Soak up the Sun!

It is a sunny day! I consider that an anomaly because I can count the sunny days in June on one hand. With that in mind, take advantage of every sunny day left in July and August with kid and adult friendly beach parties, barbecues, picnics, lakeside retreats, and don't forget to invite friends and family along for the ride. Pear Tree has some great new designs for summer party invitations! Click on the link to check them out:

Summer Party Invites

Here is a sampling:

Homeschool Encouragement

I have been contemplating homeschooling for over a year now, I have another 5+ years though until my first child is school age. I do encounter many moms looking for encouragement in their homeschooling endeavor, including this concerned mom from Dallas in the Mamapedia community.

I'll start with the negative and end with the positive. Here are some reminders of just how broken the public school system is, in case anyone forgot (check the links for full stories):

• Four Georgia schools investigated for possible cheating
• 700 NYC teachers paid to do nothing
• Teacher pleads guilty to charges of having sex with student
• National arts test scores offer clouded picture
• Retired teacher reveals he was illiterate until age 48
• Violence in Public Schools
• U.S. slipping in education rankings
• Bullying rampant in U.S. middle schools
• Bullied to death
  
• A 16 year old's account of her public school years
  
• It is unfortunate this list can go on endlessly...

That is not to say that there are no odd stories about homeschool. You are a lot less likely though to find homeschool kids shooting each other. You might come across a couple of cases of child abuse where hopefully justice will prevail. The rest will be stories of successful entrepreneurs, spelling bee champions, and close relationships between children and their parents. Of course homeschooling might not be right for everyone, but I believe it is worth it if you feel capable and even if you would have to review your budget and do some major cuts on unnecessary spending when you forgo your full time job and become a full time mom. I am hoping to continue working from home when we embark on our homeschooling voyage, that is also a great option.

Now on a positive note, whenever you feel discouraged, ready to give up on homeschooling, or facing opposition from family, friends, and officials - come back to this list of reasons why homeschooling is so worth it:

1. To nurture, train, and educate our children
2. To center our lives around family rather than school
3. The role models they follow will be their parents not their age-appropriate peers (the jails are full of those who listen to their peer group and not their parents)
4. Children grow up so fast, I don’t want to miss a moment
5. We can vacation and travel on the off season
6. We can take field trips on the spur of the moment and lots of them
7. Instead of learning to interact with 20 other same age children they will learn how to interact with children and adults of all ages
8. No need for "socialization" as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary -- a verb meaning, "To place under government or group ownership or control."
9. Pupils taught individually achieve 30% higher on standardized tests than pupils taught in a standard class of 25 students (more statistics)
10. Encourages a lifelong love of learning
11. Adds to the richness of our culture by promoting diversity in educational choice
12. Every child is unique and learns in different ways and we can design our curriculum to each child's individual learning style
13. We know EXACTLY what our child is taught
14. I am re-educated
15. We can accomplish more in less time
16. Education still takes place on snow and sick days
17. In this computer age resources for homeschoolers are abundant
18. To foster emotional security
19. No cliques
20. To encourage creativity
21. To develop independent learners
22. I love being with my child(ren)!
23. It is the responsibility of the parent to raise children, not the government
24. Academics will not be replaced with "socialization" and sex education
25. The student/teacher ratio is unbeatable
26. Fewer back injuries, no heavy backpacks to lug
27. No school shootings
28. You can sleep in (School kids typically get less sleep than the recommended amount for healthy development)
29. Learning can combine lessons such as art and history, math and science
30. You can always read more reasons that I will add with time by coming back to this blog post!

Have fun homeschooling and remember that only you, the parent, love and know your children best in this world, take good care of them!

Photo courtesy: sxu

Plastic: the good, the bad, and the ugly

The words of the catchy 90s song don't really apply these days, "life in plastic, it's fantastic!". Do you remember that, the Barbie girl song? Well, lately we've been learning all too well that life with plastic is not so fantastic, and when someone wonders "Good plastic?...Bad Plastic?" on Mamapedia I want to give my honest opinion. At the same time I receive my EWG newsletter in my inbox today about the plot of large corporations to deceive consumers on the BPA issue. So I get all fired up, but no need really - there will always be people who are greedy for money and don't care about the consumer, case closed.

So what are we to do now? Should we vote with our wallet and stop buying all BPA lined cans and all plastic? Raid those cupboards and toss everything we've spent money on because someone finally told us it's not good for our health? What replaces BPA in plastic that is BPA free? Besides convenience for consumer and money savings for the manufacturer, is there any benefit to plastic? I think the issue is much much larger than 'good and bad plastic'. Of course I am referring to plastic that comes in contact with all food and beverages. I am not going to demand to abolish all things plastic - I think that would be silly! So what do you think about the questions I outlined? Post your comments!

Here is what I think. First let's get the BPA thing straight. There is no question BPA is toxic, period. Second, it is now present in everything from breast milk and cord blood to rivers, house dust, and even air. Third, the FDA, time and time again, does not care about the consumer and even has the guts to question and contemplate whether they should ban it! I don't get it, do these people working at FDA not realize that they and their families are just as affected by this as everyone else? What, do they have a 'backup planet' they are planning to migrate to once they bring Earth and its inhabitants to complete destruction? Excuse my sarcasm.

What goes through the minds of people who attended the Joint Trade Association meeting that took place on May 28, 2009? Are they seriously going to get a "pregnant young mother who would be willing to speak around the country about the benefits of BPA"? Is this a joke? Unfortunately not, they'll do anything in the name of the $6 billion dollar BPA industry. Where are they going to find this young mother? It is too bad there are so many clueless mothers out there, the corporations will probably take advantage and pay well to some poor mom who will have no idea what she is advertising. Then a few million other moms will actually believe it, I will not be one of them. The thing is, they just will not be able to find a scientific spokesperson to shed any positive light on BPA, because there isn't any! This is very reminiscent of the tobacco industry that started targeting women (Virginia Slims) when their wallet was hit by the FTC and various health groups in the 60s. Some excerpts from the meeting minutes that might convince you this is outrageous:

Attendees believe a balance of legislative and grassroots outreach (to young mothers ages 21-35 and students) is imperative to the stability of their industry.

Attendees suggested using fear tactics (e.g. "Do you want to have access to baby food anymore?") as well as giving control back to consumers (e.g. you have a choice between the more expensive product that is frozen or fresh or foods packaged in cans) as ways to dissuade people from choosing BPA-free packaging.

Focusing on the impact of BPA bans on minorities (Hispanic and African American) and poor is also important.

So what will I do about this? I'll just blog and rant... Then I'll try to continue with the phasing out of plastic used with anything edible in our household. I'll thank EWG for being one of the few that cares about our health and environment. I'll think about how this blog post is like a drop in the bucket, but a few moms will read it. Hopefully someone will listen.

So what other chemicals are present in plastic that we don't know about? I can only guess. On a positive note, there are so many other much less toxic materials that we can use for convenience. I'll stick with my stainless steel, glass, cast iron...

Don't ruin my day and tell me there is something wrong with those materials too!

Boston EarthFest 2009!

Come join fellow Bostonians at Earthfest 2009 at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade this Saturday, the 30th of May. The concert is free and will feature Soul Asylum, The Lemonheads, Shawn Mullins, and Seven Mary Three. It is sponsored by Whole Foods Market (yeah, they should be able to do that considering they take your whole paycheck ;). The festivities will take place from 11 am to 5 pm.

"EarthFest is a celebration for the Earth featuring great music, family-friendly activities and showcase a host of environmentally friendly products and non-profit organizations."

Bring your kids, your appetite, and your enthusiasm!

Lunch.com: A Place to Share Your Experience

We all have varying experiences as parents. We have all tried so many products and methods, things that work for one mom and not for another. I don't know about you, but when I found out I was pregnant I would spend hours reading other parents' reviews on everything from car seats to strollers. Recently I found a great place to share and get advice on parenting products - Lunch.com. Of course first I found them because I needed a part-time job where I could work from home, hence I became an Ambassador for them. Over the next weeks I grew to really enjoy the community there and the various moms and dads I met. I never really spent much time on my blog devoted to product reviews, but now I review all my parenting must haves and not-so-must haves on Lunch.

I've found that it is unlike many other reviewing sites, it tends to be more personal. There are no anonymous reviews and you can always contact the person who wrote the review with comments and questions. The fun thing is that you can meet people who share your interests through your own customized Similarity Network. Based on what you like and rate you will be able to find other things of interest through the people in your Similarity Network. The site is still in beta, there are ongoing improvements and new releases coming out one after another

This is a great place to share whether you love or loathe that stroller, crib, bassinet, baby food, toy, or other parenting gadget. Of course Lunch is not just for parents, you will find anything there from books, movies, and music to world cuisines, wines, technology and gadgets. You can review any website there, or even an idea, a recipe, a sport, a holiday, or your President. So the possibilities are endless, the people are friendly, and it is a great place to feed your curiosity!

Check out my parenting reviews at Lunch by EcoMama!

Outdoor Fun With Non-Toxic Repellents

So much blogging inspiration on Mamapedia, the topics are endless. As I continue thinking about all the fun things to do in the summer I also ask the question of where to find a safe insect repellent. With so many products on the market loaded with DEET and other chemicals, what's a parent to do?

If you never questioned the typical insect repellent, swallow this:

Every year, 100 million Americans slather on insect repellent to enjoy their outdoor barbecues, picnics and activities without getting bitten or stung. However, in the repellents used by about one-third of the U.S. population is a powerful chemical commonly known as DEET. Now this known neurotoxin, has been detected in lakes and rivers. According to testing done for the Chicago Sun-Times, DEET is also present in your drinking water.

What makes the finding of DEET in drinking water so concerning is the fact that DEET is potentially very toxic, particularly to children. While the EPA maintains that the chemical is safe when used correctly, studies have shown that when used in high amounts, or for long periods of time, DEET is far from safe.

DEET has been shown to cause nervous-system damage, including:

* Insomnia
* Mood changes
* Disorientation and clumsiness when walking
* Seizures
* Coma
* Even death

And according to studies by Abou-Dania, while lab rats had no reaction to DEET when it was used for 30 days, after 60 days their brain cells started to die. Adding to the problem is the fact that DEET does not degrade quickly, nor does it breakdown much as it passes through sewage or drinking-water treatment plants. Scientists are worried that DEET may collect in the sediment of streams and prove toxic to birds, fish and other wildlife.

Are we clear on the harm that DEET can cause? Alright, now let's move on to solutions! One product that has proved itself to be both effective and non-toxic is Bug Bam, a wrist bracelet made with all natural, plant-based essential oils. It contains no chemicals, is safe for kids and pets, is not messy, not expensive, and pretty much a must for anyone spending time outdoors in mosquito season.

I've seen many moms recommend Avon Skin So Soft - that concerns me also. While it may be effective, the ingredients are not 100% safe. It contains aluminum,, among other things, which is a neurotoxin often contaminated with lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals. If you use their Bug Guard, you get a nice dose of oxybenzone and isobutane, no wonder the bugs don't like it!

Another solution is making your own insect repellent. Here are some recipes, just mix together all the ingredients in a spray bottle:

Recipe One

• 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup witch hazel (or cheap vodka)
• 5 drops of citronella or eucalyptus essential oil

Recipe Two

• 1/3 cup vanilla (pure, no alcohol)
• 1/3 cup water
  

Recipe Three

• 15 drops citronella essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 5 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 1.5 oz distilled water
• 1.5 oz high-proof alcohol

Let us know what worked for you if you try any of the above recipes! If you are lazy though and don't feel like buying essential oils, there are natural insect repellents on the market. Here are some that are non-toxic that you can try: Alpenglow Skincare Alaska's Best, Bubble and Bee Organic Bug 'Bee' Gone, Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent, Buzz Away, and Encoura Insect Repellent.

Hope this helps and enjoy the outdoors!

sources: Skin Deep Cosmetic Database
Chicago Sun Times
Homeland Security Website

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as medical advice. Seek the advice of a trusted and qualified health care professional.

Baby Safe Sunscreens and Summer Fun

Summer is here, finally! Whip out those beach chairs, inflatable kiddie pools, flip flops, and lots of sunscreen...right? Well, yes and no. What you don't know about sunscreen can hurt you and your kids. Many moms, including myself, are concerned about the safety of mainstream sunscreens on the market today - and we have every reason to ask questions on behalf of our little ones, that's what Mamapedia is for! Many moms on that website ask sunscreen questions, like this one "Sunscreen for a 4 month old?" I can certainly relate since my daughter is turning 4 months in just a week.

First let's make it clear that generic sunscreen is not safe not only for babies, but for adults as well. Sunscreen active ingredients such as oxybenzone, methylparaben, and homosalate are known carcinogens and/or endocrine disruptors whose chemical reactions are only intensified with heat. Common baby sunscreens such as Banana Boat, No-AD, Huggies, and Coppertone, all contain at least one of those ingredients. Even I had an unfavorable reaction to sunscreen, that is when I started researching the ingredients, long before I had my own child. When I was out in the sun without sunscreen everything was fine, with sunscreen on the other hand I had a horrible blistery rash everywhere I applied it.

Thanks to the Internet and the ongoing environmental work of EWG, we now have the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Data Base to refer to for skin care safety. Sad as it is, our government does not regulate skin care products - applied to the largest organ of the human body and instantly absorbed in thee bloodstream, that is actually worse than ingesting them! Before you buy any sunscreen check Skin Deep for its safety.

Second, let's address the link between the sun and cancer. Few health recommendations have had as damaging an effect as the advice that you should never leave your house without sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen effectively blocks your body’s production of vitamin D, which happens naturally when your skin is exposed to sunlight. In fact, sunscreens reduce vitamin D production by as much as 97.5 to 99.9 percent. Vitamin D is absolutely essential to proper functioning of the immune system, so imagine the damage.

Dr. Mercola writes:

"The widespread acceptance and adoption of this faulty doctrine has contributed to severe vitamin D deficiency on a grand scale, which in turn claims about one million lives a year from 16 different types of cancer and other common diseases such as:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis
  

However, that’s not to say that sunlight can’t be harmful. Of course it can be. Anyone who has ever gotten a sunburn knows that sunlight, at a high intensity over a long enough period, most certainly can damage your skin."

So effectively, the best 'sunscreen' is not spending too much time in the sun and avoiding sunburns. For babies who are out and about try to alternate the time spent in the shade and in the sun. You can use a beach parasol for seaside or backyard babies who are not walking yet and are close to you on a blanket or in a play yard. On days that are not too hot you can also use protective clothing such as Solartex. Of course you should use common sense and wear a hat if you are outside for a while as well as stay hydrated with plenty of water. If you absolutely have to use sunscreen for more active children or a baby who is inevitably in the sun for a good part of the day, there are healthier alternatives. Find a sunscreen that has zinc oxide as the active ingredient (yep, like the one in diaper cream!). Some good ones are Soleo Organics, California Baby, Elemental Herbs, and Jason Natural Cosmetics (Earth's Best).

It is also important to note the difference between UVA and UVB ultraviolet light. UVB is the ‘good guy’ that helps your skin produce vitamin D. UVA is considered the ‘bad guy’ because it penetrates your skin more deeply and causes more free radical damage. The widespread advice about not spending time outdoors between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm is very peculiar because that is exactly the time you get more beneficial UVB rays. It is actually easier to get a sunburn when the sun is 'less hot' and more abundant in UVA during the early morning and late afternoon/evening hours.

That concludes our lesson on the 'essential for life' sun, sunscreen ingredients, and most importantly - the health of your children! Please come back for more later and consume another summer lesson byte about insect repellent in our next post. Have fun outdoors, make friends with the sun, and balance your outdoor play in the rays!

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as medical advice. Seek the advice of a trusted and qualified health care professional.

Sources: CNN Health July 1, 2008
Organic Consumers Association June 29, 2008
Dr. Mercola