
• Makeup
• Skin cleansers
• Dry shampoo
• Foot sprays and creams
• Bath soaks
• Mouthwash
• Hand sanitizers and soaps
• Shaving cream and shaving gel

Basically, this stuff is in everything. It’s often added to lengthen the products’ shelf life, so it could be in a product but not listed as an active ingredient.

Of course, not every brand of all of these products contains triclosan, and the best way to make sure you’re not putting this antimicrobial into your shopping basket and onto your body is to do some careful label-reading. Even products labeled as “natural” sometimes contain triclosan.

While keeping such a common ingredient out of the medicine cabinet might seem overwhelming, once you get into the habit of label-reading, it will start to become second nature. Who knew that activism could be as simple as reading through an ingredients list?

Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by bsing