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May 2009
"Though April showers may come your way,
they bring the flowers that bloom in May."
From the song, "April Showers"
Introduced by Al Jolson on Broadway in 1921,
but not recorded by him until 1932. |
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"Spring - an experience in immortality."
- Henry D. Thoreau
Nature experiences a season of rest and repose during the winter months, then the April rains gently nourish the growth of the flowers we see in May,
We also go through seasons in our lives. When we see only clouds and rain, we may forget Spring is yet to be. However, as the native American proverb reminds us, "The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears." A rainbow comes through the clouds after the rain. Our faith is renewed and we embrace life. The flowers of our spring appear again! Our "flowers" may come in the form of happenings,changes, overcoming challenges, or people in our lives. Once again we have the opportunity to enjoy the bouquets of new growth and new directions. Yet, it does not stop there. As flowers grow from a seed or a vine, we need to remember to plant a seed in someone else's life also. It is within the seeds of kindness and a loving heart that immortality does exist.
Thank you for being the flowers in my bouquet.
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In This Article
Lawn Pesticides and Fertilizers
Parents: What you need to know about head lice shampoo
If Organic foods are beyond the budget.........
When we consider that children spend more time than adults going barefoot, rolling on lawns, making mudpies and eating dirt, it makes more sense to avoid using chemical lawn and garden products in our own yards as well as encouraging our neighbors to do the same.
A National Cancer Institute study found children's risk of developing childhood leukemia increased sixfold among those living where pesticides were used in the home and garden. Researchers claim they can identify most of the pesticides used in the home by testing the residues in the carpet and underlay. When we consider that children spend more time than adults going barefoot, rolling on lawns, making mudpies and eating dirt, it makes more sense to avoid using chemical lawn and garden products in our own yards as well as encouraging our neighbors to do the same. We can avoid tracking in soil contaminants by having everyone remove their shoes at the door. Using natural methods to build up the health of our lawn and garden increases their resistance to weeds and pests
In a survey of New York it was found that 87% of the state's schools use pesticides containing substances that cause immediate and long-term health problems. As a result of this type of exposure children may exhibit a reduction or inability to pay attention in school, diminished IQ, hyperactivity, aggression, unruliness and sleepiness. The more serious long-term consequence is damaged immune systems that affect the ability to ward off serious illness or cancer.
Doris Rapp, MD. writes that "Herbicides are pesticides. They kill more than weeds, can be neurotoxic or potentially harmful to the brain, nervous and hormonal systems of pets and humans as well as to insects." This statement should make us think about why such a large number of children appear to have learning problems and what they may be exposed to at school and at home.
Children's head lice shampoo
Many parents have panicked when faced with a child who comes home with head lice or scabies and have used a shampoo containing a pesticide on the child's head. A common active ingredient is Lindane, an organochlorine related to the now banned DDT that may result in seizures ar severe mental retardation. Here, the non-toxic alternative is to use coconut or olive oil based soaps as they have natural insecticidal properties. Saturate the hair and scalp in olive oil and wrap in a towel overnight. Use a nit comb in the morning to remove the dead lice and nits.
Of the 600 active pesticide ingredients registered, the EPA will provide safety assurance for only six of them. Even if pesticide is banned it can be legally used as an inert filler and in some cases 99% of a pesticide's ingredients may be inert.
If Organic foods are beyond the reach of the budget
This makes a strong case for going organic in your home and shopping habits. Since children eat mush more in the way of fruit and vegetables than adults per pound of body weight and because their immune systems are not yet fully developed, attention should be paid as to whether the food is sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. Some pesticides can be reduced by washing or cooking but many are systemic, becoming part of the fruit. For those unable to afford buying only organic products, your least-risk choices should be those fruits which can be peeled such as bananas and citrus fruits. Washing the outside rind or peel will help reduce the spread of bacteria and germs to the inner portion of the fruit.
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* Reading Labels, in each Newsletter......
Reading Labels
Are All Green Cleaners safe?
Safe products listed
Although green cleaners may purport to list all ingredients, the market is largely unregulated - which means consumers still must be wary of what's in the bottle. Even cleaning products labeled "natural" may contain some fraction of synthetic chemicals. Or they may contain natural ingredients consumers would rather avoid, such as petroleum distillates, some of which can cause cancer. And just because a cleaning product is biodegradable and made from plant-based sources doesn't mean that it is without potential adverse effects on health.
Plant-based ingredients included in some green cleaners include limonene (a citrus-based oil), pine oil, and the foaming agent coconut diethanolamide - all of which can cause allergic dermatitis. And a recent study of natural and nontoxic consumer products found the suspected cancer-causing chemical 1,4-dioxane in roughly half of 100 tested products - including several dish washing liquids with words such as "Earth friendly" and "eco" in their brand names.
Some natural cleaners still contain petroleum distillates such as benzene, or 1,4 dioxane, both of which can cause cancer, not to mention the fact that they come from a non-renewable resource (oil) which is, in and of itself, far from eco-friendly. 1,4 dioxane is also a suspected kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant.
What are the safe products on the market today?
Based on the Organic Consumer's Association's review of natural and organic personal care and household cleaning products, the only products that consistently tested negative for 1,4 dioxane were those carrying the USDA Certified Organic seal.
Clorox Green Works Natural All Purpose Cleaner, as well as their dilutable cleaner both tested negative for 1,4 dioxane, as did all of Dr. Bronner's castile soaps. The Earth Friendly Products' dish soaps, however, did not fare so well, containing between 13.6 to 19 ppm (parts per million) of 1,4 dioxane.
On Labels, Watch for ......
Other dangerous ingredients to look out for include:
Phosphates - cause algae proliferation in bodies of water, killing marine life
Nonylphenol ethoxylates - cause reproductive defects, liver and kidney damage
Phthalates - cause sperm damage and reproductive defects in boys
Volatile organic compounds, including 1,4-dichlorobenzene - cause nose and throat irritation, dizziness, asthma
Glycol ethers
Ammonia
Chlorine
Ethanolamines
Special thanks to Ben Seaman for text contribution.
Ben is at Eartheasy - "Ideas for Sustainable Living"
Note from Pam: This is a helpful and informative web site!
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Did you know there are roses and other plants for your garden,
which resist pests and are allergy-free? Check with your local
nursery before you plant---- or--- when ordering indoor bouquets,
check with your floral shop.
And, did you know there are indoor plants which help
purify your air in the home? Check out the Archives Page,
"Babies and Toxins Report" for a listing of some of the plants.
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*Cost Savers, a regular feature of each Newsletter
Recommended cost-saving products
Bon Ami, an earth friendly cleaning powder and polishing powder, is celebrating its 120th year anniversary. The polishing cleanser, which works magic on stove tops and will make your tub sparkle, is made from calcite & feldspar mineral abrasives, and biodegradable detergent. It does not contain chlorine, perfume, or dye. Recommended by allergists because it is gentle.
Fresh Lemons
When dining out, disinfect your hands by squeezing lemon juice in the palm of your hands and rub over your entire hand as you would a commercial hand cleaner.
Note: Ask your server to bring the lemon on the side, not in your water or drink --- you can't be sure the exterior was washed before it was sliced. Just think of what crawled on that lemon while stored in a warehouse or commercial kitchen for days and nights.
Squeeze the juice of 1/2 a lemon down your disposer to freshen it while
killing bacteria as well. Allow the disposer to grind the rind for additional benefits.
Use a 1/4 portion of a fresh lemon to rub on your kitchen sink or
cutting board to kill bacteria.
Many stains will bleach out when lemon juice is applied. Great in a restaurant for food or drink accidents needing immediate attention.
To clean copper bottom pots, slice a lemon and dip in salt or baking
soda, then rub on the copper. Rinse well under running water, and be
sure to dry thoroughly.
Cut a lemon and allow it to sit in your house for a fresher scent.
Adding lemon juice to your laundry wash water will rid soiled clothing of odor.
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