Living In A Toxic World

March Against Monsanto May 25th

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:20:00 +0000

March Against Monsanto is taking place in hundreds of cities all over the world on May 25th.

"We will not stand for cronyism. We will not stand for poison. That’s why we March Against Monsanto."

For a list of participating cities and more information on this event, head on over to:

http://www.march-against-monsanto.com/

EWG 2013 Shoppers Guide

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:45:00 +0000

Environmental Working Group 2013 shoppers guide to pesticides in produce is here! Have a look.

Earth Day 2013

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:26:00 +0000

Earth Day 2013- The Face Of Climate Change

Canadians Protest Genetically Modified Alfalfa

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:47:00 +0000

Throughout this week, all across the nation, Canadian farmers and concerned citizens protested against the introduction of Monsanto's Roundup Ready alfalfa. As The Institute for Responsible Technology points out, "It's the perfect storm for plant disease." So, what do you all think happens to livestock and humans who consume these crops? Chew on this folks - Biotech lies exposed: Genetically-modified corn contains practically no nutrients but is loaded with chemical poisons

Farmers, especially organic farmers, will take a serious blow if GM alfalfa is allowed. Due to its high protein content, alfalfa is the choice feed for livestock. It is also used by organic farmers when rotating crops to fertilize the soil. Once the genetically modified alfalfa becomes widespread, organic farms will become contaminated! Can you see the ripple effect this will cause?

It comes as no surprise to me that the USDA Forces Whole Foods To Accept Monsanto and have turned a blind eye to the negative environmental and economic impacts Roundup Ready crops cause.

Chuck Noble, Conventional Sound Dakota alfalfa seed and hay grower, said it best: “Our genetic gene pool is extremely valuable, and we can’t afford to destroy it by handing it over to the biotech companies. If we've learned anything from Europe’s potato famines when millions starved to death, humans need seed variety to protect against blight and famine. Genetic engineering severely compromises that diversity." (Source: Center For Food Safety)

Fast Food and its Mystery Ingredients

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:31:00 +0000

If the video of a perfectly preserved cheese burger and fries years after being purchased from a popular fast food restaurant didn't scare you - maybe these 8 creepy mystery ingredients in fast food will!!

David vs Goliath taking place in the Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 20:51:00 +0000

A David vs Goliath story is currently taking place in an area of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The state-run petrochemical company, Petroamazonas, seeks to advance its oil exploration into the remote, indigenous community of Sani Isla. The Avaaz.org campaign, in support of this small community, recently received 1 million online signatures in effort to thwart government and oil tycoons from their agenda.
(Post source: Guardian Environment)

Please take a moment to sign this petition.

What a shame that this precious ecosystem, rich in biodiversity and home to numerous indigenous people is continuously under threat and large areas already destroyed.

Further Reading

Flame Retardant in Gatorade to be Removed!

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:05:00 +0000

Who knew?!! There's Flame Retardant In My Gatorade?!

'The Story Of Cosmetics' Video

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:08:00 +0000

Great little video with an important message.

Eco Friendly Toys

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 21:55:00 +0000

Looking for some green gifts to give to your little ones this Christmas? Here's some of my top picks for this holiday season.

Amazon.com Widgets

Buyer Beware

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:10:00 +0000

Buyer beware! A recent study conducted by researches at Duke University in Boston and the University of California in Berkeley shows that a large percentage of all couches in the United States contain a number of harmful chemicals. One such toxin, which was most abundant in the samples taken, is polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PCBE's), a common flame retardant suspected to be hazardous to human health.

Some countries, such as Canada, have banned the manufacturing of products containing PCBE's, however there are no restrictions on the importation of goods containing this hazardous chemical.

Research all products before you choose to buy them. There are safer options out there for you and your home.

Related Articles:
Known toxins still present in most U.S. couches, study shows

Your couch may be home to controversial chemicals

News: EU to Outlaw Shark Finning

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 19:29:00 +0000

Great news, finally this brutal act will be banned!
EU to close shark finning loophole

Hold the Coffee Cream

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 23:41:00 +0000

Next time you reach for the creamer for you coffee, stop yourself and choose a healthier option instead. The coffee cream industry has exploded in recent years -offering consumers a wide variety of flavors to choose from. This unhealthy addition to one of the worlds most popular beverages contains chemical flavoring, GMO's and artificial ingredients. There are plenty of healthier alternatives to choose from or, you could always make your own.

Frickin Fracking!!!

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:20:00 +0000

As if corporations have not done enough to destroy our planet, the meat-heads running oil and gas companies continue to inject toxic, cancer causing chemicals into the ground without any thought about the environmental damage and negative impacts on human health their actions have. The contamination of ground / drinking water by the drilling process and careless storage of the 'chemical-laden' flowback water in open pits must be stopped. Hydraulic fracturing, under current practices, is a bad idea.

Today's Related News
Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon Organize Artists Against Fracking

Maps of where the fracking is taking place.
Canada
USA

EWGs Sunscreen Guide

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Thu, 24 May 2012 20:53:00 +0000

The Environmental Working Group has updated their well researched and now more user friendly Sunscreen Guide. Find out which brands of sunscreen you should stay away from and those that are considered a safer alternative. I use Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Sunblock, Kids Mineral Protection, SPF 30 on my children, ages 3 and 7 - it works great and has a good rating on EWG. You can even download the handy, free EWG Sunscreen Buyer's Guide iPhone app.

In the past, I have used UV Naturals and Heiko Sunscreens. I found, when applied, they were greasy and left a caked-on white residue. Alba Botanica has been the best so far just stay away from the ones in their line with fragrance!

At the end of the day, limit your exposure to the sun by staying out of it when it's the strongest. If you must be out during those times, cover up with wide brim hats and other sun protective clothing. Also, don't forget about your lips!

Earth Day 2012

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:03:00 +0000

Earth Day 2012 - This video says it all. Watch and share!

Earth Day Activities

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:19:00 +0000

April 22 is Earth Day! There are a number of activities that you and your family can do to participate in this important global event. Check out these US based events to find out if any are happening in your area. If you find there is nothing nearby in your community - you can spend the day:

cleaning up a local park / school yard and recycling the trash you collect
by planting trees / gardens without pesticides
biking / walking to your destination instead of driving a car
getting rid of those harmful cosmetics /beauty products and purchasing safer alternatives

Click here for more ideas on how you can celebrate Earth Day and do your part. It's important that we all show our environmental awareness this day and every day!

Other helpful links:
Earth Day Canada

Planet Under Pressure

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:31:00 +0000

Nearly 3,000 experts have gathered in London this week to discuss the latest scientific research which clearly indicates that our planet is under extreme pressure from humanity's impact on the world. The conference aims at addressing the dangerous environmental tipping points which have already been reached, those that are approaching, and ways in which humans can move toward a more sustainable future to prevent further environmental catastrophes.

Planet Under Pressure Homepage

Earth Summit 2012 will take place in Rio de Janeiro this June.

New-Car Smell is Toxic

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:53:00 +0000

Everyone loves a new car and that "new-car smell." Companies have even come up with air fresheners that reproduce the favored scent. Unfortunately, many consumers are unaware of the dangers that create the new-car smell in their brand new automobiles. These dangers are bromine, (brominated flame retardants or BFR's) PVCs along with plasticizers and many other volatile organic compounds / toxins which are being off-gassed from steering wheels, seats, dashboards etc.

Studies have shown that long term exposure to these chemicals has been linked to cancer, birth defects and allergies. Since most people spend an average of 1.5 hrs or more in their car a day, this is concerning. Automobile companies are aware of these concerning studies and some are eliminating PVCs and BRFs.

For more information please read Dangers lurk behind that 'new-car smell' - while there you will also find a link to the 10 best and worst cars.

'Toxic Sky'

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:25:00 +0000

Chemtrails or Death Dumps, as some are calling them, are a major problem that is affecting people and our weather all over the world. After spending time with like-minded friends today, I needed to once again publish a post about his very real, very deliberate 'Toxic Sky' issue. Please watch this video!

Eco-Friendly Apps for the iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Eco-friendly apps are a must have for the environmentally conscious individual who uses an iPhone. Here is a list of free iPhone apps for you to consider.

1) Dirty Dozen- this app, from Environmental Working Group, is a top pick of mine. It gives the user a heads up on the 12 dirtiest produce items to avoid and a list of the Clean 15. Users can also access EWG's website from this app.

2) Ocean Wise- Vancouver based conservation program aimed at informing Canadian consumers on Seafood and helping them make better, sustainable choices when purchasing it or dining out. Great app!

3) EWG Sunscreen Guide- EWG's top-rated sunscreens to use when you need the protection. Users can also look up their sunscreens and see what rating it receives.

4) TreeHugger- Lots of goodies in this app! Comes with great articles, podcasts and more. Get it!

5) iGreenpeace- Breaking Greenpeace news from around the world and interaction with a fun little penguin named Alex.

6) TheGoodGuide- Apps bar-code scanning feature lets users scan an item in store and it will reveal whether the product is safe, healthy, green and socially responsible.

7) Carticipate- a ride sharing app that provides users with info on other people near their area that want to carpool.

More Green Apps to come as I find them!

Greenwashing Won't Go Away

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 22:20:00 +0000

Greenwashing is a nemesis to consumers and as long as there is green to be made it will continue. Recently CBC conducted a review of "green cleaners". Guess what they found? There are two ways to avoid this. One, read the labels and do some research. Just because it's on the shelf in a nice package doesn't mean it is green. Second, use homemade green cleaning techniques to save money and you don't have to worry about being duped.

Phantom Power

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:20:00 +0000

I have written in the past about vampire power, which is synonymous with phantom power. It basically means things that you think are turned off are actually using electricity. Check out this interactive page at CBC that highlights some of the common offenders.

Quarry Construction

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 02:26:00 +0000

Avaaz has posted a new action regarding a mega-quarry to be built in Ontario, Canada. I have only read their site and I'm not sure of the details but it is worth looking into. Basically, a company posed as a farming operation and acquired huge tracts of land that will now be converted to an open pit limestone quarry. Quarries are always contentious and this one appears no different. If you are interested sign the petition.

Oceans Facing Mass Extinction of Marine Life

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:34:00 +0000

The latest report on the state of our oceans and marine life made news yesterday. In the report, international scientists stated that our oceans' marine life are facing a mass extinction due to over fishing, pollution and climate changes. Studies show that the health and state of our oceans is degrading at an astronomical rate.

Pesticides and Produce EWG Article

noreply@blogger.com (FeButterfly) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 22:42:00 +0000

Best Friends Forever? Produce Growers and Pesticide Makers Deepen Their Bond