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May 15, 2008
 We clean our homes to remove the dirt and germs that get in from our day to day living. But some green companies argue that by using conventional cleaning products, we might be bringing in more pollutants than we get rid of. Here’s a look at some of the products and services available today that offer a greener, cleaner alternative.
By Tracy McGinnis
Seventh Generation
The company offers a wide variety of cleaning products for kitchen, laundry, bathroom, baby, paper products, feminine care and a new scented line. In an interview with Martin Wolf, Director of Product & Environmental Technology at Seventh Generation, he said some of the major differences between their products and conventional ones is that they do not use ingredients that have a suspected toxic effect.
“Seventh Generation’s laundry products, dish liquids, and spray cleaners use only ingredients that are biodegradable and are designed for minimal impact on the environment, to be safer to use, and to work as well as premium conventional brands.”
Wolf says that when you’re shopping for an eco-friendly cleaner you need to decide if the product truly represents one that is eco-friendly.
“Be particularly careful of products that offer fragrances that sound natural, but are not specifically identified as such. Products that claim to be eco-friendly but do not list all their ingredients, or which use generic terms like “anionic surfactant,” cannot be adequately evaluated for their effect on human health or the environment.”
Dapple
These products were created for moms by moms, who felt there weren’t specific products available that cleaned everything their babies were getting into each day. The company’s products which include a dish liquid and dish detergent are free of chemicals including phthalates, which according to a company spokesperson, were recently banned from children’s products in California because of health concerns. Dapple’s products are made from 100% naturally-derived ingredients that are biodegradable and environmentally safe.
“The market is replete with products for babies’ hair, skin, and clothes, but nothing for the bottles, cups, and dishes they put into their mouths each day. And with recent warnings about chemicals like SLES and phthalates, we’re more aware than ever of the need to make sure the products we use for our children are safe,” said Tamar Rosenthal, Dapple co-founder and mother of three. “We’ve worked with a team of leading chemists and experienced pediatricians to create a line of cleansers that combine the best things found in nature to tackle even the toughest residues left by baby foods, both safely and effectively.”
Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
This affordable, non toxic cleaning product can be found in almost every home in America, but most may not realize how green that little box really is. A spokesperson for the company noted that Arm and Hammer was the first sole corporate sponsor of Earth Day in 1970 and began using recycled packing for their product as early as 1907. “They were also the first to introduce a non-phosphate detergent.” The product has a wide range of uses some of which include: deodorizing everything from drains to toys, cleaning fruits and vegetables, shining silver, to cleaning everything from microwaves to carpets.
How to clean green
If you’re ready to start using everyday household items at home, but not sure how to get started or what to use that will really work to get your home clean, books like “The Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps” by natural healthcare expert and best-selling author Brenda Watson, C.N.C. may be just the motivation you need.
A sample of recipes from Watson’s book shows that you only need a few main ingredients to get the job done. For example, a window wash cleaner uses only white distilled vinegar, liquid soap and water. Watson’s Lemon Floor Wash requires liquid soap, lemon juice, white distilled vinegar, lemon essential oil and water. To find more books like Watson’s visit your local bookstore or sites like Amazon.com
Green cleaning done for you
No time to clean, even if it’s green? Maid Brigade launched a green cleaning service last year with over 400 of their franchises nationwide and is the first national cleaning service to develop its own green cleaning system.
The company says their taking the “gray” out of green cleaning by using certified Green Seal products as well as micro-fiber cloths, HEPA-vacuum cleaners and allergy-free and anti-bacterial cloths and mops in their cleaning techniques. They have also launched Green TV where you can watch educational web casts about green living and hidden dangers in your home created by cleaning products and other pollutants.
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April 29, 2008
Michele Thompson, MS
You have heard of No Child Left Behind, an important initiative in promoting the education of your children. But did you know that the No Child Left Inside movement is just as essential in the health and success of your child? The incidence of childhood obesity, depression, ADHD and other behavioral and learning disorders has increased with the number of hours children spend plugged in to the TV, video games and the computer. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, has termed this problem “Nature Deficit Disorder.” Bridging the gap between your child and nature can help protect them from both physical and mental disease.
What is Nature Deficit Disorder?
Nature Deficit Disorder is not a medically diagnosed disease – not yet – but is a term that describes the waning connection to – and ebbing appreciation of – nature and the health benefits of making nature a part of your and your family’s lives. Research indicates that 80 percent of the average American child’s playtime is spent “plugged in.” No surprise that studies also report at least 20 percent of American children are clinically obese – this does not take into account the percentage of children that are “just a little pudgy.”
Don’t keep nature from your kids!
Even though the great majority of Americans live in urban areas, there is no reason that today’s youth should be relegated – or allowed – to spend the majority of their day indoors tethered to some form of technology.
Reflect back on your own childhood and recall what your afternoons and weekends were like. “Growing up in a small town, we were allowed to go off and play as long as we were home before dark, says Melanie L, mother of two. “So we’d go in the woods behind our house and catch frogs in the pond, build forts and played anything we could think of – always outside – even when it was snowy and cold. It was practically a punishment to stay inside and play,” she adds.
You may not live in a small town or feel safe letting your kids venture out by themselves, but you can keep them involved in healthy outdoor activity. Tammy G., proud mother of an active 5-year old, takes every opportunity to make nature a part of her and her family’s lifestyle. She feels that there is no reason to keep kids from connecting to the great outdoors.
She says, “[There are] no barriers – we jumped out of the car on the way into school just this morning and [my son] challenged me to find a snail, saying ‘Whoever finds the first snail wins!’” Nature is all around, even in the most urban of areas. Tammy adds, “We spend a lot of time at the park. We put down a blanket and [my son] runs around in the grass or chases bugs.”
The health of the environment is also at stake
Thomas Baumeister, education bureau chief of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in Helena, Montana, says that the obvious health problems that come with living an indoor, sedentary life are not the only issues at hand.
According to Baumeister, the health of the environment is also at stake. “A big concern with today’s children living “plugged in” to technology and not connected to nature, is that they will not grow up with the appreciation of nature – our Earth – which means they will not have the same passion of previous generations to preserve natural habitats, recreation areas or other open spaces.”
Fostering an appreciation of nature in your children is an easy feat. Jean G., mother of four and grandmother of one, knows the outdoor time her kids spent in their youth is beneficial. She says, “For vacations we always did ‘outdoorsy’ things, like camping and skiing. This really helped to instill an appreciation for nature that is with them to this day. They are all grown now, but still like going camping, hiking and skiing.”
There are far-reaching benefits of nature
Being outside is good for children. In addition to staying physically active, children can develop a great sense of self-confidence because exploring nature is self-directed. Free, unstructured play enhances creativity and decision-making skills. Children learn about themselves and they learn about the natural world.
Simply being outdoors with green plants, fresh air and the sounds of nature – whether you are a kid or an adult – is a proven stress buster. In addition, keeping your kids actively engaged in play or physical activity can help improve their ability to be deep thinkers, concentrate and do better at school.
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Michele Thompson, MS
In his book Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv lists 100 actions that you can incorporate into your life to help bridge your children (and self) to nature, to transform communities to be more nature-centric, ways professionals and educators can promote nature in their work, goals for government support, and steps to build local and global movements connecting children to nature. You can start today. Here are 10 ways to become involved in putting a stop to nature deficit disorder.
1. Invite native flora and fauna into your life. Christiana B., mother of three, says, “Our family as a whole has a great appreciation for nature. Just today [my middle child] was helping his daddy fix the sprinklers in the backyard so that he and I could plant seeds to watch flowers grow. He loves to water flowers and talk about his surroundings and we encourage it by allowing him to get dirty and play in leaves and dirt.” She adds, “The joy of watching my son get excited about planting seeds and watching flowers grow reminds you of the simple things that are so important!” In addition to planting a garden, you can also maintain a birdbath or birdhouse or even an insect board (drop a piece of wood on a wet patch of grass and leave it for a couple of days – insects will collect underneath). For more ideas, visit the National Audubon Society’s Invitation to a Healthy Yard or the National Wildlife Federation’s tips to make your yard a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
2. Encourage your kids to camp out in the backyard. Pitch tents and leave it up all summer. Give them journals or recorders and tell them to keep track of the nighttime sounds, the changes in the sky and the drop in temperature. Share with them your experiences camping when you were young (and if you didn’t have a chance to camp in your youth, join your kids in the tent and experience it with them). For more adventures in nature or if you don’t have a backyard, visit www.recreation.gov to find campgrounds in your locale.
3. Create a daily green hour. Allow your children to spend an hour of unstructured play and interaction in nature. Sarah C., mother of two, says, “We turn off the television and my son and I chase each other, dance around, or when its warm enough, we go for walks.” Kids don’t need constant structured play. Encourage independent exploration to help your children develop new skills and self-confidence.
4. Go for a family walk when the moon is full. Take along a flashlight and a map of the constellations. Point out the astral wonders and teach your kids the names of the various constellations. Go for a walk again the next full moon and see how many they remember. You can also star and moon gaze from the comforts of your backyard or patio.
5. Invent a nature game. Go for a hike or visit a nearby park or lake and play the “name game.” Ask your children to tell you the names of various flora and fauna. You can also play the “find game.” Have your children find 10 mammals or 10 fish or 10 insects. Point out animal tracks, nests or other indications of wildlife and ask them to tell you the animals associated with them.
6. Go digital with nature photography. Digital or even disposable cameras are invaluable tools to learn about nature – and they are fun for all ages. Chris T., father of two, regularly hands a disposable camera to his oldest son and tells him to go outside and take pictures. He says, “When my son comes home from taking photos, we download them and talk about the trees, grass, animals or other outdoor things he’s photographed.” Take it a step further and make a nature scrapbook, letting your children include stories about their pictures. Allow your children to explore and experiment with their photography. Resist telling them how to aim and shoot. Let them do their own thing.
7. Teach your children to hone their senses. Explain to your children they have five senses – hearing, sight, smell, touch and taste – and to use their senses to learn about their natural environment. Have them sit outside – in your backyard or some other outdoor location in nature – and use all of their senses to describe their experience. Have them tell you what they heard, saw, smelled, felt and tasted (obviously, taste is subject to safety).
8. Embrace the winter. Connecting to nature is not exclusive to summer or perfect weather. Bundle up and go romp in the snow. Have your kids build snow sculptures or go snowshoeing. When it rains, put on the slickers, grab the umbrella and let your kids observe the effects rain has on the earth and animals as well as the many sounds it makes as it pitter patters on the rooftops, ground, grass or through the trees.
9. Visit farmer’s markets or farm stands. If you can’t grow a garden at home, help your kids learn about and appreciate where their food comes from. Give them a list of different fruits and vegetables and make a scavenger hunt out of your visit.
10. Get involved with scouting or programs like Camp Fire USA or 4-H. Check with your local listings for youth naturalist programs or other outdoor activities organized by local recreation and park organizations.
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March 25, 2008
Kim Grundy
Today’s moms have more to consider when decorating the nursery than simply picking crib bedding that perfectly coordinates with the rug. We want a nursery that is safe, earth-friendly and above all, non-toxic. If you are a bit green (pun intended) on creating an eco-friendly nursery, follow these tips on creating a healthy space for your baby.
Flooring
Between tummy time and crawling, your child will be spending a lot of time on the floor. Carpet can harbor dust mites, dirt and allergens, as well as emit VOCs into the air. One non-toxic alternative is to have hard-wood flooring paired with an area rug that is made of all-natural fibers, such as untreated wool, hemp (like a 100% hemp rug from Abundant Earth) or organic cotton. If you can’t give up carpet, make sure it is Green Label Plus Certified (tested to be low in VOCs) and vacuum 2-3 times a week with a vacuum that contains a HEPA filter.
Paint
Whether you want the walls painted princess pink or sky blue, make sure you are using a paint that minimizes how much odor and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are emitted. VOCs are released as paint dries, therefore it is important you keep the room well-ventilated and avoid painting when you are pregnant. Try to have the nursery painted well in advance to avoid exposing your baby to unnecessary chemicals. Serena & Lily Signature paints are formulated to have zero VOCs and low odor making them a great non-toxic paint choice.
Furniture
The crib and changing table should be made of all-natural wood with a non-toxic finish, such as this solid maple wood crib from Totally Organic. Furniture that is made from particleboards or veneers can release toxic gasses, such as formaldehyde, into the air. Cribs that have polyurethane coatings or other harsh stains can contribute to a toxic nursery. Look for furniture with an all-natural finish, such as beeswax.
 Baby bedding
Your baby (hopefully!) spends a lot of time sleeping in his crib, so it is especially important to make that space non-toxic. Buy a crib mattress that contains all-organic cotton filling or wool casings and avoid mattresses that contain the fire- retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). All crib bedding (mattress protector, sheets, bumpers, blankets) needs to be free of the toxic flame-retardant PBDE and should be made of all-organic cotton. The Quilted Organic Crib Set from Dwell Studio is an eco-friendly choice as it is made of 100% organic cotton and processed without harsh dyes or chemicals. The Swanky Baby bedding set featured at right is organic and, with any luck, suggestive.
Baby care
Stock your nursery with baby care products that are free of toxic chemicals, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, artificial preservatives and dyes. Earth Mama Angel Baby products and California Baby are both good all-organic baby care lines that will keep your baby as non-toxic as his nursery.
Cleaning products
Use non-toxic products that do not contain harsh cleaners and are biodegradable. Seventh Generation and Simple Green are just two in a growing market of earth-friendly cleaning products. Avoid using commercial air fresheners that only coat your nasal passages to hamper your sense of smell. An earth-friendly option is to place a small dish of baking soda and lemon in the nursery to absorb odors from the diaper pail.
Air purifier
Are you gawking at the price of solid wood furniture and new flooring? If you can’t do it all, an air purifier can help remove the chemicals and other allergens circulating through the air.
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