Children's Tylenol Recall 2010

I am sure that you have already heard about the "Tylenol© Recall" for childrens' Tylenol© products that also include Motrin©, Zyrtec© and Benadryl©. In case you haven't, here is a list of the products that are being recalled due to "manufacturing deficiencies".

If you have purchased any of these products, you can ask for a refund or product coupon here.

Some alternative natural treatments for colds and allergies are: using normal saline, nasal suctioning, and using a humidifier and/or personal steamer.

Here are some other natural alternatives to help with two of the most common issues Tylenol© is used for:

To reduce fever:
* Take a vinegar sponge bath. Pour ¼ to ½ cup of white vinegar into a tub of warm water and soak in it for about 10 minutes. Make sure to keep the bathroom temperature warm as well.
* Drink strong elderflower or peppermint tea. Have several cups until the fever breaks.
* Try herbal tea ice pops. This is a cool way for children (and big children) to enjoy herbal tea, since some people are not fond of the taste of some herbal remedies.
* Keep hydrated. Focus on water, herbal teas, sparkling water with lemon, low-salt broths, and products like Emergen-C and other fizzy vitamin drinks without sugar.

For Pain (talk to your Doctor before giving any of these to children):
Disclaimer: I have not used these methods personally. http://www.examiner.com/x-2994-Phoenix-Alternative-Medicine-Examiner~y2009m7d2-Natural-alternatives-to-acetaminophen
* Skullcap: The leaves of the Scutellaria lateriflora are used for medicinal purposes. Remedies can relieve joint aches and pain, fibromyalgia pain, tension headache pain, and help muscle spasms. Suggested doses are 1 to 2 grams daily of the dried herb; 2 to 4 ml (40 to 120 drops) of fluid extract three times daily; or 500 mg twice daily of the capsule or tablet. It is not usually given to children.
* Capsaicin: This is the active ingredient in chili peppers, and it is available in a cream or gel and applied topically to relieve nerve, joint, and muscle pain. It works by interfering with substance P, a chemical involved in transmitting pain signals to the brain. It is usually applied three to four times daily.
* Curcumin: The herb turmeric contains curcumin, a substance that can block substance P from sending pain messages to the brain. A suggested dose is 400 to 600 mg taken three times daily for pain and inflammation.
* White willow bark: Before there was aspirin, there was white willow bark (Salix alba). This herbal remedy contains salicin, which converts to salicylic acid in the stomach and is helpful in relieving pain, fever, and inflammation. A suggested dose is 1 to 2 dropperfuls of white willow bark tincture daily.

What natural methods do you use instead of over the counter medicine?

What is more dangerous? The Swine Flu or The Vaccine?

It is hard to know which is worse - the illness or the vaccine. With the H1N1 virus making headlines every night and the media reporting that we all might die (of course I am exaggerating... a little) it seems silly to not run out and get the vaccine as soon as it is available. But what about the vaccine?

I have been doing a lot of research on the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine. The more I read, the more I am certain that neither myself nor my family will be getting either vaccine. Here are some articles that highlight why.

1) Thimerosal, organic mercury, swine flu and you.
2) Ten Swine Flu Lies Told by the Mainstream Media
3) Why swine flu vaccines just don't add up: Doing the (fuzzy) math
4) Warning: Swine Flu Shot Linked to Killer Nerve Disease

For me and my family, we will take our chances with the flu. We will make sure we are careful about washing our hands and we will load up on vitamin D.

I was just called "crazy" at work today. I work in a public building. My department is on one side of the building and the Health Department is on the other side. They are having the first Flu Shot clinic today (not for the H1N1 vaccine - it will not be available until late October). I was asked where my band-aid was and when I said that I was not getting the shot they looked at me in disbelief and then said, "You are just going to take your chances? Even when your pregnant?". It took everything I had in me to stay off my soap box. I wanted to explain to them that they should do research before blindly following the media and lining up for the vaccine. I wanted to explain the worrisome ingredients used to make the vaccine (here and here). I wanted to tell them some of the side affects of the vaccine. But I didn't. I just smiled and said, "Not a chance". They wouldn't have listened to me anyway.

If you are looking for some natural ways to build your immunity to the seasonal and swine flu, you might like these articles:

1) How to Build Natural Immunity against the Swine Flu
2) Vitamin D deficiency linked to more colds and flu
3) Low Vitamin D Increases Flu Death Risk in Kids

What are your feelings on the seasonal flu vaccine and the swine flu vaccine? Will you be getting it? Will your children?

What is more dangerous? The Swine Flu or The Vaccine?

It is hard to know which is worse - the illness or the vaccine. With the H1N1 virus making headlines every night and the media reporting that we all might die (of course I am exaggerating... a little) it seems silly to not run out and get the vaccine as soon as it is available. But what about the vaccine?

I have been doing a lot of research on the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine. The more I read, the more I am certain that neither myself nor my family will be getting either vaccine. Here are some articles that highlight why.

1) Thimerosal, organic mercury, swine flu and you.
2) Ten Swine Flu Lies Told by the Mainstream Media
3) Why swine flu vaccines just don't add up: Doing the (fuzzy) math
4) Warning: Swine Flu Shot Linked to Killer Nerve Disease

For me and my family, we will take our chances with the flu. We will make sure we are careful about washing our hands and we will load up on vitamin D.

I was just called "crazy" at work today. I work in a public building. My department is on one side of the building and the Health Department is on the other side. They are having the first Flu Shot clinic today (not for the H1N1 vaccine - it will not be available until late October). I was asked where my band-aid was and when I said that I was not getting the shot they looked at me in disbelief and then said, "You are just going to take your chances? Even when your pregnant?". It took everything I had in me to stay off my soap box. I wanted to explain to them that they should do research before blindly following the media and lining up for the vaccine. I wanted to explain the worrisome ingredients used to make the vaccine (here and here). I wanted to tell them some of the side affects of the vaccine. But I didn't. I just smiled and said, "Not a chance". They wouldn't have listened to me anyway.

If you are looking for some natural ways to build your immunity to the seasonal and swine flu, you might like these articles:

1) How to Build Natural Immunity against the Swine Flu
2) Vitamin D deficiency linked to more colds and flu
3) Low Vitamin D Increases Flu Death Risk in Kids

What are your feelings on the seasonal flu vaccine and the swine flu vaccine? Will you be getting it? Will your children?

Another Reason Breast is Best

Not all women have a choice to breastfeed or not. But if you have a choice, although it is a very personal choice, more research has come out about the benefits of breastfeeding. On top of the already valuable list of reasons, a new study shows that breastfeeding actually helps to protect women who have a family history of breast cancer. Not only is that good news but the amount of time you breastfeed doesn't seem to be a big factor. According to the study, only 3 months worth of breastfeeding (and it doesn't have to be all at once, it can be split between babies) offers this protection!

Here is the full article:

http://www.typeamom.net/breastfeeding-protects-women-with-family-history-of-breast-cancer.html

Breastfeeding Protects Women with Family History of Breast Cancer

Written by Jodi Cleghorn

A new study into the link between breast cancer and breastfeeding provides new evidence as to why breastfeeding is especially important for women with a family history of breast cancer.

The study by Dr. Alison Stuebe and colleagues at the University of North Carolina found women with a family history of breast cancer radically reduced their risk of developing invasive premenapausal breast cancer by breastfeeding. The effect was comparable to taking an anti-estrogen drug such as Tamoxifen for five years. Unlike Tamoxifen, breastfeeding has advantages for both mother and child.

Previous studies have been mixed regarding the protective effect of breastfeeding. Dr Stuebe believes these studies may be flawed due to cancer patients being asked to recall their breastfeeding history after diagnosis.

Using a prospective study model Dr Stuebe and colleagues looked to collect information on breastfeeding and breast cancer before diagnosis. They drew their information from the Nurses' Health Study II using the data of 60,000 women who reported giving birth in 1997.

Women were asked also to describe their breastfeeding practises. They were also asked if there was a family history of breast cancer and if they had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

They followed the cohort through to 2005 to see how many developed cancer in that time. At the end of the study 608 cases of invasive premenopausal breast cancer were identified. The average age at diagnosis was 46.

Women with a mother or a sister with breast cancer were found to have reduced their risk of developing cancer by 59% as a result of breastfeeding. There was no difference found in women who did not have a family history of breast cancer.

"This could be because there's something about genetically caused breast cancer that's affected by breastfeeding," said Dr Stuebe, "or it could be because rates of breast cancer were so low in women without a family history that we couldn't see an association in this data set."

The good news is protection is not dependent on the length of time a woman breastfeeds. The important point in question is whether a woman breastfeeds or not. The protective effect is apparent with just three months of breastfeeding - which may be accumulated from one child to the next. This means a mother breastfeeding each of her two children for six weeks will still gain the benefit. There was also no difference in women who exclusively breastfed compared with women who breastfed and supplemented. (1)

There is still no answer as to why breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. The researchers suspect when women do not breastfeed, inflammation and engorgement shortly after birth causes changes in breast tissue that may increase the risk for breast cancer. This inflammation may be prevented by breastfeeding and weaning.

A recent study by the Centre for Disease Control found half the women gave up breastfeeding before they wanted to. "Mothers and babies need supportive hospital policies, paid maternity leave, and workplace accommodations so that they can meet their breastfeeding goals," Dr Stuebe says. "Public health begins with breastfeeding."

One wonders in an era of public health policy which asks us to stop smoking, limit our alcohol consumption, eat better and exercise more, all of which attack big business profits and advocate no profit activities, if there should not be more room to aggressively promote breastfeeding on the same platform.

References

Based on the Chapel Hill School of Medicine Press Release at Media NewsWire

Alison M. Stuebe; Walter C. Willett; Fei Xue; Karin B. Michels. Lactation and Incidence of Premenopausal Breast Cancer: A Longitudinal Study. Arch Intern Med., 2009; 169 (15)

(1) Breastfeeding May Cut Breast Cancer Risk Kathleen Doheny at EmedicineHealth

Jodi Cleghorn is a Brisbane mother, writer, lactivist and natural birth advocate. When she's not writing breastfeeding articles she is working on her fiction stories including a new novella and a new publishing project Chinese Whisperings. Her new blog Writing in Black and White chronicles her journey as a writer, editor and publisher. This week she's enjoying a quiet house for the first time in two weeks!

The beginning of the harvest

One of my favorite things about our backyard (besides the waterfall and pond) is the garden than my husband built for me.  I only get to use it for about 5 months but it is SO worth it.  This year, I planted 4 types of tomatoes: Champion, Super Fantastic, Roma and Yellow Pear.  So far, I like all of them A LOT except for the Roma tomatoes.  The Roma's are good - way better than store bought Roma's but compared to the Champions and Super Fantastics they are very bland and dry.  I also planted two squash plants, which I unfortunately lost to evil squash bugs, a Sweet Banana Pepper and a green Bell Pepper.

Around the yard, we also have grapes, blackberries, strawberries, a red delicious apple tree, a golden delicious apple tree and blueberries. All are producing fruit this year, their second year, except the blueberries which we just planted this spring.

Most of the produce is not ready yet but we have been able to start enjoying the tomatoes and this weekend, grapes! We were all excited about the grapes.

I will post more pictures of the garden and the yard but to start, here are some pictures of my first big harvest this year!

All of produce is grown organically - no pesticides or toxins at our house!

It is World Breastfeeding Week!

August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week and helps to remind us how important breastfeeding is for all babies across the globe. For information on why the breast is best, you can go here and here.

Here are a few great breastfeeding resources:

WABA Website

Best for Babes which includes tips on how to avoid Breastfeeding Booby Traps

Le Leche League International

Breastfeeding.com

Earth Mama Angel Baby wants to help you with breastfeeding.  They are offering 15% off Natural Nipple Butter, Milkmaid Tea and Booby Tubes for the entire month of August. Coupon Code: BoobyTubes04.

I fully plan on breastfeeding, for as long as possible, and I know that I need to start reading and researching so I can be prepared and have a better understanding what I need to do and what I can do to avoid "booby traps".

What are your tips, tricks and stories for successful breastfeeding or the trials and tribulations you had while trying to breastfeed? Did you enjoy it? Was it worth it? What would you do differently?

That was my reaction when my alarm went off at 6am this morning and the very first thing I heard was a broadcaster saying, "So bad, in fact, that

That was my reaction when my alarm went off at 6am this morning and the very first thing I heard was a broadcaster saying, "So bad, in fact, that the risk of cancer could increase by 75%".  The information shocked me so much that I ALMOST didn't hit the snooze button one last time.

How scary! Personally, I have not used a tanning bed very many times - usually only out of necessity - you know, like Prom.  Not because I don't like it - I do - but because my Mom complained about it every single time I went and reminded me how bad it was for me to go.  So, thanks Mom!  If it wasn't for your nagging comments I may have gone more often. Ps. To my Mom - this in no way indicates that you were right about everything. ;p

Here is the full article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32187497/ns/health-cancer/

Tues., July 28, 2009

LONDON - International cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas.

For years, scientists have described tanning beds and ultraviolet radiation as "probable carcinogens."

A new analysis of about 20 studies concludes the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30. Experts also found that all types of ultraviolet radiation caused worrying mutations in mice, proof the radiation is carcinogenic. Previously, only one type of ultraviolet radiation was thought to be lethal.

The new classification means tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation are definite causes of cancer, alongside tobacco, the hepatitis B virus and chimney sweeping, among others.

The research was published online in the medical journal Lancet Oncology on Wednesday, by experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, the cancer arm of the World Health Organization.

"People need to be reminded of the risks of sunbeds," said Vincent Cogliano, one of the cancer researchers. "We hope the prevailing culture will change so teens don't think they need to use sunbeds to get a tan."

Most lights used in tanning beds give off mainly ultraviolet radiation, which cause skin and eye cancer, according to the International Agency for Cancer Research.

The classification of tanning beds as carcinogenic was disputed by Kathy Banks, chief executive of The Sunbed Association, a European trade association of tanning bed makers and operators.

"The fact that is continuously ignored is that there is no proven link between the responsible use of sunbeds and skin cancer," Banks said in a statement. She said most users of tanning beds use them less than 20 times a year.

But as use of tanning beds has increased among people under 30, doctors have seen a parallel rise in the numbers of young people with skin cancer. In Britain, melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, is now the leading cancer diagnosed in women in their 20s. Normally, skin cancer rates are highest in people over 75.

Previous studies found younger people who regularly use tanning beds are eight times more likely to get melanoma than people who have never used them. In the past, WHO warned people younger than 18 to stay away from tanning beds.

Cogliano cautioned that ultravoilet radiation is not healthy, whether it comes from a tanning bed or from the sun. The American Cancer Society advises people to try bronzing or self-tanning creams instead of tanning beds.

So what do we do now? Well, we can't go back in time and delete any of our 15 minute tanning bed sessions so we just have to move forward and be smart and safe. Don't go to tanning beds - even if you have a vacation in Mexico coming up (Not that "I" have ever done that, of course) and wear sunscreen that is safe for you when you are outdoors. For information on sunscreens that are safe for you and your family, go here.

Great family, outdoor entertainment just got cheaper! Over 100 National Parks that usually charge an entrance fee are waiving the fee this weekend

Great family, outdoor entertainment just got cheaper! Over 100 National Parks that usually charge an entrance fee are waiving the fee this weekend!

For a list of National Parks that are waiving their fee this weekend (listed by State), go here.

For a list of other dates when fees will be waived, go here.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Announces All Products Score Zero on Skin Deep Rating

EARTH MAMA ANGEL BABY ANNOUNCES SKIN DEEP RATING
OF ALL PRODUCTS IS NOW ZERO

June 23, 2009 - Clackamas, OR - As women become more concerned about the ingredients in the personal care products they use while pregnant, and on their children, Earth Mama Angel Baby has set a new standard for truly toxin-free, natural products. All Earth Mama Angel Baby products are now rated a "zero" on the Skin Deep database (www.cosmeticdatabase.com), a guide to cosmetics and personal care products from the Environmental Working Group. (Earth Mama Angel Baby's USDA Certified 100% Organic line of teas is not listed in the Skin Deep database, which is only for personal care items. The teas are regulated by the USDA.)

"We know of no other company that manufactures products for pregnancy or baby care with an entire product line rated a zero," said Melinda Olson, CEO and Founder of Earth Mama Angel Baby. "We continually source new raw materials and work on formulations of products that can replace current ingredients with newer, safer ingredients as they become available," she added.

Olson explains that science and chemistry have only begun to catch up with the demand for toxin-free products. Because ingredients that preserve and emulsify the products are necessary to prevent bacteria and mold growth, finding safe, organic raw materials that solve these issues is a constant challenge.

"Preserving products for shelf-life is obviously necessary, and we are not satisfied unless the chemistry used is as safe as possible," she explains. "In some cases, certified organic ingredients are just not available, so we change our formulations as they become available, or as better alternatives are found."

"I'm proud to have come this far," said Olson. "It has been a long process, but we will continue to keep sourcing and working with the best new materials available, and our goal is a 100% certified organic product line, certified to the highest standard now available, the USDA NOP."

Earth Mama Angel Baby is currently working in tandem with the Organic Trade Association and the American Herbal Products Association to create a version of the NOP standards appropriate for personal care products. The USDA NOP was developed to certify organic food, making some personal care products impossible to certify with this standard.

A Gold Member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and one of the earliest signers, Earth Mama Angel Baby is fully compliant with all phases of the compact, which include registration of all applicable products in the Skin Deep database with detailed ingredient information.  Users who search the database can find independent ratings on the ingredients used in products of both compact signers and non-signers as well as see the status of companies as compliant or non-compliant with the Campaign's standards.

To use the database, simply go to www.cosmeticdatabase.com and type in the type of product you wish to search, or a company name. Searches and information are free.

About Earth Mama Angel Baby^®:

Earth Mama Angel Baby was founded by nurse, herbalist, and concerned mother Melinda Olson. Her mission is to treat the common symptoms of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care with pure, safe herbal remedies. Her knowledge of traditional herb medicine combines with evidence based research to help soothe and comfort mamas and babies naturally. All Earth Mama Angel Baby® products and teas are formulated without harsh chemicals, toxins or preservatives, and have the best safety ratings in the exceptional Skin Deep toxicity database. Proudly pure, Earth Mama Angel Baby® products are made only with worry-free ingredients: no 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde, phthalates, or toxins of any kind. That's Mama's Promise^TM.

Contact: Sheri Wallace, prmama@earthmamaangelbaby.com for interviews, photos or samples.

9866 SE Empire Court

Clackamas, OR 97015

503-607-0607

www.EarthMamaAngelBaby.com

www.BabyLossComfort.com

New Choices for Glass Baby Bottles

Glass baby bottles are making a big comeback.  They are the safest option for your baby as they do not contain chemicals (no BPA or any other dangerous chemicals that have been or are yet to be discovered).  Glass bottles are easy to clean and sterilize.  They retain their heat longer than plastic and last longer. And if that wasn't enough, glass bottles are environmentally friendly and can be recycled.

The biggest complaint about glass bottles is that they are heavy and are breakable. Which is true, but glass bottles have come a long way.  All of the glass baby bottle options below come with a protective sleeve.  Most of the sleeves are silicone (1 is thermal) and all of the sleeves help protect your baby, the bottle and your floors.

Here are some different choices for Glass bottles:

BornFree Glass Bottles come in 5 oz and 9oz sizes and offer a silicone sleeve.  According to their website, "with the new innovative air vent that helps eliminate colic symptoms". These are the same great bottles BornFree has been known for making for years but now in glass.

Wee*go Glass Baby Bottles are 9 oz bottles that come in the colors seen above. They offer a silicone sleeve and all parts of the bottle are "food grade, FDA approved and recyclable."

Munchkin: Mighty Grip Glass Bottles are available in 4 oz or 8 oz sizes and in pink, green or blue.  According to the Munchkin website, "made with sturdy, natural glass for worry-free feeding, Munchkin's bottles include sleek lines, easy-to-grip sides and a vented nipple system that helps prevent gas and colic."  The silcone sleeves are sold separately and also available on the Munchkin website.

Evenflow Glass Baby Bottles available in 4 oz and 8 oz size and in a variety of colors. Another bottle standard that has been proven for years but now available in glass!

Sweet Pea Glass Baby Bottles are offered in 5 oz and9 oz with a variety of colored covers.  Both safe and stylish!

Skiliskin Glass Baby Bottles an 8oz bottle available in aqua, pink, gray and white.

Coddletime Borosilicate Glass Baby Bottles are available in 9 oz and come green or oranage. "Our signature nipple is wide, soft, stretchy, and easier for baby to latch onto. It mimics breastfeeding action, and prevents nipple confusions".

Momo Glass (quartz) Baby Bottles are available in 4 oz, 5 oz and 8 oz sizes.  With every 3 pack of bottles you buy, you get one thermal cover.

Medela also offers a version of their baby bottle in glass. Unfortunately though, for now, they do not offer any type of protective sleeve.

For more information on the chemicals found in many plastic baby bottles, check out this report.

Although I plan on breastfeeding my babies there are times when breastfeeding is not an option.  It is so nice that there are such great choices out there now.

Is your sunscreen safe?

"May the sun shine all day long, everything go right and nothing  wrong. May those you love bring love back to you, and may all the wishes you wish come true!" ~ Irish Blessing

It is that time of year again - when we can enjoy the sunny outdoors!  But we have to be careful or those fun, sunny activities are followed by painful, dangerous sunburns.

But what is just as bad?  Many of the sunscreens on the market!  According to Natural News, new studies say that 84% of sunscreens on the market are harmful to us.  Many contain inadequate protection, ingredients that break down in the sun, or even chemicals that are harmful to us and are known to cause cancer.

Don't fret though! SkinDeep.com has come to your rescue and rated (from 0-10, low hazard-> high hazard) 1,095 common, and not so common, sunscreens to help you pick what is best for you and your family.

Top 10 products (limited to one product per brand)

Soleo/Atlantis Resort Organic chemical free sunscreen SPF 30+

Keys Soap Solar Rx Cosmetic Sunblock, SPF 30

California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+

Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30

Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stick spf 30

Marie Veronique Organics Creme de Jour Tinted, SPF 30 (light face screen made with non-micronized zinc oxide)

Devita International solar protective moisturizer 30

Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40

Corrective Skin Care Anti-oxidant sunscreen non water proof UVA & UVB protective SPF 30

UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+

Here are some that might be easier to find -although they don't all have quite as good as rating.

Recommended products from popular brands

Blue Lizard Australian Suncream Lotion, Sensitive, SPF 30

Blue Lizard Australian Suncream Lotion, Baby, SPF 30+

Blue Lizard Australian Suncream Lotion, Face, SPF 30+

California Baby Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance, SPF 30+

California Baby Sunscreen Lotion Natural Bug Blend, SPF 30+

California Baby Sunscreen Lotion Everyday/year-Round, SPF 30+

California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+

California Baby Sunblock Stick Everyday/year-Round, SPF 30+

CVS Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 45+

Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas Mineral Based Physical Sunblock, SPF 30+

Kiss My Face Face Factor Paraben Free, SPF 30

Kiss My Face 100% Paraben Free Sunscreen with Oat Protein, SPF 30

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30

Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer, Sensitive Skin, SPF 30

Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer, SPF 30

Skinceuticals Physical UV Defense, SPF 30

Solar Sense Clear Zinc, for Face, SPF 45

Walgreens Sunblock with Zinc Oxide for Face, Nose & Ears, SPF 45+

And just as important, here is a list of major brands that have no recommended sunscreens.  All of these are rated a 3-6, moderate hazard or worse:

Aubrey Organics (6), Avalon Natural Products (8), Aveeno (21), Banana Boat (41), Biore (1), Biotherm (11), Bull Frog (9), Burt's Bees (2), Cetaphil (2), Clean & Clear (2), Coppertone (41), Cover Girl (4), Dove (4), Dr. Scholl's (2), Elizabeth Arden (12), Eucerin (5), Garnier (3), Gillette (1), Hawaiian Tropic (10), Jergens (2), Juvena (2), La Roche-Posay (5), Lancome (28), LORAC (5), Lubriderm (1), Maybelline (1), Murad (9), Nature's Gate (7), Nivea (4), Paradise Gold (4), Phisoderm (2), Pond's (2), Purpose (2), RoC (6), Skin Simple (1), Target (.method) (1), The Body Shop (3), Vichy (2), Zia Natural Skincare (3)

To check out the full report or to look sunscreens up individually go here.

On a personal note, I have used Badger sunscreen with good results.  This year I plan on trying California Baby sunscreen.  I like all of their other products so much that I want to give their sunscreen a try as well.

Have you tried a sunscreen that is rated as low hazard?  I would love to hear your reviews!

Organic Pet Products

It is no wonder we want to take the best care possible of our pets.  They are our friends, our companions, our allies. Organic pet products offer the same benefit to pets as they do humans: better nutrients, less chemicals and pesticides, better for the earth.

Our Green House offers a line of organic products for your cats and dogs that includes supplies, toys and pampering items.

Shouldn't we treat our pets, our best friends, as good as our family?

GreenishPink is featured on Wife, Mom, Woman!

GreenishPink.com was featured on Wife, Mom, Woman! Check her blog of green products out! http://wifemomwoman.wordpress.com/2009/05/07/how-green-are-you/

Starting to navigate the world of cloth diapers...

Before I was pregnant, I had already made my mind up about a couple of things:

I will use cloth diapers

I will use glass bottles

Of course, it was easier to come to this decision than it has been to understand all the styles, brands, and choices. Luckily there are only 3-4 solid choices for glass bottles (with a sleeve). Cloth diapers, however, are a completely different story. Just type "cloth diapers" into Google and you are inundated with 1.6 million results.

I was very thankful to find Pampered Buns which has a nice overview of the different types of cloth diapers along with the pros and cons of each style.

As I continued my search, I came across Kelly's Closet which has a huge selection of cloth diapers (not to mention much more) and makes browsing the different styles and brands easy - even for someone new at this!

Check them out by clicking the link to the left or clicking here:

Great green gifts for Mother's Day!

Mom is special - no doubt about it.  And although we should appreciate her, and show her we appreciate her, year around, it is extremely important that we make sure she knows we love her on this one day a year that is dedicated to her.

Here are some great GREEN gifts to give Mom to show her how much you appreciate all that she did and still does:

Flowers: Moms love to get flowers (except for mine!). Flowers are beautiful and unnecessary - the perfect treat! Check out these great bouquets, wreaths and plants from Organic Bouquet and California Organic Flowers.

Herb Garden:  Does your Mom like have fresh ingredients ? Then an herb garden may be the perfect gift. Check out this organic herb garden from Olive Barn.

Candles: Does Mom like candles? Then get her some candles that are more eco friendly but still work great and are better for you! Try Beeswax or Soy Candles.  Not sure why these types of candles are better?  Check out these two articles: Article 1 and Article 2

Chocolates: If your Mom loves chocolate, she will love there all natural and wonderful tasting chocolates and confections made by Vere Chocolates.

Makeup: Help Mom feel beautiful with a new look. Affordable Mineral Makeup is a green company that sells all natural and some organic makeup.  They offer everything from foundations to lip gloss, brushes to eyeliner.  Not sure what color is best for Mom? Contact me: brenda@purelynaturalminerals.com or buy a gift certificate and let her pick out her own.

Not into the material items?  How about a homemade gift certificate?  You can make it good for a cup of coffee, a nice dinner or a day of yard work.  Or you can buy Mom a piece of our planet. Sponsor one of the many beautiful National Parks we are so blessed to have in her honor. Check out Sierra Club for details.

Kiwi Magazine to plant a free tree for you!

In honor of Earth Day, Kiwi Magazine will plant a tree via www.mokugift.com. Mokugift trees are planted in Central America, Africa and Asia by local farmers that practice sustainable farming techniques that fight poverty and global warming.  You can also send trees to your friends and family for only $1!

Go here for details!

10 easy ways to go green and help the environment

In honor of Earth Day, 10 easy ways to go green and help the environment:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/latest/green-tips-10-easiest?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr&kw=ist

1. Stop Idling

Every moment you spend idling your car's engine means needlessly wasting gas, as well as rougher wear on your vehicle. Idling for more than 10 seconds wastes more gas than is needed for startup. Overall, Americans idle away 2.9 billion gallons of gas a year, worth around $78.2 billion.

2. Turn Off Your Computer

Save energy and wear and tear on your hardware by shutting down your computer at night. You'll save an average of $90 of electricity a year. The Department of Energy recommends shutting off your monitor if you aren't going to use it for more than 20 minutes, and the whole system if you're not going to use it for more than two hours.

3. Sign Up for Green Energy

More than half of all electricity consumers in the U.S. now have the option of purchasing green power from their utility. Find out how you can buy it by visiting the Department of Energy's state-by-state list of providers. You can also check with your own utility to see what's available.

4. Turn Down the Thermostat

It definitely pays to give a thought to your thermostat, since most households shell out 50 to 70% of their energy budgets on heating and cooling. For every degree you lower the thermostat, you'll save between 1 and 3% of your heating bill. Do the same thing in reverse with air conditioning.

5. Wash Your Laundry in Cold Water

An easy way to clean green is to turn the dial on your washing machine to cold. Most loads don't need hot water, and 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes into heating. The higher the water temperature, the higher the cost to you and the planet.

6. Pay Bills Online

Save natural resources - as well as late fees - by enrolling in online bill-paying options. Paperless billing not only saves trees; it also eliminates the fossil fuel needed to get all those billing envelopes from them to you and back again. Plus, you'll save money on stamps.

7. Jettison Junk Mail

Around 100 million trees and 28 billion gallons of water are used to send junk mail to Americans every year, according to greendimes.com. You can stop 75% of unsolicited mail by registering on the Mail Preference Service on the Direct Marketing Association Website (for a fee of $1). Within 90 days, most unsolicited mail will stop.

8. Print on Two Sides

Know what? It's not that hard to print two sides on your computer. But even though most software programs give that option, most of us still print only on one side of the page. Consider this: the U.S. alone uses 4 million tons of copy paper annually, about 27 pounds per person. Save dough and your local landfill. Print 2-sides.

9. Carpool It!

If your drive to work is 25 miles each way and at least half is in typical stop-and-go traffic, you'll save almost 10 percent of your monthly carbon emissions by carpooling. Not to mention the gas dollars you'll save and the fun you'll have sharing office gossip with your friends.

10. Choose Hormone-Free Milk

Look for milk that has been certified organic or carries the words 'no artificial hormones.' Conventional dairies inject cows with synthetic recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), aka bovine somatotropin (rbST), to boost production. The practice has been implicated in udder infections, requiring more veterinary antibiotic use, and is banned in many countries. Some scientists worry the hormones may affect consumers.

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How many of these do you follow? I pretty faithful about following #4, 5, 6, 7, 10.  I am working on #1 and 8. I am very bad about #2 - we have to make sure our computer is on during the night for updates and at home, well, it is so much easier to get to something really quick when it is already on. Terrible, I know!  Mike and I used to carpool to work (#9) when we worked together but now we work on the opposite side of town from one another.  I do pick him up for lunch on our 'Date Lunch' day - maybe that counts for a fraction of a point. :)

More great deals to help celebrate Earth Day!

Many of the fine women from Unique Women in Business are offering great Earth Day Sales - even more reason to celebrate!

Wabi Brook Studio: 20% off anything in the store!

Pink Papaya: 35% off all items!! Email Erin at ejtobias@yahoo.com with your order.

Fashion Touch: 20% off all orders and free shipping on orders of $30 or more!  Send a message to the seller with the subject "Earth Day"

Intimate Expressions: 15% off all orders! Orders must be emailed to chris.pester@yahoo.com and paid through Paypal

Design Knit Fun: 20% off all orders and free shipping (discounted international shipping)!

FemmePetal: Free shipping on all orders! put "uwib" in the coupon section.

Wildtree Herbs: 10% off all orders! Orders must be emailed to chris.pester@yahoo.com and paid through Paypal

Mojo Indigo: Free shipping on all orders!

and don't forget: Affordable Mineral Makeup™: 10% off all orders and a free 10g jar of makeup - your choice of color - on all orders over $100.  Details: http://purelynaturalminerals.com/2009/04/21/10-off-and-free-makeup-for-earth-day/

Check out these great shops and these great sales today!  And hurry! Sales only last until midnight.

Freebies, Deals and Discounts to Celebrate Earth Day!

What better way to celebrate then to go shopping?  Personally, I can think of none!  Here are some great sales to help you celebrate:

Affordable Mineral Makeup™: 10% off all orders and a free 10g jar of makeup - your choice of color - on all orders over $100.  Details: http://purelynaturalminerals.com/2009/04/21/10-off-and-free-makeup-for-earth-day/

Louis Vuitton: To commemorate Earth Day on April 22nd, Louis Vuitton will donate 15% of all on-line U.S. sales on Earth Day to The Climate Project. Details: http://www.nitrolicious.com/blog/2009/04/20/louis-vuitton-to-donate-15-on-sales-on-earth-day/

Mini Me Geology: In celebration of Earth Day, April 22nd, we are offering 22% off all orders of $22 or more through the 22nd! Details: http://www.minimegeology.com/blog/2009/04/17/earth-day-sale-at-mini-me-geology/

OrganicBouquet.com:  20% sitewide savings in honor of Earth Day! Details: http://www.organicbouquet.com/c_341/Earth-Day-Eco-Sustainable-Flowers-Plants-Gifts.html

Amazon.com: Offering sale prices on all kinds of items.  From detergent to cell phones to gardening supplies to toys and so much more! Details: http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=1260993011

Disney: Take 3 empty plastic bottles into a Disney Store and receive a free gift (like a reuseable tote bag)! Details: http://disneyshopping.go.com/

Payless: They are currently having a BOGO sale.  Much cooler than that: They just launched a new shoe line that is eco-friendly and they donate $1 from all sales to The Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees Campaign. Details: Payless

Starbucks: Take in your own travel mug (or buy one there) and they will fill it with freshly brewed coffee for free.  Also, they will give you $0.10 off every time you bring in your own mug through out the year. Details: http://www.starbucks.ca/en-ca/_Social+Responsibility/Earth+Day.htm

Whole Foods Market:  Free reusable grocery bag to the first 100 customers on Earth Day!

Are you just getting started and need more deals and discounts?  Check out these articles:

http://suddenlyfrugal.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/more-free-stuff-for-earth-day/

http://suddenlyfrugal.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/free-stuff-for-earth-day/

Are your children's bath products safe?

This article published by the SafeCosmetics.org highlights the importance of all natural and organic personal care products for ourselves and our children. Remember, what we put on our bodies, is absorbed into our bodies.




http://safecosmetics.org//article.php?id=414


New Report: No More Toxic Tub

Getting Contaminants Out of Children's Bath & Personal Care Products
by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics


Despite marketing claims like “gentle” and “pure,” dozens of top-selling children’s bath products are contaminated with the cancer-causing chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, according to the March 2009 Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report, "No More Toxic Tub."


This study is the first to document the widespread presence of both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in bath products for children, including baby shampoos, bubble baths and baby lotions. Many products tested contained both chemicals.


What We Found

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics commissioned an independent laboratory to test 48 products for 1,4-dioxane; 28 of those products were also tested for formaldehyde.

The lab found that:

17 out of 28 products tested – 61 percent – contained both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.

23 out of 28 products – 82 percent – contained formaldehyde at levels ranging from 54 to 610 parts per million (ppm).

32 out of 48 products – 67 percent – contained 1,4-dioxane at levels ranging from 0.27 to 35 ppm.




Health Concerns

While a single product might not be cause for concern, the reality is that babies may be exposed to several products at bath time, several times a week, in addition to other chemical exposures in the home and environment. Those small exposures add up and may contribute to later-life disease.


Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known carcinogens; formaldehyde can also trigger skin rashes in some children. Unlike many other countries, the U.S. government does not limit formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, or most other hazardous substances in personal care products.


Where They Come From

The chemicals were not disclosed on product labels because they're contaminants, not ingredients, and therefore are exempt from labeling laws.


Formaldehyde contaminates personal care products when common preservatives release formaldehyde over time in the container. Common ingredients likely to contaminate products with formaldehyde include quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.


1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of a chemical processing technique called ethoxylation, in which cosmetic ingredients are processed with ethylene oxide. Manufacturers can easily remove the toxic byproduct, but are not required by law to do so. Common ingredients likely to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane include PEG-100 stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, polyethylene and ceteareth-20.


What You Can Do

Contrary to industry statements, there are no regulatory standards that limit formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane or most other toxic chemicals in personal care products sold in the United States. There are signs the U.S. is gearing to catch up, but for now it's up to consumers to consider carefully before they buy.


Here's some suggestions for safeguarding your family's health:

Simplify: Select products with fewer ingredients and no synthetic fragrance or dyes, and use fewer products overall.

Choose safety: Search EWG's cosmetic safety database, Skin Deep, to learn more about the products you use and find safer alternatives. Also check out EWG's Safety Guide to Children’s Personal Care Products.

Read labels: Select products for baby and yourself that don't contain the ingredients listed above, which are commonly contaminated with formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane.

Take action! Can’t memorize these lists? Nobody can. If harmful contaminants and ingredients weren’t allowed in products, you wouldn’t have to. Tell Congress you want safe cosmetics for babies, adults and everyone in between.

Spread the word: Send an e-card letting friends and family know about this report.


Status Update

A major supermarket in China has pulled Johnson & Johnson products from the shelves amid concerns that the products are contaminated with carcinogens, driven by our testing. The Chinese government is also reportedly testing products. The Vietnamese Drug Administration announced March 16 that it will test baby products in that country. So far, there has been no action by the U.S. FDA.


Go here to see the full report.