By Michelle Bexelius

Wrap it up: Choosing creative ways to wrap gifts without wasting mounds of paper and ribbons.

Birthdays - It’s that time of year that every child looks forward to. Well, we all enjoy the delicious food and desserts and of course the presents. This year we did things a little differently for my younger son’s birthday. I decided that I am no longer going to wrap all the presents and then throw all that paper away. It seemed like such a waste, and for what? Do they really care what the packaging looks like? I thought to myself, no, they usually just tear into the actual gift.

So, I got the largest basket in my house, a wide laundry basket I bought at Cost Plus and filled it with his unwrapped presents. I placed a very colorful blanket on top (one with vibrant squares that a friend made for him when he was a baby) and presented it to him as his birthday basket surprise. He was thrilled and so was I not to waste all the paper and time wrapping it.

Holidays - I am going to do the same thing for the holidays. Everyone will have their own basket with a colorful blanket on top. I suppose if you don’t have a blanket that suits this purpose, you could have your kids decorate an old sheet with tie-dye and paint. Another solution in case you want to prolong the surprise is to use old newspaper and paint it or old artwork and tape it together.

Gifts - As for going to birthday parties, our family traditionally has always brought books. They are treasured for years and years and can be passed on. We also request them at our boys’ parties rather than plastic toys that usually contain harmful chemicals like PVC that off-gas for a long time. You could also opt for toys made from sustainable wood, art supplies, or gift certificates for museums, movies and music. As they get older there are many things we can do to help our planet like donate to causes close to their hearts like animal conservation and restoring the rain forest. But for now, they still like to open something. This year we created a wish list for my son and he received just what he wanted. Parents didn’t mind, it was actually easier to buy a gift that way.

Green Party Ideas - http://www.celebrategreen.net/

Reusable Gift Bags - www.celebrategreen.com

Halloween - http://www.greenhalloween.org/

Solutions from the Green Economy
January 15, 2008

Everyone now understands that the economy is broken.

While many name the mortgage and credit-default-swap crises as culprits, they are only the most recent indicators of an economy with fatal design flaws. Our economy has long been based on what economist Herman Daly calls “uneconomic growth” where increases in the GDP come at an expense in resources and well-being that is worth more than the goods and services provided. When GNP growth exacerbates social and environmental problems—from sweatshop labor to manufacturing toxic chemicals—every dollar of GNP growth reduces well-being for people and the planet, and we’re all worse off.

Our fatally flawed economy creates economic injustice, poverty, and environmental crises. It doesn’t have to be that way. We can create a green economy: one that serves people and the planet and offers antidotes to the current breakdown.
Here are six green-economy solutions to today’s economic mess.

1. Green Energy—Green Jobs
A crucial starting place to rejuvenate our economy is to focus on energy. It’s time to call in the superheroes of the green energy revolution—energy efficiency, solar and wind power, and plug-in hybrids—and put their synergies to work with rapid, large-scale deployment. This is a powerful way to jumpstart the economy, spur job creation (with jobs that can’t be outsourced), declare energy independence, and claim victory over the climate crisis.

2. Clean Energy Victory Bonds
How are we going to pay for this green energy revolution? We at Green America propose Clean Energy Victory Bonds. Modeled after victory bonds in World War II, Americans would buy these bonds from the federal government to invest in large-scale deployment of green energy projects, with particular emphasis in low-income communities hardest hit by the broken economy. These would be long-term bonds, paying an annual interest rate, based in part on the energy and energy savings that the bonds generate. During WWII, 85 million Americans bought over $185 billion in bonds—that would be almost $2 trillion in today’s dollars.

3. Reduce, Reuse, Rethink
Living lightly on the Earth, saving resources and money, and sharing (jobs, property, ideas, and opportunities) are crucial principles for restructuring our economy. This economic breakdown is, in part, due to living beyond our means—as a nation and as individuals. With the enormous national and consumer debt weighing us down, we won’t be able to spend our way out of this economic problem. Ultimately, we need an economy that’s not dependent on unsustainable growth and consumerism. So it’s time to rethink our over-consumptive lifestyles, and turn to the principles of elegant simplicity, such as planting gardens, conserving energy, and working cooperatively with our neighbors to share resources and build resilient communities.

4. Go Green and Local
When we do buy, it is essential that those purchases benefit the green and local economy—so that every dollar helps solve social and environmental problems, not create them. Our spending choices matter. We can support our local communities by moving dollars away from conventional agribusiness and big-box stores and toward supporting local workers, businesses, and organic farmers.

5. Community Investing
All over the country, community investing banks, credit unions, and loan funds that serve hard-hit communities are strong, while the biggest banks required bailouts. The basic principles of community investing keep such institutions strong: Lenders and borrowers know each other. Lenders invest in the success of their borrowers—with training and technical assistance along with loans. And the people who provide the capital to the lenders expect reasonable, not speculative, returns. If all banks followed these principles, the economy wouldn’t be in the mess it’s in today.

6. Shareowner Activism
When you own stock, you have the right and responsibility to advise management to clean up its act. Had GM listened to shareholders warning that relying on SUVs would be its downfall, it would have invested in greener technologies, and would not have needed a bailout. Had CitiGroup listened to its shareowners, it would have avoided the faulty mortgage practices that brought it to its knees. Engaged shareholders are key to reforming conventional companies for the transition to this new economy – the green economy that we are building together.

It’s time to move from greed to green.

http://www.greenamericatoday.org/

–Alisa Gravitz

Do you know how clean your air is, really? Well according to this new study from Environmental Protection Agency, you do now. Some of the information is daunting and some is reassuring. For me it’s daunting, and I am upset because we just relocated to Portland from Santa Barbara for a vibrant, healthy, green life surrounded by forests and found out the air quality here less than desirable. This is due to the factories surrounding the area and what chemicals they produce that gets into our air stream. There is one company that stands out as a huge culprit interfering with our good natured, healthy, green living and that is Columbia Steel. I plan to find out what they are doing to filter their chemicals in the air as the study was based on information from 2005. If you have any information, please let me know. I will let you know what I find out.

USA Today’s EPA Test of Surrounding Chemical Plants may be affecting your child’s health and yours according to this study. Find out what the air quality is like where you live by clicking on the link below.
http://content.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/smokestack/index

This is an in depth analysis of surrounding chemical plants produce unsafe air in numerous schools around the country. Click on the above link to see where your school/area where you live stacks up. The exposure to toxic chemicals in the air outside some schools appears so high that students could be at risk of suffering a range of ailments, from asthma to cancer.

While they say these are a first attempt to enlighten the community and they may not be entirely accurate, you can still take action and test the air yourself http://www.bucketbrigade.net/article.php?id=429 or call the company directly to see what they are doing to produce safe emissions or call your local government

Some Common VOCs and Their Toxic Effects

I am heading down to the state capital next week to listen in on the plan for the year from the government on sustainability and green living. I will report back what I find out. Until then, breathe deep and know things can change, it starts with you.

I was never one to load my cart with cleaning products at the market and was utterly ecstatic to learn that it is actually good for you to not clean your house so thoroughly in order to combat germs naturally. Don’t get me wrong, my house is clean, picked up and organized and spotless to the naked eye. Even with our new puppy who is now starting to shed and bring in uncontrollable amounts of sticks and pine needles from walks and the backyard our house is acceptably clean. Even with our two boys running around creating havoc and having fun doing it with all the legos spread out. I accept that my home is a home, not a showcase model that looks like it came out of a magazine.

I tried a product called Enjo. It is a cloth based product that uses special fibers to clean with. ENJOtex Fibers are designed to remove grease, bacteria, soap scum and calcium. This allows most surfaces to be cleaned with just water, no chemicals. This idea is unbelievable to us because it’s new to the US, but it is the best solution. I do however swear by a new product to me that is working even though I was uncertain of it’s method.

How ENJO cleaning compares to chemical cleaning:

• Easy to Use Just spray water and wipe the surface. No residual left on the surface to leave finger prints or help dirt stick to the surface Chemicals Apply chemicals and hot water to the surface, scrub and rinse, open windows to remove fumes. Residual left on surface to help finger prints show and dirt stick to the surface
• No Streaking No Chemicals Yes, due to chemical residual
• Surface Damage No Chemicals Yes, due to chemical reaction on surface
• Less Water Less than one bucket of cold water to clean entire house Chemicals Wash and rinse all surfaces with hot water
• Disinfectant Removes most bacteria, a few random bacteria behind. Bacteria has no food to grow Chemicals Kills most bacteria, leaving strongest bacteria behind. Bacteria uses chemical residual for food to grow
• No Dangerous Products No Chemicals 7 million accidental poisonings a year, 75% with children under the age of 6
• Healthy Products Not linked to any disease. Chemicals Other Linked to asthma, eczema, allergies, cancer, nose bleeds, infertility
• Low Cost Purchase once every 3-4 years Chemicals Purchase on a monthly basis
• No Animal Testing No, not needed Chemicals Yes or not tested at all
• No Water Pollution No Chemicals 32 million pounds of chemicals poured down the drain a day
• Indoor Air Pollution None! Chemicals Average home uses 25 pounds of chemicals a year and stores 100 pounds of chemicals which leave odors in the home for family members to breathe at toxic level rates.
• Sustainable Products 99% waste from the production process recycled, no packaging to recycle, products recycled Chemicals 16-25 containers manufactured and recycled for each ENJOtex Glove.

I am happy to say I have found a product that helps me clean my home, keep my family healthy, cut down on costs and helps the environment by not pouring chemicals down the drain into the watershed.

I will continue to be on my quest to bring good information and products to you. So stay tuned. If you want to try these products please email office@washington.enjo.net and go to http://www.enjo.net.

TRICLOSAN - Anti Bacterial nightmare

Would you wash your hands with pesticides? It seems everywhere you go to wash your hands, there it is, a dispenser proudly housing ANTI BACTERIAL SOAP for your cleanliness when really what you want to do is avoid it. As a parent I am urging all schools, restaurants, gyms, households and stores to stop the use of ALL products with Tricolsan. Tricolsan is an ingredient in antibacterial soaps and lotions that is made from a chemical called chlorophenol, which is suspected of causing cancer in humans.

The safety of triclosan has been raised in relation to the environment and human health. While the companies that manufacture products containing this chemical claim that it is safe, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered it as a pesticide. Would you want your children washing their hands daily with a harmful pesticide? There are serious health risks that all parents and teachers should know about. MAKE THE SWITCH to Regular SOAP.

Triclosan, a chemical used for its antibacterial properties, is an ingredient in many detergents, dish-washing liquids, soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions, anti-microbial creams, various toothpastes, and an additive in various plastics and textiles. The chemical formulation and molecular structure of this compound are similar to some of the most toxic chemicals on earth, relating it to dioxins and PCBs. The EPA gives triclosan high scores both as a human health risk and as an environmental risk.

Health Risks:
Externally, phenol can cause a variety of skin irritations, but since it can temporarily deactivate sensory nerve endings, contact with it may cause little or no pain. Taken internally, even in small amounts, phenol can lead to cold sweats, circulatory collapse, convulsions, coma and death. Additionally, chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides can be stored in body fat, sometimes accumulating to toxic levels. Long term exposure to repeated use of many pesticide products can damage the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs, suppress the immune system, and cause hormonal disruption, paralysis, sterility and brain haemorrhages.

These so-called friendly bacteria cause no harm and often produce beneficial effects such as aiding metabolism and inhibiting the invasion of harmful pathogens. Anti-microbial formulas and disinfectants can also cause genetic mutations resulting in drug-resistant bacterial and mutant viruses, producing new strains of harmful microbes for which the human immune system has no defence.

Triclosan has not been completely tested and analyzed for all health and environmental risks, but since it occurs in the category of the chemicals which are known to have the detrimental effects described here, do you want it added to products you use every day?

The answer: Soap without any harmful effects. Try using brands with the least amount of chemicals, naming Triclosan.

Products Containing Triclosan
The following products all contain triclosan. Caveat emptor!

Soaps:

* Dial® Liquid Soap
* Softsoap® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
* Tea Tree Therapy™ Liquid Soap
* Provon® Soap
* Clearasil® Daily Face Wash
* Dermatologica® Skin Purifying Wipes
* Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
* DermaKleen™ Antibacterial Lotion Soap
* Naturade Aloe Vera 80® Antibacterial Soap
* CVS Antibacterial Soap
* pHisoderm Antibacterial Skin Cleanser

Dental Care:

* Colgate Total®
* Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush
* Janina Diamond Whitening Toothpaste

Cosmetics:

* Supre® Café Bronzer™
* TotalSkinCare Makeup Kit
* Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation
* Mavala Lip Base
* Jason Natural Cosmetics
* Blemish Cover Stick
* Movate® Skin Litening Cream HQ
* Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb
* Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Plus Gloss
* Dazzle

Deodorant:

* Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant
* Old Spice High Endurance Stick Deodorant
* Right Guard Sport Deodorant
* Queen Helene® Tea Trea Oil Deodorant and Aloe Deodorant
* Nature De France Le Stick Natural Stick Deodorant
* DeCleor Deodorant Stick
* Epoch® Deodorant with Citrisomes
* X Air Maximum Strength Deodorant

Other Personal Care Products:

* Gillette® Complete Skin Care MultiGel Aerosol Shave Gel
* Murad Acne Complex® Kit®
* Diabet-x™ Cream
* T..Taio™ sponges and wipes
* Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel

First Aid:

* SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus First Aid Antiseptic
* Solarcaine®
* First Aid Medicated Spray;
Nexcare™ First Aid
* Skin Crack Care
* First Aid/Burn Cream
* HealWell® Night Splint
* 11-1X1: Universal Cervical Collar with Microban

Kitchenware:

* Farberware® Microban Steakknife Set and Cutting Boards
* Franklin Machine Products FMP Ice Cream Scoop SZ 20 Microban
* Hobart Semi-Automatic Slicer
* Chix® Food Service Wipes with Microban
* Compact Web Foot® Wet Mop Heads

Computer Equipment:

* Fellowes Cordless Microban Keyboard and Microban Mouse Pad

Clothes:

* Teva® Sandals
* Merrell Shoes
* Sabatier Chef’s Apron
* Dickies Socks
* Fruit of the Loom Socks
* Biofresh® Socks

Childrens Toys:

* Playskool® :
* Stack ‘n Scoop Whale
* Rockin’ Radio
* Hourglass
* Sounds Around Driver
* Roll ‘n’ Rattle Ball
* Animal Sounds Phone
* Busy Beads Pal
* Pop ‘n’ Spin Top
* Lights ‘n’ Surprise Laptop

Other:

* Bionare® Cool Mist Humidifier
* Microban® All Weather Reinforced Hose
* Thomasville® Furniture
* Deciguard AB Ear Plugs
* Bauer® 5000 Helmet
* Aquatic Whirlpools
* Miller Paint Interior Paint
* QVC® Collapsible 40-Can Cooler
* Holmes Foot Buddy™ Foot Warmer
* Blue Mountain Wall Coverings
* California Paints®
* EHC AMRail Escalator Handrails
* Dupont™ Air Filters
* Durelle™ Carpet Cushions
* Advanta One Laminate Floors
* San Luis Blankets
* J Cloth® towels
* JERMEX mops

I found this article from our pet insurance, Pets Best, which I highly recommend to any pet owner. This a great way to avoid any surprise visits to the vet. Please pass on this information, it could save your pet’s life.

10 Toxic Foods for Pets

Posted by Pets Best on 11/26/2008

10 Potentially Deadly Foods

Secret killers: foods that are tasty for you may be deadly for pets.
This list does not include all of the foods that can harm pets, but does include some of the most common (and surprising!) dangers that could be lurking in your home.

Chocolate
Chocolate toxicity is one of the most common causes of pet poisoning during the holidays. Chocolate contains a lethal component called theobromine—the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains.

Raisins and Grapes
It isn’t clear to scientists just what makes raisins and grapes toxic to both cats and dogs, but even a relatively small amount can damage the kidneys.

Onions and Garlic
Many pet owners are surprised to discover that onions and garlic contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in cats and dogs. Onion and garlic powders are found in many prepared foods – even baby food – so make sure to read labels before serving any item to your pet.

Xylitol
Dog poisoning cases involving this artificial sweetener, often found in sugar-free baked goods and candy as well as sugarless gum, are on the rise. Eating it can result in a sudden drop in blood sugar levels, resulting in depression, loss of coordination, and seizures. The amount of xylitol in five pieces of gum has the potential to kill a 65-pound dog.

Fatty Foods
When it comes to fatty cuts of meat and other fatty items including chicken or turkey skin, it’s better to throw them out than to feed them to pets as a treat. They can cause acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening illness with severe complications.

Avocado
Potentially poisonous to dogs, cats and other animals, avocados contain a fungicidal toxin called persin. Avocados, if eaten, may trigger fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest, leading to difficulty breathing and death from oxygen deprivation.

Moldy or Spoiled Foods
These can contain multiple toxins that can cause vomiting and diarrhea and may affect other organs.

Alcohol
Because cats and dogs are smaller than humans, alcohol can have a much more deadly affect on them. Dogs are often attracted by the sweet taste of alcoholic drinks, especially eggnog. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to heart arrhythmias, seizures, coma, and even death.

Macadamia Nuts
Though the exact reason is something of a mystery, these famous Hawaiian exports are considered toxic to dogs because they tend to cause gastrointestinal upsets, lethargy, vomiting and muscle tremors or stiffness. As few as six nuts can cause severe poisoning.

Coffee Grounds
Accidentally ingesting coffee grounds, or consuming any drink that is high in caffeine, can cause your dog’s heart to race. This can result in seizures, tremors, arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty in breathing.

Because toxicity symptoms are similar no matter what your pet may have eaten, you should watch out if your pet seems to be distressed, listless or in pain. Bloody stools or vomiting are also possible indications. Gastrointestinal problems can lead a build-up of gas until the stomach becomes bloated and hard to the touch. This painful condition can cause the stomach to burst if not treated.

If you think your pet might have been poisoned, call your veterinarian or a poison-control hotline; the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 888-426-4435. (A consultation fee will be charged for their help dealing with a potential poisoning.)

It’s official, Eco Kido, inc is now a 5013c non profit organization founded to help green schools across the nation!

We are looking for consultants to be trained to go into people’s homes and small businesses to help them achieve healthy, green living standards. If you have a passion for green and practice healthy living yourself, get trained to teach others what you are doing. Once certified, the consultants will donate a portion back to our foundation! This is just the beginning.

Michelle Bexelius, former founder of Green This Life, an eco portal site founded Eco Kido to merge green living in homes and schools. There are many plans but not enough money to have our kids be in a healthy environment 6 hours a day. Contact us today, we welcome your ideas on how to help green schools.

I am excited to note that we have had a surplus of interest about our eco consulting program! Thanks to all who attended last weeks meeting.

So, spread the word and help us continue the quest for healthy homes and schools.

Michelle
michelle@ecokido.org