ESP Holiday Gift Guide Tips!

This year, thanks to the ESP Holiday Gift Guide, you can get your friends and family non-toxic and chemical free gifts for the kitchen and on-the-go! Giving non-toxic gifts is an out-of-the-box idea that friends and family will not only enjoy but truly benefit from. By giving non-toxic gifts, you can help family and friends lead a healthier and safer lifestyle—and who doesn’t want that!?

On a more personal note, this year I think giving my friends a Lifefactory glass water bottle in their favorite color (so many colors and sizes to choose from—it’s great) will be a big hit. As college students, a new reusable and bpa free bottle is perfect for taking water, juice, or, more realistically speaking, a highly caffeinated iced coffee with us to class—they’ll be thanking me, I know it J.

So now that I've got gift ideas for friends all set, what about my family?  Something I think every family could use is a non-toxic set of cookware and food storage containers for safe cooking and safe food storage of holiday leftovers.  My family has actually already transformed their kitchen into a non-toxic zone, but it is still a great idea—the more the merrier in my opinion.  But if you have family or friends that still use PTFE coated pans or plastic containers for food storage, safe cookware and glass food storage are a perfect gift.  These non-toxic gifts can encourage family to take a step closer to a chemical free lifestyle.  Another clever gift that can get children involved with the BPA-free movement from an early age, are the Klean Kanteen and Life Factory Sippy cups!  They're safe to use and a great size for those Saturday ball games or long car rides...

I have to admit that while holiday shopping, I always end up getting something for me.  So, if you’re like me a lower-cost idea for your own personal gift giving is ESP’s bamboo spork set. They are super cute and a great conversation starter, believe me, I have them!

There are endless possibilities when you choose to give non-toxic products to show how much you REALLY care, so enjoy this holiday season and spread some ESP cheer!

~ Ivana

Let’s Join Jessica Alba in the Fight to Pass the Safe Chemicals Act!

On November 17^th a very important Congressional hearing took place—the hearing for the much anticipated Safe Chemicals Act of 2011!  The Safe Chemicals Act was introduced to Congress back in April of this year as a much needed reform to the 1976 Toxic Substance Control Act.  Since April it has received a lot of support, especially from concerned parents.  One particularly outspoken and well-known celebrity parent has become an advocate for this legislation: Jessica Alba.

Like many of us, Jessica Alba is concerned about the chemicals in our environment that may be having negative effects on our health, and more importantly, on the health of our children & families.  And that is why she, along with millions of other parents, has taken up the cause of changing our environment for the better and eliminating toxic chemicals that are legally allowable in the various products we purchase and use every day. 

Some of the hazardous chemicals that are currently legally allowable in the US include BPA, PFOA, and chemicals used in flame retardants.  Under the 1976 Toxic Substance Control these chemicals are all legal for use in household products.  However, recent scientific articles have linked all of these chemicals to serious health issues ranging from learning disabilities, to reproductive issues, to even cancer.  Some of these dangerous chemicals are even legally used in products such as plastic baby bottles, toys, and baby soap.  And this is what supporters of the Safe Chemicals Act are trying to change.

As a result of this growing concern of chemicals in our commonly used products, the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 was born.  This act aims to put stricter limitations on the legal use of chemicals that have been linked to these health issues. 

The progress of the act thus far has been promising.  In my opinion, this is a non-partisan issue.  Everyone is interested in making the world a safer place to live in and for this reason the act was fairly well received in Congress on November 17^th.  However, there are always lobbyists who will have an interest in suppressing specific pieces of legislation.  This is why it is very important for us all to show our support for this act.  Congress has not yet decided on this legislation, so there is still time to write to your congressperson and let him or her know how you feel! 

Another great way to be proactive about this issue is to stop supporting and purchasing from companies that produce hazardous products—a sort of boycott if you may!  As an alternative to hazardous products, you can by non-toxic kitchenware and on-the-go products at LiveESP.com!  

For motivate and inspiration, check out this video of Jessica Alba supporting the cause:

http://www.saferchemicals.org/momsarewatching/

Together we can create healthier environments for ourselves, our families and future generations!

~ Jessica

Resources:

http://www.saferchemicals.org/momsarewatching/

http://www.saferchemicals.org/momsarewatching/

http://www.saferchemicals.org/safe-chemicals-act/index.html

Consumer Reports tests juices for arsenic and lead

Consumer Reports tests juices for arsenic and lead

Non-Toxic & Heartburn Free Thanksgiving Tips!

While the probability of family taking over every part of your home, the kitchen being so packed you can hardly open the oven door to get the turkey out before it burns, and a serious food-coma to persist after a massive meal, there are two things you can do your best at avoiding this Thanksgiving holiday: hazardous chemicals and heartburn!

To help avoid hazardous chemicals, there are several simple steps you can take:

1.      Cook in stainless steel cookware or cast iron cookware.

2.      Eat on glass plates—they’re lead free!

3.      Bake on stainless steel or glass bakeware.

4.      Eat organic J

When it comes to heartburn, it may be a little more difficult to manage, but not impossible!  It is estimated that 42% of Americans suffer from heartburn at some point in their lives.  Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that often radiates upward into the neck and throat.  Although there are many causes of heartburn, the primary cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  GERD is the condition in which the acidic contents of the stomach leaks back into the esophagus, causing burning irritation.  Our odds of experiencing heartburn can also be increased by what we eat.  For example, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks can relax that lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which then allows the contents of the stomach to reflux into the esophagus.  In addition, over-eating, eating late at night, and even wearing tight clothing can contribute to heartburn! 

Whatever the cause, our eating habits can often add to the amount of heartburn we feel.  For this reason it is important for sufferers of heartburn to watch what they eat.  Dr. Jaime Koufman, author of “Dropping Acid: The Reflux Diet Cookbook and Cure,” offers many recipes for dishes that are low in acid and may help you avoid heartburn during this holiday season. Here are a few of Dr. Koufman’s holiday themed recipes. 

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

~Jessica

More info:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/08/a-heartburn-free-thanksgiving/

http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1185/03007990903553812

6 Reasons to Eat Organic Foods

“Organic foods” are defined as foods that are grown without the use of modern, synthetic products (such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers), do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are processed without industrial solvents or food additives.  In other words, organic is the natural choice.  Below are a list of reasons why going organic is a great choice for your body, your family and the environment:

1.      Overall health. My main reasoning—and the most obvious—for eating organic foods is overall health. Studies about the detrimental effects of synthetic products on our health are rampant across the media, and by eating organic, I’m taking one big step towards avoiding these synthetic products.  However, there are many more benefits to buying organic that are not as obvious as health concerns. 

2.      Water supply. Growing organic food is also better for our water supply.  Pesticides used by industrial farmers inevitably make their way back into our water supply.  The U.S. Geological Survey recently tested the groundwater quality at several locations and detected at least one pesticide in every stream tested.  Unfortunately, this problem will only get worse as we continue to use pesticides on an industrial scale.  Going organic means keeping pesticides out of our environment—sounds good to me!

3.      Nutritional value. Another reason eating organic foods is a great choice is their intrinsic health. Simply put, organic foods have higher nutritional value than non-organic foods.  The chemicals used to keep our non-organic fruits and vegetables looking beautiful right up to the dinner plate actually kill microorganisms in the soil they are grown in. These chemicals prevent soil from enriching our food with nutrients; but organic foods avoid this problem! 

4.      Healthy soil. Not using chemicals in soil helps keep soil healthy. This healthy soil feeds the organic plants, which give carbon back in return.  This process leaves us with better soil in the long run and a healthier environment.

5.      Fewer carbon emissions. Organic foods are also better for the environment because organic foods more often than not are locally grown.  Locally grown foods don’t have to be trucked across the country, which helps reduce carbon emissions.

6.      Taste! Lastly, organic foods simply taste better!

Some people have been slow to catch the organic craze, often saying that the extra cost is not worth it.  However, as organic food becomes more popular and more and more people start growing it, prices will continue to fall.  Take a walk around your local farmer’s market and you may be surprised to find that often times the prices are comparable to non-organic foods, especially if you buy fruits and vegetables in season.

Organic food is an investment in your life that will pay off in the long run.  It will keep you healthier and happier.  What more could we ask for from our food?

~ Jessica

Resources:

Rodale Article 1

Rodale Article 2

Should I Exercise While I'm Sick?

I recently read an article from Rodale.com that brought up the question I have always asked myself, “Should I exercise while I’m sick?” I once heard it was a good idea, so when I have a cold, I actually do exercise. And for me, it makes a difference. I feel 100x better after forty-five minutes treck on the elliptical. And honestly, while I have had a few colds already this season, I’ve been flu-free for a very long time!—something I credit to staying healthy and active J.

David C. Nieman, DrPH, FACSM, conducted a 1,000-person study to find the correlation between exercise and catching a cold.  Here are some of his findings:

1.      Those who were physically active, lean, and ate plenty of fruit had fewer sick days (1/3 to be exact) than those who did less physical activity and were overweight.

2.      When those who were physically active got sick, symptoms were less severe.

3.      People who engage in moderate levels of activity while sick can reduce their sick times by up to half. Moderate activity includes exercise for at least 45 minutes five to six days a week.

But these findings are for colds only. Nieman says that if you are seriously ill or have a viral infection, exercise may make the illness worse or last longer.  So stick to resting!

Here are a few exercise tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season:

-          Stuffy nose, sore throat, cold symptoms…get active!

-          Aches, pains, fevers, diarrhea, chest congestion, swollen glands…rest, rest, rest!

-          When you have a cold, make sure your exercise isn’t too rigorous.  Try a brisk walk for 45 minutes.

-          If you are recovering from the flu, don’t jump into intense exercise right away. Ease back into your routine.

Thank you for the tips, Rodale!

~ Hannah

Giveaway ~ Baking Bonanza

Good morning!  I am hear to do our very first giveaway on the A Cup of ESP blog!  So excited about this one because...

1. It's our first giveaway.
2. Today is lucky 11.11.11, and someone out there will be the lucky winner!
3. Who doesn't love a giveaway!?
4. The Cupcake Creations Snowman baking cups we are giving away are peeerfect for this coming holiday season.

Now, it's on to contest details!  

Baking Bonanza Prize:

Two 32/pack of Cupcake Creations Snowman Standard Baking Cups!  These baking cups are made of all natural, eco friendly paper, are BPA free, use food-safe inks, and are non-toxic...a great combination!  To read more about how awesome these cupcake cups are, visit our Cupcake Creations page on LiveESP.com.

Baking Bonanza Contest Rules:

Today is 11.11.11...we are feeling lucky, and so is one (and maybe more) of our Facebook fans!  Our goal is to reach 200 Facebook Fans by 11:11 AM EST on November 14th (Monday).  Currently, we have 138 fans, and as a new company, we think this 200 number is attainable!  That's where you all come in...

1. If luck doesn't strike us at 11:11 AM on 11/14, only ONE of our Facebook Fans will receive two packs of the Cupcake Creations Snowman Baking cups!
2. If we reach 200 Facebook Fans by 11:11 AM EST on November 14th, TWO of our Facebook Fans will each win two packs of the baking cups!

So....spread the word! Get your family and friends to "Like" ESP on Facebook! The more people hear about ESP, the more we can help spread awareness about hazardous chemicals in our everyday products...and help prevent exposure through a non-toxic and chemical free lifestyle in the kitchen and on-the-go :).

Winner (and we hope WINNERS!) will be randomly chosen on Monday, November 14th and will be announced on our Facebook page.  Winner will be contacted via a Facebook message so we can get address information.

Let the Bonanza Begin!

~ Hannah