YOUR BODY…
What is your yoga mat is made of?
November, 2024
Isn’t yoga meant to be a mindfulness practice? Frankly, I can’t think of many things less conducive to a clear mind and healthy body than breathing in toxic VOCs while you practice your asanas, yet most yoga mats are made with a variety of plastics, petroleum products that off-gas terribly and break down fast.
So, what to do if you’re looking for an eco-friendly, non-toxic yoga mat made by a company that cares? Thankfully, a handful of companies do have their act together, with options featuring natural rubber, cork, organic cotton, and wool. These all have their pros and cons, with cork and natural rubber offering the best grip and performance. My personal yoga mat is made of cork with an underlayment of natural rubber. I love its grip and clean smell.
For top picks in eco-friendly yoga mats, check out LeafScore on the web at www.leafscore.com. This site rates ten non-plastic, non-synthetic yoga mats according to toxicity, user experience, durability, sustainability, and transparency. LeafScore also tells you what not to buy. It’s one of my go-to sites for reliable, trustworthy information on what is green and what is not.
From Wild Woman Sisterhood, The Netherlands
June 12, 2022
Walking barefoot. It’s as old as the caveman. Today, for those wanting to live close to the earth, it’s literally grounding.
Grounding is a energetic phenomena one experiences when their bare skin directly connects to Mother Earth. To be grounded is to be energetically centered, to give your energy a point of focus.
Life is all about balance and as earthly beings we truly belong in close quarters to the most natural areas of this planet. We simply are not meant to be indoors and wearing rubber soles every time we leave the house. Modern living has definitely limited the raw contact our bodies have to the earth below our feet. Our bodies starve to be in contact with the earth's electricity on a daily basis.
The same natural dirt that provides us with a surface to live on, and space to grow our food charges our bodies with much needed negative ions. We all have energetic bodies and everything around us comes from pure energy. Today’s technology has a way of infecting us with “dirty energy” or energy that hurts us instead of helps us. Ironically it’s the positive ions that cause us the most harm, especiallly those coming from electrical or dirty energy. Exposing ourselves to more positive ions then negative ions over a lifetime or less can destroy our health.
The cure is Earth's natural healing powers. It’s free and easy to obtain. There’s no catch! Once our skin makes contact with the earth, those positive ions are neutralized and we are again in balance. Balance will support us in living well with good health and prosperity. Most importantly we will feel great!
THE BENEFITS
Boosts immune system
Helps you sleep better
Lowers daily stress
Reduces blood pressure
Fights illness and disease
Increases physical energy and strength
Speeds up the healing process
Drains away positive electrical build up
Charges you with negative ions which come from the earth that our bodies need in order to stay healthy.
Treats anxiety naturally.
Scientific studies found that earthing every day can improve inflammation, immune responses and wound healing. It also can improve the quality of sleep, reduce pain, decrease muscle tension and lower stress.
Why should we ground? Why not?! We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Spend Quality Time in Nature
it’s good for your health, and the health of the planet
February 11, 2022
It’s no secret that I’m an avid fan of our neighbors to the north. Living on Canada’s west coast off and on for the past 15 years has taught me a lot about laid-back Canadian culture. Unlike us in the U.S. who live to work, the Canadians I met work to live. They cherish their many three-day weekends, their extensive vacations, and (perhaps most of all) the beauty of their untamed outdoors.
Many of their customs make so much sense to me, especially this one: As of January, Canadian patients can be sent home with a prescription for an annual national park pass. The goal is to provide health-care professionals with tools that encourage their patients to spend more time in nature—whether it’s a hike, gardening, or just sitting outside. The standard recommendation is two hours of nature time per week, in no less than 20 minute intervals.
Studies show that time in nature can lead to a range of benefits, including less stress and higher self esteem. It’s a possible treatment for anxiety, including climate anxiety. It calms our tensions and helps our nervous systems unwind. The park prescription movement not only helps individual health, it also addresses systemic issues such as climate change, as people who spend time in nature tend to be more apt to protect it.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our doctors prescribed time spent in nature? Perhaps we’d slow down a bit, live more in the moment, and begin to understand the magic of this Earth we are all a part of.
Smartphone Addiction Ruins Sleep
March 10, 2021
Excerpted from CNN
A recent study looking at smartphone use among university students ages 18 to 30 found that nearly 40% of the students qualified as “addicted” to smartphones. Those same students also reported poor quality sleep. Researchers found that later time of use was a factor, with use after 1 a.m. conferring a 3-fold increased risk.
Overuse of smartphones at night was associated with trouble falling asleep, reduced sleep duration, and daytime tiredness. That’s because use of smartphones close to bedtime delays circadian rhythm, the body’s normal sleep/wake cycle. Scientists tell us any LED spectrum of light may further suppress melatonin levels, also referred to as the “sleep hormone.” We sleep better when those levels peak.
What to do about it?
· Consider switching your screen to gray scale mode, to make it less engaging.
· Do not use computers, cell phones, and personal digital devices in bed and at least one hour prior to bed time.
Falling Sperm Counts Attributed to Endocrine Disruptors
March 8, 2021
Something alarming is happening in the U.S. Sperm counts are dropping. Infant boys are developing more genital abnormalities, more girls are experiencing early puberty, and adult women appear to be suffering declining egg quality and miscarriages. Scientists report that from 1973 to 2011, the sperm count of average men in Western countries had fallen by 59 percent. And it’s not just humans. Scientists report genital anomalies in a range of species.
The problem is a class of chemicals called endocrine disruptors, which mimic the body’s hormones and thus fool our cells. This is a particular problem for fetuses as they sexually differentiate early in pregnancy. Infants who have had greater exposure to a certain kind of endocrine disruptor called phthalates have smaller penises. Endocrine disruptors are everywhere: plastics, shampoos, cosmetics, cushions, pesticides, canned foods, and A.T.M. receipts.
Europe and Canada have moved to regulate them, but the U.S. government is at the mercy of chemical lobbyists and their money and has so far refused regulation. Government regulation and corporate responsibility are crucial to manage risks. Thankfully, there are practical suggestions for daily life.
* Store food in glass containers, not plastic. Above all, don’t microwave foods in plastic or topped with plastic wrap.
* Avoid pesticides.
* Buy organic produce, if possible.
* Avoid tobacco and marijuana.
* Use a cotton or linen shower curtain, not a vinyl one.
* Don’t use air fresheners.
* Prevent dust buildup.
* Vet consumer products you use with an online guide like that of the Environmental Working Group, https://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors.
Source: “What Are Sperm Telling Us?” by Nicholas Kristof. The New York Times, Sunday. February 23, 2021
Proper Way to Wash Jeans
September, 2020
My new pair of Levis came with this tag: “Water < Less. Care for our planet. Wash less. Wash cold. Line Dry. Donate or recycle.”
That’s excellent advice. An article in USA Today goes a bit further, advising us to wear and wear and wear our jeans before washing. A report issued by Levi's in 2015 states that washing jeans every ten wears "instead of every two times reduces energy use, climate change impact, and water intake by up to 80%." Levi's CEO Chip Bergh even confessed to not putting his jeans in the washing machine for over a decade. He probably washed them out by hand, when he washed them at all.
Most manufacturers advise wearing your jeans at least three times before washing, and wash them as little as possible. It’s just common sense that, if you live in a more humid climate, or wear your jeans for gardening or construction work, washing more regularly is recommended. But, if you're just doing normal stuff, or wear your jeans only on weekends, you could easily go six months to a year without washing.
Nevertheless, there is one overarching rule: Go by the smell test. Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/10/30/how-often-should-you-wash-your-jeans/2485322001/.
Practice Safe Cell Phone Use
August, 2019
At least six countries have issued warnings to consumers to reduce cellphone radiation exposures, especially for children. Here are more tips:
Use a headset or speaker. Headsets emit much less radiation than phones. Take your headset off your ear when you’re not on a call. Speaker mode also reduces radiation to the head.
Hold the phone away from your ear and your body when you are talking. If you are using a headset, don’t put the pone in your pocket or clip it to your belt. Put it in your bag, purse, or on a nearby surface.
Text more, talk less. Texting keeps radiation away from your head.
Call when the signal is strong. Fewer signal bars mean the phone must work harder to broadcast its signal to the cell tower.
Limit children’s cell phone use. Young children’s brains can absorb twice as much radiation as adults.
Skip the radiation shield. They reduce the connection quality and force the phone to generate more radiation.
For more tips, visit ewg.org/cellphone-radiation.
Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder Scam
December, 2018
Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that asbestos lurked in its baby powder
Source: Reuters, by Mike Wood. https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/johnsonandjohnson-cancer/
J&J to discontinue making talc-based baby powder
May 25, 2020
The marketplace did what regulators could not.
Instead of DEET, Try OLE to Quell Mosquitoes and Ticks
July, 2018
While DEET is the gold standard of insect repellents, it is also a strong synthetic chemical with a tarnished reputation. Although a 2014 EPA review was unable to identify any health or environmental risk, other reports found a potential link to brain damage, and such ill effects as rashes, skin irritation, numb or burning lips, nausea, headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating. So it's a bit of a mixed bag.
There is a plant-based alternative. Oil of lemon eucalyptus derived from eucalyptus leaves and approved by the Center for Disease Control. It’s listed on insect repellant labels with the letters OLE. Its synthetic component is listed as PMD. Products containing OLE and PMD include Repel and Off! Botanicals.
So how effective is it? Consumer Reports found that one insect repellent containing 30 percent oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) did well in tests, warding off mosquitoes and ticks for at least 7 hours. Other products with plant-based oils – including cedar, cinnamon, citronella, clove, geranium, lemongrass, rosemary, and peppermint – provided little protection, often failing within a half-hour.
“Pure” oil of lemon eucalyptus (essential oil not formulated as a repellent) is not recommended as it has not undergone validated testing for safety and is not registered with EPA as an insect repellent.
Warning: The stuff has a strong odor. That’s why it works. It even comes with a flammable warning.
So don’t reach for DEET. Look for products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE on the label) instead.
Source: “CDC lists oil of lemon eucalyptus as comparable to DEET for mosquitoes,” by Melissa Breyer, June 29, 2018.
https://www.treehugger.com/health/using-oil-lemon-eucalyptus-instead-deet-mosquitoes.html
Stop Microplastic Pollution
May, 2018
I’ve been on my high horse lately about microplastics, tiny microscopic plastic fibers embedded in synthetic fabrics, like fleece, Spandex, and polyester. When laundered, these fabrics release tiny microfibers into our oceans and waterways, finding their way into the food chain. One study found that, on average, synthetic fleece jackets release 1.7 grams of microfibers in each wash. It’s a big problem. To make matters worse, when plastic gets into the human body it’s stored in fat and attracts carcinogens, leading to all kinds of undesirable outcomes.
Until washing machine manufacturers find a filter to keep these beads out of the wastewater, it’s up to us, the consumer, to find a solution.
Now there is one. It’s called Guppyfriend, a washing bag that protects synthetic garments and reduces the number of microfibers that get flushed through washing machines. The single compartment bag is made from 100% polyamide and can be fully recycled. Clothes in the bag undergo less mechanical stress and less friction with other clothes, leading to decreased fiber loss and significantly increasing the lifetime of your garments —-saving the environment and prolonging your wardrobe.
It’s available for $29.75 from the Buy Me Once website, buymeonce.com. Try it.
Don’t Buy or Wear Fleece
It’s not sustainable
Reduce Cancer Risk
January, 2018
Lifestyle factors can play a large role in warding off health problems. Here are three little-known tips:
#1. Talk to your hair stylist
Many studies suggest that regular exposure to chemicals found in semi-permanent and permanent dyes may increase cancer risk. Some studies have particularly focused on the potential link between hair dyes and blood cancers — such as leukemia and lymphoma — and bladder cancer. To be safe, let your hair go natural or talk to your hairdresser about safer alternatives.
#2. Consider contraception alternatives
Evidence does not conclude that using birth control pills causes breast cancer, but research has found that women who use them may have a 10 to 30 percent higher risk of breast cancer than women who have never used them. Studies also show that women who stop taking the pill can reduce their risk of cancer over time.
#3. Avoid styrofoam cups and take-out containers
Styrene, a chemical found in foam coffee cups and take-out containers, is a possible human carcinogen. Long-term exposure has been linked to cancers of the esophagus and pancreas, according to some studies.
Source: Health Central magazine,
Sustainable Clothing. It Matters.
October, 2017
I try hard to walk the talk and wear natural fabrics (all the time), dyed with natural dyes (when possible). It limits what I buy, and I like it that way. These clothes are well-made, good quality, easy to care for (requiring soap, not detergent, to wash), and feel great next to my skin. I'm hoping this is the next big trend America embarks upon, because sustainability in all aspects of daily life is important.
America’s quest for the latest fashion leads to a lot of waste. I call it fast clothes—poorly made, flimsy fabric in a trendy look. But it doesn’t last. Washing takes it’s toll on the poorly made fabric. Seams don’t hold up. It’s expensive. It’s wasteful. We need a return to what I call slow clothes, a term adopted from the Slow Food movement.
Here’s a quick look at the fabrics you’ll likely to encounter next time you’re out shopping for clothes:
Felt hat, silk coat, silk tee and scarf, cotton denim blue jeans
LINEN is a plant-based fabric made from flax which can be cultivated and processed without chemicals, although some methods of processing do release pollutants into waterways. Linen can be grown on non-arable land unfit for other crops, and is thus a sustainable fabric for clothing.
COTTON is a natural plant-based fiber that makes up a quarter of all fabric used in clothing, furniture, and other textile blends. It is durable, breathable, and highly versatile. It is also biodegradable, which is a huge plus, considering the damage caused by synthetic fabrics. Cotton, however, is a resource hog. It uses a tremendous amount of water (3% of global water use, according to the UN), a tremendous amount of pesticides (7% of all chemicals used for agriculture in the U.S.), and a lot of arable land (2% globally). Organic cotton can improve the chemical effect, but it tends to require more land because crop yields decrease.
WOOL, an animal product, is a good eco-option. It’s tough, wrinkle-resistant, is good at retaining its original shape, and it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling damp. Wool holds colorful dyes easily, without the use of chemicals.
Wool can replace many of the water-resistant synthetics and polyester fleeces that feature prominently in outdoor gear without fear of microfiber shedding – which wreaks havoc for wildlife down the food chain.
RAYON, MODAL, and BAMBOO are made from cellulose that comes from softwood trees. While the raw crop is biodegradable, the chemicals required to transform it into fabric can cause serious health problems for factory workers, including Parkinson’s disease, premature heart attack and stroke. It’s been reported that some workers cannot even make it home after a day’s work due to effects of toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Carbon disulfide, for example, is known to cause blindness. By the time the fabric gets to the store, it poses no danger to consumers.
TENCEL, on the other hand, while made of cellulose, is produced using recyclable, earth-friendly solvents. When blended with cotton, Tencel adds wrinkle-resistance and the lustrous feel of a silk.
When evaluating sustainability, we must also look at the source of cellulose used to make these fabrics. Rayon made in China likely comes from Indonesia, where old-growth rainforests are being destroyed to make way for bamboo, planted specifically for textile manufacturing. Bamboo grows quickly and is thus more profitable.
BAMBOO is a cellulosic fabric using the same chemical process as rayon and modal, but if the fabric is processed mechanically, rather than chemically, it has a much smaller impact. This is called ‘bamboo linen’ and is harder to find and more expensive.
A few factories in Europe and Canada use healthier chemicals in manufacturing bamboo fabric. It’s a good idea to check before you buy. Ask the store clerk. If you can’t get an answer, the retailer probably doesn’t care much about sustainability.
POLYESTER currently dominates the clothing industry, found in 60% of clothing. People like it for its stretchiness, durability, and comfort, but it’s important to remember that it’s a plastic manufactured from crude oil (an energy-intensive process). Even though some manufacturers are adding recycled polyester (often sourced from plastic bottles) these have the same environmental repercussions as new polyester, which can be huge.
We now know when polyester (including fleece and spandex) is washed it releases plastic microfibers into waterways. These persist indefinitely, contaminating lakes and oceans and getting ingested by animals and, indirectly, by humans. It’s a big problem.
HEMP is, perhaps, the most environmentally-friendly option of all when it comes to clothing. It rates top of the line in all factors when it comes to economic and environmental sustainability of our planet.
Consider these facts from Sympatico, an online clothing company:
• Hemp clothing absorbs and releases perspiration quickly and breathes well
• Hemp clothing absorbs dye easily and retains color well
• Hemp clothing holds up to repeated washings and never needs dry cleaning
• Hemp clothing is naturally anti-microbial
• Hemp clothing is resistant to mold and mildew
• Hemp fabric gets softer the more it's washed and worn, and doesn’t need dry cleaning.
Hemp grows rapidly and requires little water and no pesticides or herbicides. Its deep roots anchor and aerate the soil in which it’s grown. Hemp produces more fiber per acre than trees, cotton or flax (for linen).
Hemp clothing is easy to care for and tolerates hot water temperatures. If the garment has been pre-shrunk, a hot dryer will not harm it. Hemp clothing air dries quickly.
I have several hemp items in my wardrobe and love how easy they are to wear and care for. Their fit is casual and relaxed. Garments may feel a bit stiff in the beginning, but hemp grows softer with laundering and wear. If I spill food or get dirt on these clothes, simply putting a little laundry soap on the spot and letting it sit for a few minutes before washing is sufficient to remove the spot.
SPANDEX, FLEECE, AND OUTDOOR FABRICS. Plastic microfibers in synthetic clothing are rapidly poisoning oceans and waterways, finding their way into the food chain. In an alarming study released in 2017, researchers at the University of California at Santa Barbara found that, on average, synthetic fleece jackets release 1.7 grams of microfibers each wash. It also found that older jackets shed almost twice as many fibers as new jackets. What is astounding is how many fibers are released with every wash. One study revealed that every city of 100,000 residents releases a wash-related volume of microfibers that’s equivalent to 15,000 plastic bags. That means that a city the size of Los Angeles is releasing enough microfibers to make more than half a million plastic bags daily.
CHOOSE ORGANIC, BIODEGRADABLE FABRICS. Every piece of clothing has an impact on the environment, but the big question is how much of an impact? Is it hard on the planet in its manufacture? In it’s disposal? Some are harder on the planet than others. What’s the concerned consumer to do?
Best advice is to choose organic, biodegradable fabrics. These are more expensive, which means you’ll likely buy less – but that’s a good thing. We need to break free from the trendy fashion mentality that encourages a disposable attitude toward clothes. Instead, buy clothing you plan to get a lot of use out of, clothing that won’t end up in the trash or donation pile a few months down the road.
Next time you’re clothes shopping, choose fabrics you’ll enjoy wearing – that feel good next to your skin – and that will last. Search for vintage and locally made, handcrafted garments made of breathable cotton-linen or cotton-polyester blend; hemp or organic-cotton blend. Look for relaxed garments you’d want to wear everyday, but aren’t just basics. Have fun with it.
Linen, my favorite for summer
Sources: treehugger.com.
Maiwa, in Vancouver, BC, is where I buy most of my clothes. They ship. Check it out--https:maiwa.com.
Check out "What's Needed to Clean Up the Fashion Industry", https://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-fashion/whats-needed-clean-fashion-industry.html
What Is Your Shampoo
Made Of?
October, 2017
Many commercial soaps and shampoos are filled with toxic synthetic ingredients, including potential carcinogens. One such chemical is cocamide die-tha-no-la-mine, listed on labels as cocamide DEA. California listed cocamide DEA as a known carcinogen in 2012 under its Prop 65 law, which requires warning labels on consumer products. Unfortunately, Iowa has no such law. Most people believe products sold in stores are tested for safety, but that’s not true. It’s consumer beware in the marketplace today,
Included on California’s Center for Environmental Health’s list of carcinogenic shampoos are brand name products from Kohl’s, Pharmaca, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s. The Center found that even some children’s shampoos contain DEA.
To find out what’s in your shampoo, check out the brand online at the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep website—EWG.org. The Environmental Working Group maintains a database of 3,900 shampoos which they’ve tested and rated according to safety. The site has a database for cleaning products, pesticides, and water filters, too, and much more—a handy, useful reference for all things green and nontoxic.
Make Your Own Shampoo?
October, 2017
Most shampoos are composed of chemicals made in a laboratory, not found in nature. I'm fairly careful about what I buy, what I put in and on my body, so I was stunned to discover the shampoo I'd been using for several years--from a company that touted its environmental awareness--was filled with synthetic junk. So I switched. I now use So Pure Natural Balance by Keune. The label says it's sulfite and paraben-free.
I'm experimenting, though, and tempted to try making my own shampoos. If I get really adventurous I'm going to try this recipe from treehugger.com. There are just two ingredients: baking soda and apple cider vinegar.
RECIPE
Measure 2 tbsp baking soda into a 1 pint glass jar. Wet hair. Fill jar with water and stir to dissolve baking soda. Pour over head and scrub into hair. Rinse. Measure 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar into same jar. Add water, pour over head, and rinse almost immediately.
These amounts are for long hair. If yours is short to medium length, use 1 tbsp of baking soda and vinegar in 1 cup of water. If your hair doesn’t seem clean enough once it’s dried, use a bit more soda next time.
Anyone adventurous out there who wants to try it? Let me know how it works. I'll post the results.
Source: http://www.treehugger.com/organic-beauty/no-shampoo-experiment-20.html
Make Your Own Cosmetics
March, 2018
Making your own cosmetics is a great way to ensure the ingredients are pure and natural, and to minimize wasteful, non-recyclable packaging. Most of the ingredients use familiar ingredients you can find at the supermarket or health food store, such as arrowroot powder, cornstarch, cocoa powder, activated charcoal, and coconut oi.
Here are two easy recipes for eyeliner from treehugger.com.
Charcoal eyeliner is made from activated charcoal, a black powder perfect for makeup. If you can apply it dry, it may feel a bit gritty but it will stay put. Add oil for a smoother feel, but watch out for smudging. One word of caution. Be sure to source coal-free charcoal, such as Nature’s Way that makes its charcoal from burned coconut shells. If you can’t source coal-free charcoal, try the following recipe for almond eyeliner.
Almond eyeliner is made from burned almonds, which is a traditional way of making “kohl” or “kajal” in the Middle East and India. this recipe calls for the addition of ghee (clarified butter), but you can also use coconut oil.
Both of these recipes are found on the website treehugger.com, along with make-your-own recipes for powder blush, mascara, eye shadow, powder and liquid foundation, and zero-waste tanner.
The Truth: Rayon & Bamboo
August, 2017
I’ve been living green for approximately 25 years now. I’m not perfect, but I do my best. At one point I realized I had to walk my talk and green my wardrobe. Consequently, I try my best to wear all natural fabrics and, when possible, fabrics dyed with plant-based, not synthetic dyes. It’s a hard line to walk, but worth it. I find I buy fewer clothes than I used to because my options are limited, which pleases me. I mean, really, how many sweaters does one person need? Or pairs of pants? Or jackets? Plus, I avoid the mall, a soul-destroying environment if there ever was one.
When possible, I buy linen, silk, and wool fabrics for dress-up and all-cotton (hopefully organic) for everyday. I stay way away from polyester because it contains petroleum. But what about rayon? Advertisers say it’s eco-friendly because it’s made from wood pulp. But is it really? So I went digging to find the answers, and hit gold.
Rayon is made from cellulose in the form of wood pulp, but when you apply the three-part eco-rule—is it dangerous in its (1) manufacture, (2) use, (3) and/or disposal?—rayon looks bad. Very bad. The fabric is extremely dangerous in its manufacture for factory workers, not the “miracle of modern chemistry” it’s touted to be. It is safe for those who wear the clothing or use rayon in other applications, such as for sausage casings, cellophane, sponges, and tires prior to 1950.
Developed in the early 20th century under the name “viscose,” the product cannot be made without toxic chemistry. To make rayon, wood pulp is mixed with caustic carbon disulfide, then bathed in sulfuric acid. Carbon disulfide, a potent solvent which offgases into the air during manufacture, is a known nerve poison which interferes with brain function, reportedly making “workers insane.” Sulfuric acid causes serious eye damage. In one report, workers had to be walked home at the end of the day because they could no longer see. In addition to causing air pollution, it’s known to cause impotence in males, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.
What about textiles made with bamboo, the new “green” fabric? Like rayon, bamboo textiles are made using carbon disulfide. If you’re enamored of bamboo fabrics, best to find out where the fabric is manufactured. Adequate factory ventilation may solve the problem. Factories in Europe have better controls than those in Indonesia and India. Nevertheless, if you’re buying from a store that touts itself as eco-friendly, clerks should be able to tell you where the fabric is made, and assure you that workers were not harmed during its manufacture. If they can't do that, or don't know what you're talking about, you can rest assured the bamboo isn't manufactured in an environmentally-friendly manner.
Bottom line: Read labels. Avoid rayon. Avoid bamboo unless you're certain workers aren't harmed during its manufacture.
Sources:
“The Current,” CBC radio, Feb. 9, 2017: http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-february-9-2017-1.3972476/why-rayon-is-killing-industry-workers-author-paul-blanc-1.3972480
Treehugger: https://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/us-consumer-watchdog-says-shoo-to-bamboo-textiles.html
Fake Silk: The Lethal History of Viscose Rayon, by Paul Blanc, Yale University Press, 2016.
Prioritize Self Care
By Linda Mason Hunter
December, 2024
This new year promises to be a challenging, confusing, chaotic one. I’ve been concerned about how my life will change, and how I will change along with it, while keeping my joy, my bank account, and my sense of humor in tact.
After much rumination, I’ve decided to prioritize self care. If I fall apart, my little corner of the world falls apart. Here’s how I define self care:
(1) Exercise at least 30 minutes three to five times a week.
(2) Eat a minimum of three cups of fresh organic fruits and vegetables every day.
(3) Use stimulants in moderation—caffeine, alcohol, gummies, sugar.
(4) Stick to a schedule that permits at least 7 hours of sleep a night.
(5) Live in the moment. Don’t rush through my days.
(6) When I find my blood pressure rising, take three deep breaths before reacting, and repeat this Buddhist manta: “So this is what’s happening now.”
Six elements of self care. All doable. We shall see how it works out.
Get Outdoors!
June 6, 2023
Want to get away from the pressures of modern life? Get outdoors! Enjoy the summer. Exposure to nature has been linked to improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders—even upticks in empathy and cooperation. Even just a few moments of green can perk up a tired brain.
Here are few tips:
· Invite family, friends, co-workers, to lunch on a patio or park.
· Practice grounding. Find a quiet green place, kick off your shoes, and simply stand. Feel the earth beneath your feet.
· Use your feet. Walk, bike, scooter or skate instead of driving.
· Free your mind. Being in nature can reduce rumination, a mental pattern associated with depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
· Notice the fragrance of the air around you. Stop to smell the flowers.
· Savor the sunset or sunrise.
· Watch the clouds, one of my favorite activities.
· Camp for three days. Immersing yourself in nature for longer periods of time improves thinking.
· Grab a blanket, find a shady spot, and take a nap.
· Go swimming. It releases endorphins and helps reduce stress.
· Get your hands dirty. Dig in the earth. It’s a natural antidepressant.
Even moderate physical activity protects the brain
May 17, 2023
A new study from the United Kingdom found that people who spent as much as 6 to 9 minutes in more vigorous activities, compared to sitting, sleeping or gentle activities, had higher cognition scores.
Moderate physical activity is defined as brisk walking or bicycling or running up and down stairs. Vigorous movement, such as aerobic dancing, jogging, running, swimming and biking up a hill, will boost your heart rate and breathing.
The study found that doing 10 minutes of moderate to vigorous exertion each day improved working memory but had its biggest impact on executive processes such as planning and organization.
Cognitive improvement following under 10 minutes of vigorous activity was modest, but as additional time was spent the benefits grew.
There was bad news, as well. Spending more time over-sleeping, sitting, or engaged only in mild movement was linked to a negative impact on the brain.
So, get out there and MOVE. Even minimal changes to your daily routine can have downstream consequences for your cognition.
Source: Journal of Experimental Medicine, Sept. 21, 2023; https://rupress.org/jem/article/219/11/e20220081/213487/Sleep-exerts-lasting-effects-on-hematopoietic-stem
Choose Eco Toothpaste, Brushes, Floss
By Linda Mason Hunter
About one billion (with a B) toothpaste tubes and one billion plastic toothbrushes end up in landfills every year. That’s a huge carbon footprint, and completely unnecessary. It takes plastic eons to break down. By foregoing plastic altogether you can minimize your impact on the planet and still practice good dental hygiene. Perhaps it’s time you completely overhauled your dental care. It’s not that difficult to do.
TOOTHPASTE
For years I made my own toothpaste. Well, using the word “made” is a bit of a misnomer. I simply brushed with baking soda, which worked well and left a clean taste in my mouth. Unfortunately, it was so abrasive it removed part of the enamel on a front tooth. Thankfully, I caught it in time. It’s not apparent to anyone but my dentist and me. So, back to Square One. If I want to avoid plastic and toothpaste made with synthetic chemicals, what do I do?
Bulk paste and non-abrasive powder toothpaste is available online and in most health food stores.
You can also find toothpaste tablets (simply crush and brush). Chances are they don’t contain fluoride, though, recommended by most dentists.
TOOTHBRUSHES
The best alternative to plastic is bamboo. Not only is it popular and accessible, it has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties. Remove the bristles when they’re done and toss the handle in your compost bin.
Non-GMO cornstarch toothbrushes are made from 100 percent biodegradable, sustainably grown corn. Compost it when it wears out.
Bamboo toothbrushes
DENTAL FLOSS
Most commercial floss is made from waxed nylon, which is non-recyclable, non-biodegradable and packaged in plastic. Plastic dental picks also contribute to plastic waste in landfills.
The best eco-alternatives are biodegradable floss made of plant-based materials, like corn, and waxed in candelilla for strength and ease of use.
Water flossers use a pulsating stream to remove plaque and food debris between teeth and gums.
RECYCLE
If you aren’t ready to overhaul your dental care habits, at least recycle your toothbrushes, flossers, toothpaste tubes and caps, plastic packaging and mouthwash bottles and caps via TerraCycle’s oral care free recycling program. Create an account, print a free shipping label and ship it off. Once collected, products and packaging are cleaned and separated by material type, then recycled into raw formats manufacturers can use to make new products.
And remember… Never flush floss!
Source: David Suzuki Foundation, Vancouver, BC Canada; TerraCycle: https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/colgate#@37.09024:-95.712891zoom:4
When It Comes to Laundry, What Clothes Are Made of Matters
December 12, 2022
Aside from noticeable odors or visible stains, when your clothes need to be laundered largely depends on how the garments are worn. Clothes that you exercise and sweat in, for example, should be washed more frequently than the outfit you wear to work a desk job.
What most people don’t realize is the type of material your clothes are made out of also determines how long you can go between washes. Natural fibers like wool or cotton typically need to be washed less than synthetic materials, such as polyester. While polyester works well for activewear because of its moisture wicking properties, the material attracts oil from skin that can contribute to body odor. To make matters worse, sweaty-smelling compounds can cling to polyester fibers and not wash out completely, leading to a buildup of odors over time.
The chemical structures of natural fabrics are very different from synthetics. Wool, for example, is naturally odor resistant. The fibers can absorb large amounts of moisture which helps to keep skin drier, and prevent the sweat and bacteria that cause body odor from collecting. Wool fibers also trap odor molecules and only release them when laundered. Odorous compounds, perspiration and oil are locked away in the center of wool fibers. Even if you’ve been sweating, you likely won’t see sweat stains or smell. On the other hand, if you wear polyester for a few hours, you have to wash it because polyester loves body oils and odors.
Source: “Know What Needs Washing and When,” by Carolyn VanHouten. The Washington Post, Climate Solutions, Nov. 29, 2022. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2022/11/29/laundry-cold-water-environment/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=wp_energy_and_environment&wpisrc=nl_green
Even a short break from cosmetics causes a significant drop of hormone disrupting chemicals
A study led by researchers at UC Berkeley demonstrates how even a short break from certain kinds of makeup, shampoos, and lotions leads to a large drop in levels of hormone-disrupting chemicals in the body.
Researchers gave 100 teenagers various personal care products labeled to be free of common chemicals, including phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and oxybenzone. These chemicals are used regularly in almost all conventional personal care products such as cosmetics, soap, sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products. Animal studies have shown they directly interfere with the body’s endocrine system.
After only three days urine samples of girls using only the lower-chemical products showed a significant drop in the level of chemicals in the body. Teen girls may be at particular risk since it’s a time of rapid reproductive development, and research has suggested they use more personal care products per day than the average adult woman.
Seeing the drop in chemical levels after just three days shows that choosing products with fewer chemicals can make a difference. There is also growing evidence linking endocrine-disrupting chemicals to neurobehavioral problems, obesity, and cancer cell growth.
Source: Collective Evolution, January 10, 2021
Smartphones May Worsen Headaches
March 10, 2021
Excerpted from CNN
If you think time spent on your smartphone could be contributing to a relentless headache, you may be right. Researchers studying people with a primary headache condition not caused by another illness found that smartphone users were more likely to use more pain medication but find less relief compared to those who didn’t use smartphones. While the research doesn’t conclude whether smartphones cause headaches, it does add to a body of knowledge that questions the health effects of smartphones as we become increasingly more reliant on them to fulfill daily tasks.
What’s to blame? It’s possible that posture is the culprit. Bending the neck to scroll through your phone (what’s called “text neck”) has been found to cause strain on a person’s spine that can feel like the equivalent of 20 or 30 pounds. This strain can lead to headache. Or, it could be eye strain caused by improper focusing due to increase phone use and holding the device too close to your face. It could be the phone’s lighting, or the stress of being connected all the time.
Features such as hands-free settings, voice activation, and audio functions could potentially hold the key to helping users benefit from their smartphones without exacerbating their headaches. Further studies are needed, but the fact that smartphone users require more painkillers to abort headaches and have a higher pill count per month hints that smartphone use and headache needs to be studied in longitudinal studies.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/04/health/smartphone-headache-wellness/index.html
Wear Natural Fiber Clothing
your clothes are an agricultural choice
January 5, 2021
If you care about what you eat, you should care about what you wear.
By Katherine Martinko for Treehugger.com
Ever since Rebecca Burgess, director of Fibershed, explained in an interview that "your clothes are an agricultural act," and a choice between the biosphere and the lithosphere, my view of clothes has shifted dramatically. Most people realize that synthetic fabrics shed microfibers, but it's not as common to think of clothing purchases as a decision to buy plants versus fossil fuels. Say no to wearing plastic in 2021, at least as much as you can.
Source: https://www.treehugger.com/your-clothes-are-an-agricultural-choice-5084399
The Life You Save May Be Your Own
July, 2019
My dad is 100. His mother lived two months shy of 104. Three weeks ago my dad sky dived for the first time, free-falling from 13,000 feet. What’s his secret? He says it’s whiskey. That’s part of it, but there’s a lot more going on. He loves life more than anyone I know. He’s a jokester and a tease. He works out in the gym for 90 minutes every day. My mother always cooked balanced nutritious meals with food from our garden.
Why do some people age quickly, while others live to be 100+, and still enjoy good health? A lot of it is genetics, but it seems more people are sick today than in the past. What’s going on?
To find out I watched an online film from the Human Longevity Project, and discovered there’s been an explosion of chronic disease in last 40-50 years. Life expectancy is not growing. In fact, it’s going downhill rapidly. Senior citizens around my age will outlive their own children, as will each succeeding generation. Today’s adolescents are predicted to have a shorter life spans than their parents, who have a shorter lifespan than their parents. In the last 50 years there’s been a dramatic increase in asthma, ADHD, autism, mental illness, diabetes, obesity, chronic fatigue. Sixty percent of Americans have an autoimmune condition.
What exactly is aging? Medical professionals in the film say it boils down to cellular health. Brain, heart, kidneys, muscles go first. This concerns me with 5G, the latest generation of wireless cellular technology predicted to be rolled out nationwide by 2020. Scientific studies prove that electromagnetic radiation damages human health at the cellular level. Not good news for SmartPhone enthusiasts.
So what else are we doing that makes us age faster than our ancestors? It’s all a matter of lifestyle. We’re sitting more. Staying inside rather than spending time outside. Eating industrial food, bent over computers for hours in a day. Walking around with our ears glued to Smartphones. Not healthy!
How can you age slowly and gracefully? Walk at least 15 minutes every day, outside! Eat organic vegetables. Maintain an ideal weight. Opt for plant-based pharmaceuticals. Limit Smartphone time. Enjoy authenticity and the companionship of others. It just may save your life.
Be Careful In Choosing Sunscreen
April 27, 2019
Summer is right around the corner. Time to pull out the beach bag, dig in the garden, and stock up on sunscreen.
Sunscreen is really important. But right now, we have no guarantee that sunscreens on store shelves are safe or actually protect your skin! They can contain worrisome and poorly studied chemicals that absorb into your body – like the potential endocrine-disrupting chemical oxybenzone. And some have meaninglessly high SPF ratings.
A reliable source on the safety of a variety of brands is the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Sunscreens, available on its website, https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/. In an analysis of various brands, scientists found that two out of three sunscreens in the Guide contain oxybenzone, a potentially toxic chemical that is suspected to harm our health and our planet. Chemical companies and sunscreen manufacturers should be required to conduct tests to show that this ingredient is safe.
SPF ratings pose another problem. You might think reaching for a 100+ SPF sunscreen is the safest bet. But these sky-high SPFs may be dangerous. They can overexpose people to ultraviolet radiation by giving users a false sense of security, leading people to stay out in the sun longer and reapply sunscreen less often – increasing their chances of skin damage or cancer. A new proposal from the FDA might finally make sunscreens safer and more effective. The new regulations would ban misleadingly high SPFs, setting a cap at SPF 60+. But until then it’s buyer beware in the marketplace.
Five Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid
July, 2018
It’s good to remember that, while we do need protection to prevent sunburn, blocking out the sun entirely is not ideal. Rich in vitamin D, it offers a number of other health benefits, including (oddly enough) cancer prevention. We’ve been conditioned to fear the sun and, as a result, adults and children are choosing to drench themselves in a bath of toxic hormone-disrupting chemicals. As it turns out, these same chemicals are destroying our coral reefs and harming fish and wildlife, as well.
While no sunscreen has been proven to be completely ‘reef-friendly,’ those with titanium oxide or zinc oxide, which are natural mineral ingredients, have not been found to be harmful. Sunscreens sold for children or for those with sensitive skin may contain these gentler compounds as the active ingredients.
The Environmental Working Group recommends you use sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, octocrylene, 4MBC, butylparaben and octinoxate. In addition, avoid SPF above 50, retinal palmitate, aerosol sprays, and insect repellent.
But the best ways to protect yourself from the sun is to do so with clothes, hats, sunglasses, parasols, and good old shade. Wear hats and use shade in the mid-day sun. Use SPF 30 for intense sun for broad spectrum protection. Use a lot and reapply frequently.
For more information, check out the Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide at https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/.
Source: “Five Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid,” by Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, May 22, 2018. file:///2018%20GZ/5%20sunscreen%20ingredients%20to%20avoid%20%7C%20TreeHugger.webarchive
For more information on harmful chemicals in sunscreen, see:
http://wisemindhealthybody.com/collective-evolution/sunscreen-causing-cancer-not-sun/?c=aan.
How To Wash Your Hands
May, 2018
Washing your hands helps you avoid becoming infected with bacteria and viruses. Here is the method recommended by the Center for Disease Control:
1. Wet your hands with warm or cold running water and apply plain soap. Skip antibacterial soap.
2. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Bacteria can hide out here too.
3. Continue rubbing hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum “Happy Birthday” from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.
There’s no need to get obsessive about it, just make it a habit, especially after going to the bathroom, before brushing your teeth, before and during food preparation, and after handling babies and animals.
Clean Up Your Cosmetics
February, 2018
Cosmetics are poorly regulated and commonly made from untested chemicals. Manufacturers can use almost any ingredient they choose. In fact, cosmetics and grooming supplies contain loads of synthetic chemicals that harm, not help, your skin. Some touted to moisturize actually dry out your skin—the opposite effect of what you want—to keep you going back for more.
What to do? The Environmental Working Group website (ewg.org) has a guide to help you choose the most plant-based cosmetics. It contains tests of 73,000 products, and rates them according to how green they are. EWG also has an app for your Smart Phone. Scan your favorite products to see how they score. Use the app when shopping to make a better choice.
EWG also has a guide of quick tips for choosing safer personal care products. It’s chock-full of tips on how to read product labels, how to shop smart, and other valuable information. Simply download the guide to your computer from the website.
Make ewg.org your handy guide to everyday products for greener living.
problem products & their concerns
Some categories of products have major safety concerns. Avoid them, especially for kids.
* Hair Straighteners—Cancer, allergy, skin and scalp irritation, hair damage and hair loss.
* Dark Permanent Hair Dyes—Allergy and cancer.
* Loose Powders—Inhalation risk.
* Perfumes/Fragrances—Allergy.
* Skin Lighteners—Skin irritation and damage.
common ingredients with safety concerns
These ingredients can have harmful contaminants:
AVOID: DMDM hydantoin. Diazolidinyl urea. Imidazolidinyl urea. Ceteareth. PEG and polyethylene.
Products containing “fragrance” on the label can contain hundred of chemicals and may trigger allergic reactions.
For more tips on buying safer personal care products, check out: www.ewg.org/skindeep/top-tips-for-safer-products/
Report Condemns Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion
April 10, 2020
Four Traits of Ethical Brands
from Treehugger.com
October, 2017
How can you tell if a brand truly lives up to its green promise—or if it’s all greenwashing? Whether you’re shopping for clothing or cosmetics, there are a few common traits that indicate if a brand is serious about sustainable, ethical production. They are:
#1. A short, clear ingredient list.
#2. Minimal packaging.
#3. Fair trade or direct trade.
#4. Philanthropic heart.
Stay Away from Spandex
and Fleece
October, 2017
There’s a new environmental danger that is poisoning our waterways at an alarming rate—laundry water containing plastic microfibers from synthetic clothing, like Spandex and fleece. Synthetic microfibers are particularly dangerous because their size allows them to be readily consumed by fish and other wildlife. These plastic fibers have the potential to bioaccumulate and enter the food chain, ending up on our plates in the food we eat.
It’s not a small problem. Microfibers – tiny threads shed from fabric – have been found in abundance on shorelines where waste water is released. When one researcher cut open a Great Lakes fish she found synthetic fibers everywhere, weaving themselves into the gastrointestinal tract. She had never seen anything like it.
While Patagonia and other outdoor companies, like Polartec, use recycled plastic bottles as a way to conserve and reduce waste, this latest research indicates that is even more likely to cause problems. Breaking a plastic bottle into millions of fibrous bits of plastic might prove to be worse than doing nothing at all.
So please think twice before buying those yoga pants or fleece jackets, or anything containing Spandex. Try to find an organic, biodegradable alternative fabric.
Manifesto for Green Living
January, 2018
A new company called Guppyfriend is working on a laundry bag to catch plastic microfibers when they’re being washed, so they don’t end up in our lakes and oceans. Guppyfriend is also lobbying washing machine manufacturers to install a special filter to catch microfibers before they enter the waste stream.
That’s all good news. But there are actions YOU can take, now, to cut down on microfiber waste. Guppyfriend has included these actions in the following STOP! MICRO WASTE manifesto. Here it is:
* I’ll fight convenience and avoid single-use plastic
* I won’t wash synthetic garments without filtering the wastewater
* I’ll reuse all valuable materials
* I’ll separate waste
* I’ll repair before I buy new stuff
* I’ll use my critical skills to avoid misleading advertising
* I know I don´t need much and will focus on the essentials
* I acknowledge that my contribution to protecting nature matters
If we continue as we have been, the pollution of our oceans will be irreversible. Please reflect and change your habits. And convince others to do so, too. Spread the word. We need to act. Now.
