Trader Joe, that is. TJ's rocks! I stopped Thursday morning for two little things that I was out of and can only get there. I wound up zipping through the store and getting two bags worth of items! No place else can you find such high quality natural products for the prices they offer.
My current fav of theirs is their SPF 30 sunscreen. It's a natural physical barrier, not a chemical barrier and it goes on so smoothly, unlike some other natural, physical barrier sunscreens. The whole family uses it and it's $5.99 for a good sized bottle.
Also, their almond butter is a fraction of what it costs at my other most favorite store. Trader Joe has made my son like blueberry waffles which is awesome - because theirs are not only the yummiest, but they are also $1.89 a box! Take that Eggo!
If you live near one, explore it and if not, get really friendly with someone who does so they can ship things to you!
Thanks, Joe!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Don't Forget to Recycle Your . . .
. . . plastic bags from packing boxes. Many of those teeny bags that come in packing boxes have recycle signs and numbers on them, so if your recycling center takes them - definitely put them in the bin, NOT the trash.
. . . cardboard boxes. While you're at it, break down the cardboard and put it in the recycle bin too!
. . .plastic bags that you bring produce home in. I've been trying to put my produce directly into the cart without those pesky bags. And not just so that my reusable bags look like the beautifully crafted ones in commercials with stalks and leafy greens sticking out the top (because don't your grocery bags look like that?) but to avoid even more plastic in this house. Sometimes it's not convenient, think about your green beans, but most time it works. If you do get them, recycle them.
. . . Crocs. Wait, what? You may not like them, but if you have a kid, you most likely have a pair or two in your house. Crocs are made of a specific material that cannot be recycled, but they have a program called SolesUnited that will accept used Crocs that will be turned into shoes and given to those less fortunate. I can't imagine shipping would cost much since they are so light, so why not! For more information, call the customer service number on Crocs.com (1-866-306-3179). I will say that mine have held up well, I even have a pair that was in great condition that I scrubbed clean and used for my daughter the year after my son wore them (Yellow Disney, if you're wondering what color and pattern they could both get away with.) So that's another sort of recycling.
. . . makeup containers. Did you know you can recycle your mascara tube? Just rinse it out first. And trash the wand. Many eye makeup containers are recyclable too.
These are just a few items, but you'd be surprised. Next time you head for the trash bin take a second look and see if you can put it in recycling instead.
. . . cardboard boxes. While you're at it, break down the cardboard and put it in the recycle bin too!
. . .plastic bags that you bring produce home in. I've been trying to put my produce directly into the cart without those pesky bags. And not just so that my reusable bags look like the beautifully crafted ones in commercials with stalks and leafy greens sticking out the top (because don't your grocery bags look like that?) but to avoid even more plastic in this house. Sometimes it's not convenient, think about your green beans, but most time it works. If you do get them, recycle them.
. . . Crocs. Wait, what? You may not like them, but if you have a kid, you most likely have a pair or two in your house. Crocs are made of a specific material that cannot be recycled, but they have a program called SolesUnited that will accept used Crocs that will be turned into shoes and given to those less fortunate. I can't imagine shipping would cost much since they are so light, so why not! For more information, call the customer service number on Crocs.com (1-866-306-3179). I will say that mine have held up well, I even have a pair that was in great condition that I scrubbed clean and used for my daughter the year after my son wore them (Yellow Disney, if you're wondering what color and pattern they could both get away with.) So that's another sort of recycling.
. . . makeup containers. Did you know you can recycle your mascara tube? Just rinse it out first. And trash the wand. Many eye makeup containers are recyclable too.
These are just a few items, but you'd be surprised. Next time you head for the trash bin take a second look and see if you can put it in recycling instead.
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Scoop on Buying Organic
This morning my husband told me about an article about the validity of the organic label on foods. 'Purity of Federal 'Organic' Label is Questioned' (on Washingtonpost.com written by Kimberly Kindy and Lyndsey Layton) He thought it was important and that I should read.
The Cliff's Notes version -- we're not getting the truth about what truly constitutes an organic label. The Federal Government still is unsure how to regulate since so many big companies have bought the smaller organic companies and they have the money and want in on the organic boom, hence the problem. Okay, can't say I'm shocked by this.
It reminds me of a recent conversation with my mom who wanted to tell me she saw a news clip about what is worth buying organic and what isn't. Basically, she told me not to buy organic pastas and cookies, and things like that because for those items, according to her source, it doesn't matter.
While I agree it's annoying that some products cost way more for the label and perhaps include some un-natural ingredients or way of making them, it's made me analyze my reasoning for buying the way I do.
a) I buy organic fruits and vegetables when I can to avoid harmful pesticides that my body just does not need. Check out organic.org's list of the "Dirty Dozen" to give you guidelines of what fruits and veggies are most contaminated and those that are least contaminated.
b) I buy organic dry goods to avoid totally unnecessary chemicals and additives, especially when it comes to my kids' food. For instance, do graham crackers really need high fructose corn syrup? NO! Can you find Nabisco or Keebler graham crackers without HFCS? NO! So I buy the organic line. Another example, sure Kraft Macaroni and Cheese bring back memories from childhood, but I don't think I've bought real cheese with that neon glow. I buy my kids Annie's Organic shells and cheese which is all natural ingredients and nothing I can't understand on the label. And damn it's good.
c) I buy organic to support farmers who still care about the health of people and this Earth.
So, while I'm disappointed (though not completely shocked) by the WashingtonPost.com article, I am not changing my ways. I do hope that they can make some changes and perhaps I'll loosen slightly on what products I do get that organic, but I still believe that the organic ones, even if they have some artificial ingredients are better than those that have no real ingredients!
The Cliff's Notes version -- we're not getting the truth about what truly constitutes an organic label. The Federal Government still is unsure how to regulate since so many big companies have bought the smaller organic companies and they have the money and want in on the organic boom, hence the problem. Okay, can't say I'm shocked by this.
It reminds me of a recent conversation with my mom who wanted to tell me she saw a news clip about what is worth buying organic and what isn't. Basically, she told me not to buy organic pastas and cookies, and things like that because for those items, according to her source, it doesn't matter.
While I agree it's annoying that some products cost way more for the label and perhaps include some un-natural ingredients or way of making them, it's made me analyze my reasoning for buying the way I do.
a) I buy organic fruits and vegetables when I can to avoid harmful pesticides that my body just does not need. Check out organic.org's list of the "Dirty Dozen" to give you guidelines of what fruits and veggies are most contaminated and those that are least contaminated.
b) I buy organic dry goods to avoid totally unnecessary chemicals and additives, especially when it comes to my kids' food. For instance, do graham crackers really need high fructose corn syrup? NO! Can you find Nabisco or Keebler graham crackers without HFCS? NO! So I buy the organic line. Another example, sure Kraft Macaroni and Cheese bring back memories from childhood, but I don't think I've bought real cheese with that neon glow. I buy my kids Annie's Organic shells and cheese which is all natural ingredients and nothing I can't understand on the label. And damn it's good.
c) I buy organic to support farmers who still care about the health of people and this Earth.
So, while I'm disappointed (though not completely shocked) by the WashingtonPost.com article, I am not changing my ways. I do hope that they can make some changes and perhaps I'll loosen slightly on what products I do get that organic, but I still believe that the organic ones, even if they have some artificial ingredients are better than those that have no real ingredients!
Monday, June 29, 2009
A Little Pot Named Neti
Okay, this is a strange topic -- my nose and my new found love of the Neti Pot. Over the past 10 years, I've been diagnosed with and denied the fact that I have allergies. And over the past 4 years they have gotten bad, really bad. Again, I'm in denial. However, I have realized that feeling sluggish and cloudy-headed was a direct result of my nasal allergies, and lucky me, they are year round. Add to that a family history of sinus issues and a deviated septum and well, my nose is no friend of mine.
Since I'm pregnant, I can't use my nasal steroid. But I need some sort of relief because my Zyrtec isn't cutting it. I finally broke down and bought a Neti Pot last week. It's basically a little ceramic pot that looks like a tea pot and you put the spout at the base of one nostril, tilt your head and the saline solution comes out the other side. It takes a bit of getting used to -- think about what it feels like to get hit with a wave and the salt water getting into your nose. But THEN think about how clear your nose feels after the sting is gone! Well, of course this doesn't sting but it does take some acclimation.
I am hooked!!! What a difference it's made and best part of all -- it's natural! Warm water and salt and that's all she wrote. My hope is that I can continue to use it and discontinue my nasal steroid habit. (I admit I'll be willing to give up the steroids in lieu of the pot.) We'll see!
Now only if I could come up for a good explanation for what Mommy is doing leaned over the sink pouring water in her nose. My kids are thoroughly confused!
Since I'm pregnant, I can't use my nasal steroid. But I need some sort of relief because my Zyrtec isn't cutting it. I finally broke down and bought a Neti Pot last week. It's basically a little ceramic pot that looks like a tea pot and you put the spout at the base of one nostril, tilt your head and the saline solution comes out the other side. It takes a bit of getting used to -- think about what it feels like to get hit with a wave and the salt water getting into your nose. But THEN think about how clear your nose feels after the sting is gone! Well, of course this doesn't sting but it does take some acclimation.
I am hooked!!! What a difference it's made and best part of all -- it's natural! Warm water and salt and that's all she wrote. My hope is that I can continue to use it and discontinue my nasal steroid habit. (I admit I'll be willing to give up the steroids in lieu of the pot.) We'll see!
Now only if I could come up for a good explanation for what Mommy is doing leaned over the sink pouring water in her nose. My kids are thoroughly confused!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Composting
I have been teetering on buying a compost bin since we moved last June. For one reason or another, I haven't found one I'm ready to commit to. Then yesterday I got the Seventh Generation blog and there is an awesome article about composting.
We currently do have a pile of grass clippings and yard waste as a compost pile that we put a little border around just to keep it separate from where the kids play. What I didn't know was that I could put the dog's waste and even food waste and just turn. So why buy a composter? I think I'll just start with adding some food scraps to the pile to see what happens. But some rules to follow: no dairy, citrus or meat -- those are sure to attract animals.
Wish me luck!
We currently do have a pile of grass clippings and yard waste as a compost pile that we put a little border around just to keep it separate from where the kids play. What I didn't know was that I could put the dog's waste and even food waste and just turn. So why buy a composter? I think I'll just start with adding some food scraps to the pile to see what happens. But some rules to follow: no dairy, citrus or meat -- those are sure to attract animals.
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Green Sun Safefy
Let's be honest, most people do enjoy the look of a little tan. I, myself, have never truly enjoyed a good tan, as I am pale and pink and tend to burn despite coating myself in SPF 75. Yet I still have sun damage in my eye and have had two dysplastic moles removed from my body. Being safe in the sun is important to me. (And tricky too since I have psoriasis and have been told by countless dermatologists that the sun helps - confusing, eh?)
This summer I bought my huge family-size bottles of sunscreen at Costco thinking I was ahead of the curve and doing what's best for my family. Of course keeping my little ones from sunburn is paramount since it's the sunburns you get earlier in life that increase your risk most for skin cancer later. However, I've been reading so much about the chemicals used in sun screen.
What's the answer? Well, clearly, you need to be protected. And I'm not going to stay stay out of the sun because at least for this mommy, it's not an option. My kids love the pool! Luckily they also love their rash guard shirts and are used to being covered up at the pool, but we need to find a smart alternative to chemical sunscreens.
I've read about the differences between chemical barrier sunscreens versus physical sunscreen barriers. The physical barriers include zinc oxide and other natural barriers. From friends I know who have used the latter, it's not as easy to apply and reapply on little people. Then again, phtalates and parabens and chemicals aren't the best for little people either!
I am still using up what I bought at Costco and then am going to try some green products and will report back. I would love to hear from you though -- have you tried the natural sunblocks and if so, what are your thoughts?
Is this one of the places where we need to turn a blind eye to chemicals in lieu of convenience that we know is safe?
In the meantime, check out the Costmetics Database 2008 guide to sun safety to see what they say about top products.
This summer I bought my huge family-size bottles of sunscreen at Costco thinking I was ahead of the curve and doing what's best for my family. Of course keeping my little ones from sunburn is paramount since it's the sunburns you get earlier in life that increase your risk most for skin cancer later. However, I've been reading so much about the chemicals used in sun screen.
What's the answer? Well, clearly, you need to be protected. And I'm not going to stay stay out of the sun because at least for this mommy, it's not an option. My kids love the pool! Luckily they also love their rash guard shirts and are used to being covered up at the pool, but we need to find a smart alternative to chemical sunscreens.
I've read about the differences between chemical barrier sunscreens versus physical sunscreen barriers. The physical barriers include zinc oxide and other natural barriers. From friends I know who have used the latter, it's not as easy to apply and reapply on little people. Then again, phtalates and parabens and chemicals aren't the best for little people either!
I am still using up what I bought at Costco and then am going to try some green products and will report back. I would love to hear from you though -- have you tried the natural sunblocks and if so, what are your thoughts?
Is this one of the places where we need to turn a blind eye to chemicals in lieu of convenience that we know is safe?
In the meantime, check out the Costmetics Database 2008 guide to sun safety to see what they say about top products.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Less Really Is More
Check out this awesome list about conserving products in your bathroom from Planet Green. Turns out less really is more!
"Bathroom Conservation Checklist
1. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
2. A quarter-sized amount of shampoo.
3. A half-cap of mouthwash. Use less but gargle longer.
4. 5 squares of toilet paper is the suggested serving size but use what you need. I'm not going to go all Sheryl Crow about this.
5. Lotion should only be applied on rough/dry areas, not used extraneously.
6. A quarter-sized dollop of shaving cream.
7. A ten-minute shower uses about 25 gallons of water. Take a five-minute shower and save 12.5 gallons of water.
8. Foundation should be applied minimally to the T-zone and blended outward.
9. If you need a large amount of lipstick/eye shadow to create your look, this could be because the pigment is weak. Consider splurging on a more expensive eco-friendly brand of makeup with stronger pigment, so you can use less."
This list was written by Josh Peterson for http://planetgreen.discovery.com/fashion-beauty/bathroom-conservation-checklist.html
"Bathroom Conservation Checklist
1. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
2. A quarter-sized amount of shampoo.
3. A half-cap of mouthwash. Use less but gargle longer.
4. 5 squares of toilet paper is the suggested serving size but use what you need. I'm not going to go all Sheryl Crow about this.
5. Lotion should only be applied on rough/dry areas, not used extraneously.
6. A quarter-sized dollop of shaving cream.
7. A ten-minute shower uses about 25 gallons of water. Take a five-minute shower and save 12.5 gallons of water.
8. Foundation should be applied minimally to the T-zone and blended outward.
9. If you need a large amount of lipstick/eye shadow to create your look, this could be because the pigment is weak. Consider splurging on a more expensive eco-friendly brand of makeup with stronger pigment, so you can use less."
This list was written by Josh Peterson for http://planetgreen.discovery.com/fashion-beauty/bathroom-conservation-checklist.html
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