Linden Hills EcoParents

EcoParents website!

2011-09-26T10:45:00.001-05:00

EcoParents has a new website!! Check it out...www.lindenhillsecoparents.com.

The blog has shifted to the new website as well...and this blog site will not be updated.

SO, move on over to the new website - www.lindenhillsecoparents.com!

Go paperless

2011-08-31T09:14:00.002-05:00

Quick tip for today...sign up to go paperless! Think about all the paper that comes through your house that you glance at for one second and then discard. No really. Stop and think about it for a moment. Wow, eh?

See if your school has an electronic communication option and opt out of receiving paper notices. (If they don't...suggest it to the PTA or school staff)
Sign up for e-bills and electronic statements.

Take stock of all the paper you look at this week and see if there is a way to eliminate it. And for those that you can't...consider re-using it for scratch paper and then recycle it!

be a no waste leader!

2011-08-27T08:42:00.003-05:00

According to this article in yesterday's New York Times, no-waste school lunches are very popular among schools administrators, as they reduce waste & therefore, reduce costs to haul away the waste. Some schools even have adopted official school policies about no or low waste lunches. Kids are totally on board as well - in part due to peer pressure and in part due to the eco-friendly messaging. Retailers love the idea because it means higher back-to-school spending.

Who's been the hardest sell for the no-waste lunches? Parents. They don't want the extra hassle nor the extra expense. Huh? But, as pointed out in the NYT article, "parent-to-parent evangelism" has been the most effective strategy for getting parents on board.

So - what does this mean for you? Since you're reading this blog, you're clearly sold on waste reduction already. You're on the cutting edge. You are a leader. This is your opportunity to serve as one of those 'parent-to-parent' influencer. So, show off your cool no-waste lunch gear...but not in an obnoxious or pious way, please. Just be so cool...and show how easy it is...so your friends and fellow parents will see how easy it is as well!

We can be good role models for our kids, as well as our friends, help reduce our waste and environmental footprint, AND help save our schools money (in these all-too-tight budgetary times)...sounds like a win-win-win situation to me!

Snack Taxi reusable bags - on-the-go convenience & waste reduction too!

2011-08-25T09:29:00.004-05:00

All summer long, we've been eating on-the-go. Whether its a picnic at Lake Harriet Bandshell, snacks in the car or just being prepared to get stuck in the airport for 8 hours (thanks, Delta!), we've been using our snack taxi reusable snack bags a lot. We've had these for a couple of years now, and they are so very useful.

They are pretty widely available these days...I've seen them at the co-op, Whole Foods, as well as online. These handy and fun reusable bags are the perfect thing to pack a no-waste snack or lunch. They are totally washable and basically eliminate the need for plastic baggies. They come in snack and sandwich sizes, and lots of fun patterns! I've found the sandwich size as a perfect 'family snack' size - and tend to use a sandwich wrap (more on that in a future post) for sandwiches though.

Having snack-size reusable bags allows you to buy snacks in bulk rather than individual serving sizes, which tend to produce a lot of unnecessary waste. It also allows you (the parent) to be completely in control of what your kids are snacking on - rather than beholden to those few options that come in prepackaged convenient sizes. And let's face it, there are not a lot of healthy snack options that come in those individual packages! (even more important if your child has allergy issues, I would imagine) Oh - and it saves you money to pack your own snacks as well!!

Reusable bags are a great option for grown-ups taking their lunch to work as well as for packing school lunches or snacks for the kiddos.

We just happen to have snack taxis, but there are other options out there as well for reusable snack bags, including PlanetWise (also available at the co-op, I believe). Check out the very local Linden Tree as well, for other reusable lunch options.

L-I-C-E...the non-toxic (and most effective) way

2011-08-24T09:24:00.006-05:00

Lice...truly a 4-letter word. Or so I thought. My 6-year old daughter got a serious case of head lice this summer (and so generously shared it with her loving mother - thanks). When I discovered it, I was a bit paralyzed. What do I do? All I knew was I wanted it gone!

Well, with a little on-line research, I found help. Seriously. There are several local companies that will come to your home and do head-checks and the full nit-picking combing. (It's not cheap...but it is so worth it.)

But the most interesting thing that I learned from our lice episode is that the most common treatment - shampooing with a hard-core pesticide from the drug store - DOESN'T EVEN WORK. Yes, those pesky little bugs have built up a resistance to permethrin, the pesticide found in NIX and RID! Even if it worked, do you really want to apply a pesticide classified as a neurotoxin and likely carcinogenic directly to your children's heads???

Thankfully, we don't have to. All the local professional services use natural, chemical-free, non-toxic products these days. Afterall, these fabulous professionals are up to their elbows (literally) every day in this stuff, so they have to use something they feel comfortable with. Besides, even with the gnarly chemicals, you still have to do the combing and strand-by-strand nitpicking! It's the manual removal of all the nits & bugs that truly eliminates the lice.

But want to prevent getting it in the first place? Rosemary, mint & teatree oils have been shown to have lice repelling properties. So, find a shampoo brand you trust (check out EWG Skin Deep database) that contains one or more of these natural compounds to give you a little extra protection when sending the kids back to school. Want a little more protection? I bought a small travel squirt bottle and mixed up my own special lice repellent spray that I spray on my daughter's head daily. It's just water with a couple of drops of rosemary, mint and/or tea tree oils (all are available at any co-op or natural foods store, in the health/beauty section). It smells great too! It's no guarantee that your kids won't get it, but it's a little extra protection!

And what about all the sheets, stuffed animals, etc...? Don't they have to be fumigated? With the harshest stuff possible? And the whole house too, while we're at it? Actually - NO. Lice don't like heat - so putting things in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 mins (sheets, stuffed animals) or boiling them for 10 mins (combs, hair clips) will take care of them! And for things that cannot be dried nor boiled - either bagging them up (dolls) and/or a good vacuum (furniture) should suffice. That's right - NO TOXIC CHEMICALS REQUIRED.

Yes - the initial combing is time-consuming and a pain and there's no way around it, but getting lice does not mean you have to expose your loved ones to nasty chemicals. Don't panic and be fooled...non-toxic lice removal is the most effective way to go. And non-toxic prevention as well.

Need a local service?

Minnesota Lice Lady: www.mnlicelady.com
Lice Finders: www.thelicefinders.com
Melissa's nitpickers: melissasnitpickers.com

The Blog is Back!

2011-08-23T20:05:00.004-05:00

Yes, the blog has been mostly on hiatus for the past year, but that is (hopefully) going to change. With the start of the school year just around the corner, I'm re-starting the EcoParents blog! So, tune back in for lots of great information about interesting products, services, and events - as well as ideas and resources to help you and your family minimize waste, reduce toxicity, and shrink your overall footprint!

More to come soon! Spread the word!

Tree Trunks - eco-friendly (& easier!) moving

2011-02-03T11:00:00.000-06:00

Do you remember the last time you moved? Or helped a friend move? Remember how long you were hoarding cardboard boxes of all sizes, or how much you spent in buying them? And then breaking them down (and probably throwing them out)? Don't you just wish there were an easier - and eco-friendly - option?

There is!!!

TreeTrunks, started by a local couple after helping friends move, uses industrial strength boxes made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic to help you green your moving day. And they re-use them over and over and over...! You simply tell them how many you need (using their handy guide as reference), and they drop off the boxes at your old house. You pack 'em full of your stuff, move 'em to your new place and unpack, and they pick up the empties! How easy is that? And since they are going to pick them up...you have no choice but to unpack in a timely manner!! No more living among stacks of brown boxes for months after you move in. (How's that for an added bonus!)

TreeTrunks also offer dollies to help move the boxes, as well as wardrobe trunks for hanging clothes and recycled packing paper for fragile items.

Is your business moving? TreeTrunks can handle that as well. Their boxes can hold all your file folders just like filing cabinets.

It's what we're all looking for...a win-win solution. Actually - I count at least five wins! Win #1: Keep cardboard out of landfills. Win #2: Keep plastic out of landfills (since their boxes are made from 100% post-consumer content). Win #3: Simplify your moving experience! Win #4: Save money. Win #5: Support a locally owned small business. It's a no brainer!

Last chance for Wonderment

2011-02-03T10:36:00.005-06:00

Wonderment is going out of business. Boo hoo! Mentioned numerous times in this blog, Wonderment is a fabulous store for non-toxic, safe, sustainably produced, well-made, responsible toys for kids of all ages.

I'm heart-broken that both locations are closing. But, until the doors close for good, everything is at least 25% off. Last chance to stock up on your favorites...and save. They anticipate closing the Grand Avenue location by Valentine's Day and the Linden Hills store by the end of Feb.

Sort through Seafood with Seafood Watch - (iPhone app too!)

2011-01-10T12:30:00.004-06:00

Are you as confused as I am about what seafood you're 'supposed' buy? What are the healthy options? What should I avoid for toxicity reasons? What should I avoid for environmental reasons? Sometimes farmed is best. Sometimes farmed is worst! Talk about confusing!!!

Seafood Watch, a program of the Montery Bay Aquarium, has long been the go-to resource for sorting out the seafood craziness. They publish annual 'Seafood Watch' pocket guides that easily fit in your wallet, with Best Choices, Good Alternatives, and Avoid categories. They publish a guide for each region of the US. Get the Central US Seafood pocket guide! And now it's even easier, if you have an internet-capable mobile device.

Their iPhone app lets you access the most up-to-date information about seafood choices on your iPhone, and includes their 'Project FishMap' which gives you information about local markets and restaurants making sustainable seafood choices! No iPhone?? Check out their mobile site at mobile.seafoodwatch.org, with info designed specifically to be viewed on a mobile device.

They have also developed their 'Super Green' list of seafood choices, which must meet all of the following criteria:

Low levels of contaminants (below 216 parts per billion [ppb] mercury and 11 ppb PCBs)
The daily minimum of omega-3s (at least 250 milligrams per day [mg/d])*
Classified as a Seafood Watch "Best Choice" (green)

These are by far the best choices, especially for children & pregnant/breastfeeding women. So, what made the Super Green list in 2010??

Best of the Best:

Albacore Tuna (troll- or pole-caught, from the U.S. or British Columbia)
Freshwater Coho Salmon (farmed in tank systems, from the U.S.)
Oysters (farmed)
Pacific Sardines (wild-caught)
Rainbow Trout (farmed)
Salmon (wild-caught, from Alaska)

Other Healthy Choices ( low in contaminants and provide a smaller amount of omega-3s ):

Arctic Char (farmed)
Barramundi (farmed, from the U.S.)
Dungeness Crab (wild-caught, from California, Oregon or Washington)
Longfin Squid (wild-caught, from the U.S. Atlantic)
Mussels (farmed)

More of a sushi person?? They have recommendations for sushi as well, including a pocket guide!

7 Food even Farmers Won't Eat! (from planetgreen.com)

2011-01-07T09:21:00.003-06:00

Take a second to check out this planetgreen.com article I saw posted by my kids' pediatrician on Facebook. It's pretty startling.

Cliff notes version...avoid the following foods.

Canned Tomatoes - the acid in tomatoes breaks down the BPA in the liner, leaching into the tomatoes in significant amounts.
Corn-Fed Beef - much reduced nutritional benefits versus grass-fed beef
Microwave Popcorn - the chemicals in the bag liners contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) that may be connected with infertility.
Conventionally Grown Potatoes - non-organic potatoes are treated with fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals to prevent sprouting after harvesting.
Farmed Salmon - contaminants lowers vitamin D levels and includes some very nasty chemicals.
Milk produced with artificial hormones - growth hormones (which are prohibited in most other industrialized countries) increase the likelihood of udder infections, as well as may contribute to certain cancers.
Conventional Apples - non-organic apples receive heavy loads of pesticides

For the full article by Laurel House on planetgreen.com, which include alternative choices and additional information, click here.

Wonderment...wonderFUL! Save 15% this Friday!

2010-12-09T12:57:00.004-06:00

Wonderment is a fabulous local source for non-toxic and responsibly-sourced toys & gifts for kids. Located right in the heart of Linden Hills (4306 Upton Ave S), this mother-owned store offers natural toys & games that will spark imaginations of all ages.

THIS FRIDAY (Dec 10) is their Friends Party, where you are invited to bring a friend to shop (adults only!) with wine & nibbles...and save 15% on all your purchases! Friends, wine, food AND savings?!? Oh, expert toy advice and free gift wrap too.

Wonderment Friend Party
Fri, Dec 10
7-9 pm
both locations, 4306 Upton Ave S, Mpls; 949 Grand Ave, St. Paul)

You might just finish your kid-related holiday shopping, and feel good about supporting a locally-owned business, while buying quality responsible toys from the Twin Cities Best Toy Store (according to CityPages)! Oh...and did I mention the wine?? ;-)

'green' movie watching at home??

2010-12-08T21:00:00.001-06:00

So, my gadget-minded husband just signed us up for Netflix through our Wii. Yes...the Wii! We tried Netflix a few years ago, but the mailing of DVDs back & forth - with no late fees (meaning no incentive to watch it) - just didn't work for us. Now, we pay one monthly fee, and have access to a large number of movies, TV shows, and documentaries downloaded through our Wii directly to our TV.

After watching a movie of my choosing one evening, without leaving the house and on the spur of the moment, it occurred to me that these services have a green component. Seriously! (For the time being, let's forget about the energy consumption issues.)

Direct viewing eliminates the fuel-associated impacts & costs of delivery of DVDs, not to mention the environmental impacts associated with their production & disposal! So, don't feel like a couch potato. Grab a glass a wine, stream a movie or TV show, and feel good about it!

There are lots of pay-per-view or video-on-demand services through cable, satellite or other devices. Even watching shows on the internet or other downloadable device like an iPad has those benefits!

Tuna Consumption Revisited

2010-12-07T19:47:00.004-06:00

A recent investigation by Consumer Reports found that canned tuna occasionally contains much higher levels of mercury than previously thought. Their findings confirmed that white (albacore) tuna typically contains much higher levels of mercury than light tuna.

The form of mercury accumulated in tuna, methylmercury, is especially toxic. Even low-level mercury exposure in children & expectant women has been linked to delays & impairments in hearing, hand-eye coordination & learning abilities, as well as neurologic, cardiovascular & immune system effects.

Based on their findings, Consumer Reports recommends consumption guidelines that are stricter than the FDA or EPA's recommendation of 12 oz per week wk of light tuna or 6 oz per week of white tuna, for women of childbearing age and young children. Instead, Consumer Reports recommends that:

Children less than 45 lbs limit consumption to 4 oz of light tuna or 1.5 oz of white tuna
Pregnant women avoid canned tuna altogether.
Women of childbearing age limit consumption to 12.5 oz of light tuna or 4 oz of white tuna

Low-mercury, sustainably harvested fish include Alaska salmon, farmed clams, pink shrimp from Oregon, sardines from the US Pacific, and tilapia farmed in the US. These are good alternatives that provide the benefits of fish (protein, vitamin D & omega-3 fatty acids) without toxicity or environmental concerns.

For the full article by Consumer Reports, click here.

regreet - FUN way to reuse greeting cards

2010-11-22T10:22:00.011-06:00

You know all those greeting cards you receive? Birthdays, Thank Yous, Thinking of Yous, and all those holiday cards? Yes, many of them are recyclable (although not the photo paper cards). And yes, there are lots of ways to resuse cards, but none as FUN as regreet!

How does regreet work?

Start by purchasing a "regreet greeting kit," which contains materials to repurpose 4 greeting cards.
Apply a signature label (included in the kit) over the original senders message.
Apply a journey label (also included) on the back of the card, which will allow you to follow your card on it's journey! The journey label includes a unique code so you can track your card's path online. (That's the super-fun part, especially for kids, I think!!)
Include a 'hop along kit' (also included) so that the recipient can do the same and keep the original card on its journey (and out of the waste or recycle can).
Send it to a recipient who will think you are the absolute coolest!

Confused? Check out this video to see more about how regreet works.

I met the founder, Christy Eichers, at the Green Gifts Fair this weekend. Christy is a dynamic and passionate LOCAL WOMAN who took a leave from her corporate job to start regreet. Not only is she creative, but she continues to give back...even with a start-up! They donate a portion of their profits to selected nonprofits, including 4-H, Susan Komen for the Cure, and Nature Conservancy. You can even help her decide the portion that goes to each organization through their 'direct the donation' feature!

The greeting card kit retails for $12 and includes materials for repurposing 4 greeting cards, including the hopalong kit, so it actually saves EIGHT cards! Granted, it may not be the best fit for typical holiday photo cards (I mean, it's hard to re-send a photo with someone else's lovely kiddos...), but it's a great idea for most other greeting cards!

I plan to use my kit to send re-used greeting cards to my far-away friends & family, so my kids & I can see how many miles our cards travel!

Recycle Your Holidays

2010-11-18T10:25:00.003-06:00

You can recycle your old holiday lights through the "Recycle Your Holidays" program, sponsored by the Recycling Association of MN, in partnership with the Clean Energy Resource Teams, WCCO TV, Xcel Energy, and Ace Hardware Stores in MN.

Just bring your old holiday lights to any Ace Hardware store or other drop-off location, and every part of the light string will be recycled by program partners...FOR FREE! Did you know that recycling the copper in the old light strings reduces 85-90% of the energy versus extracting virgin copper!! Yes...85-90% energy savings! So, even if your old lights are tangled and no longer work, be sure to recycle them.

Additionally, switching to LED lights will reduce home energy usage associated with your holidays. Reduce energy costs, recycle copper, recycle glass...Win-win-win!

Linden Tree Grand Opening - local local local!!

2010-11-17T08:35:00.004-06:00

The fantastically cute Linden Tree Shop is having their Grand Opening Celebration this weekend!

Located at 44th St & Beard Ave (next to Browne & Green Floral), this locally owned shop features handicrafts by local artisans, primarily (if not all) women. The Linden Tree also offers a charming selection of specialty fabrics for you to hand-craft your own one-of-a-kind creations.

Their Grand Opening celebration is Sat, Nov 20 10:30am - 4 pm, and Sunday, Nov 21 from noon - 4 pm. They will have refreshments & prize drawings...and 15% off any one item when you sign up for the email list!

The Linden Tree has unique gifts for children & adults, all charming and handcrafted. And it doesn't get much more local than this! Plus...EcoParent Kendra is one of the featured artists at the Linden Tree! Be sure to check out her fabulous crochet creations! I personally have my eye on one of her owl hats...

Lead found in reusable bags

2010-11-15T09:58:00.003-06:00

A number of recent studies have found that some of the reusable store bags that are made in China contain lead. The revelation was concerning enough to prompt Senator Charles Schummer (D-NY) to ask the FDA to investigate further.

One such study study, released by TEI Analytical, found unhealthy levels of lead in half of the "non-woven polypropylene (NWPP)" bags they tested. Some of the bags tested were found to contain more than 100 parts per million of toxic heavy metals! (The CPSC's limit for paint on consumer products is 90 ppm). The chains tested in the TEI study included Walgreens, Harris Teeter, Rite-Aid & CVS. An investigation in Florida by the Tampa Tribune found lead in reusable bags for many supermarket & discount stores, including Target & Walmart.

Does the lead in these bags pose an immediate risk? Clearly, in the manufacture of these bags, workers & the environment is exposed to lead...which is no good. Should you stop using these bags?? The paint on the bags could potentially flake off and pose a danger if consumed. If food is carried in these bags, there is the potential for the lead to be absorbed by the food, especially fresh food that comes in direct contact with the flaking paint or frayed threads, and then for whoever consumes the food would be exposed to the lead.

And of course, if the bag is disposed, the lead in the bag would seep into the environment (and into our water, soil, etc...). No good indeed.

Personally, I prefer to use cloth bags rather than the 'non-woven poly propylene' ones because cloth bags can be washed easily if anything gnarly (or especially meat-related) happens to spill in the bag. (Such spills can be a risk of E.coli or other cross-contamination.) My fav, of course, is my EcoParents organic canvas tote!

Want to read more? Check out these links to recent news articles:

What are YOU going to do with your reusable plastic bags?

Uncommon Goods indeed!

2010-11-13T08:11:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite online boutiques for interesting gift items is Uncommon Goods. They offer a fantastic selection of creative products, including many made from recycled materials. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Glasses made from recycled wine bottles, wi th an earth-friendly message etched in 4 languages, English, Spanish, Afrikaans & French on each. You get to choose "Protect Our Earth" or Wildlife or Air or Water. And an added bonus - $4 per set will go to World Wildlife Fund! Only $40 for a set of four glasses!

Bottle-opener from real 'road used' bike gear and chain. I bought this a few years ago for my brother-in-law who is an avid bicyclist, and have benefitted from its use on more than one occasion. They also offer other products from recycled bike parts, including a wallet, belt, keychain, photo frame & clocks (which I gave as a wedding present to some biker friends). Handmade in USA.

Okay...now for something that's NOT related to booze??

How cute is this Goodbyn lunch box? Made from BPA/Lead/Phlatlate-free material,

this lunch box will save you and Mother Earth! No more plastic baggies or juice box trash.

Even the littlest hands will be able to open this clever lunch box

with 5 sealing comparments and its own drink bottle that fits into it's own compartmnet! It even comes with stickers for your little one to make it his/her very own!

Their commitment to sustainability goes beyond the products they offer. Their catalog is printed on recycled and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifed paper, and they donate a portion of their proceeds (including $1 per order) to various nonprofit organizations, inclduing American Forests, The National Wildlife Federation, and World Wildlife Fund, among others.

Green Gifts Fair - Sat, Nov 20

2010-11-12T13:42:00.005-06:00

Want to kick off your holiday shopping in an uber-green way? (or wrap it up, if you are one of 'those' types of people...which I, most definitely, am not!)

Don't miss the 2010 Green Gifts Fair! Held annually at the Midtown Global Market, the Green Gifts Fair is a fabulous collection of vendors - mostly local - offering unique, green, recycled, upcycled, fair-trade and organic gift ideas. With over 70 vendors, you're sure to find something for everyone on your list.

Green Gifts Fair
Sat, Nov 20, 10 am-5 pm
Midtown Global Market
Lake & Chicago Aves.

But there's more!

Educational activities & demos on reducing your impact over the holidays
Recycle your old holiday lights and receive a raffle tickets (one per string) for $50 in Green Gift Fair bucks! (Then upgrade to energy efficient LED lights.)
Come by bus - for free. Click here for details. Parking is also free.

The Green Gifts Fair is brought to you by Do It Green and Midtown Global Market, along with their sponsors including Red Stag Supper Club, Xcel Energy, Hennepin County, MetroTransit, CityPages, yelp!, KFAI, Recycling Assn of MN, and Otogawa-Anschel architects.

The blog is back!

2010-11-12T13:06:00.003-06:00

The blog is back!

Just in time for the holidays, the EcoParents blog is back online! After an extended hiatus through the summer and early fall (due to crazy schedules & such), we are BACK to provide some fun ideas, tips, resources, products, etc... to get us all through the holiday season in an eco-friendly and non-toxic way.

So, check back often. We're aiming for a new post every other day. If you have ideas or blog suggestions, please please email me!

If you haven't already, join Ecoparents on Facebook as well...and be clued into new blog posts.

moss envy - new green store - OPEN!

2010-06-28T10:11:00.002-05:00

Moss Envy - an eco home & life store - is now open!

Owners of the now-closed Twin Cities Green, Ryan & Tina Noth, relocated & rebranded into Moss Envy, located next to Homemade Pizza Company in the Calhoun Commons shopping center (near Whole Foods) on Excelsior Ave.

As stated on their website, "Moss Envy - will incorporate the best of what worked at Twin Cities Green while adding several new categories and a refined, more coiffed look. Tina North will add eco-conscious clothing, building materials, and vintage items to her home and life collection with a stronger emphasis on sourcing locally, made-in-Minnesota products. This expansion represents the most comprehensive collection of "better for you" products in the Twin Cities. The creative re-do of the shop's design was led by local eco-designer and HGTV star Joshua Foss."

Take a minute to check them out in person or on the web. These guys are fabulous local eco-entrepreneur and have a ton of TRUSTED information on true eco-friendly products (no greenwashing here!).

Clear your head with VOC-free paint

2010-06-18T07:51:00.008-05:00

So, with my kiddos at the grandparents for a few days and my hubby away on business, I have the house completely to myself. And what do I choose to do with this oh-so-precious gift of peace and quiet? Why, paint the kitchen of course! What IS my problem??

Anyway, I chose a paint with no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are what make the 'stinky' (and irritating) paint smell. The 'volatile' part means that at room temperature, theses compounds are easily evaporated into the air, and 'organic' simply means that they are carbon-based. VOCs greatly contribute to reduced indoor air quality, can inflame allergies, as well as contribute to urban smog. VOCs can also continue to be emitted into the air long after you complete actually painting, emitting nasty chemicals into your household air.

Due to their developing bodies & brains, children are especially susceptible to off-gassing from VOCs over time. Additionally, children breathe in a greater volume of air than adults relative to their body size and since kids tend to breathe through their mouths (rather than their noses which would filter some of the particulates out).

There are many different brands of no or low-VOC paints on the market now, but the one I used was Freshaire Choice, which has both the Good Housekeeping Seal and is certified by the Greenguard Environmental Institute. Freshaire boasts that it is truly a no-VOC paint since they have no VOCs in their colorant, in addition to no VOCs in the actual paint.

It was a noticeable difference while painting...no stinky odors, no chemical smells, no headaches, no needing to take a break to clear my head, including when I was painting the stairwell with no real airflow! Seriously. Essentially no smell! Even though the Freshaire literature says there is "no compromise in product quality" - it did seem that the paint did not go on as smoothly or as evenly as traditional paint. (I've done a lot of painting over the years...) I had to do more touch-ups than usual and it definitely required 2 coats. It's in the kitchen, so there is bound to be lots of wall scrubbing over the years.

Bottom line - even with perhaps slightly reduced quality and slightly more expensive than basic paint, I would definitely use no-VOC paint again (perhaps trying another brand). It made the experience so much more pleasant...well, as pleasant as painting the kitchen can be! Most paint supply stores offer at least one option for low or no VOCs, so give it a try.

Do you have experience with low or no VOC paint? Post a comment and let us know about it.

Lead found in 85% of tested children's drinks & snacks

2010-06-17T08:06:00.007-05:00

Recent testing of many popular children's foods found LEAD in sufficient levels to be in violation of California's Prop 65 (CA Safe Drinking Water & Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986). Yes - LEAD!

The testing was done by the California-based Environmental Law Foundation (ELF), a non-profit public interest organization. ELF tested 146 different products in four specific food categories: apple juice, grape juice, packaged pears & peaches (including baby food), and fruit cocktail. All samples were purchased in California, but many tested brands are available nationally.

Of the 146 products tested, 125 contained levels of lead higher than the Prop 65 limit of 0.5 micrograms per serving in at least one of the samples tested! Yes - 125 out of 146 products tested...and 'organic' and 'natural' products were among those with unacceptable levels of lead, including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods' 365 brand, R.W. Knudsen and more!

Lead is a known carcinogen and can cause both physical and mental developmental problems. Children and pregnant women are especially susceptible to lead. Lead is a persistent and cumulative toxin. As stated in the ELF press release and previously by the American Academy of Pediatrics, "there is no safe level of exposure to lead."

ELF has filed "notices of violation" with the state of California and the manufacturers, retailers & distributors of the affected products.

------------------

"The bad"- tested children's foods containing lead (listed in alphabetical order):

1 365 Everyday Value Organic 100% Juice Concord Grapes

2 Beech Nut 100% Apple Juice

3 Best Yet Bartlett Pear Halves in Heavy Syrup

4 Best Yet Chunky Mixed Fruit in Pear Juice

5 Best Yet Yellow Cling Peach Halves in Heavy Syrup

6 Chef's Review Fruit Cocktail

7 Del Monte 100% Juice Fruit Cocktail

8 Del Monte Chunky Mixed Fruit in 100 % Juice (peach, pear, grape, etc.)

9 Del Monte Diced Pears in Light Syrup

10 Del Monte Freestone Peach Slices in 100 % Juice

11 Del Monte Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup (peach, pear, grapes)

12 Del Monte Fruit Cocktail No Sugar Added

13 Del Monte Lite Fruit Cocktail in Extra Light Syrup

14 Del Monte Pear Halves in Heavy Syrup

15 Del Monte Pear Halves, Bartlett Pears in 100% real fruit juice from concentrate

16 Del Monte Sliced Yellow Cling Peaches in 100 % Juice

17 Del Monte Sliced Yellow Cling Peaches in heavy syrup

18 Dole Diced Peaches, Yellow Cling in light syrup

19 Dole Mixed Fruit in Light Syrup

20 Dole Pear Halves in Juice

21 Earth's Best Organics Apple Juice

22 Eating Right Fruit Cocktail packed in Sucralose

23 Eating Right No Sugar Fruit Cocktail

24 First Street 100% Apple Cider from concentrate

25 First Street Apple Juice from concentrate 100% juice

26 First Street Diced Pears

27 First Street Fruit Cocktail in heavy syrup

28 First Street Grape Juice from concentrate 100% juice

29 First Street Sliced Bartlett

30 First Street Yellow Cling Peaches in heavy syrup

31 Full Circle Organic Apple Juice

32 Full Circle Organic Bartlett Pear Slices

33 Gerber 100% Juice - White Grape Juice

34 Gerber 100% Juice Apple Juice

35 Gerber 3rd Foods Peaches

36 Gerber 3rd Foods Pears

37 Golden Star Mixed Fruit in Light Syrup (peach, pineapple, pears)

38 Golden Star Peach Halves in Heavy Syrup

39 Great Value 100% Grape Juice

40 Great Value 100% No Sugar Added Apple Juice

41 Great Value Bartlett Pear Halves in 100% Juice

42 Great Value Bartlett Sliced Pears in Heavy Syrup

43 Great Value No Sugar Added Fruit Cocktail

44 Great Value Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches

45 Hansen's Natural Apple Juice

46 Kedem Concord Grape Juice 100% pure grape juice

47 Kroger 100% Juice Apple Juice

48 Kroger Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup

49 Kroger Grape Juice 100% Juice

50 Kroger Lite Fruit Cocktail in Pear Juice

51 Kroger Value Fruit Mix (Peaches, pears, grapes)

52 Langers Apple Juice 100% Juice

53 Langers Grape Juice (Concord)

54 Langers Red Grape Juice

55 Libby's Fruit Cocktail No Sugar Added (Sweetened with Splenda)

56 Libby's Yellow Cling Peach Slices No Sugar Added (Sweetened with Splenda)

57 Market Pantry Diced Peaches in light syrup

58 Market Pantry Diced Pears in light syrup

59 Market Pantry Mixed Fruit in light syrup

60 Maxx Value Fruit Mix in Light Syrup (peach, pear, grape)

61 Maxx Value Pear Pieces in Light Syrup

62 Minute Maid Juice Apple - 100% Apple Juice

63 Motts 100% Apple Juice

64 Mrs. Brown's Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup (peaches, pears, grapes)

65 O Organics Organic Grape Juice from concentrate

66 O Organics Organic Unfiltered Apple Juice Not From Concentrate

67 Old Orchard 100% Apple Juice

68 Parade 100% Juice Apple

69 Polar Mixed Fruit

70 Polar Peach Slices

71 Polar Pear Halves in light syrup

72 R.W. Knudsen Just Concord Grape Juice

73 R.W. Knudsen Organic Just Concord

74 Raley's 100% Grape Juice

75 Raley's Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup

76 Raley's Premium 100% Apple Juice not from Concentrate

77 Raley's Sliced Yellow Cling Peaches in Heavy Syrup

78 S&W Natural Style Fruit Cocktail in Lightly Sweetened Juice

79 S&W Natural Style Pear Slices in Juice

80 S&W Natural Style Yellow Cling Peach Slices in Lightly Sweetened Juice

81 S&W Premium Peach Halves Yellow Cling Peaches in light syrup

82 S&W Sun Pears Premium

83 Safeway 100% Juice Apple Cider

84 Safeway 100% Juice Apple Juice

85 Safeway 100% Juice Grape Juice

86 Safeway Diced Peaches in Light Syrup

87 Safeway Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup

88 Safeway Light Sugar Fruit Cocktail

89 Safeway Lite Bartlett Pear Halves in Pear Juice

90 Safeway Lite Fruit Cocktail in Pear Juice

91 Safeway Organic Grape Juice

92 Safeway Pear Halves in Light Juice

93 Safeway Yellow Cling Peach Slices in Pear Juice

94 Santa Cruz Organic Concord Grape Juice

95 Simple Value Yellow Cling Peaches in light syrup

96 Stater Bros. 100% Juice Apple Juice

97 Stater Bros. 100% Juice Grape Juice

98 Stater Bros. 100% Juice White Grape Juice

99 Stater Bros. Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup

100 Stater Bros. Yellow Cling Peach Halves

101 Stater Bros. Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches in heavy syrup

102 Sunny Select 100% Apple Juice

103 Sunny Select 100% Grape Juice

104 Sunny Select Fruit Cocktail in Juice

105 Sunny Select Pear Halves in Pear Juice

106 Sunny Select Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches in Pear Juice

107 Trader Joe's Certified Organic Apple Juice, pasteurized

108 Trader Joe's Concord Grape Juice made from fress pressed organic concord grapes

109 Trader Joe's Pear Halves in white grape juice

110 Trader Joe's Yellow Cling Peach Halves in while grape juice

111 Tree Top 100% Juice Apple Cider

112 Tree Top 100% Juice, Grape

113 Truitt Brothers Pacific NorthWest Bartlett Pear Halves, in pear juice from concentrate

114 Valu Time Grape Drink from Concentrate

115 Valu Time Irregular Bartlett Pear Slices

116 Valu Time Yellow Cling Peach Slices

117 Walgreens Apple Juice from concentrate 100% juice

118 Walgreens Grape Juice from concentrate 100% juice

119 Walnut Acres Organic Concord Grape

120 Walnut Grove Market 100% Apple Juice

121 Walnut Grove Market Grape Juice

122 Walnut Grove Market Natural Peaches Sliced Yellow Cling in Light Syrup

123 Walnut Grove Market Natural Pear Halves in Heavy Syrup

124 Welch's 100% Grape Juice (from Welch's Concord Grapes)

125 Welch's 100% Red Grape Juice from Concentrate

"The Good" - tested products which had zero samples that exceed Prop 65 limits (You'll notice that some manufacturers have products on both the 'good' and 'bad' lists):

Del Monte Mixed Fruit
Dole Diced Peaches, Cling in Light Syrup
Dole Diced Peaches, Freestone in Light Syrup
Dole Sliced Peaches
Eating Right Kids Diced Peaches in Extra Light Syrup
Eating Right Kids Diced Pears Fruit Cups
Great Value 100% Apple Juice not from concentrate
Harvest Day 100% Apple Juice from Concentrate
Kirkland Fresh Pressed Apple Juice Pasteurized
Martinelli's Gold Medal Apple Juice 100% pure from US grown fresh apples
Old Orchard Healthy Balance Grape
R.W. Knudsen Organic Apple Juice unfiltered
Raley's Everyday 100% Apple Juice
Stater Bros. Diced Pears Snack Bowl
Stater Bros. Diced Peaches Snack Bowl
Sunny Select 100% Unfiltered Apple Juice
Trader Joe's Fresh Pressed Apple Juice all natural pasteurized, 100% juice
Tree Top 100% Apple Juice
Tree Top Three Apple Blend 100% Fresh Pressed Juice

Read a related post from inhabitots here.

Scratch, scratch...repel those bugs safely!

2010-06-15T07:37:00.005-05:00

With all this rain, it's bound to bring out mosquitoes and other annoying flying things, eh? How to safely protect our little ones, or ourselves?

Avoid dusk - this is when bugs are the most active
Blow 'em down - if you are going to be sitting outside, consider setting up a fan. The gentle breeze of a basic fan can be sufficient to keep bugs away.
No frilly smells - avoid floral scented lotions, laundry soap, perfumes, etc... as they can attract mosquitoes (and are usually made from synthetic chemicals anyway!).
Use repellents thoughtfully - Oil of lemon eucalyptus and the amino acid IR3535 are two naturally derived active ingredients recommended by the Denter for Disease Control as effective insect repellents. Avoid using insect repellent-sunscreen combinations, as reapplication for sufficient sun protection could result in overexposure to the repellent ingredients. Other plant oils which may provide some repellent action include: citronella, cinnamon, castor oil, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar, peppermint, clove, geranium, verbena, pennyroyal, lavender, pine, cajeput, basil, thyme, allspice, soybean and garlic.
Make your own repellent! To make your own repellent, mix 10-25 drops of essential oil (or a combination of oils) with about 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol such as olive oil, witch hazel, any cooking oil, or even vodka! Rub or spray your natural insect repellent onto skin or clothing, keeping in mind that some oils may stain clothing.
Avoid applying DEET directly to skin. If you must use a repellent containing DEET (e.g., in you're exploring areas with high tick populations), dress in lightcolored long clothing and spray the clothing with a repellent containing less than 30% DEET. Products with more DEET do not repel better, but may repel bugs longer (reducing reapplications) than products with lower DEET concentrations. So, if you are only going out for a short hike or something, consider a product with only 5% DEET.

Curious about active ingredients licensed in Minnesota (or other states)? Visit the National Pesticide Retrieval System for state-by-state information. You can search by active ingredient, targeted pest, site of application, product or manufacturer name. It's a little cumbersome...not exceedingly user-friendly, but the database does contain a lot of interesting information.

another sign of summer - CSA deliveries!

2010-06-08T17:20:00.003-05:00

What signals the beginning of summer for you? The end of school? Memorial Day parades? NBA Finals? Yes, yes & yes! But another sure sign that summer is here...first CSA pickup of the season (That's Community Supported Agriculture, in case you forgot!). Beautiful spinach, arugula, rhubarb, lettuce, pea shoots, & herbs. Mmmmmm! What a treat to be able to walk to the pickup site...and walk home with a bounty of fresh seasonal produce. The whole kitchen smells fresh from putting it away.

The lettuce will be used tonight for fish taco night! My mouth is watering already.

Want to learn more about CSAs? Check out a previous EcoParents blog post here for a full article.

McDonald's Shrek Glasses recalled due to cadmium

2010-06-05T08:15:00.003-05:00

McDonald's and the Consumer Products Safety Commission announced a recall of 'Shrek Forever After'-themed glasses due to cadmium levels in the enamel pigment on the exterior of the glasses. Unlike earlier cadmiun-related recalls, these glasses were manufactured in the United States. However, the origin of the enamel in question has not been released.

The concern is not that cadmium could leach into the drink inside the glass, but rather that the cadmium could get onto the hands of the drinker - then into his/her mouth. As discussed in previous posts, cadmium is more toxic than lead and can contribute to cancer and weak bones, as well as kidney and learning problems.

The recall only covers Shrek glasses, not Happy Meal toys, at this point. BUT, this recall was initiated by a private tipster who tested the glasses and provided the alarming results to a California Congresswoman who in turn kicked off an investigation. The manufacturing process for these glasses met federal safety guidelines...so it's kinda by LUCK and not due to stringent safeguards that this danger came to light!

More information about the recall is available from the Consumer Products Safety Commission or McDonald's.

Free Green Double Feature - June 8

2010-06-04T08:41:00.005-05:00

The final installment of the Green Film Series is next Tuesday, June 8. This series is sponsored by the Linden Hills Environment Committee and Linden Hills Power & Light. FREE FREE FREE.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 7PM

Linden Hills Park Building
3100 43rd St. W. Minneapolis, MN 55410

Gimme Green

Synopsis: Gimme Green is a humorous look at the American obsession with the residential lawn and the effects it has on our environment, our wallets and our outlook on life. From the limitless subdivisions of Florida to sod farms in the arid southwest, Gimme Green peers behind the curtain of the $40-billion industry that fuels our nation's largest irrigated crop -the lawn. http://www.gimmegreen.com/

The Power Of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil

Synopsis: When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half - and food by 80 percent - people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. http://www.powerofcommunity.org

(Click on movie posters to view trailers!)

East Harriet, Kenny & Armatage Neigborhood Sales this Saturday!

2010-05-28T14:03:00.004-05:00

Another great opportunity for re-use and re-purposing...aka NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALES!

East Harriet Sale-O-Rama

Saturday, May 29

9 am - 3 pm

Sale locations include: 919 W 36th St;Aldrich Ave S: Blocks 3800-4800;Bryant Ave S: Blocks 4000-4500;Colfax Ave S: Blocks 3600-4500;4545 Dupont Ave S;4322/4336 Lyndale Ave S

Maps with more info at each sale location, Guse Grocer at W 46th St & Bryant Ave S & Amelia's Flower Shoppe @ W 36th St & Bryant Ave S.

Kenny & Armatage Neighborhood Garage Sales

Saturday, May 29

9 am - 4 pm

For a complete list of locations - click here.

2010 Sunscreen Guide from EWG

2010-05-25T09:12:00.005-05:00

The 2010 Sunscreen Guide from Environmental Working Group is out!

Their top rated beach & sport sunscreens include products by (listed in alphabetical order) All Terrain, Badger, Beyond Coastal, California Baby, Caribbean Solutions, Desert Essence, Episencial, Estion, Jason Natural Cosmetics, Kabana Skin Care, L'uvalla Certified Organic, LaRoche-Posay, Little Forest, Loving Naturals, Miessence, Purple Prairie Botanicals, Soleo Organics, thinkbaby & thinksport, Trukid, UV Natural, and Vanicream.

Their top rated non-mineral sunscreens include products by Beyond Coastal, Bullfrog, Coppertone, Glytone, & LaRoche-Posay.

Bottom line advice about sun safety:

Avoid Oxybenzone, Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), and added insect repellent. Opt for Zinc, Titanium Oxide, Avobenzone or Mexoryl SX instead
Avoid sprays, powders & SPFs over 50. Look for creams, broad-based spectrum, water-resistant, SPF 30-50
Don't forget to cover-up & seek shade. Avoid the midday sun. Wear sunglasses.

The full 2010 sunscreen guide is available online here, or download a printable guide with facts & tips here.

Curious about how your favorite rates? Check out their "Find Your Sunscreen" feature!

We just returned from a beach trip to NC and used California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance (for faces), California Baby Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance, and Burt's Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen with Hemp Seed Oil. The California Baby products are among the highest rated. The Burt's Bees are a bit lower rated because they contain a fragrance, but it is a natural fragrance so that is ok with me. They rub in fairly well. The California Baby rubs in a bit smoother, but neither are as easy to rub in as 'conventional' sunscreens. They are a bit pricey, but are widely available, including Target among other places.

We were in the sun all day, in and out of the ocean, and we had good protection. We tried to stay indoors between noon-2:30, for lunch & naps anyway, so we avoided the both direct rays too!

For more info on sunscreen safety, check out a previous EcoParents blog post (prior to release of 2010 guide)!

LH Festival Zero Waste featured in the Star-Tribune!

2010-05-17T20:41:00.007-05:00

The Zero Waste initiative of the Linden Hills Festival will be featured in Gail Rosenblum's column in tomorrow's Star-Tribune, including a picture of yours truly INSIDE a compost cart! Read the full column here

So how'd we do???

an estimated 3,5000-4,000 attendees
616 ears of corn
1160 old fashioned hot dogs
100 all-beef hot dogs
456 brats
105 pizzas
plus a yet to be calculated amounts of ice cream, cotton candy, popcorn, soda, water, and more!

For the first time ever, we weighed everything at the end...and here's what we ended up with:

448.86 pounds of organic material for composting
13.16 pounds of plastic bottles for recycling
20.78 pounds of recyclable cardboard
31.38 pounds of aluminum cans
13.12 pounds of glass recycling
12.36 pounds of plastic bags and plastic wrap (i.e., these are not recycled through the city of Minneapolis, but through the "It's in the Bag" program)
7.08 pounds of other recyclable plastics (i.e., plastics that are recyclable, but not collected by the city - such as plastic caps, coffee cup lids, etc... There are misc programs that collect & recycle these items...Aveda accepts & recycles plastic lids, for example.)

and...drumroll...39.22 pounds of trash. YES...LESS THAN ONE BAG OF TRASH! Seriously!!

A huge thanks to all the disposal station monitors, and especially to super volunteer & true waste warrior, Nancy Lo. She's a rock star.

Neighborhood Garage Sales - the ultimate in re-use

2010-05-13T21:53:00.002-05:00

Both the Linden Hills and Browndale neighborhoods are holding their neighborhood garage sales this Saturday, May 15! Garage sales are a great way to re-use and re-purpose items which no longer are of use to others...at a great price too! Check them out - especially for kid-related items, which often are outgrown before they are worn out!

Check the Linden Hills website for a map of all registered garage sales. Sales in both neighborhoods start at 8 am.

Don't forget that the Linden Hills Festival is on Sunday, May 16...family fun indeed!!!

It's Farmers Market Time!

2010-05-06T08:51:00.006-05:00

One of the official signs of spring is the opening of metro-area farmers markets. Some are already open, including Midtown, Mill City, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, while others open over the coming few weeks.

There was a great listing of area markets in today's Star Tribune, including a day-by-day guide. The Strib also has a neat interactive online map to more than 60 area markets that allows you to filter by day or zoom in on location!

My personal favorites are the Mill City Market and Midtown Market, but there are so many fabulous Farmers Markets to choose from in the Twin Cities area! Check 'em out!

Farmers Markets are a great alternative or addition to purchasing a CSA share. Like a CSA, it allows you to get fresh, seasonal, (usually) local, and (often) organic produce, meats, and other goodies. But, unlike a CSA, you are in complete control of how much and what you purchase! Either way, it supports small-scale local farmers...which is a good thing!

Proper medication disposal (including recalled children's medicine!!)

2010-05-03T08:57:00.005-05:00

Wondering how to dispose of those childrens OTC medicines affected by the recall?

(A voluntary recall of over-the-counter infant & children medications manufactured by McNeil Healthcare issued on Friday, April 30.The recalled items include children & infant Tylenol, Motrin, Zrytec & Benadryl. Click here for the complete list of recall medications. This recall is based on not meeting manufacturing standards and no adverse health effects have been reported.)

If you have some of the medications affected by the recall, DO NOT THROW MEDICATION DOWN THE TOILET OR RINSE DOWN THE SINK! This will cause the active (and inactive ingredients) to get into the water systems. Wastewater treatment facilities typically cannot remove these types of compounds (it's possible, but very expensive!), and consequently, they could end up in the environment in our rivers, lakes & streams and/or into our drinking water supply!

In fact, just last week, the MN Pollution Control Agency released a report that found "widespread bu low levels" of pharmaceuticals in at MN wastewater treatment plants, including antibiotics, endrocrine disruptors, and other medications!

So, just a general reminder to properly dispose of all medications in the garbage. To prevent accidental ingestion (or intentional ingestion if you have narcotics), follow these guidelines:

1. Keep the medication in its original package. The labels may contain safety information and the caps are often childproof. On prescriptions, scratch the patient’s name or write over it with a permanent marker.

2. Modify the medication to discourage consumption.

· For solid medications, such as pills or capsules: add a small amount of water to partially dissolve them.

· For liquid medications: add enough table salt, flour, charcoal, or spice such as turmeric or mustard to make a pungent, unsightly mixture that discourages anyone from ingesting it.

· For blister packs, drug patches, creams, unused ampoules, vial and IV bags: wrap the package in multiple layers of duct or other opaque tape to prevent leakage and obscure the contents.

3. Seal and conceal. Wrap the medication container in packing or duct tape, and then place it inside an opaque bag or container to ensure that the contents cannot be seen.

4. Discard the container in your garbage can—do not place it in your recycling bin.

source for disposal guidelines: Hennepin County A-to-Z How to Get Rid of It Guide

thanks to my friend Courtney for the reminder of this impt issue, especially as all of us parents are disposing our stash of medicine! :-)

Sunscreen Safety

2010-04-28T13:40:00.000-05:00

It's only April, but with the ridiculously nice weather so far this spring, the kiddos have been playing outside in shorts & short-sleeves...which means it's time to think about sunscreen! I don't know about you, but I find it very confusing to pick a good sunscreen...and by "good" I mean one that protects from the sun AND is safe for our bodies!!

According to the Environmental Working Group's 2009 Sunscreen Investigation:

Of nearly 500 name-brand sunscreens, 40% do not adequately protect skin from sun damage OR contain hazardous chemicals - OR BOTH.
Some of the worst offenders are leading brands like Coppertone, Banana Boat, and Neutrogena.
Twenty-one (21) sunscreens claiming SPFs from 55-100+ might tempt you to stay out longer in the sun, but they block just 1 to 2% more sunburn rays than an SPF 30 sunscreen.
Four percent of high SPF sunscreens (SPF of at least 30) protect only from sunburn (UVB radiation), and provide poor protection from UVA, the sun rays linked to skin damage and aging, immune system problems, and potentially skin cancer.

It's helpful to understand that there are 2 different types of active ingredients in sunscreen:

Mineral or "physical" blockers which reflect and scatter UV rays. The most common and effective physical blockers are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. According to the EWG, "little to no zinc and titanium absorb through the skin, and they provide stable UVA protection relative to the other ingredients."
Chemical blockers which absorb and disperse UV rays. A common chemical blocker is oxybenzone (also listed as benzophenone-3), but is rated poorly by EWG due "to high absorption through skin, high rates of allergic reactions, and growing concerns about hormone disruption."

Mineral blockers are often rated highly because they are very effective in blocking both UVA and UVB rays and because of their low health hazard, but many people dislike them because they can be hard to rub in (and who wants to look like a ghost?). To counteract this, many sunscreens contain nano-sized particles of these mineral blockers, which unfortunately have not been fully studied for health effects yet!

So, just because an active ingredient is a 'physical blocker' doesn't necessarily mean it is effective or safe. Likewise, just because an active ingredient is a 'chemical blocker' doesn't necessarily mean it's dangerous! See...it's not just me...it IS confusing!!!

What's the bottom line?

Avoid oxybenzone & benzophenone-3, since these are known endrocrine disruptors & easily absorbed by the skin. Also linked to allergic reactions & cancer.
Opt for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide (at least 7%), but avoid nano-sized versions of these 'good' ingredients
Avoid powder and spray sunscreens, due to concerns about inhalation of small particles
Avoid synthetic fragrances
Avoid sunscreen-bug repellent combination products, as they can result in over-exposure to repellent ingredients due to frequent reapplication of sunscreen
Aim for an SPF of at least 30, but be aware that super-high SPFs may give you a false sense of safety.
Look for both UVA and UVB protection to provide broad band protection.

Best Bets, according to the Environmental Working Group:
from their 2009 report...an update for 2010 will be available soon!

Loving Naturals Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Badger Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 30+, Unscented
Heiko Kids, 40 SPF
thinkbaby sunscreen, SPF 30+
Trukid Sunny Days Face & Body Stick, SPF 30+
Beyond Coastal Lip & Face Screen, SPF 30
Purple Prairie Botanicals Sunstick, SPF 30
Soleo/Wyland Organics All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40
All Terrain TerraSport Performacne Sunscreen, SPF 30

If you really dislike mineral sunscreens, click here for a list of EWG's top rated non-mineral sunscreens.

Curious how your current favorites rate?? Check out Skin Deep SEARCHABLE Safe Cosmetic Database and get detailed information on all of the ingredients in your current favorites - for sunscreen, cosmetics, bath products & more! You can search by product, ingredient or company! Super handy. (I just wish they had an iPhone app with this info!)

Stay tuned here for a future blog post on cosmetics!

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) sign-up time!

2010-04-25T16:09:00.002-05:00

According to an Iowa State University study, the typical American meal contains, on average, ingredients from at least five countries outside the United States! That’s a ridiculous amount of mileage for that carrot or potato to travel to get to your plate, resulting in increased fossil fuel use, carbon emissions, and the extra processing required to keep this so-called “fresh” produce looking that way after its long journey.

What to do? Join the Community Supported Agriculture movement this summer (some run through fall and winter too), and you can enjoy fresh-off-the-farm produce from a local source. Each CSA program varies, but generally speaking, you buy a share, and in return, the farm you choose provides a weekly share of its bounty to a local drop-site.

Veggies and greens that were in the soil that morning can be on your plate by dinner, with half the fun being the new foods that may appear in your share box, like kale, kohlrabi, chard or delicate squash! CSAs foster a closer connection with your food (now you know where and how it was grown), a heightened sense of seasonality – strawberries in June, tomatoes in mid-summer, and sweet corn in August - and better tasting food.

Joining a CSA will also save you money. A recent Massachusetts study found that a $470 share was equivalent to $700 worth of conventionally purchased produce. Yet, farmers actually receive a greater return when they’re supported directly.

A typical share of approximately ¾ of a bushel of produce delivered weekly for 18-20 weeks will cost between $500-$700, although there is significant variation from farm to farm. A Minnesota CSA Directory is available online through the Minnesota Land Stewardship Project, so check the farm websites for details on the types of produce offered, the length of the delivery season, subscription options, and drop-off locations.

And keep in mind that a single CSA share can be a lot for one kitchen. To avoid wasting food, consider splitting a share with a friend or opting for a half-share (offered by some farms). Read carefully the description of how much food—and what types of foods (some farms even offer fruit, cheese, meat, and coffee) are typically delivered to help you make that decision.

Check out this list of CSAs with metro-area drop-sites to get a taste of the variety and option available! Some may already be sold out!!

Big River Farms: veggies & greens, plus option for fruit share and chicken, weekly deliveries, Jun-Oct (18 weeks), with option for fall extension. Barter boxes avail. Nonprofit that provides immigrant training, $535. http://mnfoodassociation.org
Driftless Organics: veggies & greens, weekly deliveries, plus option for every other week delivery, Jun-Oct (20 weeks), with option for fall extension. $575. http://www.driftlessorganics.com
Earth Dance Farm: veggies, greens & fruit, with optional egg share, weekly delivery with limited home delivery, mid-June-Oct, $525. http://www.earthdancefarm.net
Grass Run Farm: grass-fed meat, 5 monthly deliveries, May- Sept, $500, http://www.grassrunfarm.com/
Harmony Valley: veggies, plus options for fruit, coffee, & cheese shares, weekly or bi-weekly deliveries, mid-June-Oct (20 weeks), with options for fall & winter extension, $700. http://www.harmonyvalleyfarm.com
Laughing Stalk Farmstead: veggies, greens & some fruit, unique Build Your Own Box (BYOB) structure…you pick whatever & how much from their weekly market stand, once or twice a week, $200-$400. http://laughingstalkfarmstead.blogspot.com
North Creek Community Farm: veggies & greens, weekly deliveries, Jun-Oct (18 weeks), $550. http://www.northcreekcommunityfarm.com/
Treasured Haven: veggies & greens, plus option to get more of your favorites, weekly or bi-weekly deliveries, mid-June-Oct (18 weeks), offers multiple share sizes (small, basic, large, bulk), $440 http://www.treasuredhavenfarm.com

Sources:
Lang, Tim. 2001. “Food Safety and Public Health: Will the Crisis Ever End?” Cardiff Law School Public LectureSeries: 4. Thames Valley University., cited in http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/pubs/staff/files/food_travel072103.pdf
http://www.cuesa.org/sustainable_ag/issues/foodtravel.php
http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/eatlocal/
http://www.landstewardshipproject.org/csa.html

Earth Day Kid Book List

2010-04-21T20:32:00.006-05:00

Happy Earth Day! Here's a short book list to help get kids interested in Earth Day & environmental issues! Some old favorites, some new ones...

The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss. A classic.
Michael Recycle, by Ellie Bethel, illustrated by Alexandre Colombo. A new green super-hero!
We are Extremely Very Good Recyclers (featuring Charlie & Lola), by Lauren Child
We Planted a Tree, by Diane Muldrow, illustrated by Bob Staake
The Curious Garden, by Peter Brown
The EARTH Book, by Todd Parr
Sesame Street's Let's Help the Earth (a pop-up book)
Curious George Plants a Tree
One Child, One Planet, inspiration for the young conservationist, by Bridget McGovern Llewellyn
Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth, by Mary McKenna Siddals.
The Waterhole, by Graeme Base
Earth Smart Crafts: Transform toss-away items into fun accessories, gifts, room decor & more! by American Girl

Some of these books are even printed on recycled paper with soy ink!

The links in the above list are to descriptions from Amazon.com, but try to purchase from a locally owned bookstore like Linden Hills own Wild Rumpus instead of a big chain or online, and save the environmental costs associated with shipping!

What are your favorites??

The Blog is BACK

2010-04-21T13:07:00.003-05:00

Just in time for Earth Day 2010, I'm pleased to announce that the EcoParents Blog is BACK...after a hiatus of about two months due to just general life craziness! Apologies...

I'm aiming for at least 3 blog entries per week, so check back often to find out about green living, eco-friendly products, events, and other happenings!! If you know of an upcoming event or anything blog-worthy...shoot me an email at ecoparents@lindenhills.org and let me know the details.

Follow me on my gardening adventures this summer, as we make our first real attempt at a vegetable garden! Step 1 is building raised beds this weekend. Stay tuned... :-)

It's good to be back!

Print Your Own Valentines

2010-02-08T10:12:00.005-06:00

Looking for an alternative to the mass-produced, character-laden, often made-in-China, valentine cards for your kiddos to distribute at school? But, are you slightly 'craft-challenged' like me? Or do you (or your kiddo) not quite have the patience to make 20-40 of the same crafted card?

Well...here is an easy and inexpensive alternative. Print-your-own valentines!
Now, if you have artistic abilities, you can use your computer to design your own cards. If you aren't blessed with talent, don't worry there are options for you (me!) too!

Check out the super-cute designs from local RedStamp. Pick a design and download a PDF for free - with 4 valentines to a sheet - and then you can print them yourself, preferably on recycled or reused cardstock or paper! Print as many as you want. Or, you can spend $5.99 to get a personalized version.

Three Wheels Design is another online option. They charge $3.00 for a PDF file (not personalized). Their designs are 6 to a page (so you'll use less paper) and perfect for kids or adults.

Your kiddos (or you) will have unique valentines, printed onto paper of your choosing, that were't produced and transported half a world away...AND YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE TO LEAVE THE HOUSE ON A SNOWY DAY LIKE TODAY! Talk about a win-win!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Toxic Adult Toys too!

2010-01-26T09:12:00.005-06:00

I had a very informative and interesting Mom's Night Out last night with a fabulous group of fellow moms. Did you know that "adult" toys and products are even less regulated than kid's toys? I didn't...b/c frankly, it never occurred to me!

Apparently though, that's the case. Products and items which may be intimately close to very sensitive body parts very often contain the same dangerous chemicals that we are concerned about in children's products, most often polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other materials that can lead to short or long-term health problems.

A FABULOUS local resource that specializes in safe and healthy adult products is the Smitten Kitten, located at 3010 Lyndale Ave S. The Smitten Kitten even has an associated non-profit organization, the Coalition Against Toxic Toys (CATT), with a mission “To demystify the adult sex toy industry and positively transform socially irresponsible, environmentally and personally hazardous sex toy manufacturing and sex toy sales practices.”

TSM has educators on staff if you are interested in learning more.

Escape to a tropical oasis...McNeeley Conservatory

2010-01-25T14:17:00.006-06:00

The kiddos and I went to the Marjorie McNeeley Conservatory this morning looking to transport ourselves to a warm and tropical place. It worked.

I know what you're thinking...a conservatory doesn't necessarily sound like something pre-K kids would find interesting ("gee Mom, plants!"), but it is a great place for kids. They do a fabulous job of labeling fun plants (e.g., chocolate tree!, sugarcane, etc...) plus there are lots of unexpected treasures like fountains, koi pond, etc... My kids flipped out when they saw a pineapple plant, complete with a tiny pineapple! The "Tropic Experience" area showcases numerous tropical animals, including a viewable underwater habitat with turtles, fish, stingray, a GIANT anaconda, and more, plus a leaf cutter ant colony, snakes, poison dart frogs, tarantulas, and birds flying around!

There is also a small children's exhibit, with hands-on activities where they can make it rain (to demonstrate the water cycle), play zookeeper (matching the animal with its diet), find creatures hidden in a rainforest mural, as well as see some additional creatures and plants close up.

My 3-yr old son said his favorite things were seeing the "giant stingray and the fish pond," while my 5-yr old daughter say the "ladyslipper flower, pineapple plant, and blue poison frog" were her favs. Can't beat that, eh?

A perfect and welcome escape on this wintery morning!

Located in St. Paul alongside the Como Zoo, the conservatory is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is FREE, but a donation of $2 per adult and $1 per child is welcome.

New life for too-short and holey girl pants!

2010-01-16T09:34:00.005-06:00

Do you have a little girl who is outgrowing the length of her pants, but still fits in them in the waist and legs?? I certainly do! Plus, she's a little tomboy who has holey knees in more than one pair of pants.

Check out what I did...and I am not a very crafty person. Yes, I do have a sewing machine, but it was very very easy. I simply used some scrap material to make a cute ruffle edge on the bottom on the pants, thereby extending the length several inches.

For the knee patches, I purchased a sheet of 'iron-on adhesive' (about $2.50 for a yard at Jo-Ann's). It's very simple to use. Simply iron the adhesive onto your 'patching' material, cut it out to your desired shape, and voila...you've created your very own custom patch! Then, iron it onto the pants like any other iron-on patch (but way cuter)!

I think my 5-year will get at least another year or two from these pants now, which until last night were too short (like floodwaters short!) and had holes-in-the knees and ready for the donation box or compost cart! Now, they are her new favorites!

Unfortunately, I haven't thought of a good way to extend the length/life of boy pants yet. Ideas???

TOXIC Cadmium found in Chinese-made toys

2010-01-13T13:27:00.004-06:00

Facts on Cadmium:

Cadmium is low cost.
Cadmium is shiny and strong
Cadmium is malleable at low temperatures.

That makes it the perfect raw material for inexpensive jewelry pendants, charms, and other similar items for kids. Right?? Only...

Cadmium is more toxic than lead.
Cadmium can contribute to cancer, weak bones, ill-functioning kidneys & learning disabilities.
Cadmium can be breathed in or absorbed by sucking or biting on something with high-cadmium levels...not just by swallowing something with cadmium.
Cadmium was found at levels at as high 91% in children's jewelry charms in a recent Associated Press investigation!!

Sounds bad, eh? It gets worse!! According to the AP, "a patchwork of federal consumer protection regulations does nothing to keep these nuggets of cadmium from U.S. store shelves. If the products were painted toys, they would face a recall. If there were industrial garbage, they could qualify as hazardous waste. But because there are no cadmium restrictions on jewelry, such items were sold legally."

WHAT?? These charms & pendants would qualify as HAZARDOUS WASTE, yet it is legal to sell these shiny toxic nuggets as baubles targeted to children???

In an article in today's Star-Tribune, the AP reports that Chinese manufacturers brazenly admit that they are just making what their clients want. That if distributors/consumers want low-cost goods, then Chinese manufacturers will use low-cost raw materials, regardless of the health risks or even existing export regulations, since they know that enforcement is somewhere between lax and nonexistent!

And what's even more scary to me is that the AP reported that "many Chinese manufacturers combine hazardous batches with others that comply with regulations in the destination market." Which means that the likelihood of a spot-check or random sample to identify toxic jewelry is almost nil.

So, what are we to do as consumers and parents?

Contact our elected officials to make sure they know about the issue and put stiff regulations into effect...and provide the resources for enforcement, as well as penalties for US companies who knowingly import these 'toxic nuggets.' UPDATE: Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) just released a draft of a bill to ban cadmium. Contact Sens. Al Franken & Amy Klobuchar and urge them to sign on as co-sponsors.
Until that...I am going to avoid ANYTHING made in China that could potentially be licked, breathed in, swallowed, etc... Clearly, just because it is on store shelves does not mean it is safe. Besides, most of that cheap stuff is not recyclable nor compostable, and the negative environmental impacts of its manufacture, shipping, and disposal are not palatable anyway. Yes, that may mean just throwing away treats from birthday party goodie bags, but hey...it's worth it.

Other ideas? Suggestions? Advice? Make a comment and share with all of us!

Take Me Out to the "Green" Ballpark?

2010-01-13T13:04:00.002-06:00

Did you hear that the new Twins ballpark is installing a system to collect and use recycled rainwater?? Rainwater will drain into a 100,000 gallon 'cistern' located below the field, then be disinfected & treated, then fill into a 5,000-gallon holding tank for use in the ballpark!

The recycled (and treated) rainwater will be used to irrigate the field and wash down the lower decks. Additionally, water filtration systems will be installed in each of the Target Field suites, plus offices and training rooms, to reduce the use of plastic bottled drinking water!

According to the Twins official press release, the Rain Water Recycle System (RWRS) and water filtration systems are estimated to reduce the need for municipal water by 50% and save over 2 million gallons of water per year!

The RWRS is being furnished by local company Pentair, in exchange for becoming the "Official Sustainable Water Provider" for the hometown baseball team. It's the first major sports facility anywhere to used recycled rainwater for irrigation. Pretty cool!

Just one more reason to root for the Twins, eh? Now, if they could just get a good 2nd baseman and lock in Joe Mauer to a long-term contract...

Read more from the Star-Tribune.

Avatar Movie - an Environmental Blockbuster?

2010-01-09T15:33:00.005-06:00

So, I actually had a little date night last night with my hubby - dinner and a movie! We went to see Avatar...about which I knew nothing except that the special effects were supposed to be amazing. Indeed, the special effects were amazing, especially the 3D, and there were several intriguing story-lines.

What was most interesting to me was that the core of the conflict was about resource scarcity and resource economics! Without giving anything away, the 'bad guys' wanted a valuable, yet limited, resource that was located beneath the village of the indigenous people.

So - the biggest blockbuster in recent history is an environmental story at its core!

Worth seeing, even if you're not a sci-fi or special effects person, but a must-see if you are! Even worth a sitter...and that's saying something, eh??

MN Zoo - a welcome escape, and green too!

2010-01-08T14:49:00.003-06:00

I went to the Minnesota Zoo earlier this week with my 3-year old. It was the rare occasion that it was just the two of us, no big sister. It was frigid outside, which meant no monorail and no bird show (because it was too cold to transport the birds between buildings), but the Tropics Trail transported us to another climate zone for a little while!! (There is significant construction along the Tropics Trail as they are creating a couple new exhibit areas and the gibbons are on 'maternity leave', but it was still great).

And what's more, I noticed that the zoo is offering only corn-based compostable utensils instead of plastic, as well as post-consumer content recycled plates & napkins. With a handful of exceptions, everything available in their food court area is COMPOSTABLE! Way to go!

I've always thought the the zoo is a great place for kids to learn about the wider natural world, to inspire awe about animals and their environment, and to see firsthand the importance for conservation! So many of the animals in zoos are endangered in their natural home due to habitat loss or environmental degradation. It just felt 'right' to have eco-conscious options in the dining area as well!

Birch Clothing - store closing deals

2010-01-07T13:14:00.005-06:00

Just found out that Birch Clothing is closing its store located at 50th & Penn in Southwest Minneapolis and will become a web-only retail store. Boo hoo! If you're not familiar with Birch, it's been a fabulous locally-owned store that offers fair-trade, sustainably-produced, stylish clothing and accessories, and I'm sad to see it close its doors.

But, through January 30, they are having a sale off 30-70% off regular prices! And store fixtures will be for sale as well.

I'll miss the store, but will definitely check out the store-closing sale for some deals!

While we're talking about store-closing deals...bebe babble, another stylish outpost in the hood, is closing its shop and is offering up to 60% off some of their fabulous baby & kids stuff, including floor sample furniture. So sad to lose these two great local retailers, and their stylish, eco-conscious, sensible offerings!!

Lake Harriet KiteFest THIS SATURDAY

2010-01-06T20:31:00.002-06:00

A great annual FREE local event - Lake Harriet Kite Fest - is this Saturday, January 9th, noon-4 pm. Members of the Minnesota Kite Society will be flying their GIANT kites...or bring your own kites to fly over the frozen waters of Lake Harriet.

Free horse-drawn wagon rides, DNR ice fishing, snowshoeing, and more! Hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows also available (sponsored by Linden Hills Neighborhood Council)!

Kites will also be available for purchase!

Sponsored by Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Minnesota Kite Society, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association; People for Parks and the Linden Hills Neighborhood Council.

Save $2 on "Kids East Kale" class at Linden Hills Co-op

2010-01-04T10:34:00.004-06:00

Ever wish your kids would be interested in more than mac & cheese or chicken nuggets?? Check out this super fun sounding class at Linden Hills Co-op!

Kids Eat Kale: A "How-To" for Parents
Tuesday, January 19
7-8:30 pm
Linden Hills Co-op (2813 West 43rd Street, Mpls)

The class will be taught be Ginger Pearson, a Midwest Food Connection Educator with over 25 years experience in natural foods cooking and teaching! She claims to be able to have our kids "begging for rutabaga and clamoring for kale!"

You must pre-register for the class by calling 612-922-1159. The class is $15 for non-members and $13 for co-op members. Mention the Linden Hills EcoParents Blog and receive $2 off your class fee!!

Great EcoParents Book Party...thanks!

2009-12-03T14:19:00.007-06:00

Thanks to everyone who helped make last night's book signing party a great success! What LOCAL fun! A local author, a local artist, a local new gallery, local cheese from our local co-op, and great local friends!!

Thanks again to Linden Hills Co-op for donating all of the food, and to Michelle at Galleri M who opened her brand new gallery to us last night! What a beautiful space in our neighborhood!

For those who missed out, the book Practically Green: Your Guide to Eco-friendly Decision Making can be found at Borders, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com...and at the Bibelot Shoppes! It's really a great resource book, packed full of very accessible information, resources and ideas. Check it out...and don't forget to check out the Mindful Momma blog!

Congrats also to fellow EcoParent Susan for having her gorgeous hand-felted artwork displayed at Galleri M!

What a confluence of great local women-centered talent!!

Book Party THIS WEDNESDAY

2009-11-30T14:27:00.004-06:00

Instead of a regular meeting in Nov/Dec, EcoParents is HAVING A PARTY! A book party to be more precise!

Held in the soon-to-be opened, woman & locally-owned Galleri M, with local food donated by the Linden Hills Co-op, it promises to be a great night out!

Practically Green: Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Decision Making
Wed, Dec 2, 7-9 pm
Galleri M, 4404 Abbott Ave S, Mpls

Local green blogger and author Micaela Preston will highlight some great eco-ideas from her brand new book, Practically Green, as well as lead us through a fun make-and-take project!

And did I mention free sustainably-produced wine??

Free wine, free food, free eco-project, and lots of great ideas! Can it get any better??

Micaela will happily sign any books purchased at the party. Makes a great holiday gift for a fellow eco-savvy parent...or yourself!

Hope to see you there! Please RSVP to ecoparents@lindenhills.org if you think you'll try to make it (for planning purposes). Thanks.

Lead STILL found in major brand toys!

2009-11-18T13:21:00.009-06:00

The Center for Environmental Health just reported that high levels of lead were found in seven toys and children's products, despite the passage of a new federal law! Among those with excessive levels of lead are a Mattel Barbie bicycle accessory set and a Disney "Tinker Bell" necklace set.

So, it is important for us all to remember that even with new federal law on the books, there are still unsafe toys - major brands, at major retailers, not just 'made in China off-brands' - out there! The products were purchased from San Francisco area and San Diego retailers, including Target, WalMart, TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning, Sears, Walgreens and other stores this fall.

In addition to the Mattel and Disney products, CEH found levels of lead in violation of the new federal law in a Dora the Explorer game set, two children's shoes, a child's poncho, and a child's belt. Of the seven products CEH found with high lead levels, the Disney jewelry and Mattel bike set had the highest lead levels. The amount of lead found in the seven products ranged from twice the legal limit of 300 parts per million (ppm) to more than 65 times the legal limit.

Results of tests by CEH and other organizations are available at Healthy Toys (www.healthytoys.org). Healthy Toys also maintains a searchable database for children's products...definitely worth consulting as we enter the holiday season. But what to do when you're out and about shopping and unsure about a certain toy??

Did you know you can access the HealthyStuff database by SMS using your mobile phone??

Simply text the HealthyStuff keyword (cars, kids, clothes, pets, toys), followed by your search text (e.g., fisher price train) to 30644. Queries can contain product names, model years, manufacturers. You may also filter your results by overall level of detection and/or score (HIGH,MED,LOW). More info available here.

You can also access HealthyStuff's mobile sites from any web-enabled device such as iPhone, Blackberry, etc... Simply point your device to www.healthystuff.com!

Click here for the full report from the Center for Environmental Health (pdf).

See a report from CBS News about the most recent report about lead in children's products:
Watch CBS News Videos Online

Green Gifts Fair - THIS SAT, Nov 21, 10am-5pm @ Midtown Global Market

2009-11-17T09:51:00.002-06:00

Kick off the holiday season with Do It Green! Minnesota's free 4th Annual Green Gifts Fair this Saturday, November 21st from 10am-5pm at the Midtown Global Market on Lake St. and 10th Ave. in Minneapolis.

Shop among 70+ local, eco-friendly artists and businesses, pick up the new 2010 edition of Do It Green! Magazine, catch the low carbon cook-off, an eco fashion show, children's activities, and learn how to entertain green this holiday season. This is a free family fun event. Estimated attendance is 6,000+.

Activities at the Green Gifts Fair include...
* 70 + local green retailers
* Launch of the 2010 Do It Green! Magazine (which includes an article on EcoParents!!!)
* Taste test at the Low Carbon Cook Off with local chefs
* Sew your own reusable cloth gift bag
* Kids can make a recycled origami decorative ornament
* International Food Market vendors
* Eco Fashion Show
* Local holiday foods cooking tips, demos and recipes
* Keeping a non-toxic and clean house during the holidays
* Low Waste Oasis on hosting green holiday gatherings
* Eco holiday tree displays

Click here for more information and to view all vendor & educational booths.

EcoParents Book Party - Wed, Dec 2

2009-11-13T14:40:00.005-06:00

EcoParents is having a BOOK PARTY!

Practically Green: Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Decision Making
sponsored by Linden Hills EcoParents, Galleri M, and Linden Hills Co-op

Wednesday, December 2
7:00-9:00 pm
Galleri M, 4404 Abbott Ave S (in former Hariann's Upholstery shop)

Kick off the holidays with a fun book party featuring local green blogger and author Micaela Preston. Micaela will highlight some great eco-ideas from her brand new book, Practically Green, as well as lead us through a fun make-and-take project!

Held in the soon-to-be opened, woman & locally-owned Galleri M, with local food donated by the Linden Hills Co-op, it promises to be a great night out! Sustainably produced wine will be available as well!

Join us for a fun time to hear from a great local eco-savvy author AND discover a new local business in the neighborhood. EcoParents is happy to introduce you to both the author and to Galleri M!

Please RSVP to ecoparents@lindenhills.org by Monday, Nov 30. See you there!

Feel free to forward on to other friends or neighbors who may be interested!

Million Baby Crawl to Action - Southdale, Nov 18

2009-11-13T14:20:00.004-06:00

The Million Baby Crawl to Action is coming to Edina on Wednesday, November 18th and they need parents and their babies (or toddlers) to participate in a press conference that day.

A coalition of organizations is trying to get 20 parents and their children to attend a press event at 10:50 AM. There will be a spokesperson so parents don’t have to worry about speaking to the press. (If you are interested in participating in the press conference, contact Kim LaBo at klabo@cleanwater.org)

Crawl to Action
Southdale Center
November 18, 2009, 10am-2pm

WHO: Healthy Legacy Coalition, Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, Seventh Generation

WHAT: Seventh Generation along with Healthy Legacy is launching the Million Baby Crawl to Action to send 1,000,000 babies to Washington DC to push for reform of the outdated and ineffective Toxic Substance Control Act so that we are all protected from harmful toxins. Events will be happening throughout the day so bring your kids to have some fun!

Crawl to Action events include:

Crawl to Action Rally at 11:00 AM featuring appearance by local dignitaries, politicians and celebrities
Crawl to the Capitol play area: children crawl for change as they navigate an obstacle course leading towards a large visual of the Capitol with babies receiving an “I demand a change” bib
Free family-friendly entertainment, plus t-shirt and onesie giveaways
Soapbox Photo Opp: Opportunity for babies to “take a stand” and be photographed on a Million Baby Crawl “soapbox.”
All children will receive a “Say no to toxins” flag
Seasons of Change mural created by a local artist/muralist that reflects the number of children “crawling for change.” Mural will be donated to community.

Go Green Expo THIS WEEKEND

2009-11-06T08:40:00.005-06:00

This weekend is the first ever "Go Green Expo" in Minneapolis. Friday is business-to-business events, but the business-to-consumer expo is Saturday and Sunday. Click here for a full schedule of events.

Go Green Expo
Minneapolis Convention Center
November 6-8, 2009

$10 for a full weekend pass
$5 for Students & Seniors with proper ID; Children 12 and under are Free

Buy your tickets in advance online here. Use the code FBK50 or TRIBUNE for 50% OFF the regular ticket price!! Also, when you register online, you are eligible to win a Vikings gift package that includes a signed Jared Allen jersey, a tour of the practice facility, Vikings apparel and more! (But as many of you know, I'm a Packer fan...so if you win, keep that stuff away from ME!)

Unfortunately, I will be out of town again this weekend, but let me know if you go and what fabulous information you discovered!!

LED Holiday Lights at Linden Hills Natural Home!

2009-10-22T13:28:00.003-05:00

I just found out that Linden Hills Natural Home has LED holiday lights in stock this year! As you probably know, LED lights use a fraction of the electricity as traditional holiday lights. Consider making the switch this year...if you haven't already!

Thanks to Kerry at LH Natural Home for this update!

Recycle 2-liter bottle into a birdfeeder!

2009-10-07T21:35:00.003-05:00

I came across this as an easy fun idea to recycle a 2-liter bottle into a bird feeder! It's an easy project to do it with your kids, and they can watch the birds visit the yard over the winter.

It's just $10 from Uncommon Goods, a neat company with a commitment to sustainably-produced gift items.

The End of Waste forum. RSVP deadline TODAY!

2009-09-30T14:25:00.003-05:00

Here's the info on the EPR event mentioned at last night's EcoParents meeting. Deadline to RSVP is TODAY!!

Public Forum: The End of Waste
Saturday, October 3, 2009 7-9 p.m.
Macalester College, Smail Gallery (Olin-Rice Science Center)

"On Saturday October 3, Helen Spiegelman, a community activist and waste policy
analyst from Vancouver, British Columbia, will speak about the concept of Extended
Producer Responsibility (EPR). EPR is a critical component of the Zero Waste
movement that is revolutionizing waste policy by shifting the focus from waste management
to waste prevention. British Columbia has the most advanced EPR legislation
in North America, but their experience highlights the importance of full community
engagement if EPR is to achieve its potential. She and a panel of experienced community
activists will explore how citizens can effectively engage in the shift to EPR
and create a Zero Waste future."

PANELISTS:
• Helen Spiegelman, Product Policy Institute & Zero Waste Vancouver
• Susan Hubbard, Eureka Recycling
• Lynne Pledger, Don’t Waste Massachusetts
• Tim Smith, Initiative for Sustainable Enterprise, Institute on the Environment
• Kathleen Schuler, Healthy Legacy Coalition & Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy

Macalester College, Smail Gallery, Olin-Rice Science Center, 1600 Grand Avenue

*Please RSVP by September 30* to Jim Parker at jimp@eurekarecycling.org or 651-222-7678.

Learn more about producer responsibility in the Twin Cities at www.eurekarecycling.org.

Reminder: EcoParents Tomorrow Night (Tuesday)

2009-09-28T12:44:00.003-05:00

Just a reminder:

Non-toxic Home Cleaning
Tuesday, Sept 29
6:30-8:30 pm
Linden Hills Park Building (43rd & Xerxes)

Bring a small lidded container if you want to make your own nontoxic soft scrub cleaner. We'll have all the ingredients available!

TWO GIFT BASKETS FOR GIVEAWAY

Bucketful of Mrs. Meyers/Clean Day Nontoxic Products
Linden Hills Natural Home - supplies for making your own cleaning products!

Hope to see you there!

Ordering sustainable seafood with confidence!

2009-09-21T09:12:00.005-05:00

Last week, I had the good fortune of going out for a birthday dinner at Sea Change, the new restaurant at the Guthrie Theater, in the former Cue space. While this is not intended to be a restaurant review blog, I have to say that it was very very good! The design of the space is much brighter, more hip, and not as loud as when it was Cue. But the best part was being able to freely pick from the menu, knowing that the seafood on the menu was sustainably caught. I have always loved seafood...raw or cooked! But it has always been tricky to know what was ok to eat, both for environmental and health concerns, and what should be avoided.

Now...a restaurant that does the thinking for me! And nothing is sacrificed in terms of fine dining experience in exchange for being eco-friendly!

Of course, Sea Change is not the first nor only restaurant with a comitment to local or sustainable sourcing of its food. Lucia's, Spoonriver, Red Stag Supper Club, and many more are examples of other local fine dining establishments with such a focus, but Sea Change is (one of) the first such seafood places!

I ordered sturgeon, which I hadn't ordered in a long time because I thought it was a 'no-no'...and it was delicious!

Two other options for checking on your seafood choices when you're dining out (date night or Mom's Night Out):

The Seafood Watch Guide from Monterey Bay Aquarium is available as a downloadable pocket guide to carry in your wallet, or a mobile application for iPhone or iPod touch! How cool is that?
FishPhone from the Blue Ocean Institute will provide you with instant information about a seafood choice. Simply text "FISH" and the name of the fish in question to 30664 and they will text you back with their assessment and better alternatives to fish with significant environmental concerns! Blue Ocean’s Guide to Ocean Friendly Seafood is also available for online and for mobile users (different sites).

If you buy fish to eat at home, look for label from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This international nonprofit organization uses independent certifying agencies to make sure fisheries are catching their fish in the most environmentally friendly way possible. The label now appears on more than 180 frozen, fresh, and smoked-fish products sold in grocery stores across the country, including Whole Foods and Target.

Organics Recycling Volunteer Opportunity at Lake Harriet Lower Campus

2009-09-20T21:25:00.004-05:00

As you may know, Lake Harriet Community School's upper campus started organics recycling in the cafeteria last year. This year, they are planning to expand the program to the lower campus cafeteria. They are looking for volunteers to help the kids learn to separate organics from the rest of their lunch trash.

The time commitment is two lunch periods (11:15-1:35) per month.

If you can help, please contact Keren Price (kprice@pro-ns.net).

This is a fun and easy program that's a great way to encourage the next generation of recyclers!

Older SIGGs contain BPA in their liners!

2009-09-16T12:59:00.007-05:00

In case you hadn't heard (it broke a few weeks ago when EcoParents was on vacation)...it turns out that SIGG water bottles made prior to August 2008 have BPA in the lining of the bottle! Boo. Yuck. BUT, SIGG maintains that there is no evidence that there is any leaching of BPA from the liner into the contents of the bottle. But, I for one, purchased SIGG bottles for my kids on the assumption that they were free of BPA completely.

The firestorm surround this discovery has rocked SIGG's reputation, for sure. SIGG'S CEO recently issued a letter addressing the controversy and announcing a voluntary exchange program.

Not sure if you have an 'old' SIGG bottle (with BPA in the liner) or a truly BPA-free one? Here's how to tell. Look inside your bottle,

if the liner has a shiny, coppery-bronze finish, it's the OLD liner (on the right)

if the inside has a dull yellow pale coating, it's their new "ecocare" liner (on the left)

Again, SIGG maintains that their old liner (used prior to August 2008) is a "proprietary water-based epoxy liner thoroughly tested and showed absolutely no leaching of BPA." But, the company also admits that it was less than forthright and clear in its communication and marketing of its bottles.

So, what to do??

SIGG is offering a volunatary exchange program. You just have to pay for inbound shipping and SIGG will send you replacement bottles with their new EcoCare liner. (Note: they can't guarantee the exact same design, as their designs change from year-to-year.) Visit the exchange program website for details and to print off shipping labels. Exchange program is good through October 31 only.
If you feel so burned by SIGG, there are other options for BPA-free and phalate-free reusable bottles. My understanding is that KleenKanteen, Thermos, and Safe Sporter are made from stainless steel, not aluminum, and therefore do not need a liner.
There are also safe plastic options...HONEST! Check out the Safe Plastics Guide from IATP. Look for cups/bottles made from polypropylene or polyethylene. "Safe" plastics for food include #1, 2, 4 and 5. Avoid Polycarbonate, which is marked #7, although other non-polycarbonate are marked #7 as well (since #7 is 'other plastics').

On a personal note...as parents, all we can do is make the best decisions we can make with the information available at the time. If you, like me, have been using a SIGG bottle for the past few years to avoid BPA (as well as waste), I don't think it's worth beating yourself up! I actually trust SIGG when they say that the liners don't leach BPA. But, now knowing that they contain BPA, I will take advantage of the exchange program and get new BPA-free SIGG bottles for my family. (Heck, the lids needed replacing anyway...)

Southwest Light Rail Public Hearing this Thursday

2009-09-16T12:03:00.002-05:00

Interested in hearing more about the proposed expansion of light rail to the southwest metro? The current proposal is to run from downtown to Eden Prairie, through St. Louis Park & Hopkins.

Southwest LRT Public Hearing
Thursday, September 17th 6:30pm
Eisenhower Community Center Theater
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305

To sign up to testify email swcorridor@co.hennepin.mn.us; sign up will also be available at the hearing. Comments will be limited to three minutes in length.

For more about the Southwest LRT project, visit www.southwesttransitway.org

Thanks to EcoParent Karen B for the heads-up on this meeting!! Post a comment with your thoughts, if you go!

Organic Bob TONIGHT - Start Next Year's Gardens Without Digging

2009-09-14T10:33:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the late notice, but if you're free...here's a great FREE event for organic (and painless) gardening!

Start Next Year’s Gardens without Digging
Monday, September 14th, 7 – 8:30pm, Linden Hills Park Building Art Room.

Without digging, you say? Impossible! Organic Bob will give you a couple of methods of creating rich organic garden beds this fall, for next spring, without the back-breaking process of digging. Let the microbes do the work for you, for healthier soil and a healthier you.

These workshops are free, but e-mail Sharon Kennedy at lindenhillswater@gmail.com to register or with your questions. Cosponsored by the LHiNC Environment Committee Waterkeeper’s Project and the Linden Hills Co-op.

Non-toxic Home Cleaners - next EcoParents meeting!

2009-09-11T15:58:00.003-05:00

Mark your calendars for our next EcoParents meeting!

Non-toxic Home Cleaning
Tuesday, September 29
6:30-8:30 pm
Linden Hills Park Building (43rd & Xerxes Ave S)

Come and learn from fellow EcoParent Evan all about alternatives to traditional around the house cleaners. Traditional cleaning products are typically filled with some pretty nasty chemicals. Evan will bring us a bunch of recipes that she has tested herself...along with her tips and stories!!

More info to come soon...but mark your calendar now!

We're baaaack!

2009-09-01T14:18:00.002-05:00

Well, it's September...which means Linden Hills EcoParents is back, after taking August off. I still have the entire grant report to write, but will try to get the blog rolling again! And check back soon for updates on new meeting dates and topics.

In the meantime...mark your calendar for the next installment of the speaker series from Linden Hills Power & Light.

Tuesday, Sept 8 -Windows for your Soul
7:00 pm
2720 W 43rd Street
free for LHP&L members, $5 donation for non-members

Considering new windows? Not all replacement window products qualify for the tax credit. Learn what a "u-value" is and what Solar Heat Gain Co-efficiency (SHGC) number you need to look for. Are new windows the right solution? Old windows can perform as good as or better than new windows and even a good new window will last only 25 years or so. Come and meet our window experts, including a window restoration specialist who can show you how to fix your own windows - and how to tell if they should be replaced. Erin Hanafin Berg - Preservation Alliance.

Click here to RSVP. More information about the LHP&L Speaker Series is available here.

Please complete online survey evaluating EcoParents! Need your input for our grant report!

2009-08-18T15:45:00.001-05:00

Please take a moment to complete this brief online survey evaluating the Linden Hills EcoParents program over the past year. The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete. Regardless of your level of participation in EcoParents, your input is important!! Plus, these data are necessary to complete a grant report for our funders. Thank you very very much.

The survey is available online here.

Please try to complete the entire survey, but only once per person please. (If more than one person in your household participated, you may each complete a survey.)

Please contact me if you have any problems!

Thanks...and stay tuned for a September meeting date and topic! (We are taking August off...)

Resources & Links for 'getting rid of it'

2009-08-11T13:55:00.005-05:00

Here are the (much belated) links presented at the last EcoParents meeting on "Getting Rid of It"

City of Minneapolis: What To Do List
Hennepin County: A to Z How to Get Rid of It Guide for Households
RethinkRecycling: What to Throw & Buy

Info on problem materials & recycling drop-off facilities:

Disposal Alternatives:

Hennepin County: Choose to ReUse Directory
Twin Cities Freemarket
City of Minneapolis Curbside Recycling Guidelines (if you live elsewhere, check with your municipality or haulers for guidelines)

Remember...the city & county sites for recycling & disposal guidelines are limited to what they accept. There are other miscellaneous recycling collection programs around the metro for materials not collected by the city or county!! Check out the blog post here for programs beyond curbside collection!

Do you know of a resource or program not listed?? Make a comment so we can all learn about it!

Two Will Steger Events next week

2009-08-10T09:34:00.006-05:00

An invitation for two really great local learning opportunities with WILL STEGER & BILL McKIBBEN!

Our Clean Energy Future
Free Public Forum with Bill McKibben and Will Steger
Tuesday August 18th, 7:30 pm
Leo Fick Auditorium, Edina High School

Join Will Steger and special guest Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org and author of Deep Economy & The End of Nature to hear about the global movement to develop a meaningful Global Climate Agreement at the Copenhagen Climate Summit in December 2009.

********

Will Steger Foundation's 4th Annual Summer Institute on Climate Change 2009
Wednesday August 19th, 8:30-4:30 pm
University of Minnesota, Continuing Education Conference Center, St. Paul Campus

APPLY ONLINE NOW! Go to www.willstegerfoundation.org to register NOW!

The 2009 Summer Institute invites YOU to join them in-person, or by webinar, for a full day of interactive exploration of international climate solutions and related curriculum.

The 2009 Institute will focus on the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen and unveil a brand new curriculum on international climate solutions for grades 9-12.

Visit Will Steger Foundation online to learn more about the 2009 Summer Institute and how to register.

Recycling beyond curbside

2009-07-29T20:15:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Nancy for all her great information about innovative recycling opportunities around the metro and online. It may be a bit more work than just sorting for curbside pick-up, but think of what is being kept out of the landfills or incinerators! Also, the existence of these programs prove that so much more can actually be recycled than is currently collected...so let's press our municipality to start up collecting some of these materials as well!

mattresses: Hennepin Co. Recycling Center and Transfer Station, 8100 Jefferson Hwy., Brooklyn Park
christmas lights: holidayleds.com or Home Depot (check w/ the store; may be seasonal or one-time)
packing peanuts: reusable at any UPS store
plastic bags: It's In the Bag program, available at most grocery stores. Many more kinds are recyclable than just grocery and newspaper bags. must be free of all food, clean and dry. remove "zippers."
CDs: recyclable through greendisk.com. Off-site: Lifecyclers Inc. and John’s Twin Ports Recycling, both in Duluth. More info available here.
CD and DVD cases: recyclable them through Greendisk.com or give them away via Craigslist or twincitiesfreemarket.org
plastic containers: recyclable at Eastside Food Coop and the Coon Rapids Recycling Center. Eastside Food Co-op (2551 Central Ave NE, Mpls) accepts #1, #2, #4, #5, #6 (no foam). Full details available here. The Coon Rapids Recycling Center accepts plastics marked #1-6 (plus styrofoam). Full details available here. Preserve's "Gimme 5" program accepts #5 plastics. Click here for a previous blog post on Gimme 5.
milk cartons, juice boxes, soy milk, soup, broth boxes: recyclable in St. Louis Park, St. Paul, Roseville, Maplewood and Lauderdale's municipal recycling programs (managed by Eureka Recycling). They look waxy but actually are 70-85% paper, which is separated from the plastic coating in a pulping process.
Styrofoam blocks: Coon Rapids Recycling Center (1831 111th Avenue NW (one block east of Hanson), Coon Rapids)
incandescent light bulb, compact fluorescent light bulb : recyclable at Ikea
cassette tape, zip disc and other electronics: recyclable through Greendisk.com.
worn-out blue jeans: Lands End collected them to be made into insulation for habitat for humanity.
plastic garden pots: accepted at garden centers metro-wide. More info here. And check with your garden center if it isn't listed!
plastic screw-top bottle caps: Aveda makes them into new shampoo bottles. bring to any Aveda store.
ink cartridges: many organizations collect them ie. Recycling for Raptors, Minnesota Valley Humane Society, etc. only specific brands and types. Check individual websites for guidelines
eyeglasses: Edina Eye Clinic collects for the Lions Clubs. Check with other eye clinics as well.
old shoes: recycle at REI

Get money for your charitable organization for recycling drink pouches, candy wrappers, cookies wrappers, flavia freshpacks, frito lay chip bags, kashi packaging, energy bar wrappers, toasted chips, bear naked bags and wrappers, cell phones, corks, yogurt containers. 2-5 cents per piece.http://www.terracycle.net/ they send you pre-paid envelopes and boxes.

Check here for even more information on recycling more obscure materials!

For me personally, the most exciting opporunity is the ability to recycle plastics taht aren't collected curbside! The Eastside Food Co-op and Coon Rapids Recyling Center accept plastics marked #1-6. It's a bit of a haul, but super-recycler Nancy has offered to accept your plastics at her house and transport it to one of these other great programs! If you are interested, please email me and I will let you know her address (b/c I am NOT posting it directly on the blog). Please SORT your plastics before dropping them at Nancy's.

Greening Your National Night Out

2009-07-29T14:36:00.002-05:00

Here are some of the ideas discussed at last night's EcoParents meeting. Click here for a PDF file with these ideas, if you want to email it to your block captain. Also, there are leftover compostable utensils. If you are interested in sets for your block party FOR FREE, email me (ecoparents@lindenhills.org) and I'll put some on my front porch for you to pick up before National Night Out! (but you have to contact me first!)

Encourage attendees to bring their own reusable plates and flatware, and cloth napkins. OR, provide compostable plates & flatware for attendees (available at Linden Hills Co-op, Twin Cities Green, Whole Foods, and Litin Paper). Avoid disposable plastic plates, plastic cups, and plastic utensils!
Provide well-marked containers for recyclable materials (e.g., cans, bottles). Consider providing separate containers for the different types of recyclable materials (i.e., glass, plastic, metal). Place all disposal containers in one common location. Consider posting a knowledgeable person by the ‘disposal station’ to help direct people as to what goes where, to prevent contamination.
Provide a well-marked container for collection of compostable materials (e.g., food scraps, non-recyclable paper, pizza boxes, etc…). If you live in Linden Hills, or somewhere else where organics are collected curbside, simply provide a container lined with a compostable bag for compostable materials and have a volunteer take the organics home to their compost cart. If you live in a Minneapolis neighborhood where organic materials are not collected curbside, you may rent a compost cart from the city of Minneapolis for $20 for an event. Or, collect only non-animal product food scraps which are appropriate for a backyard compost bin.
Avoid juice boxes and plastic cups! Instead, bring compostable cups (e.g., paper or wax-covered, not plastic) and a pitcher/cooler of juice and/or water. Or, even better, encourage attendees to bring their own water bottles or reusable cups. If possible, avoid bottled water.
Encourage attendees to bring items in reusable or recyclable containers, including recyclable cans and bottles, and reusable serving pieces. Avoid plastic wrap. Use containers with their own lids instead.
Encourage attendees to consider packaging when purchasing and preparing for their block party contribution.
Encourage attendees to focus on local, seasonal, minimally processed foods, due to the overall environmental impact of processing and transportation of foods.
Avoid individual serving-sizes and single use items.
Avoid plastic tablecloths. Instead, use cloth tablecloths or avoid tablecloths altogether!
If you have games and/or prizes at your block party, avoid ‘cheap’ prizes that are likely to end up as trash. Pay attention to the packaging of prizes. Avoid plastic wrapped candy and toys, and make sure that all toys are free of phtalates and BPA. (www.healthytoys.com, www.healthylegacy.com, www.BPA.zrecs.com)

If your block party implements these or other 'green' ideas, email me so that we can post your experiences and successes on the blog!!

EcoParents Rebate Program - Deadline extended

2009-07-21T23:51:00.002-05:00

If you haven't yet applied for the EcoParents Rebate Program, you're in luck...the deadline has been extended to July 30, 2009! Click here for the rebate form, with all the details.

To assist EcoParent participants in implementing action steps to reduce waste and/or toxicity in their homes, Linden Hills EcoParents is offering a rebate program.

The rebate is good for a percentage of the purchase price of item(s) that assist in the implementation of action steps related to waste and/or toxicity reduction, up to a maximum of $30. For items purchased from a Linden Hills retailer, the rebate is good for 50% of the pre-tax purchase price. For items purchased from a non-Linden Hills retailer, the rebate is good for 30% of the pre-tax purchase price
“Linden Hills Retailers” are defined as those located within the boundaries of Linden Hills as well as those in the Morningside Business Association.
Purchases from home-based businesses are acceptable, provided a receipt is issued.
The rebate is available only to active participants in the Linden Hills EcoParents program. “Active” participation is defined as having attended at least two (2) EcoParents meetings and/or events.
The rebate may be combined with other discounts or specials, as offered at individual retailers.
Each participant may request an EcoParent rebate only ONE time between November 17, 2008 and July 30, 2009. No rebate requests will be accepted after July 30, 2009. A maximum of two rebate requests per household will be accepted, but only if there is more than one active adult participant from a single household.
Item(s) purchased before November 17, 2008 are not eligible for a rebate.
Clothing is not an eligible item.
Contact Keiko Veasey at ecoparents@lindenhills.org with any questions about the EcoParents Rebate Program.
To request a rebate, please complete fully the form and return with original receipts attached to EcoParents Rebate Program, c/o Keiko Veasey 4436 Abbott Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410 or bring to any EcoParents event.
Please allow up to 8 weeks for processing of any rebate request.

EcoParents Mtg: July 28 - How to get rid of it!

2009-07-13T14:41:00.003-05:00

Mark your calendars...the next EcoParents meeting date is set (tentatively)!

Ever wonder what you're 'supposed' to do with a particular material? Batteries? Paint? Lightbulbs? Leftover medicine? Come learn about online resources to get your answers...and hopefully ask a resource person directly as well! Also, learn about disposal alternatives.

Linden Hills EcoParents: How to get rid of it! & Greening your NNO Party!
Tuesday, July 28 (tentative)
Linden Hills Park Building (43rd & Xerxes Ave S)
6:30-8:30 pm

PLUS - GREENING YOUR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT BLOCK PARTY! National Night Out is Tuesday, August 4 (one week after the EcoParents meeting). In additional to the above info, we'll be talking about what we can each do with our own (or neighboring) block parties. Come to get easy ideas and free stuff to help green your own block party!

Rain Barrel Sale

2009-07-12T21:59:00.003-05:00

Not that's there's been any rain, but...

The Recycling Association of Minnesota is sponsoring a rain barrel sale. Pre-orders only. Orders are being accepted now until July 27, 2009 online only.

The rain barrels being offered are 32 "x 24" with a capacity of 54 gallons. (Click here for specification sheet.) The regular price is $115, but they are on sale during this special event for just $65!

Pre-ordered rain barrels will be available for pick-up at Minnetonka Public Works Facility (11522 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka) for two days on August 14-15 only.

Minnehaha Creek Clean-Up Event - July 12

2009-07-08T09:07:00.003-05:00

Citizens for the Minnehaha Creek Corridor (CMCC) is co-hosting a clean up event this Sunday, July 12th. There will be gloves and trash bags provided, as well as free food and beer. Click here for event details.

The CMCC is a very young group and is always looking for more people who want to participate. Their goal is to help protect the creek and to educate others through a variety of activities.

You can learn more about CMSS on their website or the Facebook page. If you have any questions, you may also email Jennifer.

Source Separated Organics - Curbside Collection!

2009-07-08T06:30:00.001-05:00

If you live in Linden Hills and are not yet participating in the pilot project to collect source separated organic materials at your own curbside (what could be easier?), it's not too late to sign up!

Just in case you missed the update received in the mail from the city, here are the current statistics on participation in the pilot:

41% of eligible households are participating in the project (a total of 1,054 households)
An average of 432 pounds per house per month are collected! (wow...that's a lot!)
Weekly participation (of those with green organics carts) averages at 62%

ONLY 41% OF ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS ARE PARTICIPATING THOUGH??? Seriously? I'm sure all you fabulous EcoParents in Linden Hills are participating, but let's each make an effort to find a couple of neighbors or friends who are not currently signed up and get them signed up!! If just 30 of us each got 2 new households to sign-up, then we could help divert an additional 311,000 pounds of waste from the 'trash' stream and into fabulous compost!!

To sign up, or for more information, contact Susan Young at the City of Minneapolis via email or telephone(612.673.2917 or 311), or check out the webpage for Linden Hills Power & Light. For FAQs about the pilot project, click here.

2009 Sunscreen Guide from Environmental Working Group

2009-07-07T12:43:00.005-05:00

The Environmental Working Group recently published their 2009 Sunscreen Guide. They found that, 3 of 5 brand-name sunscreens either don’t protect skin from sun damage or contain hazardous chemicals — or both!!

Despite their sobering findings, the EWG study did find that 19% fewer sunscreens contain oxybenzone, a hormone disruptor approved by FDA as an active ingredient in sunscreen...and which we learned at the last EcoParents meeting to avoid!

They also published the EWG Shopper's Guide to Safer Sunscreens, which recommends the following sun protection products:

California Baby - any sunscreen
Mustela - “Sun Cream” or “Sun Lotion, Bebe”
Mission Skincare - “Face Stick”
Neutrogena - “Pure & Free” or “Sensitive Skin”
Blue Lizard - “Face”, “Baby”, or “Sensitive”
Jason Natural or Earth’s Best - “Mineral Based”
Solar Sense - “Clear Zinc Sport Stick”
CVS - “Sport Sunstick”
Coppertone Water BABIES - “Pure & Simple”

They also offer the following tips for making decisions about sunscreen purchases:

BUY

SPF 30 or higher for best protection.
At least 7% zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad spectrum protection.

AVOID

Oxybenzone or benzophenone-3: skin absorption, allergies, hormone problems
Spray and powder sunscreens: inhaling sunscreens can pose extra risks
Fragrance: allergies, reproductive problems
Sunscreen with added bug repellent: you can get too much of the pesticide in your body

Thanks to EcoParent Jennifer for passing along this link!

Garden Center Plastic Pots

2009-07-07T09:42:00.003-05:00

I realize that it's probably a bit late in the season for a post about planting, but I'm a bit slow when it comes to anything remotely related to the garden.

Did you know that many garden centers will accept the plastic pots you purchase most plants in? They will either reuse or recycle those plastic pots, which are NOT currently accepted in Mpls recycling program.

I know that Linden Hill's own Sunnyside Gardens will accept all plastic pots, and I believe that Bachman's has specific collection days. Call and check though...

Nice to know that they don't have to go in the trash though, eh?

Safe Personal Care Mtg Highlights

2009-07-01T20:27:00.004-05:00

Here are some of the highlights from last night's EcoParents meeting with Jesse Avery, wellness coordinator for National Cooperative Grocers Assoc:

Regulation of personal care products falls between regulatory schemes b/c they aren't really food (USDA) nor are they drugs (FDA). So, most 'standards' are developed by the industry...which results in much confusion! But, there are 2 emerging standards: NSF "Made with Organic" and NPA "Certified Natural"

Major Chemicals to Avoid in Body Care Products include:

Nitrosamines: carcinogens created as by-product of combinations of ethanloamines. Look for diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA) in the ingredients list
Lead: found in some lipsticks, source is unknown, but probably a by-product of colorants.
Parabens: preservative linked to cancer, hormone disruption, immune and reproductive toxicity, and more. Look for methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben on ingredient list.
Phthalates: not usually listed as ingredient, but found in synthetic fragrances. Look for 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on ingredient list. Banned in the EU.
Hydroquinone: used as a skin lightener in anti-aging products, but linked to cancer, immune & reproductive toxicity Banned in the EU.
1,4-dioxane: not listed as an ingredient b/c it's a chemical by-product, but very common in products that produce suds. Potent carcinogen, reproductive toxcicant, neurotoxin, respiratory toxicant, and environmental pollutant. Look for chemicals with the words myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth, PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: a very drying irritant detergent
Oxybenzone: chemical sunscreen, carcinogen, hormone disrupter
BHA: masking ingredient typically found in cosmetics, banned in the EU, immune system toxicant, carcinogen, liver toxin, neurotoxin.

So, what to do?? Some great alternatives to look for:

Jojoba Oil
Rose Hip Seed Oil
Castille Soap
Shea Butter
Beeswax
Pure Essential Oils
Aloe Vera Gel
Mineral sunscreeens

There was just so much more information than be captured in a short post, but hopefully with this (and the online resources) will help us more more informed choices for our families.

Online resources for safe personal care products

2009-07-01T08:50:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Jesse Avery for a very informative EcoParents meeting last night! We certainly learned a lot about personal care products, so that we can make more informed choices for our families. Whew...it was a lot of info though! Here are a few of the online resources he shared with us to help us keep on top of this important issue.

Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Aubrey Organics Dictionary of Natural Cosmetics
Organic Consumers Association - Coming Cleam campaign for organic integrity in skin care products

Stay tuned for a brief summary of some of Jesse's recommendations about what to avoid in personal care products, and safe alternatives...

And a HUGE THANK YOU to the Linden Hills Co-op for their generous donation of samples and gifts, as well as their assistance in finding our speaker!

EcoParents Mtg this Tuesday: Safe Personal Care Products (and FREE samples!)

2009-06-29T14:22:00.002-05:00

REMINDER: EcoParents Meeting TOMORROW (Tuesday)!!

Linden Hills EcoParents: Safe Personal Care Products
Tuesday, June 30
6:30-8:30 pm
Linden Hills Park Building (43rd & Xerxes)

Jesse Avery, wellness manager for National Cooperative Grocers Assoc, will speak to us about personal care products, such as lotions, soaps, make-up, sunscreen, etc... What should we look FOR and what should we AVOID, both for ourselves and our families?

FREE SCHWAG BAGS OF PRODUCT SAMPLES DONATED BY LINDEN HILLS CO-OP!! Plus, one lucky attendee will win a gift bag of with some seriously good stuff, including Four Element Healing Cream, SunLeaf Natural RosyGeranium Shampoo & Body Bar, Veriditas Botanical Organic Lavender Essential Oil, Wyndmere Revitilizing Aromatherapy Air Freshener, and Awesome Family Total Skin Care Organic Moisturizer!!

Hope to see you there!!! All are welcome...feel free to spread the word.

It would be helpful if you could drop me a line (via email or Facebook) to let me know if you are planning to come so that we have enough samples. But, even if you don't RSVP, please feel free to come. (If we run out of schwag bags, we'll just do a drawing...)

Freemarket.com - get or give FREE stuff, and keep it out of the landfill!

2009-06-16T10:02:00.006-05:00

You know how "One man's trash is another man's treasure?" Well, Freemarket.com takes that into the digital age!

Haven't heard of FreeMarket yet? It makes it so easy to prevent stuff from ending up in the landfill!

FreeMarket is kinda like Craig's List, BUT everything is free! You can put up a listing if you're LOOKING for something, or if you want to get RID of something...big or small. There's no "buying" or "selling," but just "exchanging" of items.

Here's our story: we got a new grill this past weekend, but our old one still worked. It needed some replacement parts and some elbow grease to really get it back in tip-top shape, but all the essential pieces were totally functional. So, I logged on (for free) to Freemarket.com and posted a free listing for it (completely honest about it's condition)...and within 20 minutes, I got a response from someone who wanted it...and 90 minutes later, he came to pick it up! It was that easy. And I can rest knowing that it is getting another life somewhere else rather than in a landfill! Items don't necessarily have to work even...often time, folks are looking for parts or scrap metal.

I've had friends and neighbors use Freemarket.com to get rid of nearly everything - kids stuff, leftover building materials, etc... I even have one neighbor who got rid of her ENTIRE GARAGE - yes, the structure itself! (She was going to build a new one, so put up a listing for her garage doors...and someone contacted her offering to tear down the garage in return for taking all the salvaged materials! So, she got her garage torn down and hauled away for FREE...and the materials were salvaged into another project!)

Freemarket was developed locally and now been expanded to several other metro areas nationwide. The site was developed and is still run locally by the non-profit Eureka Recycling. The goal of Freemarket is simply to keep things out of the landfill. Listings are categorized into useful categories and grouped by location, plus you can search by keyword and even by new listings, so it makes it pretty easy to find if you're looking for something specific. The Twin Cities Free Market does not accept listings for live animals, plants, automobiles, motorcycles, services, firearms, child car seats, garage sales, items for sale, or items for trade. The categories of things they do accept include:

Appliances (air conditioners, microwaves, washers & dryers)
Children’s Items (bunk beds, cribs, furniture, toys)
Electronics (answering machines, cameras, computers, TVs, VCRs)
Furniture (chairs, couches, desks, dressers, tables)
Home Decor (carpets, lamps, rugs)
Home Renovation (cabinets, countertops, lumber, shingles, sinks, tiles)
Lawn & Garden (dirt, lawn furniture, lawn mowers, patio bricks, wood chips)
Marine Equipment (boats, sailboats, motors, trailers)
Musical Instruments (band & orchestra equipment, music stands)
Pet Equipment (aquariums, cages, dog houses, food bowls)
Recreation & Exercise (bicycles, camping, exercise & sports equipment, ski machines)

Do you have a Freemarket experience? Share in the comments section if so and let us know about your experience.

Food Waste & Chemical Exposure - in today's Strib.

2009-06-15T09:46:00.005-05:00

Two great articles in today's Star-Tribune that might be of interest:

What a Waste, an article about just food waste. According to the article, between 25 and 50 percent of all food produced in the country ends up being thrown out...which actually leads to methane production when it breaks down in a landfill (instead of being turned into great compost)! What a waste...of food, of the resources used to produce & transport the food, and of our $$ to buy the food! Can you believe that 18% of what goes into landfills is actually food waste? The article also has suggestions on how to reduce food waste.

Human Hormones, Chemicals a Bad Mix, an article about the research into the effect of various 'everyday' chemicals and the potential impact on human health. The article also offers suggestions on how to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. One of the suggestions is to be aware of the ingredients in cosmetics and other personal care products...
If you want to learn more about what to look for in personal care products (and what to avoid), plan to come to the next EcoParents meeting!

Linden Hills EcoParents: Safe Personal Care Products
Guest Speaker, Jesse Avery, wellness manager for National Cooperative Grocers Assoc
Tuesday, June 30
6:30-8:30 pm
Linden Hills Park Building (43rd & Xerxes)

Organic Lawn Care Services

2009-06-12T14:37:00.002-05:00

Here is a sampling of some local companies that provide organic lawn care services.

Organic Bob - our guest speaker last month, 952-240-0814
Green Guardian - "If you can't say it, we don't spray it!" 651-646-2900
Rainbow Lawn Care - a division of Rainbow Tree Care, 952.922.3810

Each one is a little bit different, so check out their websites and/or give them a call. In the past, we have used Green Guardian services.

Please leave a comment if you have experience with one of these service providers...or if you know of others.

Donate your used toys...for a good cause

2009-06-12T13:54:00.003-05:00

Totally Kids in Bloomington is accepting toy donations to benefit the locally headquartered "Parents United Against Austism." They accept any and all gently used toys, including puzzles and games, which are especially helpful for children on the autism spectrum.

A great way to prevent your toys from filling up a landfill...and know that your toys are benefiting children with along the autism spectrum!

Totally Kids is located at 7876 Portland Ave S in Bloomington; 952-881-2425.

Safe Personal Care Products - June 30 EcoParents

2009-06-08T20:50:00.004-05:00

Ever wondered what's REALLY in all that stuff we slather on our bodies & faces? What's good for us, what's innocuous, and what's potentially concerning? Well...we've confirmed a fabulous speaker for the next EcoParents meeting to help us understand!

Jesse Avery, wellness manager for National Cooperative Grocers Assoc, will speak to us about personal care products, such as lotions, soaps, make-up, sunscreen, etc... What should we look FOR and what should we AVOID, both for ourselves and our families? He needs to be in the know since he advises co-ops on what to offer to to their customers, and he is going to share his expertise with us!

Linden Hills EcoParents: Safe Personal Care Products
Tuesday, June 30
6:30-8:30 pm
Linden Hills Park Building (43rd & Xerxes)

Mark your calendars now...

Nine Mile Creek Watershed History Lecture - June 15 (FREE)

2009-06-05T11:18:00.006-05:00

Upcoming free event of note:

Nine Mile Creek Watershed District 50th Anniversary Publication: Preserving Heritage & Environment, by Deborah Morse-Kahn

Public Lecture & Conversation
Edina Public Library
5820 Grandview Square, Edina
Monday, June 15, 6:30
FREE & OPEN

Deborah Morse-Kahn is a public historian and photojournalist who has written extensively about people and places in the Upper Midwest. She holds a masters degree in American Regional Studies, and brings the skills of archaeology, sociology and archives into her daily work. Ms. Morse-Kahn lives in Linden Hills and has participated in various LHiNC initiatives, helping us to keep an eye on historic preservation issues in our community!

A Green 1st Birthday!

2009-06-02T20:04:00.025-05:00

We happily used our Linden Hills Co-op catering gift certificate (thanks EcoParents!) and had fun thinking up ways to green-up the party! Here's the scoop...

I bought re-usable, bamboo party streamers from the Linden Hills Home Store.
All other decorations were things that I already owned, such as candles, carriage lights, a re-usable table cloth, potted flowers, etc.
We had a bonfire in our backyard after the party, and instead of purchasing wood, we burned leftover scrap wood from a house project.
We purchased the birthday cake from Whole Foods, which does not use artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. They also use all natural ingredients and no hydrogenated oils.
Invitations were sent via email. This was hard for me, because I wanted a paper invite to put in her scrapbook! So my compromise was to create a photo invite, and just print one for her book. Then the 'real' invitations were electronic, with a picture slide show attached. I thought this was a good compromise. It felt silly to create a 'fake' invite, but she'll never know the difference.
We purchased whole fruit and cut it up ourselves (melons, etc) instead of buying pre-cut fruit in plastic packaging. We normally do this, but it's especially important when serving large quantities. Plus it's fresh and cheaper!
We had paper bags for recycling next to the trash, and they were clearly labeled. I've put bags out at parties for recycling in the past, but have always been frustrated that people don't use them. Well der...labeling them helped a lot.
The thing I'm most proud of is that we successfully accomplished NO GIFTS! I went to my neighbor's one year old birthday party recently, and the invite had said 'no gifts' but everyone showed up with a gift anyways! I was baffled and concerned that the same thing would happen to me. I didn't want a bunch of (excuse my language) plastic-crap-from-China. So I used a little humor in the invite, and said...

"Now listen up...NO GIFTS. For real, we mean it. If you ignore this and bring something, you're going to make all the other guests feel bad. Seriously. How else can I emphasize this... NO GIFTS NO GIFTS NO GIFTS! Thanks."

People thought this was pretty funny. At the same time, they realized that I was serious. Only one person brought a gift, and she justified it by letting me know that it was from a garage sale. Which I actually thought was a great idea! I think I'll try asking people to bring only hand-me-downs or 2nd hand gifts next year!

Overall, I think we did well. There is always room for improvement, but hey...I've got many more birthdays ahead to practice!

Reminder: Non-toxic lawn care mtg TONIGHT!

2009-06-01T07:05:00.001-05:00

EcoParents: Non-toxic lawn care with Organic Bob!
Monday, June 1
6:30-8:30 pm
Linden Hills Park

Bob will talk about some of the health and environmental dangers associated with chemical-based lawn care, then present us with non-toxic alternatives for both lawn care and pest control, including do-it-yourself organic options. (He also provides organic lawn services.)

See you there!

FRESH - film & discussion about transforming our food system

2009-05-28T13:26:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Jeanne at Linden Hills Co-op for the heads-up on this super-cool film event next week!

The Twin Cities Natural Food Co-ops – together with the Birchwood Café, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Land Stewardship Project and Bryant-Lake Bowl – are honored to present two nights of Fresh, a new film by Ana Sofia Joanes. The film will be shown on Tuesday, June 2 at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., at the Bryant-Lake Bowl and Wednesday, June 3 at 7 p.m., at the Riverview Theater.

Fresh features farmers, activists and others, who are re-inventing our food system, and includes interviews with Will Allen, Joel Salatin and Michael Pollan. Each has witnessed the rapid transformation of our agriculture into an industrial model, and confronted the consequences: food contamination, environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources, and morbid obesity. Forging healthier, sustainable alternatives, they offer a practical vision for a future of our food and our planet.

An engaging panel discussion on reforming the Twin Cities food system will take place before the second screening at the Bryant-Lake Bowl and follow the screening at the Riverview.

Get your tickets in advance ($10) online. Or you can purchase them at the Birchwood. They’ll also be available at the door ($15 each), while supplies last.

Tuesday, June 2
6:30 p.m. (screening & panel), 9:30 p.m. (Screening only)
Bryant-Lake Bowl, 810 West Lake Street – Minneapolis

Panelists :
Jeremy Iggers, Twin Cities food writer and executive director of Twin Cities Media Alliance
Kristen Tombers, owner and operator of Clancy’s Meat and Fish
Sandy and Lonny Dietz, farmers at Whitewater Gardens
Rhys Williams, Land Stewardship Project board member and organic and sustainable food distributor for Co-op Partners Warehouse.
Ana Sofia Joanes, director and producer, Fresh

Wednesday, June 3
7:00 p.m. screening; panel immediately following
Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Avenue South, Minneapolis

Panelists:
Maggie Adamek, Homegrown Minneapolis and University of Minnesota
JoAnne Berkenkamp, Local Foods Program Director, IATP
Ana Sofia Joanes, Director and Producer, Fresh
Greg Reynolds, Riverbend Farms
Tracy Singleton, Owner, Birchwood Café