2009 HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK
STILL FREE! MORE TIPS FOR HEALTHY & INEXPENSIVE
HOLIDAYS & GIFT GIVING
SEEKING MORE HAPPY FACES AND HEALTHY PEOPLE!
FROM: TOXICS INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP)
LIBERTY GOODWIN, DIRECTOR
P.O. Box 40572, Providence, RI 02940
TEL. 401-351-9193, E-MAIL: TIP@TOXICSINFO.ORG
WEBSITE: WWW.TOXICSINFO.ORG
(Lighting the Way to Less Toxic Living
WHAT’S THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK?
IT’S BACK FOR 2009, WITH LOTS OF NEW IDEAS!
**“People worry about, “What the heck would be a good gift for ___________??” Many are stumped trying to figure this one out. But, how could an organization with “toxics” in its name help?
**Well, by offering a treasure trove of creative and healthy gift ideas that you can find on the web or locally in Rhode Island.
**In a world where most people have their homes crammed with “stuff”, where the economy is tanking, budgets are shrinking, and the environment is seriously threatened, how to celebrate?
**Well, by learning about lots of healthy, inexpensive, environmentally friendly options for holiday buying, hospitality, dining and entertainment.
**It is a win-win strategy - saves money, pleases people, improves their health and preserves the planet .
THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK HELPS YOU FIGURE IT OUT! USE, ENJOY, AND IF YOU ARE STILL PUZZLED, CONTACT THE ORGANIZATION THAT PRODUCED IT - TOXICS INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP). THEY WELCOME QUERIES ABOUT HEALTHIER LIVING.
AND DON”T FORGET: TELLTHEM YOU FOUND IT HERE!
THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK
A TIP Less Toxic Living Guide
© 2009, Liberty Goodwin
Easy Ways to Support TIP P. 2
Out of the Box Gift Ideas & Philosophy P. 3
Charitable Gifts P. 5
Active Gifts P. 7
Fun for Kids P. 11
Safer Product Guides P. 16
Local Sources: Eco-Friendly Retail & Restaurants P. 19
Healthy Homes - Food, Cleaning, Carpets, Laundry P. 23
Pretty & Prudent - Personal Care P. 29
Pet/Pet Owner Gifts & Holiday Safety P. 31
NOTE: This Handbook Is Distributed Free By TIP To Enhance The Health And Well-Being Of All Readers. Please Consider Helping Our Organization With Your Shopping, Web Surfing, & Donations. See following Page for Ways to Support Our Efforts!
PLEASE TELL OUR RESOURCES THAT YOU SAW THEM IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK!!
STILL PUZZLED AFTER READING? GET MORE IDEAS FROM LAST YEAR’S HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK, STILL AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE!
GO TO: www.toxicsinfo.org/thoughts.htm THERE, YOU CAN BROWSE THROUGH IT, OR DOWNLOAD A FORMATTED VERSION AS A PDF FILE
EASY WAYS TO HELP TIP AND HELP YOUR HEALTH & PLANET AS WELL - TAKE US SURFING & SHOPPING!
Every Time You Search or Shop - at www.goodsearch.com/default.aspxor www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx
with Toxics Information Project (TIP) as your charity, we will receive a donation from the site. (Many store selections)
When you shop at IGive.com in our name, they’ll give us a percentage of the purchase price (Varies with the store, lots of sites included).
www.igive.com/welcome/warmwelcome.cfm?c=38382&m=0
AloNovo.com donates to us when you buy at one of their socially responsible stores . www.alonovo.com/?affiliate=98
OR JUST DONATE DIRECTLY TO TIP -
Go to: www.toxicsinfo.org/subscribe.htm
Choose what you can afford to give from the suggested membership & donation categories, fill out the form, pay by credit card or PayPal online, or send a check you’re your contact info. Questions? Call 401-351-9193
VISIT THE TIP BOOKSTORE:
www.toxicsinfo.org/tipstore.htm
Choose from the informative and fun titles there, and inquire about availability (stock on hand varies). If we don’t have it, buy it at one of the shopping sites above!
TIP is an official 501C3 Non-Profit organization, so all contributions are tax-deductible!
GIFTING WITH A DIFFERENCE (Besides being Less Toxic)
This year’s Healthy Holidays Handbook has lots of new ideas and resources to help you with the confusing task of choosing gifts! See the index for categories. Here are a few general principles:
1. Thinking Outside the Box. Most important - don’t get caught up in the holiday ads & routine. Be creative & independent.
2. Listening, Loving & Participatory Giving/Shopping.
“Surprise!” is a gamble. Consulting with your giftee is more likely to bring satisfaction and a great gift fit!
3. Active & Interactive Gifts for Children and/or Adults
These can bring people together and stimulate mind and body.
4. Giving Sustainable and Recession-Style.
Sometimes everyday beats “special”, & recycled can be just right.
5. Charity Can Be a Buzz. Donations generate a Christmas glow.
6. Lessons Can be Lovely: What have they been wanting to learn? (For example, see Kreatolier workshops below)
7. Christmas /Hanukkah or …in July or October or…
With California family members, we celebrated Xmas in September this year on a visit. Nicer than long distance!
SPECIAL SIMPLIFY THE HOLIDAYS WEBSITE:
www.newdream.org/holiday/index.php
Green Giving
Browse the Marketplace for material and nonmaterial gifts.
In one of our New Dream holiday polls, 82% of Americans indicated that they would rather receive a photo album of times shared than a store-bought gift. But that's just one idea for a meaningful holiday gift. We have lots of others.
SAMPLES FROM THIS SITE
Gifts for Children
1: The makings for hand puppets.
2: Box of dress up clothes
3: Jewelry kit
4: Upside-Down Day: Let kids set the day’s agenda (with parental supervision). Take off your watch, wear pajamas under your coat to the movies or eat dessert for breakfast.
5: Homemade Bird Feeder Kit:
6: Teach a child knitting or some other craft.
7: Write and illustrate a story with the child as the main character.
Regifting without Guilt
32: Re-gift: Although many times the idea is misconstrued to be taken as a way to get rid of your junk, when articles in good condition are passed on it saves space in your attic and the landfill.
33: Share a love of reading: Give away the last great book you bought.
34: Shop thrift stores in your area or online:
GENERAL & CHARITABLE GIFT-GIVING IDEAS
Holiday Gifting: 14 Ways To Give
More Meaning And Less Stuff
http://moneyandvalues.blogspot.com/2007/12/holiday-gifting-14-ways-to-give-more.html
Give to fewer people . Make no-gift agreements. Give gifts to fewer people in your circle:
Give to a good cause Give donations in others' names.Give a charity gift certificate: Give a product connected to a donation:
Give non-"stuff" gifts Give experiences: Give favors:
Give expressions of your love and friendship:
Give food and drink items: Give online/electronic gifts:
Give non-purchased stuff Give used: Re-gift: Give homemade:
Give better stuff. Give fair trade, organic, recycled, sweatshop-free, green, non-corporate, etc:
SEE SOME GREAT ORGANIZATIONS AND WHAT THEY DO BELOW - Consider Purchases Or Donations On Behalf Of A Friend Or Family Member - And (Use Your Imagination To Come Up With Other Ideas For Charitable Gifts That Fit Your Loved One.)
FROM UTNE READER: Heifer International : Gift of livestock, help people out of poverty. Sustainable Harvest - Sponsor an organic family garden, www.sustainableharvest.org
Global Giving Gift Card : www.GlobalGiving.org/gift
FROM CARE2 : Charity Gift Card : There are countless good causes in need of donations. Instead of making one to a charity of your choice in your friend’s name, give them a cute gift card from TisBest, www.tisbest.org/default.aspx, & allow them to choose from over 250 successful, innovative non-profit s.
**AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION OF RHODE ISLAND
Fight for healthy air! See www.lungne.org or call 401-533-5171. Help a friend who is struggling to quit: Gift certificate for Freedom From Smoking® classes $75.00 (8 sessions in 7 weeks) or register for premium on-line class and support ($15 for 4 months, $40/yr). Radon test kit (including analysis) $12.00. Give a registration fee for the Stair Climb event (in Providence on Feb. 27 or elsewhere in New England) and/or promise of pledge for Stair Climb event or Healthy Air Walk in late spring.
**PROVIDENCE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM,
100 South Street, Providence, RI Give the gift of PLAY!
A Providence Children’s Museum gift membership guarantees a year of joy-filled play and learning, starting at only $75. Save $5 with online purchase! Or give a gift certificate to the Museum Gift Shop & the recipient can choose from a selection of educational, hands-on toys. Membership and Gift Shop gift certificates are available at the Museum or online. See www.childrenmuseum.org for more information about membership levels, or contact membership@childrenmuseum.org or (401) 273-5437 ext. 221.
Blackstone Parks Conservancy , Blackstone Parks Conservancy, An active group that is "Dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of historic Blackstone Park and Boulevard."www.friendsofblackstoneblvd.org/membership/index.html
Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island , Wakefield, RI 401.792.2233 The ARL/SRI operates as a "limited admission" shelter. (also known as a "no kill" shelter). Besides dogs and cats, they accept many types of small animals, and birds.
HEALTHY & ACTIVE GIFTS
A LARGE TWIST TO AN OLD FAVORITE! No mallets or small balls in this game. Kick the 16" oversize balls through the wickets to get around the course. Perfect for developing kicking and coordination skills. Each set includes two 16" oversized croquet balls, 9 plastic wickets with ground stakes and 2 finishing stakes with flags. Ages 3 and up.
Great Gifts for the Holidays. Save 40-80 percent.
All used equipment sanitized with an eco-friendly process using ozone and tea tree oil.
Kennedy Plaza Ice Rink , Providence, Deb Dormody, Program Manager, Greater Kennedy Plaza, 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence RI 02903 401.331.5544 ext. 5 Private Skating lessons, Bank of America Skating Center gift certificates. www.providenceskating.com
Thayer Arena, Warwick , 975 Sandy Lane, Warwick, RI 401- 738-2000 x6811, warwick-rec@warwickri.com Learn to Skate Program, 6-week session, $50. Kids’ Skating Program, 508-420-3447. No skate rentals. www.warwickri.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=59&Itemid=166
TABLE TENNIS
Rhode Island Table Tennis Association : www.ritta.org 30 Railroad St., Manville/Lincoln, RI 401-769-6666. Gift certificates. Open 4 nights per week. Beginner to pro, pay as you play $6 per session, $2 Senior/youth/ student discounts. E-Mail: Contact@RITTA.org
NATURAL GOLF,www.naturalgolf.com
(Locations in Swansea & Providence)
Introductory Class. Base Price: $49.00. In just a little over an hour you will be on your way to learning the simplest swing in golf and experience dramatically improved ball-striking! To schedule School Dates for this location, call Natural Golf directly at: (888) 628-4653 M-F 9 am - 6 pm CST sales@naturalgolf.com For more options or bringing a companion, see: www.naturalgolf.com/SchoolsSearch.aspx?LocID=278
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
www.naturalgolf.com/ProShopProducts.aspx?CategoryID=53
Advanced Instructional Video Series - Set of 4. Base Price: $49.95. The Natural Golf Advanced Instructional Video Series 4-pack! Advanced Short Game, Drills, Playing Lesson and Putting Perfection were specially created to take your game to the next level of performance. 2 DVD Set
Instructional Video Series on DVD. Base Price: US $39.95. The Instructional Video Series on DVD! Driving For Distance, Faults & Fixes, and The Short Game videos plus a host of special features to enhance your Natural Golf experience.
Moe Norman - On Golf and Life. Base Price: $19.95 A fireside Chat with the world's best ballstriker, Moe Norman. Available on VHS
NATURAL GOLF CLOSEOUT SPECIALS
Complete Instructional Series - VHS Set of 7 Price: US $29.99
The Short Game Instructional Video
Learn the natural way to a better short game.
Driving For Distance Instructional Video
Learn the fundamentals to hit it long and straight.
Faults & Fixes Instructional Video
Learn how to fix the six common faults in your swing.
Drills for the Natural Golfer
Natural Golf School's 12 best practice drills.
Advanced Short Game Video for the Natural Golfer
Instruction and Strategy from 80 yards and in.
Playing Lesson for the Natural Golfer
Learn how to think and play on the golf course
Putting Perfection for the Natural Golfer
Advance putting techniques and new drills.
ELITE GOLF TRAINING CENTER
1865 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA 02771
A 6,000 sq. feet Indoor Golf Training Center
Jeffrey Dantas, Director of Instruction
Renee LaCroix, Office Manager
508-336-3776, elitegolfcenter@yahoo.com
Membership Options
http://elitegolfcenter.com/membershipprograms.html
Junior Memberships start at $30 a month.
Junior training programs/golf classes, from ages 5-15
Non-Member Rates
(For 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours or 20 hours)
Range Time, $10, $45, $85, $150
Cameras: $ 5, $20, $30, $50
Simulator Time : $10, $40, $75, $120
EA Golf Game : $15, $50, $90, $150
COMBO CARD (Simulator, Video camera & use of Golf Software: $12.50, $50, $90, $150
MONSTER MINI-GOLF
Indoor mini golf, with phosphorescent balls!
33 Lambert Lind Hwy (rte 5), Warwick RI
Phone: 401-921-5472
warwick@monsterminigolf.com
and
140 Taunton Ave., Seekonk MA 02771
In the Ann & Hope Garden Outlet Plaza (do not confuse with the Ann & Hope on Rte 6) Phone:508-336-8004 or 877-336-8034
Season Passes: For only $25.00, you can play Monster Mini Golf as many times as you wish for 3 months from the time of purchase.
Winter Hours of Operation ( Starting November 3rd) Closed Mondays and Tuesdays . Wednesday - Thursday: 2pm-9pm , Friday: 2pm-10pm Sat.: Noon-10pm , Sunday: Noon-8pm
Upcoming Holiday Hours: Black Friday - 11 AM - 10 PM.
Christmas Eve- 10 AM - 3 PM, Mon. 12/28 thru Wed. 12/30, Noon - 9 pm, New Year's Eve, Thurs. 12/31,.10 am - 3 pm,
New Year's Day, Fri. 1/1/10, Noon-10 pm
FESTIVAL BALLET: CENTER FOR DANCE EDUCATION ,
825 Hope Street, Providence, RI. Give the gift of dance training - to children (starting at age three), adults, or persons with disabilities. Or, take them to a holiday ballet! Call 401.353.1129 or E-Mail: info@festivalballet.com
FREE SUNDAY NIGHT JAMMERS' DANCES!
Goff Hall, 124 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA One Sunday each month: Potluck Supper: 6 p.m. Dancing (with teaching, as needed): 7 to 9 p.m. Waltz, Polka, Contradance, Israeli, English, Scandinavian, Italian...
Next dance, Dec. 13, 2009, 2010 dates to be announced
www.contradancelinks.com/jammers.html
April 20, 2009 in Simplify
Josh says: All great ideas! For my son’s birthday parties we have been having a book exchange instead of gifts. Each child brings a wrapped book which is placed in a circle. Start singing happy birthday while circling the book and when the song ends each child gets the book that is in front of them. Usually there is some swapping at the end, but for the most part everyone gets a great new book.
HeatherS says: son received a great gift from a little boy at his party a few years ago. The gift was not only a gift certificate to a local bookstore, but the other boy and his Mom picked my son up and took him there as part of a special outing to spend his gift certificate. This mom will also give bowling gift certificates and pick up the child and take them bowling too. The kids love it and no plastic stuff to clutter up the house.
Money Funk says: Buying items that can result in wonderful experiences is a much more thoughtful gift than an item. I bought concert tickets last Christmas for my kids and they had so much fun. I even got a “thank you” from my teenager. That is hard to do! lol! But, I didn’t think of buying lessons. My daughter’s bday is this weekend. And I think I am going to buy her a month’s worth of lesson to a hip hop class. Thanks for that idea. 
Give the sustainable gift of sustainable Live Musical Performance For Children with NPR-featured Lindsay Adler as "Mother Nature" singing and playing songs about the earth and its living things.
Play An Instrument? Read Music? Join the Sunday Night Jammers! Every Sunday evening from 7 to 9 p.m., we play dance music from around the world.
Not good enough for us? Too good for us? Just try us once, and decide!
Goff Hall, 124 Bay State Road, Rehoboth, MA See www.contradancelinks.com/jammers.html for details or contact Judith 401-751-4554; schrierwilde@gmail.com
**JOE CASANO, TRUMPET LESSONS: www.trumpetlessonsatyourhome.com
For more information: jacas2002@aol.com, 781-258-1615.
Joe has been teaching private, semi-private and group lessons for 5+ years (grade 4 - adult). He has successfully helped prepare students for district auditions, festivals, recitals and college auditions.
Roger Williams Park Zoo , 1000 Elmwood Avenue. Providence, RI - Give the gift of fun and learning at the Zoo with day passes or affordable year-round gift memberships. Visit www.rwpzoo.org to learn about our holiday events, parties, and membership options.
INTERACTIVE GAMES - EXERCISE FOR THE MIND & FAMILY FUN
The Grouchy Ladybug Game
brings the Eric Carle book alive complete with a moving whale tail. Children move their ladybugs through the game, practicing manners, meeting animal friends, and gathering a nice meal! Each player starts with a grouchy, hungry ladybug and an empty leaf. . When players land on an aphid space, it takes a polite "please" to move ahead and feed a ladybug. When on a ladybug space, they choose an animal card and explore the relative size of various animals. Includes giant game board with moving whale tail, 4 ladybug game pieces, 12 animal cards, 50 aphid tokens, spinner, and instructions.
What’s Yours Like? The Game That Tells It Like It Is
List Price: $29.99 Price: $21.14 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25 : 13 new from $15.57 Mine is tight. It's hot when I wear mine. I hate shopping for mine. Be clever, be witty, or be outrageous when describing your swimsuit, neighbor, closet, hair, or whatever Guess Word is picked. but, best of all, be creative so you don't reveal the word to the player in the Hot Seat. Get ready for some side-splitting laughs as players answer "What's Yours Like'" For 4 or more players. .
Mattel: Apples To Apples: Party Box - Deluxe Metal Case
List Price, $34.99 Discount Price: $18.49
In this game of hilarious comparisons, your goal is to choose the Red Apple card in your hand that best describes the word selected on the Green Apple card. For example, if the Green Apple card says ""Misunderstood"" which Red Apple card would you choose - The universe, Michael Jackson, duct tape, or hangnails? If the judge chooses your card, you win that round. Everyone gets to be the judge, and every round is filled with surprising & outrageous comparisons from a wide range of people, places, things, and events. It's a fun game where everyone's opinion counts! The Party Box includes every card from the original Apples to Apples Core Game, plus Expansion Sets 1 & 2. For 4-10 players, ages 12 and up. $24.88
COMMENT BY A FAMILY MEMBER: We love that one so much that we bought the On The Go magnetic edition for the car & travel since it was on sale for only $10 at Target last week. (That one is for age 12 and up. There’s a Junior version for age 9 +)
From “”For Small Hands, website, presented by Montessori Services . Orders/Customer Service: 888-274-4003 M-F, 8-4:30 Pacific Time 24-Hour Orders Only: 888-513-3998
www.forsmallhands.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=82
This game and activity collection fosters cooperation, allows those with varied abilities and of mixed ages to play together, and offers young children plenty of hands-on chances to explore balance, form, shape, color and size relationships.
Granny’s House ~ Award-Winning Cooperative Game - Fun family board game from Family Pastimes 17.50 Ages 4-7
Orchard Game - Fun cooperative board game from Haba Will the children harvest the fruit before the raven eats it? $39.95 Ages 3-8
Princess ~ Award-Winning Cooperative Game - Fun family board game from Family Pastimes $17.50 Ages 4-7
The Secret Door ~ Award-Winning Cooperative Game - Fun family board game from Family Pastimes $17.50 Ages 5+
Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game - Cooperative game to teach children about plants. $29.95 Ages 4+
Harvest Time ~ Award-Winning Cooperative Game - Fun family game from Family Pastimes $17.50 Due 12/17/09 Ages 4-7
Snail’s Pace Race ~ Award-Winning Game from Ravensburger - First game teaches taking turns & color recognition. $24.95 Ages 3-7
Loop to Loop Play Parachute - Cooperative group activity for children. Great for anywhere mixed ages want to play together...$35.95 Ages 3+
The Ungame® for Kids: Family communication card game. $9.95; 5+
The Yoga Garden ~ Cooperative Board Game - Exercise activity and game from YogaKids. The object of this cooperative game is to plant a flower garden before night falls. $19.95 Ages 4-
Play almost anywhere, with little or no equipment, and with just a few or many players. Children will join in with enthusiasm, once the pressure of competition is off. Collected (and reworked for cooperative play) by the founder of Family Pastimes, these games emphasize working together so the whole group “wins.”
For example, in Frogs on the Pond (cooperative musical chairs), all the “frogs” cooperate to fit onto one lily pad. The emphasis is on younger players, although there’s something for all ages through junior high. Games are for small and large groups. Paperback, 56 pages.
TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HANDBOOK!
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GUIDES TO SAFER TOYS & OTHER PRODUCTS
NEW TOY RESULTS POSTED AT HEALTHYSTUFF.ORG
HealthyStuff.org has partnered with Illinois PIRG to give a toy testing preview before their early December Toys Update. Researchers tested 87 different products they bought at Chicago-area retailers using the XRF analyzer. For the preview, go to:
www.healthystuff.org/departments/toys/product.askforinfo.php
"After the wave of record recalls of dangerous toys just two years ago, we're glad to see that most of the toys we tested are in compliance with the law," said Brian Imus, director of Illinois PIRG and an author of the report. "But not all toys are safe and we must do more to prevent t
oxic toys from ending up on store shelves." The new tests showed some toys still violate CPSC standards for lead and contain illegal phthalates. Two out of seven toys tested contained phthalates which were banned by the federal government earlier this year. See the test results at:
www.healthystuff.org/departments/toys/product.tmtresults.php
Toy Testing Report: www.illinoispirg.org/news-releases/toxics--public-health-news/toxics--public-health-news/screening-finds-illinois-toys-fail-to-comply-with-lead-phthalate-limits
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From Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ)
PASS UP THE POISON PLASTIC ?
THE PVC-FREE GUIDE FOR YOUR FAMILY & HOME
The Center for Health, Environment, and Justice (CHEJ) put together this Guide to prevent harm & to empower you to find safer solutions to PVC, the poison plastic. PVC, also known as vinyl, is the worst plastic for our health and environment, releasing dangerous chemicals that can cause cancer from their manufacture to their disposal. The guide lists the most common consumer products made out of PVC & safer PVC-free products in 80 product categories including: Baby Care Products , School & Office Supplies, Building Materials, Children's Toys , Electronics , and more! Demand safer, healthier products by purchasing PVC-free items for home & loved ones this holiday season. Download the CHEJ PVC Guide at:
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/852/t/2092/signUp.jsp?key=3845
Find more info from the CHEJ Campaign for Safe, Healthy Consumer Products at: www.besafenet.com/pvc/safe.htm
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Health Tips from the Environmental Working Group
PRODUCT SAFETY INFO FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.
(Excerpts of holiday interest).
For all tips, see : www.ewg.org/health-tips
Healthy Home Tips: The Series
Download PDF of Healthy Home Tips.
Download Other Guides
Download the Top 10 Lowest Radiation Phones
Read Full Cell Phone Radiation Report
Learn How to Reduce Exposure to Cell Phone Radiation
Guide to Kids' Personal Care Products
Guide to Triclosan: The 'Antibacterial' Pesticide
New Shopper's Guide to Pesticides
Shopper's Guide to Safe Cosmetics
Tools that Make it Easy
Kids' Product Buying Guide: Safe kids' personal care products
Skin Deep: Find safe personal care products for the family
Triclosan in Your Home: Find the "antibacterial" pesticide
Pets for the Environment: Healthy pet tips
Tuna Calculator: Learn how much tuna is safe for you
National Tapwater Contamination Database: Look up your city
Quick Tips for Parents & Kids
Tips for a Healthy Home: A Parent's Guide to Going Green
Flame Retardants (PBDEs): 7 ways to reduce your exposure
PFCs: What are they and how to avoid them
Everyday Pollution Solutions: Easy steps to green your life
Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce: Go organic & save
Safe Fish List: Find healthy, low-mercury fish
Top 10 Cosmetic Shopping Tips: Learn ingredients to avoid
Tips to Avoid Bisphenol-A: All you need to know about BPA
PRESENTS AND MORE PRESENTS
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/holiday911/2006/11/presents_and_more_presents.html (Combining With Others to Give)
A Yankee swap works like this. Everyone who is to participate brings a wrapped gift (you can preset a $ limit). All gifts go in a pile. You draw a name. That person chooses a gift & unwraps it, you draw another name - that person either chooses an unwrapped gift or goes to the pile. If your gift is "stolen" you go to the pile and unwrap another. etc until all have a gift. You may have to set steal limits ie: each gift may be stolen only 3 times or whatever or what ends up happening is 2 or 3 gifts keep getting passed until someone just tires of it. DO this every year with one set of friends its great fun. Posted by: Atlanta | Nov.17, 2006.
Recently my sibling and I have co-conspired to give my parents one large gift for the year (includes Christmas, 2 birthdays, Mothers/Fathers Day, Anniversary). This year my parents received Barbra Streisand tickets. Last year, we upgraded their computer. For parents who have plenty of things and are happy to have new experiences in their mid-life, almost-retirement years, this is working well. We still remember and celebrate their special days, but we no longer shop for each day individually. Posted by: Emily | November 16, 2006
For family gifts, we all--nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters--each draw a name out of the hat and give one gift. We keep the dollar amount at a reasonable level. It's always worked well--everyone gets one present and gives one present, and the rules are clear. Posted by: Brooklyn | November 16, 2006
ECO-FRIENDLY OFFERINGS FOR GREEN LIVING
**SEVEN STORY MARKET
www.sevenstorymarket.com Based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Want to shop with your conscience? Then explore Seven Story Market. Owner Susan Letendre travels to Guatemala and Mexico, returning with beautiful & elegant beaded jewelry & ornaments, shawls, table-runners, & more… all hand-made, all fair trade, each purchase means Mayan women are building better lives. E-Mail: Susan@SevenStoryMarket.com, or call 401-268-9810 for OPEN HOUSE and event dates. Come learn about sustainable shopping.
THE DID YOU KNOW? STORE,
326 Main Street, Wakefield, RI, 401-284-1109. Claire Hall, Owner. E-Mail; TheDidYouKnowStore@gmail.com, Environmentally conscious alternatives to everyday products; support recycling & re-use, organic farming, fair trade, offer affordable eco-friendly products and focusing on educating the consumer on ways to be more eco-conscious in everyday choices. Website: www.thedidyouknowstore.com
**SIMPLY CHICKIE
PO Box 514, Newport, RI 02840 (401) 855-9504. 100% organic cotton baby clothing including organic onesies, t-shirts and hats for both boys and girls to wear. Our baby clothing is printed on 100% organic cotton and made in the U.S.A. Sizes are available from 3 months to 6T. www.gwendesigns.com
24A Pier Marketplace, Narragansett, RI 02882
401-788-9077 www.mostnaturally.com
• Bamboo and Organic Cotton Clothing for Babies, Children, and Adults
• Organic Cotton Linens • Natural Skincare • Recycled Jewelry
• Soy Candles • Natural Pet Products • Organic Tea • Recycled Glassware Most Naturally supports products made in the U.S.A., as well as Fair Trade Certified merchandise
**THE GOOD EARTH ORGANIC GARDENING CENTER,
Joyce & John Holscher 1800 Scituate Ave., Hope, RI
401-826-3130 E-Mail: info@goodearthorganicgardencenter.com RI's only certified organic gardening center. Premium grade cut & Live Christmas Trees, Wreaths & Roping, Poinsettias & other plants to beautify your home for the holidays. Special Gourmet Delights. Gift baskets ready made or made to order. Unscented Beeswax Candles. other Local & Fair Trade gifts that celebrate the art of gardening. www.goodearthorganicgardencenter.com
**THE WORM LADIES OF CHARLESTOWN
Nancy Warner and Lois Fulton www.wormladies.com . Purchase 401-364-9673 or 401-322-7675. Hand made Angora gifts and wool. Teach children the importance of "living green" with their very own Worm Kit, $40. Outside bins just $70. Red worms and kits for vermicomposting along with Nutrient rich castings (soil enhancer and plant food) .We mail year round. Pick up and farm visit by appointment.
Red Horse Farm , Exeter, RI 401-439-1047. Raise Shetland sheep, offer homespun yarn, handcrafted wooly sheep ornaments, wool for spinning or felting, hand-made dog toys with wool stuffing & sheep skins. Adopt-A-Sheep program - $60. Also, fresh Christmas wreaths & arrangements.
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ORGANIC FRUIT GIFTS
Organic Fruit Basket: $29.95, Item #5617 Cherry Moon Farms Organic Fruit Sampler with Extra 60% Free Fruit . Treat them to the special gift of delicious organic fruit. This 16-piece sampler, with 5 different fruits, provides variety, health and happiness all in one. Certified Organic Bartlett or Comice Pears, 2 Certified Organic Fuji or Gala Apples, 2 Certified Organic Navel Oranges, 4 Certified Organic Kiwi, 6 Certified Organic Bananas. Find This and Other Organic Fruit Gifts At:
www.cherrymoonfarms.com/organicfruit-cof?ref=CMFSHPG_Giftscom_10382
**PSYCHIC KITTY
The Village at South County Commons, Rte. 1, South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Tel. 401-284-0660, Web: www.psychic-kitty.com,
Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am - 7 pm, Sat. 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday Closed. A unique source for holistic pet care to help your dogs and cats thrive. They welcome you to learn about their many offerings including certified organic food & treats, herbal & natural options, collars/harnesses, beds & bowls, toys, coats & sweaters and much more plus gifts for the discriminating pet lover.
Susan Letendre , Sustainable Living Coach, 401-268-9810.
Susan works with individuals and groups to actualize their sustainable potential. Call to talk about a gift of coaching to a loved one or loved group!
HEALTHY RHODE ISLAND EATERIES
GARDEN GRILLE:
727 East Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 726-2826 www.gardengrillecafe.com
The perfect holiday choice for your vegetarian or vegan friend or family member: A Garden Grille gift certificate !
Full service vegetarian, entrees, fresh juice bar, whole wheat tortilla roll-ups, soups, salads & sandwiches. Many vegan options, including desserts! Open 7 days a week.
**LOCAL 121
121 Washington Street, Providence, RI
Tel. (401) 274-2121
**AS220
115 Empire St. & 95 Mathewson St.,
Providence, RI.
This holiday season give a Membership or Gift Certificate for classes & studio time in the AS220 Print Shop (non-toxic solvents used) or the Paul Krot B&W Darkrooms. Or, support RI artistic diversity by gifting artwork from the on-line store or the four not-for-profit galleries at AS220. Give a gift certificate to AS220's brand new restaurant at Empire St., serving delicious & very affordable cuisine cooked with love, local seasonal produce, & all natural food creations. For info, see www.as220.org or call 401.831.9327.
**SPRUCE POND CREAMERY
www.organicflatbread.com
370 King Street, Franklin, MA 02038.
(508) 520-7900.
Organic thin-crust wood-oven pizza, using a special mix of organic whole grain, unbleached and semolina flour. Lasagna & pasta dishes, all organic including meat, cheese, & sauce. Sausage, pepperoni and cheese from Organic Valley. All natural homemade ice cream, formerly at Maxmillian’s - no hormones or antibiotics - and more! Worth a hop over the state line - only 22 minutes from Providence, Exit 16 off Rte. 495
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CONSUMERS UNION ON IMPORTANT FOOD CHOICES
EATING IT? BPA FOUND IN SURPRISING PLACES
www.care2.com/greenliving/toxic-bpa-found-in-a-surprising-variety-of-food.html posted by Melissa Breyer Nov 10, 2009
WHY AVOID BPA? (Excerpts)
BPA is a synthetic estrogen commonly used to strengthen plastic & line food cans. More than 100 peer-reviewed studies have found BPA to be toxic at low doses. Scientists have linked it, though not conclusively, to breast cancer, obesity, attention deficit disorder, and genital abnormalities in both boys & girls..
Consumer Reports’ latest tests of canned foods including soups, juice, tuna & green beans found that almost all of the 19 name-brand foods tested contain some BPA. The canned organic foods they tested didn’t always have lower BPA levels than non-organic brands of similar foods analyzed. They even found the chemical in some products in cans that were labeled “BPA-free.” BPA was detected in 95 % of the people in one sampling.
CR reports that a 165-lb. adult eating one serving of canned green beans from the test sample, could ingest about 80 times more BPA than their experts’ recommended upper daily limit. Children eating multiple servings per day of canned foods with BPA levels comparable to the ones they found in some tested products could get a dose of BPA approaching levels that have caused adverse effects in several animal studies. In Japan major manufacturers voluntarily changed their can linings in 1997 to cut or eliminate the use of BPA because of concerns about health effects.
How To Limit You Exposure To BPA
Canned Food : Canned foods are thought to be the predominant route of BPA exposure. Buy prepared foods in jars when possible – especially tomatoes and tomato sauce. Opt for fresh produce or frozen produce over canned. Use dried beans, not canned beans.
Infant Formula : All U.S. manufacturers use BPA-based lining on the metal portions of infant formula containers. Tests of liquid formulas by the FDA & EWG show that BPA leaches into the formula from all brands tested. Enfamil formula appears to have the highest concentrations of the 20 tests. The only solution here is to use alternatives to canned formula.
Plastics: When possible it is best to avoid #7 plastics, especially for children’s food. Plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2 and #4 on the bottom are safer choices and do not contain BPA.
**Find baby bottles in glass versions, or made from the safer plastics including polyamine, polypropylene and polyethylene.
**Soft or cloudy-colored plastic does not contain BPA.
**Bottles used to pump and store expressed breast milk by the brand Medela are also labeled BPA-free.
**Many metal water bottles are lined with a plastic coating that contains BPA. Use stainless steel bottles without a plastic liner.
**Read about plastic and food storage here.
For the full details of the report, visit the Consumer Reports site at: www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/december-2009/food/bpa/overview/bisphenol-a-ov.htm
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KEEPING CLEAN - AND NON-TOXIC
Are Your Cleaning Supplies Safe?
Have you ever wondered whether cleaning supplies used in our homes and schools contain toxic chemicals? Are they safe for your family's health? EWG did. So, EWG tested some popular conventional and green cleaning supplies to see what's in them and whether those ingredients are safe. Find the report, products tested & the 457 chemicals they released into the air at:www.ewg.org/schoolcleaningsupplies/overview
What's the problem with cleaning supplies? The shocking truth is that nearly any chemical can legally be used in cleaners, and ingredient lists are not required on labels. Our health, and the health of our children, is at risk when we breathe air clouded with chemicals, including some that can cause asthma and are known or possible carcinogens.
Get EWG's tips for simple but effective things you can do at home & at school to switch to greener cleaning. Learn more about the link between cleaning supplies & your health, see EWG product test results, and find out what you can do to make the air in classrooms and homes a whole lot cleaner. www.ewg.org/schoolcleaningsupplies/safecleaningtips
CARPETS CAN STINK. SO, MAKE YOUR OWN!
www.care2.com/greenliving/carpets-stink-so-make-your-own.html
Have you ever seen a tag on a carpet that said it contained “unknown man-made fibers.” Are you scared of the “unknown?” If it’s hanging off a carpet or rug, you should be.
“Unknown” carpet or rug fibers are generally made from a cocktail of synthetic fibers such as nylon, acrylic, polyester, or polypropylene. These fibers are treated with fire retardants, anti-static treatments, fungicides, dye and adhesives made of VOCs. Carpets are backed with polyurethane, synthetic latex, or PVC. Take a whiff. You can even smell the chemical odors of new carpets and rugs wafting up from the floor when you bring one home. On an even stinkier note, do you know where carpets go to die? You guessed it, the landfill. Now that “unknown” cocktail is leaching into the ground and water for years and years to come.
Like wallpaper, makers and buyers of carpets and rugs are acutely aware of the environmental damage of this home decor product, and have begun to make changes. In the world of green home design, carpets and rugs are experiencing an eco-awakening.
One such carpet company, FLOR has a strong commitment to sustainability. With eco-standards for providing low-VOC’s, FLOR’s design mission blends form and function, and includes a commitment to be environmentally responsible. Their dedication to caring for the planet carries over from design and manufacturing to reclaiming and recycling old FLOR carpets and rugs into new.
Don’t want to lay down the bucks for a new carpet? Then make your own rugs. While I love the look of wood, bamboo or cork floors, nothing cozies up a room like a rug. They can even become mini-versions of carpet when put together. The DIY projects below vary in cost and difficulty.
5 DIY Rugs
1. Little House in the Suburbs provides the DIY instructions for making a no-sew rag rug.
2. A recycled sweater rug from Home Workshop is pure genius.
3. This rug shown on Apartment Therapy is put together using inexpensive small area rugs.
4. ReadyMade provides a tutorial for making a cut and sew felt rug.
5. This rug found over on the Craftzine blog is so inspirational. It is made from recycled blankets & would be an amazing DIY project.
HOW TO REMOVE STAINS AND PET ODORS FROM RUGS
www.care2.com/greenliving/remove-stains-and-pet-odors-from-rug.html, a Care2 favorite by Annie B. Bond
Soon we will be closing our homes up for the cooler weather, leaving us face-to-face with rugs and carpets that look and smell less than fresh: A wine spill here, a pet accident there—and you can end up with a real mess underfoot. But commercial carpet cleaners and fresheners can contain synthetic ingredients that can harm you and your pets. Here are some great formulas that really work to remove grease stains, chewing gum, food and red wine stains, and even cat mistakes (Annie’s formula works better than expensive enzyme-based cleaners!). Find out how to have sweet-smelling, fresh-looking rugs, safely and naturally.
Always try these formulas on a bit of rug that is out of sight first, to be sure they won’t cause discoloration or fading.
Annie’s Fabulous Whipped Carpet-Cleaner:
This formula is fun to make and fun to use. Just mix equal parts water and liquid detergent and whip with a hand beater until it gets frothy. Use a sponge to scoop some onto a section of your rug, rub in gently, then wipe dry with a clean rag.
To Remove Red Wine Stains: It’s easier to get rid of stains when they are fresh. First, blot, then dilute with warm water and blot again. Then:
Method 1 : Pour on a bit of milk, white wine, or club soda. Blot and wash with warm water and liquid detergent.
Method 2 : Mix equal parts liquid detergent and fresh hydrogen peroxide (it loses its effectiveness if it’s old) and apply to stain. Blot and reapply if necessary, then use warm water to rinse. Allow to dry.
To Remove Fruit Juice and Berry Stains: Blot and dilute the stain, then apply straight white vinegar. Rinse with warm water.
To Remove Chewing Gum : Remove as much of it as you can (some people swear by using a plastic bag to pick up the gum: evidently, the gum will adhere to the plastic). Then apply ice cubes to the gum still remaining on the carpet to freeze it: the gum becomes easy to pick out of the rug fibers.
To Remove Grease Stains: First, blot away as much of the grease as you can. Then apply straight isopropyl alcohol to the stain. Blot, then wash with warm water and liquid detergent. If that doesn’t get it all, apply a few drops of fresh hydrogen peroxide and blot, then wash again with warm water and detergent.
To Neutralize Pet Odors: See this great technique for cat mistakes and these general deodorizers for pet odors . By the cat-loving staff at Care2. www.care2.com/greenliving/neutralizing-cat-odors.html
The odor of cat urine is one of the strongest and most unpleasant smells ever. And it’s so difficult to get rid of: one pet mistake on a carpet or sofa can ruin it forever–unless you know the secret. Find out how to get rid of that awful odor quickly, easily and naturally!
1. First, use water with soap or detergent to dilute and remove as much of the urine as possible. Rinse area well.
2. Next, apply straight white vinegar to the area (you may want to make sure this will not affect the color of your rug or furniture by doing a spot-test first.) Rub in well and allow to dry until area is just damp. Be sure to wait until the vinegar is nearly dry before applying the baking soda.
3. Apply baking soda liberally to the damp area and allow to dry completely. (If baking soda gets too wet, it will make a gloppy mess that is hard to vacuum. Once it then dries it can stick to the fabric of a carpet and be hard to fully rinse off, although it should eventually.)
4. When dry, vacuum thoroughly.
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ANOTHER THING THAT COULD SPOIL
YOUR HOLIDAY - BUGS!
NOT TO WORRY - CALL THE LOCAL RI
NON-TOXIC BUG EXPERT
(Treatments That Are Safer for You,
Your Family & The Environment) .
BioTechPestControls, David Jones,
18 Granite Street, Westerly, RI 02891
Tel. 401-315-2400, E-Mail: bugs@biotechpestcontrols.com
Web:www.biopestcontrol.com.
Bio-Tech Services and advice have actually been used by Liberty G., TIP Director. They’re very committed to environmentally & people-friendly pest management!
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GAIAM GREEN LIVING
www.gaiam.com/category/eco-home-outdoor/air-quality.do
CLOSET & HOUSE ODOR ABSORBERS
Nontoxic Air Refreshers $14.00 - $35.00 Contain volcanic minerals with a natural ionic charge and completely erase problem odors. Simply hang the packs up and walk away. A single pack deodorizes up to 600 sq. ft. of space. Placed in the air return of a central A/C or heating system, Odor Absorber House (not shown) keeps 1,000 sq. ft. naturally odor-free. Closet Odor Absorber has four 6-oz. & two 32-oz. packs; House Odor Absorber, 1 32 oz. pack.
SMALL SPACE 
DEHUMIDIFIER
Eva-Dry Dehumidifier $42.00 4¾"H x 6½"W x 1½"D. Nontoxic, ultra-thirsty silica gel crystals in a compact case absorb high volumes of water vapor from surrounding air. When the blue crystal indicator turns pink, just plug the unit into a socket for a quick low-power recharge, & you're ready again to protect dampness-vulnerable valuables in drawers, cases, closets and cabinets & on shelves. Operates for 10 years, without batteries.
LESS TOXIC LAUNDRY
www.gaiam.com/category/eco-home-outdoor/household/laundry.do
Wonder Ball Detergent-Free Laundry Cleaner
$49.00 2¾"; 5 ozReduces soaps & petrochemicals in the Earth's water supply.. A proprietary blend of minerals & magnetics within the ball lowers the water's surface tension, making it "wetter" so it can clean fabric fibers more deeply. Washing with the Wonder Ball only & no laundry soap also eliminates the detergent residue that aggravates allergies & irritates skin. Works in hard or soft water. Can use to hand wash delicates. Lasts about two years or 2,000 washes. Manufacturer will recharge for a fee.
Tstatic Eliminator Chemical-Free Dryer Sheets $24.00 12"L x 7½"W. Canada (2 per box) Unlike disposable dryer sheets you throw away after every load, Static Eliminator can be used up to 500 times — saving money & eliminating waste. Also, the hypoallergenic sheets are ideal for allergy sufferers because they're free of the harmful chemicals — three of which appear on the EPA's Hazardous Waste List — used in conventional brands. Removes pet fur from laundry.
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PRETTY & PRUDENT: Personal care for a healthy you.
Moist as a Dewdrop, Fresh as a Flower: For the magic of makeup, hair products, scents and moisturizers, women may be paying a higher price than they think. By Sarah Feldberg The Valley Advocate, Northampton, MA, August 06, 2008 www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=8132
ANNUAL BEAUTY WITH A CONSCIENCE AWARDS
For their 2nd Annual Beauty with a Conscience Awards, Natural Solutions magazine put its stamp of approval on 101 of the purest and best personal care products using guidelines developed in collaboration with Whole Foods Market. Here is their list of the toxic ingredients that you don’t want in your products.
15 TOXIC INGREDIENTS IN PERSONAL CARE
www.care2.com/greenliving/15-toxic-ingredients-in-personal-care-products.html?&page=2 Natural Solutions Magazine: Nov 9, 2009
We’ve all heard that everything from hair serum to sunscreen can teem with troublesome toxins & crazy chemicals. Many concerned consumers already steer clear of products made with parabens, phthalates, and synthetic scents and colors. But there are hundreds of lesser-known ingredients hidden in many favorite products–some with the potential to wreak havoc on the environment & others that have been linked to breast cancer. Without a universal & enforceable natural or organic standard to regulate the beauty industry, even companies claiming to be natural often produce products laced with not-so-clean stuff.
TOP 15 INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN PERSONAL CARE AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS
1 . Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates
2. Parabens, ubiquitous in skincare,– but these antimicrobial chemicals also have hormone-disrupting effects.
3. Ureas, are preservatives that have the potential to release formaldehyde in small amounts and cause contact dermatitis.
4. 1,4-dioxane, a chemical carcinogen, is created when ingredients are processed with petroleum-derived ethylene oxide. Common ethoxylated compounds include sodium laureth sulfate and polyethylene glycol (often listed as PEG). To avoid it, skip any product with the following ingredients: myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth (or any other -eth), PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.
5. Petrochemicals such as petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin form a barrier when applied to the skin that can clog pores.
6. MEA/DEA/TEA are “amines” (ammonia compounds) and can form harmful nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, dryness of the hair & skin.
7. Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl and sodium laureth, are harsh detergents often derived from petroleum, also may come from vegetable oils that can be contaminated with pesticides. Sulfates can cause eye irritation and skin rashes.
8. Chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate, have been shown to disrupt endocrine activity. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safer alternatives.
9. Quats, such as benzalkonium chloride, steardimonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, & cetrimonium chloride, give a positive charge to conditioners in order to prevent static. Only the mildest quats were allowed in the BWC standard: guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hydroxypropyltrimonium oligosaccharide, and SugaQuats.
10. Antibacterial compounds, like triclosan & chlorphenesin, don’t break down in the environment & contribute to bacterial resistance.
11. Synthetic polymers, like sodium polyacrylate and carbomer, come from petroleum & give viscosity to skin care products. They’re highly processed & their manufacture creates toxic by-products.
12. Synthetic colors, from coal tar, contain heavy metal salts that may deposit toxins onto the skin, causing sensitivity and irritation. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic. They are labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color & a number.
13. Chelators, as disodium EDTA and tetrasodium EDTA, are used ito remove impurities from low-quality raw materials. They do not readily biodegrade in the environment.
14. Nanos are a new technology with inconclusive but potentially hazardous study results. Research suggests that when tiny nano particles penetrate the skin, they may causecell damage.
15. Animal testing: A grim history of cruelty to animals lies behind many cosmetic ingredients. But scientists are developing new technologies to test cosmetics before a European Union ban on animal testing begins in March 2009.
Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living offers news on health conditions, herbs & supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods & conscious living. Click here for a free sample issue.
AS ALWAYS, THE BEST GUIDE AVAILABLE TO PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS WITHOUT TOXIC CHEMICALS IS EWG’S “ SKIN DEEP” COSMETIC SAFETY DATABASE AT: WWW.COSMETICSDATABASE.COM
HEALTHY HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR PETS:
By Liz Hassinger DVM
Wolf Rock Animal Health Center
www.wolfrockanimals.com
When shopping for the holidays, many of us will be thinking of a special toy or treat for the animals that we love. It's easy to become swayed by the marketing of cute toys and treats that we see in discount stores and pet food aisles. Unfortunately, toxins are common in many pet toys and treats. These include lead, arsenic, Chromium, Phthalates and Bisphenol-A in many pet toys and beddings, as well as excessive sugars, preservatives and artificial colors in many treats. These sorts of toxins are most common in products that are sold at discount stores and those that are made in China.
How can you find non-toxic gifts for your pets? You are most likely to find healthier choices if you visit a privately owned, local pet supply shop or health food store. Chew toys should clearly state on their label that they are free of phthalates and Bisphenol-A. (these chemicals have been linked to cancer and hormonal dysfunctions, both of which are common causes of decreased lifespan in pets) Thankfully, there are now companies that are producing safe and healthy toys for pets that are made with natural rubber, organic fibers and natural dyes. If you can't find them in your local stores, check www.ecoanimal.com , www.westpawdesign.com, www.healthystuff.org.
When selecting a treat, the healthiest are those that are low in carbohydrate, such as the dehydrated or freeze-dried meat or fish treats. (be careful to check the country of origin!) If choosing a biscuity snack, look for organic ingredients, whole grains(if any) and no artifical colors or preservatives. Avoid rawhide treats, many of which have been soaked in lye and rinsed with bleach. Even if they are prepared in a more "natural way", they are often a cause of life threatening intestinal obstructions.
One of the healthiest treats you can give your pet is just extra time, play with them more, feed them fresh and healthy food. Give back to them, reflect that love which they give to you. Enjoy the holidays, share the joy with your pet, and share the health!
PET & PET LOVERS GIFTING
Two Out of the Box Gift Options For Your Friend With 2 Dogs & 2 Cats
1. How about a really useful gift certificate - for some veterinary services from a real holistic pet Doc?
2. Alternatively, find an exciting gift for animule or owner at Rhode Island’s own pet-related supplies resource.
EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR WORK:
BENEFIT TIP WHILE SHOPPING OR SURFING THE WEB AT: www.goodsearch.com/charityid=818190
ALSO SHOP & GENERATE TIP DONATIONS AT: www.igive.com/welcome/warmwelcome.cfm?c=38382&m=0 OR www.alonovo.com/community/affiliate/98
BUY A BOOK AT TIP'S WEBSITE: www.toxicsinfo.org/tipstore.htm
MOST OF ALL, JOIN US OR MAKE A DONATION AT:: www.toxicsinfo.org/subscribe.htm