news

Bed Bugs!

Guess what I'm doing tomorrow!
Hi everyone! Hope you are all well. I wasn't going to post a blog today but when I saw this article I wanted to pass it on. I know it's not a nice topic but I think it is something you need to think about. Our world is growing smaller everyday and as people move about the world this sort of thing is going to occur. I wonder what other nasties can hitch a ride? Here's the article I found it on Yahoo and some things you can do to stamp out the problem before it becomes one.
-. put all luggage in large plastic bags and seal them up.
-. vacuum out suitcases and if you can lay them out in the sun. Canvas bags can be washed .
-. wash out all cloth in hottest water possible. Iron if lower water temp needed. @0minutes int he dryer.
-. if possible don't unpack at your destination if you suspect bugs.
-.ask hotel if they treat the room regularly.
-. air out bedding is the bright sun shine to keep it fresh.
-. for larger and heavy quilts, lay them out on the grass in the sun.
-.by new pillows every time the clocks change, just like you replace the fire alarm batteries.
-.buy a good vacuum and clean it often.
-.protect materes and pillows with covers, becareful of what you pay for them some can be $$.
-. wash pet sleeping area down also.
-.take precaution when getting used furniture.


Health news

Not letting the bed bugs bite is getting harder to do in large Canadian cities
Provided by: The Canadian PressWritten by: Chinta Puxley, THE CANADIAN PRESSSep. 14, 2008
WINNIPEG - Bed bugs are no longer just the stuff of bedtime rhymes with the blood-sucking critters increasingly becoming a problem in large Canadian cities.
They are hitching rides with international travellers and moving from home to home in used furniture, creating problems in bedrooms from coast to coast.
"We're all experiencing an increase in the incidences of bed bugs," said Reg Ayre, manager of the healthy environments program with the Toronto public health department.
"We're seeing it right across the board whether you are in (a) very elite area, in a single family residence, whether you are in a five-star hotel or whether you are in the local rooming house down on the corner. We're seeing it all over the place."
The wingless insects invade mattresses, curtains or tiny crevasses in the wall, coming out to feast on humans while they sleep.
Bed bugs used to be fairly common around the time of the Second World War, Ayre said. As harsh pesticides like DDT gained popularity, he said the bed bug population dipped along with the population of other household pests, such as cockroaches and ants.
But with the phase-out of such harmful pesticides, Ayre said bed bugs are making a comeback.
"Folks have lost the knowledge on how to deal with bed bugs," he said.
There are several theories about why bed bugs are thriving in North America once again, said University of Manitoba entomologist Terry Galloway.
Some blame international travel, arguing bed bugs are stowing away in clothes and suitcases to set up homes in Canadian bedrooms.
But Galloway said bed bugs are also capable of covering large enough distances on foot, travelling from apartment to apartment quickly within a building.
Used furniture is also a good way to spread the bugs, he said.
When they find a warm place close to a source of food, Galloway said they start to reproduce relatively quickly.
While bed bugs aren't known to spread infectious disease, Galloway said some people develop welts after being bitten.
Still, he said many people - even entomology students - don't recognize the telltale signs of bed bugs such as clusters of bites and small droppings on the sheets. Even when bed bugs are identified, he said some people are often ashamed.
"They've often been associated with poverty," said Galloway. "That's not necessarily true at all. It's the same as head lice. Anybody can get head lice. It doesn't have anything to do with social status or anything else."
Several years ago, Winnipeg exterminator Lincoln Poulin said he'd get one or two calls a year about bed bugs. These days, his Western Canada pest control chain gets an average of 10 calls a day.
"These insects are literally everywhere," he said. "I've treated moving vans for them."
Bed bugs are hearty creatures, living up to a year without food in cold climates, which makes them tough to get rid of, Poulin said. You can't just close off a room or shut down a summer camp and expect them to die off on their own, he said.
The longer the bugs live in your bedroom, the harder it is to get rid of them, Poulin said. Washing clothes right away after returning from a trip and vacuuming out the suitcase can help kill bed bugs before they settle in, but Poulin said very few people tend to do that.
"Bed bugs are so tiny, people have a hard time seeing them," he said. "They bring them home and they don't even realize it."
Public health experts recommend regularly washing bedding and vacuuming mattresses to prevent infestations. They also recommend caution when buying used furniture. After returning from a trip, luggage should be kept in an isolated area of the home. All clothing in the suitcase should also be washed in the hottest water possible and put in a hot dryer for 20 minutes.
More info:
http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-c-39_95.html
http://www.pestmanagement.ca/
http://www.licesquad.com/article.asp
Well I'm off to bed. Sleep tight and don't let the beg bugs bite!

Babies first room

Well it seems lots of new babies are on their way very soon. I have a few friends who have just had or are waiting for the big day. I started to think about my first sons room and wondered how it stacked up in this new green thinking that has sprung up lately. I don't think I would have received great grades. Though I think that sometimes things can go a bit far, not everyone can afford to go all green, I think it best to know what you can and can't do....but anything you you can do is a step in the right direction. So to all the new mom's out the enjoy the experience and don't go over board...they will get dirty, they will get hurt, they will drive you nuts sometimes but remember you only live the moment once..savour it.

I hope you find this artical I cliped out for you. Let me know what you think.

Night.

Better Basics for Your Baby's Room
by Tracy Tullis

The womb acts as a wonderfully protective cushion between the fetus and the jolts and bumps of the outside world. On the inside, though, the placenta simply cannot shield the womb from all of the man-made chemicals that have, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, collected in our bodies. You can, however, take simple steps to reduce the risk to your offspring by paying special attention to what you eat, drink and breathe.

You probably already know to avoid alcohol, cigarette smoke, caffeine and kitty litter. Unfortunately, prenatal exposures to other common contaminants can affect the fetus during critical windows when vital systems are developing, says pediatrician Philip Landrigan, M.D., director of the Center for Children's Health and the Environment (CCHE) at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Below are 10 kinds of toxins capable of crossing the placenta and how to avoid them.

1. Trim consumption of animal fats When you're pregnant, it's more important than ever to choose lean cuts of meat, trim away fat and opt for fat-free dairy products. Here's why: Some toxins linked to prenatal nervous system and hormonal damage are stored in fatty tissue. These include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which pose risks of reduced intelligence to the developing fetus; brominated fire retardants (see "Catfish"

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc.mhtml?i=106&s=catfish);

dioxins and other pollutants that persist in our air and water.

2. Put a stop to insecticides in your home and office Organophosphates are a family of insecticides that attack the nervous system. In two New York City studies conducted last year, babies of women who had been most exposed to two organophosphates, chlorpyrifos (Dursban and Lorsban) and diazinon (Spectracide), had significantly lower birth weights. Fortunately, these insecticides were phased out of residential and school use by the EPA in 2001-03. However, other organophosphates are still in circulation, as are similar compounds called pyrethroids. Pesticides also release inhalable volatile organic compounds (see below).
What to do instead? Researchers at the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health (CCCEH) recommend that pregnant women switch to sticky traps and other bait stations, "which are safer, last longer and are more effective," while keeping surfaces clean of food residue, removing trash and treating cracks with boric acid, classified by the EPA as of low toxicity, then sealing with caulk. (Keep boric acid and baits out of the reach of children and pets.)

3. Select foods to minimize pesticide residues Chlorpyrifos and diazinon (see above), along with many related toxic pesticides, are still used widely on food crops. Prioritize your grocery list to allow for the purchase of the following organic fruits and vegetables that, when conventionally grown, tend to harbor the most pesticide residue: apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, spinach, strawberries and peppers.

4. Pass on high-mercury fish Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can harm a developing fetus. Say "no" to high-mercury fish such as fresh tuna, canned albacore, wild bass, swordfish and tilefish. (One meal of moderate-mercury fish, such as canned light tuna, can be eaten once a month.) Eat up: low-mercury "yes" fish such as sardines, wild salmon and farmed striped bass. For a complete list, download the Green Guide's wallet-sized Fish Picks Smart Shopper's Card https://ssl.thegreenguide.com/cart/docs.mhtml?i=pdfssc.

5. Let Old Paint Lie Since lead has been banned from gasoline (in 1996) and paint (in 1978), most exposures now come from old lead-based paint. This heavy metal, which can also contaminate water and soil, can interfere with nearly every aspect of fetal development, causing brain and kidney damage, according to the CCHE. If your old house has lead paint in good condition, cover it with fresh paint rather than removing it, which releases lead dust into the air. To test paint for lead, see www.epa.gov/lead/leadinfo.htm#buy

http://www.epa.gov/lead/leadinfo.htm

or call the EPA's lead hot line at 800-426-4791.

6. Make sure your water is safe to drink Your local utility must by law provide you with an annual "Right to Know" report listing the EPA-recognized pollutants that exist in your water at potentially unsafe levels. Trihalomethanes, for instance, can increase the risk of miscarriage. See Green Guide #101 for contaminants to avoid and best filters. If you suspect there's lead in your pipes, allow the tap to run for 30 seconds to clear them before using water. Find lead-testing services at www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/sco.html http://www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/sco.html.

7. Avoid the VOCs that offgas from paints, glues, air fresheners Toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can evaporate from many conventional building, decorating and other household products, including air freshener sprays. Exposure to air fresheners during pregnancy and within the first six months of life was associated with diarrhea and earache in infants and headaches and depression in mothers, according to a study published in the October 2003 Archives of Environmental Health.

What to Do: For a shopping list of no- or low-VOC pressed woods, paint, stains and varnishes, see Green Guide #96 http://www.thegreenguide.com/issue.mhtml?i=96. Remember, even when the safest products are used, pregnant women should stay away during renovations and until finished rooms are well ventilated.

If exposed to fumes at work, speak up: Thirty-two children exposed in utero to organic solvents had lower scores on language and other developmental tests, according to a study published in the October 2004 Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. In the workplace, their mothers had come into contact with such solvents as toluene, xylene, mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol and trichloroethylene. See Green Guide #92 "Sick at Work?"

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc.mhtml?i=92&s=sickatwork

or contact the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 800-35-NIOSH, www.cdc.gov/niosh

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh.

8. Steer clear of vehicular and smokestack emissions Research conducted by Columbia University links "combustion-related" chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with shorter gestation periods for pregnant women, resulting in smaller babies. PAHs are in car or bus exhaust and emissions from residential heating and power generation. Before exercising outdoors, check the EPA's Air Quality Index at epa.gov/airnow . Keep windows closed during peak traffic hours. For the best air filters, see our Air Purifiers http://www.thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=13 product report.

9. Stay away from phthalates in vinyl, personal-care and cleaning products Chemicals called phthalates, known hormone-system disruptors that have caused birth defects in lab animals, are widely used as plasticizers in nail polishes and vinyl and as solvents in synthetic fragrances. Avoid soft vinyl products and cosmetics containing "Fragrance"; also see lists of phthalate-free cosmetics at nottoopretty.org and Green Guide #94 "Beauty Tips"

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc.mhtml?i=94&s=beautytips> and Green Guide #99 "Soap and Shampoo: Personal Best." http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc.mhtml?i=99&s=soap

See also, ""Nail Products" http://www.thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=41

, "Household Cleaning Supplies" http://www.thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=15

, "Lip and Eye Makeup" http://www.thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=42

product reports.

10. Get rid of those crumbling foam cushions, already! The latest chemicals found to be approaching possibly unsafe levels in American women's breast milk, as well as umbilical-cord blood, are fire retardants known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs. Furniture foam tends to release PBDEs into house dust when it breaks down. For solutions, see Mattresses and Box Springs http://www.thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=1

and Computers http://www.thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=58

product reports and Green Guide #97 "PBDE Fire Retardant and Health Risks."

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc.mhtml?i=97&s=pbde

Thought for August Heat: Your Lawns life line.

Well August is almost here and for though of you who worry about you lawn in the heat and about the environment heres son info I found. Personally I don't worry aabout my lawn to much. I don't over mow it and leave it a little on the long side. We also use our sump pump water (500 gallon tank, with motor) to water if Mother Nature doesn't oblidge. Hope you all have a great Green Week.

Be a Stickler with Your Sprinkler
09:01 am - July 8, 2008

In terms of surface area, lawns are the single largest irrigated crop in America, covering 128,000 square kilometers--three times the surface area the U.S. corn crop covers. All that landscape soaks up a lot of water to keep it looking healthy, and in some areas, keeping your lawn green is not just a luxury, but a requirement. When California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a statewide drought on June fourth, one couple in Sacramento cut back on watering their lawn, but they subsequently received a $746 fine for letting their grass go brown--and potentially lowering their neighbors' property values. So for many, conservation of both lawn and water are high priorities.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize water waste when watering the lawn:
Set the sprinkler at the setting that gives off large drops of water, low and close to the ground.
Take care to position the sprinkler so that all water falls on the lawn (not on the sidewalk or the driveway).
Water early in the morning, which will ensure that the water soaks into the soil instead of evaporating.
Pick up a Noodlehead Sprinkler, which features flexible nozzles so you can spray the water right where you need to (from $16.95, http://www.noodleheadsprinkler.com/).

Spreading the world:

Interesting new story for today. It really illustrates how far our climate is changing on a grand scale. Lack of trees in Africa and desertification will and are affecting us here in North America. This article illustrates the two of the of the four elements fighting, I wonder who will win? though I don't think it will be use. I hope you get a chance to read this article. Let me know if you find the links interesting.

Tainted African Dust Clouds Harm U.S., Caribbean Reefs

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/07/080714-africa-clouds.html

Top ecology groups issue joint blueprint
MARTIN MITTELSTAEDT
ENVIRONMENT REPORTER, Globe and Mail
March 8, 2008
Canada's 11 largest environmental groups have jointly issued a blueprint to solve the country's environmental woes, calling for high carbon taxes and at least half of the country's remaining wilderness to be off limits to development.
It is the first time since the late 1980s that the country's brand-name conservation organizations, ranging from Greenpeace to the David Suzuki Foundation, have issued such a document. It was unveiled yesterday in Ottawa and presented to the four major federal parties for incorporation into their election platforms.
Rick Smith, executive director of Environmental Defence, called the proposals "the most ambitious and comprehensive" that the "environmental movement has ever put together."
The groups are calling for Canada to adopt carbon taxes of $30 per tonne of releases, starting next year, with the amount rising to $75 a tonne by 2020. The initial figure is twice what the federal Tories have said they will impose on large industrial greenhouse-gas polluters, but the groups said "realistic pricing" of greenhouse-gas emissions "is the most efficient way to send a signal ... about the seriousness of the threat we face" from global warming.
They also want the federal government to begin lowering taxes on income, saving and investment, and shift the tax burden onto environmentally harmful activities, such as oil and gas or mining projects.
Although many environmental groups, such as Greenpeace, almost reflexively call for an end to nuclear power, the organizations didn't propose this, but instead recommended stopping all direct and indirect subsidies to the nuclear industry.
"To be honest with you, I'm pretty happy with how far people were willing to go on things," said Bruce Cox, executive director of Greenpeace.
To protect the oceans, the groups want an immediate ban on bottom trawling and other harmful forms of fishing. They also say that there should be no offshore oil and gas development on the B.C. coast.
As a way to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from the agricultural sector, they called on the government to encourage Canadians to eat locally produced food, particularly organically cultivated crops, that do not require energy-intensive fertilizers or pesticides.
They also recommended the federal government immediately ban several chemicals, including flame retardants known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, used in electronics, and bisphenol A, used to make polycarbonate plastic, based on concerns the compounds may be harming human health.

The full program is available at http://www.tomorrowtodaycanada.ca/

Related NewsEcorights bill a 'vision' for futureCanada at crossroads: Government must seize opportunity to address environmental concernsMoment de vérité pour le Canada : Le gouvernement doit saisir l’occasion de s’attaquer aux préoccupations environnementalesGreen Budget Coalition writes Minister Flaherty: Budget 2008 “very disappointing”

The other side of Green

Every where these day's there is info aobut Going Green. This is great but what do we do when mother nature bits back and mucks up our lives? What do you do? I found some great sites that tell what to do in case ________ happens. I will share so of the info here for you but I recommened you visit these sites to learn more, you might need the info this summer considering the way things are going.

Mold -- Safe Clean Up

site addresss

http://www.flash.org/index.html

Safe Mold Clean Up
Mold growth is likely to occur in homes after flooding. It's very important to clean and thoroughly dry any areas of the home that have gotten wet from floodwaters.

Mold - What Is It?

Molds are simple microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. When molds are present in large quantities they can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen.

What Can I Save? What Should I Toss?

Porous materials can trap mold. Items such as paper, rags, wallboard, and rotten wood should be thrown out. Harder materials such as glass, plastic and metal can be kept after they are cleaned and disinfected.

Removing Moldy Materials

Wear a filter mask and gloves to avoid contact with the mold.

Remove porous materials (ex: ceiling tiles, Sheet-rock, carpeting, wood products.)

Carpeting can be a difficult problem - drying does not remove the dead spores. If there is heavy mold, disposal of the carpet should be considered. Allow areas to dry 2 to 3 days before replacing damaged materials

If Sheet-rock, or wallboard, is flooded, remove all Sheet-rock to at least 12 inches above the high water mark.

General Mold Clean-Up Procedures Identify and correct the moisture source.

Remove all water and fix any leaks before cleaning.

Clean, disinfect, and dry the moldy area. Bag and dispose of any material that has moldy residue, such as rags, paper, leaves or debris.

Soap Cleanup Wear protective gloves and a filter mask.Use non-ammonia soap or detergent, or a commercial cleaner in hot water. Scrub the entire area affected by the mold. Use a stiff brush or cleaning pad. Rinse with clean water.

Disinfect Surfaces Wear a filter mask and protective gloves when using disinfectants. After thorough cleaning and rinsing, disinfect the area with a solution of 10% household bleach (1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water).

Never mix bleach with ammonia - the fumes are toxic! Let disinfected areas dry naturally overnight to kill all the mold.

Be aware that exposure to mold can occur during cleanup. To minimize exposure, consider using a breathing mask or respirator, wear rubber gloves and take breaks in a well-ventilated area.

Well I hope you don't need this info but please learn more just in case.

Sun Burn of Chemical Burn??

Well with Summer nearly upon us, I went looking for information on Sun Screen. I found this great artical at the National Geographic site that really made understanding about what we should and shoudn't slather on our childern and ourselves. I hope you find it informative and please visit the site to learn more.

"Sun Screen Artical

With schools closing for winter break, children across the country are once again enjoying long days outdoors at ski camps or fleeing the cold North for warmer climes. But a recent study of children age 11 to 18 by the American Cancer Society showed that less than one-third took precautions to protect themselves from the sun, a sobering fact when one considers that as much as 80% of our total lifetime sun exposure occurs within the first 18 years of life. The same study reported that 72% of children experienced sunburns during the summer months.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), more than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, will kill 7,910 people—that's nearly one person dying of melanoma every hour. In August 2005, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the incidence of basal and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common forms of skin cancer, more than doubled between 1976 and 2003 among women under the age of 40.
"The reasons for this [large number of new cases of skin cancer] are multifactorial," says Cheryl Citron, M.D., a dermatologist and past president of the New Jersey Dermatologic Society. "We have pollution, depletion of the ozone, unregulated tanning salons and people living longer—but the biggest factor is early sun exposure."
Protection, however, requires more than globbing sunscreens or sunblocks onto skin. "Sunscreens don't prevent skin cancer, they can only reduce the risk." according to Mark Chamberlain, PharmD at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Dr. Chamberlain offers this example: If time spent in the sun remains the same, a person with a 50 percent chance of developing skin cancer will reduce his risk to only 20 percent with daily use of sunscreen. Two forms of solar radiation are of concern: Ultraviolet-A (UVA) which are long-wave solar rays that are less likely to cause sunburn, but penetrate the skin more deeply; and ultraviolet-B, short-wave solar rays responsible for sunburns and considered the leading cause of basal and squamous cell skin cancer, as well as a significant contributor to melanoma. There is increasing evidence of UVA causing photoaging and UVA is believed to exacerbate UVB's carcinogenic effects, contributing to cancers, especially melanoma. Dr. John Knowland of Oxford University explains that in using sunscreens that absorb UVB but not UVA, "you can encourage prolonged exposure, thereby getting a much higher dose of UVA, and perhaps increasing the risk of melanoma."
Avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the rays are most powerful, is the best option for protection against UV rays, dermatologists say. But when this is not practical, one should use sunblock creams and wear protective clothing. Below are some recommendations for how to pick the most effective of both.
Ingredients to Avoid
Overall, there are two basic types of skin cream or lotion protection: sunscreens, which absorb and deflect (or reflect) the sun's rays via a chemical reaction, and "blocks"—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—which create a physical barrier against rays. Most commercial products offer a combination of the two, but when possible avoid the following ingredients:
• PABA: Though rarely used now in sunscreens, beware of products that contain the ingredient. Forty percent of the population is sensitive to it, experiencing red, itchy skin.
• Benzophenone (benzophenone-3), homosalate, and octy-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate): These chemicals are of more concern because they have shown estrogenic activity in lab tests. Dr. Margret Schlumpf of the University of Zurich's Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology says they have been shown to disrupt hormones, affecting the development of the brain (particularly the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal system) and reproductive organs in laboratory rats.
Because people are exposed simply by eating fish (where benzophenone accumulates in the fat), using sunscreen containing these chemicals unduly increases the exposure. Based on her studies, Dr. Schlumpf advises people avoid products containing benzophenone and the related chemicals above.
• Parabens (butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-): Parabens may also mimic estrogen, but because they are common in sunscreens, avoiding them may prove difficult.
• Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 (2-ethylhexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoic acid and avobenzone): These two chemicals have the potential to damage DNA when illuminated with sunlight. On the skin's surface, these chemicals do protect from UV damage; however, once absorbed into the skin, these same chemicals can prove destructive. Dr. Knowland's research indicates that Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 "are excited by the UV energy which they absorb and become reactive, acquiring the potential to attack cellular components, including DNA." Knowland cautions that "DNA damage inflicted by an excited sunscreen is much less capable of being repaired by naturally occurring repair mechanisms than the DNA damage inflicted by UV alone."
• Although insect repellents with sunscreen may seem like an easy option, Dr. Best recommends avoiding them because of the dangers of overexposure to DEET, which can cause eye and skin irritations, headaches, nausea, when the product is reapplied after swimming or exercise.
Choose Sun Blocks
Zinc oxide, which lies on the skin without being absorbed, is completely safe. Unfortunately, its most common form is lifeguard white which can make it an unattractive choice. Dr. Kazutaka Hirakawa of Shizuoka University has shown that when injected into tumor cells to test its usefulness in fighting cancer, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has shown phototoxicity (or the capability to damage skin upon exposure to light), but as a sunscreen appears to be safe, based on what is known so far. Dr. Hirakawa explains that "titanium dioxide itself is an effective sunscreen and does not show phototoxicity in a normal condition as a sunscreen. A protective action of TiO2 for UV light may be much greater than its phototoxic effect on human skin." Most titanium dioxide used in sunscreens is coated with materials that reduce its photoactivity. Dr. Knowland says that according to current evidence titanium dioxide is much less likely than other chemical sunscreens to penetrate human skin. Note that on sunscreen labels companies rarely distinguish between sunscreens and sunblock, and instead use the term "sunscreen" for both. Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient when choosing.
Biodegradable Sunscreens
Not all sunscreens are biodegradable, however, and ones that are may still contain chemicals to avoid. Dr. Schlumpf warns that chemicals washed off with water are then put into the environment where they can negatively affect other animals. Lavera, Aubrey, Kiss My Face, and JASON Naturals all make biodegradable sunscreens, but check ingredients before purchasing any product.
Protective Clothing
The right clothing can protect against the sun's harmful rays. Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats are obvious choices, but it is equally important to consider the rest of your clothing. Claims of sun protectiveness factors, however, are not reliable here: Dana Best, M.D., a pediatrician at the Children's National Medical Center and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Environmental Health, warns that "sun-protective clothing and fabrics are not regulated by any government agency." So consider these factors when choosing appropriate clothing (most important factors are listed first): weave (tighter is best), color (darker fabrics let less light through than lighter), weight (the heavier, the better) and stretch (stretch clothing loses UV protection as the item stretches out). If this has you imagining yourself in a black wool sweater in the middle of an August heat wave, fear not. You'll be well-protected wearing unbleached cotton or high-luster polyester or satiny silk, which reflect radiation. Clothes made from polyester crepe, bleached cotton or viscose offer little protection because they are transparent to UV rays.
You can also consider investing in ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing. Clothes with UPF, which is similar to SPF, are increasing with many lines emerging from Australia. Coolibar, the only clothing brand recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, offers fashions for men, women and children from clothing to hats and swimwear. All of Coolibar's clothing is made to maximize sun protection, with many pieces using microfibers containing titanium dioxide to diffuse 98% of UV rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation also endorses SunGuard, a laundry additive made by the company that makes Rit dyes. The product claims to block 96% of harmful rays, with the active ingredient being a blocking agent called Tinosorb. Ciba Specialty Chemicals, which manufactures Tinosorb, says that the sunscreen particles are too large to be absorbed through the skin, making the chemical relatively benign. Also, a 2001 study published in the journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology found that the chemical posed no risks of hormone disruption. SunGuard contains no fragrances or petrochemicals, but the product is not for children 2 years or under.
Proper Use of Sunscreen
Dr. Knowland, like Dr. Chamberlain, warns against assuming that sunscreens allow us to remain in the sun without increasing our risk of skin cancer. The report "Sunscreens," published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (a branch of the World Health Organization) in 2001 states that "sunscreens should not be used as a means of extending the duration of solar exposure, such as prolonging sunbathing." Instead, they are best used as protection against unavoidable exposure, for instance when engaged in sports such as golf or softball, which can take so long you're inevitably out during some of the strongest UV periods, and surfing, when wave conditions may sometimes be best during peak sun hours. And, Dr. Best notes, sunscreen should be used correctly:
• Cover all exposed skin liberally.
• Remember ears, backs of knees, feet and hands.
• Apply sunscreen BEFORE going outdoors.
• Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
• Re-apply after swimming, sweating, and at least every two hours.
• If a child develops a reaction to a specific brand, try using a PABA-free brand or zinc oxide or titanium oxide.
Dr. Best also recommends that infants younger than 6 months be kept out of direct sunlight and dressed in "cool, comfortable clothing and wear hats with brims." She adds, "There is no evidence that suggests that use of sunscreen after 6 months is associated with any long-term harm. However, it is prudent to wash off sunscreen once the exposure period is over."
And for those inevitable moments when you are caught outside without sunscreen and no shade in sight, don't panic. Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine three times a week is actually healthy—sunlight helps our body manufacture vitamin D, a vitamin associated with strong bones, a major factor in osteoporosis, and the reduced risk of breast, prostrate, and colon cancers. Studies have also linked vitamin D with mood improvement, endorphin release and libido function. Perhaps that's what John and Paul were thinking when they wrote, "I need to laugh and when the sun is out/I've got something I can laugh about."

Go to: http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/environment.html To see a list of SunScreen Product.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/siteindex/ This link will take you to an index for the National Georaphic site, here you will find a ton of information.

Dangerous Home?

Watch this short video to learn just what is lurking in your home.

Shaklee

Sharing Shaklee

I had to pass on this great info I got from my company shaklee. I love working for them and the amount of information on toxic house cleaners and helpful tips are super. I hope you find the information useful. Enjoy the read and visit Shaklee at
Go Green!

"Moms are the busiest people in the world, juggling family and career and handling just about everything from driving the kids to soccer practice to helping with homework to keeping the family healthy. Unfortunately for many moms, this juggling act leads to feelings of stress, sleep deprivation, poor food choices and inactivity, a combination that can add up to a lifetime of health challenges.Your family depends on you, so it' time for you to take care of yourself. Here's how.


Kick the Stress

Fifty percent of us experience stress every day. Mothers especially working mothers experience the greatest amount. Daily stress and anxiety wreak havoc with our sense of well-being and the impact of prolonged stress can have severe consequences on our health. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates 75-90% of all visits to the doctors office are stress related. One key to good health is to keep levels of stress in check. Get started by: Identifying Your Stressors “ Whether it's marital problems, money issues, traffic or the piles of laundry, the first step to managing stress is knowing what's causing the most stress in your life. Once identified, you can begin to figure out how to overcome stress or manage it better.

Setting Priorities “ Take stock to determine what's really important and learn to say "no". This can be one of the biggest favours you can do for yourself.

Delegating Responsibilities “ You don't have to be "supermom" “ learn to ask for help and assign tasks to other family members.

Relaxing and Meditating Research has shown that taking time out of each day to relax and meditate can help reduce stress.

Taking Shaklee Stress Relief Complex, a botanical combination which includes a powerful stress reliever from green tea to help promote relaxation, alertness and concentration, and help relieve everyday stress in as little as 30 minutes.

For more information about the health impacts of stress


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Get Enough Sleep

Emerging scientific evidence indicates that insufficient sleep can be harmful to our health. In a 2007 poll by the National Sleep Foundation, about two-thirds of women reported experiencing a sleep problem at least a few nights a week within the past month (46% reported this occurrence every night or almost every night).

Sleep Well and Re-energize. Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule; establish a relaxing bedtime routine; and try not to eat a meal, drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages or exercise within a few hours of bedtime.

For daily support, take Shaklee Vitalizer, which delivers supercharged vitality and a broad-spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, anti-aging phytonutrients, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics to build the foundation for a longer, healthier life.


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Eat Right

Good nutrition is essential to health and poor food choices contribute to health challenges including weight gain. Start by improving your diet by eating a variety of foods, choosing whole grains, beans and legumes and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Don't forget to include some lean protein from fish, chicken, soy and nonfat dairy and select heart-healthy omega-3 fats from fish, avocado and nuts. And stay away from fast food restaurants!

And if you're like most women struggling to maintain a healthy weight, try the Shaklee Cinch Inch Loss Plan. It's powered by leucine and designed to help you break the yo-yo dieting cycle.


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Exercise

Sure, we all know that exercise is a healthy habit and it's never too late to start. Walking is a great activity for everyone. Start with a 10- or 15-minute walk, especially if you haven't been exercising regularly. Then do your best to be active every day.

For example: skip the elevator and take the stairs or park farther away from your destination. Or dance! Whatever gets you moving.


Set new goals every day and keep track of your progress by counting all of your steps with the Cinch Pedometer.


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Take a Timeout
with Friends

A landmark UCLA study suggests that hanging out with friends can actually counteract the kind of stress most women experience on a daily basis. When women engage in this 'tending or befriending' with children and other women, studies suggest that the hormone oxytocin is released, which further counters stress and produces a calming effect.

We always knew that friends made us feel good and now there is actual evidence that they are good for our health!

So the next time you need a lift-me-up or simply want to relax, call up your closest group of girlfriends for a fun gathering. And why not turn these gatherings into something that empower you to make a difference in the world? Contact your Shaklee Distributor to learn more about how to enjoy a healthier and better life. "

Great Green Web's! I found a real keeper!

HI Everyone, Our local paper just ran a super article on a web site called UNIS based at McGill unv. (Montreal). Though some of the info is directed at the surrounding area, most can be applied anywhere. They also have many links to other sites both Gov. and research types. I highly recommend that you have a visit if you have any questions about anything from.....skunks in your yard to fungus on your vegs, they cover everything! Below I have given you a little taste of the gems you will find. Hope you enjoy this site.

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Top Ten Things You Can Do for Your Children
Walk or bike your kids to school, or if that's not feasible, go for frequent rides on weekends – a family that bikes together saves the planet together!
Keep them inside and out of the downtown core on smog-days (going for a car ride when there's a smog alert on is a big no-no!)
Make sure their toys are PVC-free – keep them from breathing in any potentially toxic plastic softeners.
Do not reward them with toys. Try to teach them that happiness doesn't comes from buying new things, and the planet does not need the resource extraction, chemical-pollution and landfill-clogging that comes with making, and eventually, discarding them.
Use natural or biodegradable shampoos, creams, and soaps. What you put on your young one's body is as important as what you put in it.
Choose organic foods whenever possible, so your children get a pesticide-, hormone-, and antibiotic-free diet.
Say no to high-fat, high-sugar, chemical-laden processed foods. There are plenty of natural alternatives, even for packaged kids' snacks.
Create a non-toxic nursery or kids' room full of earth-loving children's books.
Resist the urge to use landfill-clogging disposable diapers. If cloth is out of the question, using unbleached, chlorine-free, throw-away ones is a good alternative.
Teach them to love nature: take them to the park, on little hikes or picnics, or to a local nature center (i.e.: the La Fontaine Park, the Botanical Gardens, etc).
Top 5 Eating Habits to Heal the World
Support local growers, be it through farmer's markets, farm-fresh food box deliveries, or simply keeping your eye open for local labels at the grocery store.
Go vegetarian or reduce your daily meat and dairy intake – meat production uses up 20 times as much energy as growing grain.
Choose fair-trade coffee, sugar, chocolate, and anything else you can find fair-trade to be sure not to support "sweatshops in the fields".
Buy certified organic products to avoid pesticides and spare waterways, wildlife, and workers encounters with toxic pesticides.
Pass on resource-intensive, heavily-packaged, and heavily-processed fast food and junk food.
Top 5 Eco Packaging Suggestions
Choose recyclable glass.
Know your (plastic) numbers. If you're buying something packaged in plastic, check the bottom of the container for the number that tells you whether or not that type of plastic is recyclable in your area (ex: #1, #2). (See the City-by-City guide to learn what can be recycled in your city.) 6 Grades of Plastic
Buy dry: if you're picking up something like chicken broth, the powdered kind goes a lot further than the canned.
Buy in bulk, and bring your own containers.
Good things come in small packages. Often foods like cereals that come in smaller boxes contain the same amount of, say, mueslix, as the bigger boxes that are just full of air. Compare product weight to be sure.

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Here is another great little bit of info. I never would have thought that the paint colour you chose would affect your energy costs. I guess you do learn new this everyday.

How to be green
› Energy
It's easy to miss opportunities to go green in your own house. Small things like painting walls in lighter colors instead of dark can help to maintain light, reducing the amount of money and energy you spend on lighting. It's important to invest in good window panes and insulation as almost 15% of the energy you use for heating your home can dissipate through improperly sealed windows. Switching to more green friendly light bulbs is a smart choice -- a 60-watt incandescent bulb lasts about 750 hours, while a fluorescent bulb with 1/3 the wattage will generate the same amount of light and burn for 7,500 to 10,000 hours (over ten times as long as regular lights). Always remember to turn off all electronics like radios, televisions, and lights when you leave a room. For more information on energy savings in the home visit Hydro Quebec's Energy Wise site .

Hope you enjoyed those tidbits of info. If you want to learn more please visit the site at http://unis.mcgill.ca/

Night

Visit Shaklee to learn how even big companies can be good for the enviroment.

http://www.shaklee.net/bluemundy

photo credit: Shelly Strazis

Hello everyone, well will looking out for someting interesting I found this site. Pretty interesting reading about this very green guy. Please visit the link below to read more and to learn more about him. He has several books out and is the editor of 'Country Home' mag. Hope you enjoy the rest of the artical.

While still on the Green train of thought here are some ideas to help clear the air in your house. House plants really cut down on dust,air toxins,and other comtaminites like mould and bacteria. Alison Ramsey wrote a great list of the best air cleaners around.

Bathroom: English Ivy removes airborn fecal particals and mould spores. ( poisions to kids and pets if injested)

Den: Philodenrons absorb formaldehyde and benzin emitted from fabric and glues in carpet backing.

Kitchen: Spider plants take in carbon monoxide from your gs range, plus nitrogen dioxide from tobacco and fossil fuels.

Coffe Table: Chrysanthemums and gerbar daises absorb toxins as well, keeping the air fresher and healthier.




http://www.dannyseo.com/about.html

"Environmental lifestyle expert Danny Seo calls his eco-friendly way of living Simply Green. Through his bestselling books, television programs, magazine columns, and his how-to lifestyle lectures, Danny Seo continues to share his creative ideas that has made him America's leading lifestyle authority on modern, eco-friendly living.
Born on Earth Day in 1977, Danny has championed on behalf of the natural biodiversity of our planet from a very young age. On his 12th birthday, he founded the organization Earth 2000 with just a few friends and $23. By his 18th birthday, he transformed the grassroots organization into the country's largest teenage activist charity spearheading worldwide campaigns on behalf of the environment.
Today, Danny, encourages America to live a greener lifestyle. His first lifestyle book Conscious Style Home (St. Martin's Press; 2001) chronicles his renovation of his parents' Green Hills, Pennsylvania home. Using easy-to-find eco-friendly materials, the beautifully photographed book received rave reviews in The New York Times, Elle, Food & Wine, Elle Decor, and USA Today, who raved "Say 'environment' to Danny Seo, and it's as if you've punched the word into the search engine Google: Out roars an avalanche of ideas and references that threatens to scramble your brain." "

Bottled Water....Good? I think not.

Hello, Happy Mothers Day. Had a lovely day planting flowers in the garden with the family. We also went to visit the Mom's. So before we went to Hubbies Moms, we had to stop and buy her some bottled water. I disagree with the stuff. I understand it has a place when a natural disaster strikes and the need for clean drinking water is need to save lives. Well when we came home I searched for some info on the subject and found this. I will look for some more info in the coming days.

To read the full article please go to CBC.ca:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2007/02/01/suzuki-water.html

"Buying bottled water is wrong, says Suzuki
Environmentalist launches national tour on green issues
Last Updated: Thursday, February 1, 2007 2:16 PM NT
CBC News
Canadians wanting to do something about the environment can start by drinking tap water, environmentalist David Suzuki says.
"Everywhere I go across Canada, I insist I be given tap water when I get up to speak," Suzuki told CBC News on Thursday.
David Suzuki says plastic water bottles generate waste and potential health hazards because of their chemical composition.(CBC)
"I think in Canada it's absolutely disgusting that people are so uncertain about their water that we buy it, paying more for bottled water than we do for gasoline."
Suzuki — who was in St. John's on Thursday to launch a cross-country speaking tour aimed at engaging people in politics, particularly environmental issues — said there is no good reason for Canadians to buy bottled water.
Moreover, he said it's destructive to import bottled water from producers in countries such as France.
"It's nuts to be shipping water all the way across the planet, and us — because we're so bloody wealthy — we're willing to pay for that water because it comes from France," he said in an interview.
"I don't believe for a minute that French water is better than Canadian water. I think that we've got to drink the water that comes out of our taps, and if we don't trust it, we ought to be raising hell about that."
Key environmental issues with bottled water, Suzuki said, are waste and uncertainty over the long-term health effects created by plastic.
"Not only does bottled water lead to unbelievable pollution — with old bottles lying all over the place — but plastic has chemicals in it," he said.
"Plastics are ubiquitous. I don't believe that plastics are not involved in a great deal of the health problems that we face today."
Last August, delegates to the United Church of Canada's general council voted to discourage the purchase of bottled water within its churches. The motion called on church members to advocate against the "privatization of water" and to support healthy local supplies of water."

Related
Internal Links
IN DEPTH: Bottled water
CBC Marketplace: What's in a label?
Plastic bottles leach chemicals into water: study

A Candle For Burma.....

Hello,

I feel I had to share this email I received today. I will let the letter speak for it's self, for I cannot write. My mind hurts just thinking about this .....tragedy. Something MUST be done.

Dear friends,

Staggering new estimates suggest that 100,000 people may have died in Burma's terrible cyclone. Incredibly, the corrupt and brutal Burmese government has stopped most international aid at the borders and is impeding the relief effort.In under 24 hours, Avaaz members have donated over 690,000 Euros (over US$1 million--more than many governments!) to help Burma's monks provide the emergency relief, through their own networks and monasteries, that the government will not. We have already transferred three sets of funds, and we are working urgently to send more. Scroll down to see the email sent yesterday with all the details of how we can help, or click below to help us get over 1 million Euros (US$1.54m) today:https://secure.avaaz.org/en/burma_cyclone/19.php/?cl=88829088_________________________________________________________Dear friends,In the wake of a massive cyclone, a shocking 100,000 Burmese may be dead. More are missing. A million are homeless.But what's happening in Burma is not just a natural disaster--it's also a catastrophe of bad leadership.Burma's brutal and corrupt military junta failed to warn the people, failed to evacuate any areas, and suppressed freedom of communication so that Burmese people didn't know the storm was coming when the rest of the world did. Now the government is failing to respond to the disaster and obstructing international aid organizations.Humanitarian relief is urgently needed, but Burma's government could easily delay, divert or misuse any aid. Yesterday the International Burmese Monks Organization, including many leaders of the democracy protests last fall, launched a new effort to provide relief through Burma's powerful grass roots network of monasteries--the most trusted institutions in the country and currently the only source of housing and support in many devastated communities. Click below to help the Burmese people with a donation and see a video appeal to Avaaz from a leader of the monks:https://secure.avaaz.org/en/burma_cyclone/19.php/?cl=88829088Giving to the monks is a smart, fast way to get aid directly to Burma's people. Governments and international aid organizations are important, but face challenges--they may not be allowed into Burma, or they may be forced to provide aid according to the junta's rules. And most will have to spend large amounts of money just setting up operations in the country. The monks are already on the front lines of the aid effort--housing, feeding, and supporting the victims of the cyclone since the day it struck. The International Burmese Monks Organization will send money directly to each monastery through their own networks, bypassing regime controls.Last year, more than 800,000 of us around the world stood with the Burmese people as they rose up against the military dictatorship. The government lost no time then in dispatching its armies to ruthlessly crush the non-violent democracy movement--but now, as tens of thousands die, the junta's response is slow and threatens to divert precious aid into the corrupt regime's pockets.The monks are unlikely to receive aid from governments or large humanitarian organizations, but they have a stronger presence and trust among the Burmese people than both. If we all chip in a little bit, we can help them to make a big difference. Click here to donate:https://secure.avaaz.org/en/burma_cyclone/19.php/?cl=88829088With hope,Ricken, Ben, Graziela, Paul, Iain, Veronique, Pascal, Galit and the whole Avaaz teamPS: Here are some links to more information:For more information about Avaaz's work to support the Burmese people, click here:http://www.avaaz.org/en/burma_report_back For more information about the cyclone, the humanitarian crisis, and the political dimension, see these articles:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/IMD_issued_specific_and_precise_advisories_to_Myanmar_IMD/articleshow/3016493.cmshttp://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/08/myanmar/?iref=mpstoryviewhttp://www.irrawaddy.org/opinion_story.php?art_id=11836http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/world/asia/07aid.html?_r=1&oref=sloginhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7385205.stm

Please Pray for the people of Burma and lend your voice to......it Must Stop.

Green People of Canada

I was looking for some Green Canadians and this is the list I found...pretty impressive.....Go Green Canada!

(Mar 14, 2008) There are Canadians who are committed to greening our country and the world. We dubbed these environmental heroes our Deep Greens, part of our Green List compiled by Green Living Magazine.

Sheila Watt-Cloutier (The Voice of the North)Long-time advocate for the Inuit and the effect of climate change on their lives. In 2007, was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize based on her work. (Pictured above.)

Maude Barlow (The Water Warrior)Co-founder of The Blue Planet Project, which seeks to protect the world’s fresh water from the growing threats of trade and privatization.

Rosalie Bertell (The Public-Health Expert)One of the founders of the International Institute of Concern for Public Health, which has asssisted victims of industrial, technological and military contamination, from Chernobyl to Bhophal and beyond.

Louise Comeau (The Urban Climate-Changer)Helped establish the $250-million federal Green Municipal Funds. Now director for Canada and Climate Change at the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.

Guy Dauncey (The Problem-Solver) Founder and president of the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association, and author of books including 2001’s Stormy Weather: 101 Solutions to Global Climate Change.

First Nations, Inuit and Metis (The Original Stewards) Have spent centuries living sustainably and honouring a commitment to future generations. Now fighting huge environmental/social issues.

Steven Guilbeault (The Voice of Quebec)Co-founder of Équiterre, a Quebec-based group that helps people make more environmental, socially driven decisions.

David Hughes (The Peak-Oiler)Has studied Canada’s energy supplies for over 30 years, and has worked to inform people about peak oil for over a decade, gathering some of the best hard data available and presenting it across the continent.

Elizabeth May (The Party Leader)

The Green List: Gone but not forgotten
The Green List: Baby Greens
The Green List: Media greens
The Green List: Green players
The Green List: Green business

Built the Sierra Club of Canada into a major environmental force. Now wants to "change the climate in Parliament" as the leader of the Green Party of Canada.

David Runnalls (The NGO Leader)President of the Winnipeg-based, globally recognized International Institute for Sustainable Development.

Percy Schmeiser (The Farmer)Decided to fight when his Saskatchewan canola fields were contaminated by multinational agro-chemical company Monsanto’s genetically modified canola, resulting in a nine-year legal battle that is ongoing.

Maurice Strong (The International Networker)One of the world’s leading environmentalists. Convened the Earth Summit, the first major meeting of global leaders about the environment in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. First executive director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

Dr. David Suzuki (The Icon)Award-winning environmental advocate, geneticist and broadcaster who, for the last 40 years, has brought environmental issues to the world’s attention. Read our interview with Dr. Suzuki.

Paul Watson (The Captain)Founder and president of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a non-profit, international marine-wildlife conservation organization.
Read more about green Canadians:Green business
This article is part of the Green List series.Click here to nominate your suggestions for the next Green List!Green players Media greenBaby GreensThe Originals

Jordy Gold, a sustainability consultant, created the Green List with additional research from Lee Schnaiberg, an environmental consultant.

Some to Think about...

Well here is something I read today that made me think. Love to hear what you think.

"(Jan 21, 2008) The Internet keeps us connected, helps us share information and reduces travel time. But it also has a big carbon footprint. It is estimated that globally it takes about 868 billion kWh of electricity per year to power.
That’s a whopping 14 power plants worth of energy and about three percent of all the energy consumption in the USA, which adds up to a lot of energy and a lot of CO2 emissions. The good news is there are green web hosting companies out there. Carbon offsetting a startThe more traditional companies like WebHostingBuzz and Host Papa use conventional energy but purchase carbon offsetting to balance energy usage. Green ISP/Green Webhost takes it one step further and powers all its offices with solar energy. It is also building Europe’s first solar powered data centre using power from California.For the greenest web pageB.C. based Solar Energy Host also offers web hosting powered by solar energy. The company has 120 solar panels and is 100 percent carbon free. "We use clean energy right from the source. The energy saved by our data center reduces about 9,071 kilograms (20,000 pounds) of CO2 per year," said President Aaron Handford. "If your website is currently sitting on a server powered by energy from the grid, then you are tied to a system where you can never be sure where that energy is coming from, possibly from the burning of coal or other greenhouse gas producing sources. "By going solar, the company also reduces 2.68 kilograms (5.9 lbs) of Nitrous Oxide (NOX/smog) per year and .20 kilograms (0.45 lbs) of Sulfur Dioxide (SO4/acid rain) per yearNot just the Internet According to Handford, there are two ways energy gets consumed. "One is by computers used to surf the web, and the other is the energy used to create and power its infrastructure -- like servers, power lines, associated PCs, routing infrastructure and phone networks."So while it’s important to find a green server, it also crucial for you to green your own computer. Hanford suggests always turning off the computer when it’s not in use and NOT using a screen saver when your computer is in sleep mode. Turn it all off

You can get some serious power savings just by turning off the equipment you won’t be using at night. Your computer and its peripherals are still drawing power even when you shut down your computer. (That black monitor is actually just in standby mode and it uses energy waiting for the PC to switch back on.) Power adaptors for phones, iPods and digital cameras also suck up energy even when not connected to the actual device. The simplest way to stop these energy vampires is to connect everything to a power strip that you can switch off. Techlogg did a test of how much energy could be saved by turning off your work computer at the end of the workday. Just by powering down and not leaving your computer in standby mode, you can go from using 140-watts down to around 8W per day. That adds up to saving 1,584 watt-hours every day, 578.1kilowatt-hours per year -- just for one PC.The modems we use to connect to the Internet are also energy guzzlers, particularly since they don’t have a standby mode. They manage to pull 8.5W of energy even when you’re not using it. Turning them off at night can add up to considerable savings as well -- Techlogg estimated at least 24.82 kilowatt-hours of energy per year per modem. Only good for the outdatedWhat about Blackle.com and other sites that save energy by displaying dark colour schemes to decrease power consumption? It turns out that dark coloured screens don’t save that much energy unless you have an old fashioned monitor. If you’re using a LCD display, the savings are minimal. What does save energy is keeping your computer clean of Spyware -- since all that snooping around eats up your computer’s processing power, making it slow and inefficient. You can also cut your power consumption in half by dropping your screen’s brightness and taking advantage of the built-in power management most computers have (including desktops). Optimize your computer’s operating system while saving energy. Deirdre Rowland is a media specialist and communications consultant. Her favourite projects are the ones that make the world a better place."

Read more at Green living online.

Sharing a Great blog!

I wanted to share this blog with you. It is packed full of some really SCARY facts and thing to do unstead. you can read more at greenlivingonline.com Hope you all have a great day tomorow!

(Mar 29, 2008) Is your house toxic because of the cleaning products you’re using?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about early exposure to chemicals during childhood and one of the main sources is household cleaning products. Toxic Nation, an offshoot of Environmental Defence, has some helpful suggestions on how to clean out your house and find non-toxic alternatives. You can also learn more from the Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment (CPCHE). Here’s a list of six household cleaners to avoid and alternatives to detox your home.

1. Antibacterial cleanersIt may be safer to take your chances with the germs. These cleaners contain triclosan, a form of dioxin, linked with weakened immune systems, decreased fertility, hormone disruption and birth defects. There is also a danger of triclosan mixing with the chlorine in tap water to form the deadly chlorinated dioxins. Alternative: Regular soap, which kills 99.4 percent of germs. Antibacterial soap kills 99.6 percent.

2. Air freshenersAir fresheners actually stop you from smelling by coating nasal passages with an oil film or by releasing nerve deadening agents. One main ingredient, formaldehyde, is a carcinogen, causing allergic reactions, dermatitis, headaches, mucous membrane irritations, joint and chest pain, depression, fatigue, dizziness and immune dysfunction. Another main component, phenol, causes skin eruptions, cold sweats, convulsions, circulatory collapse and in extreme cases, coma. Alternative: Open the window or use an exhaust fan.

3. Dishwasher detergentDishwasher detergents are the number one cause of accidental child poisoning. They contain a dry form of highly concentrated chlorine that is poisonous and have been known to produce skin irritations or burns, and cause eye injuries and damage to other mucous membranes. Residue built up on dishes can transfer into your hot meal.

Breaking the mould
Life without the chemical BPA could prove a challenge
A LUSH interview
Green clean your rugs
Window cleaner martini anyone? Alternatives: Buy phosphate and chlorine free detergent.

4. Oven cleanersAmong the most dangerous chemicals in households, these cleaners contain sodium hydroxide (a derivative of lye) so corrosive it can eat through the top layer of skin and cause severe tissue damage. It’s also caustic for eyes and lungs. Also contains benzene, toluene, xylene, methanol and ethylbenzene, which are all known carcinogens, damaging to the nervous system and unborn children. Residue can be released as toxic fumes into the air when the oven is heated. Alternative: Make a scrub of baking soda, salt and water paste.

5. Carpet and upholstery shampoo Designed to knock the stain out, they may also take you out as well. The main ingredient, perchlorethylene (the same one used in dry cleaning), is a known carcinogen, damaging to the liver, kidney and the nervous system. Ammonium hydroxide, another ingredient, is corrosive, extremely irritable to eyes, skin and respiratory passages. Fumes are carcinogenic and known to cause dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, loss of appetite and disorientation.Alternative: Use a mix of baking soda and water. Salt will take out wine or fruit stains. Club soda will remove lighter stains. Baking soda and cornstarch will deodorize.

6. Toilet, tub and tile bowl cleanersHighly toxic, bathroom cleaners are a source of many poisonings, particularly since they are used in small, often windowless spaces. Most contain hydrochloric acid (corrosive to skin and eyes, and damages kidneys and liver) or hypochlorite bleach (corrosive to eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and known to cause vomiting and pulmonary edema if inhaled). These cleaners also contain benzene, toluene, xylene, methanol and ethylbenzene, which are all known carcinogens that damage the nervous system and cause birth defects.)Alternative: Remove toilet bowl stains with pure vinegar. Dilute with water to remove soap scum. Washing soda or borax is also effective on tiles. Shelagh McNally is the editor of Green Living Online. After writing this article she stopped using all chemical cleaners in her home.

Green MothersDay Idea Plus Up dates

Great Mothers Day Gift Idea

I recieved my Green Living Online newsletter today and I wanted to share it with you. I think it's a great newsletter, try it out for yourself......it's free.

I have also added some new links for some really great sites plus the I hope to be adding a nother great source for Gardening.

Enjoy the read.

http://www.greenlivingonline.com/HomeGarden/after-the-flood/

!!!Shaklee Update!!!!

Take Part in the Windfall Ecology FestivalParticipate in the Windfall Ecology Festival, taking place on June 7th and 8th, 2008, at Fairy Lake Park in Newmarket, Ontario. The environmental programs delivered by Windfall focus on actions we can take today in our own lives: in our homes, our businesses, our communities – to begin the transition to a sustainable future. Continuing its 7-year history of excellence, the Annual Windfall Ecology Festival is a showcase and celebration for green initiatives. Register a booth at the festival today for as little as $300! For more information, visit the festival’s website.

http://www.greenlivingonline.com/HomeGarden/after-the-flood/

(Apr 29, 2008) Gardening can take its toll on your back and knees. But smart companies are offering ergonomic tools that protect the body and make gardening fun again.
The Mecca for gardenersEvery gardener loves the grass roots company Gardener's Supply. This Vermont store was founded in 1983 by a handful of enthusiastic gardeners and offers plenty of advice from beginners to hard core veterans. It also sells plenty of time-saving tools designed to take the strain out of gardening:
Garden Hand: Even the best soil has the occasional rock. Remove stones from your garden without having to get down on your hands and knees using the Garden Hand. The seven hardened-steel tines cut through soil to grab stones as big as 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) big. It also does double duty as a tiller.
Trim without fatigue: Conventional shear and clippers can be hard on the hands. The Rechargeable Clip & Shear has interchangeable stainless steel blades: 15 cm (6")or 10 cm (4"). You push a button and go for 45 minutes on a full charge. The optional extension handle means you can trim without bending.
Get reel with your lawn: Gasoline mowers are bad for the environment as well as being noisy and smelly. Switch to something less nerve racking with a Manual Reel Mower. Its self-sharpening steel blades cut clean while the large wheels, foam covered handles and easy height adjustments make the machine a breeze to use. Cut your grass and your calories so both you and the lawn get healthy. NRG for no sweatRadius garden tools got our vote for the smoothest tools. Using something called the Natural Radius Grip (NRG), these tools lessen tension in the hands and wrists. Handles are made with a non-latex thermoplastic blades and the body with ultra lightweight aluminium/magnesium alloy. The bright colours ensure they will never get lost in the garden. The trowel, bulb trowel, weeder and cultivator are available in garden centres thoughout Canada and the USA.

Sowing success: preventing damping off
Get your houseplants ready for spring
Go heritage in your garden
Sowing Success: starting your seeds
Houseplants for cleaner indoor air Take it easyDon and Sheila Swartz started their website, Life with Ease, to sell products that can help prevent injuries. Their Expandable Rake has a rake head that extends from 17 cm (7") to 53cm (14") with a telescoping handle that adjusts from 88 cm (35") to 1.75 metres (69"). This means you can rake your lawn and under your shrubs at the same time without having to kneel or bend. Heat treated aluminium makes the rake lightweight and easy on the back. The Home Depot helpsThe Garden Rocker, sold by The Home Depot, reduces strain on your lower back and knees. Ergonomically designed, the curved base with a contoured seat provides a full range of motion so you can get to those plants comfortably without any twisting or straining. The Home Depot also stocks the Bionic Gardening Gloves. These high tech gloves, designed by an orthopaedic surgeon, improve grip strength and natural dexterity while reducing hand fatigue. Extra padding along the palm and special "motion zones" over the knuckles cushion the hands against tool handles and prevent blisters. Closures at the wrist provide even more support. Perfect for anyone with arthritic or weak hands. Shelagh McNally is the editor of green living online.

Have a super day tomorrow.

Your home should be the safest, healthiest,cleanest place

Your home should be the safest, healthiest, cleanest place in the whole world.
So we've put together some pretty easy things you can do to make your family safer and your home healthier.
And, as it turns out, what's good for your home is good for the earth and everyone else on it, too. So let's make ourhomes healthy. Let's clean our hearts out. Let's Get Clean.
Get the dirt. Educate yourself about what you bring into your home at www.householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov
Have a clean-for-all. Put on the gloves and get rid of the nasty stuff in your home. Responsibly, of course. Your local waste collection service has guidelines for proper household hazardous waste disposal, as well as collection sites for things like paint, batteries, and cleaners. Whatever you do, please don't toss this stuff in the garbage.
Welcome healthy into your home.Commit to carefully considering everything that crosses your doorstep. Here are some safe, healthy things to have in your home:
Fresh air. Open your windows to reduce indoor air pollution.
Essential oils. Use these instead of air fresheners.
Plants. Besides being nice to look at, they can absorb harmful gases and help clean the air.
Organic cotton bedding. Avoid standard bedding treated with chemicals.
Floors made of recycled and renewable resources.
Healthy paint. That new paint smell can be as nasty as it smells. Choose low VOC paint instead.
Cleaners that are truly cleaner. Look for these clean credentials on Get Clean products: non-toxic, natural,biodegradable, concentrated, and hypoallergenic.
Clean up our collective home.Make the earth healthier for all of us who call it home by using these things in yours:
Compact fluorescent lighting. They last a whole lot longer.
Energy Star-rated appliances. Save money and energy.
A low-flush toilet. Replace the largest user of water in your house. Ultra low flushers cut water use by one-fifth.
Low-flow showerheads. Same pressure. Less water.
Your flicker finger. Turn off lights and appliances when you're not using them.
Gray water system. Install one to recycle used household water for your lawn.
Tankless water heater. Save money, energy, and space in the broom closet. Use it to store your newGet Clean Starter Kit.
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