Help PETA Stop Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A is running an ad using elephants that are abused. Even if you eat animals, you can still ensure that they are treated decently while they are alive.

Please sign the petition below.

https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3896&autologin=true

And remember...every little bit helps!

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Hyland's Cold 'n Cough 4 Kids

-no artificial colors/flavors

-sugar-free

-100% Natural

I recently bought this for my 4 yr. old. I'm cautious about meds for her after all the recalls, but have used Hyland's myself, with positive results. So I gave it a try. Not sure what the flavor is, but she likes it. The moment she took it, the cough went away. She's feeling better and actually asks me if it's time for her meds yet. The package is also recyclable. A product I would buy again.

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Walgreen's Renew Naturals Bio-Degradable Baby Wipes

-vitamin E, aloe and tea tree oil enriched
-chlorine & alcohol Free
-hypoallergenic
-scored 3/10 w/limited data on EWG's site.

These wipes have a lot of great perks, but my search continues. They still have some bad chemicals, and is the packaging recyclable? I also find the wipes to be a bit difficult to get out of the packaging. However, at 2/$5 (in my area) they are the best I have found & what I continue to use.
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One of My Favorite Sites

If you look at the right sidebar, under My Favorite Sites, you will see EWG's Cosmetic Safety Database. This site is fantastic! It is a green person's bible!

When I first got into a healthier lifestyle, I found this site. It is full of all kinds of great information.

You can look up products you want to buy, or have already bought, and find out the hazard level on a scale of 1 - 10. If the product is not in their database, you can become a member (for free), and do your own report!

This website is a great tool for referencing and learning a new thing or two!

Check it out, you will be doing yourself a favor!

Remember...every bit helps!
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Help Stop Toxins Found in Fire Retardant Materials

Please sign this petition through www.momsrising.org and help eliminate the dangerous toxins that are in foam and flame retardant materials.

http://action.momsrising.org/letter/2011-6-2-TSCA/?akid=2775.1922420.CJTWBJ&rd=1&t=1

Thanks!

And remember...every little bit helps!
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Sign EWG's Safe Cosmetics petition!

A lot of personal care products out there are not safe...that goes for women, men, and kids. Do you really have any idea what's in the products you use daily?

If you are not familiar with the Environmental Working Group site, I strongly urge you to check it out. It really opened my eyes and is a very helpful site I use weekly. The link is on the sidebar to the right of my blog, under Favorites - Cosmetic Safety Database.

Have a great week!

And remember...every bit helps!

http://action.ewg.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1918&utm_source=2011cosmeticspetitionfull&utm_medium=email&utm_content=image&utm_campaign=toxics
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A Thought on Smoking...

Perhaps one of life's biggest challenges is to learn empathy for others. One thing that really irks me is the attitude of some smokers and non-smokers. I have seen a few instances in which people attack each other over their disagreeing views. It has almost escalated to the point of violence a few times. However, lines do need to be drawn and people pointing fingers should look at themselves first. Both sides have rights.

I wonder what would have happened if the scenarios had gone differently. Everyone disagrees. What is important is how we do it and how we tolerate others who disagree with us. We do not need to attack, harass, or threaten physical harm to those we are in disagreement with. This does nothing but close the doors on either side coming to a compromise or learning tolerance for the other. So smokers, please be mindful of non-smoker's feelings. And to non-smokers who attack, please remember - that smoker may not be aware of their "offense" to you, so try talking to them before attacking them. Cigarette smoke may be bad, but so are the emissions from your car and the meat you eat!

And for fellow smokers, here are five tips to help you help the environment.

1. Use an ashtray for your butts when outside and in the car. You can buy portable and pocket ashtrays for this.

2. Volunteer for a coastal clean-up to make up for all those butts you HAVE thrown on the ground. You'll be amazed at how many are on the beach. Yuck!

3. If you smoke in the car, make it a rule that passengers cannot throw butts (or any litter) out the window if they want a ride.

(Stand by #3. You may look weird/mean, but they will know you are serious!)

4. Try organic hemp wicks instead of lighters. They are better for you and the environment! I recently received a free sample, and though it's a bit different, I liked it.

5. Find ways to politely inform others about #1-5. I'm happy to say that I have made my partner more aware of his cigarette butts and they now go into the proper place - well, 95% of the time.

Thanks for reading!

Have a blessed week and remember...every bit helps!

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Support Ca Bill to Label GE Fish

If you've read some of my other posts, then you know that I am strongly against GMOs/GEOs. They are horrible for our bodies and hurt the environment. Please join me in sending a message to Health Committee members.

https://secure3.convio.net/cfs/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=369

Thanks.

And remember...every little bit counts!

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World Week for Animals in Laboratories

Yesterday was the start of World Week for Animals in Laboratories. Peta has a great blog with some pointers on how you can help. Evenly if it is only for this week!

http://www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/2011/04/18/surprising-ways-to-help-animals-in-laboratories.aspx

Remember...every little bit helps!

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Happy Earth Week/Veg Week/Earth Day!(April 22)

I love the month of April. Besides it being my birth month, April is crammed full of earth day related events! Around the world, people will be doing things (big AND small) to help Mother Earth. What will YOU be doing to celebrate Earth Week/Day? See below for some simple green tips and related links to Earth Day.

1. Plant flowers or a tree, or make a home for birds/frogs in your yard.

2. Volunteer time to coastal clean-ups, or school/park beautification events.

3. If you smoke, put your butts in the trash. Make sure they are fully extinguished first.

4. Walk, bike, skate, scooter or carpool around. It's also better for your body!

5. Skip that next car wash.

6. Make a small, but permanent, green change.

http://www.earthday.org/

http://www.epa.gov/earthday/events.htm

http://earthday.nature.org/?gclid=CMju3ZjDpagCFRRigwodMD43HA

learn and participate in veg week:
http://www.cok.net/

And remember...a little green always helps!
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Center for Food Safety's Virtual Rally for the Right to Know -Please join us!

There is a very important rally going on today- in the Internet world and the REAL world. People across the U.S. are coming together to send a virtual message to Congress: Label genetically engineered foods! We have a right to know what we are putting into our bodies. And we have a right to an organic lifestyle.

It's very easy. Use the link below. Just fill in the contact info on the page, click and you're done.

Thanks for your support!

And remember...every little bit helps!

https://secure3.convio.net/cfs/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=262

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An Article of Change

My wonderful friend has written this thought-provoking article for The Huffington Post that I wanted to share with you. The topic is about corporate giving and social responsibility. Even if you are just one successful person, this article is for you. We all owe our 10%.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/reena-de-asis/corporate-giving-and-the-_b_833626.html
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New Lawsuit Against GE Alfalfa

A new lawsuit was recently filed against the USDA. It challenges the approval of GE Alfalfa being grown without any restrictions. There are all kinds of groups, from organic farmers to environmental ones, challenging this approval.

Besides the concerns listed in an earlier blog dated Oct. 2010, approval to plant poses a huge threat to organic farmers and consumers. See links below for more reading.

And remember...every little bit helps!

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/03/new-lawsuit-challenges-usda-approval-of-ge-alfalfa/

http://news.change.org/stories/deja-vu-ge-alfalfa-headed-to-court-again

http://organic.about.com/b/2011/03/20/lawsuit-challenging-ge-alfalfa-approval-filed.htm
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Five Ways to Help the Environment

1. Don't throw away those worn, damaged shoes! Take them to a shoe cobbler. You can usually fix them for less than it costs for a new pair and help the environment. Remember to try and find an Eco-friendly shoe cobbler.

2. Reuse large containers as piggy banks. We decorate and use Nesquik containers to put box tops for education clippings in. Help the environment and schools at the same time!

3. Don't throw away medication that is expired/unused. Some pharmacies like Walgreen's let you drop off meds there. See the links below.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2198300_donate-unused-leftover-medicines.html

http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/recycle_unused_meds_safely_through_walgreens

4. If you aren't using rechargeable batteries, start. You'll save money and help the environment. Recycle all used batteries instead of throwing them in the trash. I believe that Walgreen's also does this.(I haven't filled up my reusable battery recycling bag yet.)

5. Recycle your cell phones and electronics. Sometimes money from these items are used to support schools.

Remember, every little bit helps!
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BPA in Store Receipts

Another study has shown that the toxin bisphenol-A, is still being found in register receipts from various stores. Bisphenol-A is an endocrine disruptor which has been linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, early puberty in kids, and sexual dysfunction. YOU are exposed to it more often than you think.

Bisphenol-A(BPA)is mainly used as a hardener for plastics. However, it's also found in some canned foods and cash register receipts. Try to limit you exposure to these items and buy BPA free plastics/products. Make sure you are using BPA free water and baby bottles and throw out any old, cloudy, or visibly worn plastics.

Check out the links below for some articles and tips.

Have a great week and remember every little bit helps!

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-bpa-on-money-20101208,0,1735042.story

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/ewg-lab-tests-confirm-bpa-customer-receipts

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Another Lead Alert!

California Watchdog Group is once again warning about lead found in various products from several different companies. Check out the rest of the story to see who the offenders are, and for a list of some products that tested safe.

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/11/29/california-watchdog-group-finds-lead-in-toys-jewelry-and-other/?icid=maing|main5|8|link4|28313

Have a great week!

And remember...every little bit helps!
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Five Ways for a Greener Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Year after year, consumers throw away countless amounts of money on the holidays. By cutting back on needless spending, we can help animals, the environment, our health, and our wallets.

1. Don't buy disposable plates, cups, plastic ware, etc. Use the real thing if you can. Yes, it is a little more work, but well worth it.

2. Try a vegetarian Thanksgiving feast! Turkeys, and your body, will be saying, "Thank You!"

3. Buy foods that are local and organic. Don't forget the reusable shopping bags!

4. Shut off oven 5 minutes early and let the built up heat finish cooking the food.

5. Have your Thanksgiving dinner by candlelight.

Remember...every little bit helps!
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Lead in Reusable Shopping Bags

Recent tests have shown questionable amounts of lead in the bags we use as we try to help the environment. A few supermarkets have even stopped carrying some of these bags. There seems to be a lot of mixed views on this one. Once again, we try to take a step forward, and just go right on back! When will they test products for safety BEFORE, they hit the shelves?

More info in the links below.

Don't forget to wash those bags, too!

And remember, a little green always helps!

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/environment/2010-11-15-toxicbags15_st_N.htm

http://www.latimes.com/sns-ap-us-lead-in-bags,0,5831333.story

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/consumer&id=7790380


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HALLOWEEN CANDY RECALL 10/27/2010

Here's a real scare for you-recalled candy days before Halloween! Be sure to check the candy you are giving out and any candy your child, or you, might receive.

Mega Pops Lollipops, Nestle Raisinets and Hershey York pieces were recalled this week due to consumer complaints. These complaints have prompted testing of the candy and thus, the recall.

The lollipops may contain "minute traces" of stainless steel. Only certain lots were recalled of the cherry, grape, orange and watermelon flavors in 14 and 28 ounce cellophane bags. You can call 1-888-317-3686 with any questions.

The Raisinets may have undeclared peanuts in them. However, it states on the bag that they are processed on equipment that also processes peanuts. The recalled product is the Raisinets Fun Size 10 ounce bags bought from Don Quixote, Shop Rite and Target stores. You can call Nestle Consumer Services directly 1-800-478-5670 for more info.

Hershey has also issued a recall on their 5 ounce bags of bite size York pieces. There is the possibility of small pieces of metal in the product. Call Hershey Consumer Relations at 1-800-468-1714 for additional info.

Last, but not least, Hyland's Teething Tablets have been voluntarily recalled. Check the following link for more info http://www.hylands.com/news/hylands-teething-recall.php.

Hopefully that is it!

Remember...every little bit helps!

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Five Ways to Teach Your Kids to be Green

Since my daughter was old enough to understand, I have been teaching her about respecting the environment. I try to have little "green" moments with her. Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than positively inspiring others, and my daughter feels great about herself too!

1. Teach children to turn off the faucet when washing hands and brushing teeth.

2. Remind them to turn off lights, TV, and other electronics when not using them.

3. Have your child help you recycle or compost.

4. Show your child that second-hand items can be just as good as the new ones. Buy used, or donate unwanted items of your own.

5. Before leaving the park with your child, pick up a few pieces of litter. It is amazing how this good deed seems to rub off on other parents and their kids!

And remember...every little bits helps!

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