It's not just "Lead" that's hiding in your children's toys!

What do Cadmium, Antimony, Arsenic, Bromine, Formaldehyde, Phthalates, BPA, Mercury, Lead, and other Chemicals/Heavy Metals have in common? The disturbing answer is toys! TOYS!

A staggering amount of chemicals that have been associated with developmental and learning disabilities, reproductive and hormone problems, various forms of cancer as well as a myriad amount of other ailments that have been scientifically documented as climbing steadily upwards since the chemical revolution began.

As a parent I have trouble putting the words "Chemicals" and "Technological Advancement" in the same sentence as "Responsibility", "Health", "Foresight", and "Safety". The studies have been done, the information is clear, the facts are out there yet there doesn't seem to be any distinctive or solid laws in place to protect the public from KNOWN or SUSPECTED harmful substances. Did you know that even the words "non-toxic" on labels are not enforced by any solid laws nor are there clear regulations or set standards for the definition. As a Parent that's not only frightening but outright ridiculous! ( http://www.greenerchoices.org/eco-labels/label.cfm?LabelID=131 )

Why? Imagine the chemical manufacturers if a law was passed - how many millions/billions of items would have to be pulled off the shelves? Production would stop! Billions of dollars would be lost not only by the companies themselves and the labs creating these substances but by the Government as well. The chemical companies would have to do a 180 and change to adhere to laws and regulations for the sake of public safety! Is this why it hasn't happened yet? Is it profit vs health and safety? If that's not the case then WHY haven't changes been made? WHY haven't preventative measures been addressed? WHY haven't repeat offenders been shut down permanently (and not allowed to reopen under another name/lable/company)? It seems that a slap on the hand and a couple of thousand dollar fines is all they get - to a multi billion dollar company what's a few thousand here and there? To a parent who's child has suffered at the hands of chemical exposures, toxic overload, birth defects, etc. the ultimate price has been their children's health! It's cumulative, the effects of which are sometimes irreversible in children! A great example of this is Lead poisoning! It causes brain damage in children and that is something that we have no "cure" for! So why is this toxic heavy metal still in our toys/food/air/etc.!!!!?

I'm all for supporting cancer research and finding a "cure" but it's a post reaction to a growing problem! What about "Prevention" preventing cancer by looking at what causes it! Scientists know for a FACT that certain chemicals, additives, toxins, etc have been linked and "suspect" for contributing or directly causing cancer in experiments and studies! So WHY are these things still on the market? In Toys? In Food? In Products? It's prevention we should be concentrating on AS WELL not just a "cure"! To me it's a band aid solution! Being reactive rather than pro-active is the sad state of affairs that we all seem to be subjected to... The stats say that we are living longer than previous generations - which might be true but what about the "quality" of life in terms of health? It's not quantity it's quality. We have more obese/overweight people/kids than ever, we have more cancer, diabetes, asthma, ADD, ADHD, Birth Defects etc. than any other previous generation. So while we are living longer - we are living unhealthier and with more problems than before!

Now I realize that most of the information about these issues are not being taught to parents nor are they brought forth in the public eye as they should. So I understand the lack of knowledge or awareness by the general public. However there are a number of growing movements by concerned parents/people like you and I that are slowly surfacing. As we are pounding the pavement hard and making our voices heard in an attempt to lift the veil on what is really going on around us. We are trying to raise awareness and protect our children and future generations so that they CAN have a healthy and safe future! Not just our children but all children! I truly believe that education and insight are key! Awareness is crucial and research is critical for any parent in the 21st century! Turning a blinds eye is not going to make matters better nor is it going to change the path that our futures will take. Only by making our voices heard and DEMANDING change for the health and welfare of our families will things take a turn for the better...

There are thousands of new chemicals being created every year, most of which have not been properly tested. If they had then we would not have PVC baby toys or BPA in our baby bottles, lead paint on the toys our children place in their mouths. These things would NEVER have made it to market! There are recalls for toys containing toxic chemicals all the time - ever wonder how these things make it to the shelves? They don't get recalled right away either! How is a Parent to keep up with all the recalls? How can we be sure that the products we have are safe? What about all the non-recalled items that STILL contain the chemicals I mentioned? It's not only toys but also food, bath, and baby products, the list is long and the research and work a parent must go through to protect their children is hard and tiresome! What is a parent to do? If the proper preventative measures were in place toxic substances/chemicals wouldn't even be a parental issue or concern - but it is!!

What I find interesting and disheartening is the number of people that are under the impression that "everything has chemicals in it", "everything is bad in one way or another" and the lackadaisical attitude some of us have about toys, foods and products - our children's health and our future. The notion that "if it wasn't safe it wouldn't be on the shelves" just confirms to me that people have no idea what's really going on. They believe that the same companies who reap the profits and benefits from our consumer driven society are also the same companies that are responsible in protecting us and have our health and best interest at heart! As if the scientific data, stats, and ongoing evidence are not enough - it isn't going to go away or get any better if all we do is close our eyes and convince ourselves that it's not happening! This "attitude" is not going to decrease our children's chances of getting cancer, or lower their "body burden" nor will it keep them safe from the myriad of illnesses that are caused by environmental exposure to toxic substances! The only thing that WILL is taking the time to educate ourselves by digging! DIG online, in Articles, Scientific Magazines, talk with Doctors, Scientists, become part of groups that do solid research like the EWG (Environmental Working Group) and HealthyStuff.org, the Toxic Free Legacy Coalition and other wonderful groups who are digging, researching, doing analysis and making our never ending search for information a little bit easier along the way!

As you you read this article you will see that I am very passionate about children's health and well being. I am also concerned about the environment since Earth is the only planet that can sustain human life. If we continue to travel down this nonchalant road and continue to pollute and contaminate our environment and our bodies, we WILL end up destroying this place we call home and our children, grand children's future along with it!

What can we do? Put your money where it counts! Be picky, scrutinize items you bring into your home. Do some research online, link yourself to groups that offer valuable information so you can educate yourself and protect your family! If there are companies that are constantly having recalls and issues you might want to consider boycotting them! Also take a good hard look at countries of origin on toys and products - research the history and the manufacturing standards of that country! Since items are not labeled with contaminants/toxins it is up to us to look at the material, the manufacturing practices, the standards, the companies, and to put the items we have/are considering buying under a proverbial microscope!

Become aware and spread the word to other parents. Whether you find an article, see a news reel, read a magazine - it's important to share it with other parents. We need to help each other become aware of the perils that face us in this generation that have not faced previous generations on such a grand scale. While we worried about diseases and germs in past centuries - this century we crossed over to the other side and are now under fire with chemicals in our system. Childhood Cancers, Childhood Obesity, Childhood Asthma, Diabetes, ADD, ADHD, Autism the list goes on and on and the number are rising each and every year!

So the only thing to do now is take a deep breath, take a step back, and open both our eyes. Face forward and look to the future. Take one day at a time and research about Toys, Products, Food, Water, the Environment. If not for our sake then for the sake of our children and their future! Align yourself with reliable sources of information and take the time to research. You will find as you research that one door leads to another, one bit of information will introduce you to another. Take it one step at a time, there is a lot of information and a lot of resources out there don't get overwhelmed.

To get you started I recommend you look at the following sites:

HealthyStuff. Org http://www.healthystuff.org/

EWG Environmental Working Group http://www.ewg.org/

Healthy Child Healthy World http://healthychild.org/

Toxic Free Legacy Coalition http://www.toxicfreelegacy.org/

ATSDR Agency For Toxic Substances and Disease Registry http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/

Toxic Nation http://www.toxicnation.ca/

Non-Toxic Kids http://www.non-toxickids.net/

Treehugger http://www.treehugger.com/food_health/?campaign=th_nav_food

Let these websites be a starting point. Use your search engine to look for words like "Toxic Toys", "Body Burden" and try words with chemicals like "BPA + Toys" or "Cadmium + Toys" as you learn your vocabulary on toxins will increase and you will become more adept at getting to the source and finding valuable information more quickly. Keep in mind there are websites for recalled toys/products/food etc. But what about the one's they haven't found yet? The one's that are still out there? Learn to be one step ahead of the recalls and educate yourself, friends, and family so that when recalls do happen you won't be one of the people returning/throwing out/ or worrying about the items in your house, and what toys your children are playing with or chewing on. "Prevention" not "Reaction"! By the time you realize and react - your child has already played and possibly ingested the toxic chemicals and substances!

As far as the future goes, our health, our children, our environment. It is up to you and I. If we make our voices heard and support groups who are truly in it for our health and well being then there is hope for the future! If we turn a blinds eye then there is no one to blame... The choices we make do make a difference! Our voices do get heard! Our decisions will change the direction of our future - all we have to do is TRY!

The Real Meaning Of The Holiday's!

Nothing beats the smell of fresh baked gingerbread, the decorations glistening throughout the house... There is nothing like family and friends sharing fond memories of times gone by... While snow gently drifts outside and lays down a blanket of sparkling white wonder we remember our childhood and how special this season really is. Whether you Celebrate Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid or the numerous other wonderful religious celebrations the one thing we all have in common is Family and Friends!

At our house we celebrate Yule (the Winter Solstice) and we educate our children with facts about where this distorted image of the red and white coca-cola "Santa" really came from. Who the real St. Nicholas was and what he stands for today. In Europe St. Nicholas day falls on December the 6th and has nothing to do with the traditional "Christmas" which is celebrated on the eve of December 24th. (In Europe children open presents on the eve of the 24th not on the morning of the 25th as they do here in Canada and the US)

Story of St. Nicholas http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=38
St. Nicholas Celebration's Around the World http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=76
Saint Nicholas and the Origin of Santa Claus http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=35
Santa Claus and St. Nicholas http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=36
Santa & Coca-Cola http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/heritage/cokelore_santa.html

To us it has never been about the presents. It has always been about good will and helping the less fortunate. I remember as a teenager I volunteered at St. Francis' Table in Toronto to help feed the hungry. The feeling I got by sharing stories, and knowing that I had made a difference was something I carry with me to this day. It is an experience I hope to pass onto my children as they get older. During the Winter Holiday's it's easy to get caught up in the consumerism of the 21st century and forget those who are less fortunate.

When I lived in Toronto I would go out and buy gloves, scarves and hats and walk along Yonge St. and side streets giving them out to the homeless. As a Bachlorette in a one bedroom apartment on a Receptionists fixed income I still saved money throughout the year for the needy. I would keep my change and empty it into a jar, then come winter I would have enough money saved to buy hot dogs from street vendors and give it to the homeless on the street. I would talk to the people and give them hope, a smile, and some kind words of encouragement. This to me was what the Holiday's were really about!

"The Magic of the Season" to me was the glimmer of hope in the eyes of those I had a chance to meet. The children who came with their parents to St. Francis' Table to have a hot meal and to be among other children who were going through the same thing. The real "Magic" came from the smiles, the tears of joy and for me personally my new point of view and the new-found appreciation for the things that I myself was lucky enough to have. This is the "True Magic" of the Season I hope to pass onto my children as they grow. The wisdom to know what the season was really meant to be, to offer hope, a new beginning, a chance to touch the lives of those who need our help. To see the smiles on the faces of children and to see the tears of joy in the eyes of the elderly as we donate our time and money to what really matters.

I think people often forget about traditions, even creating new one's for the next generation to enjoy. We seem to be caught up in the dollar amount and the newest gadget. With children stomping, whining, and demanding that they get what they "want"! The commercials are constantly bombarding their little brains with images and flashy new toys. I see parents running around the mall with their little one's with bags of things they have just bought. Yet they go right past the Salvation Army Charity Donation boxes without a second thought. We spend hundreds of dollars on groceries and yet we say we "can't afford" a couple of boxes of cereal or canned goods for those who are in such desperate need of supplies.

Why? Why is it that the season of giving seems to be the season of selfish fulfillment? We need to not only remember the difference between "NEED" and "WANT" ourselves but we need to instill these valuable lessons in our children as well. It's easy to get lost and forget the important things in life. We work, we go home we cook, we clean, we go grocery shopping, we need school supplies for our children, new clothes as they grow. We get busy and caught up - we rarely have time to stop and really take a look at life. Life that is passing us by as if it were on fast forward. Yet for those who have nothing - it is a slow uphill climb/battle to get back to where they once were.

We forget WHY people sometimes need a helping hand to get back on their feet. I often hear people say "they're lazy" they should get a job! or "I'm not giving anyone on the street money they'll just drink it away!" Until you actually talk to some of these people first hand how do you know? Why are people so quick to judge when they really don't know the truth and facts behind others misfortune? Just recently the recession hit many people hard, many people became jobless, losing their homes, having little or no money to make ends meet. There are people who are disabled, mentally challenged, people leaving abusive situation, Singe Parents struggling to get by. I myself was a single mother for the first year and a half of my son's life! There are many reasons why people are down on their luck. Think about all the children that suffer needlessly, children who go to bed hungry, not just in third world countries but in your own community.

So this Holiday Season I hope you find it in your heart to give. Even if it's just a couple of cans of food to a local food drive - if everyone gave a can or two there would be no empty little tummy's this Winter. If we all donated one toy - we would be giving a needy child happiness & joy, hope, and the esteem they need to hang in there as their parents try desperately to piece their lives back together again. We need to relearn the meaning of "Share", "Need", "Sympathy" and "Empathy" and my wish this Holiday Season is that all of us out there will have the heart to touch atleast one life this Winter. That together we can create a family tradition worth remembering and passing on for generations to come.

We can make a difference! All we have to do is TRY!

TRICK or TREAT?

This age old saying now has a horrible echo of truth to it when it comes to the 21st century. The answer in short is BOTH! The same companies that create most of the treats out there are the same one's tricking you into thinking they are safe for your little one's to enjoy this Halloween Season! Now it's not to say that we should lock our doors and turn out the lights, avoiding the whole fun & mystery of this creative holiday. But there are things you should be aware of, research and watch out for. There are alternatives out there so you can make this Halloween fun, special and SAFE for your family and everyone who comes to your door!

Let's start with the Treats shall we.... I am keeping this article simple and as such I am merely touching the tip of the iceberg - But it should hit a cord with most parents and hopefully open a can of worms. This should make you want to research and learn more about confections and food in general......

There are so many chemical additives and colorants these days it's hard to keep track of them all. The sad truth is the numbers are growing everyday. Companies and labs are constantly creating new "ingredients" and preservatives to please the consumers eyes and pallet. But at what cost to our health? Most people assume that "if it's not safe to eat it wouldn't be on the shelf" right? If it caused short/long term health problems or have been suspect/linked to cancer, diabetes, asthma etc. these things would be prevented from being on our store shelves. Yes, that thought would be the logical conclusion but unfortunately that is not the case! There are inadequate laws and in some instances no laws at all that govern chemical additives, nor laws to have proper studies for long term or short term side effects of these chemicals and additives. A good example is GMO's! Many Food Colorings have been banned because they were deemed unsafe only to reappear years later on the market! There is an interesting book that I myself have read called "The Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives" By: Ruth Winter you can preview some of the book here http://books.google.com/books?id=U0349-vMOewC&pg=PP1&dq=consumer%27s+dictionary+of+food+additives&as_brr=3#v=onepage&q=&f=false I have recommended this book, and have bought it for friends. It lists ingredients in alphabetical order so you can look up some of those hard to read/pronounce ingredients - or the simple one's like food colors and get a better understanding of what they are and if there is information linking them to health problems/illnesses.



Food Colorings? Most people don't realize that the majority of artificial food coloring ingredients are made with petroleum and are a derivative of petrochemicals and coal tar. Take a look at this site for some great information on food coloring http://www.bewellbuzz.com/experts/david-wolfe/artificial-food-coloring/ Throughout the years several different food colorings have been banned - some even reappeared years later. The allowance of food Coloring into foods also varies a great deal from one country to the next! If that doesn't have you wondering about the treats that most kids will be consuming this Fall then perhaps this article on Natural vs Artificial Flavors will have you thinking twice about those candies on the shelves this Holiday Season http://www.bewellbuzz.com/experts/david-wolfe/artificial-food-coloring/ When you are reading the labels it can be very misleading people don't realize that when they see "strawberry flavor" on the label it actually contains 49 ingredients, most of which are difficult-to-pronounce chemical compounds. Some words are "umbrellas" under which a long list of other chemicals hide under - but for simplicity sake the manufacturer puts it under a short name like "natural/artificial" or "color/flavor". Reading the label isn't so easy these days! I also recommend reading "The Hunt for Natural Food Colours" http://organic.com.au/news/2007.01.10/ - Before we had synthetic food colors on the market people used vegetables/fruit/spices to color their food. If that's the case then why not now? Surprisingly there are still companies who do use natural food colors derived from beets, spinach and the like - you just have to get on the net and dig a little!

What about Sugar? When there is (High Fructose) Corn Syrup in the ingredients list the general public assumes that "corn" is a healthy way of getting sugar - I mean it's a vegetable right? High Fructose (Unless it's "Organic" you have a good chance of it being a GMO) Corn Syrup is anything but natural or good for you. GMO's haven't been studied adequately to know or understand the long term health implications of people who consume it - yet it has been on the market for years now! It's not on the label and there are no laws that say they must be listed anywhere on packages. Recently there was an article on Natural News .com about Fructose Corn Syrup being Contaminated with Toxic Mercury http://www.naturalnews.com/025442_mercury_HFCS_corn.html Also take a look at "Europe's Uprising Against GMOs and Patents on Life" http://www.i-sis.org.uk/EuropesUprisingAgainstGMOs.php If you find a treat without FCS and find one with Sugar, whether it's the refined sugar many people have come to know or the artificial alternatives - these themselves have a long history of being linked to health problems as well. Take a look at "the sugar-coated truth" and find out about the various sugar alternatives such as Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame-K etc. and how they affect your family's health and well being http://www.everydiet.org/articles/sugar_and_alternatives.htm So what is a safer/healthier alternative? I find myself using organic Honey and Cane Sugar as sweeteners. I also buy candy with Cane Sugar as the source of sweetness.

These are just a few things that candies and foods contain these days. There are so many other ingredients - the list is long - you know the one's, the one's we can't read let alone pronounce. My suggestion is - if you can't understand the ingredients leave the product on the shelf and spend your hard earned money elsewhere!

Is your head spinning yet? Don't get discouraged! Just remember that our grand parents and great grandparents as well as all those who came before them lived in a relatively chemical free food era and they too ate sweets and foods just like we did! What they ate, the way they ate came first - chemical/synthetics came after! So what do we give our kids and those little one's who come to our door looking for some tasty treats on October 31st? There are alternatives, honestly there are alternatives for everything you just need to take time to dig and research to find answers. I've done some digging myself and always offer healthier alternatives to the little munchkins that come looking for goodies. A few of my personal favorite alternatives for candy are:

Organic Candies from Pure Fun http://www.organiccandy.com/

College Farm Organic Fun Pops http://www.collegefarmorganic.com/college_farm_fun_pops/

Annie's Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks http://www.annies.com/bunny_fruit

Bop around the net, search for "organic" candy or "organic" Halloween and you will come up with a lot of safe alternatives for your home and for the little witches and goblins that will be waiting at your door this Halloween.

Now onto the topic of Halloween Costumes and Make Up.

The PVC Costumes and the heavy metal laced Face Paints (Lead, Mercury...) should make any parent shudder and cringe. When the recalls come in weeks after our little one's have worn the costumes and make-up we look back with regret and are horrified at what we have done! When profit outweighs safety we have some serious quality control and health issue predicaments which the lack of laws seem to let run rampant without public knowledge or awareness. As such the problem continues to exist and grow - without any real penalties/punishment or consequences for the multi million/billion dollar companies who continue to market these items! As parents we want the best for our children. We want them to have fun and enjoy all the adventures and excitement that childhood has to offer - but the serious lack of awareness and the naive trust in the companies that dish out these items puts children everywhere at risk without their parents even knowing it! Take a look at Ehow's "How to Green a Halloween Costume" http://www.ehow.com/PrintArticle.html?id=4540741 for information and ideas. There is also an interesting article called "Beware of lead, chemicals in Halloween costumes" http://www.komonews.com/news/10731686.html

There are so many toxic chemicals and though Halloween is only one Holiday in which an abundant number of toxic things can be found everywhere from your local store to specialty party stores it's something to keep in mind all year long. Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Fire Retardants, Heavy metals including but not limited to Lead, Mercury, Cadmium are all around. It's not just the costumes, masks, make-up but in toys, everyday clothing, bed linens, even the mattress where one rests their weary head at night. So what is one to do? Get informed, get educated, research the facts and know what to look for! My tip is for one to keep in mind that certain countries have different lower/higher standards/laws/regulations for their items/food/clothing - try to familiarize yourself with European standards and find something you feel comfortable with. Take a look at the Oeko-Tex standards http://www.oeko-tex.com/OekoTex100_PUBLIC/index.asp and look for certified fabrics. Opt for natural fibers over synthetics. A lot of clothes also have finishes that can be toxic, rain proof, fire proof/flame retardant, wrinkle resistant etc. Read up on all the different types of finishes and what they entail! Start by reading the "Guide to less toxic products" clothing section http://www.lesstoxicguide.ca/index.asp?fetch=babycare#cloth Keep in mind that the finishes are not listen on the labels/tags on clothing, nor is the PVC print on shirts, pj's etc listed on any clothing label/tag. Just think - when was the last time you saw a printed shirt (picture, character, logo etc) that felt like thin plastic to the touch and found the material for that print on a tag/label on the garment? Next time take a look and you'll see that it is not listed. The tags do not explain the types of dyes used nor do they tell you about things such as formaldehyde. The label is "missing" a lot of information that is vital in keeping ourselves and our children toxin free.

Stay away from PVC Masks! Why not make your own out of fabric, or make your own face paint it's easy try this:

Make your own face paint - it's EASY!

1 teaspoon Organic Tapioca Starch (or non GMO - Organic Cornstarch)
1/2 teaspoon Water
1/2 teaspoon Organic Cold Cream
1 to 2 drops Organic Food Coloring (or make your own from fruit or veg)

Simple isn't it? Look online and you'll find a lot of do it yourself make-up/face paint tips!

If you would rather buy face paints then take a look at Lyra Face Paint Pencils they are certified nontoxic by the Art and Craft Materials Institute. Take a look at them on the Eco toy town website http://www.ecotoytown.com/facepaint.html

Here are a few great sites to get you started they will give you some information and resources to have a Safe, Toxic Free & Green Halloween this year and every year going forward!

Green Halloween: http://www.greenhalloween.org/index.php?page=home

Natural News: http://www.naturalnews.com/024651_Halloween_health_body_care.html

TreeHugger: The Green Halloween Edition

As always remember safety is important! Drive carefully everyday but be especially careful on Halloween when children are out walking across streets and roads! Remember to wear light colored clothing, no loose strings or things kids can get entangled/strangled on, and nothing that blocks their ability to see or move freely. Take a look online for Halloween safety tips and keep your kids safe, happy, and healthy!

Here are a few sites to get you started:

Health Canada - Halloween Safety Tips: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/life-vie/halloween-eng.php

Red Cross - Halloween Safety Tips: http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=6884&tid=021

Metropolitan Police Department - Halloween Safety Tips: http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1237,Q,547669,mpdcNav,%7C,.asp

The following is a great video on how to make your own Halloween make-up. It's quick, it's easy and most importantly TOXIC FREE!!




HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Creating Awe & Wonder For Our Children & Ourselves

Children are naturally curious, they have great imagination, and have a wonderful ability to see the beauty and good in everything and everyone. Can one really create a sense of awe and wonder in children who seem to posses these wonderful abilities naturally? I think we can definitely create situations where they can explore and observe events that will make them wonder and open their eyes just a little bit wider.

While children may not remember all the events of their childhood, their experiences do shape them as adults. As parents we have a very special gift - the ability to guide and influence our children's lives and the wonderful opportunity to shape their future. We set them on the path that they will ultimately continue throughout their lives. Whether it's their love of nature, or the love of ethnic foods, we have an enormous pull on their way of thinking.

As parents we can create a positive and magical world for our children with everyday experiences, the stories we tell and the questions we ask to fuel their imaginations. Do you know someone or have ever met someone that radiates positivity? Just being around that person makes you feel like anything's possible, you come away from the meeting fully energized and hopeful. These kinds of people and experiences stick in our minds, we may not remember what we did last week but we remember the people that had a positive influence in our lives. We remember the fond experiences we had with such people and can reminisce in our adulthood about such wonderful memories. It is this same kind of energy and positivity that children love and adore! We can turn our positivity and excitement into experiences that our children can cherish and take with them as memories throughout their lives.

How do we create a sense of awe and wonder. This is a question that can be answered a million different ways by a million different people. It can be simple or as elaborate as you wish - I will write about the one's I like and have found to open little eyes wider, take a second look and sometimes even make little jaws drop. Ones that I know have left an imprint on my heart and the heart of my child.

Ready? Okay, close your eyes and relax. Remember your youth, the freedom, the simplicity... Do you remember the things you enjoyed, things that were almost magical, what are the things that stick out in your mind? For me the first thing that comes to my mind is living in Austria with my parents. Hiking on huge mountains looking for wild mushrooms we could cook for dinner. The breathtaking view, my first walk in the clouds as they hung low on the mountain tops. I was 7 at the time and these memories still make me smile today. Every time I smell lavender it reminds me of Europe, every time I look at the clouds I remember the way the humidity felt from the clouds as we walked hand in hand, every time I cook with wild mushrooms I remember picking them with my Mother as she pointed to the edible kinds in the forests. I think every child should take a hike up a mountain at least once in their childhood! The view is amazing and children get a birds eye view of everything - they will be amazed at how small everything and everyone looks. They can see that we are all part of a bigger picture - a community. I heard WOW! When we took our little one for the first time. He was amazed at how different everything looked from above. Every time he sees a bird now he points out that he remembers how they see, that they see far and wide and that when they are up in the clouds we are the ones that seem small!

What do you see when you close your eyes? I see rainbows. I remember looking out of my window as a child after a storm had passed and there I saw two beautiful rainbows one just above the other. When you have children it's the little things that are all around us that they find bewildering. All we have to do sometimes is just point them out. You can recreate rainbows in your own home take a look at this site for instructions http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/how-to-make-a-rainbow-2613.html I think every child loves rainbows and sometimes if you're lucky you will get to see two at the same time. When my young son saw double rainbows for the first time I told him that the two rainbows were for him and I. Side by side in the sky close to each other and each unique and beautiful in it's own way just like him and I.

Have you been to an Arboretum, Zoo that has tadpoles and frogs? There are many different places you can go to see the life cycles of frogs. Kids are in awe of the transformation. Tadpoles look nothing like frogs and if we didn't know any better we'd think they were different creatures all together. Children are amazed when it comes to transformations whether it's a tadpole into a frog or a caterpillar into a butterfly. We have been lucky enough to have our son experience the transformation of both. We saw a huge aquarium filled with eggs, tadpoles, and all the in between phases of frogs. He was stunned! His eyes open wide and his jaw hit the floor he said "I never knew they were the same thing, that's so cool!" a fun lesson on life cycles ensued and since that day I have heard him talk about tadpoles to his friends and have heard how excited he was to explain how these creatures form from eggs to frogs. We also went to the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls http://www.niagaraparks.com/garden/butterfly.php. They have a huge forest like room with thousands of butterflies that flutter and rest on everything from trees and flowers to the people who come to see them. I myself as an adult was awe struck at the beauty of them all. They have a special area where you can see the butterflies in their cocoon stage and sometimes you can even get a glimpse of one emerging from their quiet homes for the first time. Awe and wonder for both adults and children - a wonderful experience to share and cherish together with your little one!

Camping is another mysterious and fun adventure for children. Since most kids who live in the city never get to see the millions of stars above due to city lights - this little adventure is sure to bewilder young hearts and minds. We sleep during the night and miss the beauty of the midnight sky. I remember going on a trip back to my homeland in Europe and as we flew North I remember looking out the window and seeing the Northern Lights, aurora borealis It was almost 20 years ago now and I can still recall the mesmerizing display of colors as they danced on the beautiful star studded background of the night sky. While seeing the Northern Lights involves a trip further north, more preparation and money - camping is also beautiful in it's own way and a lot easier for people to get to. Your child will be awe struck by the millions of twinkling stars that illuminate the night sky, they will be even more surprised when they find out that they were there all this time but hidden by the city lights. They will never look at the night sky the same way again! Your heart will melt when you see their reaction as you wake them in the middle of the night to take a look at the amazing night sky.

Kings and Queens, Castles, and Knights, Princes/Princesses and lots of imagination! Have you ever seen a Castle? Little girls love dressing up and so do boys! Medieval times seems to be something that many children have a natural affinity for. What can create a sense of wonder and awe better than stepping back in time by visiting a Castle. I remember as a child playing in the ancient ruins of a 13th century convent on St. Margaret Island in Hungary (my homeland) I also remember walking through the Vajdahunyad Castle gates and looking up at the Gothic style architecture and being amazed at how old and beautiful it was. Though Europe has Castles that are over a thousand years old Canada and the U.S. also has their share of Castles just take a look: Castles in Canada http://www.canadacastle.hpg.ig.com.br/prov_en.htm just find your Province and take a peek! There are wonderful Castles in the U.S. as well and can be found here: http://www.dupontcastle.com/castles/#ma scroll down and find your State and look at what Castles await you and your child's imagination. Why not plan a trip and have your little Prince/Princess dress the part. It is sure to captivate their imagination and sense of wonder! I cherish these memories and when I do go back home to visit I always walk through the Castles and Ruins and wonder what life was like back in that era. I once again feel like a child looking up at the gargoyles and elaborate architecture and to this day I have a sense of awe and wonder of times gone by.

As for simplicity, children are experts! You can walk through a local park or even your backyard and find plenty to inspire your little one. When my son was 3 I showed him a snail and held his hand as the little creature emerged and began to move - I remember how fascinated he was and how exciting it was for him. A couple of weeks ago we found a cicada insect resting on a tree, though my son has always heard the buzzing sound in the air he never knew where it had come from. I gently lifted the cicada off the tree and handed it to my son. (The cicadas mating call can be heard loud and clear usually from Mid July through the heat of August. It sounds like a high voltage power buzz) He was in awe - his mouth wide open, he couldn't believe his eyes as he made the connection of the noise he had heard for years and that of the insect that had created this wonderful yet strange buzz. The same goes for crickets, we hear them at night and sometimes one may wander into our home but when kids see the insect and make the connection something magical happens as their eyes open wide.

As you can see there are many wonderful opportunities to fuel your child's imagination, sense of mystery and awe. You are not only helping them understand and explore the world around them but you are also creating a sense of appreciation and instilling in them the drive to explore and connect. Childhood is a wonderful time and as we grow into adulthood we sometimes need to step back and remember to look at our own lives with childlike wonder and awe. The magic and mystery is all around us, sometimes it takes our own children to bring us back to that wonderful place in time.

We NEED to Nature/Nurture our Children

Children have a wonderful sense of awe and excitement when it comes to nature. Whether they see an insect, animal, or flower they see the beauty and wonder in it all. At this age it is so simple to feed their imagination and lead them towards a path of environmental awareness and understanding. Teaching our children to respect themselves and other living things is a much needed and fundamental part of our declining world today.

There are plenty of opportunities to to teach our little ones. Whether it's a sunny afternoon filled with gardening in the backyard or a day of discovery at a local park. You can find creatures of all shapes and sizes, all you have to do is take a look. I find that by talking to children about the different animals, insects, plants, we see gives them a sense of appreciation as well as build their sense of empathy and sympathy for other living things.

Here are some simple ideas you can do with your kids to get them involved and get the dialogue going about some green issues.

Go feed the Ducks/Geese at a nearby park or lake - Children love to interact with wildlife. It helps build their self confidence and esteem knowing that they too can make a difference! They can feed an animal and see it up close, children will have a chance to understand that the animals also have personalities, feelings, needs, and that they are our friends. Friends we can help protect and take care of by doing the right things. We can talk to our children about why it's important to keep our waters clean and our garbage in the appropriate places. We can also get them involved by asking questions like what they think we can do to keep our feathered friends stay happy and healthy. You can talk to them about where ducks live, where they come from, the different types of ducks around the world and native to your particular area. Take a look at "All about Ducks for Kids" here http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Farm/ducks.html or here at "Animal Corner" http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/farm/ducks/duck_about.html have fun educating your little one about the animals outside and how they rely on us just as much as we rely on them to keep our nature in harmony and balance!

Take a look under some rocks and see what wonders lurk in places that are often hidden - There are bound to be questions about what they see. Why are bugs important anyway? Perhaps you can explain the circle of life. How every insect, animal and plant serves a purpose in one way or another. That some of the smaller insects are food for bigger insects, birds, frogs etc. You can take this opportunity to talk about worms and how they help the earth, how they help us with composting! Ask them what their favorite insect is and why. Get them involved with questions and lead the way to understanding and respect for all creatures despite their size or appearance. Make learning fun and an adventure that they will happily remember. There is a wonderful online page called "Insect ID" from the department of Entomology from the University of Wisconsin Madison that will help you identify and talk about what some of the insects are called. Some further information about the insect can be found under the "extension bulletin" once you have clicked on the insects picture. http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/insectid/

Go to the Zoo and discover animals from different places - This is a wonderful opportunity to see animals that live in different habitats and climates. You can open up great conversations about what it means to be extinct you can show them pictures of animals that have become extinct and perhaps see live ones on the verge of extinction. This is the perfect time to talk to your children about what we as a society have done to endanger animals and ourselves and what we are now doing to change the future for the better! Perhaps take a look at the World Wildlife Fund's website and get some information and look at some animals in danger of extinction. Maybe as a Christmas gift you and your child could pick an animal to "adopt" and support through the site. http://www.worldwildlife.org/home.html

Plant a Butterfly garden - Did you know that there are some flowers that attract Butterflies. Take a look here for which kinds of flowers will attract certain types of Butterflies/Caterpillars http://butterflywebsite.com/butterflygardening.cfm You can talk about the Butterflies life cycle and share pictures with your little one. Take a look at this site for some fascinating information and pictures http://www.thebutterflysite.com/life-cycle.shtml It is a great way to connect with nature all without leaving your own backyard! You could discuss pollination and why it is important not only to flowers but to all living things. You could ask questions like what other insects help with pollination? Can you name a pollinating insect that provides us with something sweet to eat? Perhaps afterwards you can draw pictures and talk about your adventure together! Putting the drawing somewhere like the fridge or in a frame will bring back special memories of your time outdoors!

Build a Bird Feeder together and get a bird bath - Bird feeders are a great way to have a closer look at some birds you might not otherwise see. There are special feeds for various birds and you can even get a hummingbird feeder and watch one of these amazing little birds in action. Why not hang a bird feeder outside your child's window so they can watch the birds anytime they like up close and personal without disturbing them. You can make bird feeders from Milk Cartons http://www.allfreecrafts.com/nature/bird-feeder.shtml or you can watch this video and learn to make one from a pine cone and some lard. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzZCKlUwYuU This is also a great opportunity to talk about recycling materials and things we find in nature - you can use your imagination and reuse items for something useful! Kids love crafts and this one is sure to please your little guy/girl!

Plant a Tree - I love this idea because it combines a lot of elements and opens up a vast array of opportunities for discussion! Not only can you talk about why trees are important and the deforestation problems we are all facing but you can talk about the animals and birds that you are creating a possible home for. You can talk about the various types of trees, perhaps plant an apple or cherry tree and explore the growth of organic fruits! You can get creative and get a Christmas/Yule/Holiday "Potted" tree decorate it in Winter and then in Spring you can take it outside and plant it together as a family! This experience opens up awareness about our environment and the responsibilities and impact we can all have on our planet! Take a look at the Arbor Day Foundation for some interesting information on Trees http://www.arborday.org/trees/index.cfm You can also talk about why the trees get cut down, what trees are used for and the importance of using renewable and sustainable resources such as bamboo! Ask your child what they think we can do to avoid cutting down more trees - you can suggest things like using both sides of the paper, buying recycled toilet paper and paper towels. Perhaps you could buy recycled paper this year for his/her school supplies. The possibilities are endless all you need is a little imagination!

Take a look at some online Eco/Earth Friendly sites for kids - they're sure to love them! Learning and protecting our earth can be fun AND educational!

National Geographic Kids http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

EcoKids http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/index.cfm

KidsGreen http://www.kidsrgreen.org/krg.html

Habitat Heroes http://www.habitatheroes.com/

Owl Kids http://owlkids.com/

Emerald Island - Eco Game http://www.emeraldisland.com/

Organic Games http://www.organic.org/?section=kids&page=games

Children's Learning Network http://www.kidsknowit.com/

Kaboose - Crafts http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/earth-day/earth_day_crafts.html

Great links from Suite101 http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/green_kids_online

Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada http://www.organicagcentre.ca/Kids/kids_welcome.asp

Center for Environmental Activities http://www.greenteacher.org/php/activityList.php?type=A

Free Stock Photos for websites - FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Our Children & Their Future

We as parents want to do everything we can to help protect our kids. We all want them to be happy, healthy, independent, and successful people as they eventually head into adulthood. We worry about Toxic Products, Lead Contaminated Toys, Pesticide Laden Foods, GMO's, the Chlorinated, Chemically Treated & Fluoridated Water we drink and bathe in, the Chemical Fumes & Pollution in our Ground, Water, and Air we breathe. We worry about all the environmental changes and wonder what kind of future if any this planet holds for us all. People who are informed and aware watch the News, read articles, and research to find out what we can do to prevent our children's body burdens from sky rocketing into illnesses that can potentially end their lives and what we can do to help ensure that they do indeed have a future filled with promise and hope!

With all of these concerns what is a parent to do? I hear parents saying "Everything has chemicals in it", "We can't change everything", "If it's not one thing it's another". These kinds of statements are not only a dead end street in terms of progress and change but they lead one to believe that nothing can be done to make changes to ensure a safer and healthier future! That is simply NOT the case! It is far too easy for people to turn a blinds eye and to deny what is happening rather than taking a good hard look at the FACTS and making some serious changes in their lives. It is easier to sit, vegetate, deny, do nothing and say that "it's not really happening". To say that the Green Movement is a fad or lead by a bunch of Environmentalist yahoos. Other than time and simple changes what are these kinds of people going to lose if they do make changes? What if the Green Movement IS RIGHT? What then? Would you rather sacrifice your health, the health of your children, and their future for a lack of understanding and effort? What price is one willing to pay? There are so many amazing resources out there for Environmental & Toxic Education & Awareness that it's really not that hard to become informed and knowledgeable about what's going on in the world around us!

There is no denying that the amount of work which lays ahead for Parents and society as a whole is huge. We have gotten ourselves and this planet into a massive mess by our own lack of awareness, our denial, silence and our lackadaisical attitude about the ONLY planet we can call home. It is not only the planet that is in peril it is our own health - the health of our children as well as future generations to come! With the Chemical & Technological revolution came many consequences - we now find ourselves amidst a generation with increasingly horrifying numbers of illnesses than ever before.

We have allowed Toxic Foods, Products, Chemicals etc to become such an integral part of our daily lives all in the name of consumerism that we forgot to look at the consequences of these actions. We as trusting consumers have relied on the very same companies that make these products to keep us safe. We have relied on the Government to create rules, laws, regulations to prevent any such health & environmental problems from ever reaching the public. Yet, there are very few rules, laws or even regulations governing most of the chemicals and pollutants we seem to be able to find everywhere these days. As we all know everything comes with a price - what price have we and future generations paid thus far, how many more will pay the price for our actions and lack thereof!

While the truth of the matter may be hard to swallow for some there ARE steps we can all take to reverse as much of the damage as possible, but it will take a conscious effort and awareness by all parties. This means that you and I and the rest of the general public have to stand up and make our voices heard by various Companies/Corporations, The Government, The Scientists, Farmers, all who will listen so we CAN make a change for the better!

Little steps CAN make a huge difference! It may seem overwhelming at first when you take a step back and look at the grand picture of what the 21st century has become. Where does one start? I would have to say that "Attitude" and "Open mindedness" is the best place to take your first steps! We need to take a deep breath and take a good hard look at the world around us with our blinders off.

Where does one start this journey when there are so many changes that need to be made?

Turn off your TV & Computer and take a nice slow walk around your home. *Did you know that the air pollution inside your home can be 10+ times more polluted than outside?

Now you may be thinking to yourself that there is no way your home will affect the planet as a whole - but that's where you're wrong. Your home IS connected to many environmental & health issues - here are just a handful of examples to get you started.

• CHEMICAL CLEANERS - Toxic to you and the environment! They come with a vast array of warning labels and chemical ingredients that are harmful to you, your air quality, AND our planet. We flush the chemicals down our toilets, showers, sinks, even outdoors when we wash the car! All of these chemicals end up in our water, land, air, and ultimately our bodies and those of our children and pets. We are not only inhaling chemical cleaners (things we inhale get into our lungs and bloodstream) but they are absorbed through our bodies larges organ - our skin! With chemical cleaners we need to put them up and out of the way with fears of our young children finding them and accidentally ingesting their poisonous and deadly ingredients. (There are a lot of other things to consider about chemical cleaners if you want to dive deeper into an environmental standpoint such as the container, where it was made and how far it has travelled to get to your home - was it made in another country? But we will leave these deeper insights for another blog because at this point we are simply looking at the basic steps for Greening your Life & Home!)

There ARE safer alternatives to using Chemical Cleaners and you probably already have them in your home! What are they? Vinegar, Baking Soda, Salt, and Lemon/Lime Juice. These are all things that we can feel good about using and I find they work just as well if not better than any chemical cleaners I've ever seen. There are a lot of websites with great information about which items to use for certain things. Here are a few to get you started:

Vinegar uses

http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/vinegar

http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/cleaning-with-vinegar.html

Baking Soda

http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/bakingsoda

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/consumers/green-clean.html

Salt

http://natural-products.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_green_clean_with_salt

http://home.howstuffworks.com/uses-for-salt-cleaning-your-house-ga.htm

Lemon/Lime

http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/136/1/24-handy-lemon-tips.html

http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/441389/jewish/Uses-for-Lemon-Juice.htm

* How to make your home smell fresh without chemical sprays? Here's my two cents: All you need is a spray bottle, a Lemon, Lime, some Lavender and Vinegar! Depending on the size of your spray bottle fill it half full with warm filtered water. Squeeze Half a Lemon & Lime into a cup then add 1/4 cup Vinegar, and two tablespoon fulls of Organic Lavender (or put a few drops of PURE Organic Lavender Oil drops - never synthetic) and transfer the cup contents into your spray bottle. Tighten the lid & shake - That's it! Use it in every room, in running shoes, spritz above bedding, etc for a fresh smell! It's really good for getting odors out!

• WATER & ELECTRICITY - This one is also a huge environmental impact coming from our homes! Not only are we paying a lot of money to have these services we are also wasting a lot of water & electricity where we really don't need to! What can we do? We need both of these things to live our daily lives right? Right! BUT we don't need as much as we use and that is the key to not only saving our resources but the money in our pockets as well. Where do we start? Take a look at the links below and get a better understanding of what's going on in your house.

*Did you know that if things are left plugged in - even if the item is not turned on it still wastes electricity? Why not start there - it's a quick and easy way to see results on your next electricity bill and the environment will thank you for it!! What about getting a Rain Barrel for the backyard & using the water to water your plants. You would be surprised how much water you save by taking quick showers instead of a bath! All the little things add up!

Choose Energy Efficient Home & Appliances

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/NatureChallenge/newsletters/Four.asp

Saving Electricity & Water

http://saving-energy.suite101.com/article.cfm/save_electricity_and_water

Saving Electricity

http://library.thinkquest.org/06aug/00442/homeelectricity.htm

Saving Water

http://www.monolake.org/about/waterconservation

• YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT - What are you and your family eating for dinner tonight? Are you cooking from scratch or is it something packaged and premade? Where did it come from - was it grown here or shipped from abroad? What's really on/in your food? These are some interesting questions you should pose yourself the next time you take a trip to your local grocery store.

Unfortunately food isn't what it used to be and the "ingredients" list isn't the whole truth! Take for example a conventional container of apple juice - the ingredients will say Water, and Concentrated Apple Juice, and you're thinking perfect no additives! Right? Take one step back - think one step before the ingredients list and think about where that apple came from, The FACT that it came from a conventional farm where various pesticides were sprayed on all the fruits and vegetables (look at this link for an example of the apple spray schedules of some farms http://www.virtualorchard.net/rce/97tfrecs/97pomefruitspray.pdf ) Your apple in the ingredients list may also very well be a GMO Apple - GMO's are not labled as such (No laws exists that say GMO's have to be listed anywhere on any products sent to market for human consumption) and are not part of the ingredients list. What about the water that went into making most of your Delicious fruit drink. Where is the water from and what was it treated with before it became part of your drink? What chemicals are in the water Fluoride, Chlorine, etc. Now take another look at that same bottle of juice - doesn't quite look the same now does it. Ingredients lists are only good to a certain point - the rest depends on your own personal knowledge!

These days with this Chemical, Technological GMO revolution we have bigger tomatoes that look perfect and red, they have a gene that repels bugs and withstands weed killer. Chemical pesticides are sprayed in bio hazard suits and from airplanes. Somehow people are STILL under the impression that chemicals can be "washed off" under the sink faucet! Let's think about my last statement here - how can it be washed off? It gets sprayed when it's a flowering bud to when it's ready for picking. What are fruits and vegetables mainly made of? Water - just like our skin fruits and vegetables absorb the things it comes into contact with. Pesticides can't be washed off and as for the Genetically Modified Organisms well those are something that are permanent as well! GMO's have not been sufficiently tested to be deemed safe! In fact most Industrialized European Countries have banned GMO's! Yet Canada and the US still continually allow it in our food and without labels for consumer awareness! Again the Government doesn't have a whole lot of rules and regulations regarding the chemicals, additives artificial colors, flavors and GMO's in our food. There are plenty of scientists however that have performed tests to show that most if not all of these "extra" additions to our daily diet are in fact harmful to our health and wellbeing!

The only kinds of food that have to meet a set or rules/regulation/standards & subjected to regular testing are the "Organic" foods which are becoming increasingly popular as the public awareness about chemicals in our foods grow. They are third party certified and a healthier choice and alternative! People often complain about the higher prices - but I myself find that a lot of the prices are the same and sometimes I even find "Organic" foods cheaper than their conventional counterparts.

You would be amazed at what you can find when you dig online - I have come across coupons on my favorite organic companies web pages. Green shows are also great not only are you getting educated but they also give out coupons and free samples for products & food! You can always get together with a friend and buy larger quantities of meat/produce at organic farms and split the price. Organic Local farms are wonderful - the prices are great and you are minimizing your carbon footprint by not having things shipped from other countries and various locations! You are also ensuring that your fruits are "Fresh" they are not picked green, driven thousands of miles or worse flown from overseas/other countries and ripened with chemicals/gases. (Yet these are how they are shipped and arrive at your local grocery store boasting a big sign with the label "Fresh" clearly printed to catch your eye) You are also ensuring that your food is not injected with food coloring to look brighter and bolder in color or genetically concocted in a lab to be twice the size nature intended them to be!

You will not only be avoiding Pesticides, Chemicals, and GMO's in your diet but you will also be helping local farmers, protecting the earths soil, water, air and in the end you will be helping all living things as well as ensuring a safer and healthier future for you and your family!

*I Suggest you take a look at this book which, I take everywhere with me "A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives" ISBN-10: 1400052327 or ISBN-13: 978-1400052325 and take a look at the following links for some valuable information! Take a sneak peak at the book here (it's a limited view but has a lot of information and will give you an idea about the book) http://books.google.com/books?id=U0349-vMOewC&pg=PP4&dq=A+Consumer%27s+Dictionary+of+Cosmetic+Ingredients

CBC NEWS reel about GMO's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U0pdIGdpuA

What's On My Food

http://www.whatsonmyfood.org/

• CLOTHING/FURNITURE/HOME ACCESSORIES - This is a huge topic and spreads itself in many directions! It's not an obvious cause for concern but it can have some dangerous repercussions for people as well as the environment! Things such as Formaldehyde, Fire/Flame Retardant/PCB's, Phthalates, various off-gassing chemicals and finishes. The list is long but worth looking into! Toxic chemicals can be avoided/minimized with a little bit of know-how and knowledge. Digging and researching online for information can turn up an abundant amount of news articles/studies/alternative options for everyday items. I of course will be giving you a couple of links to get you started but thought I'd mention a couple of things you can and should be aware of around your home.

Unless you are sleeping on an organic mattress it will most likely off-gas chemicals be it PCB's/Flame retardants, Formaldehyde or other toxic components - it may very well be lingering under every breath you and your child take when you sleep. Sadly some children's mattresses are even covered in PVC plastic coatings to avoid stains. These plastics off-gas "Phthalates" not to mention most kids beds are made from Polyurethane Foam which is made from "Petroleum"! A lot of these chemicals are found in staggering amounts in children's blood and urine and are so easily avoidable IF only people were aware of where these chemicals come from in our home!

The other not so obvious problem in many homes is the Particleboard/Pressed Wood/Plywood they contain Formaldehyde and will off-gas slowly for years! Choose solid unstained SUSTAINABLE wood whenever possible and opt for natural oils as finishes. Especially in kids rooms! The Rain forest is being cut down at alarming rates - While demand for wood and wood products grow the trees are being cut down but are not being replaced. This should cause concern in everyone! Why you may ask? Because we need air to survive and trees are the biggest source of natural air/pollution filtering we have! Without trees - we will not have enough clean air to survive nor will the animals/insects we depend on!

Carpeting is a bad source of chemical exposure! Not only does it off-gas nasty chemicals such as petroleum byproducts & synthetics but it is also smothered in Fire Retardants/Flame Resistant Chemicals, Anti-Static Sprays and Artificial Dyes just to name a few. It created indoor air pollution & dust! Opt for sustainable wood/bamboo flooring throughout especially if you have babies/young children who will be spend a lot of time on or close to the ground!

Clothing can also be a disaster - formaldehyde in clothing has recently made headlines regarding children's clothing! But formaldehyde is everywhere from stain resistant clothes, to corduroys, to anti-wrinkle fabrics and materials. China has been in the news for it's lack of regulations regarding toxins in clothing and has come under fire for many of it's practices in the last few yers for everything from Lead in Toys to Formeldahyde in kids clothes! My suggestion is to buy clothing made in countries that have a higher standard of business practices and rules and regulations governing their manufacturing most European countries would fall under this category!

Baby Mattresses

http://www.healthychild.com/protect-your-baby-from-toxic-exposures/baby-mattresses/

Particle Board

http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/28/1/Particle-board-nasties.html

Carpeting

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/01/eco_tip_finding_1.php

http://www.aircleaners.com/carpets.phtml

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/01/eco_tip_finding_1.php

Formeldehyde in Clothing

http://www.safbaby.com/toxic-formaldehyde-hides-in-childrens-clothing-and-bedding

• BATH/BEAUTY/BODY PRODUCTS - Consumerism is the monster that Marketing and Advertising has so tactfully created and that we have allowed! We live in a society that I am sad to say seems to be driven by Aesthetics & Assets! Who has what, and who looks the best while shopping for it all! All you have to do is turn on your radio or television set, open a magazine or just look through a newspaper and there it is! beautiful people smiling having fun. The latest scent, the best bug repellant, gentle baby products that promise to be "tender" and "gentle" to your newborns sensitive skin. What they aren't telling you is that some of those "ingredients" in the lists on the bottles - you know the ones, the ones no body can read let alone pronounce. What do they really mean? What are those words anyway? They must be safe right? I mean afterall they are sporting lables like "Green", "Natural", "Non-Toxic" and "Gentle". With every great idea there are going to be Companies jumping on the tail coats of legitimate businesses and doing what they can to blend in. "Greenwashing" not far off from something that sounds awfully similar "Brainwashing"

Greenwashing isn't breaking any laws - why not? Because there are no laws TO break, no laws have been built or put in place to protect the public from the claims that companies so non chalantly make! No, really, The lables I mentioned before "Green, Natural, Non-Toxic, Gentle" etc they can be put on anything from chemical cleaners to food to bath and beauty products! This is where Greenwashing is confusing the general public - who do we trust? Well, it seems that since there are no regulations or laws binding any company to their statements we can't very well trust what they advertise now can we? Well what about the ingredients, they're all listed on their products right? Not all ingredients have to be listed and some ingredients can be listed under different names to avoid "looking bad" but isn't that exactly how it looks once you find out the true meaning of an ingredient? What ingredients are we talking about? Parabens, SLS, Dioxin, Formeldehyde (when was the last time you saw this listed anywere?) and the list goes on and on! So how do we protect ourselves and our family? Our kids are the most at risk their developing bodies and smaller frames make the toxic ratio something to be seriously disturbed by! What can we do? I suggest the following links and a wonderful book which I have with me when I buy any bath or Beauty products it's called: A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients ISBN-10: 0609803670 or ISBN-13: 978-0609803677

The Environmental Working Group

http://www.ewg.org/

Toxic Products & Kids

http://www.ewg.org/node/25520

An AMAZING and invaluable resource is the SkinDeep Cosmetic Database! You can research Products by type, brand name, etc. I Love this site and recommend it to everyone I know! Here you will find reports and toxicity ratings for everything from bug repellant to sunscreen to shampoo and deoderants.

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

I Have merely touched the tip of the iceberg with this blog but I hope I have steered some of you in the right direction and have opened your eyes to some of the things that we as a society and as parents are facing today. Though Toxic Living & Environmental issues are topics that have many branches the information is out there and I as a concerned Parent and individual will try my best to post and unveil as many of these issues as I can in my upcoming blogs.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net