In It for the Long Haul
Fire risk increases in the hot, dry months. We all have home smoke alarms to help us escape at the first sign of smoke. As of July 1, we must also install carbon-monoxide detectors to protect us from the silent killer. Click here for more information on whether it applies to your home. Both plug-in and installed versions should be available at your local hardware stores.
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The Healthy Nursery -- Part IV (Walls & Ceilings Cont'd)
Last month I focused on natural paints and stains. This month we will explore "No VOC" paints. VOC stands for volatile organic compound. If the label says "No VOC," it does not always mean "No VOC." A paint that is advertised as zero or no VOC's may have as many as five grams per liter of paint, which is still quite low compared to standard paints. However, the VOC level may increase dramatically when colorant is added so be sure to ask when adding color if it will increase the VOC level and by how much.
Why should I care about VOC's? Some VOC's are known carcinogens (formaldehyde), some are known endocrine disruptors (phthalates) and some contribute to pollution in our environment. You may unknowingly be exposing your baby to toxic substances when using a cheap paint or one with high levels of VOC's. Because baby's immune systems are developing from birth, their exposure to any toxin should be eliminated or reduced as much as possible.
You may wish to explore these no VOC paints when you are painting or repainting your future baby's room.
· Yolo Colorhouse
· Mythic paints
· AFM Safecoat
· Ecos Nursery paint
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Greenfabulous Finds
 Not your ordinary lawn chair - Shopping cart turned into chic lawn chair. Check out his site to see how Mike Bouchet tricks it out for comfort.
 Poop on the plastic - If you like to visit the summer farmer's markets in your area take these produce bags along and keep it "green." They are reusable, storable and washable - what more could you want.
 Grow your own - If you just don't do dirt, these hydroponic herb planters are for you. Grow herbs year round - rain or shine. Nothing like snipping off some fresh herbs to use in your favorite recipe.
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Detoxifying Your Home
We are assaulted nearly every minute of our lives with some sort of chemical concoction. To raise awareness of these assaults several non-profits banded together to create the Toxie Awards - a red carpet event for "bad-ass chemicals." One of this year's winners was HFR (Halogenated Flame Retardant) and she is "one hot mess". It can be challenging to eradicate toxic flame retardants from our homes. The best way - ask lots of questions before purchasing new furniture, carpeting, or bedding. Chemicals to avoid include: Chlorinated Tris and Bromine compounds, among others. PBDE's (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers - a widely used flame retardant) although banned in California as of 2008 may still be present in second-hand furniture.
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Eco-Chic Happenings
July 8, 2011 - Lincoln Business Network breakfast July 9 -18, 2011 - Summer vacation July 19, 2011 - Placer Sustain event - For more information Placer Sustain July 22, 2011 - Lincoln Business Network breakfast |
Feedback Always Welcome
Eco-Chic Design would like your feedback.Please email marie@eco-chicdesign.com and tell us what topics you would like to see in your monthly newsletter.
Sincerely,
Eco-Chic Design 
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