Safe & Nontoxic Cleaning Products
Why use toxic cleaning products when you can use healthy, nontoxic and safe cleaning alternatives? Here are some green cleaning ideas to help you be clean, healthy and make a planet difference:
All-Purpose Cleaner
Seventh Generation and Sun & Earth make non-toxic cleaning products which you can use for kitchens, bathrooms, tubs, floors, counters, tile, carpets, spills, stains, and other.
White Distilled Vinegar
Inexpensive and versatile, white distilled vinegar is a very powerful nontoxic disinfectant. Use it to remove stains, grease, mildew, wax buildup, polish some metals, clean coffeepots, toilet bowls, brick, stone, and windows. Also, one tablespoon during rinse cycle makes a fabulous fabric softener.
Window Glass Cleaner
Seventh Generation makes a wonderful nontoxic window cleaner.
Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Use baking soda to deodorize every room of the house, unclog drains, removes certain stains, and clean and polish jewelry, chrome, silver, copper, tin, stainless and tin.
Hand Dishwashing Liquid
Seventh Generation, Ecover, Earth Friendly, and Sun & Earth produces eco-friendly dishwashing liquid that can be used to clean pots, pans, dishes, glasses and anything else you don't want in the dishwasher.
Automatic Dishwashing Detergent
Seventh Generation makes a great nontoxic dishwashing detergent.
Laundry Liquid
Earth Friendly, Seventh Generation, & Ecover, all make eco-friendly nontoxic laundry liquid.
Lemon Juice
Use as a natural deodorizer and cleaner for aluminum, copper, porcelain and clothing.
Table Salt
Use to remove rust and, when combined with lemon juice, cleans copper. When salt is combined with vinegar, it polishes brass.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Use in diluted form to remove stains from dirty whites and other clothing/fabrics.
Happy cleaning!
The Fat Truth of Corn
Have you ever considered how much corn we consume and how fattening it is? Did you know that carbon in our body actually originates from corn or that corn is an ingredient in many food and industrial products? In "King Corn", a 2007 documentary, two recent college graduates plant corn and follow it's way through the supply chain right to your dinner plate. Government subsidies, corn crops are genetically modified and glazed with pesticides, resulting in harrowing outcomes for all consumers, including obesity, diabetes and other health related diseases.
Losing any nutritional value corn once had, corn is now harvested for high fructose corn syrup, used in lieu of table sugar and found in breads, spaghetti sauce, cookies, juices, gum, beer, and so much more. Although table sugar consumption has fallen, sweeteners have increased by 30%, largely due to corn syrup. Indeed, cheaper food is also unhealthy food, leading to obesity, diabetes and other health related diseases.
In addition, unlike years past, most cattle eat a corn based diet on huge feedlots, instead of having the freedom and ability to roam land and graze. As a result, the American people now eat corn based meat, a fattening starch alternative to grass based meat.
So what is the fat truth of modern day corn in America? Unfortunately, corporations financially benefit greatly from corn, while the rest of us contend with the pounds around the middle. Is it any wonder why diabetes has become a crisis in America? Let's stop the corporate insanity and boycott all food and drinks made with corn. There is a supply because there is a demand. Let's just stop demanding corn so the cattle and our bodies fare better.
Ready?
“If you’re standing in a field in Iowa, there’s an immense amount of food being grown, none of it edible. The commodity corn, nobody can eat. It must be processed before we can eat it. It’s a raw material—it’s a feedstock for all these other processes. And the irony is that an Iowa farmer can no longer feed himself.” —Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma
Let's take a closer look at every day products made with corn:
Corn Starches
Industrial uses: Adhesives, Cardboard, Construction Materials, Detergents, Paper, Textiles, Plasterboard
Food and drug uses: Antibiotics, Aspirin, Baked Goods, Candies, Condiments, Mixes & Instant Preparations, Processed Meats, Puddings
Corn Syrup
Industrial uses: Adhesives, Animal Feed, Bookbinding, Laminated Building Products, Enzymes, Leather Tanning, Lubricating Agents, Metal Plating
Food and drug uses: Baby Food, Bologna and Hot Dogs, Chewing Gum, Cookies & Crackers, Dessert Mixes, Fruit Drinks, Canned Foods, Cereals, Medicinal Syrups, Pickles, Salad Dressings, Seasoning Mixes
High Fructose Corn Syrup: Carbonated Beverages, Fruit Fillings, Cereals, Frostings, Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts, Pancakes, Pastries, Relishes & Sauces, Syrups & Dessert Toppings
Dextrose
Industrial use: Antibiotics, Enzymes, Coatings, Insecticides, Organic Solvents, Plasticizers, Shampoo
Food and drug uses: Brownies & Baked Goods, Canned Fruits, Cheese Spreads, Cured Meats (such as bacon), Dessert Mixes, Intravenous Solutions, Jams & Jellies, Soda Fountain Preparations, Marshmallows, Soups
Fermentation and other chemical products: Ethanol, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Essential Amino Acids, Sugar Alcohols
Links:
http://www.iowacorn.org/index.html
http://www.corn.org/
http://www.acga.org/
http://www.soyatech.com/corn_facts.htm
http://goefuel.com/cornfacts/index.html
Your Cleaning Products: Are They Toxic?
Have you ever considered that your household cleaning products may be toxic for your body? Unfortunately, many chemicals used in cleaning products are very harmful and toxic and really need to be banned from the market. Conventional cleaners, from chlorine bleach-based detergents to drain cleaners, have been associated with numerous childhood health problems, including ADHD, asthma, birth defects, and reproductive problems. Let's take a look at common ingredients found in conventional household cleaning products and the impact they may have on your body:
Aerosol propellants: carpet cleaners, air fresheners, spray starches, furniture polish and waxes, insecticides, conventional oven cleaners, and upholstery cleaners. These types of aerosol propellents cause irritants to eyes, throats, and lungs, contributing to asthma and other lung diseases.
Alkylphenolic compounds: all-purpose cleaners and laundry detergents. These compounds are endocrine disrupters, proven to mimic hormone estrogen and reek havoc on a woman's hormones regulating reproductive and development.
Ammonia: conventional window cleaners, metal polishes and cleaners, furniture polishes and waxes. Ammonia irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory system, resulting in respiratory problems, like pulmonary edema, bronchitis, and pneumonia. In addition, ammonia can cause cataracts and corneal damage, chemical burns, and skin cancer.
Chlorine bleach and chlorine byproducts: dishwasher detergents, tub and tile cleaners, toiletbowl cleaners, laundry detergents, and other. This is one of the primary causes of household poisonings in the US.
Formaldehyde: air fresheners, disinfectants, and spray starches. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen in humans, and can severely irritate or burn eyes, nose, skin, throat, lungs, and mouth. In addition, this toxin contributes to asthma, skin allergies, and even pulmonary edema.
Perchlorethylene, or PERC: carpet cleaners, spot removers, degreasers and dry-cleaning fluids. PERC is a bioaccumulative toxin, meaning it can be stored in our fat tissue. When inhaled by pregnant women, this toxin can be very damaging to babies in the womb and contaminate breast milk.
Petroleum distillates: hand dishwashing liquid, lip gloss, perfume, plastics, paint thinners, stain removers, solvents, artificial fragrances, furniture polishes, and oven cleaners. Exposure to this toxin can pose risks to the respiratory, liver, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune and gastrointestinal systems.
Benzene, a toxic emission of burning coal and oil, has been correlated with childhood leukemia. In addition, it can damage a baby in the womb.
Toulene, is another highly toxic petrochemical solvent, and a known carcinogen, neurotoxin, and eye and skin tolerant. It can be found in an array of products, like adhesives and sealants, paint and varnish removers, vinyl flooring, undercoats and primers, bathmats, waterproofing compounds, and industrial particleboard.
Phenol: laundry detergents, all-purpose cleaners, air fresheners, disinfectants, metal polishes and cleaners, and dryer sheets and fabric softners. Known to be a mutagen and suspected carcinogen, phenol can severely irritate or burn eyes, skin, eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, and nose. Such toxins can interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen, causing bronchitis. Higher exposures can lead to build up of fluids in the lungs, resulting in pulmonary edema. Internal consumption, in large volumes, can lead to cold sweats, convulsions, coma, circulatory collapse and death.
In my next post, I'll post greener and healthier alternatives for household cleaning products, so you and your body can be safe. Read another post about greening your home here.
The Miracle Berry! A Healthy Alternative to Sugar
Recently, I listened to an interview with Montreal-based writer Adam Leith Gollner about his new book, The Fruit Hunters: A Story of Nature, Adventure, Commerce, and Obsession. Goliner traveled around the world in pursuit of the history of fruit, leading him to discover "the miracle berry", a cranberry-like fruit that turns sour into sweet. When you eat the the miracle berry, you can eat an entire lime, for example, and it will literally be sweet. That's right. Imagine, no more mouth watering response when you think about biting into a lime as it becomes as juicy and sweet as an orange! Imagine! Not surprisingly, due to possible corporate interests, this amazing fruit has yet to reach consumers. In fact, this miracle berry was banned by the FDA in early 1970's, even though it could easily be an easy and all-healthy alternative to sugar. See the interview with Amy Goodman on Democracy Now!
Making Biofuel from the Fruit of the Jatropha Tree
In 2001, when petroleum prices began to spiral upwards, Ricardo Asturias in Guatemala saw an opportunity with biofuels. With a background in agribusiness and petroleum, Asturias knew that alternative fuels would be a promising investment and he had just the plant oil in mind, the nonedible fruit of the Jatropha tree (Jatropha Curcas), called the piñon. This small tree grows in abundance in Guatemala and has had little every day use but is known for its success in preventing erosion and deforestation. Asturias is quite confident that the piñon, and other renewable sources of energy, “will result in an agricultural revolution in our countries.”
This amazing non-edible fruit is a strong source of alternative fuel; it is good for consumers and the environment.
Other Benefits of Jatropha Curcas:
- It can grow almost anywhere, with little or no maintenance or water
- It grows in abundance
- Produces year round seed, if watered
- Medicinal and industrial uses, including: soaps, cosmetics, toothpaste, high quality paper, & cough medicine.
References:
http://www.biodieseltoday.com/
http://www.jatrophacurcasplantations.com/
http://www.iadb.org/idbamerica/index.cfm?thisid=4329
"Bella" Movie Review - Celebrating Life!
"Bella" is a reminder of the beauty and sacredness of life. It is a heart warming story between Jose, a handsome and former soccer pro, now turned chef, and Nina, a waitress he meets at a restaurant. After Nina confides to Jose that she is pregnant, Jose talks her out of having an abortion. This movie will leave a sweetness and lightness in your spirit, as it celebrates families, friendship and life. Go rent it.
"Bella" won the People’s Choice Award at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival.
Are Biofuels Sustainable?
All of us are experiencing the pain at the gas pump, unless you have a hybrid, hydrogen or electric vehicle. Meanwhile, oil companies are experiencing tremendous profits, thanks to many reasons, including gas guzzling vehicles, successful marketing campaigns, and starry-eyed consumers. Many consumers bought into the marketing lie that "bigger is better" and now they financially suffer at the pump, while also negatively impacting our small planet. As we look at the various alternatives to petroleum, we must ask, are biofuels really sustainable? A document prepared by the House of Commons Environmental Committee (January 2008), addresses this very question. The fact is that biofuels are contributing to a global food crisis. According to a recent article in the Guardian, "Biofuels have forced global food prices up by 75% - far more than previously estimated - according to a confidential World Bank report obtained by the Guardian."
Considering the growing rhetoric of the depletion of oil reserves, let's take a look at the pros and cons of five sources of biofuels: corn ethanol, sugar-cane ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, algae biofuel, and biodiesel.
Corn Ethanol
Pros: Could reduce US reliance upon oil imports and decrease greenhouse gases.
Cons: Production is energy intensive and the price of corn, meat and grain have gone through the roof. 450+ pounds of corn are required to fill a 25 gallon tank with an ethanol (enough calories to feed one person for a year!).
Sugar-Cane Ethanol
Pros: Less energy to produce than corn and yields more per acre than corn.
Cons: Requires a warm, rainy climate to grow.
Cellulosic Ethanol
Pros: Made from wood chips, nonfood crops, and farm waste.
Cons: More expensive than sugar or corn and very energy intensive.
Algae Biofuel
Pros: Algae grows quickly and can produce 30x more energy than other biofuel alternatives.
Cons: Growing algae is expensive. The technology is not yet developed to make extensive fuel from algae.
Biodiesel
Pros: Made from vegetable oil, like canola and soy, and animal fat. Unfortunately, it requires 90% more energy to create it than to use it. Biodiesel is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40-80%.
Cons: Boosts "agflation".
Related articles:
U.N. Says Food Plan Could Cost $30 Billion a Year (New York Times, June 4, 2008)
All Biofuels Are Not The Same (Washington Post, June 16, 2008)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jul/03/biofuels.renewableenergy
Pro-Life: Value the Life of Babies in the Womb
When do you believe life begins? The moment a baby is born? Or, like me, do you believe that life begins at conception? I am firmly convinced that our lives begin at conception. Indeed, babies in the womb deserve to be protected and valued. I'll always value life in the womb and the sacredness of life, no matter what laws or culture dictate. My value of life comes from the knowledge of a Creator and that we are all made in His image, not based upon the laws or opinions of men. Babies in the womb are dependent upon the mother for protection. It's time for us to speak for the unborn and their right to live.
Let's agree to value and protect the baby in the womb.
Tea Tree Oil - A Natural Wonder
Tree tea oil (melaleuca alternifolia) is a natural remedy and wonder, healthy and green, and a powerful antibiotic. I am crazy about tea tree oil! A mere couple of drops with lots of water can soothe and heal your body, or clean your home. Here's how your body and home can benefit from tea tree oil:
- Cuts
- Scratches
- Mouth sores
- Nail fungus
- Stinky feet
- Acne
- Athlete's foot
- Deodorizer
- Bug Bites
- Eczema
- Household cleaning
- Lice
- Yeast infections
- MRSA
Currently, triclosan is a common ingredient in many antibiotics and toiletries. However, laboratory studies have shown that triclosan produces chloroform, a probable carcinogen (read article). In addition, research shows a link between triclosan and the growth of antimicrobial drug resistance (read the Center for Disease Control research article). Amazingly, tea tree oil wonder is powerful enough to kill off the "superbug", also known as MRSA, or staphylococcus aureus, a very ugly and deadly virus.
With tea tree oil, you can use it with confidence, knowing your body can be healed naturally, one drop at a time.
So why not? Heal your body, your home and your world every time you use tea tree oil.
Happy healing!
Eating Healthy & Belly Flattening Foods
Indeed, crunches and sit-ups are always a great way to tone and flatten your stomach, but did you know you can also speed up the process of by eating certain types of food? Five food groups, when also combined with water, will help to burn off belly fat. God has given us a natural and healthy food supply chain. Let's go back to the source of healthy living and stop the insanity and addiction to man-made and processed food.
Let's take a look at five natural food wonders:
1. Vegetables: Your mom always told you to eat all your veggies and now you can be grateful she encouraged you to do so. Vegetable are incredibly healthy for you! Because they are fiber-rich, veggies fills your tummy, while also reducing the amount of sugar flowing in your your bloodstream and decreasing insulin. On top of these benefits, some veggies are also loaded with anti-oxidants and lower the chance for cancer. Stick with dark green and leafy vegetables, and let God's delicious vegetables perform its wonders.
2. Nuts: Many of us grew up hearing that nuts were so fattening and therefore a weight gainer. Yet, research has proven that nuts contain healthy fatty acids, fiber and protein, all controlling appetite and reducing belly fat. Next time you are hungry, grab some fiber-rich almonds, filling your hunger while burning belly fat.
3. Avocados: Yup, it is true, your beloved guacamole is healthy for you! Loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids, avocados help to lose excess belly fat. So, the next time you make a sandwich, consider using avocados as a spread instead of the real fattening one, mayo. Hold the mayo, but load the avocado. By the way, try avocado, monterey jack cheese and alfalfa sprouts on whole wheat bread. Yum!
4. Yogurt: Research tell us that calcium-rich foods, like low-fat milk and yogurt, expedite the metabolism process, helping to burn off the dreaded belly fat. It is thought that calcium-rich foods reduces the amount of fat absorbed by food. One of my favorite meals is a bowl of Trader Joes non-fat vanilla yogurt with frozen cherries. Yummy!
5. Wholegrains: Stop buying and consuming fattening white breads and pasta, and load up on whole-grain breads, rice, cereals and pasta. You'll lose belly fat and reduce your chance of heart disease. When I was a child, my father always spouted the benefits of wheat bread, while my mom bought white bread. One day, my father was so fed up with it, he grabbed the white bread and squished it like an accordion, calling it a dough ball as he did so. We giggled, but from that day on, we only consumed whole wheat bread.
Let today be a new beginning for you. Start burning belly fat by incorporating these delicious fat fighting foods into your diet. Before you know it, you'll be reducing belly fat and be belly flat, easily and without great effort. In addition, you can stop the corporate greed that not only makes millions off processed food, but contributes to the rising rate of cancer and other health maladies.
Eat off God's natural creation and be healthy, in more ways than one.
Thank you, God, for your creation and healthy, organic food!