Organic Style II: Natural Living

[lawyerlee]

This is a continuation of the original Organic Style thread. That thread is closed, but you can reference those old posts at this link:

Organic Style (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11984)

We're a group of people trying to live more natural, eco-conscious lives. If you are curious or already trying to do this in your own life, join us! We're all about sharing tips and recommendations. :)


If you have recommendations for other links, let me know. I'm glad to add them.

RELATED CC THREADS:

CSA/Community Supported Agriculture (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=968&highlight=csa)
Should I Be a Vegetarian? (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30433)
DIY Compost Bin (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28484)
Experiences with low/zero VOC paint? (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28537)
Anybody use menstrual cups? (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4580)
Cloth Diapering Part III (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32120)
Breastfeeding Help & Support Part IV (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27841)
Elimination Communication - diaper free baby? (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8169)
Are you crunchy? Geared toward parents (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27912&highlight=cloth+diapers)
GMOs: Pros, Cons, Questions (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1252324#post1252324)
Trader Joe's (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156)
Anyone Make Homemade Baby Food? (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4950)
Save the Planet = Buy More Gadgets? (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35485)
What's Your Carbon Footprint? (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35587)
Calling all gardeners (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93&highlight=organic)
Socially Responsible Shopping (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35099&highlight=organic)



RELATED LIVE JOURNAL COMMUNITIES:

menstrual cups (http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/)
natural living (http://community.livejournal.com/naturalliving/)
daily granola (http://community.livejournal.com/daily_granola/)
cloth pads (http://community.livejournal.com/cloth_pads/)


GENERAL INFO & LINKS:

Local Harvest (http://www.localharvest.org/) - look up your local CSAs, co-ops, & more
Earth 911 (http://www.earth911.org/master.asp)
Sustainable Table (http://www.sustainabletable.org/)
Eat Wild (http://www.eatwild.com/)
Green Home Guide (http://www.greenhomeguide.com/)
Energy Star (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home.index)
Environmental Working Group: Public Interest Watchdog (http://www.ewg.org/)
Organic Authority (http://www.organicauthority.com/)
USDA info on Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) (http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csa.shtml)
Consumer Reports Greener Choices (http://www.greenerchoices.org/home.cfm)
About Environmental Issues (http://environment.about.com/)
Ideal Bite (http://www.idealbite.com/)
Debra Lynn Dadd (http://www.dld123.com/index.html) - the so-called queen of green
Groovy Green (http://www.groovygreen.com)
Center for a New American Dream (http://www.newdream.org/)
Natural Resources Defense Council (http://www.nrdc.org/)
Friends of the Earth (http://www.foe.org/index.html)
Families for Natural Living (http://www.familiesfornaturalliving.org/ONSITE/render.php)
Organic Consumers Association (http://www.organicconsumers.org/)
Greenpeace USA (http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/)
Sierra Club (http://www.sierraclub.org/)
Co-op Directory (http://www.coopdirectory.org/directory.htm)
National Geographic's The Green Guide (http://www.thegreenguide.com/)
Green Options (http://www.greenoptions.com/)

[lawyerlee]

MEDIA:

Lime: Healthy Living with a Twist (http://www.lime.com/)
Grist: Environmental News & Humor (http://www.grist.org/)
TreeHugger (http://www.treehugger.com/)
Environmental News Network (http://www.enn.com/)
World Changing (http://www.worldchanging.com/)

magazines -
Natural Home Magazine (http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/)
Green Living Magazine (http://www.greenlivingmagazine.ca/fall2006.html)
Plenty Magazine (http://www.plentymag.com/)
Field and Feast (http://www.fieldandfeast.net/)
Vegetarian Times (http://www.vegetariantimes.com/)
Utne Reader (http://www.utne.com/)
Motto (http://www.whatsyourmotto.com/)
Alternative Medicine (http://www.alternativemedicine.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=02AD61F001A74B5887D3BD11F6C 28169)
Yoga Journal (http://www.yogajournal.com/)
Body & Soul (http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=learn-cat&id=cat19837&rsc=msonav)
Domino (http://www.dominomag.com/)
Real Simple (http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/homepage/flash/0,23022,,00.shtml)
Mother Earth News (http://www.motherearthnews.com/)
Organic Gardening (http://www.organicgardening.com/)
ReadyMade (http://readymademag.com/index.php)
Mothering (http://www.mothering.com/)

tv -
This Old House: The Austin Project (http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tvprograms/houseproject/overview/0,16542,1546552,00.html)
Living with Ed – Environmentally-Responsible Living (http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,HGTV_22056_56190,00.html)
Living Fresh with Sara Snow (http://home.discovery.com/fansites/livingfresh/about.html)
Get Fresh with Sara Snow (http://health.discovery.com/fansites/sara-snow/sara-snow.html)

podcasts -
More Hip Than Hippie (http://www.morehipthanhippie.com/)
Deconstructing Dinner (http://www.cjly.net/deconstructingdinner/)
The Beyond Organic Show (http://www.beyondorganic.com/)
Living on Earth (http://www.loe.org/index.htm)
OnEarth (http://www.onearth.org/podcasts/)
America the Green (http://www.americathegreen.com/)

blogs -
Simply Green (http://dannyseo.typepad.com/my_weblog/) - Danny Seo’s blog
Eco Chick (http://eco-chick.com/)
The Green Life (http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/)
The Good Human (http://www.thegoodhuman.com/)
Green Fertility (http://greenfertility.blogspot.com/)
Fabulously Green (http://fabulouslygreen.blogspot.com/)
Farmgirl Fare (http://www.foodiefarmgirl.blogspot.com/)
Sew Green (http://www.sewgreen.blogspot.com/)
No Impact Man (http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/)
ecofabulous (http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/)
Great Green Goods (http://greatgreengoods.com/)
Alternative Consumer (http://www.alternativeconsumer.com/)
Ecorazzi (http://www.ecorazzi.com/) - green celebrity gossip
Walk Slowly, Live Wildly (http://walkslowlylivewildly.com/)
Unplugged Living: Helping You Freeload Off Mother Nature (http://www.unpluggedliving.com/)
Green as a Thistle (http://greenasathistle.com/)
The Sustainable Scoop (http://www.sustainablescoop.typepad.com/the_sustainable_scoop/)
Notes from the Cocktail Moms (http://cocktailmoms.blogspot.com/)

books -
The Newman's Own Organics Guide to a Good Life: Simple Measures That Benefit You and the Place You Live (http://www.amazon.com/Newmans-Organics-Guide-Good-Life/dp/081296733X) by Nell Newman & Joseph D’Agnese
Grub: Ideas for an Urban Organic Kitchen (http://www.amazon.com/Grub-Ideas-Urban-Organic-Kitchen/dp/1585424595/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9420563-0237642?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1172983247&sr=1-1) by Anna Lappe & Bryant Terry
The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals (http://www.amazon.com/Omnivores-Dilemma-Natural-History-Meals/dp/1594200823/ref=pd_sim_b_2/002-9420563-0237642?ie=UTF8&qid=1172983247&sr=1-1) by Michael Pollen
Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and Diet Dictocrats (http://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Politically-Dictocrats/dp/0967089735) by Sally Fallon
My Year of Meats (http://www.amazon.com/My-Year-Meats-Ruth-Ozeki/dp/0140280464) by Ruth Ozeki
Fast Food Nation ( http://www.amazon.com/Fast-Food-Nation-Eric-Schlosser/dp/0060838582/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9420563-0237642?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1172983883&sr=1-1) by Eric Schlosser
Clean House, Clean Planet ( http://www.amazon.com/Clean-House-Planet-Karen-Logan/dp/0671535951) by Karen Logan
French Vegetarian Cosmetics (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0894070169/ref=dp_olp_2/002-9420563-0237642) by Rosine Claire
Delia's Kitchen Garden (http://www.amazon.com/Delias-Kitchen-Garden-Delia-Smith/dp/0563521139) by Delia Smith
Real Food: What to Eat and Why (http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781596913424-0) by Nina Planck
Farmer John's Cookbook: The Real Dirt on Vegetables (http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9781423600145-1) by John Peterson
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food for Life (http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Vegetable-Miracle-Year-Food/dp/0060852550/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-0831083-8532608?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182201459&sr=8-1) by Barbara Kingsolver

movies -
The Future of Food (http://www.thefutureoffood.com/)
Who Killed the Electric Car? (http://www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/)
Fast Food Nation (http://www.foxsearchlight.com/fastfoodnation/)
The End of Suburbia (http://www.endofsuburbia.com/)
Black Gold (http://www.blackgoldmovie.com/)

[lawyerlee]

RECIPES:

Natural Pesticide

7 crushed cloves of garlic
1 tbsp red pepper flakes
3 cups hot (not boiling) water

Let it steep for a few days, strain and spray on your plants. It keeps away bugs and animals because they don't like the taste.


Faux Febreeze

1 1/2 - 4 Tablespoons fabric softener (make sure you choose an eco-friendly one)
25 oz water
32 oz (Quart) clean spray bottle

Mix ingredients, shake well, and spray carpets, furniture, etc. Of course, test first to be sure it won't stain. Be especially careful on silk and other materials like this that may be prone to discoloration.


Alternatives to Household Chemicals

General Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/3 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 gallon of warm water.

General Cleaner: 2 TBS baking with 1 pint warm water in a spray bottle.

Copper Cleaner: Lemon juice and salt.

Disinfectant: Mix 1/2 cup borax in 1 gallon of water.

Drain Cleaner: Prevent a clogged drain by pouring boiling water down the drain periodically, or use 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by two cups of boiling water, 1/4 cup vinegar, followed by two cups of boiling water.

Floor Cleaner: 1 cup vinegar and 2 gallons of water.

Floor and Furniture Polish: Mix 1 tablespoon Carbauba wax into two cups mineral oil or mix 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts olive or vegetable oil.

Garbage Disposal Deodorizers: Put chopped up citrus rinds in the disposal

Grease removal: Borax on a damp cloth

Mold and Mildew Removal: Mix equal parts vinegar and salt.

Oven Cleaner: Sprinkle salt or baking soda on spills when they are warm, then scrub. For baked-on grease, put 1/4 cup of ammonia in oven overnight to loosen, then scrub with baking soda. Or use add 2 tablespoons liquid soap, 2 teaspoons borax and warm water.

Rug and Upholstery Cleaner: Sprinkle dry cornstarch or baking soda on rug and vacuum.

Scouring Powder: Use baking soda for a nonabrasive cleaner.

Silver Cleaner: Soak silver in 1 quart warm water with 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt and a small piece of aluminum foil, or apply paste of calcium carbonate and olive oil. Allow to dry and polish with soft cloth.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Clean regularly with baking soda OR Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Borax, wait 30 minutes and scrub.

Tub and Tile Cleaner: 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup white vinegar and warm water.

Window Cleaner: Mix 1 quart of warm water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar.

Wood Polish: 3 parts olive oil, 1 part vinegar or almond OR olive old (interior unvarnished wood only) OR linseed oil.

Air Freshener: Use herbal bouquets OR pure vanilla on cotton ball OR simmer cinnamon and cloves.

Pet Odor Remover: Use cider vinegar.

Refrigerator Deodorizer: Open box of baking soda.

Rug Deodorizer: Apply baking soda liberally and leave 15 minutes before vacuuming.

Make your own natural herbal toothpaste/powder

1/2 cup Baking Soda
1/2 cup bentonite clay powder
1-1/2 teaspoon Myrrh powder
1 teaspoon dried Raspberry leaf
1 teaspoon dried white oak bark powder
1 teaspoon flavoring herbs of your choice (Fennel
Peppermint, Spearmint, in powder form)
5 drops Essential Oil of Tea Tree

Yield: about 1 cup

Pour the Baking Soda (soda reduces the acid level in the mouth. High acid creates tooth decay) and Bentonite clay powder into a medium-size mixing bowl. Add all the dry ingredients, including the Myrrh powder,( which helps to prevent periodontal disease) to the Baking Soda/Clay mixture. Mix well with a wire whisk. Add the Tea Tree oil, again mixing well. Place a clean cover over the bowl, covering it completely. Let sit overnight. The next morning, mix well again . Package in an wide-mouthed jar. It will last indefinitely if you keep moisture out of the package.

To use: Wet your toothbrush, then sprinkle a small quantity of toothpaste powder onto your brush. Brush thoroughly and gently in an up and down motion. Rinse, Feel the natural clean!

Laundry Detergent

Recipe #1

3 Pints Water 1/3 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated 1/2 Cup Washing Soda 1/2 Cup Borax 2 Gallon Bucket 1 Quart Hot Water Cold Water

Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints of water, and heat on low until dissolved. Stir in Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened, and remove from heat. Add 1 Quart Hot Water to 2 Gallon Bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill bucket with hot water, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load.

Recipe #2

1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap 1/2 Cup Washing Soda 1/2 Cup Borax 2 Tablespoons Glycerin 2 Gallons Hot Water (NOTE: This recipe originally called for 2 Cups Water)

Mix all three ingredients together. Add glycerin and water. Use 1/2 - 3/4 cup per load. Best when used with cold or warm water.

Recipe #3:

Water 1 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated 5 Gallon Bucket 1 Cup Washing Soda 4 1/2 Gallons Hot Water

Place grated soap in a small saucepan and cover with water. Heat on low until dissolved. Fill bucket with hot water, and add soap. Stir to combine. Add 1 cup washing soda and mix well. As it cools it will thicken. May be used immediately. Use 1-2 cups per load.

Powdered Laundry Detergent:

1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap 1/2 Cup Washing Soda 1/2 Cup Borax

For light load, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons.

TIPS:

• Liquid detergent can also be used as a pretreater for stains.
• Ivory Soap, Deodorant Soap, and Beauty Bars can be substituted for the Fels Naptha Soap.
• Essential Oils can be added to soap for fragrance.

Source: http://www.virtuowl.com/soda%20page%20a.htm


Oven Cleaner

Make a paste of equal parts salt, baking soda and water. First, wipe away any grease and scratch off burnt spots with a scouring brush or steel wool. Finally, apply the paste, let stand five minutes and wipe clean with a damp rug. Scrub if necessary. Do not allow baking soda to touch heating elements or wiring.

Source: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/issues/greenaction/clean.html


Homemade bath powder:

1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
few drops tea tree oil


All Purpose Cleaner:

1/2 tsp. each of Borax, washing soda & Dr. Bronner's
1 Tbsp. vinegar

Fill with warm water so the powders dissolve & shake it up. Add 10-20 drops each of tea tree & either orange or lemon essential oils.

[lawyerlee]

TIPS & ADVICE:

cleaning -
uses for vinegar (http://www.vinegartips.com)
Care 2 Healthy Home: Nontoxic Cleaning (http://www.care2.com/channels/lifestyle/home#55)
Eco-Tips from Eco-Me: natural cleaning advice (http://www.eco-me.com/econews.html#eco-tips)

health/food -
honest organic producers (http://slowlysheturned.blogspot.com/2005/12/honest-organic-producers.html)
organic dairy scorecard (http://cornucopia.org/dairysurvey/index.html)
organic industry structure (http://www.msu.edu/~howardp/)
Nalgene water bottles might be toxic (http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art23142.asp)
EWG's Skin Deep: the safety of popular health & beauty brands (http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep2/)
guidelines for non-toxic living ( http://www.ourlittleplace.com/nontoxic.html)
health & safety information on household products (http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/index.htm)
True Food Shopping Guide (non-GMO) (http://www.truefoodnow.org/shoppersguide/guide_printable.html)
the keeper/diva cup: reusable menstrual capture (http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000670.php)
sweet savvy: natural sweeteners (http://www.sweetsavvy.com/summary.php)
10 SYNTHETIC COSMETIC INGREDIENTS TO AVOID (http://www.aubrey-organics.com/about/treat_10synth.cfm)
Where Can I Find Real (Raw) Milk? (http://www.realmilk.com/where1.html)
top produce to buy organic (http://www.deliciousorganics.com/Controversies/toptobuyorg.htm)
Whole Foods' Unacceptable Ingredients List (http://wholefoodsmarket.com/cgi-bin/print10pt.cgi?url=/products/unacceptablefoodingredients.html)
How to feed the baby? Plastic worries parents (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bottles30apr30,1,173636.story?ctrack=2&cset=true) - LA Times article on plastic baby bottles and leaching
Guide to Less Toxic Living (http://www.lesstoxicguide.ca/)
Starbucks Agrees to Ban Monsanto's Bovine Growth Hormone from All Its Cafes by End of Year (http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_6826.cfm)
Nation's Most Commonly Used Corn Herbicide, Atrazine, Linked to Reproductive Mutations (http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_6838.cfm)


energy & conservation -
Mr. Electricity: Saving Electricity ( http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/)
How to Stop Junk Mail (http://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/junkmail.htm)
How to Live Without Plastic Bags (http://www.squidoo.com/plasticbags/)

nanotechnology -
Nanotechnology Law (http://nanotechlaw.blogspot.com/search/label/cosmetic)
Welcome to the world of nano foods (http://observer.guardian.co.uk/foodmonthly/futureoffood/story/0,,1971266,00.html)
Tell the FDA to Stop Ignoring the Nanotech Threat in Cosmetics (http://www.healthy-communications.com/2006Tell%20FDA%20to%20get%20Rid%20of%20Nano%20Chem icals%20in%20Cosmetics.htm)

holidays -
Green Adornments and Eco-Thrifty Loveliness (http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc.mhtml?i=112&s=freshfinds) - Valentine’s Day
Natural Easter Egg Dyes (http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa042003a.htm) - Easter
Color Me Organic: Natural Easter Egg Dyes (http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc.mhtml?i=113&s=eastereggs) - Easter
Dyeing Eggs Naturally (http://marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.58031cf9775720e593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=546576ecfd22f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCR D&vgnextchannel=56492e912b11f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0a RCRD&vgnextfmt=print&rsc=articleheading&lastnavigatedchannel=bf89cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005 b09a00aRCRD) - Easter
Declare Your Independence from Toxic Fireworks (http://environment.about.com/od/healthenvironment/a/toxicfireworks.htm?nl=1) - Independence Day
Holiday Greenery, Lights, and Ornaments (http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc.mhtml?i=117&s=greenery) - XMas
Simplify the Holidays: Inexpensive, Creative and Eco-friendly Gift Ideas (http://www.newdream.org/holiday/giftideastaff.php) - XMas
Reducing Holiday Waste (http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/specials/funfacts/winter.htm) - XMas
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like…Consumerismtime! ( http://eco-chick.com/?p=602) - XMas
creative wrapping ideas (http://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/attach/060403-5.pdf) - pdf download
wrapping paper (http://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/attach/060403-5.pdf)
Ikea wrapping paper (http://cocktailmoms.blogspot.com/2007/01/in-my-effort-to-be-more-environmentally.html)


sewing & crafts (ideas & patterns) -
cloth diapers (http://www.diapersewing.com/hbpocketinstructions.htm)
diapers (http://www.diapersewing.com/clothpads.htm)
cloth shopping bags (http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/clothbags.html)
reusable knitted Swiffer cover (http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=165049.msg1677498;topicseen#msg167 7498/)
crocheted string bag (http://www.canadianliving.com/Canadianliving/client/en/Crafts/DetailNews.asp?idNews=237375&idSM=307)

gardening & composting -
Urban Composting: A budget friendly compost bin for your deck or small outdoor space (http://yougrowgirl.com/garden/urbancomposting.php)
Composting 101: Hooray for the Black, Brown, and Green (http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2007/04/composting_101_.html)
Compost This (http://www.compostthis.co.uk/)
Making Compost (http://www.journeytoforever.org/compost_make.html)
Got Compost? Top 5 FAQs on making compost in your yard (http://community.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/GuideToHomeComposting.html)
DIY Urban Compost Bin - Flickr Photo Set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/crumleydotorg/sets/72157594221395631/)
Pet Waste Composting (http://www.cityfarmer.org/petwaste.html)
City Farmer (http://cityfarmer.org)

reuse & recycle -
Recycle This (http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/)
FreeCycle (http://www.freecycle.org/)
Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things (http://sneakyuses.com/home.html)
ReadyMade Blog: Reinventing X (http://readymademag.com/blog/category/reinventing-x/)
ReadyMade Forums: How Do I Reuse ... (http://readymademag.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=7&sid=56d9942254161a030c49ca85b6923a42)
Real Simple: New Uses for Old Things (http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/browse/organize/0,21771,1030000000-Issue_Date-desc-37-1-25,00.html)

[lawyerlee]

SAVING FOR LATER

[lawyerlee]

SERVICES:

Better World Club ( http://www.betterworldclub.com/)
TerraPass (http://www.terrapass.com/)
Zipcar (http://www.zipcar.com/index)
Switch Planet (http://www.switchplanet.com/) - trade DVDs, CDs, and video games
Paperback Swap (http://www.paperbackswap.com/)
Book Crossing (http://www.bookcrossing.com/)
Renewable Choice Energy (http://www.renewablechoice.com/)
Native Energy (http://www.nativeenergy.com/travel/)
Spectra Green Fund (http://www.spectrafund.com/sf/appmanager/spectraportal/welcome?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=spectra_portals_performance&FundFamily=Spectra%20Fund&FundName=Spectra%20Green&SubSectionContent=Overview)
EV Rental (http://www.evrental.com/) - environmentally-friendly car rentals


PRODUCTS & SHOPPING:

general -
Greenfeet ( http://store.greenfeet.com/index.asp)
Debra’s List (http://www.dld123.com/debraslist/index.html) - Links to thousands of products recommended for green living, compiled by Debra Lynn Dadd.
Reusable Bags (http://www.reusablebags.com/) - shopping bags, produce bags, safe reusable bottles, lunch bags, etc.
Eco Bags (http://www.ecobags.com/) - similar selection to Reusable Bags, but also including some items made of recycled materials
Chico Bag (http://www.chicobag.com/) - reusable bags
Small Slices (http://www.smallslices.com/index.html) - reusable bags
Kleen Kanteen ( http://www.kleankanteen.com/)
Viva Terra - Eco Living with Style (http://www.vivaterra.com/pls/enetrixp/!stmenu_template.main)
drugstore.com: The Natural Store (http://www.drugstore.com/templates/browse/default.asp?catid=47206&trx=GFI-0-ROTABS&trxp1=47206&trxp4=10784)
Shop Natural (http://www.shopnatural.com/)
Shaklee (http://www.shaklee.com/main/home)
Domino Magazine's Green Sites We Love (http://www.dominomag.com/resources/sites/greensites)
Domino & Treehugger.com 2007 Green List (http://www.dominomag.com/resources/2007/02/greenlist)
Frontier Natural Products Co-op (http://www.frontiercoop.com/index.html)
Recycline (http://www.recycline.com/index.html)
I'm Organic (http://www.imorganic.com/index.php) - t-shirts, magnets, reusable bags, and a blog
Envirosax (http://www.envirosax.com/pages/products.php) - reusable bags

beauty & personal care -
Honeybee Gardens (http://www.honeybeegardens.com/)
Suncoat Products ( http://www.suncoatproducts.com/)
Burt’s Bees (http://www.burtsbees.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10101&catalogId=10751)
Aubrey Organics ( http://www.aubrey-organics.com/)
Carol’s Daughter (http://www.carolsdaughter.com/)
Indigo Wild ( http://www.indigowild.com/) - recommended: Zum Bar goats milk soap
Kiss My Face ( http://www.kissmyface.com/home.htm)
The Savannah Bee Company natural products at Bath & Body Works ( http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/sm-featured-collections-hand-and-foot-care-the-savannah-bee-company--fi-2250234_cp-2073258.html)
Glad Rags: Menstrual Alternatives ( http://www.gladrags.com/)
Alba (http://www.albabotanica.com/)
Onesta Hair Care (http://www.onestahaircare.com/)
Adidas Absorbent-Deo (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=150867&catid=48424&trx=PLST-0-SEARCH&trxp1=48424&trxp2=150867&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SEARCH)
Lavera (http://www.lavera.com/)
Zia Naturals (http://www.zianatural.com/index.jsp)
Avalon Organics (http://www.avalonorganics.com/)
Pangea Organics (http://www.pangeaorganics.com/)
All Natural Mamas (http://www.allnaturalmamas.com/)
100% Pure (www.100percentpure.com)
Moon Valley Natural Health & Honey Products (http://www.moonvalleyhoney.com/)
Trillium & Co Organics (http://www.trilliumorganics.com/index.html)
BeeCeuticals Organics (http://www.beeceuticals.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=26)

baby/kids -
Baby’s Enchanted Garden ( http://www.babysenchantedgarden.com/home/be1/smartlist_204_0)
California Baby ( http://www.californiababy.com/)
Ecobaby Organics (http://www.ecobaby.com/)
Peapods Natural Toys & Baby Care (http://www.peapods.com/)
Mother Earth Nursery Designs (http://store.motherearthnurserydesigns.com/index.php?osCsid=8a145ad139ae3fb27415179eadad7296)
Nature Boys & Girls (http://www.drugstore.com/templates/brand/default.asp?brand=10392&trx=29985&trxp1=10392&trxp2=3) - natural disposable diapers
gDiapers (http://www.gdiapers.com/home) - earth-friendly hybrid diapers
Nature Babycare (http://www.naty.com/eng/index.html) - compostable diapers

clothes, accessories -
Bazura Shop ( http://www.bazurashop.com/indexshop3.html#denim)
Earth shoes (http://www.earth.us/)
Ecoist (http://www.ecoist.com/)
Rawganique (http://www.rawganique.com/index.htm)
Simple Shoes (http://www.simpleshoes.com/)
Greenloop (http://www.thegreenloop.com/)
Patagonia (http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/intern_landing.jsp?OPTION=SAR&assetid=15546&target=%2Fhome%2Findex.jsp%3FOPTION%3DHOME_PAGE%26 assetid%3D1704)
Fair Indigo (http://www.fairindigo.com/) - fair trade clothing
Stewart+Brown (http://www.stewartbrown.com/)
TOMS Shoes (https://www.tomsshoes.com/ProductDetails.aspx?CategoryID=7&productID=10)
Terra Plana Shoes (http://shop.terraplana.com/(X(1)A(HtGJieslyAEkAAAANmM2MmMyZjItN2IzMC00NWYyLWJ lMzUtMjZjOTVmOTU0ZDM0XR5FNNoo4_EVIPEr2VlzYuA2gJ41) )/shop.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1)

gifts -
Organic Bouquet (http://www.organicbouquet.com/Index.aspx)
A Greater Gift (http://www.agreatergift.org/) - fair trade gifts

food -
Cowgirl Creamery ( http://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/aboutus/index.html)
Straus Organic ( http://www.strausfamilycreamery.com/)
Redwood Hill Farm ( http://www.redwoodhill.com/)
Point Reyes Farmstead ( http://www.pointreyescheese.com/)
Planet Organics (planetorganics.com) - Bay Area
Guerilla Organics (http://www.guerrillaorganics.com/) – California
Organic Valley Farms (http://www.organicvalley.coop/)
Recharge All-Natural Sports Drink (http://www.knudsenjuices.com/products/detail.aspx?groupID=10&categoryID=56&flavorID=175&productID=245)
SPUD organic grocery delivery (https://www.spud.com/index.cfm) - Pacific NW
Organic Valley (http://organicvalley.coop/) - dairy; coupons on site

home & garden-
Milk Paint (http://www.milkpaint.com/color.html)
Anna Sova Luxury Organics (http://www.annasova.com/catalog/asCollections.asp)
Green Glass (http://www.greenglass.org/index.php)
Green Batteries (http://www.greenbatteries.com/)
White Lotus Home (http://whitelotus.net/index.php)
Gardens Alive: Environmentally Responsible Gardening ( http://www.gardensalive.com/Default.asp?bhcd2=1173053853)
Fedco Seeds (http://www.fedcoseeds.com/)
FLOR modular carpet tiles (http://www.florcatalog.com/service/flor/environment.html)
Seed Savers Exchange (http://www.seedsavers.org/)
Richlite (http://www.richlite.com/countertop/) - paper-based countertops
IceStone (http://www.icestone.biz/new/) - recycled glass and concrete countertops

cleaning -
Bi-O-Kleen (http://www.bi-o-kleen.com/)
Mrs Meyers (http://mrsmeyers.com/)
Ecover (http://www.ecover.com/us/en/)
Seventh Generation (http://www.seventhgeneration.com/our_products/)
Cot'nWash (http://www.cotnwash.com/index.htm)
Citrus Magic (http://www.citrusmagic.com/)
Eco-Me (http://www.eco-me.com/products.html)
Enviro-One (http://www.enviro-one.com/default.asp)
Dr. Bronner's Organic Castile Soaps (http://www.drbronner.com/drb_soapsandingredients.html)
Begley's Best (http://www.begleysbest.com/)

pets -
natural cat litters (http://www.epetpals.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?search=action&keywords=%22natural_litter%22)
Swheat Scoop cat litter (http://www.swheatscoop.com/)
Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Pet Food (http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/)
Newman’s Own Organics Premium Pet Food (http://www.newmansownorganics.com/pet/home/)
Innova pet food ( http://www.naturapet.com/display.php?d=inn-home)
California Natural pet food ( http://www.naturapet.com/display.php?d=cal-home)

other -
Near Bio (http://www.nearbio.com/nearbio/index.shtml) - biodiesel locations

[jenjunum]

Coming in sporadically throughout this thread, this is really helpful. I'm so glad you did this. I will definitely go through this list to catch what I missed.

I recently found Straus Dairy in my Whole Foods. It's lovely. I love the glass bottles and the fact that they sterilize them and reuse them. It tastes really good too.

[heather1029]

Yay! I'm excited to have all these links in one place. I've already spent the last hour going through them! :)

Thanks for putting my book suggestion up there. I'm curious to see others' responses to it.

Things we've done recently to be more organic:
-switch to organic soaps, handsoaps
-switch to only organic(and free range) butter, milk, cream, eggs, broths
-began buying organic produce (not all, but we're slowly switching)
-stopped buying artificial sweeteners
-stopped buying anything with artificial colorings and flavors (except for Gatorade, our one last barrier....we are training for a half-marathon)
-threw away our Nalgene bottles and all of our scratched tupperware
-no longer buy anything containing high fructose corn syrup
-ask for organic milk at starbucks, skip the syrups
-began making more of an effort to recycle... we even wash out shampoo bottles and other plastics to make the process easier for workers

I think we still have a ways to go, however. I'd like us to buy free range meat, but the expense is killer. We're also looking at hybrids for our next vehicle purchase. My car is definitely on the verge of death.:(

[Rico'sAlice]

Thank you for all your hard work on this LawyerLee. Looks great!

------------------------
And an addition for the media section:
Movie-
The Future of Food (http://www.thefutureoffood.com/)

(http://www.thefutureoffood.com/)
--------------------
And one quick comment on the faux-fabreeze. This may go w/o saying, but obviously the "greeness" and safety of this would depend on the ingredients in your fabric softner.

[charmcitygirl]

wow... thanks! this is a really good resource.

[mgrace]

Thanks for the great new thread, laywerlee! :)

By the way, does anyone here use the organic Shaklee cleaning products? I was thinking about buying them, but I want some reviews.
I use Basic-H and I love it. My mom and grandma have used Shaklee stuff for years, too. The Basic L is really nice, too. A family friend sells Shaklee, so it's easy for me to get. I use Basic-H for tons of things--general cleaning, getting sticky label gunk off of things, cleaning walls (not that I do that often ;) ), floors, counters, etc. I have even used it to clean some dirt covered produce. It cleans really well. I noticed a few weeks ago that they now have Basic H2 (http://www.shaklee.com/product/00015). I contacted Shaklee and they said that Basic H2 will be replacing the original Basic H. I have a great list of uses for Basic H. If anyone is interested, let me know!

Does anyone use Seventh Generation dishwasher detergent? I just bought some last week. I'm hoping it's good stuff.

[Rico'sAlice]

-stopped buying anything with artificial colorings and flavors (except for Gatorade, our one last barrier....we are training for a half-marathon)

Have you tried RECHARGE? Not sure exactly what your needs are, but I knoiw a lot of women who use it during labor & birth which many compare to a marathon. ;)

http://www.knudsenjuices.com/products/detail.aspx?groupID=10&categoryID=56&flavorID=175&productID=245

[moderngal]

what a great thread. I don't think I've ever really paid attention to the other one as I'm usually in my "mommy box" but I think this is great.
we're constantly searching for better ways to be greener. I belong to a natural living/ AP family group that has been a wealth of inspiration on our quest to be more green. :)

mgrace, I hate to break it to ya, but I *hate* the SG dishwasher detergent!! It took us awhile to experiment with brands, but have decided Ecover is the only way to go!!

We're also looking at hybrids for our next vehicle purchase. My car is definitely on the verge of death.
Look very closely at the hybrids. We were set on one until we did a detailed review of them and as it turns out, both of our cars (both 07s) are more fuel efficient and have lower emissions than most hybrids (I think the Prius was the only one better and only slightly on both accounts)!!

[lawyerlee]

I finally made a decision on which menstrual cup to try, so I ordered the UK Mooncup tonight. At first I thought the idea of specially ordering one from another country when there are a bunch of them readily available here was silly, but the more I read, the more comfortable I felt with the idea of the Mooncup. The size and suction seemed likely to work out better for me. Anyway, we already have a CC thread about menstrual cups (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4580), so I don't mean to be going on and on about it here or anything, but I know it is a topic of relevance and interest to us here. :)

Next on my list is some reusable pads for overnights or other circumstances in which the Mooncup may not be convenient. Any particular recommendations for them? How do you guys clean yours. I don't care too much about stains, as they are to be expected, but I'd like to get them as clean as possible. I've heard Bac Out by Bi-O-Kleen is the way to go.

Finally, have any of you purchased mattress covers to contain the off gassing of regular mattresses? I just thought I'd see if there were any recommendations for where to get a good one.

I'm glad everyone found the new thread. I've updated the links so far, but please let me know if there is something new or any problems with the existing links. :)

[charmcitygirl]

does anyone know about a book called "the 100 year lie" or something like that?

also thought i'd drop off this link to the domino magazine & treehugger.com green list (http://www.dominomag.com/resources/2007/02/greenlist).

one more link...
i saw this show, manic organic, (http://www.foodtv.ca/ontv/titledetails.aspx?titleid=63174) a few weeks ago but i don't remember if it was on hgtv or discovery health here in the u.s. (the link is hgtv canada).

ETA:
domino magazine's green sites we love (http://www.dominomag.com/resources/sites/greensites)

[heather1029]

We went grocery shopping Monday night and bought ALL organic. Yikes on the $$$. DH really really doesn't want me to buy the organic laundry/dish detergents because of the mulah. I just made him promise we could start buying them when we have a baby. By that point, I want my whole household to be pure.

mgrace: when i buy the Shaklee Basic H2, I'll get some uses and tips from you. We're trying to use up all our non-organic stuff before buying the Shaklee.

rico'salice: I've never tried Recharge. I didn't see it when I went to the store on Monday, but I'll look when I make my trip to Whole Foods. However, I think after our marathon, I'd like to start forcing myself to just drink water.

moderngirl: Which cars do you and DH own? I'd love to not have to buy a hybrid. They're so much more money. We really want a small SUV, like the Toyota Highlander. (I'm totally sold on Toyotas/Lexuses)

[Belm]

Love this new thread. Thanks, Di for putting it together.

DH & I are going out to Full Quiver Farm (http://www.fullquiverfarm.com/index.html) on Saturday to take a tour of their farm, pick up some eggs and place an order for chicken. We are making a commitment to try to eat meat that is local and not chuck full of hormones. We have also decided to incorporate more vegetarian nights at our house – we are not ready to go full-on veggie just yet. ;)

[heather1029]

By the way, has anyone tried Stonyfield Yogurts (http://stonyfield.com/)? DELISH! I'm trying to make an effort to eat less processed foods, and that includes eating non-homogenized. Stonyfield has non-homogenized yogurts (aka: Cream/Fat on top), but they don't do raw milk like I wish.

I'd really like to try non-pasteurized + non-homogenized milk, but we don't have any local farms that offer it. [The high temperatures of pasteurization kill enzymes that are essential for fat digestion and vitamin absorption. ]

[Rico'sAlice]

By the way, has anyone tried Stonyfield Yogurts (http://stonyfield.com/)? DELISH! I'm trying to make an effort to eat less processed foods, and that includes eating non-homogenized. Stonyfield has non-homogenized yogurts (aka: Cream/Fat on top), but they don't do raw milk like I wish.

I'd really like to try non-pasteurized + non-homogenized milk, but we don't have any local farms that offer it. [The high temperatures of pasteurization kill enzymes that are essential for fat digestion and vitamin absorption. ]

We're raw milk drinkers. I do notice a difference in my health (digestive and otherwise) compared to when I am drinking organic, non-homogenized pastuerized milk.

I don't know where you are in Virginia, but have you seen this list:

Where can I find Real Milk? (http://www.realmilk.com/where5.html#va)

[moderngal]

Heather, both DH and I have VWs. I have an 07 Passat Wagon and DH has an 07 Passat sedan. Both have extremely high mpgs and low emissions. Both of our cars are rated for over 30 mpg and we are in fact averaging 29- 31 mpgs. IMO, if you really want to go green, think about not getting an SUV. Even with hybrid technology, the Highlander is only rated for 32 mpg city/27 mpg highway and real world testing reports that it's actually closer to 21 or 22 mpg. The Prius is doing well for actual mpg though. If you are set on a larger auto and really want to be green, I would recommend looking at a Subaru or VW wagon. Both are excellent and green. :)

I love Stonyfield Farms yogurt, as does DS. :)

My AP/NFL moms group has a co-op with Frontier (http://www.frontiercoop.com/), which is a great place to buy green cleaning and beauty products on the cheap. You don't need to have a group to buy, but I believe it's even cheaper if you do.

[December27JJB]

I didnt realize the old thread closed. I found this site http://www.nearbio.com/nearbio/index.shtml It is a list of Biodiesel pump locations.
More info on Biodiesel: http://www.biodieselnow.com/default.aspx

ETA Thank you Lawyerlee for this new thread!

[elladee]

Speaking of biodiesel...

I know it's a long shot, but does anyone here make it? DH has been bugging me to do it, but I dunno, seems kind of intimidating. Maybe this summer when I can do it out in the garage...

[December27JJB]

Speaking of biodiesel...

I know it's a long shot, but does anyone here make it? DH has been bugging me to do it, but I dunno, seems kind of intimidating. Maybe this summer when I can do it out in the garage...

http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_make.html

[elladee]

December27JJB, thanks! DH sent me that link before. I skimmed it and promptly decided it was too scary (which is silly considering I have a chemical engineering degree). This time I actually read it all, and it doesn't sound bad at all. Even fun. :o

[December27JJB]

December27JJB, thanks! DH sent me that link before. I skimmed it and promptly decided it was too scary (which is silly considering I have a chemical engineering degree). This time I actually read it all, and it doesn't sound bad at all. Even fun. :o

lol thats funny. I was reading it thinking maybe I shouldnt mix stuff I dont know about. I think I'll just buy the stuff from someone.

Perhaps since you have a degree in chemical engineering you could start your own business, make them and sell them!

[December27JJB]

Pretty cool http://gdiapers.com/ check out their video http://www.gdiapers.com/watch_vid

[PurpleRose]

Great job on the new thread, lawyerlee! :)

Not sure if anyone's posted this yet, but I noticed a new OPI magazine ad the other day. They claim it is now free of DBP (dibutyl phthalate), toulene, or formaldehyde. safecosmetics.org had listed it as the most toxic polish on the market before this and had a huge campaign to get them to remove these ingredients. I guess it worked!

Also wanted to mention another great natural bodycare line: 100% Pure. I've been using their Strawberry Butter body scrub, and it's great. I just picked up some of their Coconut scrub today. It smells wonderful, but I haven't tried it yet. I also have the Strawberry Lemonade body wash. Their website is www.100percentpure.com; Bath and Body Works also sells it online and in some of their stores.

[mgrace]

moderngal, thanks for the Seventh Generation review. Bummer. Is the AP/NFL group you belong to a local thing?

I just ate a container of Stoneyfield Farms yogurt. Organic blueberry. I like the maple one the best. I've been buying locally produced yogurt that is cheaper than Stoneyfield and I like it better. Plus, I'm bummed that 80% of Stoneyfield is owned by Dannon.

I was at a meeting over the weekend and we were talking about all the crap in plastics, so I'm on a renewed mission to limit the amount of plastic we use. I think I'm going to buy some Pyrex to store food. I just wish the lid wasn't plastic. Anyone else use glass?

[lawyerlee]

I was at a meeting over the weekend and we were talking about all the crap in plastics, so I'm on a renewed mission to limit the amount of plastic we use. I think I'm going to buy some Pyrex to store food. I just wish the lid wasn't plastic. Anyone else use glass?
I have a bunch of Pyrex (with the dreaded plastic lids), and I try to use that as much as possible. I'd like to get some of these containers from Crate & Barrel sometime:

Refrigerator Dish (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=850&f=5413&viewall=1)
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/lawyerlee2/CC/RefridgeratorStoreBwls3C.jpg


Speaking of C&B, I saw this when I went to their website to look up that container:

Eco Friendly, Family Friendly (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/trends/trends.aspx?l=261)
Our new Lockport Sofa Collection lives green from the inside out. Its kiln-dried hardwood frame is certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Rain Forest Alliance – and guaranteed for life. Its cushions are filled with revolutionary, bio-based materials that are environmentally renewable. And its fabric is a luxurious 100% cotton with a water-based protective finish that keeps Lockport’s white looking white.
Too bad the cotton isn't organic. I'm assuming it is not since they aren't mentioning that up front. Still a cool offering, though. :)

[lawyerlee]

Greenfeet carries some pretty cool glass dishes with glass lids:

Glass Storage Dishes (http://store.greenfeet.com/itemCombination.asp?GroupCode=6007%2D00884)

[mgrace]

Thanks for the Greenfeet site, lawyerlee. Duh, I was just at Crate and Barrel the other day and wanted the containers. Why didn't I buy them then? :rolleyes: Oy.

[December27JJB]

We use glass refrigerator dishes too. Sometimes if we finish up a jar of salsa I use it to store leftovers.

For those of you who sew:

Cloth diapers: http://www.diapersewing.com/hbpocketinstructions.htm

Menstrual Pads: http://www.diapersewing.com/clothpads.htm

[heather1029]

lawyerlee:
Those glass dishes are awesome! Thanks for the recommendation!! I would never think to use glass for storage, since I'm so used to the tupperware, but what a better option!

[beachlvr]

Hi! I just found this thread. I'm trying to switch to a more natural, eco-friendly lifestyle. I'm already a vegetarian, although my family isn't. I used cloth diapers for all three of my children, and I'm trying to buy as much organic food as I cna. We recycle and compost, although I have a true black thumb so I don't grow my own food. I'm a diva cup girl, too.

I'm trying to switch to more natural cleansers and I'd love to hear what you use to clean. I'm not sure I have the time to make my own. I've switched to Dr Brommers Castile soap and use Murphy's Oil soap to clean as much as I can.

I figure every little bit helps, so even if I don't go all-natural, at least cutting back helps save the environment.

[charmcitygirl]

yesterday i found out that my city is having a compost bin sale in april. they are offering bins for $33 (they retail at about $80). they are doing this in conjunction with some other earth day activites and only do it once a year. so i'm thinking other cities are doing this as well if anyone is interested. check with your city.

i am finally just about finished up with all of my old cleaning products and have been using some ecover products. i really like them so far. i wish i could find their dishwasher powder though.

dh totally floored me the other day when he suggested we put up solar panels!! i am sure we can't afford that right now, but wow, was i excited.

[mgrace]

charmcitygirl, my hubby wants solar panels, too.

[moderngal]

mgrace~ yeah- I find the SG stuff hit or miss. I'm ordering some of their tissues and paper towels from my coop. I'll report back later.
And yeah- my AP/NFL group is local, but we're part of a larger national organization. It's my understanding that our chapter is the largest and most active and as such, we're taking over the national stuff. But I'm not 100% sure how that's going to work or affect the others. Anyway- it's Families for Natural Living (http://www.familiesfornaturalliving.org/ONSITE/render.php).

I'm trying to switch to more natural cleansers and I'd love to hear what you use to clean. I'm not sure I have the time to make my own.
I can't make time to make my cleaners. I use Ecover for most things. I use some Method products, too. There's a brand called Earth Friendly Products and they are pretty good, too. :)

charmcitygirl~ you can make your own bin for under $20. But in your case, if the money went to a good cause, I might go for a pre-made one.
I haven't seen Ecover dish powder either, but I use the tablets and they are great. I have been buying it at either Whole Foods or Wegman's, but my coop is selling it much cheaper, so now I go there- it's here. (http://www.frontiercoop.com/)

[charmcitygirl]

moderngal with two toddlers, making anyhting is a challenge. in addition, we live in a city and i feel more comfortable getting a city approved bin (i.e., shuts tight, keeping out rats and mice and such). i didn't see the ecover products on your co-op site... can you post a specific link? i wonder if the dish powder is new since it not at my wf or wegmen's either.

[mgrace]

I haven't had enough coffee yet this morning. Where can I find the Ecover stuff on the co-op site, moderngal? All I can find is Frontier, Aura Cacia and Simply Organic. Thanks.

[moderngal]

charmcitygirl~ LOL!! I know. I have an active toddler, too so believe me when I say it's incredibly easy!! I just used a metal garbage can and a drill and within 5 minutes it was ready to be used. FWIW too, I live in a large city and have no problems with mine. In fact, if you compost correctly, you will not get mice or other pests even with an open pile. The key is making sure that you never put any animal products in your compost.

I am so sorry about the Frontier issues... I didn't realize- I buy from their wholesale site (http://wholesale.frontiercoop.com/), which is password protected. Sorry. :(
This is from their site: If you buy Frontier products to resell as a business, use our products in your business, or have a buying club with at least five families, you may be able to shop at our online wholesale store.
Since I buy through my mom's group, there is a pretty big group of us that buy monthly. Although it looks like if you can get a group of people together here, you could buy there, too.
I'm surprised you can't find the dish stuff at Wegman's. I was told they all carry the same stuff when I asked if mine could start carrying SG disposable diapers. :rolleyes: That's irritating.

[elladee]

charmcitygirl, did you check your wegmans whole food section for the dish powder (instead of the regular cleaner section)?

[December27JJB]

Nanotechnology:
http://nanotechlaw.blogspot.com/search/label/cosmetic
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/foodmonthly/futureoffood/story/0,,1971266,00.html
http://www.healthy-communications.com/2006Tell%20FDA%20to%20get%20Rid%20of%20Nano%20Chem icals%20in%20Cosmetics.htm

[December27JJB]

Make your own toothpaste: http://www.glenbrookfarm.com/make_your_own_toothpaste.htm

[mgrace]

Other magazine links to add: Mother Earth News (http://www.motherearthnews.com/)

Organic Gardening (www.organicgardening.com)

Speaking of which, does anyone have any tips on getting a garden started? I've only had the space to do container gardening before and now I can have a "real" garden. How do I get started?

[charmcitygirl]

elladee yep, but i didn't see it there. maybe i missed it or they were out. it's not my regular store and i only go once every month or so. but i'll check again next time. thanks!

[SiValleySteph]

Do y'all have any opinion on "Organic" or "Natural" cleaners? I bought this one:
Earth Choice Shower Control:Organic Acid Cleaner (http://www.greendepot.com/-strse-251/Earth-Choice-Shower-Control-cln-Organic/Detail.bok)

at the Home Depot and it REALLY works well. But, I feel like I'm falling for a scam and there's really no difference between this and mainstream cleaners.

This is what it says:
Shower Control is formulated with organic acids and biodegradable surfactants.

Any thoughts?

I know I should just use vinegar and baking soda and I even have a sprayer of vinegar for cleaning, but it hasn't worked that well for me. :( Do you all put any essential oils or anything in your vinegar/water mix to make it smell better?

[charmcitygirl]

But, I feel like I'm falling for a scam and there's really no difference between this and mainstream cleaners.
i feel the same way about kaboom! cleaner. the ad says it's more natural and a safer alternative but i think the smell is toxic and i can't use the stuff. not to mention that i don't think it works all that well.

i add a bit of lavender eo in my vinegar spray. it helps some. better than nothing. but like i said earlier, i really like the ecover products and find myself using them more than homemade solutions.

[HGMorgann]

I just cleaned the bathtub with Tea Tree Oil today. It worked great. You can mix it with vinegar and water in a spray bottle, however, I just applied it to a wet rag as my tub was pretty scuzzy. Eek.

[lawyerlee]

Do y'all have any opinion on "Organic" or "Natural" cleaners? I bought this one:
Earth Choice Shower Control:Organic Acid Cleaner (http://www.greendepot.com/-strse-251/Earth-Choice-Shower-Control-cln-Organic/Detail.bok)

at the Home Depot and it REALLY works well. But, I feel like I'm falling for a scam and there's really no difference between this and mainstream cleaners.

This is what it says:


Any thoughts?

I know I should just use vinegar and baking soda and I even have a sprayer of vinegar for cleaning, but it hasn't worked that well for me. :( Do you all put any essential oils or anything in your vinegar/water mix to make it smell better?
I can't speak for that particular product line, but I personally think there is probably a lot of misleading promotion with natural cleaners. I have some concerns about Method products because they don't give you their ingredients list. They don't seem particularly toxic, but who knows if their claims about biogradability and the like are true.

This is one reason I really lean toward Dr. Bronner's. I use it for so many different cleaning and personal care functions, and I feel confident that I know what I'm getting. And I think it works really nicely for cleaning in conjuction with baking soda and vinegar. Bon Ami, Borax, and Bar Keeper's Friend are all good tools to have in your arsenal, too.

As for essential oils, lavender and tea tree are both extremely popular for cleaning because of their disinfectant properties. I personally much prefer the smell of lavender, but tea tree is great, too.

Also, check out the cleaning recipes on the first page of the thread. They might be a good place to start with making your own products if you choose to do so.

Here are links to some other recipes and ideas for utilizing essential oils for cleaning:

Essential Oil Recipes - Cleaning & Deodorizing (http://www.theherbsplace.com/Essential_Oil_Recipes_for_Cleaning_and_Deodorizing _sp_177.html)
Green Cleaning with Essential Oils (http://www.stretcher.com/stories/04/04may10f.cfm)
Organic Cleaning Recipes: Basic Cleaning Supplies (http://earthnotes.tripod.com/clnrecipes.htm#basics)

[lawyerlee]

I started a discussion thread in News & Politics on GMOs that I thought some of you might be interested in:

GMOs: Pros, Cons, Questions (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1252324#post1252324)

[jnettie]

Hi everyone!

I've been putting thought to making my life more green in light of the discussion in News and Politics about Al Gore and his energy use (hi there, Steph! :D ). I started doing some internet searches and thought, "Hm, I bet CC has a thread about this." And here you are! So, I'm joining in. :)

mgrace, we have a very very small backyard that we've been doing what is best referred to as gardening experiments for the past few years. If I could go back in time, I'd spend more time planning and get better tools! Spend your spring creating beds by turning the soil. Get those nice barriers they sell at gardening stores, the ones that dig a few inches below the surface and poke up an inch or two. This will make mowing grass easier. And plan a good mix of annuals and perennials that will bloom over the whole season. In the fall, plant some bulbs.

I plan to rethink our whole garden this year so that it requires less maintenance and looks good from Spring to Fall.

[moderngal]

Speaking of which, does anyone have any tips on getting a garden started? I've only had the space to do container gardening before and now I can have a "real" garden. How do I get started?
Decide on what you want to plant. Then test your soil and make sure it's hospitable to what you're planting. You may need to buy some nutrients to balance out your soil. For example, tomatoes like a more phosphorus based soil for good fruit production. My soil was full of nitrogen, so I needed to add some phosphorus to balance it out and get my tomatoes. (I used an organic Indonesian bat guano to do so.)
IMO, I would also write down your garden plans and make sure to rotate them each year.

I'm reading a book called Delia's Kitchen Garden that has great info on all kinds of fruit, veggie, and herb gardening. There's also a nice chapter on composting, too. :)

[justHB]

I can't speak for that particular product line, but I personally think there is probably a lot of misleading promotion with natural cleaners. I have some concerns about Method products because they don't give you their ingredients list. They don't seem particularly toxic, but who knows if their claims about biogradability and the like are true.I can't recall exactly which magazine I read the interview in (I think it's Domino's recent eco issue with Shalom Harlow on the cover), but there was a Q&A with the method guys and based on what I read, I tend to trust their claims. I can't say it's more organic than anything else, but when I read the article, I remember thinking, "alright, they are more than just cool packaging and good marketing."

[lawyerlee]

I can't recall exactly which magazine I read the interview in (I think it's Domino's recent eco issue with Shalom Harlow on the cover), but there was a Q&A with the method guys and based on what I read, I tend to trust their claims. I can't say it's more organic than anything else, but when I read the article, I remember thinking, "alright, they are more than just cool packaging and good marketing."
I actually have that magazine and pulled it out after I read your comment. Thanks! I have to agree with your thoughts about them based on that article. Makes me feel a lot better about my Method love! ;) I do still wish they'd share their ingredients. I wonder if maybe it's a proprietary thing or something. Anyway, I need to spend some time more closely reading that issue. I love Domino, and I usually end up reading it four or five times catching different things each time. :)

[lawyerlee]

I was just doing some reading and came across this list of ways to save water. Great ideas! :)

Water saving tips (http://www.abc.net.au/water/stories/s1864974.htm)

Ooops, I hit post too soon. I also wanted to share some links on coloring Easter eggs:

Martha Steward Living on Dyeing Eggs Naturally (http://marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.58031cf9775720e593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=546576ecfd22f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCR D&vgnextchannel=56492e912b11f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0a RCRD&vgnextfmt=print&rsc=articleheading&lastnavigatedchannel=bf89cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005 b09a00aRCRD)

[JamBray]

Ooo, glad that there's a new thread for all of this stuff. Thanks for putting it together Lawyerlee. :)

As to your question
Next on my list is some reusable pads for overnights or other circumstances in which the Mooncup may not be convenient. Any particular recommendations for them? How do you guys clean yours. I don't care too much about stains, as they are to be expected, but I'd like to get them as clean as possible. I've heard Bac Out by Bi-O-Kleen is the way to go.

I get mine from here (http://diaperwear.com/mooncare/freshmoon.htm), and really like them. For cleaning, I just spray some Bac Out on them (which is a great stain remover), and then throw them in with my other clothes when I'm doing laundry.

[mgrace]

Suppressed Documents Show USDA Has Allowed Horizon and Aurora to Violate Organic Dairy Standards (http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_4378.cfm)

[heather1029]

That's so depressing, mgrace. Is Horizon organic at all? Because that crap is darned expensive if it isn't organic!!!

[moderngal]

I'm not surprised about Horizon. They got too big too fast. Everything I've read about them is shrouded in mystery. They don't answer surveys about their cows or the actual farm environment- and these are surveys that companies like StoneyField and Organic Valley answer. IIRC, Trader Joe's is a bit shady on the surveys, too which also made me feel uneasy about their products. So, no Horizon or TJ for us.
(eta- as I now am reading the article more closely TJ's is definitely one of the problem products. such a shame.)

[lawyerlee]

That's truly a shame. We're already at the point where the federal government's organic standards mean nothing. It's like we're all always saying: eating local is the best way to have any idea what you're really getting. It shouldn't have to be that way, but it seems to be true. :(

Thanks for the recommendations on cloth pads and cleaning, JamBray. I received the Glad Rags (http://www.gladrags.com/organic-undyed-1pack-p-29.html) (with a bottle of Bac Out) I ordered today. I probably won't use them too much because I really like my Mooncup, but it is good to have options :)

[JamBray]

That is both so sad and so scary. You have people out there (and I was one of them) buying this stuff, thinking they're getting an organic product (and paying for it), when in actuality it's the same as the non-organic milk, butter, etc. next to it. It sucks that we have scrutinize our food like this, and that the USDA organic stamp doesn't seem to mean all that much. :(

[mgrace]

Yeah, the whole Horizon thing sucks. I never buy Horizon products. I'm sure there are a lot of other companies out there doing the same thing. :( I'm trying to stick to small, local (if possible) companies. I can't wait until the farmer's market starts for the season!

I'm totally psyched about my garden. Thanks for all of your help! We are renting a tiller to till the spot and I'm going to get some information from our Extension office. Now to decide what to plant.

Another question. We use either Basic H or vinegar to clean and I'm looking for a brush or some sort of scrubbie thing (reusable) to scrub the tub and sinks. Our tub is fiberglass and the sink is porcelain. I'm worried about scratching (even though we will be re-doing our kitchen). I usually use microfiber towels, but I need something with a bit more scrubbing power.

Another link to add to the list: Organic Consumers Association (http://www.organicconsumers.org/). They have a lot more info on Horizon, etc.

[JamBray]

I was just wondering what all of you do for drinking water? I currently have a delivery service for both work and home, but with all the talk about #7 plastics leaching contaminants (especially when reusing them), I'm now seriously re-thinking this.

I was doing some reading and found that solid carbon block filters were the best to buy, but of course all companies say they're the best. So if you have one, what filter(s) are you using in your home? And if you're not, are you planning on getting one, or just sticking with what you're doing?

Here's (http://www.ewg.org/issues/bottledwater/index.php) a link I received in e-mail from the EWG regarding this issue.

[Rico'sAlice]

Besides the plastic issue, another concern with bottled water is the environmental impact of the transport.
---------------------

I just use whatever basic carbon filter came in my fridge. But we have really good water that I feel comfortable drinking even without the filter. The filter just makes it taste a bit fresher.

I would find out what is in your tap water, (my water co has reports online, but you may have to call) then decide which elements you want to take out/decrease, and then find the best filter for doing so. Different types of things are removed by different types of filters. So, it's not just a question of "best" but the issue is what are your individual needs.

If our water was flouridated I would definitely invest in a reverse osmosis system since I think that's pretty much the only way to take it out.

[Hello Kitty]

Thanks for setting up this thread. I've always followed along, but lately, I've just had this urge to do things better, I guess. I'm not huge into organic for organics sake, but I guess what makes me want to live more naturally is all the consumption and waste that's out there. I also live in an exburb where nothing like this has caught on, and I guess I'm trying to fight back in my own way.

What all do you use for cloth grocery bags? I think I'm going to make one, and I'd love to hear your input on what makes the perfect bag. For me, I want a longer shoulder strap, a credit card pocket. Is lining it with something (like PUL?) necessary/beneficial? Or do you just let things sweat it out and dry?

Also, anyone use reuseable produce bags? I feel guilty for using them because they're so useless. When I have produce counts, I stick them all in one bag, but they don't like it when I commingle weighed produce, obviously. If I make some little mesh bags, they can't stop me from using them, right?

[lady1297]

What all do you use for cloth grocery bags?

I bought some at the grocery store and try to remember to take them with me, which doesn't always happen. I've seen canvas ones online somewhere, I'll have to look to see.

I'd love to hear about reuseable produce bags...I usually just don't bag things like peppers and celery. Of course, then there are things like beans that you need to bag or they'd make a fat ton of mess. Maybe cheese cloth would work?

[jennylou]

seb'skitty - I would just make canvas bags without anything lining them. If something spills or it gets icky, you can just throw them in the wash.

The bags are something I've been thinking about a lot lately. I've been cleaning out our kitchen cabinets lately and found a crap ton of plastic bags. So, I think I'll be making some canvas bags up shortly to take on grocery trips. I plan on keeping them in the car so that I don't have to use plastic because I forgot them.

[lady1297]

seb'skitty- here's a link to grocery bags online and one for making your own:

http://www.reusablebags.com/

http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/clothbags.html

[mgrace]

Welcome, Seb's Kitty! I would just with regular canvas bags. As jennylou said, you can just throw them in the wash. I have tons of re-usable bags. I just buy them at the grocery store (and have a couple more that we've received for donating $, conferences, etc.). They are really nice to have and we use them for lots of things besides the grocery store.

I just don't use bags for produce, but I wouldn't think it would be a problem to use re-usable ones. If the store has an issue with it, they can remove the produce from the bag and weigh it that way.

I swear, I'm a complete airhead sometimes. I keep the bags in my car and yet, still have forgotten them on occasion. Now, I put them in my purse while I think about going to the store. :rolleyes:

Wish I was crafty like so many of you and could make my own!

As for gardening, I found another source for seeds. Fedco Seeds (www.fedcoseeds.com). They sell some organic seeds and they are cheap. A local CSA recommended them.

[Hello Kitty]

Thanks for the tips - I looked at sites that sold them, but I was interested if there were any features that would be/are helpful. But it sounds like I was getting too carried away with it (shocking ;)) so I'll just stick with a simple unlined bag.

I'm going to make some produce bags out of something extremely lightweight. Cheesecloth is a good idea, but I know it is prone to snagging, or loosening. I'll have to find some mesh.

I think I might hang them behind my purse, so that when I run out, I grab my bag too. I'd hate to spend all this time and end up not using them.

[jennylou]

seb'skitty - How about making produce bags out of the same material that veils are made out of? That would be super light and if you did it in a rolled hem, super strong....

[lady1297]

Grocery bags-- My issue is remembering to return them to the car when I'm done with them. We have an integral garage so you'd think it would be easy to walk down the steps and return them, but alas, I'm that much of a ditz. :)

We've all but given up paper towels, well, at least I have and I've switched over to cloth pads and wipes for myself. My boys were both cloth diapered (well, one still is). It makes me feel much better to have done these things. Now, our new dilema is how to decrease the paper waste we throw out. Honestly, more than 75% of our garbage is papers. We have to recylce (would anyway) plastic, aluminum and metal, and we take cardboard to the recyle bins in town. But the mail especially befuddles me as to what to do with it. I give DS the enevelops to decorate, but what about the rest???

[mgrace]

lady, you can't recycle paper? Can you take it to the recycle center?

[JamBray]

Besides the plastic issue, another concern with bottled water is the environmental impact of the transport.
---------------------

I just use whatever basic carbon filter came in my fridge. But we have really good water that I feel comfortable drinking even without the filter. The filter just makes it taste a bit fresher.

I would find out what is in your tap water, (my water co has reports online, but you may have to call) then decide which elements you want to take out/decrease, and then find the best filter for doing so. Different types of things are removed by different types of filters. So, it's not just a question of "best" but the issue is what are your individual needs.

If our water was flouridated I would definitely invest in a reverse osmosis system since I think that's pretty much the only way to take it out.
You're right, I didn't even think about the transport of it. Maybe I'll call the water company today and see if I can get a detailed description of what's in our water. Because we used to have a reverse osmosis system, I just assumed that it wasn't good to drink.

What all do you use for cloth grocery bags? I think I'm going to make one, and I'd love to hear your input on what makes the perfect bag. For me, I want a longer shoulder strap, a credit card pocket. Is lining it with something (like PUL?) necessary/beneficial? Or do you just let things sweat it out and dry?

Also, anyone use reuseable produce bags? I feel guilty for using them because they're so useless. When I have produce counts, I stick them all in one bag, but they don't like it when I commingle weighed produce, obviously. If I make some little mesh bags, they can't stop me from using them, right?
I use Chico Bags (http://www.chicobag.com/) and regular canvas bags for my groceries and other items. What I love about the Chico Bags is that they come in their own little carrying case, so I just throw them in my purse and never have to worry about not having one with me.

For my produce, I either don't use a bag, or (if I remember them) use my cotton mesh ones I got at Reusable Bags (http://www.reusablebags.com/store/ecobags®-reusable-cotton-mesh-produce-bags-p-689.html). Sometimes with them I get funny looks from the cashiers, but I just tell them what's in it and they weigh it accordingly. One kid was really confused and thought I'd be overcharged by the weight of the bag (which, no, because they're about as light as the plastic), but I was only buying bean sprouts, so no biggie. :p

[Hello Kitty]

Oh, I'm going to get ridiculous looks at the grocery store from snotty teenage cashiers. I can't wait ;) This (http://www.reusablebags.com/store/super-strong-cotton-canvas-messenger-shopping-p-41.html) is the kind of bag I'm going to make. I'm really excited about this.

Jennylou - that's what I was thinking. Haven't been by the tulle section in a long time!

RE:recycling - we're so lucky in that our town has commingled recycling. We've had more trash since we've been remodeling, but usually we only toss one one or two plastic bags (grocery bags incidentally) of trash each week.

[lady1297]

lady, you can't recycle paper? Can you take it to the recycle center?

Newspapers and magazines we can. But we don't get the newspaper and I take our magazines to the doctors offices and leave them there. I don't know where I could ship the rest.

[lawyerlee]

Seb's Kitty, I use the Chico Bags, too, and I LOVE the way they easily tuck into their built in pouch. These are so easy to store and small enough for every purse that I actually use them. Machine washable is a must, too. Otherwise, you should be fine with whatever. I really like the style of bag you linked to. That should be versatile and strong. :)

I wish it was only the teenagers who are snotty about my bags. An adult woman at my store is the worst about it. Like I'm doing it for fun or something. Maybe I'll educate her sometime, but I probably won't waste my breath. :rolleyes: :( Yet another reason to avoid the regular market. ;)

[mgrace]

What are the Chico bags made of?

[lawyerlee]

What are the Chico bags made of?
I believe it is nylon. So I know that isn't comfortable for everyone, especially if you're already using a natural material for your shopping. :)

[SiValleySteph]

We got these polypropelene bags or something like that at a fair last year. They are similar to a regular paper bag. All our grocery stores sell similar ones now. So we have about 4 of those and then I have a TJs canvas one and some other bags ...

I keep them in the car. Once I use them I throw them in the path back out to the car and that way I remember to put them back in my car the next time I go out.

For bookstores, target, etc., I say that I don't need a bag, if I only have a few purchases. Often they say thanks at the bookstore. :)

***

re cleaners: Thanks for your comments. Sorry I didn't come back in sooner! I just haven't had a lot of luck with vinegar/water combo. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. :confused:

[moderngal]

lady1297, I see you're in PA- I am too. Part of our recycling paper is that we can recycle mixed paper, which means things like flattened cereal boxes, junk mail, phone books, etc can all be recycled. I'm pretty sure that can be done throughout the state. :)

I am *really* bad about remembering to bring my own bags to the store. I bought a few at WF and I like them- it's just that after I use them, I forget to put them back in my car. If I forget, I try to get paper (so that we can recycle them) or only get plastic bags at Wegman's because they are a #2 and can be recycled. Maybe that needs to be next goal for myself- to really make a bigger and better effort to bring my own bags.

As for a water filter, we're using a Brita filter. It works for us.

[JamBray]

I wish it was only the teenagers who are snotty about my bags. An adult woman at my store is the worst about it. Like I'm doing it for fun or something. Maybe I'll educate her sometime, but I probably won't waste my breath. Yet another reason to avoid the regular market.

That's really too bad that more people don't see it as you doing something good for the environment. :(
I keep them in the car. Once I use them I throw them in the path back out to the car and that way I remember to put them back in my car the next time I go out.

Oh, I like that idea! I'll have to keep that in mind the next time I use my canvas bags, as many times I need more than just the two Chico Bags I have.

Do any of you have ideas on recycling used clothing? I'm talking too stained and ruined to take to Goodwill. I'm not a sewer at all, so crafty stuff is out, and I know some of the Ts could be rags, but what about jeans and dress shirts? I just won't feel good about dumping them in the trash, but I also don't want them sitting in the closet.

[lawyerlee]

Do any of you have ideas on recycling used clothing? I'm talking too stained and ruined to take to Goodwill. I'm not a sewer at all, so crafty stuff is out, and I know some of the Ts could be rags, but what about jeans and dress shirts? I just won't feel good about dumping them in the trash, but I also don't want them sitting in the closet.
You might try listing it on Freecycle and just explain exactly what you have. I'd bet someone in your area could use the items for something.

[Smittenk]

JamBray, you can donate the dress shirts to a local school, daycare or children's centre...I know they use them for painting and crafts and would probably appreciate them.

[JamBray]

You might try listing it on Freecycle and just explain exactly what you have. I'd bet someone in your area could use the items for something.

JamBray, you can donate the dress shirts to a local school, daycare or children's centre...I know they use them for painting and crafts and would probably appreciate them.
Thanks ladies! Those are great ideas and am glad to hear of things that aren't crafty but still helps my stuff stay out of the landfills.

[steelcitymama]

this is such a great thread---i stumbled upon it and am so excited to look through it more carefully. thank you!

[December27JJB]

Today I showed DH how to mix some household cleaning products. He was so excited he kept following me around as I was cleaning asking if he cound give it a try ;) Oh yeah, for the first time I used apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle for pet odors and it works great!

I found this site and thought I would share it: http://www.eco-me.com/homepage.html

[laura]

I think I missed the first thread, so I will have to check it out.

I use Chico bags, too. I keep 1 in my bag/purse that I take to work at all times in case I need to stop by the supermarket on my way home, and it works great. Our supermarket gives a credit for bringing your own bags, too; IIRC, it's 5 cents a bag. Not much, but it's great that they recognize the issue (benefit of living in the Bay Area!).

On meat (from the first page) - To my knowledge, buying organic meat is much more important than free range according to the guidelines of what those labels actually mean. I was just reading an article about this, but I cannot recall where (either Real Simple or Newsweek?); also, my FIL is a butcher and he has been ranting about this forever, but we mostly tune out his rants. ;) Essentially organic means not treated with hormones, etc, whereas free range simply means that the birds 'have access to' the outside - so it could be a little door from their cage to a tiny fenced in area, or worse. It definitely does not automatically mean that the birds actually roam free in a vast open space, which is the image the term 'free range' conjures for a lot of people. I mean certainly buy whatever meat you want, but I just wanted to suggest clarifying what those label words mean before you do.

[lawyerlee]

On meat (from the first page) - To my knowledge, buying organic meat is much more important than free range according to the guidelines of what those labels actually mean. I was just reading an article about this, but I cannot recall where (either Real Simple or Newsweek?); also, my FIL is a butcher and he has been ranting about this forever, but we mostly tune out his rants. ;) Essentially organic means not treated with hormones, etc, whereas free range simply means that the birds 'have access to' the outside - so it could be a little door from their cage to a tiny fenced in area, or worse. It definitely does not automatically mean that the birds actually roam free in a vast open space, which is the image the term 'free range' conjures for a lot of people. I mean certainly buy whatever meat you want, but I just wanted to suggest clarifying what those label words mean before you do.
I think you (and your FIL ;) ) make really important points. And the term "organic", at least for food, is regulated. Those other terms are not, so people can freely define them however they like, depending on their honesty and commitment to appropriate treatment of their livestock. Maybe organic standards aren't always properly enforced, but at least we know how the term is legally defined.

[Hello Kitty]

There was actually a good clarification on this in Cooking Light this month. Also, they noted that poultry is not often treated with hormones and antibiotics. I've found this to be true - esp. because I don't have regular access to WF, etc... Some of the suppliers to regular/discount groceries are catching on to this, and they're including the notation in their packaging that the chicken is natural and hasn't been given anything. They aren't labelling it organic though.

[December27JJB]

Last night while I was cleaning the bathroom mirror with vinegar. I noticed I had a pimple on my chin so I put some vinegar on it and 15 minutes later it was smaller and it didnt hurt anymore. ;) I dont know if it will work everyone who has pimples but I thought it was worth sharing.

[December27JJB]

S.F. passes plastic bag ban:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070328/ap_on_re_us/plastic_bag_ban

[mgrace]

S.F. passes plastic bag ban:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070328/ap_on_re_us/plastic_bag_ban
That is awesome!

[December27JJB]

Another vinegar website: http://www.versatilevinegar.org/

[December27JJB]

That is awesome!

I hope other cities will ban plastic bags soon!

[JamBray]

I think that's great too, but I wonder what they'll do with all of the plastic bags that haven't been used yet. Are stores required to use up what they have and then switch over, or just switch no matter what? The article didn't mention anything on that, so does anyone know?

[laura]

Oh, I could have read it in Cooking Light. We get so many magazines, it's hard to keep track! In any case, that post was specifically in response to the poster who said she is striving to purchase all 'free range' poultry in the future - just FYI.

On plastic bags - I only saw a snippet on the news here this morning, but IIRC, there is a certain date for switchover, which I imagine will give most stores the opportunity to use up what they have and then buy new. At least that was my original understanding.

[steelcitymama]

hello... i spent some time going through the thread since i'm a newcomer to it and just wanted to say thanks again for sharing all the great info!

someone mentioned stoneyfield farms yogurt awhile back, which i love too. speaking of yogurt and yogurt-like products, another product that i'm a big fan of is kefir. not sure if anyone has tried it or not, but apparently all of the probiotics make it really healthy and i think it tastes great. there are various organic brands that are sold in our local food co-op.

one other thing i wanted to mention was re: Kiss My Face products. their "regular" line (as opposed to their organic line) didn't really meet my needs...after looking at the ingredient list, i found their products contained ingredients i was specifically trying to avoid--- most notably, parabens. i just wanted to throw that out there for anyone who that may concern as well.

[JamBray]

On plastic bags - I only saw a snippet on the news here this morning, but IIRC, there is a certain date for switchover, which I imagine will give most stores the opportunity to use up what they have and then buy new. At least that was my original understanding.
That's good to hear, and hopefully the bags that are left will either be collected for recycling or recycled by the stores themselves.

[heather1029]

On meat (from the first page) - To my knowledge, buying organic meat is much more important than free range according to the guidelines of what those labels actually mean. I was just reading an article about this, but I cannot recall where (either Real Simple or Newsweek?); also, my FIL is a butcher and he has been ranting about this forever, but we mostly tune out his rants. ;) Essentially organic means not treated with hormones, etc, whereas free range simply means that the birds 'have access to' the outside - so it could be a little door from their cage to a tiny fenced in area, or worse. It definitely does not automatically mean that the birds actually roam free in a vast open space, which is the image the term 'free range' conjures for a lot of people. I mean certainly buy whatever meat you want, but I just wanted to suggest clarifying what those label words mean before you do.


I was talking free range in the real sense, instead of the label sense. The USDA needs to get with the program! :cool:

If animals were truly free range, they would be organic by default because you don't put pesticides on large open ranges that do not contain crops. Also, the need for any antibiotics would be significantly reduced because of less population density and because (this from Wikipedia; also in Nourishing Traditions) "In dairy herds, grazed cattle typically have a reduced need for antibiotics relative to grain-fed cattle, simply because the grazed herds are less productive. A high-energy feedlot diet greatly increases milk output, measured in pounds or kilograms of milk per head per day, but it also increases animal physiological stress, which in turn causes a higher incidence of mastitis and other infectious disease, which frequently requires antibiotic therapy."

Additionally, (this also from wikipedia) "While grass-fed beef contains less total fat compared to grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef and dairy contain higher levels of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and the Omega-3 fatty acids ALA, EPA, and DHA."

The same goes for poultry. The Omega-3 (good) and Omega-6 (bad) fatty acids are in balance because the chicken eats insects or worms, adding needed protein to their diet. Also, eggs from pastured chickens have 30% more Vitamin E than conventional eggs. (info from Nourishing Traditions)

These sorts of meats and eggs unfortunately must be bought from local free-range farmers, whose methods can be observed by the consumer. I know of a farm in Maryland (north of me), but am looking for something closer (and hopefully cheaper!). :)

[steelcitymama]

i don't know if this would be applicable to any of you looking for organic meat, but here (pittsburgh), we have a nice organic farmer's market. what's really cool about it is that they also have connections with local meat producers and there's this service called "laptop butcher". you get on an email list and you're sent pretty detailed info on the meat farmers, as well as order forms. you can order poultry, lamb, pork, or beef (each from a different farm) and once a month, they come to the farmer's market and you pick up your order.

anyway, for those of you searching for healthier meat products, maybe asking for local sources at your grocery store or organic restaurants or something along those lines might be helpful? just a thought.

[mgrace]

one other thing i wanted to mention was re: Kiss My Face products. their "regular" line (as opposed to their organic line) didn't really meet my needs...after looking at the ingredient list, i found their products contained ingredients i was specifically trying to avoid--- most notably, parabens. i just wanted to throw that out there for anyone who that may concern as well.
Welcome! :) Thanks for the info re: Kiss My Face. I'm trying to avoid parabens, too, so that is helpful. I'm also trying to avoid sodium laurel sulfate, which seems to be *everywhere*.

[heather1029]

i don't know if this would be applicable to any of you looking for organic meat, but here (pittsburgh), we have a nice organic farmer's market. what's really cool about it is that they also have connections with local meat producers and there's this service called "laptop butcher". you get on an email list and you're sent pretty detailed info on the meat farmers, as well as order forms. you can order poultry, lamb, pork, or beef (each from a different farm) and once a month, they come to the farmer's market and you pick up your order.

That's very cool! I was recently doing a search for my area, but I only found local organic produce and not meat. I'm still looking, though!

Welcome! :) Thanks for the info re: Kiss My Face. I'm trying to avoid parabens, too, so that is helpful. I'm also trying to avoid sodium laurel sulfate, which seems to be *everywhere*.

Oh well. I thought most of Kiss My Face products are stinky anyways.:D Olives, blech!

[Hello Kitty]

Woah, talking about organic meat - look here (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/la-sci-sperm28mar28,1,155244.story?coll=chi-news-hed). PG or not, that's a lot of impetus to assess what we eat.

We don't eat a lot of beef - less than once a week. But I guess with us eating it so rarely we should probably look for alternate sources. We eat venison (obviously free-range, lol) but it's not the same as beef. Again, with no WF or TJs around, our choices are limited, but for anyone else in the middle of nowhere - we've started asking around to find someone who raises beef, and when we go to the county fair, I'll see if anyone has any more info.

[elladee]

Seb's Kitty - we just moved to the middle of no where, so our grocery shopping options are quite limited now, too. Yesterday I found the website for our county's Cornell Cooperative Extension, which has complied a list of local farms. It has a blurb about what each one grows/raises and contact info. Maybe you can find something similar?

[heather1029]

Woah, talking about organic meat - look here (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/la-sci-sperm28mar28,1,155244.story?coll=chi-news-hed). PG or not, that's a lot of impetus to assess what we eat.

We don't eat a lot of beef - less than once a week. But I guess with us eating it so rarely we should probably look for alternate sources. We eat venison (obviously free-range, lol) but it's not the same as beef. Again, with no WF or TJs around, our choices are limited, but for anyone else in the middle of nowhere - we've started asking around to find someone who raises beef, and when we go to the county fair, I'll see if anyone has any more info.

Interesting article, Seb's Kitty.

What I don't like is how they're making BEEF the bad guy, when it's the HORMONES given to the beef that are the culprits. If people switch to hormone-free beef, there's no problem.

I guess I'll take it, since it opens the public's eyes to the problems with conventionally produced meat.

[Hello Kitty]

I thought they actually did a decent job of explaining that the added hormones were the cause of the problems. I think hormone/steroid was in almost every paragraph. :) I'm guessing that they left it out of the title, to draw people in to the article. At any rate, they had a nice summary:

adding that it is too soon to recommend that pregnant women not eat beef. But if a pregnant woman wants to be cautious, she said, she could switch to organic beef or other high-protein food.


That's a good suggestion Elladee - I'll check into that too. DH met a guy at his new job who raises beef and lamb on his farm, so I'm going to have him press him for a little more info.

[steelcitymama]

great link to the article, seb's kitty. DH sent it to me this morning and i was going to share with you guys as well, but am new at this and couldn't quite figure out how! :) i'm PG now and rarely eat beef generally, but thankfully when i do, it's hormone free. i sent the article to a ton of friends, though...hopefully they'll be convinced by an article in a mainstream source and not just attribute it to me being 'wacky'!

[heather1029]

I thought they actually did a decent job of explaining that the added hormones were the cause of the problems. I think hormone/steroid was in almost every paragraph. :) I'm guessing that they left it out of the title, to draw people in to the article. At any rate, they had a nice summary:


It still seemed to jab at beef in general, even though they sited hormones often. The title is a very, very powerful statement about beef in itself. That summary was the last thing in the whole article, you know?

I'm just getting sort of tired always defending my love and need for beef( :( )

Anyway, thanks for the article Seb's Kitty. It'll be good to share with my pregnant friends.

[steelcitymama]

heather1029, i agree that the article title was a bit misleading. i thought the article content itself was great, but the title could've been improved upon...guess that's what grabs people's attention, unfortunately. sigh...

mgrace, i really try to avoid sodium laurel sulfates too and agree that they seem to be everywhere. i like a lot of the avalon organic products b/c they work well for me, and also for their 'consciousness in cosmetics' theory. not sure if you've tried any of their stuff?

[Hello Kitty]

Yeah, I dunno, I guess I hope that the title grabbed people to make them say 'what?!' and then they'd actually read it. Because I did think the article was very well written.

I can understand defending beef - I have to do it with venison quite often myself. I agree it gets old.

[moderngal]

i like a lot of the avalon organic products b/c they work well for me, and also for their 'consciousness in cosmetics' theory. not sure if you've tried any of their stuff?

I really like the Avalon Organics products, too. :)

[December27JJB]

Thanks for the article! I never ate any kind of meat, Beef, Chicken, Pig, or Fish while I was pregnant with DD. She's never eaten meat of any sort in her life either. I'm so freaked about the amount of hormones they use in meat that she'd grow boobs and start her period at 5 (which sadly is happening more and more these days.)

[irish74]

The deal with the bags is two fold. First of all the ban won't be offical unless the mayor signs it (and they voted against plastic bags before, but the ban never actually happened). Second, the major grocery stores will have six months to make the switch and major pharmacies with have a year. I am pretty curious to see if it will actually happen this time. Also, a random fact since I live here, we can recycle just about anything here, but not plastic grocery bags, they are specifically listed on the recycle bins as a "not okay" item.

Question for you all: Have you found any more environmentally friendly laundry detergents that really, powerfully get the clothes clean. I've used some in the past and they are okay on my clothes, but my husband is a plumber and sometimes his clothes are just nasty and nothing short of Tide with bleach can get them clean. I've tried to add baking soda to regular washing liquid, but with poor results.

[December27JJB]

Irish74 I just bought some stuff to make my own homemade laundry detergent. Here are some recipes for homemade laundry detergent:

Recipe #1
3 Pints Water 1/3 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated 1/2 Cup Washing Soda 1/2 Cup Borax 2 Gallon Bucket 1 Quart Hot Water Cold Water...



Source/More here: http://www.virtuowl.com/soda%20page%20a.htm

[Belm]

Over the last month, DH & I have been doing pretty good about cutting back considerably on how much meat we are eating. We went out to a farm (http://www.fullquiverfarm.com) a few weeks ago and placed an order for some of their chickens and also picked up some beef. It scares me to think how much added hormones and chemicals are injected into cattle and chickens, not to mention the way livestock is treated.

Seb ~ We eat venison, too.

[mgrace]

Not sure if this is useful to anyone, but here is a list of food ingredients that Whole Foods does not sell (http://wholefoodsmarket.com/cgi-bin/print10pt.cgi?url=/products/unacceptablefoodingredients.html).

[steelcitymama]

mgrace~really interesting, thanks for posting that link!

[justHB]

The article about organic vs free range was in Real Simple; I only know this because I read it yesterday while getting a pedicure.

Yesterday I went to whole foods and asked for the smallest flank steak they had. It was $20. When I asked why so much, the butcher told me it was free range, organic, grass fed beef. Well, gosh darn ... happy cows *do* come from California. Of course, even though we have 3-4 of the WF bags, I didn't realize I'd be going to the store and ended up having to use their bags anyway. I got paper though b/c at least I can use those when baking cookies.

DH and I have been toiling away in the yard getting it ready for summer. We have a lot of crab grass coming through the old concrete patio in the backyard. We won't be able to replace the patio for some time, but I'd like to get rid of the grass/weeds. Any recommendations for something we can use to kill the weeds that isn't too terribly toxic? I realize that you obviously can't call something that kills plants "earth friendly" but we want to make sure that we're getting rid of these weeds without putting anything too harmful into the soil since it's by where we'll be planting fruit trees. Is there anything "natural" we can use? Seems like vinegar is the recommendation for everything. =D

[Hello Kitty]

Is there anything "natural" we can use? Seems like vinegar is the recommendation for everything. =D
Weeellll, now that you mention it, my frugal living newsletter said that spraying straight up (wait for it...) vinegar is effective at killing weeds.

So DH talked to this guy at work more about the cattle he raises. The guy says, nah, I don't do anything to them. No hormones, none of that - he believes that they taste markedly better. I'm so, so excited! We can get 1/4 of a cow - 150 lbs of meat for $350. Only problem is that is too much for us to store, so if anyone's in IL and wants to share my cow... December - we feel the same thing about the hormones, and are fully intending to 'grow' hormone free kiddos. It really is scary.

[Belm]

JustHB ~ Another way to kill off weeds is to put a thick layer/clear plastic tarp over top of the weeded areas and let the heat just cook them off. Of course, this method will kill off everything - not just the weeds.

[meganth]

Becky - another good way of killing weeds in cracks and pavers is with a propane or butane torch. It scortches them all the way down to the roots. It's a good husband task - ya know, anything invovling fire. ;)

[mgrace]

There was an article in Cooking Light about natural, free range, etc.

justHB, I was going to mention the vinegar, too.

[meganth]

I know you guys are talking about meat, but Mother Earth News had a good article about eggs and a little snippet explaining the differences in label claims:

“Cage Free,” “Free Range” or “Free Roaming.” None of these terms are currently regulated by the U.S. government, although there are some third-party verification programs (see below). Nevertheless, “free range” usually means the laying hens are raised in large flocks in big open warehouses rather than in stacked cages. They can walk around, flap their wings and preen their feathers a little. “Cage-free” does not mean outdoor access. “Free-range” implies some outdoor access, although it is probably very limited, and on dirt or concrete rather than pasture.


“Certified Humane.” Humane Farm Animal Care operates a certification program specifying that laying hens are uncaged, with access to perches, nest boxes and dust-bathing areas. There are stocking-density maximums but outdoor access is not required. Debeaking is allowed; starvation to induce molting is prohibited.


“Certified Organic.” Production methods must comply with the USDA National Organic Program, including organic, vegetarian feed, no use of antibiotics and no cages. Debeaking and forced molting by starvation are allowed. Organic standards require producers to “maintain livestock living conditions which accommodate the health and natural behavior of the animals.” How much access to the outdoors this requires for chickens is still being hotly debated. At this time, on large organic chicken farms, it may mean nothing more than a small door opening onto a concrete yard.


The rest of the article is here (http://www.motherearthnews.com/Livestock-and-Farming/2007-04-01/How-to-Decode-Egg-Cartons.aspx).

[heather1029]

Just dropping off an article about beef myths. It's pretty good, but a long read.

http://www.westonaprice.org/mythstruths/mtbeef.html

[JamBray]

I know you guys are talking about meat, but Mother Earth News had a good article about eggs and a little snippet explaining the differences in label claims:


The rest of the article is here (http://www.motherearthnews.com/Livestock-and-Farming/2007-04-01/How-to-Decode-Egg-Cartons.aspx).
Well dang, it sounds like you can't get any for sure, make-you-feel-good-about-your-purchase eggs (at a grocery store anyway), what with debeaking ( :eek: ) being a possibility with the Humane and Organic eggs, and possible no outdoor access for Cage Free, etc. :(

[mgrace]

Ugh on the eggs. We do buy some of our eggs from local farmers, but need to be better about it. There is a farm close to us where we can see that the chickens are really free roaming. :)

According to the Humane Society of the US, if you see eggs that say "United Egg Producers Certified", you should stay away from them. Apparently, the hens are kept in battery cages. More here (http://www.hsus.org/farm/camp/nbe/).

[kithara]

DH & I just redid our back garden this year. It was so overrun with weeds last year that we gave up, pulled, pulled everything out, and put a tarp down over the entire area for over 6 months. We just put in our new garden this weekend and there are no weeds so far!

[mgrace]

I'm awaiting a response from several coffee shops to see if they use rBGH-free milk. Starbucks only offers it in a few states and I'm curious to see if any other coffee shops use it. We always buy rBGH-free milk, but for some stupid reason, I never think much about it when we are eating out.

[December27JJB]

I'm awaiting a response from several coffee shops to see if they use rBGH-free milk. Starbucks only offers it in a few states and I'm curious to see if any other coffee shops use it. We always buy rBGH-free milk, but for some stupid reason, I never think much about it when we are eating out.

Where can I find a list of states Starbucks offers rBGH-free milk? Thanks!

[December27JJB]

I am so excited I've really been pushing to chane our lifestyle even more. Some people think I am out of my mind. Thanks to you girls for posting very helpful information and tips!! I am loving this thread!

I made my own cloth menstrual pads! I used the pattern I posted on here awhile ago but it was sort of too thin, I always have had heavy periods. I traced a disposable pad of my preference onto terry cloth and cut it out and sew several layers together. I plan to make a base part for it (you clip the base part to your underwear) and sew velcro on both the pad itself and the base part. I hope it works! I'll take pictures once I re-charge my camera battery.

The other night I mixed borax, cleaning soda, and fels napatha soap. We did some loads and we are loving it. I am never going to buy commercial detergent again. We are already saving $ by doing this!

We saved $20 in electric bills last month! DD and I spend a lot of time outdoors swimming and playing so theres no need to keep the ac running all the time.

DD and I have been walking to this local german bakery (several blocks away) to buy bread. We've gone twice but I plan to make it a routine to cut down using the car, to get some exercise, and to support small family-owned business. I am seriously thinking about getting a bicycle so DD and I can visit small businesses in the area.

__________________

Question: Do any of you know any companies that make safe sunblock? I've heard bad things about sunblock that they use some chemical thats known to cause cancer and that they dont really protect you from the sun's rays. TIA!

Speaking of the sun and skin cancer. Couple of weeks ago I read that eating grapes can help protect you from skin cancer. Here is some info: http://www.nypost.com/seven/03272007/news/worldnews/grapes_each_day_keep_cancer_away_worldnews_.htm

[JamBray]

I'm awaiting a response from several coffee shops to see if they use rBGH-free milk. Starbucks only offers it in a few states and I'm curious to see if any other coffee shops use it. We always buy rBGH-free milk, but for some stupid reason, I never think much about it when we are eating out.
I'm not sure if there's one around you mgrace, but I know that the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf use it.

[JamBray]

Question: Do any of you know any companies that make safe sunblock? I've heard bad things about sunblock that they use some chemical thats known to cause cancer and that they dont really protect you from the sun's rays. TIA!

Here are some for you:
Green Tea Sunblock (http://www.greenlivingnow.com/products/personalcare/sun25.htm)
Aubrey Organics (http://www.aubrey-organics.com/product1.cfm?product_id=250&cat=16)
California Baby (http://californiababy.com/no-fragrance-spf-30-sunscreen-lotion-2-9-oz.html)
Kate's (http://www.katescaringgifts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=UV_NATURALS_BROAD_1_7_OZ&Category_Code=UV_NATURALS_SUNSCREEN)

HTH! :)

[steelcitymama]

also re: sunblock, avalon organics makes one in their baby line...i haven't tried it, but read about it on their website.

[December27JJB]

Thank you for the list of sunscreens!

Here are some dangerous substances found in sunscreen:
-benzophenone (PABA)
-homosalate
-octyl-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate)
-padimate-O
-Diethanolamine (DEA)
-triethanolamine (TEA)
-parabens (butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-) are preservatives

More info here: http://thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=27

[Belm]

Oh crap! Now, sunblock isn't even safe. I wear a ton of sunblock as I'm a firm believer in the "pale is the new tan" camp. Thanks for posting those links.

[JamBray]

Well I think you're going to find it difficult to find a sunscreen without titanium dioxide, as they all seem to contain it. I did find one with zinc oxide, but this "tend[s] to hide the effects of sun-damage, possibly prolonging one’s exposure to harmful UV rays." due to it being an anti-inflammatory.

I'd be interested to read what you found out about it being bad for the environment, as I found this:
It was determined through testing that construction materials that contain titanium dioxide, the key ingredient in the pigment, destroy the pollutants found in car exhaust and heating emissions. In other words, titanium dioxide breaks down the nitrogen oxides that are emitted by burning fossil fuels. It is called photocatalytic cement. The maker of the pigment, Italcementi, has conducted numerous tests that have determined that some pollutants could be reduced by 20 to 70 percent. The reduction of pollutants is greatest within a distance of 8 feet. In one test a 1,000 foot stretch of highway outside Milan, with a high level of vehicular traffic was paved with titanium dioxide and it was found that there was a 60 percent reduction of nitrogen oxides at street level.

Not sure how reliable this is, but the rest is here (http://www.scientificblogging.com/david_houle/three_cheers_for_titanium_dioxide).

[mgrace]

Where can I find a list of states Starbucks offers rBGH-free milk? Thanks!
Here is a list of areas where Starbucks has rBGH free milk:
company-owned Starbucks outlets in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Montana, Northern California and New England.

Well, I just found something interesting about the organic milk at Starbucks. (Organic milk is available at all locations for an extra 40 cents.) Starbucks organic milk is ultra-pasteurized (http://www.megnut.com/2007/03/starbucks-organic-milk-is-ultrapasteurized). I don't know if all Starbucks use the same organic milk or not. Last time I was there (oops) and ordered a latte with organic milk, I couldn't tell what sort of milk it was. I was hoping it wasn't Horizon brand.

[December27JJB]

Well I think you're going to find it difficult to find a sunscreen without titanium dioxide, as they all seem to contain it. I did find one with zinc oxide, but this "tend[s] to hide the effects of sun-damage, possibly prolonging one’s exposure to harmful UV rays." due to it being an anti-inflammatory.

I'd be interested to read what you found out about it being bad for the environment, as I found this:

Not sure how reliable this is, but the rest is here (http://www.scientificblogging.com/david_houle/three_cheers_for_titanium_dioxide).

My bad, thank you I changed it ;)

[December27JJB]

Make your own bath powder and baby powder: http://www.make-stuff.com/formulas/powder.html

[mgrace]

I am so excited I've really been pushing to chane our lifestyle even more.
Great job! I know, I'm having so much fun. Odd, but true.

Well, I got an email back from Caribou Coffee stating that they do not use rBGH free milk. :mad: I'll try and post any other chains I hear from.

I'm sure we discussed this a million times, but does anyone use essential oils to clean? Whole Foods had a 2 pack of lavendar on sale for $6.99 so I bought it since 1 bottle is normally $8. Anyway, I'm thinking of mixing it in with vinegar and water to clean. How much should I use? Just a few drops?

Also, I'm thinking of buying a compost bin. Do you use your compost on just your garden or other places? Do you use it year round? If not, what do you do with the compost in the winter? And besides food scraps (not meat, dairy of course) and grass clippings, leaves, etc. what else do you throw in there? Can you throw in coffee filters?

[meganth]

coffee shops/rBGH-free milk.
Why not just order it with soy?


Also, I'm thinking of buying a compost bin. Do you use your compost on just your garden or other places? Do you use it year round? If not, what do you do with the compost in the winter? And besides food scraps (not meat, dairy of course) and grass clippings, leaves, etc. what else do you throw in there? Can you throw in coffee filters?

I toss pretty much everything in it - klenex, paper towel, laundry lint and the coffee filters.

I use mine year round. I've got my bin out in the backyard and a mini compost holder for in the house that i empty out every few days.

[moderngal]

mgrace~ I compost year round, but I only use the compost in my garden during the warm months. The composting process is slower in the winter anyway, so it doesn't really build up much.

I am very particular about gardening and composting. I do organic gardening, so the only things I put into my compost are organic (flowers, food, tea bags, etc). And although you can't put any animal products in, you can put egg shells in your compost.

[Rico'sAlice]

Compost- I am a dirty composter. :o I throw everything in there. Meat, dog poop, bacon grease, lobster shells, unbleached paper, etc. I know all the "rules" but could never get DH to follow them.
But we never had a problem with rodents or odor. And when we turn the pile everything in it has disapeared and it all just looks like dirt. So I have a hard time coming up with argument
I know there are concerns with bacteria and stuff from the dog poop, but I can't stand the idea of wrapping it in plastic and sending it to the dump. So, we only use it for ornamentals (flowers, trees) and not on our vegetables. We have smaller bin that we are stricter with for that. But this is only possible b/c we have close to an acre of land and a humongous compost pile, if we just had a little backyard bin, we would probably only do the "safe" stuff.

[meganth]

Compost- I am a dirty composter. :o I throw everything in there. Meat, dog poop, bacon grease, lobster shells, unbleached paper, etc. I know all the "rules" but could never get DH to follow them.
But we never had a problem with rodents or odor. And when we turn the pile everything in it has disapeared and it all just looks like dirt. So I have a hard time coming up with argument
I know there are concerns with bacteria and stuff from the dog poop, but I can't stand the idea of wrapping it in plastic and sending it to the dump. So, we only use it for ornamentals (flowers, trees) and not on our vegetables. We have smaller bin that we are stricter with for that. But this is only possible b/c we have close to an acre of land and a humongous compost pile, if we just had a little backyard bin, we would probably only do the "safe" stuff.

I would say that if you feed your dogs a raw food diet than their poop in the compost should be fine. One of the arguments is that domestic dogs eat such an unnatural diet that the poop is bad for the compost. Here's a blurb from Garden Web on manure and compost (http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/organic/2003082510028156.html).

[Rico'sAlice]

I would say that if you feed your dogs a raw food diet than their poop in the compost should be fine. One of the arguments is that domestic dogs eat such an unnatural diet that the poop is bad for the compost. Here's a blurb from Garden Web on manure and compost (http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/organic/2003082510028156.html).


Thanks! Nice link. We are not particularly "active" compostoers. However, we are able to do fairly "long term" composting. We have a bunch of different "hills" w/in the larger pile, and add to one for six months or so and then add to the next one, turn that over, etc. So normally all the junk has been composting for atleast two years before it gets used on the gardens. Definitely different than just dumping all of the poop right on the plants. And between DH's mounds of sawdust (he's a carpenter), grass clippings, fall leaves, etc. I guess we end up w/ enough brown to get things balanced.

[meganth]

I'm not really an active composter i guess in the sense that i'm trying to get it in 6 months for my beds. I compost to limit the amount of waste that i throw away. That 's why i throw anything that can be composted in the composter. Between composting and recycling we only throw out maybe one garbage bag a month.

[Belm]

Slightly off topic

Today at I was on the local noon news broadcast and did a brief spot on "greening" your wedding. I talked about a few easy things that brides and grooms could do to make their wedding more environmentally friendly.

[Belm]

I ran across this link today about organics - http://www.organicearthday.org/
They also have some contests for Earth Day.

[mgrace]

Why not just order it with soy?
I don't drink soy milk.

Thanks for all of the responses on composting. I didn't even think about organic composting, great point, moderngal.

Another link to add to the list FLOR (http://www.florcatalog.com/service/flor/environment.html). We are trying to do as much green remodeling as possible, so as I come across links, I'll post them. Has anyone used FLOR? We would be using it in a 3 season porch.

I know about Kleen Kanteen's, but recently saw SIGG bottles (http://www.reusablebags.com/store/reusable-bottles-sigg-bottles-c-19_33.html) at Whole Foods. I thought they were cool, but then realized they were made of aluminum, not stainless steel. I'm not so sure about aluminum. Am I being overly cautious? I started listening to a story on NPR yesterday about a guy with Alzheimer's and couldn't listen to the whole thing. It was just so sad. :( I can't help but think that there is some sort of environmental connection.

[yby1]

re: SIGG bottles

The bottle carries an internal coating that consists of an FDA-approved epoxy phenol resin—a baked-on enamel finish—that is taste-neutral and resistant to the fruit acids that many juices can carry. SIGG says that, because of the flexibility of this inner lining, it will not peel off or be damaged even if the bottle is dented on the outside.

link (http://www.aluminum.org/ANTemplate.cfm?IssueDate=05/01/2006&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=9878)

Since the bottles have this resin, your beverage does not come in direct contact with the alumnium. Stainless also leaches minerals, but I don't think the Kleen Kanteen bottles have that problem. Can't say for sure though.

[laura]

That is interesting about SIGG bottles. Everyone at my work just switched from Nalgene to SIGG. Well, everyone except me b/c I am so indecisive; I just use a glass for the moment. Hrm.

ETA: Actually, what I don't like about SIGG is the same w/ Kleen Kanteen - it's that you can't see how full the bottle is when you are filling it. Does anyone have a suggestion for a water bottle that is not going to kill me or give me a horrible disease but also I can not overflow at the water cooler? Even a bottle w/ a clear line of some non-toxic plastic down the side would be good.

[yby1]

Glass is your safest option. :)

[laura]

Not for staying dry! ;)

[lawyerlee]

The latest magazine from the Martha Stewart Living people called Blueprint had a cool feature listing 100 reasons to get rid of your stuff. It has some clever and new (to me, anyway) ideas for unloading stuff you no longer have a use for. It's a pretty good magazine anyway, sort of Domino-ish, in case you're interested.

100 Reasons to Get Rid of It (http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=def4d4002d1e0110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCR D&vgnextchannel=c1d0cafb74ece010VgnVCM1000003d370a0a RCRD&rsc=top7&lastnavigatedchannel=c1d0cafb74ece010VgnVCM1000003 d370a0aRCRD)

Some of the best suggestions (IMHO):

37. Habitat.org
Donate leftover building supplies to Habitat for Humanity's ReStores.

50. Getting rid of clutter will reduce housework by 40 percent.

63. Titletrader.com
The great entertainment exchange: books, music, movies, and games, all swapped in one place.

80. Call 1-888-567-8688 to stop unwanted credit card solicitations.

82. Search for phone numbers online instead of storing bulky Yellow and White Pages volumes.

[lawyerlee]

It's me again. :)

If you get the Sundance Channel, you might be interested in checking out Robert Redford's new program, The Green (http://www.sundancechannel.com/thegreen/#/homePage), which premieres on April 17. I plan to record it, so I'll try to remember to come share my thoughts about it.

Are any of you following the No Impact Man (http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/)? I've read a couple of articles about him, heard one interview, and read his blog a few times. I'm incredibly intrigued by all the changes he's making in his household. It may very well be nothing more than a gimmick, but he's still walking the walk, and I think that's awesome. I hope he keeps the blog somehow when they go completely off grid. I'd miss the blog. ;)

This entry on composting (http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2007/04/composting_101_.html) from the Sierra Club's The Green Life blog is probably the first description that seems manageable enough for me to finally give this a try. I think I could actually handle this. I'll let you guys know how it goes. :)

[moderngal]

lawyerlee~ I promise- composting is soo easy!! The most time consuming thing was setting it up, but on a day to day basis, it's easy. I'm incredibly lazy, too. ;)

I haven't used Flor, but it looks great. I think it would be great in a 3 season room. If we ever get around to finishing our basement, we'll use it.

[chortles]

I have a couple of Sigg bottles, and honestly it is really easy to know when it is getting filled up based on the noise it makes. The pitch is noticeably higher when it is about to get full.

(I just used my REI rebate to buy my second).

[laura]

Oh good, thanks for the note about the SIGG. Maybe my assistant is just a doofus then, b/c he is constantly overflowing his at the water cooler! :p

[mgrace]

Thanks for the info on the SIGG bottles!

I was behind a biodiesel car this morning and I swear it smelled like hamburgers. ;)

Just wanted to post a few links (I hope I'm not driving you crazy lawyerlee)!

Blogs
ecofabulous (http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/)
Great Green Goods (http://www.greatgreengoods.com/)

[yby1]

Do any of you organic compost that live in a condo or apartment? We have a good sized balcony am thinking of doing this for the plants out there. Do you use a small composter? A plastic bag? What do you do?

[moderngal]

Y~ remind me and I will post a picture of mine in my LJ. You can compost in a small metal garbage can with holes drilled into it.

[lawyerlee]

Just wanted to post a few links (I hope I'm not driving you crazy lawyerlee)!

Blogs
ecofabulous (http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/)
Great Green Goods (http://www.greatgreengoods.com/)
Not at all. Many of them are new to me, and I enjoy checking them out while I update the lists. :)

yby1, I saw a very simple plan for an urban compost bin over the weekend. I'm planning to do mine this way because DH wasn't thrilled about me making it right on the ground.

You Grow Girl: Urban Composting (http://yougrowgirl.com/garden/urbancomposting.php)

I also came across a site that gives advice on whether you should or should not add particular items to your compost pile:

Compost This (http://www.compostthis.co.uk/)

[Hello Kitty]

I am loving the discussion on composting. :) That link to the urban composting is just what I'd like to try. My parents composted on a larger scale (like Ricos Alice) and I remember a lot of grumbling and headaches.

What does your compost do in the winter? Just work more slowly? And second off, am I right to add pet waste, as long as I don't use it on the garden? With our dog and cat (uses wood stove pellets) we make 2 bags/week. I'd love to do some pet waste composting, completely seperate, but I don't know enough about it to convince DH.

[lawyerlee]

And second off, am I right to add pet waste, as long as I don't use it on the garden? With our dog and cat (uses wood stove pellets) we make 2 bags/week. I'd love to do some pet waste composting, completely seperate, but I don't know enough about it to convince DH.
I think so. Everything I've read that says not to add pet waste says this is because doing so can spread disease. So if you're not adding it to compost to be used for growing food, I think it would be okay. Would you instead use it for growing flowers or something? Just curious. :)

I found another good composting resource I wanted to share. It's incredibly comprehensive.

Making Compost (http://www.journeytoforever.org/compost_make.html)

Here's what that site says about the winter:
If it's correctly prepared, the biological activity will heat it up, no matter how cold the weather is.

Also, I've been adding other interesting links to the first page as I come across them, so check out that section again when you have a chance. :)

[meganth]

Part of the reason it's not recommended to add pet waste is that it will attract other animals.

[charmcitygirl]

yby1 this is from No Impact Man re: urban composting:

Now to the how of my composting, a process one doesn’t usually associate with living in a 750 square foot apartment in the middle of New York City. I do two things. I dump the greatest share of my food scraps in a wooden bin I made where lot of red wriggler worms live in shredded newspaper bedding. They eat it up the veggies, and turn them into worm castings (compost), and the whole process is much faster and less smelly than in a compost pile. Plus, it’s a great science experiment for my two-year-old Isabella.

[JamBray]

Aside from composting your animal's waste, there's what's known as a Dog Dooley (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=570&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Portal-_-PriceGrabber-_-Dogs-_-Max%20Model%203535&ref=3475&subref=AA), which is essentially an outside "toilet" for the waste. Here's a description:
Doggie Dooley waste disposal systems install in the ground to provide quick, easy cleanup of dog waste. Works like a home septic system by using environment-friendly enzymes and bacteria to turn dog waste into a ground-absorbed liquid. Simply deposit waste and add water and digester. Ideal for most soils except clay. Functions in temperatures as low as 40°F. Each digester model includes instructions and a six-month supply of Doggie Dooley Super Digester.
It sounds good, and is environmentally friendly.

[yby1]

Thanks for the links everyone!

This is making me excited. :D I really want to try the urban composting ideas in the link lawyerlee provided. Thanks again.

[December27JJB]

Thanks for posting that JamBray! Im gonna show it to DH once he gets home!

[Hello Kitty]

Would you instead use it for growing flowers or something? Just curious.
I don't know what I'll do with the compost. I have a black thumb. :o I guess my main objective is to just reduce the amount of trash we send out to the curb, and while we have very little trash, the dog and cat waste is about half, so this would make a huge impact. I know people with property, and I could always just sprinkle my compost around there. :)

I knew DH would agree to a compost bin, but I didn't think he would agree to a seperate pet waste disposal system. But I asked him tonight and he agreed to it. I kind of sprung as he was getting off the phone - "okay, I've got to go." 'hey, just real quick, I'm going to dig a hole in the yard to store our dog poo' "um, okay, it's going to smell, but do whatever you want honey" 'kthxbye' :)

I got some info from this site (http://www.cityfarmer.org/petwaste.html). So I guess I'm just going to dig a deep hole in an unused corner of our yard and see how it goes. It's the same concept as the Doggie Dooley.

[December27JJB]

Sebs Kitty- I'd love to see photos if you do dig a hole!!!

My DH said ok too! Yay!!!

[mgrace]

Can anyone help with a gardening question? We are going to till up our garden this weekend and I'm wondering what organic material I should mix in. I know people use peat moss, but I'm looking for alternatives. I need to get the soil tested, too.

[moderngal]

mgrace~ you can use compost (if you don't have any, sometimes people post it on craigslist) or horse manure (they are vegetarian, so their waste is ok) or you can buy a commercial product (Miracle Grow has an organic product called Organic Choice). Depending on how your soil test comes out, there are different products you can buy. I've used organic Indonesian Bat guano to help increase the amount of phosphorus in the soil and there are other similar things to increase nitrogen (horse manure or other guanos).

[mgrace]

Thank you so much, moderngal! Should I wait to add anything until I get the soil test done?


We have stopped using all nasty cleaners and have switched to 7th Generation diswasher detergent, Ecover dishwashing soap, vinegar and lavendar oil for general cleaning and some baking soda. Our house smells SO good! I love it. We weren't using many chemicals before, but it's so nice to know that we aren't using them at all anymore. I just need to get rid of the ones that we have under our sinks. Our kitchen sink is old and the thing never looks clean, so I need to find something that will get that a bit brighter. So far I've tried vinegar, baking soda, lemons, etc.

Is anyone watching This Old House? I know that each PBS station is on a different schedule, but I just saw the episode where they were installing solar panels. The best part? The power company in Austin give a $10,000 rebate for solar power! That is awesome. And there is a $2,000 tax credit. Otherwise it would have cost about $18,000 for 14 panels.

[mgrace]

Another link for reusable bags, Envirosax (http://www.envirosax.com/pages/products.php)

[moderngal]

mgrace~ I would soil test before adding much of anything, except compost. I bought my soil test kit today- I think it was $5.95. It looks easy enough, too. :)

We just switched from Method hand soaps to Burt's Bees. The smell is sooo nice. I love it.

FYI-- tomorrow is Earth Day!! Home Depot is giving away CFLs and they are having a free How-To clinic on organic gardening and composting. They also are having sales on other green products. :)

[lady1297]

We have stopped using all nasty cleaners and have switched to 7th Generation diswasher detergent, Ecover dishwashing soap, vinegar and lavendar oil for general cleaning and some baking soda. Our house smells SO good! I love it. We weren't using many chemicals before, but it's so nice to know that we aren't using them at all anymore. I just need to get rid of the ones that we have under our sinks. Our kitchen sink is old and the thing never looks clean, so I need to find something that will get that a bit brighter. So far I've tried vinegar, baking soda, lemons, etc.

Where have you found the 7th Generation stuff? Is it a lot more expensive? What about Ecover? I've never heard of it before.

Do you have a stainless steel sink? If so, have you tried a bit of steel wool to shine up your sink? Just a thought...

[JamBray]

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Earth Day!!!

[Hello Kitty]

Happy Earth Day to you too!

I found 7th Generation dishwasher detergent at a suburban Jewel (Albertsons). It was the only thing I could find that was free of any sort of fragrances, and I'm very happy with it's performance. Plus now, my dishes don't taste like 'mountain spring' or whatever scent/flavor we had last time.

[yby1]

Where have you found the 7th Generation stuff? Is it a lot more expensive? What about Ecover? I've never heard of it before.

Do you have a stainless steel sink? If so, have you tried a bit of steel wool to shine up your sink? Just a thought...


I've found 7th Generation stuff at Target! The prices were about the same as the regular stuff. I bought 7th Gen. dishwashing liquid for $2.49 and the same size Palmolive was around $2.79 :)

[charmcitygirl]

personally, i prefer ecover to 7th generation. you can get coupons at their website (http://www.ecover.com/us/en/Contact.htm?Text=Coupon%20Request!). i've found their products at whole foods and wegmans.

i just saw that giant foods is having a cfl sale: 10 for $10. they are the ge smart spiral compact fluorescent bulbs and it's for assorted varieties, including the dimmer version. also, if you buy 10, you will get 3 reusable shopping bags for free.

[mgrace]

Thanks so much for your suggestions on the garden, moderngal. We ended up throwing some horse manure on the garden for some extra nutrients. Once I do the soil test, I'll add what it needs.

It's so exciting to see our garden! :) We rented a sod cutter to rip up the grass and then tilled up the soil. Planted salad greens, spinach, carrots, beans and green onions. I'm waiting a bit to plant tomatoes, peppers and herbs.

Next up is getting a compost bin set up and getting our rain barrel. We will be picking up the compost bin in a few weeks and are on a waiting list for the rain barrel.

lady 1297, thanks for the tip, but our sink is porcelain. Too bad! I've found 7th Generation and Ecover at Whole Foods and local co-ops. You can buy them online at drugstore.com, too. I wish our Targets sold 7th Generation!

A couple more links:
Less Toxic Guide (http://www.lesstoxicguide.ca/) (helps sort out less toxic, all natural, etc.)
Fair Indigo (www.fairindigo.com), a fair trade catalog featuring clothes and accessories

[lawyerlee]

I made my compost bin today. It's pretty freaking cool.

I punched holes in the lid and bottom of the container using a screwdriver. Then I did a layer of crumpled newspaper, broken twigs and branches, dried leaves, and our food scraps. I applied liberal amounts of water after adding the leaves and again after adding the food scraps.

Here are some photos:
WARNING: stop here if you're eating!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/470534033_bd60a60377.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/470534051_3561bff7ed.jpg

[moderngal]

lawyerlee~ May I suggest adding a few more holes- especially to the sides of the container. Good airflow is essential to the process- and will help keep any mold out. And you might want to add some actual dirt, too- it'll speed things up. :)

lady1297~ are you near a Wegman's? They have some 7th Gen stuff and some Ecover. Both are in the Nature's Marketplace section. Otherwise, I buy them at Whole Foods. And like charmcitygirl, I prefer Ecover to anything else. Their products are great and their corporate philosophies are really great, too. :)

Good job on the gardening, mgrace!!

To celebrate Earth Day, we went to Home Depot and picked up our free CFLs. We also brought our own bags everywhere we shopped (I'm trying to do this all the time, but it can be tough to remember.) And then I planted a bunch of stuff. So far I have, Brandywine heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, spinach, carrots, broccoli, mint, cilantro, and basil planted. I still want to plant another variety of heirloom tomato and some zucchini, but that will have to wait a little while longer- another weekend at least. And I haven't even begun to think about flowers yet!! Still- I'm excited for what we've gotten done.

[heather1029]

That's awesome Moderngal! How big is your yard? You will seem like a true chef when you have guests over to dinner. There is nothing tastier than fresh herbs and veggies out of an organic garden.

[December27JJB]

Lawyerlee- That is awesome!!!! Thanks for posting that!!!! I dont think it is gross at all. In fact, I think its beautiful! Much more beautiful than seeing landfill with food in plastic bags all piled up on one another!

Moderngal- Thats great! I'd suggest you to leave some cloth bags in your car at all times. I try to do that in case I need to make a run for something in the last minute!

[lawyerlee]

lawyerlee~ May I suggest adding a few more holes- especially to the sides of the container. Good airflow is essential to the process- and will help keep any mold out. And you might want to add some actual dirt, too- it'll speed things up. :)
Thank you for the suggestions. If it doesn't start raining before I get home, I'll do that today. :)

[moderngal]

Hehehe... Heather, my "yard" is approximately a 16' x 16' concrete slab. :eek: I live in a city and my yard is actually semi- big for the city. Everything I plant, I do in containers. It's a little more challenging honestly, but I do what I can. :)

December27JJB~ I try to leave bags in the car, but then I usually forget to put them back when I am done with using them. I'm making a much better effort lately and actually I haven't had to use any plastic or paper bags from the grocery store this month. :)

[December27JJB]

In honor of Earth Day (belated) I finished my project today! I was so sick over the weekend and was unable to do anything for Earth Day :(

Instead of planting a tree, we are saving trees. I made cloth toilet wipes (toilet paper)! I have them in my bathroom now, some are in a wipe warmer (for poop) and dry ones for pee. I am so excited about this! At first DH wasn't too keen on the idea but he seems ok with it now. We will also be using the wipes for DD instead of baby wipes.

[Rico'sAlice]

Excellent! I'm still just pee only. I'm waiting for the baby before starting with #2, b/c then I can add all the wipes in w/ the dipes. So I'll be switching sometime between tomorrow and the end of May. :D

[lady1297]

December- I LOVE using wipes instead of TP! Ihaven't used them in awhile since we moved our diaper pail into the baby's room and I'm being lazy, but I will start again! :) Thanks for the inspiration!

[mgrace]

Discount on Shaklee Get Clean Set (http://www.shaklee.com/?gclid=COWt8eCT44sCFRXNIgodLA2_Sg)

National Geographic Green Guide (http://www.thegreenguide.com/)

Nature Boy and Girls diapers (http://www.drugstore.com/templates/brand/default.asp?brand=10392&trx=29985&trxp1=10392&trxp2=3), eco friendly diapers

[Rico'sAlice]

NYTimes Magazine Article. Looks at class, obesity, & the farm bill.
You Are What You Grow (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/magazine/22wwlnlede.t.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5087%0A&em&en=012aaa4af05f033c&ex=1177819200)

[lawyerlee]

NYTimes Magazine Article. Looks at class, obesity, & the farm bill.
You Are What You Grow (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/magazine/22wwlnlede.t.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5087%0A&em&en=012aaa4af05f033c&ex=1177819200)
Thanks for sharing that link. I can't wait to read the article, and I know I need to file it away for reference the next time someone challenges the fact that nutritionally poor food is in fact cheaper than fresher, healthier foods.

[December27JJB]

Here are the cloth toilet wipes I made:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/225/475955273_32e488924e.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/475955279_188170e8ef.jpg?v=0

Dry for pee and wet for #2. Once you are done with the wipes you throw them in the blue bag on the left. I put water, lavender oil, Dr Bronner's Soap, Tea Tree Oil, and Apricot Oil in the wipe warmer. I learned of this idea from this girl's blog:
http://walkslowlylivewildly.blogspot.com/2006_07_01_archive.html
I love her blog, she has some great ideas!!!

[December27JJB]

Under my kitchen sink: Vinegar, Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda, Cleaning Soda, Borax, Fels Naptha Soap, Vanilla extract, few 7th generation things left, and a can of roach spray (Bad I know! I have roach phobia)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/235/457154084_f2b077c72c.jpg?v=0

[PurpleRose]

December--does the tea tree and lavender help with the disinfecting, or is it just for a nice smell? It's an interesting idea, for sure! And congrats on switching over your cleaning supplies. Looks nice under there!

[JamBray]

NYTimes Magazine Article. Looks at class, obesity, & the farm bill.
You Are What You Grow (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/magazine/22wwlnlede.t.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5087%0A&em&en=012aaa4af05f033c&ex=1177819200)
Great article Rico'sAlice. Thanks for posting.

[Weddings by]

I have always used Dawn, but recently bought some Ecover dishwashing liquid. We have to use a lot of it to get oil off dishes. We have to use it full strength when washing our stove top or it will still have a film of oil. Is this normal?

I see that a couple of people like Ecover's products. Do you use their dishwashing liquid?

Thanks!

[moderngal]

December27JJB~ awesome!! you're starting to inspire me. :)

PurpleRose~ TTO has disinfecting properties and is a great choice for gentle cleaning both the skin and surfaces.

Weddings by~ I love Ecover products, but I have not used their dishwashing liquid, although I probably will pick some up after I finish this never- ending bottle of Method. My only thoughts are that since it is not full of chemicals like Dawn, it probably doesn't cut grease as easily. But I am surprised to hear you need to use so much... I know it doesn't lather, but it shouldn't anyway. I dunno. Guess I'll give it a shot and report back.

[charmcitygirl]

weddings by i use the ecover dishwashing liquid and like it. i don't have the same problem with cutting grease though. maybe it's because of the sponges i'm using? they're o-cel-o scrub & wipe made by 3m:
http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/88941/200.jpg
probably not the most eco choice but i've got a bunch under my sink that need to get used up.

i just saw an ad for new homes that are being built near me that are "green houses." they look amazing, despite the fact that i don't love really modern-looking homes. i just love the features and the community looks like it'll be great. and it's in the city. http://www.clippermillhomes.com/info.htm

the compost bin is coming along. too bad none of the seeds i started are doing very well. so that's a bummer. i'm sure my fig tree will love getting a bed of compost on it soon though.

[December27JJB]

PurpleRose- Yes, tea tree oil is for disinfecting. You can also use grapefruit seed extract for disinfecting. Lavender was my choice for smell but you can use other essential oils. The first time I did this, I used Peppermint oil...BAD IDEA! :eek: I burned by a$$ badly! LOL
I now use the bottle of peppermint oil to massage sore muscles (it works GREAT!)


Moderngal- I am glad you're inspired. I was inspired from the blog I had found because I was looking around for ideas for toilet wipes. I tried it few times before I made so many wipes!

I havent had problem with the 'smell' because I spray lavender oil in the bag every once in awhile.

[Kiley]

Can anyone recommend a chemical free sunscreen for adults?

[yby1]

There was an article today in the Los Angeles Times about plastic baby bottles and chemical leaching. Just thought I would share the link.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bottles30apr30,1,173636.story

[moderngal]

I noticed we don't have a link to Mothering Magazine on the 1st page. It's really a great resource for natural parenting. http://www.mothering.com/

Kiley, Burt's Bees has a chemical free sunscreen, but it's only SPF 15. That's not nearly enough for me, so I'm still on the hunt. I'll let you know if I ind something better.

Here's an interesting site on the safety of cosmetics- you can browse or search for what you use. http://ewg.org/reports/skindeep2/index.php

[mgrace]

December27JJB, great job! I love your wipes! I really need to learn how to sew. What is cleaning soda?

Weddings By, I just started using Ecover diswashing liquid and so far, it has worked great. We used to use Dawn, too.


I use lavender oil for cleaning. Whole Foods had a special a while ago.

Salad greens are starting to come up in the garden! :)

[Smittenk]

Can anyone recommend a chemical free sunscreen for adults?

We use Aubrey Organics Suncreen...goes up to SPF 25!

Aubrey Organics Suncare (http://www.aubrey-organics.com/spec_prods/sun_care_0506.cfm)

[December27JJB]

MGrace- Thanks! I use cleaning soda in the mixture when I make my own laundry detergent. Borax, Cleaning soda, and Shredded Fels Naptha soap. Easy peasy!

[December27JJB]

Can anyone recommend a chemical free sunscreen for adults?

Regarding sunblock, I would avoid anything that contains micronized Titanium Dioxide. It has smaller particles that can get into the DNA and damage it.

Micronized Titanium Dioxide... the "micronizing" makes the particles so small they can go thorugh a cut etc on the skin and then when the uva/uvb is absorbed into the skin they cause the micronized particles to react and damage DNA.

I use Lavera products. www.lavera.com I use Aubrey Organics products, I haven't used their sunblock so I dont know if they contain this ingredent. Sadly, according to the EWG report they list California Baby sunblock as 'safe' although it contains Micronized Titanium Dioxide. I gave my bottle away and went with Lavera.

[Rico'sAlice]

My understanding is that nano-ized particles are a problem but that "fine" particles are not. Micronized could maybe mean either. :confused: I guess one could call the manufacturer and find out the actual dimensions of the particles.

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/making_difference/newsletter_article.php?article=472&issue=72
http://www.thexton.com.au/index1.php?alias=articles&artid=423&temp=lib

Anyway, I have seen the Lavera recommended as good elsewhere, but I can't seem to find for sure what are the active ingredients in the Lavera sunscreens? They don't show up in the product descriptions. Maybe I am missing the right place to click or something.
Anyway, here (http://www.pureandsimple.ca/2005/files/products/lavera.html) they are described as 100% mineral based, which I assume means zinc and/or titanium dioxide. Where is it made clear that it is not nano/micron-ized?
Does it say more on the tube? (The pictures aren't clear enough to read the print)

According to this mothering thread (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=276091&highlight=lavera)Lavera contains "highly micronized particles" but the link is dead and the post is 2 years old, so things could have changed. That would be awesome, since I can't seem to find a "totally OK" sunscreen anywhere. They all seem to have one problem or the other.

Another one I keep hearing mentioned is UV Natural (http://www.thexton.com.au/index1.php?alias=articles&artid=423&temp=lib) Which says "UV Natural Sunscreen combines Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Grape Seed Extract and Oil, Green Tea, Zinc Oxide (ndm), Raw Bees Wax and oils that include Sunflower, Macadamia and Sesame to create a silky, non-perfumed SPF 15 sunscreen. "

What the heck does "ndm" mean WRT the Zinc Oxide?

OK, enough babbling.

[mgrace]

I finally got my kitchen sink clean. I used a few drops of Basic-H and it is clean. Can't believe it.

Wish I had something to add on the sunscreen talk. Just gives me new things to worry about. ;)

[Hello Kitty]

Mgrace, what's Basic-H, and what does it get out? I have been using my free sample of Barkeeper's Friend on my white cast iron sink, but I'm not sure if that's really safe or not. I have a problem with those little gray scratch lines from my pots.

[moderngal]

anyone know of a green oven cleaner? does it exist?

[yby1]

I just use baking soda and water to clean my oven. It works pretty well. That's how my mom has always cleaned her oven.

just spray down the oven with hot water and cover the bottom in baking soda. let it sit over night - it's pretty easy clean up the next day.

[moderngal]

just spray down the oven with hot water and cover the bottom in baking soda. let it sit over night - it's pretty easy clean up the next day.
you make it sound as though I should be the one doing this... :p
seriously- my cleaning ladies do the "hard stuff" and I kinda need an actual product to leave for them to use. KWIM?

[yby1]

Lazy ;)

You can mix the baking soda and water in a spray bottle for them.

From the WF website

Oven Cleaner
Make a paste of equal parts salt, baking soda and water. First, wipe away any grease and scratch off burnt spots with a scouring brush or steel wool. Finally, apply the paste, let stand five minutes and wipe clean with a damp rug. Scrub if necessary. Do not allow baking soda to touch heating elements or wiring.

link (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/issues/greenaction/clean.html)

[Smittenk]

anyone know of a green oven cleaner? does it exist?

Wow our cleaning lady didn't do our oven, lucky girl! I lay a ton of baking soda down and saturate it with a mix of water and vinegar and leave it overnight...then just wipe the next day!

[mgrace]

Hello Kitty, Basic H is a general cleaner from Shaklee. Here is the link (http://www.shaklee.com/00015.html). We use it for all sorts of things--general wipe ups, getting sticky labels off stuff, the sink, washing our cars, floors, etc. It is expensive but it lasts *forever*.

moderngal, heh! I've done the same as yby1. I don't know much about it, but Shaklee does make something called Scour Off (http://www.shaklee.com/00430.html) that you can use in your oven. (I promise I don't sell Shaklee, I've just used the stuff forever!) You can also check out Restore Oven Cleaner (http://www.restoreproducts.com/oven_cleaner.html). They sell some of their products at Whole Foods, too.

A glass storage container, if anyone is looking, Martha Stewart at Kmart (http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_9990000035546111P?vName=For+the+Home&cName=Cookware%2C+Bakeware+%26+Gadgets&sName=Kitchen+Storage+%26+Accessories).

[moderngal]

*We bought some CA Baby sunscreen today. It's chemical free, but does have non-whitening micro-titanium dioxide. I'm ok with that though. I like their other products and it's made with sustainable ingredients.

*We went to Envirofest this weekend. We had a great time- learned a lot. And found some very cool house stuff... kitchen countertops made with recycled paper!! So cool. paper counters (http://www.richlite.com/countertop/)

I also bought some empty spray bottles so that I can make some of my own cleaners. Wish me luck. ;)

[Weddings by]

Organic Bouquet.com (http://www.organicbouquet.com/Index.aspx)

I just heard about them, so I haven't ordered from them, but I thought that others might be interested.

[yby1]

I thought I would post the photo-set of another DIY compost bin. It's too big for my needs, but it might be cool for someone else. :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/crumleydotorg/sets/72157594221395631/

[Belm]

Moderngal ~ What's Envirofest? Was it just a local environmental trade show/fair?

[Weddings by]

For those in the Pacific Northwest, and parts of western Canada, I have been ordering from this company, and have been very happy with their products and prices.

Spud (Small Potatoes Urban Delivery) (https://www.spud.com/index.cfm)

They cost less than the local health food store, and it's delivered.

The main difference that I've noticed is that a person can customize their produce contents far more than with the other companies that I've seen online. I can set up automatic deliveries based upon my tastes, how often I need the items, and how much I need. I can have particular items that are delivered on a regular schedule (standing order) and a lot of those items receive a 5% discount. I can choose my own produce weekly, or just leave the order the way they choose it based upon my preferences.

[Weddings by]

This looks like an interesting site for finding local organic restaurants, farms, CSAs, Farmers' Markets, grocery/co-ops, and the like all across the U.S. They also have an online store.

Local Harvest (http://www.localharvest.org/)

[Weddings by]

...Ecover products...My only thoughts are that since it is not full of chemicals like Dawn, it probably doesn't cut grease as easily. But I am surprised to hear you need to use so much...

Yeah, good point. I haven't had as much trouble washing the stovetop--I had forgotten that I had deep-fried or cooked bacon or something really greasy for a couple of days in a row. :o

We're definitely going through it far faster than we ever did with Dawn. The main problem that I have with that is that we will end up using so many plastic bottles of it. I think that I'll see if our local store has bulk detergents.

charmcitygirl and mgrace--Thanks for your replies!

[moderngal]

Envirofest was a local thing (well- it was about an hour or so from me, but worth the trip) and I don't know if it's something that other communities do. It was held at a big estate and preserve. It's a pretty crunchy area and that county has lots of great recycling, composting, nature programs.

Weddings by~ if Ecover isn't working for you, try another brand!! I've used Seventh Generation at work and it seemed to last a long time (and smells good). I've also used Method, which lasts a long time and Earth Friendly products makes one that I hear is good, although I have not used that one yet.

Oh- and that Local Harvest site is cool. I saw a few farm stands that are nearby that I'd love to try. :)

[Weddings by]

Weddings by~ if Ecover isn't working for you, try another brand!!

:D Bwaa-ha! Thanks for the suggestions! We're just finishing our first bottle of Ecover; so it's not like I keep buying it while not liking it. Although...I wouldn't be surprised to find that I do something like that. :p

[moderngal]

heee, I'm so the type of person that would keep buying something I was "eh" on!! :o

[mgrace]

A few more links....

Patagonia Clothing (www.patagonia.com)
Co-op Directory (http://www.coopdirectory.org/directory.htm)
A Greater Gift (http://www.agreatergift.org/), shopping
Organic Valley (http://organicvalley.coop/), coupons on the site

[mgrace]

OK, I need a rec on sunscreen for the little one. :) I need to send some to daycare, but they require it be SPF 40 or 48+ (can't remember which one off the top of my head). Any suggestions? California Baby is 30, Avalon is 18, Alba is 30.....

I've found Kiehl's (http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/catalog/product.aspx?CatCode=AXE_Sun&TopCat=F1_Vital_SunProtection&prdcode=380) which is 40, Mustela (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=158788&catid=66388&trx=PLST-0-SEARCH&trxp1=66388&trxp2=158788&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SEARCH) is 50 and Aveeno (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=163898&catid=66388&trx=PLST-0-SEARCH&trxp1=66388&trxp2=163898&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SEARCH) is 55.

[heather1029]

mgrace: thanks so much for the Organic Valley link! Whoohoo! Printing some now...

*******

Has anyone else used the Seventh Generation Dishwasher liquid? It sucks! I'm so disappointed, because it leaves streaks all over my dishes. Just FYI!

[December27JJB]

Homemade bath powder:

1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
few drops tea tree oil


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/492786691_3643852d0e.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/199/492786697_e10b4a9df6.jpg?v=0

It smells really good. I leave it in the fridge because of the humidity down here.

[moderngal]

mgrace, I don't know if you are a Nestle boycotter, but Kiehl's is owned by L'Oreal, which is owned by Nestle. I used to be a total Kiehl's whore, but not anymore. ;) Jason Natural Products has a kids suncreen that is 46. Otherwise I'd check out Whole Foods- there's got to be something else. I bought CA Baby for DS, but our daycare doesn't have a restriction on SPFs.

Thanks for the Organic Valley link-- I heart coupons!! :)

[nyclaura]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask...

Is it ok to leave magazines out with the paper recycling? Will my recycling pick up take them? Just regular old magazines - Vogue, etc. I'm trying to figure out the best thing to do with the ones I don't donate.

I wasn't sure if they were able to be recycled because of the glossy pages.

[PurpleRose]

PurpleRose~ TTO has disinfecting properties and is a great choice for gentle cleaning both the skin and surfaces.

TTO is wonderful stuff. :) I use it on my face when I get break-outs, but I'm a little afraid of using it on my bum!

PurpleRose- Yes, tea tree oil is for disinfecting. You can also use grapefruit seed extract for disinfecting. Lavender was my choice for smell but you can use other essential oils. The first time I did this, I used Peppermint oil...BAD IDEA! :eek: I burned by a$$ badly! LOL
I now use the bottle of peppermint oil to massage sore muscles (it works GREAT!)

That's what I'm afraid of! I have crazy sensitive skin and have developed an allergy to any kind of fragrance "down there." I have to use unscented soap and baby wipes. I'd love to do the cloth thing, but if I have to use tea tree oil, I'm afraid I won't be able to. Guess that's what I get for using chemical crap on my body for so many years! ;) Maybe the grapefruit seed extract would work?

[December27JJB]

PurpleRose-

You can actually use plain ol' water! Just get the wipes wet in water and wipe away!

[December27JJB]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask...

Is it ok to leave magazines out with the paper recycling? Will my recycling pick up take them? Just regular old magazines - Vogue, etc. I'm trying to figure out the best thing to do with the ones I don't donate.

I wasn't sure if they were able to be recycled because of the glossy pages.

Yes, you put them in the paper box! :)

[PurpleRose]

Thanks, December!

[Belm]

PurpleRose ~ Actually I would check with your city's public works department (or the recycling company that they outsource it too - in some cases). Some cities/counties will recycle office paper and newspaper, but not magazines. Is your program single stream (where all of your recyclable materials get put in 1 container)? If it is single stream, the more items in the load that you put in there that are not part of your your program, just cause more work at the MRF (material recovery facility - where the materials end up) and also increases the the contamination rate.

[December27JJB]

Belm- Oh wow! I had no idea. I dont collect magazines but when I do I toss them in the box with papers, they've been taking them. I thought paper was paper. Sorry for the possible misinformation NYCLaura!

[Belm]

Belm- Oh wow! I had no idea. I dont collect magazines but when I do I toss them in the box with papers, they've been taking them. I thought paper was paper. Sorry for the possible misinformation NYCLaura!

No problem! Sometimes paper is paper. But other times paper could mean newspaper, junk mail, office (white paper) and carboard. It could also just mean newspaper. :) I wish that more recycling companies would take magazines, but their isn't a lot of money in that (compared to white paper and newspapers).

[mgrace]

A few more links to add:

I'm Organic (http://www.imorganic.com/index.php), shirts, magnets, reusable bags, etc. A blog, too.
Seeds Savers Garden Seeds (www.seedsavers.org)


Books
Real Food (http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781596913424-0)
Farmer John's Cookbook (http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9781423600145-1)

Movie
Black Gold (http://www.blackgoldmovie.com/)

[lawyerlee]

I think I got us all caught up on adding links to the first page. Thanks for sharing so many great ideas and resources!

I haven't been feeling very well lately, so I haven't been around much, but I'm reading along. :)

[mgrace]

Nice to see you lawyerlee. :)

Of course, just as you get caught up, I have a few more links. I just want to post them so I don't forget about them.

Icestone Countertops (http://www.icestone.biz/new/)
Trillium Organics (http://www.trilliumorganics.com/index.html), bath and body

[mgrace]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions on the sunscreen. I'm going to browse Whole Foods and pick some up. Speaking of Whole Foods, I was just posting in the favorite things thread about my love for their 365 frozen organic brown rice. Love it!

I rarely shop at the grocery store closest to us, but do stop there when I need something quick. They don't carry many organic items and occasionally I would like to stop and buy milk and bananas. So, I left a suggestion and they have started to carry organic bananas and are working on choosing a source for organic milk. :) And, I no longer buy eggs at the store because one of the daycare teachers has (free range) chickens.

We got our compost bin over the weekend and we've already started filling it up. So cool. We bought an Earth Machine (http://www.amazon.com/Green-Culture-Earth-Machine-Composter/dp/B000BWGAA6) because the city had a compost bin sale.

moderngal, thanks for the Kiehl's info. I won't bother to get addicted. ;) By the way, are you on MDC?

heather1029, we have been using the Seventh Generation dishwasher liquid and while it doesn't do a horrible job, it does leave streaks and isn't the best. Of course, I'm not using a rinse aid either, so that could be part of it. I think I'm going to buy Ecover next time and try that.

A green gossip site! Ecorazzi (http://www.ecorazzi.com/).

[PurpleRose]

mgrace, you can use white vinegar in your rinse aid dispenser (instead of JetDry). It works fairly well and will help with the streaking. We don't have a dishwasher now :( but when we did, using vinegar & Ecover tablets worked pretty well.

[moderngal]

mgrace~ yes, I'm on MDC- same name. :)

[lawyerlee]

I haven't used the Ecover tablets, but I've found that I like the Seventh Generation powder better than the Ecover powder. I'll have to try the tablets and the vinegar. That stuff is good for everything! :)

Here are some links I came across in the past couple of days:

Green Options (http://www.greenoptions.com/) - This is cool general site on ecology with a blog, a weekly DIY project, and lots of other good content.

America the Green (http://www.americathegreen.com/) - A cool podcast I just started listening to.

City Farmer (http://cityfarmer.org) - An excellent gardening resource.

[lawyerlee]

I just came across a really cool project I thought you guys would be interested in - a reusable knitted Swiffer cover (http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=165049.msg1677498;topicseen#msg167 7498/). I think this is such a fab idea. I have a Swiffer and while I hate the idea of using the disposable cloths, I also hate to replace it with something else when I already own something I can use. What a perfect solution! :)