CleanGreenMoms

Rainforest Save Lives!

2009-12-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

Rainforest really do help save lives! My daughter, featured on the Prince of Wales Rainforest site:

Children and The Environment

2008-06-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Children, Cancer & The Environment
By identifying elements in the environment that contribute to cancer, we can take steps to eliminate them and protect our children and ourselves.

Fewer than 10 percent of all malignancies are thought to involve inherited mutations. According to the NRDC, most scientists believe that environmental factors cause or contribute to many cancers in children.** The environmental hazards include exposure to mercury, lead, pesticides, tobacco products, automotive and industrial emissions and even the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.

Some studies have implicated pesticides as a cause of leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and brain tumors.

Children who are the most vulnerable to many environmental insults. In fact, studies have shown a 30 percent increase in various cancers in children resulting from exposure to toxins in our environment. For example, researchers have discovered a direct connection between the development of leukemia in children whose parents were exposed to various pesticide products. Similarly, studies have revealed a disturbing increase in the occurrence of brain tumors in children exposed to many common pesticides found in the home. In addition, asthma, blamed for six percent of school absenteeism and now the most common chronic childhood disorder, often has its roots in environmental agents.***

*Natural Resources Defense Council,
www.nrdc.org/health/kids/kidscancer/kidscancer1.asp **NCI, Understanding Gene Testing, NIH Pub. 96-3905 (Bethesda, Md.: NCI, 1995. rev. 4.02) *** Natural Resources Defense Council
www.nrdc.org/health/kids/kidscancer/kidscancer5.asp

Help Remove Pro-Pesticide Provisions

2008-05-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

Please visit http://www.beyondpesticides.org/

Ask your Senators and Representative to stand up for the protection of health and the environment by joining with their colleagues in Congress by calling conferees to stop a pro-pesticide provision in the Farm Bill. 62 farm and food, public health and environmental groups have sent a public interest letter to conferees. To sign your organization on to the public interest letter to conferees, contact Beyond Pesticides.

Members of Congress have also sent a Senate Dear Colleague letter and a House Dear Colleague letter to conferees asking that the provision and similar language be removed.

Issue: The provision, and other substitute language now floating around, stops the U.S. Department of Agriculture from curtailing hazardous pesticide use through its conservation programs, either by targeting specific contaminants that are poisoning water or hurting wildlife, or facilitating a transition to organic practices. Language now on the table as a conference amendment in current Farm Bill negotiations: “The Secretary shall not prohibit [or "discriminate against" in the House-passed Farm Bill] the use of specific registered pesticides or classes of pesticides as a pre-condition for participation in programs under that [conservation] subtitle,” known as the Goodlatte pesticide amendment, named for its original sponsor, minority leader in the House Agriculture Committee Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA).

Threat: Conferees to the Farm Bill (Democrat and Republican Senators and Representatives from the Agriculture Committees of Congress who are negotiating the final Farm Bill language, see list) are considering a provision included in the House Farm Bill (SEC. 11305) that would prohibit USDA from exercising its authority to restrict specific pesticides in its conservation programs.

Time Frame: Conferees are debating this issue now and intend to resolve it in the next week or two. They have already agreed in part to some language that will tie the Secretary of Agriculture’s hands in seeking to address contamination of air, land and water and coordinating conservation programs with the organic certification statute, the Organic Foods Production Act.

Background: The authority of USDA to restrict usage of specific pesticides when necessary, under its conservation title is critical to long-term sustainability in agriculture, forestry, wildlife and wetlands management, essential in assisting agricultural producers to meet the standards of numerous federal statutes (Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and others), and imperative as the department carries out its responsibility to assist in the transition to organic management systems.

Scientific research increasingly identifies the need to advance management practices that seek to avoid or limit the use of registered pesticides that are contaminating air, land, and water, in many cases now at elevated levels that raise concern for human health, wildlife and the environment. For example, ongoing U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) research findings of contamination of the nation’s waterways with pesticides have led to strategic initiatives, such as the intergovernmental Chesapeake Bay Project, which has developed a coordinated strategic plan to achieve a “toxics free Bay to improve conditions for aquatic-dependent wildlife.” Nationwide, the National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program found in its report Pesticides in the Nation’s Streams and Groundwater (2006) that more than half of all agricultural streams and more than three-quarters of all urban streams have pesticide contamination that exceeds acceptable standards for aquatic life. Human health standards are exceeded in about 10 percent of agricultural and 7 percent of urban streams. In addition, drinking water standards have not been developed for 36 of the 83 pesticides and degradates found by NAWQA.

If USDA is to play a role in meeting the goals in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, as well as other watersheds across the country, the department most certainly may have to consider some restrictions of specific pesticide contaminants in the disbursement of its conservation program dollars. To not do so would undermine USDA’s role in conservation and put it at odds with its statutory authority to advance organic and integrated pest management systems in response to widening environmental and human health problems.

There are numerous examples where USDA may need to utilize this authority to support methods that implicitly or explicitly seek to reduce contaminants that are adversely affecting the environment and, in the process, ensure continued agricultural viability. In addressing contamination through conservation programs, USDA may disburse funds and stipulate production methods, such as organic or integrated pest management, that eliminate or reduce certain contaminants. In the past, for example, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in some cases has utilized its payments to support the transition to certified organic production systems, thus allowing only those pesticides permitted under the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) and prohibiting those substances not listed as acceptable. Under OFPA, “The Secretary shall establish a National List of approved and prohibited substances that shall be included in the standards for organic production…”

Under the Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty, Congress has restricted ozone depleters in an effort to curtail global warming. To assist agricultural producers in making the shift to alternatives, the department has the authority to limit the use of methyl bromide in its conservation programs and in so doing facilitate the transition to environmentally sound practices. Here again, organic practices can help lead the way in addressing conservation practices.

Please act now!

Have You Thought About The World You Will Leave For Your Children?

2008-03-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

Being a Green Mom means that you care about the environment your children live in now and will inherit as they grow older. You can make some simple changes right now to leave your children with a brighter future.

Moms everywhere are beginning to realize that the habits we have and the products we use could very well devastate our eco-system.

The threat of global warming, threats from chemicals and drugs in our food supply, and indoor pollution from the chemicals we use to clean are all contributing to the desire of mothers all over the globe to become more eco-conscious.

Celebrity Green News

2008-03-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Chic Biodegradable Umbrella

2008-03-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite finds for Spring! The world's first Biodegradable umbrella! It is chic, functional and environmentally friendly! Very Eco Fashionista!!!

As Seen In InStyle Magazine-Eco Green Products

2008-03-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

Non-Toxic Products have super power clean and featured in the March issue of InStyle Magazine. All-Purpose Cleaners: Many popular household cleaning solutions, like Fantastik and Formula 409, contain a synthetic solvent and grease cutter called butyl cellosolve. This hazardous petroleum-based chemical can irritate your skin and eyes, and repeated exposure to it can cause permanent liver and kidney damage, and impair the body's ability to replenish its blood supply.

A safer alternative: superconcentrated Basic Household Cleaner can clean your counters, kitchen table, greasy stovetop, and more. Just 1/4 teaspoon of Basic Household in 16 ounces of water cleans most surfaces. As a degreaser, use 1 1/2 teaspoons. To clean windows, just 1 or 2 drops. As an eco-conscious mom, it's important to make sure that all the products you choose are safe for your body and for the environment. Soaps, cosmetics, and lotions are designed to be worn on the body, so you may think that they're carefully tested to make sure that they're safe.

Eco-Conscious Couture-LA Fashion Week Goes Green

2008-03-15T19:03:00.001-07:00

The Green Initiative Humanitarian Fall 2008 Fashion Show, Los Angeles

Are you planning to buy a new outfit? Have you considered going green the next time you shop for clothes? Los Angeles Fashion Week was Eco Conscious Fashion!

Canadian company Lilikoi sent Hawaiian hula girls out to dance on the runway, then designer Barbara Boswell followed with her women's collection of pencil skirts paired with form-fitting tees, over-the-knee dresses paired with leggings, and wrap dresses á la Diane von Furstenberg, all created using cloth made of bamboo, soy, organic cotton, and linen. Erte Mini Dress-Perfect for throwing on over a bathing suit or dressing up for a night on the town. Made of our softesbamboo/organic cotton blend, and hand printed in DIATOM print with non-toxic inks. Lilikoi is striving for a sustainable future and we have brought this commitment to the environment into our design work. All Lilikoi clothing and accessories are made from sustainable fabrics such as bamboo, soy and organic cotton.

Eco Fashion Hot Trend

2008-03-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

Eco-designer for eco-conscious emerging eco-fashion movement is designer Linda Loudermilk. Her “luxury eco” line of clothing and accessories uses sustainably produced materials made from exotic plants including bamboo, sea cell, soya and sasawashi. The latter is a linen-like fabric made from a Japanese leaf that contains anti-allergen and anti-bacterial properties. Loudermilk also incorporates natural themes in each season’s line—her most recent one being an oceanic motif.

Green Products For Green Living

2008-03-15T06:09:00.000-07:00

Green Products For Green House Cleaning- Open a window and let those pollutants out! Yet even in this season, when a vase of nice smelling flowers can fill a room with a lovely natural scent, many consumers stubbornly keep using synthetic room fresheners and fragranced cleaning products that are full of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. These can make our indoor air unhealthy, provoke skin, eye, and respiratory reactions, and harm the natural environment.

People think that if a freshener smells clean that it is okay. But, think again...... According to a study published in New Scientist in 1999, in homes where aerosol sprays and air fresheners were used frequently, mothers experienced 25 percent more headaches and were 19 percent more likely to suffer from depression, and infants under six months of age had 30 percent more ear infections and 22 percent higher incidence of diarrhea.

In choosing alternatives, however, consumers need to be alert to greenwashing. "Just because a product says it's natural doesn't mean it's nontoxic. It is important to make sure your products are non toxic cleaners.

As a consumer you might consider paying to offset the amount of CO2 in your day-to-day living produces as a way to erase—or at least clean up—your environmental slate.

Earth Friendly TreeHouse

2008-03-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, Moms....If you are tired about worrying if the latest toy you have has lead paint. I have a great earth friendly playhouse that any child would enjoy! Here’s a smaller option for you, your kids, and their dolls to enjoy- this recycled wood treehouse from new online green retailer ReForm Rules School is made from recycled cherry and elder wood and stands 22″ tall. It’s easy to assemble and comes with retractable stairs, rope ladder, bucket and pulley, and three platforms for hours of doll (and human) fun!

Is Your Home Safe and Healthy?

2008-03-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

Is Your Home Safe?
Cleaning products containing toxic chemicals are linked with asthma, allergies, behavior problems in children, and cancer. Pregnant mothers and their babies are especially vulnerable.

"We are conducting a vast toxicologic experiment in our society, in which our children and our children's children are the experimental subjects." pediatrician Herbert L. Needleman.

Cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that are not listed on the label. Only 1% of toxins are required to be listed on labels. This is mainly because the products don't make any claims about safety. Companies can also classify them as "trade secrets" to avoid listing them. Many of the ingredients labelled "inert" are actually more toxic than the active ingredients.

When considering cleaning products, they should be:
* Biodegradable
* Formulated without dye
* Nonflammable
* Contain no ammonia, acids, alkalis, solvents, phosphates, chlorine, nitrates, borates, or volatile organic compounds

If you have a poison emergency or a question about poisons and you're in the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222"

Healthy Homes and Families

2008-03-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

This week I am on vacation and wanted to explore healthy homes and healthy families. One of my favorite web doctors is www.drgreene.com Parents have become more and more conscious of how important it is to preserve the planet for their children–and out of this consciousness, the green baby movement was born. This is the first definitive, up-to-date guide for parents on how to raise happy babies "green," that is, in a manner that is healthy for them and also for the earth. Dr. Alan Greene, a leading voice of the green baby movement, advises on healthy choices during pregnancy and childbirth, feeding babies only the best food available, and using medicines safely.

Why Go Green?

2008-03-07T20:00:00.001-08:00

Why Go Green?

According to GreenBabies.com "We were impressed enough to base our business on organic cotton when we came to understand the firm conviction of the organic farmer, which is:

Soil is an entire ecosystem of it's own, filled with diverse living organisms that work in a harmonious cooperative that allows crops to grow. It is not dry, dead dirt that must be sprayed with toxic petroleum derived chemicals in order to be forced to produce commodities for sale and consumption with no thought for the lasting destruction left behind.

In the early 1990's this way of thought was sweeping through the cotton fields of California and the high plains of Texas. Third and forth generation farmers, whose families depended on the crop for their livelihood, were converting back to organic, to the methods their grandfathers and great grandfathers used, because of a deep love of the land and a belief that it was their responsibility to future generations.

This is the noble, natural start for the organic fibers that wind up on our babies backs!

Where does it come from?

Who made it?

Who touched it?

Under what conditions?

What will happen to it when I'm done?

Big ad agencies get paid a lot of money to help us FORGET to ask these questions!

BUT IT IS IMPORTANT! How you feel about things! Your values and beliefs! Where your money goes, what happens to the planet! The quality of things, the intention behind the invention! What your baby uses and smells and touches!

These are some of the things we've learned about organic cotton and why we feel it's an important choice:

More energy is now used to produce synthetic fertilizers than to till, cultivate and harvest all the crops in the U.S.

Conventional cotton occupies only 3% of the world's farmland, but uses 25% of the world's chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

In the U.S. alone, it's estimated that 800 million pounds of pesticides will be used on cotton this year!

Some of the chemical used on conventional cotton include the infamous defoliant Paraquat and insecticides like Parathion which is 60 times more toxic that DDT!

With organic farming, crops are rotated to protect the soil and farmers use compost and naturally derived mineral and plant products for fertilizer.

Eco Fashion Designer-Saving Our Water

2008-03-06T18:29:00.000-08:00

Water, like air, is essential to sustain life and maintain basic human dignity
Did you know:
In 2004 worldwide, 2.2 million deaths were attributed to unsafe water – nine out of ten of these deaths were children under the age of five.
One of the largest public health issues of our time is lack of clean water.

Purchase these Linda Loudermilk Water is a Human Right limited edition products and wear your conviction in style! Additionally, if you wish to participate or donate directly to Mikhail Gorbachev’s Green Cross International Global Campaign for the Right to Water, go to www.greencrossinternational.nett and click on “Programs” for the Water Campaign. If you would like to buy a necklace to contribute to ind Loudermilk's mission to clean water visit her site, http://www.lindaloudermilk.com/waterneck.html

Organic Fashion-Sustainable Style

2008-03-04T17:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.mixmind.com/ Ma Ke is a global inspiration for style and sustainable fashion. Ma Ke proves that anyone can look eco fabulous! The nonprofit Sustainable Technology Education Project (STEP) defines eco-fashions as clothes “that take into account the environment, the health of consumers and the working conditions of people in the fashion industry.”

House Of Organics

2008-03-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

Yes! This is an official online Eco Fashion Show. This helps the environment to feature fashions online!
The House from Sweden features the best of ’sustainable style. This is hands-on application of sustainability principles and organic processes. Johanna Hofring, the founder of Ekovaruhuset (which translates to ‘House of Organic’ in Swedish), assembled a first-rate line up of eclectic designers who are also featured at her artisanal eco-boutiques in NYC and Stockholm. Ekovaruhuset’s one-of-a-kind, handmade eco-creations hang together as a collective that redefines the appeal, creativity and luxury of organic design. http://www.ekovaruhuset.se/

Welcome To Eco Fashion Week!

2008-03-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

Yes! This is my official online Eco Mom Fashion Week. This week I will talk about Earth Friendly Fashions for Kids and Moms! And, No just because we are beginning to go Eco you don't have to dress in a Re-cycled Bag! You Can look Fashionably Eco!

So, Welcome To My Eco Fashion Week for Moms and Kids!

Emeril Goes Green

2008-03-02T15:48:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to hear Emeril Lagasse is coming out with a Green Food Show. Emeril was special to my daughter while she was undergoing chemotheraphy at St.Jude. She was 3 years old and loved Emeril Her wish was to see and meet Emeril through Make A Wish Foundation.

“Emeril Green will be shot entirely on location in Whole Foods Market stores around the country. “I try a little harder every day to think greener and be respectful of our environment and our resources,” Lagasse said.”

Ecorazzi says, "Regardless of how you feel about Emeril, it’s about time we had more cooking shows focused directly on some cool, green meals." And, I must agree. I wonder whether he’ll go all out with only vegetarian dishes or go more general to appeal to the masses? I’ll also be curious to see whether the methods of cooking green will be discussed — from energy-efficient appliances to alternatives like solar ovens.

Get that tofu steaming and your apron ready! Emeril Green will debut this July.

Also, Don't forget Dishes For Wishes to benefit Make A Wish Foundation.

Dishes for Wishes
April 27, 2008
Felicia Suzanne's Restaurant
Downtown Memphis

New Fashion Designer Spotlight

2008-03-02T12:37:00.000-08:00

Fashion designer maRia aRistidou www.mariaristidou.com Mia is a fashion designer and consultant for evening wear and I am sure she could probably make you something that is Eco Friendly and fashionably beautiful for evening. Ah......It is so nice to chat about fashion. THINK GREEN! And, each of you can make a difference in this world!

Eco Fashions

2008-03-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

This week I am in the mood to talk about Eco Fashions since I am a graduate of the Fashion Institute Of Technology In New York City! So, Please send me your eco tips for fashions! Hope to hear from my fashion model friends and designers this week!

Eco Design

2008-03-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

Bathtubs are places for relaxation, and here’s a new interpretation- turn your tub into a sofa! This clever design by Max McMurdo breathes life into an antique fixture, and turns what was headed for landfill into a smart, provocative, and comfy conversation starter. Founded by UK product designer Max McMurdo, Reestore is a line of green products based on the recycling of old home products. Taking everyday waste objects and turning them into charming yet functional pieces of furniture and accessories, Reestore attempts to “avoid traditional eco materials in favor of contemporary finishes, fabrics, and, above all, style.” http://www.reestore.com/

Calling All Moms!

2008-02-29T05:16:00.000-08:00

Calling All Moms!

I am so excited about moms beginning to join me around the world! I am not asking mom's to go crazy Green. If you can just begin to do one thing in your life to make your home healthier and the world, you are making a huge impact for future generations. We are all learning ways we can live our lives better.....And, this is my Call For Action!

Just this month, great moms have joined me by making small changes in our lives. We have choices so why not choose a green alternative product when you are out shopping!

Here is a list of great mom's that have joined me! And, no they are not out climbing Trees.....They are Moms, fun, sexy, sweet, nice, healthy, Educators, Social Networkers, Celebrities, etc! But, They all have one thing in common, They are Moms making a difference in this world!

Marie---Social Local Celebrity in every social magazine around town in Memphis, Tn. She is a mover and a shaker!
Ari-Yes, She is a Movie Star Mom from Hollywood, California. She is also Yoga crazy!
Cindy-Totally Organized-She is amazing and can organize your home!
Wendy-Socially connected in Los Angeles and knows everyone!
Fumi-Always buys Organic and concerned about the environment
Sharon-Mother of 3. She is a hard one to describe because she is my sister! She is also planning her daughter's wedding. Maybe Green?? Sharon loves to cook and related to Celebrity TV Food Network Chef Paula Deen!
Felicia-Wow! She has 5 boys and loves Florida!
Stacy-Really, The nicest mom you will ever meet!
Hillary-Teacher, Educator and her school is teaching classes to the children to Go Green!
Katarina-Living her life in the OC and from Sweden!
Debbie-Teacher, Writer and designer for Baby Layette Collection!
Judy-Retired Pilot, Grandmother and formerly owned the largest privately owned flight training academy in the world. And, She is my Mom!

Well, now you have a few in our networking group, and if you want to start making a difference, join my mission today! So, I can write about you!!! We are having fun and having awesome going green parties! Just let me know if you would like to join any of the other mom's through my network group and I will e-mail you their websites so you can join us! Or, you can join under me today and start educating others about Real Facts with Toxins In The Home!!

And, Here are some Real Facts:

1. 17,000: the number of petrochemicals available for home use, only 30% of which have been tested for exposure to human health and the environment.
2. 63: the number of synthetic chemical products found in the average American home, translating to roughly 10 gallons of harmful chemicals.
3. 100: the number of times higher that indoor air pollution levels can be above outdoor air pollution levels, according to US EPA estimates.
4. 275: the number of active ingredients in antimicrobials that the EPA classifies as pesticides because they are designed to kill microbes.
5. 5 billion: the number of pounds of chemicals that the institutional cleaning industry uses each year.
6. 23: the average gallons in chemicals (87 liters) that a janitor uses each year, 25% of which are hazardous.

Have Fun! Educate and Make A Difference!

Welcome Eco Moms!

2008-02-28T15:44:00.000-08:00

Hello and Welcome!

This is my Call To Action Blog for Moms, future moms, grandmothers, etc! We all can make a difference in making our world Healthier! I am calling all of you to join me in my efforts to help families live better and have less toxins in our Home! Over 60% of chemicals can be penetrated into your bloodstream. So, it's important to join my mission of creating healthier lives. We will discuss healthy homes, healthy children, Cool Designs and Fashion! We have all types of mom joining us from Movie Star Moms to Executive Moms, But at the end of the day, they are all MOMs. And, every now and then, I will dish a little about each mom!

I became involved with with a all natural product company after my 6 year old daughter successfully completed a 3 year leukemia protocol. Today, she is cancer free and living a healthy life. Therefore, I wanted to educate and help people to know more about the benefits of natural nutritional products; including non toxic cleaners for home. I feel that the complete line of Shaklee products are the best on the market due to the extensive research and patented technology of products. You certainly won't find anything comparable to Shaklee products in the stores when it come to quality and safety. The Get Clean Line is safe for your home and family. I love Get Clean Because it is non-toxic, safe and biodegradable.

The Company has been in business since 1956 producing the finest nutritional products, personal care products, and non toxic cleaning products available. In fact, not once in the history of the company's 50+ years of offering hundreds of different products to consumers, has Shaklee had a product re-call due to unsafe ingredients, and that's amazing!

This company offers several different lines of great products and all products are designed to be in harmony with nature and good health.

I think it's important to make changes to have a healthier life and choose good green products. And, no, I am not perfect! Everyday I am still learning about ways to go green and would love your tips as well. So, join my mission and Go Green with Me! We can all make a difference!!!