This is one of the reasons that I love to use eco-friendly cleaning supplies whenever I do my more basic cleaning chores. I don’t think that there’s any reason that I need to use the same stuff to clean my floors that they use in slaughterhouses, but that’s just my humble opinion. Seventh Generation is a great company to go through for my eco-cleaning needs, and they really make the whole process much more affordable.

In reality, I love to support local cleaning supply vendors. There are a lot of great soap companies near me that I buy my shower soaps from, but I there aren’t really any vendors here that sell things for the floor or for your clothes. Even if they were here, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be affordable to everyone. Sometimes it can be expensive to buy more responsibly.

This is where Seventh Generation really shines. With their clothes detergent, I am able to get a reasonably priced product that has a number of benefits both in terms of health and in terms of sustainability. The products come in these really unique biodegradable containers, and the detergent itself is really gentle and is guaranteed to be biodegradable. This is great in an all around sense because it means that it’s an affordable product that is both sustainable and healthful. I appreciate that, and I know that the lower price is indicative of the greater amount of support being found for sustainable products. They wouldn’t be able to make it so affordable if there wasn’t such a high demand for products like this.

Amber Wise, Kacie O’Brien, and Tracey Woodruff have studied the concern about possible links between chronic exposure to estrogens in the water supply and fertility problems, as well as other adverse human health effects. Nearly 12 million women of reproductive age within the United States take the pill, and their urine contains the hormone. Due to this, a popular belief exists that the oral contraceptives are the major source of estrogen levels in lakes, rivers, and streams. However, scientists have noted that sewage treatment plants remove nearly all the main estrogen from oral contraceptives (17 alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2)), thus scientists have decided to pin down the main sources of estrogens in water supplies.

The scientists found that EE2 has a lower predicted concentration in the U.S. drinking water compared to other natural estrogens from soy and dairy products, as well as animal waste used untreated as fertilizers on farms. All humans (men, women, children, and especially pregnant women) excrete hormones in their urine, not just women on the pill. Some research has found that nearly 90 percent of estrogens in the environment come from animal manure. Further research has found that if just 1 percent of the estrogens in livestock wasted reached the waterways, it would comprise 15 percent of the estrogens in the world’s water supply.

ACS

Fedoroff believes researchers need to look into growing food with a minimum amount of water used and a maximum amount of renewable energy. Fedoroff discussed her beliefs with attendees at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, D.C. on February 18.

Along with integrating various sectors of agriculture in order to conserve and recycle resources, using wastewater from freshwater aquiculture or fish ponds to irrigate and fertilize fruit and vegetables in a green house, Fedoroff suggests we also learn to expand our ability to farm on land not considered farmable.

The majority of land considered useless contains a high soil salt content. Many plants already live in these areas, but few of the plants are domesticated. Various types of Salicomia- a plant that grows on beaches and in salt marshes- are currently in use. One type is popular in Europe- known as sea asparagus or sea bean0 is eaten as a vegetable and the seeds contain nearly 30 percent edible oil-more than soy beans.

From a human viewpoint, seeds are the most valuable plant parts; however, many wild plants have seeds that fall from the plant once ripe. Fedoroff suggests genetically modifying salt-tolerant plants to provide crops to grow in areas that are unused or underused. However, the cost of complying with governmental regulations on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) hinders the development of plants to large companies producing commodity crops like cotton, corn, soy, and canola. Due to the expenses, the development of specialty crops, like fruits and vegetable, is virtually impossible.

Fedoroff uses the example of genetically modified Golden Rice to show how the development and production of GMOs has been hindered due to governmental regulations. The rice has been ready for nearly 10 years, but is held up by years of testing requirements regulated in many countries. Golden Rice produces beta carotene, the naturally precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A deficience is a problem in many underdeveloped countries and causes blindness and increased susceptibility to infections. Rice is the most important staple food for large portions of underdeveloped countries.

Fedoroff claimed that, “Meeting the food needs of a still-growing human and domestic animal population with less water while preserving remaining biodiversity is, arguable, the most profound challenge of the 21st century.”

PSU

You’ve heard the age-old adage: if you eat too many carrots your skin will turn orange. While this is not necessarily true, new research from The University of Nottingham suggests that eating carrots and tomatoes can have a positive effect on the way your skin looks.

New research shows that eating vegetables leads to a healthy tan. The study, led by Dr. Ian Stephen, claims that eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables gives skin a healthier glow than the sun. The research has been published in the Journal Evolution and Human Behaviour.

Dr. Ian Stephen, from The University of Nottingham’s School of Psychology, Malaysia Campus, led the research as a part of his PhD at the University of St. Andrews and Bristol University. Stephen, in talking about his findings, points out how most people think that the best way to improve their skin’s coloring is to get a skin tan. However, Stephen claims, “Our research shows that eating lots of fruit and vegetables is actually more effective.”

The research finds that people who eat more portions of fruit and vegetables per day have a more golden skin color due to substances called carotenoids. Carotenoids are antioxidants that help soak up damaging compounds which are produced by the stresses and strains of everyday living. Carotenoids are responsible for the red coloring in fruits and vegetables such as carrots and tomatoes. Carotenoids are also important for our immune and reproductive systems.

While this study describes work in Caucasian faces, the paper also suggests that the effects may exist cross culturally. The work was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Unilever Research, and published with support from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the British Academy and Wolfson Foundation.

ScienceDaily

The model currently being tested contains a titanium dioxide rod in the neck of the brush, just below the nylon bristles. When light shines on the wet rod, electrons are released and react with acid in the mouth. This reaction helps eliminate bacteria and break down plaque. To top of this sci-fi gadget, the brush needs very little power to drive the reaction. There is a solar panel built into the neck of the brush and the brush uses energy from light similar to a solar calculator; no batteries required. As long as you are not standing in the dark, the brush will work its magic.

Initial tests are looking positive and the brushes creator, University of Saskatchewan dentistry professor emeritus Dr. Kunio Komiyama, believes there is true scientific merit to her newfangled brush. It is difficult for me to imagine cleaning my mouth without adding chemicals. We’ve all come to believe that mouthwash and toothpaste are the only sufficient option, but in a few years this brush may revolutionize oral hygiene. At the very least, it will give Colgate and Crest a run for their money.

We all know as eco-friendly people that bottled water is bad for the environment, and our pocket book and as such many households have chosen to install Brita water faucet filters or water dispensers in an effort to be more sustainable in their choice of water to drink. However these are not without waste as the filters for these items need replacing and once replaced what to do with the old filter? Previously the only option was landfill trash. The filters are made of multiple components and almost all curbside recycling collectors wouldn’t accept them for recycling.

One eco-warrior in particular Beth Terry had been reducing her plastic consumption since 2007 and was frustrated to find that the plastic Brita cartridges she had been using to filter
her tap water were not recyclable in the United States. She wrote about her woes of the Brita Filter on her blog fakeplasticfish.com and a campaign commenced and along with a team of like minded individuals a website was born for Brita to become more eco-friendly and take back the filters!

In November 2008 the website announced that their campaign had been a success and that Brita and Preserve have teamed up to create a take-back recycling program for
Brita pitcher filter cartridges! Folks are now  able to drop off
filters at Whole Foods Markets or mail them in. Preserve, a
U.S. company manufacturing household products from recycled plastic,
will recycle 100% of the plastic casing. And the filter material will
be regenerated or converted to energy. If you have

The campaign is still not over though, how can you help?

• Write
  a letter to Clorox executives.Please write and thank them for
  helping us keep our pitcher filters out of landfills and ask if they
  have plans to recycle faucet filters.
• Contact your local Whole Foods Market and ask the store
  manager to join Preserve’s
  Gimme 5 program. Each individual store can decide whether or not
  to participate in collecting #5 plastics, including Brita filters, for
  recycling. If you’d like to be able to bring your filters back to Whole
  Foods rather than mailing them in, please speak to the manager at
  the store near you.
• Spread
  the word! Please do let others know that Brita pitcher filters
  will be recycled beginning in January and that they should not be thrown
  in the garbage.

Source: www.takebackthefilter.org

Since the launch of Jamie Oliver’s show “Food Revolution” showing parents the unhealthy the options offered in many school canteens, many  concerned parents have been opting for their children to take packed lunches. However often times these packed lunches result in lots of waste so how about some tips on making school lunches eco-friendly, healthy and economical?

Skip the juice boxes and soda
Instead invest in a thermos or a reusable water bottle. Look for BPA free plastic or a stainless steel thermos. The same goes with a water bottle. Using the reusable items gives you more options. For example a thermos can be used for hot or cold drinks, fruit juice, milkshakes, soups, stews or chilli.

Sustainable cutlery
Pack stainless steel cutlery from home with the packed lunch. If you really must opt for disposables then look for biodegradable alternatives. Some disposable wares are now being made from corn plastics and biodegrade, but really reusable should be the aim here!

Buy in bulk
Skip the individual bags and opt to buy in bulk to avoid unnecessary packaging. Instead of having individual bags simply empty out one serving in a container for the lunch. Not only eco-friendly but economical too!

Ban the plastic wrap, baggies and foil
Instead opt for reusable items like BPA free containers. Many companies are making sandwich wraps and reusable lunch bags that are made from fabric, and therefore washable, great for the eco-friendly packed lunch! Look on Etsy for some great handmade selections or check out companies like Nubius
Organics and ReUsies. Alternatively get crafty and make your own!

Lunch boxes
Just like the thermos opt for BPA free plastics or look into stainless steel alternatives. Companies like laptop lunches offer bento boxes that are reusable, recyclable and contain NO phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), or lead. These are great lunchboxes for individual serving sizes and not only eco-friendly but they look great too!

Opt for fresh fruits & vegetables and organic
If you already buy organic produce at home then using organic for packed lunches just makes sense. Also packing your children s lunches ensures they are eating the same healthy wholesome food in school as well as at home. Packed lunches make sense for the eco-friendly parent, not only for eco reasons but they are great for kids with health issues like allergies.

These tips aren’t just good for your school lunches, you can use them for any occasion, including work, picnics and trips!

Eco-friendly Promotional pens are now available!
A company called “Eco-Pens” is now offering eco-friendly pens and other eco-friendly promotional items for marketing your company the green way. They don’t just stop at pens though, their products include items such as: eco-friendly pens, recycled paper journals, biodegradable products
like water bottles and flyers. There are lanyards made from recycled
material, soda pop bottles, organic cotton and bamboo. Biodegradable
plastic cups and plates for the outdoor events. Calendars made from
recycled paper. Caps and T-shirts made from recycled material and
organic cotton. There are numerous home and office products now made
from recycled plastic. Golf balls, mouse pads, portfolios, messenger
bags all made from recycled material. The Eco-friendly Pens website states that they have:

Pens made
from recycled plastic, recycled paper, corn & vegetable derivative
bioplastic, wood and more. Eco pens are priced competitively with traditional pens. We are
featuring over 50 earth friendly pens- one of them is right for your
next trade show, job fair or event. Budget pleasing prices from under
$0.50 each to over $8.00 a pen means there is no reason not to “go
green”. Every
eco-pen includes a 1 color imprint. Many can be printed with addition
colors or in 2 locations. New- recycled plastic mechanical pencils! We are also proud to introduce a new line of recycled paper sticky
notes, recycled notebooks and recycled paper scratch pads. The notebooks
are made with 100% post consumer recycled content and come in a variety
of shapes and styles.

Businesses now have options when it comes to promotional materials, you have a green choice. Put your logo on an eco-pen and show
the world you care!

It’s all over the news, the radio, tv reports, newspapers and the internet about Jamie Oliver’s TV show “Jamie Oliver’s food revolution”. Basically he’s passionate about turning around the current School food system, which is basically reheated processed foods in favor of fresh foods, cooked on the premises and cooked from scratch. Sound familiar? Yep that’s what all eco-friendly people have been advocating for a while, and here we have a pioneer in Jamie Oliver taking it to our schools and wanting to restructure the menu’s, the food and even the tableware!

If you haven’t seen any of the episodes of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution they are available for viewing at hulu.com until June 5th so go check them out and be prepared to be amazed, disappointed, shocked and dumbfounded with the information revealed on the show. Each episode shows just what is wrong with our current food system, and the fact that this is going on in our schools is tragic. Childhood obesity (and morbid obesity) rates are on the rise, and looking at some of the students Jamie has sharing their stories on his show it is obvious that food is a problem for a lot of the children. They go to school to get educated and in return are being let down by the system.

Jamie shows that french fries are counted as vegetables, students are being given white refined processed breads, rolls etc, the meat products are full of byproducts, preservatives and fillers. The most tragic thing about the show was Jamie discovering that young children didn’t know their fresh fruits and vegetables, in a quiz none knew what a tomato, potato, beet or broccoli was! Are our children really so uneducated on basic foods these days? Apparently so! Basic cutlery is no longer used, in favor of finger foods for ease of use. When did the school system become more concerned with the dollar and ease of use over the health of our children?

Eco-Aspects
This isn’t just about health though, all this processed food is bad for the environment too and very eco-UNfriendly! Artificial ingredients, preservatives and fillers are bad for the environment and are usually overly packaged in cling wrap and plastics. Using fresh products eliminates waste and allows schools to source local produce which is more environmentally friendly. All these artificial additives and preservatives end up in our kids with no long term studies on the consequences. Children aren’t being allowed or taught to use basic silverware, instead packaged foods are used the wrappers and containers are sent to landfills. When children start to realize the impact foods have on their health, they begin to wonder about the impact on the environment, where their food comes from, and learn to make better choices. This should be happening from an early age!

If you haven’t watched the show check out the episodes on hulu, and if you have watched and are outraged by the processed foods in our school cafeteria’s then sign Jamie’s online petition to support his food revolution! Our children deserve better!!!

National Donate Life Month was established in 2003. Every day in April,
people across the U.S. make a special effort to

celebrate the tremendous generosity of those who have saved lives by
becoming organ, tissue, marrow, and blood donors and to encourage more
Americans to follow their fine example. Remember being eco-friendly isn’t just about recycling our newspapers, driving a hybrid car and buying organic it’s also about building good communities and caring for other people as well as our planet.

If you wish to become an organ donor

• Register with your State Donor Registry, if
  available.
• Say YES to donation on your driver’s
  license.
• Tell your family, friends, physician, and
  faith leader that you want to be a donor.
• Fill out and sign a donor card, have it
  witnessed, carry it with you.

Spread the word: The need for organs is great and growing.

• * More than 98,000 people are in need of an organ for transplant.
  *
• Each day, about 77 people get the organ transplant that gives them a second chance, but 17 to 19 others die because they did not receive an organ transplant.
• * More than half the people on the waiting list for a donated organ are racial or ethnic minorities. Chances of getting a transplant increase if donor and recipient share the same racial/ethnic background.

Get involved:
Become a donation advocate.

• Encourage your company, association, union,
  or other organizations to which you may belong

  to join the Workplace
  Partnership for Life.

• Promote and support work site donation
  campaigns.
• Tell your local high school about Decision Donation, a school
  program that educates students about donation.
• Participate in local National Donate Life
  Month events sponsored by your local organ
  procurement organization.

Source: http://organdonor.gov