This is Day 73 of the Green in 365 series! Last week for Spring we talked about decluttering as a part of Spring Cleaning, and once you've worked on clearing out some of the clutter, you may also get the urge to do some deep cleaning. (Full Disclosure: I don't get the deep cleaning bug very often, so no judgement from me if you don't either!) I want to encourage you though, as you're getting ready to do your Spring Cleaning, to ditch the toxic, chemical-filled cleaners and … [Read more...]
Toxic Mattress? Hidden Dangers in your Bedroom {Raising Healthy Families}
Welcome back to the Raising Healthy Families series, join us each Friday as we take a look at different ways to keep your family healthy and vibrant in a not-so-healthy world! I am really excited to read the post today from Beth at Red and Honey, because this issue is something that I think/worry about for our family on a regular basis. This Week: Is Your Mattress Toxic? Hidden Dangers in Your Sleeping Environment By Beth at Red and Honey We spend an average of eight hours a night … [Read more...]
Get the Teflon Out! {Green in 365: The Kitchen}
This is Day 52 of the Green in 365 series! Now that we've talked about getting the plastics and aluminum out of our, there's one more important toxic chemical that we should work to remove from our kitchens as well: Teflon and cookware with non-stick surfaces. The problem with Teflon and non-stick cooking surfaces is that they release toxic chemical fumes when heated on high heat. These fumes can lead to flu-like symptoms termed Teflon-Flu", and can actually kill pet birds, … [Read more...]
Make Your Own Homemade Produce Cleaner {Green in 365: The Kitchen}
This is Day 51 of the Green in 365 series! By Hilary from Accidentally Green I really wish my family could afford to buy all organic, all the time – especially because I would love to avoid exposure to pesticides and genetically modified organisms. But unfortunately, our current grocery budget just doesn’t allow it. Even with a limited budget I try to buy as much organic food as possible, lots of fresh produce – and I avoid buying produce listed on the Environmental … [Read more...]
Get the Aluminum Out! {Green in 365: The Kitchen}
This is Day 50 of the Green in 365 series! In addition to plastics, another material that we need to be wary of using in our kitchens is aluminum. There are several reasons why we should try to reduce aluminum use in our kitchens: 1. Aluminum is a non-renewable resource, meaning that when we use up the earth's supply of aluminum, it's gone. The earth cannot make more aluminum. 2. Elevated levels of aluminum in the brain may be connected to an increase risk of … [Read more...]
Get the Plastics Out! {Green in 365: The Kitchen}
This is Day 46 of the Green in 365 series! Plastic is a staple in modern American kitchens today. Food containers, storage baggies, leftover containers, plastic wrap, dishes, cups, and more, plastics are everywhere. There are several main problems with plastics in our home and our world. First of all, they are made from petroleum, a toxic, and non-renewable resource. Secondly, they are filled with chemicals that leach into our foods and therefore into our bodies. And last, … [Read more...]
Green in 365: The Living Room – Lead Paint on Windowsills
This is Day 25 of the Green in 365 series! If you live in an older home like we do, there could be a toxic chemical lurking in a place that is easily accessible to your children; your window sills, frames and tracks. If your house was built before 1978 it is highly likely that lead paint was used somewhere in your home. Lead paint that is in good condition and not peeling, chipping or cracking is usually not hazardous. Windows, though, are especially prone to cracking and … [Read more...]
Heathy Green Pregnancy – It Starts Now!
Like many mamas out there, I first started to become aware of the effects of chemicals and toxins in my environment when I was pregnant with my first child. When you first find out you are pregnant, the reality of the responsibility that you now hold to grow and sustain this new life often brings with it a greater awareness of the world around you. And it is definitely true that laying a good foundation for the future health and well-being of your child begins while they are … [Read more...]
