Guest Post: Reusable Bamboo Utensils Review

I'm really excited to share this next guest post with you! Thank you to Sonja who reviewed the ToGo Ware bamboo utensils and Bambu sporks for us!  Her review along with some great photos is below. Have you used reusable bamboo utensils before? If not, I think Sonja will convert you!

Bamboo Utensils Review from Sonja

            Like many people, I’ve used plastic utensils for years at fast food restaurants and never thought much about it. However, the more I learn about plastic and its detrimental effects on human health and on the health of the planet, I am hit with a twinge of guilt each time I use plastic ware. I am very much a creature of convenience, but because I also value using products that won’t harm me, my family, or the environment, I was thrilled to be asked to review two kinds of bamboo cutlery that were designed to be used by people on the go. 

The To-Go Ware RePEat Bamboo Utensils fit nicely into an attractive carrying case with a small carabiner that easily attaches to the handle of my purse to make taking the utensils everywhere with me a no-brainer.  My carrying case is agave, but the cases, made with recycled PET, also come in a variety of other understated colors.  While the Bambu Sporks did not come with their own holder, I kept them in a LunchSkins bag and was able to pack them in my preschooler’s lunch box.  We have each used the utensils almost daily for three weeks in a variety of foods, including green chili burritos, sushi with soy sauce and wasabi, and numerous tomato-based dishes, and the bamboo did not stain nor did it absorb the strong flavors of the foods.  The To-Go Ware RePEat Bamboo Utensil Set and Bambu Sporks are easy to clean with warm water and dish soap and have held up beautifully after repeated washings. 

At first, I thought I would use the utensils only for lunches while at work, but having them in them in my purse made it convenient to use them in a variety of other circumstances, as well.  For example, when my family was on the road to visit family for Thanksgiving, we didn’t have time to stop so that I could nurse our infant daughter, so I had to make a bottle of formula in the car to calm her cries. I give her formula so infrequently that although I remembered the bottle, the formula, and the water, I completely forgot about bringing something to stir the formula. Shaking it would cause too many air bubbles, so I was in bind until I remembered the To-Go Ware RePEat Bamboo chopsticks.  Perfect!  I pulled one out, stirred the formula, wiped the chopstick with a baby wipe, and put it back in the carrying case to be fully washed later.  Additionally, I found myself using them at the Costco food court, at restaurants when I forgot a spoon for the baby’s food, at work when we had special treats, and in the car after grocery shopping when my daughter just had to have her yogurt. I felt comfortable using both the To-Go Ware RePEat Bamboo Utensils and the Bambu Sporks with my young children because the bamboo comes from safe sources and is finished with natural, vegan, food-grade oils.

The To-Go Ware RePEat Bamboo Utensils and Bambu Sporks were a hit with me and with my preschooler, but I was curious to see what my pre-teen students thought of them.  Reviewing the utensils came at a perfect time in my 6th grade lesson planning as we were in the middle of a unit on writing about natural resources and how people use them. My students were impressed with the strength of both the Bambu Sporks and the To-Go Ware RePEat Bamboo Utensils.  Although bamboo is technically a grass, products made from it are incredibly durable, which makes bamboo products a great alternative to easily-broken plastic ware.  One 12-year-old boy even tested the strength of the Bambu Spork by attempting (unsuccessfully) to snap it in half.  Additionally, the To-Go Ware RePEat Bamboo Utensils and Bambu Sporks have an even, smooth texture. We’ve become a culture that is so accustomed to plastic ware on the go that using any other material seemed strange to my students when I first told them about bamboo.  They were concerned that bamboo would cause splinters, making it an unreasonable choice as an eating utensil, but they were shocked to feel just how smooth each piece was.    Given the choice between the two different sets, however, most of my students said they liked how “cute” the Bambu Sporks were.

While I prefered the To-Go Ware RePEat Bamboo Utensil set for myself, the Bambu Sporks were definitely the more popular choice for the children.  With the holidays upon us, I can’t help but think that these useful, environmentally friendly utensils would make a great stocking stuffer for just about anyone.  

~ Sonja

You call it November, we call it No-can-ber!

Challenge: Kick the can and make food from scratch this November!

On New Year's Day, my husband and I made our new year's resolution: avoid canned foods. Why? We thought this would be a fun challenge to start making more items from scratch (especially intimidating beans!) and a great way to help us avoid our exposure to BPA.  11 months later, and we've  done a great job sticking to our resolution.  It really has ended up being much easier than we ever anticipated.  The only slip ups we had was the occasional canned tuna. But, last month, I made tuna salad from scratch (pretty proud of myself!) so we are completely canned good free now!

Over the past year, we realized how easy it really is to avoid canned foods when you're determined. Once you make beans, pasta sauce, and tuna from scratch, you'll never want to go back to the canned version.  Fresh really does taste better. That's why we thought it would be a fun challenge to open up to our fans!  I feel like November is often associated with canned foods because of Thanksgiving dinner, so this was the perfect month to get going on the challenge.  Plus, I thought No-can-ber was just too catchy not to use haha.

Throughout the month I will be posting recipes I have used that don't require canned food (and yes, these recipes have their easier canned good version, but the no-can way is better!).  Do you have any no-can recipes you'd like to share with everyone?  Email me your recipe at hello@liveESP.com and I'll try to test it out and post it for others to enjoy as well.

Come take the No-Can-Ber challenge with us! Share this post with your friends so they can join in too :).

What is BPA? Find out more here!

A Natural Acne Treatment that Really Worked for Me!

Since middle school, I have been struggling with trying to maintain my acne.  I had always hoped it would disappear by my mid-twenties (especially since I would be well passed my puberty stage and awkward phase)…but turned out that was just a hope. I’m 25, almost 26 and still get acne, and based on family history, I know I will be plagued with acne (cystic acne to be exact!) my whole life. 

I’ve tried everything. ProActive, prescriptions from the doctor, over-the-counter washes, creams, gels, spot treatment, you name it!  Nothing seems to work—or at least work well. The acne never completely goes away. In particular, during that “time of the month” a few pinkish bumps usually appear around my cheeks. Acne is annoying, we all know it! And for years I have been determined to find a treatment that can control my acne the way I’d like it—I know I’m not the only one.

Then, a couple months ago my mom’s friend introduced us to the best acne treatment I have ever used—an all NATURAL recipe I could make at home! I know I should have guessed that it would be a natural, organic, pure, easy to make recipe that would cure my acne, but I went with TV ads and my dermatologists orders like many of us do.  Within days of me using this natural acne treatment, my face cleared up. My face is still clear...even through “that time of the month”!  And my face feels smoother and looks brighter. So of course, I have to share this recipe to help all the others out there struggling with their acne.  My mom’s friend helped me, and now it’s my turn.  If you have any question, just email me (Hannah) at hello@liveESP.com and I can try to help!  Also, email me and let me know how it works for you!

Orange Peel Mask and Jojoba Oil – All Natural Acne Treatment

Ingredients:                                                                                                            

-          Organic clementines or oranges

-          Organic lemon

-          Non-fat, plain organic yogurt

-          Pure Jojoba oil (often found at your local natural foods store...found it at Whole Foods)

Directions:

1.      Peel clementines or oranges and allow the peels to dry out until they are brownish in color.  It may take anywhere from 5-10 days for the peels to turn brownish, depending on how thick the skins are.  If you are unsure of the brownish color, feel free to take a picture and send it to me. I’ll try to see if it looks good! 

2.      Once the skin has dried out and is brownish in color, finely grind peels in a food processor (I used our Vitamix).

3.       Mix equal parts of ground peel with plain yogurt—just enough to create a face mask.

4.       Add fresh-squeezed lemon juice into the peel/yogurt mixture.

5.       Apply mixture onto your face and allow it to dry for 15 to 20 minutes.

6.       Wash face with warm water.

7.       Place a drop or two of pure Jojoba oil on a cotton ball and apply it to your face.

Apply this natural treatment twice a day!

~ Hannah

Father's Day Gift Ideas...and beyond!

Buying gifts is always so hard…especially when you want to show the person you love how much you love and appreciate them in your life!  Well, how about gifts that shower them with good health?  We like the idea of course!  This Father’s Day (or belated!) we are helping you give Dad gifts free from harmful chemicals.  Here are just a few ideas to help you find gifts for this Father’s Day and many more to come:

The Outdoor Grill Dad

StainlessSteel Cooking Tools ~ Any dad who loves to grill will love some of these! Stainless steel is a much safer option than plastic since it is free from BPA and other harmful chemicals. 

Stainless Steel Pints ~ While relaxing outside by the grill, be sure to bring your stainless steel 16 ounces pint cup. They are chemical free, keep drinks cold, and durable!

 

The Camping Dad

StainlessSteel Tableware ~ For those dads who love to camp, how about some stainless steel tableware?  All of these products are lead free, BPA free, and durable for the outdoors.

BambooEating Utensils ~ These bamboo utensils an eco-friendly option to bring on any camping trip!

The Office Dad

ReusableLunch Bag ~ Help Dad avoid costly and unhealthy trips to get takeout food by giving him his own personal cooler/lunch bag to pack a healthy lunch!

 

Tips for a Chemical Free Summer!

Summer is just around the corner, and in some parts of the country it’s already here (especially due to the abnormal heat index)!  And to help keep you safe and smiling this summer, we’ve put together 7 of our favorite tips:

1.      All up in your grill.  While barbequing on a grill this summer, be sure to use propane rather than wood or charcoal since propane burns cleaner.  When it’s time to clean the grill use an organic cleaning product and avoid the chemical residue other products leave behind.

2.      Picking picnic plates. Use reusable dishes rather than plastic or Styrofoam when eating outside.  This will cut down on the waste and save you money in the long run!

3.      Lawn days. Do not spray your lawn!  Such sprays are unnecessary and contain chemicals that are bad for our health.  Check out this article for tips on maintaining a healthy lawn without the spray.

4.      Bugs, bite! To keep the mosquitoes at bay this summer, reach for a natural repellent.  A variety of herbal and essential oils, such as citronella oil, are highly effective.  Check out this article for a recipe!

5.      Local motion. Buy your summer veggies locally.  Visiting your local farmers’ markets is a great way not only to get active, but also to avoid foods grown with pesticides.

6.      Garden greens. Better yet, start your own garden!  This is a fun outdoor activity for the whole family, and it will supply you with those fresh greens you are after.

7.      Screen the sun. And before running outside, remember to grab that organic sunscreen!

With these tips in mind, you will be ready to start your summer of the healthy way!

~ Jessica

Germy Public Places

Although the vast majority of germs are benign and will not get us sick, there are about 100 different bacterial species that aren’t so “friendly.”  So what are these germs and where are they found? Read on, you may find this information pretty useful!

Researchers from Kimberly-Clark analyzed over 350 swabs from cities across the country for levels of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP.  ATPs signal the presence of vegetable, animal, yeast, bacteria or mold cells.  If an object has a reading over 300, it is considered to have a high risk for illness transmission.  Out of the objects tested, here is the over 300 ATP reading breakdown they found:

·         71% of gas pump handles

·         68% of mailbox handles

·         43% of escalator rails

·         41% of ATM buttons

·         40% of parking meters

·         35% of crosswalk buttons

·         35% of vending machine buttons

Once these germs reach a person’s hand, it can easily transfer to other objects up to seven times before leaving the skin!

One of the best things we can do to prevent illness and the spread of germs is to wash our hands thoroughly and frequently!  Here is Hand Washing 101 from the CDC:

1.       Apply soap (the foam soaps are great for kids!)

2.       Lather up the soap and scrub all surfaces

3.       Continue for 20 seconds!  It is longer than you think…

4.       Rinse your hands well and dirty them with an air dryer or paper towels.

When you can’t get to a sink, use a hand sanitizer free from harmful chemicals.  Avoid antibacterials with triclosan, a chemical that is harmful to the environment and believed to be an endocrine disruptor.  For more information on other germy public places in America, check out the links below!

~ Jess

Resources:

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2011/10/25/what-are-americas-dirtiest-surfaces/

http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/what_are_the_germiest_public_places/

http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/what_you_should_know_about_hand_sanitizers_and_your_health/

The Balancing Act of Organic Foods

One of the great things about eating organically grown vegetables is that we are treating our bodies well while we are treating the earth well.  Organic vegetables are grown without the use of pesticides.  When pesticides are used to grow vegetables, as humans we are risk of developing a range of health issues. As for the earth, run off water from farms contaminates rivers and streams, impacting the wildlife and their habitats.  As mentioned, organic farms help alleviate these issues…but not without some consequences.

One such possibility in farming is outbreaks of E.Coli, is a bacterium responsible for many illnesses and several deaths in the U.S. over the last decade.  E. Coli is often transmitted through the fecal matter of animals.  The problem can occur on organic farms because of the practice of encouraging ecological diversity.  Avoiding the use of pesticides allows naturally occurring plants to grow alongside crops, and this diversity is better able to support wildlife such as mice, rabbits and even larger animals, which may carry E. Coli.

In 2006 a deadly E. Coli break out lead to changes on such farms that would prevent mice and other small animals from contaminating crops.  This included such actions as weeding out all plants on a farm other than the crop, removing any grassy areas surrounding a field, building fences, and even destroying nearby lakes.  There have not been any large out breaks of E. Coli poisoning since such action were taken, however, some think that these actions go too far and think some of them may even be unnecessary.  One good example is the food safety policy that encourages farmers to take steps to eliminate all wildlife in their fields.  Eliminating wildlife may reduce the chances for E. Coli, but without animals, the presence of mice can infiltrate a farm.

We do not have all of the answers we want now, but the government and several private companies are currently conducting research to determine which policies are best for food safety.  The ultimate goal is to find a way to balance our health with the safety of the environment.

~ Jessica

Resource: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/04/23/151047957/how-making-food-safe-can-harm-wildlife-and-water

Mother's Day Gift Ideas!

Mother’s Day is coming up, and we have been digging around our site, conjuring up ideas from past gifts, and picking our friend’s brains for Mother’s Day gift ideas to share!  Because every mom has different hobbies, interests, and passion, we realize that the pursuit of the “perfect” gift is nearly impossible.  So with this in mind, we thought we would come up some gift ideas for 5 “mom personas”! Do you know one of these moms? Have another mom persona and great gift ideas!? Are you a little bit of each, haha!? Leave your comments and suggestions below…we’d all love to hear from you!

The On-the-Go Mom

• A Reusable Lunch Bag
• http://www.liveesp.com/storage/lunch-bags-and-produce-bags/
• Reusable Bamboo Utensils...to go along with the lunch bag :)
• http://www.liveesp.com/tools/eating-utensils-and-straws/
• A Glass Water Bottle to help her stay hydrated while she's out and about!
• http://www.liveesp.com/on-the-go/reusable-bottles/lf2216-glass-water-bottles-js.asp?frmcolor=graph

                                

The Foodie Mom

• Cast iron cookware!  Great for searing meats at high temperatures, frying fish, and even baking!  These pans retain heat well allowing for even cooking and they are lead and PFOA free.
• http://www.liveesp.com/cookware/cast-iron-cookware/
• If she loves to curl up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and a good movie, how about great foodie classics like Chocolat or Julie and Julia!?

The Fitness Mom

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle - great for the active mom who likes to hit the gym!
• http://www.liveesp.com/on-the-go/stainless-steel-on-the-go/
• A new and waterproof sports watch

The Outdoorsy Mom

• Stainless steel dinnerware is great for camping.  These items are BPA and lead free, and you can even put them over your campfire to heat up your hot cocoa!
• http://www.liveesp.com/tableware/stainless-steel-tableware/
• A new digital camera to capture those beautiful and scenic backdrops.

                                

The New Mom

• Glass baby bottles!  These are free of BPA, phthalates, lead, and PVC.  The cap is even made from BPA free #5 plastic!
• http://www.liveesp.com/baby-kids/baby-bottles/
• A cute (and reusable!) lunch box
• How about a "night off" by babysitting for her!

                                           

Happy Mother's Day Shopping!

Fun in the Sun without the Chemicals and Burn!

Spring is in the air and in no time summer will be here! So ‘tis the season of swimsuits, sandy beaches, picnics, daytime walks, Vitamin D, and…sun protection! Below are some tips on how to have fun in the sun while fighting the burn and avoiding hazardous chemicals. 

One of the most obvious forms of sun protection (besides simply staying in the shade) is sunscreen, but there are a few things to keep in mind when buying and using sunscreen.

1. Read the label. Not all sunscreens are made up of the same ingredients.  Some sunscreens contain potentially harmful chemicals that are best avoided.  As noted by the Environmental Working Group, it is a safer bet to steer clear of any sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate, or insect repellent, as these chemicals have been linked to an increased rate of cancer based on some laboratory studies.
2. SPF 30. You will get much better UV protection from sunscreens with SPF 30 or above.  SPF 15 just is not strong enough.
3. Repeat. Sunscreen should be reapplied every hour or two.  Don’t be fooled by “waterproof” or “water resistant” claims.  Sunscreen will wear off and leave you with a painful surprise, so reapplying frequently can help avoid burning.
4. 30 minute rule. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
5. Avoid sprays and powders when possible. Due to inhalation, try avoiding spray and powder sunscreens. If this is all you have, spray the sunscreen on your hands first, then apply to your face!

Sunscreen is a necessary first step to protecting your skin from the sun, but there are several other practices we can adopt for a safer sunny days.

1. Shade. Consider taking a picnic break in the shade while the sun is at its peak.  It is at this point in the day that UV rays are strongest, so it is the perfect time to sit in the shade of a tree and eat!
2. BPA free bottles. Keeping our good health in mind, be sure to bring water bottles that are BPA free.  A Lifefactory glass bottle is a safer choice to help will keep you hydrated and safe.
3. Clothes. Clothing will go a long way to help keep the sun at bay.  While outdoors, try to wear a long-sleeve lightweight shirt, hat, and sunglasses.

~ Jessica

Resources:

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/top-tips-for-safer-products/#your_skin

http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/faqs-your-sunscreen-questions-our-answers/

Make Every Day Earth Day!

With Earth Day just around the corner, we thought we'd share some  ways to make Earth Day every day instead of just one day a year. Below are some easy and useful ideas on how to add more “green” into your daily routine while also avoiding toxic chemicals!
Reusable snack bags ~ Because only about 1-3% of plastic bags end up getting recycled and since plastic is not biodegradable, using a reusable snack bag is a great eco-friendly alternative to help reduce the amount of waste you produce. Take a look at the type of reusable bag you use and check to make sure it is free from harmful chemicals like phthalates.

Reusable straws ~ Many people like to use straws to help keep their teeth clean but with plastic straws being thrown away, we end up getting the environment "dirty" at the expense of "clean" teeth. Instead of using a new straw every time you sip on a colored drink, try using reusable straws made from glass or stainless steel.

Reusable bamboo utensils ~ Plastic utensils are everywhere: when you order food to-go, at the office, and in schools. They often end up in the trash, so to help avoid this, use reusable utensils made from certified organic bamboo, a sustainable resource that does not jeopardize the environment when it’s grown.

Reusable food containers ~ Ever thought about bringing your own container for leftovers when you go out to eat? Instead of packing leftovers in containers provided by restaurants, try packing them in a glass or stainless steel food container—an eco-friendly and safe way to store your food.

Reusable water bottles ~ Buying a new plastic water bottle every day is neither cost effective nor good for the environment, since bottles are often tossed into trash bins. Switch to reusable water bottles made from BPA free glass or stainless steel as a safe, eco-friendly and non-toxic way to enjoy water and stay hydrated.

100% certified organic lunch bags ~ Replace brown paper bags and plastic bags with a reusable lunch bag made from 100% certified organic cotton. Methods used to grow organic cotton do not use toxic pesticides or fertilizers and have a lower environmental impact than conventional growing methods.

Phthalates and Other Compounds Lead to Infertility

Infertility is a common problem for many couples trying to conceive in the U.S., and statistics show that 1 out of 10 couples will have trouble becoming pregnant at some point.  Recent evidence suggests that this struggle with infertility can be exacerbated by chemical compounds called hormone disruptors in our environment. When in the body these hormone disruptors act like naturally occurring hormones, including sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, and can disrupt normal body functions.

From previous research, we already know of several such hormone disruptors that impact fertility including bisphenol A (BPA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), pesticides, and PCBs.  The newest culprit to join this group is phthalates.  Phthalates are chemicals found in plastics, personal care products, and a variety of building materials and are used to add flexibility, transparency, and durability.  They also have the unfortunate side effect of contributing to infertility.  In women, phthalates can lead to endometriosis, which is a condition related to infertility.  In men, phthalates can lower testosterone levels, leading to lowered sperm quality.

A recent study in Italy examined the levels of phthalates in the urine of couples unsuccessfully attempting to conceive and couples who had recently had children in an effort to determine the impact of phthalates.  Fifty-six couples participated in the study.  After examining the data, the researchers found that the couples who were not yet able to conceive had three to five times higher levels of phthalates in their urine compared to those couples who were able to conceive naturally.   

Because of their properties, phthalates are everywhere in our environment and can be hard to avoid.  However, there are several things we can do to help cut phthalates, and other chemical compounds that impact fertility, out of our lives.  Here are some tips on avoiding hormone disruptors and increasing your family:

·         Out with the old plastic, in with the new glass!  Throw out your old and used plastic containers and replace them with glass containers, that way you avoid phthalates and BPA in one fell swoop!

·         Toss the vinyl products, including faux leather and shower curtains.

·         Invest in stainless steel and cast iron.  Your food will taste better and you will avoid the chemical PFOA used in nonstick pans.

·         Go organic!  Organic fruits and veggies won’t have harmful pesticides on them.  Buying organic personal products such as shampoo, soaps, and lotion will also help you avoid phthalates.

~ Jessica

Resources:

http://www.rodale.com/research-feed/reasons-for-infertility?cm_mmc=TheDailyFixNL-_-826774-_-02272012-_-is_your_shampoo_keeping_you_from_having

http://www.rodale.com/print/8089

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/2012/01/2012-0206-infertile-couples-higher-phthalates/

Vitamins: A Cautionary Tale

Do you take any vitamins or supplements?  I do, and given the statistics I list next, sounds like I’m not the only one.

According to survey data collected between 2003 and 2006 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 53% of Americans take some sort of supplement.  This is percentage is up from 40% during their previous data collection between 1988 and 1994. 

The marked increase in the percentage of Americans taking supplements can be attributed to several recent supplement fads.  Over the last few years it has become very popular for medical professionals to recommend high doses of vitamin D and E.  Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University is one such advocate for high doses of vitamin D.  “There’s overwhelming evidence…that increasing your vitamin D intake can make substantial improvement in your overall health and welfare,” he explains, “and there is no downside to increasing your vitamin D intake.”  Not only does Dr. Holick argue that high levels of vitamin D will lessen one’s likelihood of developing osteoporosis (which is agreed upon in the scientific community), but he posits that vitamin D may decrease instances of cancer, heart attack, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes (both types), autism, and even the flu. 

Sounds like a pretty necessary vitamin based on Dr. Holick’s evidence, but it is endorsements like these that lead to the dramatic increase in vitamin intake noted by the CDC. 

Contrary to Dr. Holick’s opinion, there are those who doubt the “overwhelming evidence” of the importance of vitamin D.  Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of preventive medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital points out that nearly all of the studies involving vitamin D are “observational” studies.  Rather than the ideal “experimental” design involving randomized trail groups, “observational” studies simply find people with low and high levels of vitamin D and correlate those levels with the participants’ overall health.  The problem with these studies is that there are many other potential variables not accounted for.  For example, those with high levels of vitamin D could be healthier because they get in the sun and exercise more, and those with low levels of vitamin D could be unhealthy because of bad eating habits…not just because of vitamin D levels.  “We don’t yet have the large-scale, randomized clinical trials showing benefits in terms of prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cognitive decline, depression, autoimmune disease,” Manson explains.  To further her claim, there are “observational” studies on vitamin D that suggest that large doses may not actually help you.

The Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board, which makes official recommendations on dietary intake, says that advocates of high doses of vitamin D are overstating the effectiveness of the vitamin.  Dr. Manson, who is also one of the 14 panel members at the Institute of Medicine, explains their decision to only slightly increase the recommended daily dose of vitamin D compared to the huge increases some are advocating: “The evidence was inconsistent and inconclusive as to a benefit of vitamin D in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and many other health outcomes beyond bone health.” 

A similar story can be told for another recently popular vitamin: vitamin E.  Past studies have suggested that high doses of vitamin E could help prevent prostate cancer.  However, a new study testing this conclusion found that vitamin E may actually increase the risk of prostate cancer.  What’s more, this new study is the largest such study to test the relationship between vitamin E and prostate cancer using randomized clinical trials.

The fact is that we do not yet have definitive information on the benefits and risks of taking large doses of various vitamins.  In the upcoming years it will be important to keep up with new research on this subject, rather than prescribing to a fad.  It would also be a good idea to take a deeper look at your vitamin jars at home.  The multivitamins we take often have much higher percentages of various vitamins than the daily recommended dose, and if your multivitamin contains a high dose of vitamin E, men should consider changing multivitamins.

Often times we turn to supplements for a quick fix.  We hope that they will prevent disease, make us healthier, and maybe even make up for some of our less than healthy habits.  Unfortunately, we are still uncertain whether large doses of some vitamins will help us, hurt us, or make no difference at all.  Until we have more information, I would suggest slowly adopting healthier eating habits that will supply you with all of the nutrients you need. 

~ Jessica

Resources:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/04/13/135379866/more-than-half-of-americans-take-dietary-supplements

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/05/12/126773143/huge-vitamin-d-doses-appear-to-hurt-more-than-help

http://www.npr.org/2010/11/29/131668100/medical-panel-don-t-go-overboard-on-vitamin-d

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125226703

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/07/11/137761077/vitamin-e-pills-may-raise-not-lower-prostate-cancer-risk

Obesity in America and Obesogens

Obesity rates in the United States have been on the rise for over 150 years, since the Industrial Revolution that brought us away from farms and into factories.  However, in recent decades obesity in America has become more of an epidemic.  Currently, about one-third of adults are obese and about 17% of children are obese, and in 1985 no state had a recorded obesity rate higher than 14%.  Check out this animated map from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for a visual representation of this change over the last 25 years.

This epidemic has been mainly attributed to poor diet and a lack of exercise, but recent research has pointed toward a third factor: obesogens.  Obesogen is the name given to a category of chemical compounds that have been shown to contribute to weight gain in children and adults.  Included on this list are bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).  All of three of these compounds are commonly used in some household items, including kitchen utensils and cookware.

Research on these and other obesogens suggests that different compounds may act differently in our bodies to produce the same result: excess weight.  For example, some compounds affect the number of fat cells, some the size of fat cells, and others affect hormones that control appetite, satiety, metabolism, and even food preferences!

BPA is an obesogenic compound that actually reduces the number of fat cells in humans; however, it programs the remaining individual fat cells to become much larger.  Infants who are exposed to BPA in the womb may be born underweight because of this effect, but eventually the child may put on weight because of enlarged fat cells.

Phthalates, another set of obesogens, are a group of compounds commonly used in plastics to make them more flexible and durable.  Recent studies have shown that increased levels of these compounds are linked to increased weight around the abdomen and a resistance to insulin.

Lastly, PFOA is a compound that potentially acts as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it interferes with our hormones, affecting our appetite, metabolism and more.  This compound lowers the surface tension of liquid, so it is used in nonstick cookware such as Teflon. 

With genetics and our cultural habits stacked against us, the last thing we need is an environment filled with obesogens.  To cut these compounds out of your environment you can start by taking the following steps:

·         BPA is found in the lining of some canned food and plastic food containers.  To reduce BPA exposure in your kitchen get rid of these items by buying fresh fruits and vegetables rather than canned, and switch to glass food containers.

·         Phthalates are also found in some food packaging and containers.  Yet another reason to switch to glass!

·         PFOA is used in nonstick cookware.  To avoid this compound switch to cast ironand stainless steel cookware.   These products produce a better cooked meal and healthier food!

~ Jessica

Resources:

http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.120-a62#r31

http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.9882

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.HTML

Green, Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas from LiveESP.com

Essential Safe Products (ESP) is committed to helping families live a healthy and non-toxic lifestyle in the kitchen and on-the-go as well as promoting a healthy and sustainable environment. Non-toxic and eco-friendly lifestyle choices are applicable in many aspects of one’s life, including a wedding, so ESP has put together a list of eco-friendly wedding ideas to give couples creative inspiration.
Plantation, Florida (PRWEB) March 01, 2012

Essential Safe Products (ESP), a website dedicated to helping families make healthier and non-toxic lifestyle and environmental choices, has put together a list of green , eco-friendly wedding ideas to help others get inspiration for incorporating environmental sustainability into a wedding.

Planning a wedding gives couples the freedom to explore creativity, inspiration, and tradition that brings together one of the most celebrated moments in their lives. Wedding ideas, themes, and decorations are endless, so one thing to keep in mind is to create a concept that stays true the couple. Coming up with a broad concept is a great way to start the wedding planning process because it will be a solid foundation to all the little details that come up throughout the detailed process.

“I’m getting married in less than two weeks, and because wedding, wedding, wedding is always on my mind right now, I thought it would be great to share some eco-friendly wedding ideas to others planning a wedding! I have incorporated some of these ideas into our wedding, and just a few small eco-adjustments to a wedding can have a huge and positive impact on a healthy environment,” says Hannah Masimore, President of ESP.

For those interested in planning a green, eco-friendly wedding, ESP has put together a list of some green wedding ideas that can easily be incorporated into any wedding.

1. Invitations: Search for PCW or recycled paper wedding invitations. Many companies now have this type of paper an option, and the designs are just as beautiful. An even more environmentally friendly idea is to send out online invitations.

2. The Dresses: For the bridal gown, many designers are now creating hemp wedding dresses or organic fabric wedding dresses—both options that are more environmentally friendly than traditional wedding gowns. For bridesmaid dresses, a great, sustainable idea is to donate the dresses that they may “never wear again” to a charity.

3. Wedding Favors: Couples can get very creative when it comes to deciding how to thank their guests for attending the wedding. One eco-friendly idea is to give a take-home slice of the wedding cake in a recycled paper cake box wrapped in jute or hemp ribbon and accompanied by a reusable bamboo spork. The bamboo spork is great novelty gift that guests can use time and time again. A couple of other ideas for favors is to donate to a charity in honor of each guest or give each guest a seed to plant.

4. Wedding Rings: Search for jewelers who use recycled metals and conflict-free diamonds.

5. Decorations: Instead of using plastic straws or trendy striped paper straws, think about incorporating stainless steel straws or glass straws. They are reusable and great take-home gifts for guests. Another eco-friendly idea for decorations is to use organic flowers throughout the wedding décor and in bouquets.

About Essential Safe Products (ESP)
Susan Masimore, mother of 6 children, started ESP because she wanted to spread the word about toxins and give families a place where they can confidently purchase non-toxic products for the kitchen and on-the-go. Through ESP’s website http://www.LiveESP.com, families can learn about the toxic chemicals, find tips and tricks on how to avoid exposure to toxins in food and drink, and purchase kitchen and on-the-go products that are non-toxic and food safe. ESP is dedicated to promoting healthy and non-toxic lifestyles for families as well as a healthy environment.

Tips for Choosing Safe, Less Toxic Cosmetics

Since 2004, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has called for government regulation and voluntary transparency in the cosmetic and personal care products industry.  On one hand, many companies have incorrectly labeled their products as “pure”, “natural”, and “organic”, even though there have been no legal standards set for these terms with cosmetics.  Additionally, existing law doesn’t require companies to test for the safety of their products nor does the law have the power to issue mandatory recalls of products that have been proven to contain harmful chemicals.  Due to the flaws in current laws, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has made it a priority to find out what some of the most popular personal care products really have in them and the negative effects they may be causing.

Because everything seems so vague and inconclusive in the cosmetics industry, one of the best ways to stay protected from harmful chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products is to be educated on the toxic chemicals commonly found in these products.  To help you stay informed, I’ve put together a sort of “cliff notes” list for you!  Below you will find ten harmful chemicals found in many products in the cosmetics industry.  These chemicals can serve as a “red flag” if you may when looking at a product’s ingredients:

1.      Antibacterials:  Some antibacterials absorbed by the body may be toxic or carcinogenic.  They can also be killing both the “good” and harmful bacteria, increasing your susceptibility to infection.

2.      Coal tar: This human carcinogen is used to soften skin and soothe itchy skin.  Sometimes, it's even used as a colorant.

3.      1,4-dioxane: This chemical is known to cause cancer in animals and is suspected to do the same in humans.

4.      Diethanolamine:  This chemical can be absorbed into the body through the skin.  It is a hormone disruptor that acts as a carcinogen and robs the body of choline, an essential nutrient in fetal brain development.

5.      Formaldehyde:  Already banned in the European Union, it is associated with multiple health concerns including breathing issues, irritation problems, and immune system and genetic damage.  Unfortunately, formaldehyde is not always clearly mentioned on product labels, making it an even greater focal point for safe cosmetic activists.

6.      Fragrance:  This ingredient can encompass number of chemicals, most of which may be toxic.  The term “fragrance” is sometimes used in place of the term phthalate.  Phthalates are obesogens, can cause developmental defects and delays, and can disrupt normal endocrine function (including reproductive health).

7.      Lead:  Lead acetate, a neurotoxin, is an ingredient in some lipsticks and men’s hair dyes.

8.      Mercury: Although the FDA permits the use of a certain amount of mercury compounds in eye makeup, mercury has a record of causing harm to the body as it readily passes through the skin.

9.      Talc: A product used to provide an allusion of sparkle, talc acts as a human carcinogen and has been directly linked to ovarian cancer.  It can also lead to lung tumors if inhaled.

10.  Toluelene:  Used to add gloss, toluelene is a toxic chemical that can decrease a person’s fertility and can cause liver and kidney damage.

You may be asking, what products can we trust if not all are properly labeled? Since regulation for cosmetics and personal care products is currently weak, the best way to find trusted, harm-free brands is to use the companies named “champions and innovators” by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Hope this helps you find safer cosmetics! If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment in this post. 

~ Ivana

Resources

http://chemistry.about.com/od/healthsafety/tp/toxic-chemicals-in-cosmetics.htm 

http://safecosmetics.org/