Really foggy, expecting temperatures 30 degrees above normal - ouch.
I've been meaning to write something about defining the word "natural", but because it has a tendency to raise my blood pressure, I have avoided doing so. However, a recent article titled "Is It Really Natural" got my juices going again, so here goes (and stand back)...
Though a pet peeve for a long time, last year's Natural Products Expo East sent me over the top. I can understand the industry is in flux and an Expo needs "to make money", but to some degree they sell their soul to the devil. I wish I had had a buck for every time I saw the word "natural". The word was everywhere, the products, not so much.
How is that corn tortilla chips, made from genetically modified corn is called "natural"? How is it that soaps with sodium laureth sulfate are allowed? And how is that companies that do not disclose their ingredients get their foot in the door?
Burt's Bees (bought out by Clorox) had a huge presence at the Expo. While their ingredients are less benign than standard beauty care products, they still have fragrance in about half of their products (fragrance scores and ouchy 8 on the cosmetic data base). Treehugger cautions pregnant women to avoid fragrance (not sure why ALL people shouldn't..) I'm also not sure why Treehugger is a big fan of Burt's Bees when there are so many other companies who have better ingredients and are based in organics (better for earth and human use). The take home message here is, if you want to use Burt's, read the label carefully.
My next bug-a-boo at the expo was Mrs. Myers. The display was large and very old fashion, reminiscent of years gone by. (I guess that is suppose to be good) I literally had to hold my breath because of the artificial fragrance. (you can smell it in the grocery isle too) To get to the point, Mrs. Meyer's uses artificial fragrance, parabens and other synthetics that they will not reveal. On their own website it reads: "We use naturally derived ingredients whenever possible from corn, sugar cane, coconut and palm. When we cannot find a plant-derived ingredient that performs to our rigorous standards, we use ingredients from the world of safe synthetics...Our fragrances contain natural essential oils and other non-natural ingredients ..." (the corn and sugar cane could be GMO)
The term "the world of safe synthetics" is totally laughable. They won't tell you the details. And neither will their more expensive version Caldrea; still using non-descript words like fragrance, preservatives, plant derived surfactants and coloring.
Yet the expensive Mrs. Meyer's is allowed to sell their goods at a natural products expo. @%!*&^^$ At least Shaklee wasn't there - the biggest green washing company who holds its secret ingredients tighter than a you know what. And shame on all the Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and food COOPS who sell these products.
So what is really natural? What should be considered truly natural?
There is a standard that the relatively new Natural Products Association has come up with, which I suppose is better than nothing. But it still leaves too much wiggle room for too many companies, in my humble opinion.
So, back to the issue. What is really natural? Try this: non-genetically modified plant based, plant preservatives, and no fragrance (we assume fragrance is artificial vs essential oils) and that's it. Did I miss something? Oh, and organic would be an added benefit, like Dr. Bronner's or Vermont Soap Organics.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Earth Hour 2010 - March 27th
Amazingly freaky warm weather, cooler and cloudy today, but still above average.
Another Earth Hour is coming. Another chance for the world to unite and show that it can reduce energy consumption. Another carbon cutting "can-do" opportunity.
So what happens to the other 8,759 hours in the year? Will 2010 be any different? We will see less participation? More participation? Has there been a carry over affect?
Don't get me wrong, I like Earth Hour. I think it does bring us together and makes a point; the lights going out are pretty dramatic. My biggest beef is there appears to be little carry over.
Not sure why. The website has a pretty good tool kit for writing to all sorts of people, businesses and other agencies. They have a link about climate change. What seems to be lacking is real education on how you can reduce your carbon sucking behavior. A huge opportunity lost I am afraid.
Earth Hour is supported by the WWF, World Wildlife Fund, a very worthy organization who I think might have crawled in bed with some unusual oily bed fellows. Not sure why this is, but it seems a little like Monsanto getting FDA positions.
If you need a little boost to help you carry over your carbon conscience, here's a video about the tipping points, yes points, to help you:
My point is, I think more could be done with Earth Hour. We''ll see how 2010 participation goes this Saturday. And yes, I do have my candles ready.
Another Earth Hour is coming. Another chance for the world to unite and show that it can reduce energy consumption. Another carbon cutting "can-do" opportunity.
So what happens to the other 8,759 hours in the year? Will 2010 be any different? We will see less participation? More participation? Has there been a carry over affect?
Don't get me wrong, I like Earth Hour. I think it does bring us together and makes a point; the lights going out are pretty dramatic. My biggest beef is there appears to be little carry over.
Not sure why. The website has a pretty good tool kit for writing to all sorts of people, businesses and other agencies. They have a link about climate change. What seems to be lacking is real education on how you can reduce your carbon sucking behavior. A huge opportunity lost I am afraid.
Earth Hour is supported by the WWF, World Wildlife Fund, a very worthy organization who I think might have crawled in bed with some unusual oily bed fellows. Not sure why this is, but it seems a little like Monsanto getting FDA positions.
If you need a little boost to help you carry over your carbon conscience, here's a video about the tipping points, yes points, to help you:
My point is, I think more could be done with Earth Hour. We''ll see how 2010 participation goes this Saturday. And yes, I do have my candles ready.
Friday, January 22, 2010
FDA Finally Barks About BPA - From A Cage
Sunny morning, still, with snow lingering on the trees.
The FDA has taken a long time to "comment" on BPA. They have delayed it 3 times, or was it 4, I've lost count. The FDA originally came out non-committal about BPA after using only bought and paid for "science" from the chemical industry. After the government's own agency in toxicology called for action against BPA and slamming the FDA, did the FDA go back "for a second look" at the plastic chemical the country of Canada labels as a "toxin".
And so we have been waiting, not holding our breath mind you, but waiting, even through each delay. But finally the announcement came last week - "The FDA Shifts Stance on BPA, Announces Some Concern". The FDA bravely came out of the dog house and barked to the world the possible dangers of BPA.
Yahoo! This was fantastic news. The FDA finally came to its senses. Maybe all that badgering and 3 years of intensive investigation by the detective duo out of Milwaukee paid off. The squeaky wheel got a few drops of oil and maybe now, now our government will do something about it. If the FDA has "concern" over a chemical, asks for more research, even tells people to avoid the chemical, especially in young children, then surely this is paving the way for possible regulation of this serious gender bender that is "everywhere".
Two days after this announcement, the FDA then came out about a little glitch, just a wee one. Just an itsy bitsy little detail that came to light. The FDA can not, not "will not", but can not regulate BPA. "But because BPA was classified years ago as an indirect food additive, it is not subject to the kind of scrutiny that other chemicals are. Without critical data about BPA, it is impossible to regulate the chemical, officials said."
Just 2 days after. Call me cynical, because this is way too coincidental in my mind, but is it possible that the FDA uncovered this little detail, or the little detail was brought to their attention, and they scrambled to make the announcement before the little detail was revealed? Oh to be a fly on the wall.
For 2 days we reveled, rejoicing that the FDA had stepped out from the money shadow of the chemical industry and announced to the world that here was enough concern over BPA to warrant further investigation but in the mean time, infants and children should avoid BPA. For 2 days we were comforted that our government is finally maybe watching out for our well being. For 2 days the FDA received some respect after a long, long hiatus.
But only for 2 days. How cruel.
How convenient for the FDA to make these announcements only to be followed by their inability to do anything about it. How convenient to jump up and down and holler at the top of your lungs with your hands tied behind your back. How convenient the watch dog came out to bark at the world only to be sitting from within its own locked cage.
The FDA has taken a long time to "comment" on BPA. They have delayed it 3 times, or was it 4, I've lost count. The FDA originally came out non-committal about BPA after using only bought and paid for "science" from the chemical industry. After the government's own agency in toxicology called for action against BPA and slamming the FDA, did the FDA go back "for a second look" at the plastic chemical the country of Canada labels as a "toxin".
And so we have been waiting, not holding our breath mind you, but waiting, even through each delay. But finally the announcement came last week - "The FDA Shifts Stance on BPA, Announces Some Concern". The FDA bravely came out of the dog house and barked to the world the possible dangers of BPA.
Yahoo! This was fantastic news. The FDA finally came to its senses. Maybe all that badgering and 3 years of intensive investigation by the detective duo out of Milwaukee paid off. The squeaky wheel got a few drops of oil and maybe now, now our government will do something about it. If the FDA has "concern" over a chemical, asks for more research, even tells people to avoid the chemical, especially in young children, then surely this is paving the way for possible regulation of this serious gender bender that is "everywhere".
Two days after this announcement, the FDA then came out about a little glitch, just a wee one. Just an itsy bitsy little detail that came to light. The FDA can not, not "will not", but can not regulate BPA. "But because BPA was classified years ago as an indirect food additive, it is not subject to the kind of scrutiny that other chemicals are. Without critical data about BPA, it is impossible to regulate the chemical, officials said."
Just 2 days after. Call me cynical, because this is way too coincidental in my mind, but is it possible that the FDA uncovered this little detail, or the little detail was brought to their attention, and they scrambled to make the announcement before the little detail was revealed? Oh to be a fly on the wall.
For 2 days we reveled, rejoicing that the FDA had stepped out from the money shadow of the chemical industry and announced to the world that here was enough concern over BPA to warrant further investigation but in the mean time, infants and children should avoid BPA. For 2 days we were comforted that our government is finally maybe watching out for our well being. For 2 days the FDA received some respect after a long, long hiatus.
But only for 2 days. How cruel.
How convenient for the FDA to make these announcements only to be followed by their inability to do anything about it. How convenient to jump up and down and holler at the top of your lungs with your hands tied behind your back. How convenient the watch dog came out to bark at the world only to be sitting from within its own locked cage.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Cove - Now in Video
Ccccold morning. At least the skies are clear (ish).
The Cove, the movie, the eco-thriller, the winner of 20 film awards and now best 2009 documentary is finally out. It is one of those life changing movies, really. You can buy the video, watch it, share it or give it to your library for all to see.
The Cove has several layers to it. The most obvious being the stomach churning slaughter of dolphins. The next is the mercury issue which Japan neatly hides but is also a world wide serious environmental horror story. Lastly, the movie's over all theme of our lack of respect for the ocean, its eco-system and how it is about to collapse.
Ric O'Barry is the hero and if we all had a fraction of his passion, the world would be a better place. If you need inspiration, Ric will give you what you need.
So here you go - buy it here: The Cove Video
The Cove, the movie, the eco-thriller, the winner of 20 film awards and now best 2009 documentary is finally out. It is one of those life changing movies, really. You can buy the video, watch it, share it or give it to your library for all to see.
The Cove has several layers to it. The most obvious being the stomach churning slaughter of dolphins. The next is the mercury issue which Japan neatly hides but is also a world wide serious environmental horror story. Lastly, the movie's over all theme of our lack of respect for the ocean, its eco-system and how it is about to collapse.
Ric O'Barry is the hero and if we all had a fraction of his passion, the world would be a better place. If you need inspiration, Ric will give you what you need.
So here you go - buy it here: The Cove Video
Thursday, December 10, 2009
BPA Continues To Do Harm
Clearing skies and finally looks like winter.
I find today's headlines out of Canada very disturbing: "Chemical BPA May Harm Developing Fetus". And, yes, it was a small experiment. But the authors seem very convinced that the BPA killed placenta cells and were bold enough to suggest that BPA (and other gender bending chemicals) could, or is probably, responsible for the high percentage of unexplained miscarriages that occur in our, what should be, healthy, wealthy society.
Remember, Canada is our cautious cousin to the north (thank God) who had the courage to declare that BPA was hazardous to human health 2 years ago and ban it from baby bottles. But based on this study, that ban might be too little too late.
These studies have big implications because now it comes down to what is going on in the adult (presumably) pregnant mother and her level of BPA and other toxins. This is clearly, and has been for a long time, an adult issue since, since last I knew, that's where babies come from.
Luckily Canada seems to be more forthright in exactly where BPA comes from, including "the filmy plastic lining in the shallow boxes of frozen-food dinners". Next year, Canada is hosting an international meeting of health experts to discuss BPA in food packaging.
That's next year, another year to go by before BPA is even discussed. If this isn't a good example of why thoroughly testing chemicals before they are released into the market place is so important, I don't know what is. We've done this all backwards for sure.
Meanwhile, BPA continues to be everywhere. Companies continue to sell pretty aluminum water bottle knock-offs that contain high levels of BPA and publicize that the levels are well within the FDA limits (so they can sell the huge inventory they are now stuck with). Consumer Reports just published an article after testing canned foods for BPA and their conclusion is also alarming. One serving of canned green beans had BPA 80 times higher than the experts recommended.
Jeez. I'm speechless.
I find today's headlines out of Canada very disturbing: "Chemical BPA May Harm Developing Fetus". And, yes, it was a small experiment. But the authors seem very convinced that the BPA killed placenta cells and were bold enough to suggest that BPA (and other gender bending chemicals) could, or is probably, responsible for the high percentage of unexplained miscarriages that occur in our, what should be, healthy, wealthy society.
Remember, Canada is our cautious cousin to the north (thank God) who had the courage to declare that BPA was hazardous to human health 2 years ago and ban it from baby bottles. But based on this study, that ban might be too little too late.
These studies have big implications because now it comes down to what is going on in the adult (presumably) pregnant mother and her level of BPA and other toxins. This is clearly, and has been for a long time, an adult issue since, since last I knew, that's where babies come from.
Luckily Canada seems to be more forthright in exactly where BPA comes from, including "the filmy plastic lining in the shallow boxes of frozen-food dinners". Next year, Canada is hosting an international meeting of health experts to discuss BPA in food packaging.
That's next year, another year to go by before BPA is even discussed. If this isn't a good example of why thoroughly testing chemicals before they are released into the market place is so important, I don't know what is. We've done this all backwards for sure.
Meanwhile, BPA continues to be everywhere. Companies continue to sell pretty aluminum water bottle knock-offs that contain high levels of BPA and publicize that the levels are well within the FDA limits (so they can sell the huge inventory they are now stuck with). Consumer Reports just published an article after testing canned foods for BPA and their conclusion is also alarming. One serving of canned green beans had BPA 80 times higher than the experts recommended.
Jeez. I'm speechless.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Natural Latex Rubber - Needs to be Fair Trade
An unseasonably warm, sunny morning; brown haze horizon.
While at the September "Natural" Products Expo, I had a quick conversation with a natural rubber yoga mat maker. The eco qualities of the 100% natural latex rubber yoga mat seemed perfect - PVC free (imagine making a yoga mat with PVC, now there's an oxymoron), 100% rubber, eco dyes, and biodegradable. "Was it Fair Trade?" The shocked (weird?) look I got followed by "No" changed the tone of the conversation. He knew it was from Vietnam but didn't know much more than that; after all, he bought his rubber in bulk which might have included many sources. Given the defensive posturing, we knew it was time to go.
So here was a leading rubber yoga mat maker, well poised in the green world, surrounded by the Fair Trade mantra, and he wasn't sure of his sourcing. I find that fascinating.
Not only are yoga mats a potential source of natural latex and rubber, but pillows, mattresses and toppers are an enormous industry, offering safe, green bedroom alternatives.
Rubber trees originally came from Brazil but were quickly seeded in the colonial Asia territories and Liberia where labor was guaranteed, well, cheap, at least. This is from where most of the world's rubber still comes. In fact, there are campaigns to stop Firestone's destructive practices in Liberia. Goodyear also ranks right up there in abuses. In Asia, forests are being cut down for rubber tree plantations, but some of this is a front in order to continue logging. Horrible labor conditions and wages seem to be the norm but have yet to get the world's attention.
Searching for Fair Trade natural rubber doesn't get you far. There are just a handful of eco sites, but darn few. Most are based in England.
There was one company at Expo East that hopefully will make folks stop and think about sourcing of "natural" products. Flip flops made by Feelgoodz uses 100% rubber but their mission is what makes them so special. (okay, so they are the most comfortable flops ever) They hope to become the first Fair Trade certified rubber product in America, in addition to their triple bottom line commitment.
So many other "natural" products such as food, fabrics, fibers and woods are Fair Trade or at least have SA 8000 certifications. How did rubber slip under the radar?
So, who harvests the rubber trees for your yoga mat? What about your flip flops? Or your latex pillow or mattress? If you have any of these products, I urge you to make a phone call. Ask the company if their rubber is Fair Trade. Ask if they have visited the plantations. Ask what country their rubber comes from. Ask if they know any thing about the sourcing of their rubber. The answers may shock you.
While at the September "Natural" Products Expo, I had a quick conversation with a natural rubber yoga mat maker. The eco qualities of the 100% natural latex rubber yoga mat seemed perfect - PVC free (imagine making a yoga mat with PVC, now there's an oxymoron), 100% rubber, eco dyes, and biodegradable. "Was it Fair Trade?" The shocked (weird?) look I got followed by "No" changed the tone of the conversation. He knew it was from Vietnam but didn't know much more than that; after all, he bought his rubber in bulk which might have included many sources. Given the defensive posturing, we knew it was time to go.
So here was a leading rubber yoga mat maker, well poised in the green world, surrounded by the Fair Trade mantra, and he wasn't sure of his sourcing. I find that fascinating.
Not only are yoga mats a potential source of natural latex and rubber, but pillows, mattresses and toppers are an enormous industry, offering safe, green bedroom alternatives.
Rubber trees originally came from Brazil but were quickly seeded in the colonial Asia territories and Liberia where labor was guaranteed, well, cheap, at least. This is from where most of the world's rubber still comes. In fact, there are campaigns to stop Firestone's destructive practices in Liberia. Goodyear also ranks right up there in abuses. In Asia, forests are being cut down for rubber tree plantations, but some of this is a front in order to continue logging. Horrible labor conditions and wages seem to be the norm but have yet to get the world's attention.
Searching for Fair Trade natural rubber doesn't get you far. There are just a handful of eco sites, but darn few. Most are based in England.
There was one company at Expo East that hopefully will make folks stop and think about sourcing of "natural" products. Flip flops made by Feelgoodz uses 100% rubber but their mission is what makes them so special. (okay, so they are the most comfortable flops ever) They hope to become the first Fair Trade certified rubber product in America, in addition to their triple bottom line commitment.
So many other "natural" products such as food, fabrics, fibers and woods are Fair Trade or at least have SA 8000 certifications. How did rubber slip under the radar?
So, who harvests the rubber trees for your yoga mat? What about your flip flops? Or your latex pillow or mattress? If you have any of these products, I urge you to make a phone call. Ask the company if their rubber is Fair Trade. Ask if they have visited the plantations. Ask what country their rubber comes from. Ask if they know any thing about the sourcing of their rubber. The answers may shock you.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Leonid Meteor Shower, Tonight, Nov. 17th - Perfect Conditions
Clear morning with wind picking up; still unseasonably warm.
I'm so excited. Tonight begins the best night for the Leonid Meteor Shower and it is forecast to be clear with a new(ish) moon. How fantastic is that? The last few meteor showers were clouded out so this clear forecast has me jumpin. If you are in the North East of the U.S.A., you're in luck as they predict the strong viewing to be spectacular, while the rest of the country will still be pretty darn good.
The spectacle begins slowly but 3:30 AM EST is the magic time to rise and check it out. Best viewing is between 3:30 and 5:30 AM East Coast Time. So get to bed early and set your alarm.
To find out details about the weather in your area, go to www.weather.com and plug in your zip code. For more scientific details about the whole event go to: www.space.com
Remember to turn out all the lights for the best viewing of the Leonid Meteor Shower. Enjoy!
I'm so excited. Tonight begins the best night for the Leonid Meteor Shower and it is forecast to be clear with a new(ish) moon. How fantastic is that? The last few meteor showers were clouded out so this clear forecast has me jumpin. If you are in the North East of the U.S.A., you're in luck as they predict the strong viewing to be spectacular, while the rest of the country will still be pretty darn good.
The spectacle begins slowly but 3:30 AM EST is the magic time to rise and check it out. Best viewing is between 3:30 and 5:30 AM East Coast Time. So get to bed early and set your alarm.
To find out details about the weather in your area, go to www.weather.com and plug in your zip code. For more scientific details about the whole event go to: www.space.com
Remember to turn out all the lights for the best viewing of the Leonid Meteor Shower. Enjoy!
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