#6 Alternatives to Chemical-laden Cosmetics

Skindeep Cosmetics may spruce up your looks, but many of them are no good for your health. At least 70% of what we apply to our skin is absorbed directly into our bodies, explaining how many dangerous chemicals find their way into breast milk and children. Carcinogens or toxic chemicals have been found in one out of three cosmetic products on the market. While no one product poses a risk on its own, exposure on a daily basis adds up. Thankfully there are safe options available. The Body Shop, Burt’s Bees, and Avalon Natural Products have all agreed to eliminate hazardous chemicals. LISTEN

For more information, visit safecosmetics.org

This post was written by Shana Weber 

Sunday, 09 April 2006 | | Comments (0)

#5 House-cleaning Plants

Lily_1 Did you know that plants can clean your home? Indoor air quality is a serious problem, causing thousands of reported illnesses across the country every year. One of the things you can do is grow indoor plants. But some plants are more effective than others.
Boston_fern A single Boston Fern can remove almost all of the formaldehyde measured in a typical 10 by 10 ft room in just an hour. The recommendation is 2 plants for every 100 square feet of room space. The best air-cleaning plants include Boston Fern, English ivy, spider plant, bamboo palm, chrysanthemum, and the peace lily. For more information visit Denverplants.com
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This post was written by Shana Weber

Thursday, 06 April 2006 | | Comments (0)

#4 Eco-friendly Burial Services

Greenburial Burial involves huge expense, tons of cement and lots of toxic chemicals, but there are economical, eco-friendly options.  There are natural burial services designed to enhance the environment. The bottom line is minimal impact on the landscape, with the goal of habitat preservation and restoration.

The end result is a natural area that provides cemetery functions, as opposed to a cemetery that has to work hard to be green. And the average cost of a natural burial can be thousands of dollars less than the standard alternative. Natural burial services are available in California, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Texas.
For more information visit the Green Burial Council read in the New York Times about the Forever Fernwood Cemetary in Mill Valley.
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This post was written by Shana Weber

Wednesday, 05 April 2006 | | Comments (0)

#3 Pasture-fed Cows a Health Boon

Green_pastures_covercows_1 Not all cows are raised the same. Some are healthier for us and for the environment.  Most cows in the United States are raised on crowded feedlots that bring in corn feed from far away, pollute water supplies and encourage disease.



A_vache_1_3 Pasture-fed cows, on the other hand, tend to be healthy without antibiotics, far less damaging to the environment, eat a local grassy diet, and produce healthier products. Studies show that products from pasture-fed cows tend to be lower in total fat, and higher in healthy fats like omega-3’s.  So ask for pasture-fed at your local grocery store, and when eating out. Even if they don’t have it now, keep asking - they might start! More information in the Greener Pastures report by the Union of Concerned Scientists. LISTEN

This post was written by Shana Weber

Tuesday, 04 April 2006 | | Comments (0)

#2 Eco-friendly Flooring

Bamboofloor If you’re building a new home or remodeling, consider forest-friendly flooring first.  If you like the look of a floor made from wood, but would still like your choice of flooring to be eco-responsible, there are several options that, if widely used, will reduce deforestation, increase carbon dioxide absorption and help preserve biodiversity.

One option is to use reclaimed wood, though it can be costly if you don’t reclaim it yourself. If you want new hardwood floors look for the Forest Stewardship Council seal of approval, meaning the wood has been sustainably harvested from well-managed forests. Approved wood products are available at many major home improvement centers. 

More information about forest-friendly flooring in Earthwise, the quarterly newsletter of the Union of Concerned Scientists or visit Ecofriendly flooring.com.

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Monday, 03 April 2006 | | Comments (0)

#1 Clean Up Those Cleaning Supplies

Heralthyhomeworkbook_2 Spring has arrived, but don’t let a rite of spring expose your family to the wrong cleaning supplies.  You wouldn’t think cleaning products needed to be ‘cleaned up’ but many standard ingredients - like ammonia and chlorine bleach contain harsh chemicals that are unhealthy and ecologically unfriendly.

The good news is there are a growing number of greener cleaning products available in grocery and natural product stores - many of them plant based. But look no further than your own cupboard for a solution. You can do a lot with a little lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda, and you won’t be flushing harmful chemicals down the drain and into the our waterways. For more information consult Greentips  and the newly published  Healthy Home Workbook. LISTEN

Monday, 03 April 2006 | | Comments (0)

All the Daily Greens

21. Green roofs clean the air
20. Schools cause learning impairment
19. Safer scouring
18. Wise window washing
17. Lighting the way: compact fluorescent bulbs
16. Greening our smog-producing lawnmowers
15. Responsible e-products
14. Buried in a mountain of packaging
13. All-purpose all made natural cleaner
12. Natural drain cleaner
11. Natural fibers in the bathroom 
10. Full-spectrum lights bulbs light the way 
9. Sleep soundly in organic bedding 
8.  Thow rugs hide a thousand sins
7   Take off those dirty shoes
6   Alternatives to chemical laden cosmetics
5   House cleaning plants
4   Ecofriendly burial services
3   Pasture fed cows a health boon
2   Ecofriendly flooring
1   Clean up those cleaning supplies

Sunday, 02 April 2006 in List of all the Daily Greens | | Comments (0)

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