Plastic and Garbage Island

When you have some time, sit down, pull up this link and watch this 12 part video series. Eye opening and mind boggling. (Warning: It has an occasional naughty word)
http://www.vbs.tv/video.php?id=1485308505&r=teaser

Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)

Know what perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are? If not, its time to learn about these chemicals, how you are exposed to them, and why it matters (you certainly won't find them on any labels but they are in products you purchase and eat).

Check out the EWG Enviroblog on this subject matter for more information:

http://www.enviroblog.org/2009/03/pfoa-in-butter.html

Eco Friendly Exercise

Interested in an eco friendly work out? Then get yourself a pair of K2's Eco Maia (women) or Etu (men) rollerblades and protective pad set! Not only are they made of recyclable/sustainable materials, but a portion of the proceeds are donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Skate Stats:
100% Bamboo frame
100% Post Consumer Recycled PET Liner
50%Post Industrial Recycled PET Mesh
100% Laces made from Recycled PET
100% PVC Free

Pad Set Stats:
37% Recycled PET Sandwich Mesh
100% Post Consumer Recycled PET Liner

*PET = Polyethylene Terephthalate (A Resin Made From Ground up Water & Soda Bottles)

The shipping box is made of 70% recycled materials and printed with soy based inks.

Check out their website for more information on how K2 is "Save our Planet, One Skate At A Time."

www.k2skates.com/eco

Reusing Food Bags

Have you ever thought about the number of bags you throw away on a regular basis? Everything from bread to produce to chips come in bags. Rather than throw them away...save them and reuse for dirty diapers, cleaning out the litter box, or picking up presents from your pup in the yard.

Another Reason to Avoid That Nasty High Fructose Corn Syrup

Apparently high fructose corn syrup has mercury in it...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20090126/hl_hsn/studyfindshighfructosecornsyrupcontainsmercury

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mercury/

Natural Pesticides/Repellents

Ditch the dangerous, conventional pesticides laced with synthetic poisons that are linked to immune-system disorders, hormonal disruptions, fetal defects, and many cancers. Natural pesticides and repellents are available at most stores, but you can easily make your own.

Boric acid or Diatomaceous earth (can be found at gardening centers) are safe and effective against ants and cockroaches. Sprinkle it around baseboards, under sinks and any other areas they hang out in.

Ants are also deterred by spearmint, peppermint, cayenne pepper, clove and cinnamon.

Fend off flies with sweet basil or clover and fleas with citrus oils, garlic or cedar. Citronella, neem and eucalyptus oils ward off mosquitos.

These are just a few remedies for pests. For more information on natural alternatives to pest control, check out these sources:

Earth Easy
Care2
Planet Natural
Pest Information

* From "Nine Things to Kick Out of the Kitchen" by Michael Witeman-Jones in Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine Fall 2008

Real vs. Artificial

I have often found myself wondering which was better...a real or fake Christmas tree. I love the smell of a fresh tree, but must admit the needles can be a bit of a pain to clean up. So I looked very thoroughly at a few artificial trees just to see what my options were when I came across an itty bitty warning at the very bottom of a box that stated the tree contained lead and it was necessary to wash one's hands after touching it. That sealed the deal for me. With 4 kids and 2 dogs, there is no way a lead laced tree is going up in my house. While my mind was made up the minute I saw the warning, the researcher in me couldn't leave it at just that. I had to read more...so for those of you who are still debating or are just curious, here are two sites I found very useful:

http://www.christmastree.org/faketrees.cfm
http://environment.about.com/od/greenchristmas/a/christmas_trees.htm

May your holidays be filled with joy no matter what type of tree you choose!!!

P.S. We sold our house and have been in the midst of packing, thus the long break and future spotty postings. My apologies, but I promise to be back in full swing as soon as we get settled in the new home!