On July 1st, a law was passed in sixteen states that banned phosphates in dishwasher detergents. I don’t believe that Nevada was one of the states on the ban but all of a sudden, all the detergents I am finding on the shelves at Wal-Mart have a big label that says “no phosphates”.
Now, I’ll be honest with you. I didn’t know what a phosphate was or what it did til I noticed that all my dishes were coming out nasty- everything had a white, dusty film on it- just like the time I tried using one of the natural dishwasher detergents instead of my normal Cascade. When I mentioned this to my mom, she told me it was due to the phosphate ban.
So, I did my research. Phosphates make your dishes come out sparkly clean by suspending particles so they don’t stick to the dishes, as well as softening the water… but the downside is that they encourage algae growth that deprives fish and other plants from the oxygen they need.
So what’s the solution to this? Clearly, we need to cut the phosphates to keep our streams and rivers happy, but what about our dishes? Eating off a plate that is white and filmy when it’s supposed to be clear glass is pretty gross. One blog I read said that she was soaking her dishes in warm soapy water as long as OVERNIGHT before loading and running the dishwasher. Of course, this is absolutely ridiculous, you may as well just wash them by hand! So what else can be done?
I discovered vinegar works well. I always keep a gallon jug of white vinegar under my sink for cleaning anyway, so I started adding two big glugs to each dishwashing cycle- that turns out to be maybe 1/2 a cup or a little more. A gallon jug of vinegar is only $1.98 at my Wal-Mart so this seems like a fairly inexpensive solution. And my dishes are coming out sparkly again! Of course, I don’t know if it will work as well in all areas- if your mineral content in your water is different where you’re at, maybe not, but at least it’s worth a try.
I’ve also read that some people are not using dishwasher detergent at all, but putting a teaspoon of baking soda in the detergent compartment in their dishwasher and then some vinegar in the rinse-aid compartment (or straight into the bottom of the dishwasher if you don’t have a rinse-aid compartment) and they say they’re having great results. I intend to give this a try and see if my dishes come clean enough to skip detergent altogether- what a great savings that’d be!
“In other environmental issues we tell people to stop something, reduce their impact, reduce their damage,” states US Ecologist Gary Nabhan in a recent interview. Nabhan is a ethnobotanist/gardener whose promotion of biodiversity has caught the attention of many over the years. He is known for his work in biodiversity as an ethnobotanist. Since Coming Home to Eat was published in 2001, the local food movement has ignited, causing a worldwide green epidemic.
In the past few years there has been a drastic increase in the number of organizations and businesses that have contributed to the promotion of sustainability through conservation. The Earth Day Network has been playing a large part in bringing conservationist and green enthusiasts together, sharing ideas and discussing new ways to support the planet. Other large organizations and non-profits like Doug Band and the CGI (Clinton Global Initiative) have been working on successful emission reduction projects in the San Francisco Bay area. While climate control has continued to worsen, collaborative and individual acts are vital for any successful green campaign. As human beings, we’re constantly told to reduce our carbon footprint, consume less unhealthy foods, and spend less time in the shower! But let’s take a minute to step back and look at this from a different perspective; one that Gary Nabhan strongly suggests.
The The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organzation confirms that only about a quarter of crop diversity is left and that a dozen species now gives 90% of the animal protein eaten globally. In accordance, just 4 crop species supply half of plant based calories in the human diet.
Nabhan proposes that eating foods that are home-grown will have a greater impact on sustainability for our planet as a whole. Otherwise known as “eat what you conserve,” is a well-established theory in that by eating the fruits and vegetables that we are attempting to conserve/save, we’re promoting the granular dissemination of various plant species.
Agriculturist Marco Contiero also mentions that “biodiversity is an essential characteristic of any sustainable agricultural system, especially in the context of climate change.”[1] According to this theory, it would suggest that as individuals we tend our own crops/plants, and should make sure to purchase localized farm products at supermarkets and groceries. In the end, this condenses export/import reliance, thus reducing our carbon footprint.
Nabhan and Contiero’s theories both rely heavily on an action oriented approach at conservation and sustainability. With an abundance of green movements following Earth Day 2010, organizations and individuals have taken a stronger following to expert opinions like the ones demonstrated by both of these highly influential agriculturalists. So remember, as the fall season approaches, be sure to visit your local farmers markets and apple orchards to purchase your fresh fruits and vegetables. Promoting biodiversity and localized farming is a crucial piece of the conservation puzzle.
Ok, we all know the big scare about BPA (bisphenol-A) plastic. We heard about it, some of us threw some out and we bought other stuff, and we see the “BPA free” stickers on new stuff now. But were you aware that there is a good chance you’re still taking in BPA?
My friend Sarah wrote a blog on BPA plastic recently and it was enlightening to me. I didn’t realize what all had BPA in it! BPA is like a super sneaky ninja. For instance, did you know BPA is found in high concentrate in the lining of cans? Food, veggies, even soda- canned goods have it. Bottle fed babies actually have the highest BPA rates- not from the bottles, but from the cans the formula is packaged in, pre-mixed liquid formula being the higest in BPA. The sealant that some people have put on their children’s teeth? Full of BPA. And of course, we know the big offenders like plastic water bottles and food storage containers. Even plastic wrap and paper towels are potential sources of BPA. See? It’s right behind you and you didn’t even know. NINJA!
Except, ninjas are taller.
Why should you care about all this? What does it really mean for you and your kids? Well, like Sarah says on her blog…
BPA is an endocrine disrupter, which is particularly alarming in children, whose bodies are still developing. Endocrine disruptors can mimic natural hormones (estrogen) in the body and it may lead to early puberty. Other things are still unknown, but BPA could be linked to cancer — a 2010 study concluded that the risk may be increased with BPA exposure. There have also been concerns on its effect on brain development.
So I’m not gonna sit here and tell you what you need to do, other than this: You need to do your research and make your own decision. A great jumping-off point for your research is Sarah’s blog about BPA and I encourage you to read it over.
This giveaway is closed! The winner is: comment #14, Liza! Congratulations, Liza.
Not too long ago, I came across a site called Easy Lunch Boxes . I was immediately intrigued! So when Kelly, the creator of Easy Lunch Boxes contacted me and asked if I would be interested in doing a review and giveaway, I jumped on the opportunity.
What are Easy Lunch Boxes?
Here’s how Kelly describes them…
Mornings spent in chaos making breakfast, beds, & lunch boxes?
The EasyLunchbox system makes it simple to organize, and quickly pack healthy lunches without wasting money, time, paper or plastic.
Born out of my response to unhealthy school lunch programs, EasyLunchboxes.com started from the desire to send my 3 kids to school with a nutritious meal, using little to no wasteful packaging. But the EasyLunchbox System is not just for kids. Adult size meals fit perfectly too.
EasyLunchboxes.com was launched in December, 2009 and is quickly becoming the new favorite among affordable and green lunch box solutions!
Named a ‘top 5 Eco-Friendly Mommy Must Have” by Parents Ask, the EasyLunchbox System has been rated TOP CHOICE by many independent reviewers.
I was like other frustrated moms – I didn’t like throwing together lunches during the morning rush. So much time was wasted sorting through a cabinet of mismatched food containers while trying to pack 15-25 well-balanced lunches per week. I struggled to find something that would help me pack lunches fast, without resorting to the ‘convenience’ of expensive, pre-packaged ‘fast-food.’ Most importantly, I wanted something attractive, eco-friendly, and made of food-safe materials that I didn’t have to wash by hand.
My clever solution to the lunch-packing chore is the simple two piece EasyLunchbox container : The bottom has three compartments to hold an entree or sandwich and two side dishes. The fitted lid (which comes in 4 colors) covers all three compartments at once. No more squished sandwiches, mismatched plastic container pieces to keep track of (matching up all those bottoms and lids was the thing that drove me nuts!) or wasteful baggies. Fits perfectly inside the roomy EasyLunchbox custom carrying bag. And there is still plenty of room to throw in an extra snack or two, whole fruit, perhaps a thermos of soup, drink and ice block. Flexibility is key, and since so many different things can fit, no matter what menu you choose to include, it packs easily and quickly. It’s amazing how much faster, greener, & easier lunch box packing is with the EasyLunchbox system.
Supporting the waste-free lunch movement, EasyLunchboxes.com offers a reusable, superior solution at a much lower price than other companies.
Great for large families and those on a limited budget.
FDA approved. No BPA, phthalates, lead, vinyl, or PVC. Safe for dishwasher and microwave.
The simple chic design and bright colors of our Cooler Bags can even be personalized!
We have included a sturdy grommet in the carrying handle so you can easily attach a pretty key ring, dietary restrictions warning tag, or your choice of any type of handcrafted or store bought “flair.”
Our Cooler Bags are made of the highest quality 300D Polyester for premium durability and toughness. Vinyl free (PVC free) & lead free, with an FDA compliant PEVA lining.
Our thoughts on Easy Lunch Boxes:
 The whole system I picked out the olive bag, knowing that my husband would be the first tester for our Easy Lunchbox system. Um, also because green is my favorite color, in case you haven’t guessed that already. When he first saw it, he said “that might be too small”. He works 12 hour shifts, outside, with an hour commute on a company bus each way. He’s got no access to a water cooler or microwave or fridge or anything- and he has to have enough food to last him a full fourteen hours. But he was willing to try it out for me anyway. What a guy!
 Tim's lunch As you can see, he used two containers. He’s got his sandwich, chips, beef jerkey, two granola bars, a piece of cheese, and a handful of saltwater taffy in there.
 All packed up! Both containers fit just right with room for his fruit and an ice pack.
 Ready to go! And there we go! He was off to work. He has a ginorm lunchbox he normally takes that fits his two Nalgene bottles of water. Since they didn’t fit in his Easy Lunchbox, he just carried them separately.
When he got home that night, I asked him how it went. It turns out, that was plenty of food- the exact same amount he normally takes in his plastic ziptop bags. The Easy Lunchbox just makes better use of the space. He really liked not having a bunch of empty plastic baggies trying to fly out of his lunchbox every time he opened it. I agree with that- I love the idea of not spending money on plastic bags! He said the only thing he’d like to see is maybe a bigger version of the cooler bag, so that he could fit his water- but he wants to start using the Easy Lunchbox food containers in his big lunchbox so he can do that anyway. I’m pretty sure he’s an exception, though because for someone who works 8-9 hour shifts and possibly has access to water (like, in an office), this bag would be just right. It’s big enough to hold all the food you need, but small enough that you’d be able to store it under your desk or in a drawer easily.
Naturally, once they saw daddy using the Easy Lunchboxes, the kids needed to give them a try, too! We just recently got into the bento trend and Easy Lunchboxes are perfect for this.
 Bento-style! Wish I could have made it cuter for them but mommy was in a hurry. They still thought it was cool though! Of course, they don’t need bags yet, but I am absolutely going to use Easy Lunchboxes for when they start school. No more plastic baggie waste, and no more squashed sandwiches- wish I could have had one of these when I was going to school!
So the results are in: my family LOVES our Easy Lunch Boxes and you will, too!
Now, who wants one? Because I get to give one away to a lucky reader!
The Giveaway:
One lucky winner will receive a set of Easy Lunchbox food containers and the cooler bag of their choice!
To enter: (this is required)
Go browse Easy Lunch Boxes and tell me your favorite thing about Easy Lunchboxes and which color bag you’d choose.
For additional entries: (leave a separate comment for each of these that you do!)
- Become a fan of Easy Lunchboxes on Facebook
- Blog about and link to this giveaway (comment with link)
- Tweet about this giveaway. You can do this once per day. If you can, please use this: Happy.Healthy.Homemade is giving away an Easy Lunchbox http://www.happyhealthyhomemade.com/2010/06/easylunchboxgiveaway.html @rachspan
The giveaway ends Friday, July 2nd at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced here, as well as e-mailed. If they don’t respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. US and Canada residents only, please. Easy Lunchboxes has the right to disqualify a winner if they’ve won or received free products from Easy Lunchboxes within the last three months.
OK, so you’re cruising through the dairy section at the store. There’s regular milk at $2 a carton or there’s organic milk at $4 a carton. Which one do you pick?
I always, always pick organic. I once read a blurb in a publication saying that if you can only afford to buy one item organic, make it be milk. That intrigued me, so I did a little more research on it on my own and found that:
- cows that produce organic milk do not ingest any toxic fertilizers or pesticides
- which is clearly better for the earth in general. Less chemicals = good!
- cows that produce organic milk are not subjected to hormones or antibiotics
- these things mean that the milk is free of trace chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics
- cows that produce organic milk are allowed free grazing time
- which means they get to wander around instead of stand in a stall. Obviously, grazing is a nicer way to treat a cow- think about it, which would YOU prefer to do?
- cows that produce organic milk are not fed any animal by-products (remember the mad cow disease thing?) or anything genetically altered
- organic milk is ultra-pasteurized, so it has a much longer shelf life (also, some of it doesn’t have to be refrigerated, if it’s had a UltraHigh Temp treatment which means it’s been heated to 275 degrees, which is a weird concept isn’t it? Who knew?)
- the USDA and FDA claim that there really are not any major health differences between organic and regular milk BUT there are some studies that show that organic milk has a higher content of beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins- especially in the summer months, when conjugated linoleic acid is found to be 60% higher in organic milk
So, why does organic cost more? Simple: it costs more to maintain organic dairy cows. For me this is a no-brainer. I’ll pay double the price of regular milk any day for these benefits. If your main concern is the health benefits, organic milk may feel like an unnecessary cost for you since it hasn’t been proven that organic is ‘healthier’ than regular- but even the thought that maybe some trace chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics could pass into the milk and thus into my kids? I’m not down with that at all. sources:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Organic-Milk–Is-It-Worth-Your-Money
http://organic.lovetoknow.com/Why_Organic_Milk_Is_Better_than_Regular_Milk
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/?p=370
|
Considering cosmetic surgery? Get answers to your questions from experts as well as people who have undergone the same procedures at
_______________________
Find dinner planning help and lots of recipes at Dinnertool.com!
Please donate to my Relay for Life team!
Button 
If you put my button on your page, please let me know so I can return the favor! Thank you. :)
|
Here I am.
My blog header and button were designed by
|
