Decking the Halls, the Toxic-Free Way!

By Kate Watkins, Outreach Intern with Toxic Free NC

(some information adapted with permission from Dr. Mike Waldvogel and Patty Alder, NCSU Department of Entomology)

            With the winter holidays just ahead, many people have begun to the deck the halls, hang the mistletoe, and decorate their homes.  With all of the excitement the holidays bring, we sometimes forget the environmental impact that this season can have, not to mention the impact on our health.  This year, while retrieving the decorations from the dusty attic and strapping the tree to the roof of the car, keep the following tips in mind.

            Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands are often sprayed with pesticides that can be dangerous to us and to our families.  These toxins affect the health of farm workers and pollute the environment.  In order to protect ourselves from these harsh chemicals, we should opt for organic or low-spray greenery whenever possible.  By buying from farms that use sustainable and safe methods, we show support for workers and businesses that respect the environment and their customers!  For a list of toxic-free and low-spray tree and wreath distributors in North Carolina, visit the Toxic Free website at http://www.toxicfreenc.org/involved/actionalerts/organic_christmas_tree_guide.html

            Concerned that an organic purchase means bringing critters into your house?  Don’t be!  They are many non-toxic ways to handle any little critters that may try to hitch a ride.  One such potential hitchhiker is the Cinera Aphid (common on conifers), which has been known to occasionally tag along on greenery.  Some people mistake Cinera Aphids for ticks; however, they are not ticks and there are many toxic-free methods for preventing them from getting into your home.  The simplest way to make sure they don’t come in with the tree is to vigorously tap the base of the tree on your sidewalk or driveway several times before bringing the tree inside.  If you want to be extra-thorough, blasting the tree with a stream of water and leaving it outside for a few hours to dry is also an effective pre-decoration method and will remove other undesirable hitchhikers like pollen, dust, and loose needles.

While some people may want to use aerosol insecticides, these can be as toxic as agricultural pesticides and are also a fire hazard when old-style incandescent lights are used on treated greenery—so don’t spray anything on your tree, especially not while it is decorated and the lights are plugged in!  Vacuum cleaners with crevice tools are another efficient and non-toxic way to remove aphids.  Remember that even boxed, artificial Christmas trees can be infested with bugs like spiders and dust mites, so you may as well go real and organic!  Real trees sometimes mean real bugs, but this is a problem that is easily solved without using harmful and toxic pesticides.

            By choosing organic or low-spray decor, we are voting in support of healthy families and sustainable farming.  Now, go stand under your organic mistletoe, and wait for your kiss from the environment!

Resources:

Toxic Free NC Organic Christmas Trees and Wreaths: 2012 Buying Guide http://www.toxicfreenc.org/involved/actionalerts/organic_christmas_tree_guide.html

Cinera Aphid Prevention information provided from an article by Dr. Mike Waldvogel and Patty Alder- NC State Department of Entomology: http://entomology.ncsu.edu/training

Ways to recycle and reuse your holiday greenery: http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/recycle-your-christmas-tree

Kate Watkins is a student, nanny, dancer, and she is also a volunteer for Toxic Free NC.  She hopes to join the Peace Corps or another international NGO, and she is extremely passionate about environmental issues and their impact on human rights.

Toxic Free NC is a non-profit organization in Raleigh fighting pesticide pollution by advocating for common-sense alternatives that protect our health and environment. Toxic Free NC works extensively with child care providers and parents to reduce toxic pollution in children’s environments. You can find out more about their work at www.toxicfreenc.org, or by calling (919) 833-1123.

Cleaning Green & Kid Safe

Cleaning Green & Kid-Safe

By Billie Karel

Like it or not, cleaning is a part of life…especially life with kids! Many products are available on store shelves to help you in the battle against dust, dirt, mold & mildew, and soap scum. But, how do you know if that “clean smell” is really clean, or if it’s the smell of toxic chemicals?

Sadly, many cleaning products are full of chemicals that can be hazardous to our health. The fumes from cleaners containing bleach or “fragrance” chemicals are likely to be:

-       Irritants that can raise the risk of getting asthma, or cause asthma attacks in those who have it.

-       Carcinogens that can raise the risk for cancer.

-       Hormone mimicking chemicals that are associated with birth defects.

There’s nothing clean and healthy about hazardous chemicals! Baking soda, lemon juice, white vinegar, and even club soda can all be used as cheap, non-toxic alternatives to harsh cleaning chemicals. Here are some of Toxic Free NC’s favorite green cleaning recipes to help you get started. All of these products are safe for use around kids. They’re even safe for older kids to mix and use themselves, so long as they have adult supervision!

Make-it-yourself All-Purpose Cleaner

2 cups hot water
2 tsp borax* powder

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp lemon juice

½ tsp liquid soap (dish soap works great!)

Directions: Mix all ingredients thoroughly, then put in a spray bottle. Label the bottle so you know what’s in it. Great for table and counter tops, and spot cleaning wherever you need it. This cleaner gets rave reviews from child care providers because it takes marker ink off tabletops!

Mold & Mildew Killer

½ cup white vinegar

½ cup borax* powder

2 cups warm water

Directions: Mix the ingredients up, then pour or spray them onto the moldy area. Leave for about 10 minutes, then scrub! If mold is still visible, you may need to repeat the application. This mixture loses its cleaning power quickly, so don’t save the leftovers, just pour them down the drain.

Slow Drain Cleaner

Baking soda – about 1/3 cup

White vinegar – about 1/3 cup

Hot water

Directions: Sprinkle baking soda down the slow drain. Then, drizzle in white vinegar. The mixture will bubble up, releasing carbon dioxide gas. Leave it alone for a few minutes until the bubbling stops. Then, pour very hot water down the drain to rinse. Using this process every so often will help prevent slow or clogged drains!

* Borax powder is a low-toxicity powder typically sold in the laundry aisle at the grocery store. The biggest advantage to borax for cleaning is that it does not create any fumes – it is what is called “non-volatile.” However it is mildly toxic, so store and handle it with care, and don’t let children or pets put it in their mouths.

For more green cleaning tips, visit ToxicFreeNC.org or NCHealthyHomes.com.

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Billie Karel is program director at Toxic Free NC. In her free time, she gardens, cooks, and cleans up after her dog using only kid-safe (and dog-safe) green cleaners!

Toxic Free NC is a non-profit organization in Raleigh fighting pesticide pollution by advocating for common-sense alternatives that protect our health and environment. Toxic Free NC works extensively with child care providers and parents to reduce toxic pollution in children’s environments. You can find out more about their work at www.toxicfreenc.org, or by calling 919-833-1123.

A Letter to my Son with Autism

Dear Danny,

            The first time I really saw you, you were nestled contentedly against my chest, hours old. Your perfection and beauty blew me away; you were a very special gift. When I leaned down and smelled your downy hair, I knew nothing of autism or the ups and downs that we would experience together. All I knew was that I wanted to be the best mother that I could be for you.  

            In the five and half years we’ve spent together, Danny, I’ve tried, I’ve tried so hard to be a good mom and give you a full and joyful life, despite your autism. After you were diagnosed, I was so sad and overwhelmed, I’m sometimes afraid that I did not spring into action quick enough or fight hard enough for you. But, I did my best and I’m learning to accept that I did what I could. But you, my sweet Danny-Boy, you have given me so much in your short, little life. You have taught me patience. You have taught me how to advocate. You have taught me perseverance. I have watched you struggle to learn simple things, things that most children quickly and easily pick up, things that most people take for granted. You never gave up, though and so I never gave up on you. You have also taught me how to find joy in the simple things. The way your face lights up when you are outside or when you find that perfect piece of string to flip has shown me that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the best ones. You have taught me humility. You, my boy, are a delicious mystery and in order for me to even begin to solve it; I had to forget everything I thought I knew about life. Danny, you and your brothers have molded me into the woman I am today and for that I am so grateful.

            I am so proud of you, son. I don’t think I tell you that enough and sometimes I really don’t even think to tell you but I am proud. You struggled for almost five years with no way to communicate and yet you never gave up. And now, I hear you speaking, saying “mama,” “juice,” “chip” and it is such a miracle. Thank you, Danny, for giving me those words. You work so hard and, for the most part, you never resent me, your teachers, or your therapists for pushing you. Also, I know that you are sensitive to sounds and I am so proud of the way you handle it now. Instead of screaming or being aggressive, you’ve learned to cope, with your little hands over your ears and a patient look on your face. Finally, I am proud of  the delight you have brought to so many people; me, your daddy, your brothers, your grandparents, and teachers. Your sweet smile and joyful presence is such a gift and I am so, so proud of you, simply for being who you are.

            I’m not going to lie to you, Danny; I never wanted a child with autism. And sometimes, I look at you and my heart still hurts a little. I don’t want to watch you struggle and I don’t know what the future holds for us and it scares me a little. But, above all, you are a precious gift, a blessing. None of us, not your brothers, me or your dad, your teachers, would be the same without you. You have given me so much and, Danny, I promise you that I will work for the rest of my life to give it all back to you.

Love you,

Mama

Alicia Ballard-Westbrook

Saving Money ~ Eating Healthy

Saving Money ~ Eating Healthy

I know what you are thinking:  “aren’t those two ideas mutually exclusive?”   Actually, after 35 years of advocating healthy eating (and at the same time having to watch our family’s food budget), I can honestly say, “they are not!”    Here’s why:    When you take a portion of your hard earned money & invest it wisely in foods that provide superior nutrition, you are sick less often which translates into spending less on doctor’s visits, prescriptions and over the counter medications.   You’ll also miss fewer days of work which may result in promotions & career advancements.   Best of all, you’ll be more productive, have more energy to exercise and do other activities that you love which adds up to keeping you healthier longer.    

Don’t let the societal myth that you have to spend a lot of money in order to eat healthy stop you from trying these:

Tips for Saving Money and Eating Healthy

1.      Buy in Bulk: Packaging food in fancy boxes and bags is costly.   If you don’t mind scooping up your own spices, nuts, flours &, grains,  you can save a considerable amount.  If your grocery store doesn’t  have a bulk section,  try a local food co-op  (coopdirectory.org)   

2.     Buy local:  Many communities now have farmer’s markets that sell locally-grown eggs, beef, chicken and seasonal  vegetables & fruit.  Since the farmers are selling to you directly, the food is less expensive often saving you up to 25%. Another option is to join a CSA farm (community supported agriculture).  You pay one lump sum per season and each week pick up your produce directly from the farmer who only grows according to how many families buy a share in his farm.  

3.     Make Food in Batches:   Whether it’s loaves of whole grain bread, a pot of soup or a healthy snack such as homemade humus….take a couple of hours on a weekend, invite a friend over and cook big batches of your favorite recipes together.  Then freeze them… and voila’, that mid-week dinner practically makes itself!  Just add a fresh green salad and you’ve just quelled the temptation to go out to dinner and spend more money.  

4.     Grow Some Food:  Whether it’s a pot of fresh herbs by your windowsill, a small backyard garden, or a row in an inner-city community garden, growing even a small amount of food can save you a considerable amount of money. 

5.     Buy Organic:  “How can buying organic possibly save our family money ?”  Consider these two facts:  food grown in non-organic soils do not contain anywhere near the nutrient content of food grown in organic soil.  So although you might be paying a bit more,  your body is receiving higher levels of health promoting nutrients.  Secondly, conventionally- grown food is sprayed with chemicals that cause a burden on our health.   If you can’t afford all organic foods,  try and stay away from the fruits and vegetables with permeable skin. For a full list of these  check: foodnews.org

So with finances being a major concern for all of us,  healthy eating not only adds years to your life and life to your years, but now more than ever, it just makes good economic sense! 

Maureen McDonnell, RN

St Gerard House Board Member

For more articles, go to www.sokhop.com Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet