In the world of germs and fears of flu epidemics that we live in, moms everywhere are doing their part to ward of icky bugs from infecting their homes. Stores are flooded with green alternative products, but how can you know which ones are gentle enough for our environment, but strong enough to do the job their intended for?

Here are a few of my top choices for "green cleaning" before the guests arrive for Thanksgiving dinner.

1. Baking soda. This miracle component is a great non-abrasive safe cleanser that deodorizes as it cleans. I use it to clean my sink, the bathtub, and even the gunk under the burners on my stove.
2. Vinegar. This cheap, clear liquid is so safe, it’s edible. Not only does it get rid of hard water stains on metal fixtures but it also cleans up mirrors and windows without leaving streaks. Worried about the smell? Don’t worry–it fades as it dries and leaves only a clean house behind.
3. A Clear Choice. Got stains on your carpet or in your child’s soccer uniform? This miracle spray quickly and easily eliminates the worst stains imagineable. Even old stains are removed quickly with this miracle spray. Both non-toxic and biodegradeable, this magical solution has been the answer to many ketchup and chocolate milk disasters in our house.
4. Micro-fiber dish cloths. Instead of using endless paper towels to clean up spills or wipe down bathroom sinks, opt for luxurious and re-usable micro-fiber dish cloths. Be sure to buy a bunch in several colors so you can differentiate which ones will be used in the kitchen and which will be used in the bathrooms. Not only will you save trees you’ll save money each time you wash and reuse these durable cloths.
5. Method multi-purpose spray cleaner. These spray cleaners smell as good as they clean. They’re non-toxic and natural and are safe on pourous surfaces like granite. The company offers a full array of products, including hand soaps, and the company’s website offers explanations on the sustainability of each product line.

All moms worry that their children will eat two bites of their lunch and then feed the rest to the trash can. But have you ever thought about how much packaging your kids throw away, even if they eat all the goodies in their lunchbox?

Lunch time is an easy way for moms and kids to work together to waste fewer resources and save money in your home budget. Here are a few ways we’ve gone green in our family and in our school:

1. Using reusable plastic containers instead of baggies. Those wonderful ziplock baggies are convenient, but a plastic container can be used time and time again. Sometimes the baggies are still an option, but for the most part I’ve transitioned my kids over to using their reusable containers. I’m sure it helps that they don their favorite cast members from "High School Musical."
2. Going old school. Metal lunch boxes are back in style and kids are showing off all of the fun designs. Neoprene bags in fun patterns and colors are great for older kids who are "too cool" to carry a lunch box. These bags can also keep hot items hot and the cold ones cold.
3. Toting the liquid. Remember those old Thermoses we used to pack into our lunch box? They’ve undergone a makeover and now kids can bring water or juice to school in a reusuable and safe container. These save the environment and your wallet. Make sure if it’s made of plastic that it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, though.
4. Avoiding prepackaged goodies. Not only are these items usually full of preservatives and other harmful chemicals, they are also full of extra packaging that is wasteful. Don’t forget that you end up paying extra for all of that cardboard and plastic that is used to store your snack before you eat it. It’s more economical and environmental to buy in bulk and then redistribute into reusable containers.
5. Juicing up responsibly. What kid doesn’t love a Capri Sun? But really, all of those foil pouches can take a toll on the planet unless they are recycled. Our kids’ school is now participating in a program in which it is paid a nominal amount by the manufacturer of Capri Sun for each foil pouch turned in. Everyone wins in this case: the school gets money, the kids get their juice, and the packaging is recycled. If your school doesn’t have a program like this suggest it to your PTA or organize it yourself.

Looking for great gift ideas for your like-minded eco-friendly pals on your Christmas list? Or maybe you need to create your own wish list for Santa. Either way, here are a few ideas for giving this season that won’t hurt your wallet or the environment.

Organic and natural skin care collections. This all-natural product line makes a great gift for pampering someone who is careful on his or her skin and the environment.

Stainless Steel Canteen Water Bottles. These durable, reusable bottles are everywhere and now come in lots of fun colors and styles. These are a great stocking stuffer for all ages.

Vegetarian cookbooks. A wide variety of wonderful cookbooks can be purchased for friends and family who are already vegan or those just trying to eat healthier. It’s a gift that will keep on giving throughout the years to come.

Potted plants. Instead of bringing fresh-cut plants as a gift for your holiday hostess, bring a potted plant that will bloom year-round and refresh the environment.

Organic sheet sets. Spoil a green friend with comfy sheets made from organically grown cotton. Your friend will sleep better knowing he or she sleeps on responsibily manufactured products.

Sustainable soy candles. Look for candles made from highly renewable soybean, vegetable or beeswax oils in recycled-glass cups for the candle-lover on your list.

As the end of the year approaches, you may want to reflect on the areas in which you’ve succeeded and ways in which you’d like to improve in the upcoming 365 days. In the weeks ahead you may want to sit down with your family and decide how you can give Mother Earth a gift this holiday season that will keep on giving into 2010.

Here are a few suggestions for "green goals" you can work on together.

1. Recycle more. Sure, everyone recycles, but everyone could be more dilligent about making sure those cardboard cereal boxes and drained shampoo bottles actually make their way to the recycling bin and out of the trash can. Putting reminder notes by the trash cans in your house can help everyone keep their focus on the goal.
2. Using only homemade or natural cleaners. With so many great products on the market and many more cleaning recipes available online, there’s no reason anyone should be using toxic chemicals to tidy up at home. The first step is to replace any harsh cleaners with safe and eco-friendly alternatives.
3. Give up one weekend a month. Set aside one Saturday per month to clean up your environment. Whether you pick up trash along the beach or plant trees at your neighborhood park, find a way to contribute to keeping your community green.
4. Set up a rainwater collection system. Many websites exist that show simple instructions for setting up a way to trap and store rainwater throughout the rainy season. This water can then be re-used in your garden. Not only does this save you money, it can also help conserve water.
5. Plant a garden. Set a goal as a family to plant a garden and grow your own fruits and veggies. It’s a great way to eat better, save money, and help the planet.

Looking into having a "green" Christmas that is still rosy red? A more responsible approach to the holidays isn’t about sacrificing fun. Instead you can reduce the waste and excess that the holidays tend to bring out and still have a jolly time. 

Here is how:

1. Downsize your gift list. If you buy fewer presents then you spend less time going from store to store (i.e. creating pollution and using up natural resources). You’re also cutting down on gift wrapping (i.e. wasting trees and resources). As an added bonus, you’ll spend less money.
2. Use re-useable bags instead of gift bags. Lots of stores have smartly designed, hip tote bags you can buy for a buck or two to wrap up gifts. Opt for these items that you can use again and again over the shiny plastic-coated, paper ones that get tossed after a use or two.
3. Skip out on shopping. Instead of handing out traditional gifts adorned with pretty packaging and bows, offer your services instead. Who wouldn’t love hours of free babysitting, a family photo shoot, a four-course meal, or free car washes for a year? The possibilities are endless for meaningful, service-centered gift-giving.

We’ve learned about why it’s important to protect your growing children from endocrine-disrupting chemicals.  Now let’s discuss how to get the job done.  It may seem overwhelming, but you can do it with a little practice - and the benefits are worth the effort!

Decreasing BPA Exposure is Paramount

• The following types of plastic are typically made without BPA: PET or PETE (#1), HDPE (#2), LDPE (#4) and PP (#5). Plastics from recycling category #1 should not be reused even though they’re BPA-free, because they can leach other chemicals (like antimony) when exposed to heat and detergents
• BPA has been discovered in some color-tinted PP (#5) plastic food containers and teethers, so be sure these products are either labeled as BPA-free or have been confirm with the manufacturer to be BPA-free
• Avoid aluminum bottles, canned foods and pre-made baby formula; they require a protective liner that is typically uses a BPA-based epoxy. Use stainless steel bottles, fresh or frozen foods and powdered baby formula instead. Eden Foods cans are one of the only BPA-free options in canned food (except for their tomato-based products)  Continue reading »

PVC is everywhere.  It’s commonly used in bath toys, teethers, baby bibs, inflatable pool toys, children’s playground ball pits, dog toys, shower curtains, mattress covers, cling wrap and in most non-slip bath mats.  And that’s just for starters!  There is a growing awareness of polyvinyl chloride’s toxic nature, but the quest to avoid it is rather daunting because there isn’t as much demand for PVC-free products. 

I often hear the question, "But what if I find a toy made from phthalate-free PVC?  Isn’t it safer?"  No. And here’s why - PVC requires the addition of chlorine.  Chlorine is one major health concern associated with PVC, but it isn’t the only problem.  Earth911 discusses the full effects PVC, and the facts are stunning: Continue reading »

Phthalates are yet another set of hormone-mimicking chemicals that are used in many household products including: shampoo, makeup, perfumes, air fresheners, bibs, teethers, inflatable toys, vinyl flooring, IV tubing, insect repellant and much more.  We recently learned that even medication capsules are encased in a phthalate-based polymer and can deliver high doses of phthalates as well.

Phthalates are shockingly pervasive.  According to USA Today phthalates were found in of all 163 babies tested in a 2008 study.  Most babies tested positive for exposure to seven different types of phthalates!  Babies are at high risk because they develop so quickly.  They eat, breath and metabolize more than adults, so even minute exposures can have an extreme effect. Continue reading »

Many Americans have come to agree that bisphenol-a (BPA) is probably worrisome enough to avoid.  The move to a BPA-free lifestyle no longer requires a leap of faith when current research continually points to new evidence of harm to the health of our children.  Recent studies have linked BPA to effects such as increased aggression in toddler girls, heart disease, obesity, early puberty and infertility.

Avoiding BPA is simple enough, right?  We used to think that bypassing polycarbonate bottles (which uses BPA to harden the plastic) would get the job done.  But now we’re learning that BPA is lurking in the most unexpected places: canned foods and aluminum bottles, some color-tinted polypropylene dishes and teethers, pizza boxes made of recycled cardboard and carbonless credit card receipts.

Continue reading »

My name is Alicia Voorhies and I’m a RN who left the work force to spend some time recharging.  I enjoyed working as Director of Nursing for a non-profit organization to care for people with developmental disabilities in a home-based setting.  But I began to suffer from that old familiar burn out, so I decided to take a nice long sabbatical - and ended up never going back.  So how do you take a break from nursing and then somehow end up starting a hybrid information/product-based business anyway?  Fast forward to December 2006, when I was first introduced to Bisphenol-a (BPA) . . .  Continue reading »