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Category Archives: Go Natural

GO NATURAL: To buy or make natural cleaners…that is the question

27 Monday Feb 2017

Posted by Cassandra Carr in Go Natural

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GO NATURAL: To buy or make natural cleaners…that is the question

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Inevitably there are pros and cons to buying commercial products versus making your own. These are important points to consider before making any decisions about how you plan to both achieve cleanliness and better health.

Many people say homemade cleaners made with less manufactured chemicals are safer. But how true is that? Turns out, it’s pretty spot-on. Ingredients I can’t even pronounce are probably not ones I want all over my house. Ingredients found in nature, like citric acid and essential oils, should be less likely to cause health problems.

Also, some products sold commercially are not exactly friendly to the environment. The byproducts and leftovers leach into our soil, poisoning the ground. The items that make up organic cleaners, since they’re from the earth to begin with, don’t do nearly as much harm. Even if you happen to inhale them or they get on your skin and are absorbed that way, natural ingredients are less likely to cause problems. They’re usually less irritating in general, no matter how they’re used.

Now, for some of the cons about using organic materials. For one thing, they’re more expensive. Many chemicals used in standard cleaning products are produced cheaper because of the sheer volume involved. They don’t have to be sourced sustainably from the earth using careful processes.

Additionally, natural products might not work as well. Let’s face it, we’ve all tried to do something like clear a clogged drain using vinegar and baking soda, usually not very successfully. Commercial products are specifically designed to handle the tasks they’re manufactured for. Thus, they’re probably more effective. However, when you make your own products you can experiment until you find the formula that works best for your needs. With commercial cleaners, what you see is what you get.

Lastly, making your own natural cleaners isn’t as easy as it looks. You need to do a lot of research, or refer to others who already have, to figure out which ingredients will work best for each formulation you need. Using the wrong ones will not only cost money, but lead to aggravation as they don’t perform as expected.

 

I hope this has given you some things to consider before you run out and buy all kinds of ingredients to make your own cleaners. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments!

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GO NATURAL: Some alternatives to ibuprofen and other painkillers

24 Tuesday Jan 2017

Posted by Cassandra Carr in Go Natural

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GO NATURAL: Some alternatives to ibuprofen and other painkillers

Some of these ideas are ones I’ve talked about before on this blog, but I’ll try to give more information about them and other methods to help you make an informed decision regarding which you might want to try. After all, none of us wants to take lots of drugs, right?

Information for this post was partially taken from this source. Whenever possible, I’ve given you links to products that aren’t pills. Most of us already take more pills than we’d like, and I hate to add more when other types of products exist.

Natural Alternative to Ibuprofen # 1 – White Willow Bark

White Willow Bark is an herbal remedy that stretches back in time, over 2000 years. It is gathered from the bark of various species of willow trees and has been used in many herbal medicine cultures, including that of the ancient Chinese, and Romans. As well as being used to treat lower back pain, osteoarthritis and other conditions including bursitis and tendinitis, it can also be used as a natural headache relief medicine.

White Willow Bark contains a natural chemical known as Salicin. Aspirin, which contains Acetylsalicylic Acid, was modeled on Salicin when it was first engineered back in the 1800s. Although it is not as fast acting as aspirin, the effects of White Willow Bark may have a longer lasting effect.

The product I linked to is a powder that you can use in water, juice, or a smoothie. Only use about 1/4 teaspoon – a little bit of this stuff goes a long way. There’s some safety information I think is important to note (taken from the Amazon page for the powder):

Because willow bark contains salicin, people who are allergic or sensitive to salicylates (such as aspirin) should not use willow bark. Some researchers suggest that people with asthma, diabetes, gout, gastritis, hemophilia, stomach ulcers, or with kidney or liver issues should also avoid willow bark. If you have any of these conditions, or if you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or blood-thinning medication, ask your health care provider before taking willow bark. Children under the age of 16 should not take willow bark.

Natural Alternative to Ibuprofen # 2 – Cats Claw

Cat’s Claw is so named because of its resemblance to… yes – you’ve got it… a cat’s claw! It’s a thorny vine that is known to climb as high as 100 feet, and it’s the bark and the root of the plant that are used to make the herbal medication. The plant is found in South and Central America, but mostly in the rainforests of the Amazon. The majority of Cat’s Claw that is sold here in the USA is imported from Peru.

Research indicates that Cat’s Claw may be able to stimulate the immune system. Because of this it is advisable not to take it if you are on medication to suppress your immune system function. Cat’s Claw contains an anti-inflammatory agent that prohibits the manufacture of a hormone known as prostaglandin, a hormone which is in part responsible for pain and inflammation. It also contains antioxidants.

The research carried out to date also suggests that Cat’s Claw can be taken to relax smooth muscles, to dilate blood vessels (thus helping to lower hypertension), and as a natural Diuretic, to help the body to lose excess water. It is often taken by people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee.

NOTE: I’ve tried Cat’s Claw, and it didn’t seem to work for me, but like all things, your mileage may vary.

Natural Alternative to Ibuprofen # 3 – Boswellia

Boswellia is also known as Indian frankincense. It comes from the Boswell Serrata tree which grows in India and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Traditionally, it has been used in resin format to treat chronic inflammatory conditions, as well as a number of other disorders.

Can’t get you away from a pill here. That appears to be the only type of product available for it. If you know of another way to use boswellia, let me know!

Natural Alternative to Ibuprofen # 4 – Capsaicin

Capsaicin is an ingredient of the Chili Pepper. It is made into a cream that can then be applied topically to any painful area (not the eyes). When we experience pain, a substance known as substance “P” carries pain signals to the brain. Capsaicin is able to interfere with this process. It can be purchased in different grades of strength, and upon initial application can cause some localized stinging or burning, which then quickly subsides. After several applications, (it should be applied 3 to 4 times per day), these sensations are no longer felt.

Because Capsaicin comes from Chili Peppers, certain precautions should be made, such as washing your hands thoroughly after applying it, and keeping it away from your eyes, and from children too. As well as being available in cream or ointment format, it is also available in patches.

Natural Alternative to Ibuprofen # 5 – Curcumin

Curcumin is an ingredient that comes from the herb known as Turmeric. It comes from India, where it has a long history of being used in Ayurvedic medicine. It works in a similar way to Capsaicin in as much as it blocks the transmission of substance “P”, but it’s also credited with the ability to block certain proteins that cause inflammation.

It is used to treat arthritic pain but has many other capabilities too according to this article published in Natural News. It is the most medically researched natural herb and it still undergoing tests.

Natural Alternative to Ibuprofen # 6 – Essential Oils

Whilst not strictly speaking a direct alternative to ibuprofen as an out and out pain killer, essential oils have the ability to combat one of the most common forms of pain – that of the headache.

They work on three levels. First, a natural chemical level. In the second instance, they work on the sensory level, through your sense of smell. In the third instance, when applied through light finger massage (rather than being poured into a bath in which you then soak for 20 or 30 minutes or diffused into the air), the massage itself helps to relieve tension. There are three main essential oils to consider. They are:

  • Roman Chamomile – great as a muscle relaxant
  • Lavender – a wonderful natural pain reliever
  • Clary Sage – lowers heart rate and blood pressure, reducing stress and tension

 

None of these products will totally mitigate our symptoms, but if using one or more of them can help out with the pain? Sign me up! Do you know of other natural alternatives to ibuprofen and other painkillers?

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GO NATURAL: Let’s talk about detox!

15 Sunday Jan 2017

Posted by Cassandra Carr in Go Natural

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GO NATURAL: Let’s talk about detox!

I’m sure I sound like a lunatic for being so enthusiastic about this topic, but truthfully, I am kind of excited about it. Why? Because I think it’s one of the easiest, fastest ways anyone suffering from a chronic illness can help themselves.

What is detox, exactly? In the most basic terms, it’s the act of ridding your body of anything that can hurt it. This includes all kinds of toxins, which is why it’s called detox. 😉

I’ve brought together several recipes for different kinds of detox, and in my opinion, it’s best to mix them up, since they target different things. Makes sense, right? Let’s go!

Detox with a smoothie

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Recipe courtesy of Sofisty Recipe

Now, I know what you’re probably saying. “This looks like a gross combination, just a bunch of blended up veggies.” Well, you’re right. That’s the basis for this smoothie, but really, we all know vegetables are one of the best ways to stay healthy, right?

Most of us, but especially chronic illness warriors, have too high an acid Ph in our bodies. This smoothie targets the liver, which stores and gets rid of the toxins you eat, drink, and breathe. In effect, it’s a booster shot to help the liver do better what it already does.

Detox with water

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Recipe courtesy of Budget Savvy Diva

Everybody and their little brother is carrying a bottle of water around these days. It’s not a secret that water is good for you, but if you’re like me, you’re not crazy about the taste. It’s boring, IMO. So spruce it up! Not only will you drink more if it’s an interesting flavor, but you’ll also get the benefits of the wonderful things you add.

This recipe has three basic elements, besides the water itself, and ice. Here’s why they’re a part of this particular concoction.

Cucumbers – Refreshing

Strawberries – Energy BOOSTER – Adds a wonderful flavor to the water plus has enough fiber to boost your digestion

Basil – Helps curb appetite, settle upset tummies, also is a  fluid retention helper ( I know when it is warm I am always retaining water)

INGREDIENTS

  • Ice
  • Water
  • 3 Basil leaves roughly chopped
  • 1 strawberry sliced
  • 3 – 5 slices of cucumber

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a large glass
  2. Let it sit for 5 minutes at least
  3. Enjoy

Detox with soup

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Recipe courtesy of citronlimette.com

Know what’s awesome on a cold winter day? Soup! Know what’s delicious no matter what time of year it is? This soup!
Ingredients
  • 1 cup medium onion, diced
  • 6 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 large red pepper, chopped
  • 4 carrots, diced
  • 1 large sweet potatoes, cut in small cubes
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 small yellow squash, diced
  • 1- 28 ounce diced tomatoes
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro, cupped
    Coupons
  • ½ Tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 3 cups vegetables broth
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 cups white beans. cooked ( use your favorite)
  • 1 head kale, stems discarded and leaves chopped
  • salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Put all the ingredients except the kale in the slow cooker on high for 4 hours or put all the ingredients except the kale in a large pot and cook on the stove. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 1 hour. After the soup is fully cooked through, stir in the kale and keep over the heat for 2 minutes longer.

And a bonus, detox with diet

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I hope I’ve given you some viable options for ways to detox your body. For tons more, take a peek at my Pinterest board, Detox Your Body, and be sure to add your favorite recipe for detoxing in the comments section!

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GO NATURAL: 5 chemicals to avoid at home, part 4

13 Tuesday Dec 2016

Posted by Cassandra Carr in Go Natural

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GO NATURAL: 5 chemicals to avoid at home, part 4

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Sources for this post:

http://www.motherearthliving.com/Health-and-Wellness/10-dangerous-chemicals-to-ban-from-your-home
http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/top-12-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-your-home
http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/home/banish-these-12-household-toxins-from-your-house%3Fslide%3D1
http://www.parents.com/health/injuries/safety/harmful-chemicals-to-avoid/
http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/g2203/why-some-chemicals-may-be-just-as-harmful-as-the-toxics-they-replace/

Link to part 1: https://chronicillnesswarriorsite.com/2016/11/22/go-natural-5-chemicals-to-avoid-at-home-part-1/
Link to part 2: https://chronicillnesswarriorsite.com/2016/11/29/go-natural-5-chemicals-to-avoid-at-home-part-2/
Link to part 3: https://chronicillnesswarriorsite.com/2016/12/06/go-natural-5-chemicals-to-avoid-at-home-part-3/

Glycol Ethers

These chemicals are associated with numerous health problems, but with regard to hormones, they’re bad for guys’ swimmers. The chemicals cause low sperm motility.

Glycol ethers are solvents used in a wide variety of industrial applications. But you’re most likely to encounter them via dry-cleaning services and in personal care products and cleaners. Avoid having clothes dry-cleaned (most fabrics can just as easily be hand-washed) and make your own cleaning products.

Parabens

Parabens are used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. While no causal link with cancer has been established, parabens are controversial because they weakly mimic estrogen, and researchers have found measurable concentrations in breast tumors. Studies show that methylparaben (in some sunscreens) may react with sunlight to damage skin. Avoid cosmetics that list parabens or words ending in “-paraben” among the ingredients.

Air fresheners

Just like cleaning supplies, these are incredibly toxic and can aggravate respiratory problems like asthma. Even those labeled “pure” and “natural” have been found to contain phthalates, chemicals that cause hormonal abnormalities, reproductive problems and birth defects. Try simmering cinnamon and cloves to give your home an “I’ve-spent-the-whole-day-baking” scent, and leave a few windows open to let in fresh air. You might also boil a pot of water on the stove with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, or use an essential oil burner.

Ammonia

Ammonia is found in a variety of household cleaners—kitchen, bathroom, floor, oven, glass, and polishers. If the product is at least 5% ammonia, it has to be labeled as poisonous.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine maintains TOXNET, the Toxicology Data Network. According to TOXNET, short-term exposure to ammonia can irritate, burn, and even damage the eyes and skin. Ammonia is irritating to the respiratory tract and causes coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Higher exposure can cause pulmonary edema, a life-threatening issue.

Hydrochloric Acid

Toilet bowl cleaners often contain hydrochloric acid, which is corrosive and will seriously damage any tissue it touches, irreversible damage. Protective equipment is an absolute requirement when handling any product that contains hydrochloric acid (or better yet, don’t handle it). Never mix hydrochloric acid-containing products with bleach as it will produce toxic gas!

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GO NATURAL: 5 chemicals to avoid at home, part 3

06 Tuesday Dec 2016

Posted by Cassandra Carr in Go Natural

≈ 1 Comment

GO NATURAL: 5 chemicals to avoid at home, part 3

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Sources for this post:

http://www.motherearthliving.com/Health-and-Wellness/10-dangerous-chemicals-to-ban-from-your-home
http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/top-12-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-your-home
http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/home/banish-these-12-household-toxins-from-your-house%3Fslide%3D1
http://www.parents.com/health/injuries/safety/harmful-chemicals-to-avoid/
http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/g2203/why-some-chemicals-may-be-just-as-harmful-as-the-toxics-they-replace/

Link to part 1: https://chronicillnesswarriorsite.com/2016/11/22/go-natural-5-chemicals-to-avoid-at-home-part-1/
Link to part 2: https://chronicillnesswarriorsite.com/2016/11/29/go-natural-5-chemicals-to-avoid-at-home-part-2/

Radon

Radon is a natural, odorless radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer (and the leading cause for nonsmokers) and can be detected with a test kit. Test for radon with one of these kits, then call in a radon remediation contractor if the levels are too high—4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. Levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L can still pose a risk and in many cases can be reduced; consult a specialist.

Atrazine

Most of the research on atrazine’s hormone-mimicking effects has been conducted in fish and frogs. Like a freaky science-fiction plot, the chemical causes male fish and frogs to turn into females. Research into humans, however, has shown that the pesticide increases the activity of genes that cause infertility.

Atrazine is the second most widely used herbicide in the United States (behind glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup), according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and 86% of it is applied to corn.

To avoid it, go organic! Organic farmers are prohibited from using toxic synthetic herbicides like atrazine. And eat less meat. Despite corn’s reputation as serving as the building block for numerous processed-food ingredients, 80% of U.S.-grown corn is sold both domestically and internationally as animal feed, according to the National Corn Growers Association, so the herbicide is present in their meat after the animals are slaughtered.

Roundup Ready Food

Roundup, the most widely used herbicide in the country, is sprayed on everything from cotton to canola, lawns to golf courses. So it stands to reason that the stuff winds up in our air and water. But when you’re eating “Roundup Ready” food, as in, food that’s been genetically modified to withstand all those Roundup applications, you’re eating it too, according to plant pathologist Don Huber, PhD, professor emeritus at Purdue University. That’s problematic because scientists are learning that Roundup affects defensive enzymes our bodies use to keep us healthy. Roundup also reduces a plant’s ability to take up vital micronutrients that humans require for survival.

Corn, soy, and canola are common crops that have been genetically engineered to withstand heavy dousings of Roundup (or other glyphosate-containing chemicals), and foods containing these ingredients tend to contain higher levels of Roundup than other crops do. To avoid genetically engineered (GE) foods and Roundup in your food, buy organic.

VOCs

Nasty indoor air-polluting culprits, volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, could be trashing your indoor air, especially in the kitchen, the basement, or even the laundry room. (Scented, petroleum-based laundry detergents contain high levels of VOCs.) These hazardous chemicals are linked to asthma and, in some instances, even cancer, and they add to indoor air pollution. Pressed wood and particleboard cabinets and other furniture are big emitters of the VOC (and carcinogen) formaldehyde in the home, too.

Instead, choose unscented, plant-based detergents, or go old-school and use castile soap or washing soda and borax to clean your clothing. For new paint projects, choose readily available no-VOC paint, and avoid storing paint in your garage or basement–fumes can escape even tightly closed lids and enter your home. Avoid plywood and particleboard when buying new household furnishings, and keep VOCs contained by sealing any plywood or particleboard furniture with a product like AFM Safecoat Safe Seal.

Dry-Cleaning Chemicals

Sure, it’s convenient to drop your clothing off with a dry cleaner, but the cleaning chemical of choice in this country remains perchloroethylene, also known as PCE, or perc. This chemical is classified a probable carcinogen and is linked to kidney, liver, and central nervous system damage. It’s not something you want to wear or have holed up in your home closet. Although many states and cities are phasing out perc, it’s still among the most widely used dry-cleaning chemicals.

You can work around “Dry Clean Only” instructions on clothing tags. You just need to know how to treat different types of fabric. Read Dry Clean Only? Nah, There Are Cheaper, Safer Ways for instructions on cleaning delicates like wool, rayon, and silk.

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GO NATURAL: 5 chemicals to avoid at home, part 2

30 Wednesday Nov 2016

Posted by Cassandra Carr in Go Natural

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GO NATURAL: 5 chemicals to avoid at home, part 2

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Sources for this post:

http://www.motherearthliving.com/Health-and-Wellness/10-dangerous-chemicals-to-ban-from-your-home
http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/top-12-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-your-home
http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/home/banish-these-12-household-toxins-from-your-house%3Fslide%3D1
http://www.parents.com/health/injuries/safety/harmful-chemicals-to-avoid/
http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/g2203/why-some-chemicals-may-be-just-as-harmful-as-the-toxics-they-replace/

Link to part 1: https://chronicillnesswarriorsite.com/2016/11/22/go-natural-5-chemicals-to-avoid-at-home-part-1/

Chlorine 

Used as a disinfectant in municipal water systems, chlorine is toxic, even at low concentrations. Studies link chlorine exposure through ingestion and showering with an increased risk of heart disease, allergic reactions and miscarriages, as well as increased rates of bladder, colon and rectal cancers. Chlorine irritates the eyes, nose and throat.

To minimize: You can filter chlorine with a whole-house filter or with a chlorine-filtering showerhead and a granular-activated charcoal drinking water filter. Avoid swimming in chlorinated water.

Dioxins

Dioxins and dioxinlike compounds like PCBs and the pesticide DDT are known to cause cancer, but they’re also considered one of the most toxic classes of chemicals known to man. Among their hormone-related effects: decreased fertility, diabetes, endometriosis, immune system problems, lowered testosterone levels, miscarriages, and reduced sperm counts and quality.

Municipal waste incineration produces large quantities, but chemical bleaching of paper and wood pulp accounts for huge quantities in the air and water. Dioxins build up in the fatty tissues of animals and are very widespread in the food supply.

The easiest way to avoid them is to reduce your consumption of fatty meat and dairy products.

Nonstick Cookware + Bakeware

Is the convenience of nonstick worth it?. That slick, shiny, enticingly nonstick surface is made from a synthetic material known as perfluoroalkyl acid, a class of chemicals that have been linked to ADHD, high cholesterol, and thyroid disease. They’re also potent sperm killers and are suspected of contributing to female infertility.

Opt for safer cookware like made-in-America cast iron, glass or stainless steel. If you already cook with nonstick pots and pans, replace them with safer choices when you start seeing scratches and chips in the finish.

Flame Retardants

A type of flame retardant called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is particularly worrisome. Exposure to even small doses at critical points in development can damage reproductive systems and affect motor skills, learning, memory, and hearing. Flame retardants are nearly ubiquitous in upholstered furniture, including couches, pillows, mattresses, and carpet padding. Because the chemicals are not bonded to the foam, they can be released easily in dust as the furniture ages. PBDEs are most likely to be found in polyurethane foam products manufactured before 2005. They are also present in some electronics, though they were no longer in use starting in 2014.

To avoid exposure, do not let babies and toddlers put electronics like remotes or mobile phones in their mouths. Replace furniture and pillows if the foam is old and breaking down or if the fabric is torn beyond repair. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and/or run HEPA air filters in rooms. Throw out older items such as car seats and mattress pads whose foam is not completely encased in a protective fabric.

Lead

Lead poisoning can cause nervous system damage, stunted growth, kidney damage, and delayed development. Lead was a common additive to paint prior to 1978, when federal law banned its use in household paint. At the same time, the use of lead was banned in products marketed to children. It can still be found in older houses and in some imported toys, jewelry and even candy.

To avoid your exposure, if you live in a home that was built before 1978, be sure all paint is in good repair, and frequently mop floors and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth. If you have an older home, use a lead-safe certified contractor if renovating and stay away while renovations take place. Also, avoid painted or metal toys made before 1978, and avoid imported toys and children’s jewelry, as many countries have not banned the use of lead in toys. Do not buy candy made in Mexico.

 

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GO NATURAL: Eco-friendly alternatives to using gift wrap

28 Monday Nov 2016

Posted by Cassandra Carr in Go Natural

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GO NATURAL: Eco-friendly alternatives to using gift wrap

n-comics-628x314Photo courtesy of Becca Armstrong

Tons of gift wrap ends up in landfills every year. It’s unnecessary, especially when better alternatives exist. Here are a whole bunch of them to consider this holiday season:

  1. Cloth bags: We all have bags sitting around the house. If you’re like me, you can’t throw away pretty things, and this is a great re-use of them. These bags are available for purchase and you can use them over and over. They’re even waterproof and washable, and much sturdier than standard gift bags.
  2. Decorated grocery bags: Like cloth bags, sturdy grocery bags can also be used for gifts. If you don’t want to give a plain bag or need to cover the store name, tons of items can do the job. Old sheet music, pieces of wallpaper, leftover stationary are all good ideas. You can also cut up the bag and decorate it if you need to actually wrap something. These are also available in bulk and are usually cheaper than buying gift wrap.
  3. Printer paper: Who doesn’t have regular old printer paper? Find a cool design and print it on the paper. Use a stamp. Let your kids draw on it. Look up customized word search tools (many free ones are widely available).
  4. Newspaper: Every newspaper I know of has comics in it, and oftentimes they’re in color. What’s cooler than getting a present you can read later?
  5. Scarf or other clothing: Cut up a piece of clothing that’s too small or you simply don’t wear anymore. Just be sure you don’t give this wrapping to the person who gifted you the clothes! Try Goodwill or another thrift store to find a source of cheap clothing if you don’t want to cut your own up.
  6. Cereal boxes: Here’s a printable template from Huffington Post you can use to turn your empty cereal boxes into awesome wrapping.
  7. Food storage containers: Whether you use glass or plastic, these are an especially fun idea for homemade gifts. Why use glass? Because you’re not putting more plastic into the world. I wouldn’t have included the plastic alternative but most of us re-use these containers over and over so the environmental impact decreases.
  8. Mason jars: These are another thing sitting around the house. Give them an environmentally friendly second life as wrapping paper! If you need to buy some, for homemade cookie mixes and the like, you can get pint and quart size jars.
  9. Toilet paper rolls: Have a tiny gift? Use an empty toilet paper roll, folded. Instructions are here.
  10. Baskets: If you don’t have some of these cluttering up your basement, bravo! You can also go to any thrift shop or yard sale and pick them up for a song. I do that when I go to garage sales and then donate them to my daughter’s school to use for basket auctions.
  11. Mismatched pillow cases: Yet another thing many of us are loathe to part with. But using them as gift wrap is a great solution.

o-cereal-box-gift-wrap-570Photo courtesy of Catherine McEver

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GO NATURAL: 5 chemicals to avoid at home, part 1

22 Tuesday Nov 2016

Posted by Cassandra Carr in Go Natural

≈ 3 Comments

GO NATURAL: 5 chemicals to avoid at home, part 1

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Sources for this post:

http://www.motherearthliving.com/Health-and-Wellness/10-dangerous-chemicals-to-ban-from-your-home
http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/top-12-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-your-home
http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/home/banish-these-12-household-toxins-from-your-house%3Fslide%3D1
http://www.parents.com/health/injuries/safety/harmful-chemicals-to-avoid/
http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/g2203/why-some-chemicals-may-be-just-as-harmful-as-the-toxics-they-replace/

Phthalates

Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals used to make #3 plastic (PVC or vinyl) flexible. PVC leaches phthalates when it’s heated or worn down. Phthalates are found in personal-care products and detergents, often labeled as “fragrance.” Phthalate exposure has been linked to early puberty in girls, a risk factor for later breast cancer.

To minimize: Never microwave plastic containers. Store food in glass or metal containers. Avoid vinyl flooring, shower curtains, PVC pipes, and products with “fragrance.”

Bisphenol A, or BPA

Perhaps the most widely studied endocrine disruptor on the market, BPA actually started out in the 1930s as a synthetic estrogen given to women. So it’s no surprise that this hormonal chemical has been found to act like estrogen, with current exposure levels leading to things like decreased sperm production in men, early puberty in girls, and fertility problems in both genders, or that animal studies have linked it to greater chances of miscarriage. BPA also interferes with metabolic hormones and plays a role in heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

BPA is found in the linings of food cans, and it’s used as a coating on receipts. The chemical is still used in some plastic products and as a flame retardant, as well, but thanks to the lack of laws requiring companies to disclose how BPA is being used, it’s impossible to know all the places where the nearly 3 billion pounds of the chemical produced each year wind up.

Opt for fresh, frozen, or homemade versions of your favorite canned foods. You can also limit additional exposures by rejecting unnecessary receipts when shopping.

Synthetic Pesticides

Chemical weed, fungus, and bug killers all fit under this category and should be avoided both inside and outside of your house. Researchers have linked these pesticides to various forms of cancer, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; insecticides have been connected to brain damage in kids. “This is a good time of the year to resolve not to use pesticides on lawns and gardens,” says Phil Landrigan, MD, director of Mount Sinai’s Children’s Environmental Health Center. “A few dandelions or buttercups or other little flowers in the middle of the lawn are not unsightly.”

Mercury

Exposure to mercury impairs neurological development, and recent research has linked high levels of mercury to ADHD. Because neural development happens rapidly in pregnancy and early childhood, it is important to eliminate exposure where possible. Mercury enters the environment through air pollution and industrial waste. When mercury enters water, fish absorb it through their gills. For people, the primary exposure to mercury is from consuming shellfish and large, older, and predatory fish, which accumulate higher concentrations of mercury in their flesh. Older thermometers also contain mercury.

Eliminate large fish such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish from your family’s diet. The American Pregnancy Association has a complete guide (americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/fishmercury.htm). Children, pregnant women, and women trying to conceive can have different amounts of tuna, depending on their weight. It’s safe to eat other kind of fish, which are still a healthy source of protein and essential nutrients. “The omega-3-fatty acids in some fish can offset some of the mercury issues,” Lunder says. Check advisories before consuming shellfish and seafood if you are unsure about their mercury content. If you have mercury-filled glass thermometers, replace them with newer models that do not contain mercury.

Hand Sanitizer

The antimicrobial compound triclosan, widely used to kill germs for decades, is an ingredient in everything from hand sanitizers to toothpaste. But triclosan has been linked to hormone problems including infertility and early puberty, and it causes liver cancer in mice. Despite the fact that triclosan is no better than soap and water for removing germs, manufacturers are phasing triclosan out, only to add in benzalkonium chloride, another antibacterial chemical. Benzalkonium chloride and related quaternary ammonia compounds, known as quats, are respiratory irritants that exacerbate asthma.

Avoid antibacterial products. Unless you are prepping an operating room, they are, um, overkill. Use soap and water instead. If you like having a hand sanitizer when you are on the go, look for one powered by ethyl alcohol.

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Recipe: ROSEMARY SINK CLEANER

07 Thursday Jul 2016

Posted by Cassandra Carr in Go Natural, Recipes

≈ Leave a comment

DIY-Sink-Cleaner

Not only is this sink cleaner easy to make, it also smells great and is free of the chemicals found in some of the store-bought brands. Plus, you only need three ingredients to make it. Unlike using just a dish detergent, it is mildly abrasive so it’s perfect for getting out those small scuffs in the sink. It’s not perfect, but many of the scuffs are now gone. Best of all there isn’t a chemical smell, my kitchen smells like fresh rosemary.

Ingredients

2 cups baking soda
2 tablespoons salt
15-20 drops rosemary essential oil (or any other scent you like)

Mix baking soda and salt in a jar. Add 15-20 drops of rosemary essential oil to mixture. Add shaker lid to a regular-mouth Mason jar and shake to combine. Sprinkle a small amount in a damp sink and scrub with a microfiber cloth. Spray down the sink when you are done.

*** Recipe originally from Frugally Blonde.

 

Go Natural: Stain remover solution

05 Tuesday Jul 2016

Posted by Cassandra Carr in Go Natural

≈ 1 Comment

One of my quests is to replace chemicals used around the house, like laundry detergent, windshield washer fluid, and everyday cleaners. One of my favorite “green” products is stain remover. I have a seven-year-old. As you can imagine, her clothes are a mess, between school, work, and gymnastics.

This would be close to using Dreft or Shout, from what I can see.

DIY Stain Remover

1 tsp blue Dawn Dish Soap (which you should have around the house already since it’s useful for tons of green cleaners – hey, if they use it on the ducks, I figure it’s okay)

2 tbs Arm & Hammer baking soda (another very useful product for green cleaning)

3 tbs hydrogen peroxide (see where I’m going here, all these products are staples in a green house)

Mix and then wash!

 

Isn’t that simple? Do you have a product that works better? Tell me in the comments!

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