Halloween Inspired Eco-Sips & Bites ~ Now that's the Spirit (pun intended)!

I have a love/hate relationship with Halloween. I definitely do not like getting scared and I REALLY don't like scary masks! Although the scare aspect of Halloween makes me nervous, the theme part of it I love! I love to think about creative names for drinks and food for a themed party.  This year, I've made a bunch of things in advance to test out what I would be doing if I was in town this coming Halloween weekend!  Lucky for him, my husband gets to enjoy my Trrr-eco Treats :).

There are two things (besides the eco and organic side!) I like to make sure happen when making themed food and drinks:

1. It has to have simple, easy to find ingredients.
2. It has to be on-theme with a fun name!

The first point is always difficult. You don't know how many times I've tried looking up recipes that call for crazy ingredients. I say crazy because our local grocery stores don't have very many unique options. That's why I like to make things simple and good so everyone can make the things I make.  Then, when you mix up recipes with organic ingredients, you know you're helping make an eco-footprint and avoiding harmful pesticides!

Alright, here we go! I hope you like the recipes and names I've made.  I had a lot of fun working on this post!  

Part 1: ECO-Sips!

Bottles of "Boos"

Want your guests to make their own spirits? Fill a bucket with your favorite organic wines, beer, or champagne. Make a sign that says Bottles of Boos...I think your guests will get the picture!  For my sign, I took a compostable bamboo plate and decorated it with some old arts and crafts I had on hand (I believe since my Freshman year in college...good thing I saved them!)

"Berry"-ed Alive Martini

I'm really proud of this recipe. I made an organic and natural twist to the classic Blackberry Gimlet drink and called this one "Berry"-ed Alive to give it a Halloween theme. Be careful, they are good! Let me know what you think :)

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces of organic Vodka (I used Kanon)
• 3/4 ounce organic Agave Nectar
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed organic lime juice
• 3 organic blackberries

Directions:

1. Pour Vodka, Agave Nectar, lime juice into a shaker (I add ice to the shaker too because we like our cocktails extra cold!). Muddle two of the blackberries in the shaker.  Leave third blackberry out for step 3.
2. Shake and pour into a martini glass.
3. Add whole blackberry (the third one) to martini glass.
4. Garnish with a lime if you choose and drink responsibly! These are dangerously good.

Cham-"pain"

Ingredients:

• Bottle of organic champagne or sparkling white wine
• Your favorite organic red and/or orange juice

Directions:

No need to number this because it's so easy! Just fill up champagne flutes and add as much juice as you want. Guests will love the colors...and the name! You can make a little sign near the champagne flutes that says "Cham-Pain". I think they'll get it ;)

Part 2: ECO-Eats!

Now that you have the Halloween "Spirits" together (Halloween Spirits would make a great bar sign!), it's time to make some Halloween inspired bites.  Like the cocktail recipes I listed above, these treats are super easy to make. I'm all about making the organic foodie life simple...because there are simple recipes that taste like you've spent hours in the kitchen.

"Devil"ed Eggs

Classic twist on traditional deviled eggs! There are plenty of simple recipes for deviled eggs online. You can make them as unique as you want or as simple. I usually make my deviled eggs based on what I have on hand.  This last time, I used a little mayo, a dash of pickle juice, and salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.  And as I always do, I topped each egg with paprika.  For the Devilish get-up, use organic red peppers for the devil ears and green onion for the whiskers and pointy chin. I made two versions in the picture above: one with the facial additions and one without. 

Rest in "Peas"

How cute and slightly chilling is this? The name just makes the dish all in itself.  This is great as an appetizer or side.  I made a pea salad and put crackers (homemade croutons work well too) in the salad to replicate tombstones.  Here is my pea salad recipe which makes about 3 cups (again, super easy):

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen organic peas, thawed
• 2 TBS organic mayo (or any equivalent you like to use)
• 1/4 cup diced organic red pepper
• 2/3 cup diced organic celery
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced or crumbled
• 3 slices organic bacon, crumbled (optional)
• 1 TBS organic green onion, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and keep in the fridge!

Here are some other simple ideas for a Halloween themed get together:

• "Boo"-Ritos ~ have a make your own burrito bar! Beans, rice, chicken, veggies, the works
• Sinister Salsa and Chips ~ just hot salsa and chips
• Guaca-"Moldy" and Brains ~ simple guacamole and cauliflower for dipping (bet you never thought about how much cauliflower really looks like a brain, right?!)

Do you have any treats or eco-sips you'd like to share? I am always looking for creative recipes with an eco-twist!

Have a Happy Halloween!

~ Hannah

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!

Chicken, Broccoli, & Cheese Casserole

No need for canned soup in this recipe for homemade Chicken, Broccoli, & Cheese Casserole! This is a BPA free and easy one-dish meal your whole family will love ~ even picky green veggie eaters...

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked organic chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked organic brown rice
• 1 lb fresh organic broccoli, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons of butter
• 2 Tablespoons of rice flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried mustard
• 1 1/2 cups of organic milk
• 1 1/2 cups of organic cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs or slivered almonds for topping

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees F.
2. Melt the butter in a medium stainless steel saucepan.  Add the flour, salt, pepper, and mustard, and cook 2-3 minutes until bubbly and foamy.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until thickened.
4. Stir in the shredded cheese.
5. Place the brown rice, chicken, and broccoli in a casserole dish and pour the white sauce over the top.
6. Spread the breadcrumbs and slivered almonds over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

~ Hannah

Stonyfield Organic Giveaway!

My husband and I often say how unlucky we are when it comes to winning giveaways and contests (we've had a bad streak in those $1 scratch offs, hah!), but a couple weeks ago, I think our luck changed! I entered into the Healthy Child Healthy World giveaway for Stonyfield Organic where I created a superhero profile at www.iwillknowmyfood.com, where for every profile created, Stonyfield Farm donates $1 to Foodcorps to help provide children with access to healthy foods. So far, over $1,500 has been raised!  Creating a profile is very easy...just click the link I provided above and click "Start Here" to create your food superhero profile.  In case you're wondering, my food superhero name was Go Benannahs (a combination of my name and my husband's--Ben + Hannah--and our love for, you guessed it, bananas!).


Despite my predetermined acceptance that I wouldn't win a $50 gift card to Whole Foods, a festive Stonyfield Farm's superhero cape, and a 6-ounce cup of Stonyfield product, I won!  Not only did I win the superhero pack from Stonyfield, but Healthy Child Healthy World is also giving one of ESP's fans a chance to win the same prize!


Contest ends August 6! For US residents only.

To enter into the Giveaway:

• Like ESP on Facebook (yay! if you already do!) ~ https://www.facebook.com/LoveESP

• Tweet about this Giveaway ~ I just entered to win a Stonyfield Super Hero Prize Pack from @Live_ESP! http://acupofesp.blogspot.com/2012/07/stonyfield-organic-giveaway.html

• Leave a comment on this post letting us know you have liked ESP, Tweeted, and why you choose to go chemical-free and organic!

Extra entries (double or triple your chances to win!):

• Like Healthy Child Healthy World on Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/HealthyChild

• Create your own food superhero at Stonyfield Farms ~ www.iwillknowmyfood.com

Superhero Prize Pack Includes:

• $50 Gift Card to Whole Foods (can't go wrong here!)

• Stonyfield Farms Superhero Cape (or as my husband referred to it as a large bib)

• a 6-ounce cup Stonyfield product (great yogurt!)

Good luck...and go benannahs! The more entries the better your chance of winning!




~ Hannah

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

Blueberry Avocado Salsa

I have to be honest, I'm one of those few who cannot stand the taste of having avocado plain! BUT (and a serious but!) I do love avocado when it's used in salsas, guacamole, soups, you name it!

Recently, my husband and I joined an organic buying club, and since we've been getting plenty of avocados in each pick up, I've been trying out some new recipes.  This Blueberry Avocado Salsa has to be one of our favorites. I saved two bites (literally two) for my parents to try, and they raved about it too. The salsa tastes delicious plain, on tortilla chips, with veggies (I used a lot of celery and carrots to dip into it), and on a salad.  It's easy to make and a great way to mix up your use of this summer's abundant avocados!

Ingredients (try to use organic if you can):

• 1-1/2 cups fresh tomatoes, quartered
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice + extra for drizzling
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeno pepper
• 1 ripe avocado, cut into small chunks

Directions:

1. Pulse all ingredients (except for the avocado) in a food processor. (I used my Vitamix and it worked out perfect!)
2. Drizzle the cut up avocado chunks with lime juice.
3. Stir in chopped avocado into the rest of your salsa ingredients.
4. Serve immediately for freshness!  (And, yes, it was still good the next day).

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!

 

BPA and Its Effects on In Vitro Fertilization

Because of its flexible but strong properties, Bisphenol A (or BPA) is a chemical commonly used in a huge array of plastic products. Just how common is it? According to one study, as of 2009, 3.6 million tons of BPA are used by manufacturers yearly. You will find BPA in everything from plastic food containers and baby bottles, to household electronics. This wouldn’t be so bad if BPA didn’t have the nasty habit of leaching into things it comes in contact with. For example, food kept in plastic containers with BPA will absorb the BPA and it doesn’t stop there.  When we consume the food, BPA enters into our bodies and can act as an endocrine disruptor, which behaves like or even blocks hormones. These actions mess with our normal body functions and can result in several different health issues, including (but not limited to) various cancers, thyroid issues, and difficulty conceiving.

Recent research has shed more light on the effects of BPA on one specific health concern: women’s reproductive health. In particular, this new research suggests that higher levels of BPA can reduce women’s chances of conceiving while undergoing in vitro fertilization treatments.  The study followed 137 women seeking fertility treatment at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center.   BPA concentration levels were measured in each woman’s urine sample.  Background information was collected on each participant, such as race, age, medical history and lifestyle factors.

The researchers followed each woman’s progress as she underwent fertility treatment, recording successful embryo implantations and failures.  After analyzing all of the data they had collected, the researchers saw a clear correlation between increased BPA levels and decreased rates of pregnancy.  Women with the higher levels of BPA in their urine were less likely to be able to conceive, and this trend persisted when the researchers controlled for the background factors, such as age, that they had collected.

This is the first study to look at the role BPA plays in women seeking fertility treatment, and furthermore, it supports the finding of past studies that have looked at the effects of BPA in animals.  For more information on this study and the effects of BPA explore the links below.

~ Jessica

Resource:

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/2012/04/2012-0514-bisphenol-a-impacts-female-fertility/

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/heart/articles/2009/06/10/studies-report-more-harmful-effects-from-bpa

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.

Pink Slime and Our Industrial Food System

Lately, you may have heard a lot of buzz in the media about “pink slim”—a light pink goupy substance that has a resemblance to froyo, right?  But despite its “sweet” appearance, pink slime is far from froyo. It is a mixture of fatty beef trimmings that is puréed into a smooth paste and then added to ground beef as a filler, gross. The proper name for pink slime (as it has been dubbed by the media) is lean finely textured beef (LFTB).   The main producer of LFTB in America is Beef Products Inc., and they supply ground beef to everyone from fast food chains, to the National School Lunch Program, to retail grocery stores across the country.  No wonder it’s caught our attention!

If you have not heard of pink slime, you are not alone.  Up until the beginning of last month, LFTB was a relatively unknown term.  However, at the beginning of March an online petition demanding LFTB be removed from school lunches exploded on the scene, receiving hundreds of thousands of signatures.  Fast forward to the present and Beef Products Inc. is closing three of its four plants. Hm…must be something fishy.

Most would view this as a victory.  The people raised their voices and defended themselves against this potentially dangerous and unsavory product.  However, it turns out that the public’s reaction to LFTB may have been a little misguided.  It turns out that Beef Products Inc. prides itself on testing their product more frequently and for more pathogens than the government requires.  It is tested more frequently than other components of ground beef.  So could removing LFTB from ground beef make it less safe?

Not so fast. There are several reasons to object to “pink slime.”  First, LFTB is composed of the less expensive trimmings of the cow, it is not as high in protein as other cuts of beef.  Second, it may contain E. Coli.  Third, why was it not on meat packing labels? What else could be left out?  What are we actually consuming?

Finally, the time has come to properly label meat.

~ Jessica

Resources:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/03/26/149401164/pink-slime-maker-halts-production-but-ground-beef-will-still-have-trimmings

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/03/28/149529235/why-pink-slime-isnt-that-different-from-other-meat

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