Moms are constantly seeking out the very best for their baby. When considering what’s best for baby, parents should buy organic cotton clothing and organic body care! There are many benefits to these products, benefits you should be aware of!
Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, which builds a biologically diverse agriculture. Third party organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. (Organic Trade Association, 2006)
The amount of chemicals used on cotton crops is staggering. 25% of the world’s pesticides and 10% of the world’s insecticides are used on cotton crops yearly. And cotton crops only account for 2.4% of all cultivated land. In other words, 1/3 pound of chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) are used to grow enough cotton for one t-shirt. Yikes! When considering the amount of chemicals that are used on cotton crops, and the negative, harmful effects they may have on your baby, organic cotton is a much healthier alternative.
A baby’s skin is 5-7 times thinner than an adult’s and is extremely porous. This means that their skin absorbs things very easily. This is concerning considering the following. The Environmental Protection Agency considers seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton in 2000 in the U.S. as “possible,” “probable,” or “known,” human carcinogens. When organic alternatives are chosen for your baby, you are reducing their exposure to allergens and irritants. Our world is toxin-ridden, so, if you can limit their exposure to these toxins, you are putting them in a safer environment. Even reduced exposure is beneficial. Every little bit helps!
Skin care for babies is another important topic to discuss. Skin care products are not regulated the same way that food and fibers are. This means that manufacturers can, and do, put harmful ingredients in their products. The FDA regulates companies for a ‘maximum use’ of cancer causing agents in each product and therefore, if you add up all the small amounts from each of your baby’s many products, you have something to be concerned about. It is important to choose companies that are known ‘green’ companies and you should also be aware of which ingredients to avoid. As a general rule you should avoid products containing, but not limited to: Fragrances, Mineral Oil, Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lanolin, Propylene Glycol (PG), FD&C colors, DEA, TEA, MEA and 1,4-Dioxane.
The effects of environmental toxins affect children and adults alike. Several complications that may arise from exposure to the many pollutants we come in contact with include: asthma, auto-immune disorders, cancer, and learning disorders to name just a few. As a parent wanting the very best for your baby, I am sure that the above are not on your list!
The benefits of organic cotton can be simply stated…
· Reduces allergen and irritant exposure
· Reduces pesticide use
· Protects water quality (run-off from toxic soil)
· Prevents soil erosion
· Protects farm workers
· Sturdier Fabric, i.e. money saver in long run
· Promotes biodiversity
Everybody is a winner when organic products are chosen over conventional ones. And remember, small steps count! Don’t bag the whole idea of organics because you can’t go completely organic. Every little bit helps you, your family and the environment
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Monday, July 9, 2007
In the Dark About the Ingredients in Your Skin Care Products
For those of you that have already begun greening your lifestyle, there’s something to be aware of concerning personal care products for yourself and your baby. The FDA does not regulate personal care products the same way it regulates food and drugs. In fact, they approve thousands of products that contain cancer causing agents. The $35 billion dollar beauty industry in the U.S. is basically self-regulated, which translates to not much regulation at all. Many of the products sitting on shelves across the country contain un-tested and often harmful substances. These substances are commonly used in industrial jobs where workers are required to wear special gear to protect them from the chemicals. (aletapita, Natural Living) To me, this is quite alarming. However, it can be avoided. As long as regulation is lacking, and skin care products contain harmful, carcinogenic substances, it is crucial to make better choices when purchasing your products. Organic is one route, but beware, skin care products proclaiming to be organic is a whole other issue itself. You need to know the ingredients that must be avoided.
According to Dr. Samuel Epstein, Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, mainstream cosmetics and personal care products (CPCPs) are the single most important, yet generally unrecognized class of avoidable carcinogenic exposures for the overwhelming majority of citizens in major industrial nations. There are individual as well as interactive factors that create such unique risks.
First, our skin is our largest organ and it is extremely permeable, that is, it absorbs anything that it comes in contact with. Medications have been and can be rubbed into the skin to be effective. Perhaps this is something to consider as you apply and use lotions, creams, shampoos, conditioners and body washes to yourself and your baby over, and over again. According to Dr. Urvashi Rangan, an environmental health scientist, the products that contain toxins, may do more harm due to the fact that the toxins lodge directly in fat cells, bypassing the liver.
This brings us to the second factor, repeated and combined exposure to toxic skin care products. Think about the myriad of products that you use on a daily basis. Sure, the amount of toxicity in each product may not be that significant, but when combined with all the other small amounts, in each of your personal care products, it equates to worry. According to Devra Lee Davis, professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Caner Institute, the usual regulatory approach of assessing risk one chemical at a time does not account for the combined effects of very low levels of hidden contaminants in personal care products and other sources. The maximum quantity that the FDA allows of cancerous agents doesn’t take into account the combined effect from the many products that one uses. (Nokturnal Rithm, AOL Journals) Therefore, the prolonged duration of exposure, daily exposure, over a lifetime, of toxic ingredients, does have a cumulative negative effect. It is imperative that we lower our exposure to controllable agents that we know or suspect cause cancer.
The next factor is the interaction between the many different ingredients. Even though one ingredient may not be a known carcinogen, it may be a “hidden” carcinogen that may have carcinogenic properties when it combines with other ingredients in a product. It must be noted that infants are 100 times more sensitive to these “hidden” carcinogens than adults. (http://www.preventcancer.com/) Again, a just reason to scrutinize the skin care products that you purchase.
The largest group of hidden carcinogens includes many wetting agents or detergents. The permeability of skin to carcinogens is increased by the presence of wetting agents or surfactants, which are probably the most common class of ingredients in the majority of CPCPs. The ingredients to avoid are PEGs, Laureths, Ceteareths, Triethanolamine (TEA), Quaterniums and Diazolidinyl urea preservatives. The latter two break down, either in the product or the skin to release the carcinogenic formaldehyde. (www.preventcancer.com) Other common ingredients that should be avoided will be listed later in the article.
The final risk factor is the bypassing of the detoxifying enzyme. The carcinogens in CPCPs pose increased cancer risks than that of food contaminated with carcinogenic pesticides because they are not detoxified by the liver. Rather, they reach the general blood circulation without this protective detoxification by lodging directly in fat cells through the skin. I am not sure about you, but wouldn’t it make sense for there to be adequate regulation for personal care products as there are for food and drugs?
The following are the most offending ingredients that need to be avoided.
· Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS & SLES)
· Propylene Glycol (PG)
· FD and C Colors
· Fragrances
· DEA, TEA & MEA
· Parabens
· 1-4-Dioxane
· Sodium Flouride
· Glycerin
· Artificial flavors and colors
· Aluminum
· Formaldehyde
· Dioxins
· Petrolatum or Mineral Oil
· Fluorocarbons
This is not an exhaustive list of the ingredients to avoid.
It should be noted that Sodium Laureth Sulfate is banned in Japan and is only used for the purpose of mutating! Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Parabens are cancer causing agents in lab rats.
Specific products that contain one or both of Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Parabens are listed below:
Johnson & Johnson baby lotion, Jergens body firming lotion, Aveda shampoo, Redken shampoo and conditioners, Bead Head products, Matrix hair care, Wella shampoo and conditioners, Mane and Tail shampoo and conditioner.
It is up to you. You have to make the choice to be in the know, and choose your skin care products accordingly. There is mounting evidence as to the ill effects of toxins in skin care products. And remember, don’t get discouraged, start with small steps to “green” your lifestyle.
According to Dr. Samuel Epstein, Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, mainstream cosmetics and personal care products (CPCPs) are the single most important, yet generally unrecognized class of avoidable carcinogenic exposures for the overwhelming majority of citizens in major industrial nations. There are individual as well as interactive factors that create such unique risks.
First, our skin is our largest organ and it is extremely permeable, that is, it absorbs anything that it comes in contact with. Medications have been and can be rubbed into the skin to be effective. Perhaps this is something to consider as you apply and use lotions, creams, shampoos, conditioners and body washes to yourself and your baby over, and over again. According to Dr. Urvashi Rangan, an environmental health scientist, the products that contain toxins, may do more harm due to the fact that the toxins lodge directly in fat cells, bypassing the liver.
This brings us to the second factor, repeated and combined exposure to toxic skin care products. Think about the myriad of products that you use on a daily basis. Sure, the amount of toxicity in each product may not be that significant, but when combined with all the other small amounts, in each of your personal care products, it equates to worry. According to Devra Lee Davis, professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Caner Institute, the usual regulatory approach of assessing risk one chemical at a time does not account for the combined effects of very low levels of hidden contaminants in personal care products and other sources. The maximum quantity that the FDA allows of cancerous agents doesn’t take into account the combined effect from the many products that one uses. (Nokturnal Rithm, AOL Journals) Therefore, the prolonged duration of exposure, daily exposure, over a lifetime, of toxic ingredients, does have a cumulative negative effect. It is imperative that we lower our exposure to controllable agents that we know or suspect cause cancer.
The next factor is the interaction between the many different ingredients. Even though one ingredient may not be a known carcinogen, it may be a “hidden” carcinogen that may have carcinogenic properties when it combines with other ingredients in a product. It must be noted that infants are 100 times more sensitive to these “hidden” carcinogens than adults. (http://www.preventcancer.com/) Again, a just reason to scrutinize the skin care products that you purchase.
The largest group of hidden carcinogens includes many wetting agents or detergents. The permeability of skin to carcinogens is increased by the presence of wetting agents or surfactants, which are probably the most common class of ingredients in the majority of CPCPs. The ingredients to avoid are PEGs, Laureths, Ceteareths, Triethanolamine (TEA), Quaterniums and Diazolidinyl urea preservatives. The latter two break down, either in the product or the skin to release the carcinogenic formaldehyde. (www.preventcancer.com) Other common ingredients that should be avoided will be listed later in the article.
The final risk factor is the bypassing of the detoxifying enzyme. The carcinogens in CPCPs pose increased cancer risks than that of food contaminated with carcinogenic pesticides because they are not detoxified by the liver. Rather, they reach the general blood circulation without this protective detoxification by lodging directly in fat cells through the skin. I am not sure about you, but wouldn’t it make sense for there to be adequate regulation for personal care products as there are for food and drugs?
The following are the most offending ingredients that need to be avoided.
· Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS & SLES)
· Propylene Glycol (PG)
· FD and C Colors
· Fragrances
· DEA, TEA & MEA
· Parabens
· 1-4-Dioxane
· Sodium Flouride
· Glycerin
· Artificial flavors and colors
· Aluminum
· Formaldehyde
· Dioxins
· Petrolatum or Mineral Oil
· Fluorocarbons
This is not an exhaustive list of the ingredients to avoid.
It should be noted that Sodium Laureth Sulfate is banned in Japan and is only used for the purpose of mutating! Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Parabens are cancer causing agents in lab rats.
Specific products that contain one or both of Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Parabens are listed below:
Johnson & Johnson baby lotion, Jergens body firming lotion, Aveda shampoo, Redken shampoo and conditioners, Bead Head products, Matrix hair care, Wella shampoo and conditioners, Mane and Tail shampoo and conditioner.
It is up to you. You have to make the choice to be in the know, and choose your skin care products accordingly. There is mounting evidence as to the ill effects of toxins in skin care products. And remember, don’t get discouraged, start with small steps to “green” your lifestyle.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Is Your Baby's Bottle Safe?
I read an article just released yesterday about plastics and chemical leaching. The article is titled Toxic Chemical Leaches from Popular Baby Bottles and was published by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a toxic chemical that leaches from popular clear, plastic baby bottles. This chemical is a disruptor of hormone function and stimulates certain cancers (prostate, breast and ovarian dysfunction. According to the Center for Disease Control, BPA was found in the urine of 95% of Americans tested.
More surprising to me is that the most popular baby bottles are the ones that contain this chemical. Number one on the list are Avent bottles. In order from there, they are, Dr. Brown's, Evenflo, Gerber and Playtex. Yikes!! What makes them more dangerous is heating them up. When plastic is heated, the chemicals are released into their contents, i.e. baby's milk! In addition, through use, the plastic breaks down and leaches bisphenol A into liquids and food to which it comes in contact.
Very low doses of bisphenol A exposure have been linked to cancers, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, diabetes and hyperactivity.
You're probably asking yourself 'why are these manufacturers not regulated to inform their consumers of the safety of their products'? Good question! It makes it really hard to raise a child in a safe and chemical free environment. Most of us go out of the way to provide only the best for our children. How can we do this when we are kept in the dark about certain dangers... dangers to our babies!
There are a few things you can do to avoid this awful chemical exposure:
1) Choose glass or safer-plastic baby bottles; see IATP's Smart Plastic Guide for more information at www.iatp.org .
2) Never heat food or beverages in plastic containers or bottles, which can speed up the process of toxic chemicals leaching out of the plastic. (the microwave or stove)
3) Avoid harsh dishwashing soap and hot water, both of which speed up leaching
4) Avoid using plastic for fatty foods. Leaching increases with oily or fatty foods.
5) Avoid polycarbonate baby bottles. This kind of plastic contains the bisphenol A chemical as discussed above.
6)Use plastics with the number 4,5,1,2, all others aren't good for you
For those of you that use glass baby bottles or plastics that are safe, good for you for being in the know. Please share your resources and/or thoughts on this topic.
More surprising to me is that the most popular baby bottles are the ones that contain this chemical. Number one on the list are Avent bottles. In order from there, they are, Dr. Brown's, Evenflo, Gerber and Playtex. Yikes!! What makes them more dangerous is heating them up. When plastic is heated, the chemicals are released into their contents, i.e. baby's milk! In addition, through use, the plastic breaks down and leaches bisphenol A into liquids and food to which it comes in contact.
Very low doses of bisphenol A exposure have been linked to cancers, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, diabetes and hyperactivity.
You're probably asking yourself 'why are these manufacturers not regulated to inform their consumers of the safety of their products'? Good question! It makes it really hard to raise a child in a safe and chemical free environment. Most of us go out of the way to provide only the best for our children. How can we do this when we are kept in the dark about certain dangers... dangers to our babies!
There are a few things you can do to avoid this awful chemical exposure:
1) Choose glass or safer-plastic baby bottles; see IATP's Smart Plastic Guide for more information at www.iatp.org .
2) Never heat food or beverages in plastic containers or bottles, which can speed up the process of toxic chemicals leaching out of the plastic. (the microwave or stove)
3) Avoid harsh dishwashing soap and hot water, both of which speed up leaching
4) Avoid using plastic for fatty foods. Leaching increases with oily or fatty foods.
5) Avoid polycarbonate baby bottles. This kind of plastic contains the bisphenol A chemical as discussed above.
6)Use plastics with the number 4,5,1,2, all others aren't good for you
For those of you that use glass baby bottles or plastics that are safe, good for you for being in the know. Please share your resources and/or thoughts on this topic.
More information can be found at: www.EnvironmentCalifornia.org.
For safety tips copy and paste this link:
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Organic Nonsense
What makes a product certified organic? "Certified Organic" means that the product has been grown according to strict uniform standards set by the federal government. (CBS News.com) When purchasing food, look for the organic USDA stamp. If it doesn't have that label, don't buy it, or if you do, know that it is not really organic. Many consumers are fooled by an "All Natural" label, or even an organic label. But rest assured, these products are not certified and therefore not organic.
There are different certification processes. The baby clothes that I sell on my site are 100% Demeter certified. "Demeter is the brand for products from Biodynamic Agriculture. Only strictly controlled and contractually bound partners are permitted to use the Brand. A comprehensive verification process insures strict compliance with the International Demeter Production Processing standards as well as applicable organic regulations in the various countries; without a gap through every step from agricultural production to processing and final product packaging." The Demeter certification process actually exceeds the government mandated regulations. In addition to excluding the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemical plant protection agents in agricultural crop production, or artificial additives during processing, it also requires very specific measures to strengthen the life processes in soil. Demeter farmers and processors actively contribute toward the shaping of a future worth living for. (Sckoon.com)
I recently read that Pottery Barn Kids offers a line of organic clothes. However, when I inquired about them being certified organic, they could not tell me the certification brand. Furthermore, the labels do not state "certified". This is something that you should be aware of if you buy organic products. Why spend the extra money if it isn't certified organic?
Another area of concern is with body care products. Many products are labeled as organic, when if fact, they are not. For more on this topic click on the following link. http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/nytimes051903.cfm
For your organic baby needs, (clothes and body care) visit http://www.susiejane.com/.
There are different certification processes. The baby clothes that I sell on my site are 100% Demeter certified. "Demeter is the brand for products from Biodynamic Agriculture. Only strictly controlled and contractually bound partners are permitted to use the Brand. A comprehensive verification process insures strict compliance with the International Demeter Production Processing standards as well as applicable organic regulations in the various countries; without a gap through every step from agricultural production to processing and final product packaging." The Demeter certification process actually exceeds the government mandated regulations. In addition to excluding the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemical plant protection agents in agricultural crop production, or artificial additives during processing, it also requires very specific measures to strengthen the life processes in soil. Demeter farmers and processors actively contribute toward the shaping of a future worth living for. (Sckoon.com)
I recently read that Pottery Barn Kids offers a line of organic clothes. However, when I inquired about them being certified organic, they could not tell me the certification brand. Furthermore, the labels do not state "certified". This is something that you should be aware of if you buy organic products. Why spend the extra money if it isn't certified organic?
Another area of concern is with body care products. Many products are labeled as organic, when if fact, they are not. For more on this topic click on the following link. http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/nytimes051903.cfm
For your organic baby needs, (clothes and body care) visit http://www.susiejane.com/.
Organic Fashion Sense for Babies
My interest in the environment started long ago when I used to take the papers from my parent's office to the local recycling center. Today, I continue to take action in many ways. One example is by purchasing local, organic food. It can be a bit overwhelming to think of greening your life 100%. I suggest taking baby steps. Choose the most important aspect for yourself and your lifestyle. If you eat a large quantity of say, bananas, then buy organic bananas. Bananas have a large amount of chemicals for their trip to America including Thiabendazole, which damages the brain and nervous system. Or, if you have a baby in the house, focus on organic products for them. I believe in protecting little ones from a very toxic world as much as possible.
Organic baby food has been around for decades and today, we are seeing more and more availability of organic clothing for babies. Pottery Barn for Kids has just launched a small line of organic baby clothing, however, you must beware! In order for it to be beneficial, it must be certified. And Pottery Barn's line is NOT certified organic! (See "Organic Nonsense" blog)
Babies have very thin skin and should wear clothing that is free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. The production of organic cotton replenishes and maintains soil fertility and reduces the use of toxic chemicals and pesticides. Organic cotton is also very soft! Isn't that important for your little ones very thin, sensitive skin? To me, this makes perfect sense! Why not buy organic for your baby?
You may respond that it is more expensive. To that, I say perhaps it is. But maybe all you need to do is prioritize your needs/wants. It may mean that you only have one latte a week instead of everyday, or, maybe you're tempted by those silly Hollywood magazines. Whatever it may be, perhaps all you need to do is re-evaluate what you spend money on. And think about how you and your spending affects the soil and the laborers in foreign countries.
I have recently launched a online organic baby boutique (http://www.susiejane.com/) whose motto is "Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Baby". We offer 100% certified organic baby/toddler clothing, biodynamic body products,organic alpaca wool knits, eco-friendly baby furniture, organic baby bedding (coming soon), and educational toys, games and music. I am a firm believer in the benefit of buying organic for ourselves and the environment!
Organic baby food has been around for decades and today, we are seeing more and more availability of organic clothing for babies. Pottery Barn for Kids has just launched a small line of organic baby clothing, however, you must beware! In order for it to be beneficial, it must be certified. And Pottery Barn's line is NOT certified organic! (See "Organic Nonsense" blog)
Babies have very thin skin and should wear clothing that is free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. The production of organic cotton replenishes and maintains soil fertility and reduces the use of toxic chemicals and pesticides. Organic cotton is also very soft! Isn't that important for your little ones very thin, sensitive skin? To me, this makes perfect sense! Why not buy organic for your baby?
You may respond that it is more expensive. To that, I say perhaps it is. But maybe all you need to do is prioritize your needs/wants. It may mean that you only have one latte a week instead of everyday, or, maybe you're tempted by those silly Hollywood magazines. Whatever it may be, perhaps all you need to do is re-evaluate what you spend money on. And think about how you and your spending affects the soil and the laborers in foreign countries.
I have recently launched a online organic baby boutique (http://www.susiejane.com/) whose motto is "Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Baby". We offer 100% certified organic baby/toddler clothing, biodynamic body products,organic alpaca wool knits, eco-friendly baby furniture, organic baby bedding (coming soon), and educational toys, games and music. I am a firm believer in the benefit of buying organic for ourselves and the environment!
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