EcoMoms April 2009: Celebrate Earth Day!

Doing our part for a healthier planet in Janesville, Wisconsin

Did you know?

The first Earth Day occurred on April 22, 1970 and the festivities involved more than 20 million people. First proposed by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, whose words from an April 1980 article in the EPA Journal still ring true today:

“So long as the human species inhabits the Earth, proper management of its resources will be the most fundamental issue we face. Our very survival will depend upon whether or not we are able to preserve, protect and defend our environment. We are not free to decide about whether or not our environment "matters." It does matter, apart from any political exigencies. We disregard the needs of our ecosystem at our mortal peril. That was the great lesson of Earth Day. It must never be forgotten.”

What moms can do:

IDEA #1: Share the message of Earth Day! It is up to us, and no one else, to make sure that our children know the importance of taking care of the planet. They learn by watching us, so we must lead by example. Let them see you recycling and help, and talk about why you do. Teach your children where things come from, and what is renewable and what isn’t. Gas for the car and plastic toys and containers come from oil that is drilled from deep within the earth, and once it is gone there will be no more. Sunlight and wind, though, are infinite!

For a fantastic list of elementary-level books with an environmental theme (and several suitable for younger children), look here: http://www.eeweek.org/resources/green_reading.htm

IDEA #2: Celebrate Earth Day with a make-your-own, all-natural, nontoxic project. Here are two recipes for fun from the My Healthy School website:

“Earth-friendly Gloop”

• A few drops of natural coloring (see directions below)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup cornstarch

Add food coloring to water, then mix with cornstarch in a bowl. Poke, squeeze, and enjoy! Store in a covered container and sprinkle with water as needed if the mixture begins to dry out.

“Super Safe Finger Paint”

• 1/3 cup soap flakes melted with ½ cup boiling water
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup cold water
• A few drops of juice dyes (see directions below)

Grate a bar of handmade soap to make the soap flakes. To the melted soap, add the cornstarch and cold water. Stir well and let thicken. Divide into separate bowls and add juice dyes for different colors of paint.
Ingredients to make your own juice dyes:

• For purple, use blueberries or red onionskins
• For red, try cranberries or beets
• For yellow, use turmeric
• For brown, use paprika or coffee

Combine ¼ cup of the food needed for the desired color with 2 cups of water. Simmer over low heat for one hour. Allow to cool. Strain and add to finger paints or play dough.

For a fun eco-project with an older child, break out the sewing machine and say goodbye to plastic sandwich baggies. For the details on making your own reusable sandwich sack, surf over to the Featured Eco-Craft section of Kiwi Magazine online: http://www.kiwimagonline.com/ecocrafts/

Why it’s important:

• Earth Day reminds us to care for the Earth every day, all year long.

• Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths, and nationalities. More than a billion people take part each year!

This EcoMOMs tip was brought to you by Dana Petersen Murphy, mom to Sabriel and Kaia. You can contact me at dpmurphy@photokiva.com.

EcoMOMs March 2009: Drugs in Our Water

Doing our part for a healthier planet in Janesville, Wisconsin

Did you know?

A wide variety of pharmaceuticals can be found in the drinking water of at least 41 million Americans, according to an Associated Press investigation reported in March 2008 by CBS News. Water treatment facilities are not required to test for or remove these medicines, which include mood-stabilizing drugs, hormones, over-the-counter pain medications, and antibiotics. The consequences for human health and the environment are currently unknown.

What moms can do:

IDEA #1: Filter first, then drink. Activated charcoal filters remove many contaminants, experts say, and they are affordable. For the removal of virtually all pharmaceuticals in drinking water, the best technology available is reverse osmosis (RO). Though pricey, RO is highly effective. Bottled water is not necessarily better than tap water; in fact, many brands in a bottle also come from the tap. And bottled water carries substantially higher environmental costs.

IDEA #2: Dispose of medicines safely. Don’t flush them! The best way to handle unneeded medications is to dispose of them at a local collection event. This keeps your medicines from contaminating our drinking water and the environment. In 2008, 973 pounds of pharmaceuticals were collected for safe disposal in Janesville and its environs. Currently, no dates have been set for 2009 events in Rock County. In Dane County, MedDrop collects unwanted prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines; the next MedDrop is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at two locations to be determined. See www.meddropdane.org for more information.

Why it’s important:

• Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem in the U.S. Long-term human exposure to low levels of antibiotic drugs in our drinking water may create super bugs resistant to treatment.

• Flushed medications can find their way into our rivers, lakes, and streams. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) found low levels of medicines, such as antibiotics, hormones, steroids, and birth control, in 80% of the bodies of water they tested in 1999 and 2000.

• Fish and other aquatic life are being harmed by drugs in our water. Even at extremely diluted concentrations, decreased fertility and impaired spawning of some species have occurred. Male fish have produced eggs, or been “feminized”, when exposed to oral contraceptives.

• The possible ramifications of long-term human exposure to low levels of drugs are unclear but certainly of concern. Research shows that human cells in the laboratory do not grow normally when exposed to trace concentrations of certain drugs. Infants, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions would be especially susceptible to any deleterious effects.



This EcoMOMs tip was brought to you by Dana Petersen Murphy, mom to Sabriel and Kaia. You can contact me at dpmurphy@photokiva.com.

EcoMoms: February 2009

Doing our part for a healthier planet in Janesville, Wisconsin

Did you know?

Fire retardant chemicals are added to clothing, foam products, and electronics in an attempt to keep people safe from the damaging effects of fire. But in the first nationwide study to measure flame retardant chemicals in the blood of small children and their mothers, conducted by the Environmental Working Group in September 2008, toddlers and preschoolers carried a shocking level of the chemicals in their bodies: fully three times the amount their mothers had.

What moms can do:

IDEA #1: Ditch your old foam. In 2005, the types of PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenylethers, used to treat foam products- octa and penta- were removed from the U.S. market due to health concerns. So while new foam items should not contain PBDEs, those purchased before the ban are better replaced. This includes things like mattress pads, couches, easy chairs, foam pillows, and carpet padding.

IDEA #2: Vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters should help trap any PBDEs present in your household dust and will keep your indoor air healthier for the family.

IDEA #3: Buy safer electronics and furniture. Support a brand that has committed to phasing out all brominated fire retardants. These include: Acer, Apple*, Eizo Nanao, LG Electronics*, Lenovo*, Matsushta, Microsoft, Nokia, Phillips*, Samsung*, Sharp*, Sony-Ericsson*, and Toshiba*. Companies denoted with an asterisk no longer use deca, a PBDE that has been banned for many uses by Washington State and Maine. Furniture companies that have ceased using deca include La-Z Boy, Herman Miller, Steelcase, and IKEA. Mattress manufacturers that have phased out deca are as follows: Sealy, Simmons, Serta, Spring Air, Tempur-Pedic, Select Comfort, King Koil, Therapedic, Kingsdown, Eglander, International Bedding Corp, Restonic, Corsicana, and Lady Americana.

IDEA #4: Banish polyester sleepwear. Pajamas and nightgowns made of polyester fabric are either treated with flame retardant chemicals, or the flame retardant is chemically bonded into the composition of the fabric. Avoid exposing your children to these chemicals, which can offgas into the air and irritate skin; the safest choice for sleepwear is natural snug-fitting cotton. By law, the tag will read that the item is not flame resistant and should fit snugly.

Why it’s important:

• PBDEs “can affect the developing brain and they can affect the developing reproductive system,” according to Linda Birnbaum, a senior toxicologist at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Deca, in particular, has been shown to cause “irreversible changes in adult brain function” in mice and rats, to delay onset of puberty in rats, and to cause liver tumors and affect the thyroid function of mice, according to the Michigan Network for Children’s Environmental Health.

• A 2003 study by EWG, “Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in U.S. Mother’s Milk”, found that breastfeeding American women have levels of PBDEs in their milk that are disturbingly higher than those in European women; from 10 to 100 times higher.

• The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) supports banning deca, the PBDE commonly used in electronics, to improve safety and health of fire fighters. The IAFF states: “Many studies involving fire fighters exposed to these and other toxic gases… have found that fire fighters have a much greater risk of contracting cancer, heart and lung disease, and other debilitating diseases. While we support the concept of flame retardant chemicals, there are alternatives that do not contain bromine or chlorine and are much safer for fire fighters than PBDEs.”

This EcoMOMs tip was brought to you by Dana Petersen Murphy, mom to Sabriel and Kaia. You can contact me at dpmurphy@photokiva.com.

I'll return for a February post

My second beautiful daughter was born October 11, so I am taking a baby break from my blog. I will resume posting in February 2009. For more information on how to have a green holiday, you can read my article Tips for a Green Holiday: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Your Way to a Healthier Planet on Suite 101 at this address:

http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/tips_for_a_green_holiday

Happy Holidays!

EcoMOMs: October 2008

Doing our part for a healthier planet in Janesville, Wisconsin

Did you know?

Many products in our homes, from rubber duckies to shower curtains, are made of what has been dubbed the “poison plastic”: PVC. Polyvinyl chloride releases chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects. Phthalates and other toxic additives are used as a softening agent in many PVC products, adding to the health risks of this plastic. It is widely considered the single most environmentally damaging of all plastics.

What moms can do:

IDEA #1: Avoid the Poison Plastic for kids! As with all environmental contaminants, our babies and children are at highest risk for long-term effects. Since many children’s toys, even toys meant to go in baby’s mouth, such as teethers, are still legally able to be made of PVC, contact the company that makes the item of concern to determine what it is made of. A good way to get an idea of whether a toy is PVC is by doing a “sniff test.” If it is new and gives off a strong smell, similar to the “new car smell” or “new shower curtain smell” it is most likely PVC and should be avoided. PVC-free bath toys and other items are for sale online at www.thesoftlanding.com. To search a specific toy or product for toxic chemicals, visit www.healthytoys.org. You can view items by brand, by type, or by name.
Many school supplies, including lunchboxes, backpacks, and binders, are also made of PVC. For a great guide to PVC-free school supplies, take a look here: http://www.besafenet.com/pvc/documents/Back%20to%20School%20Guide%20to%20PVC%20Free%20School%20Supplies.pdf.

IDEA #2: Seek a safer shower. In a report by the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice, PVC shower curtains were tested and found to release over 100 chemicals into the air. Seven of the found chemicals are classified as hazardous air pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). High levels of phthalates and VOCs are also given off, as well as heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium. Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, and Macy’s are a few of the large retailers that have committed to offering PVC-free shower curtain alternatives. When looking to replace your vinyl shower curtain, look for one made of safer EVA plastic instead, or stick to fabric liners.

IDEA #3: Avoid vinyl in and around your home. When alternatives exist for products to be used in and around the home, choose them. Buy a rubber garden hose instead of one made of PVC. If you do have a regular PVC garden hose, never let children drink from it. When installing new flooring, use wood, cork, linoleum, or ceramic instead of vinyl. Avoid plastic packaging with the #3 symbol. When purchasing cling wrap, some of which is made of PVC, look for brands made of polyethylene, such as GLAD brand or Saran wrap. Most commercial cling wrap is PVC, so if you buy items from a deli that come wrapped in plastic, be sure to remove it when you get home and store it in a safer plastic or glass container.

Why it’s important:

• Not only is PVC harmful to consumers, but it has environmental impacts at every stage of its life cycle, from the factory to the landfill. When produced, PVC releases dioxins, known to result in immune and reproductive system harm. PVC is also used in building materials, and when heated in a building fire, releases toxic hydrogen chloride gas, which can be deadly to firefighters battling the blaze and building occupants who have not yet escaped.

• As a result of the variety of toxic additives used in PVC, this plastic cannot be recycled. When PVC is inadvertently sent to the recycling center, it can contaminate an entire batch of other plastics. It takes just one PVC bottle to result in a load of 100,000 recyclable bottles being made useless for recycling.

• Workers in factories that make PVC face health risks that include angiosarcoma of the liver, lung cancer, brain cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, and liver cirrhosis. Some workers have been tested by the US government and have shown triple the dioxin levels in their blood when compared to the average citizen. Communities located nearby such factories experience groundwater and air pollution.

This EcoMOMs tip was brought to you by Dana Petersen Murphy, mom to Sabriel. You can contact me at dpmurphy@photokiva.com.

EcoMOMs: September 2008

Doing our part for a healthier planet in Janesville, Wisconsin

Did you know?

Twenty-three percent of the garbage in U.S. landfills is yard waste and food waste. Instead of throwing these wastes away, they can easily be composted and used to enrich our gardens and landscapes. Compost improves soil structure and provides needed nutrients to plants.

What moms can do:

IDEA #1: Compost it! Make a homemade compost bin out of chicken wire, snow fencing, or old garbage cans with holes punched in the sides and bottom. Or, if you prefer, buy a manufactured bin. To compost effectively, four vital ingredients are required: nitrogen, carbon, water, and air. The easiest recipe for compost is to combine equal parts of nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials. Green materials, like grass clippings and fruit and vegetable scraps, will provide the needed nitrogen. Brown materials, such as dry leaves, twigs, or hay, will contribute the necessary carbon. To build your pile, you can alternate layers of green and brown materials with a thickness of 2 to 4 inches per layer. Or, you can mix the layers together. Add a few shovels full of soil to get the composting party started; soil adds microorganisms. Once your pile is established, you will need to water it occasionally to keep it moist. Turning it with a shovel or pitchfork will yield faster results. In one to three months, you will have finished compost, dark and sweet-smelling, to add to your garden or yard. Do not add dairy products, oils and fats, meat or fish scraps or bones, pet wastes, or yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides to your compost pile.

IDEA #2: Practice grasscycling. Grasscycling is the practice of leaving grass clippings behind on the lawn when mowing. This returns nutrients to the soil, encouraging a healthier lawn. It saves time and effort when compared to collecting and disposing of clippings. By recycling the clippings right back into the grass, you’re keeping waste out of our landfills. Begin with proper mowing, using a sharp blade on dry grass, and follow the “1/3 Rule.” No greater than 1/3 of the length of the grass should be cut in any one mowing. It is not necessary to own a “mulching” mower to grasscycle, but they are very effective, as they cut blades of grass into small pieces and force them into the soil for optimum recycling. It is a myth that grasscycling spreads lawn disease. In fact, when done properly, it creates a healthy, great-looking lawn.

IDEA #3: Get wormy! While not for everyone, if you have a child in the house that loves creepy crawlies, he or she will be thrilled with this project. Vermicomposting, or composting with worms, is a great way to recycle kitchen scraps and it takes up very little space. Using a 14 to 20-gallon capacity plastic box with a lid, drill ¼ inch air holes on the side and top. Add a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Add four to six handfuls of topsoil to the empty box, then add redworms (available via mail-order). Fruit and vegetable scraps can then be added on top of the worms. The final layer in the box is a layer of shredded newspaper four inches thick and moistened. Place the box in a dark cool place and wait for your worms to turn the scraps into beautiful healthy compost! This will take a few months.


Why it’s important:

• Compost is amazingly beneficial! It suppresses plant diseases and pests, reduces or eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, and can improve agricultural crop yields.

• Compost prevents pollution by absorbing contaminated stormwater runoff before it reaches surface water resources. It even improves air quality via its ability to capture 99.6% of industrial Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in contaminated air.

• A mere 2.6% of food waste was composted in 2000. That leaves a startling 97.4% of waste food that ended up taking up landfill space.

This EcoMOMs tip was brought to you by Dana Petersen Murphy, mom to Sabriel. You can contact me at dpmurphy@photokiva.com.

EcoMoms: August 2008

Doing our part for a healthier planet in Janesville, Wisconsin


Did you know?

Species extinction is occurring right now at a rate of one species every 20 minutes. That pace is a thousand times quicker than the average extinction rate throughout the history of our Earth. So every 20 minutes, an entire species of plant or animal is wiped out, gone, forever. Extinction of our plants and animals is caused by two factors: 1) habitat destruction, and 2) climate change.

What moms can do:

IDEA #1: Give your kids the gift of nature. Explore local wildlife and natural places with your little ones. Kids who are directly exposed to nature are more likely to care about saving it now and in the future. Make unstructured outdoor activities, like hiking, camping, boating, gardening, and fishing a part of your family’s recreation. Visit nature preserves, botanical gardens, and forests and learn about the species that make their home there. For older children, bring along a local field guide to make your outing an educational boon. Teach your kids to “take only photographs and leave only footprints” when you explore.

IDEA #2: Support AZA-accredited Zoos and Aquariums. Zoos are great places to discuss wild animals and the importance of conservation. Institutions belonging to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), such as the Henry Vilas Zoo and the Milwaukee County Zoo, participate in about two thousand conservation projects in about 100 countries each year to protect wildlife. By supporting them monetarily, you give your child a rich experience and help worldwide conservation efforts at the same time. You can also participate in the “Befriend-An-Animal” program at the Henry Vilas Zoo: you receive a certificate, an animal photograph, information about your chosen animal, a window cling, and a stuffed plush animal. A thoughtful and meaningful gift for a preschool or school-aged child! Or adopt an animal through the World Wildlife Fund, who offers symbolic adoptions of 80 animals, like manatees, orangutans, clownfish, and meerkats.


IDEA #3: Reduce your carbon footprint to decrease your family’s impact on climate change. Test your habits with an online quiz to “measure your eco-footprint” at http://www.conservation.org/act/live_green/Pages/ecofootprint.aspx. All the small steps you take to live a little greener will have a positive impact on species conservation. Buy energy efficient technology when you need a new car or appliances; shut down appliances and computers when not in use; switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs; use public transportation, walk, or bike when you can; recycle and use recycled products; plant trees; buy locally-grown food.




Why it’s important:

• Not only does exposure to nature when young result in increased environmental awareness as an adult, but it appears to improve cognition and well-being in children. Research at the University of Illinois found that children with attention-deficit disorder are able to focus more effectively after outdoor activities such as camping and fishing. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia revealed through their research that young children with regular chances for unstructured play outdoors have improved well-being in three areas: attention, affiliation, and affect. They learn and behave better in the classroom, get along more easily with others, and are happier.

• Biodiversity- short for biological diversity- describes the variety of living things on Earth. All species serve specific roles in the ecosystem of which they are a part. Plants give off oxygen that makes our atmosphere livable, while removing carbon dioxide. Insect pollination is vital for the production of over 40 crops produced in the United States. More than 25% of the medicines we use today are either derived from or modeled on substances in the natural world.

• Some people believe that we have a moral or spiritual obligation to be careful stewards of our planet. Others believe that in trashing our planet, we endanger ourselves. Consider this quote by Chief Seattle: “Whatever befalls the earth befalls the son of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.”


This EcoMOMs tip was brought to you by Dana Petersen Murphy, mom to Sabriel. You can contact me at dpmurphy@photokiva.com.