Green Parent Chicago

7 Reasons To Go Thrifting For Cheap Stuff

For more information on The Human Cost of Cheap Stuff read this.

EarthTalk: Essential Oils Not As Light on the Environment As Marketed

Dear EarthTalk: What’s the skinny on essential oils? I love them, but a friend told me they are no good for the environment. -- Mary M., via e-mail

Essential oils are more popular than ever for medicinal and therapeutic purposes as well as in fragrances and flavorings for food and drinks. Typically produced by harvesting and distilling large amounts of various types of plant matter, essential oils are in many cases all-natural and can take the place of synthetic chemicals in many consumer applications. But some wonder whether our fascination with essential oils is so good for the planet, now that their popularity has turned them into big business.

“It often takes hundreds of pounds of plant material to make one pound of essential oil,” reports aromatherapist and author Mindy Green of GreenScentsations.com. She adds that it takes 50-60 pounds of eucalyptus to produce one pound of eucalyptus oil, 200-250 pounds of lavender for one pound of lavender oil, 2,000 pounds of cypress for a pound of cypress oil and as many as 10,000 pounds of rose blossoms for one pound of rose oil. Production of these source crops takes place all over the world and is often organized by large multinational corporations with little regard for local economies or ecosystems.

“Growing the substantial quantities of plant material needed to produce essential oils results in a monoculture style of farming, with large swaths of land dedicated to a single species,” says Green. “These systems are most efficiently managed by intense mechanization, and irrigation is frequently used for optimal oil production of the plants.”

“As global citizens we have not learned how to equitably distribute vital resources like food, and water resources are trending toward a crisis of the future,” adds Green, “so there are deep ethical concerns about devoting croplands to essential oils destined for use in candles, bath oils, perfumes, or lavish massage and spa purposes.” Green also warns that many essential oils are not produced from sustainable sources. “Some species are at risk, particularly those occupying marginal habitats such as dwindling tropical forests,” she reports, adding that the poverty-stricken in developing countries will harvest and sell whatever they can, in order to put food on their own tables.

Cropwatch, a non-profit that keeps tabs on the natural aromatics industry, maintains a list of wild species threatened by the fast-growing essential oil trade. Of particular concern are essential oils derived from rosewood, sandalwood, amyris, thyme, cedarwood, jatamansi, gentian, wormwood and cinnamon, among others, as they may well be derived from threatened and illegally harvested wild plant stocks.

Also, some essential oils must be treated as hazardous if spilled and should be kept out of sewers and local waterways. Mountain Rose Herbs, a leading retailer of essential oils, reports that if its tea tree oil spills, it should be absorbed with inert material and sealed it in a container before disposal at a hazardous waste collection site. Such information is included on the company’s Material Safety Data Sheet for every essential oil and includes information about flammability and chemical composition. Consumers would be well served to check the MSDS for any essential oils they might like—Mountain Rose will supply them to customers by request—to make sure they are using (and disposing of) them correctly.

CONTACTS: Green Scentsations, www.greenscentsations.com, Cropwatch, www.cropwatch.org, Mountain Rose Herbs, www.mountainroseherbs.com.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: [email protected]. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

-photo credit: JustABoy, flickr

Friday Reading List: Fresh, Sweet and...Chemical Free!

 

This spoof ad above was created by Women's Voices for the Earth in response to this one by S.C. Johnson. Please share it, then take action to ask S.C. Johnson to disclose their ingredients.

Learn 10 steps you can take to reduce your family's exposure to chemicals that are linked to breast cancer, infertility, birth defects, asthma, and other serious illnesses.

If you have a child who loves to pretend with makeup, but you're worried about lead, chemical fragrances and other nasties, 3 Girls Holistic has a nice line of eco-girl and eco-kid friendly products called "3LittleGirls" that you can feel better about.

My 8-year-old recently tried their "Pretty Flower Perfume" and "Orange Pop Lip Gloss". Both are packaged in easy to apply containers (the perfume comes in a roll-on, how convenient!) and the lipgloss is in a tube. Made with natural ingredients like apricot kernal oil, grapefruit essential oil and lavender, the perfume is litely citrusey and sweet and not at all overpowering or too long lasting. My daughter loves to dab it on, and even with her very sensitive skin, she's had so problems with it.

The Orange Pop lip gloss is, of course, orangey flavored naturally, and made with moisturizing coconut oil among other natural ingredients like beeswax and honey. My daughter, who is known to dislike lip gloss, even lip balm in winter, said about the gloss, "you know how some lip glosses smell funny? I like it because it doesn't, and it doesn't taste bad if you swallow some of it."

Have a fantastic weekend and thank you for reading!

-Christine

 

Victory! Proctor & Gamble to eliminate triclosan and DEP from its products

Procter & Gamble has announced plans to eliminate the toxic chemicals triclosan and diethyl phthalate (DEP) from all its products by 2014.

P&G is one of the world's largest manufacturers of consumer products. Its line includes well-known household and personal care brands such as Cover Girl, Tide, Crest and Ivory.

According to the activist group Women's Voices for the Environment, P&G joins Johnson and Johnson who has pledged to eliminate triclosan and diethyl phthalate (DEP) in its products by 2015.

The Food and Drug Administration states that triclosan is not proven to actually kill bacteria, a claim suggested by many manufacturers of anti-bacterial products containing the ingredient. 

"At this time, FDA does not have evidence that triclosan added to antibacterial soaps and body washes provides extra health benefits over soap and water. Consumers concerned about using hand and body soaps with triclosan should wash with regular soap and water."

Triclosan has been implicated as having a hormone altering effect in animal studies. Even more worrisome, some studies suggest that triclosan may actually contribute to making bacteria more antibiotic resistant.

DEP (diethyl phthalate) has been shown in animal studies as having reproductive toxicity resulting in skeletal deformities in offspring of animals exposed to the substance. A 2002 report by environmental health advocacy group Health Care Without Harm, revealed the dangers to humans from repeated phthalate exposure:

Phthalates are in the blood of pregnant women at levels of concern, particularly when the contaminants are considered in the aggregate. Phthalates cross the placenta and also contaminate breast milk. Relevant animal tests show that phthalates interfere with normal fetal and infant development."

Cloth for Baby, Why Not Mama, too?

If you've used cloth diapers for your baby, you probably know that cool, naturally absorbent cotton is perfect next to sensitive skin and it breathes! We used cloth diapers with our two babes and no disposables could compare to the healthy look of my babies' skin when using cloth. If cloth is good enough for your baby? Then why not you?  

I've used cloth pads in the past and hope to make them an everyday part of my monthly routine once again. They are truly easy to use and always make me feel like I have one less thing to worry about as a busy mom. 

Cloth menstrual pads are comfortable, breathable, reusable and better for our environment because there's nothing to throw away. They can be safely washed and reused hundreds of times and last for years. The unhealthy environment that plastic-backed pads create does nothing to help you feel fresh. Not to mention many disposable pads are manufactured with added fragrance, chemical absorbents, and adhesives. 

I'm so excited to introduce you to Lunapads cloth pads. Lunapads is a women-owned ethical company with a social mission to support women and girls (and all genders and all bodies). Their products come in fun colors and an assortment of sizes depending on your flow needs. 

Want to try Lunapads before you buy? Lunapads offers first time customers 1 Lunapads Pantyliner sample for just $5 shipping & handling -- plus, you’ll receive a coupon for $5 off your next order.*

(*Some conditions apply) Get your free sample here: 

http://lunapads.com/sample

-Christine

**This blog post was sponsored by Lunapads**

 

Weekend Reading List: Summer's Nearly Here Edition

You know, the great thing about social media is that it gets people thinking about things, even if briefly, puts it into their minds. Such is the case with the recent March Against Monsanto this last weekend, which you may have seen on Facebook, or perhaps, posted about to your non-eco-activist friends and family.

I've written about this monster before, more than once. so you know my opinion. Now the movement is gaining traction among folks who wouldn't necessarily read up on these actions.

This Frankenstein's monster has a long and insidious reach and among other places, its grasp delves straight into our U.S. Congress. Who are the politicians getting funded by Monsanto? Nation of Change just posted a nice list of the top in each party here.

Thinking about these kinds of things, I get eco-fatigue. I'm sure you know what I mean. It's basically a case of hopelessness about what's going on in the world with respect to climate change. In those times, it's better to think action, instead of dread. If you have some spare pocket change or coffee money left over this week, how about planting some trees with me via Earth Day Network? Here's an easy way to donate and plant trees where they are most needed in the world and in our own backyard.

Good news: we're only days away from summer in Chicago, and the weather is reminding us daily of what a typical Chicago summer looks like. What's the best thing to do when you're cooped up in the Chicago heat and creeping humidity? Get your booty outside and into the water. Well, you can do both and tons more at Millennium Park.

It's free, spacious, and you can't go wrong with a beautiful concert under the stars and a dip into the Crown Fountain whether you are young or old.

Check the season-long schedule of FREE activities, events and performances here.

Freebie of the week:

How about this downloadable pattern for an easy breezy summer blouse/or dress. It's peasant style, made from cool, crisp fabric and easy to sew, has that seaside resort feel to it, too!

Thanks for reading!

-Christine 

Green Festival This Weekend, GPC Readers Can Get Free Admission, Here's How:

If it's May in Chicago, then you know it's time for the mama and the papa of eco living events: Green Festival Chicago.

For one weekend only at Navy Pier, this Saturday and Sunday, the Green Festival will host DIY workshops, discussions and speakers, a Green Marketplace with the latest sustainable businesses and vendors, an Organic Beer and Wine pavillion, test drives of electric and hybrid vehicles, vegetarian and vegan food, and a Green Kids Zone with free activities for all ages of kids.

Definitely bring the kids and teens to Green Festival because 18 and under are free.

I'm very excited to check out the Green Festival this year, as I learn something new each year as I get discover all the great new local eco offerings around the Midwest and the country.

I'm also thrilled to tell you that Green Parent Chicago readers can get a special FREE weekend pass to the Green Festival. Just visit the festival website here and enter GREENPARENTCHICAGO for a free weekend pass good for both days. (A $20 value!) But, don't wait, it's a limited offer.

-Christine

 

The Green Parent Chicago Green and Local Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mothers Day is a pretty big day at my house, not just because I believe that parenting is one of the most important jobs an adult can take, but also because I get a day to celebrate being a proud mom to my two wonderful kids. Whether we decide to picnic just the 4 of us, or I take a day off to read, nap, knit, draw, write, etc, it's sure to be a break from the norm for me and that's always just the thing a busy mama needs.

So, when thinking about what type of gifts I would most appreciate for Mother's Day and what I could recommend for our Green Parent Chicago Mother's Day Gift Guide, I thought along those same lines: something out of the ordinary. Then, I realized there are a number of incredibly awesome local businesses around the city that sell and create the most unique items: things I would actually buy for myself.

It's exciting to see local manufacturers and designers popping up around town, especially those that promote ethical manufacturing and supply chains, as well as local artisans and crafters.

Po Campo, headquartered in Chicago, is an innovative maker of bike bags, yoga bags, travel bags, and diaper bags founded by Chicago designers Maria Boustead and Emily Taylor. I especially like their line of bike bags that look so chic and work so practically. Their multi-function "Connect" system attaches their bags to strollers, bikes, yoga mats and luggage without any ugly bulky hardware. Check out their assortment of great styles, like this much needed update on the fanny pack, yes you heard me fanny pack.

If you love Chicago like I do, then you love its sights and sounds. But, do you love the smells of Chicago? Not Chicago style dogs, deep dish pizza or the lake breeze, how about spring flowers and plants grown right here in Chicago? Well, now you can have a fragrance grown from those very gardens.

Tru Blooms, is a new limited edition perfume created by plants and flowers grown in Chicago's public gardens. A partnership between Tru Fragrance, the City of Chicago and several local nonprofit organizations, the first edition of the perfume is now available for sale and the second edition will be made from the "oils and essences" of flowers grown throughout the city of Chicago in spring/summer 2013. Since the growing conditions and the gardens themselves can never be "perfectly duplicated" each edition is said to be "one-of-a-kind", according to manufacturers.

For a further assortment of entirely local gift options this Mother's Day, check out Local Goods Chicago, a new store in Edgebrook. I was so thrilled to learn how Local Goods Chicago promotes artisans in and around the city with their wide assortment of handcrafted foods, coffee, soaps, confections, art, home decor, toys and more.

I recently got in touch with the owner of Local Goods, Laura Guenther, to learn more about the history of her store. Here's what she said:

"...I was working in a completely different area of work as a mobile app designer.  Whenever there was a holiday, birthday or even as a treat for myself, I'd head over to my old neighborhood, Lincoln Square or down to Ukrainian Village to shop for gifts at the small independent stores. Shopping small and shopping local have always been important to me and I found it challenging to find locally made gifts.  

I also was frustrated that my current neighborhood, Edgebrook on the NW side was lacking a nice little shop to pick up a gift. Hence, I became obsessed with opening a shop in Edgebrook with locally made handcrafted goods.  After nearly a year of planning, I opened Local Goods Chicago in December 2012.  We now have over 75 local artisans selling in our shop - both food and craft artisans....in addition to the local goods, our artisans also teach workshops such as card making, canning, knitting."

Local Goods Chicago is currently having a Mother's Day Wish List event now until Saturday where moms can fill out a card of items they like in the store. They are entered for daily prizes and the store keeps their wish list handy in case anyone (hint, hint, dads stumped for what to get their wives) stops in to shop for them.

So, this Mother's Day, don't forget to remember your mamas and grandmas and give them your appreciation for all the hardwork, support and love they've given you. If you're still looking for a little special something to make their day, how about making it a local and green gift this year. Happy Mother's Day!

 

-Christine

EarthTalk: How to Avoid Getting Greenwashed

Dear EarthTalk: I hear the term “greenwashing” a lot these days but am still not sure exactly what it means. Can you enlighten? -- Ruth Markell, Indianapolis, IN

In essence, greenwashing involves falsely conveying to consumers that a given product, service, company or institution factors environmental responsibility into its offerings and/or operations. CorpWatch, a non-profit dedicated to keeping tabs on the social responsibility (or lack thereof) of U.S.-based companies, characterizes greenwashing as “the phenomena of socially and environmentally destructive corporations, attempting to preserve and expand their markets or power by posing as friends of the environment.”

One of the groups leading the charge against greenwashing is Greenpeace. “Corporations are falling all over themselves,” reports the group, “to demonstrate that they are environmentally conscious. The average citizen is finding it more and more difficult to tell the difference between those companies genuinely dedicated to making a difference and those that are using a green curtain to conceal dark motives.”

Greenpeace launched its Stop Greenwash campaign in 2009 to call out bad actors and help consumers make better choices. The most common greenwashing strategy, the group says, is when a company touts an environmental program or product while its core business is inherently polluting or unsustainable.

Another involves what Greenpeace calls “ad bluster”: using targeted advertising or public relations to exaggerate a green achievement so as to divert attention from actual environmental problems—or spending more money bragging about green behavior than on actual deeds. In some cases, companies may boast about corporate green commitments while lobbying behind the scenes against environmental laws.

Greenpeace also urges vigilance about green claims that brag about something the law already requires: “For example, if an industry or company has been forced to change a product, clean up its pollution or protect an endangered species, then uses PR campaigns to make such action look proactive or voluntary.”

For consumers, the best way to avoid getting “greenwashed” is to be educated about who is truly green and who is just trying to look that way to make more money. Look beyond advertising claims, read ingredient lists or ask employees about the real skinny on their company’s environmental commitment.

Also, look for labels that show a given offering has been vetted by a reliable third-party. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Certified Organic label can only go on products that meet the federal government’s organic standard. Just because a label says “made with organic ingredients” or “all-natural” does not mean the product qualifies as Certified Organic, so be sure to look beyond the hype.

Even some eco-labels are suspect. If you see one you don’t recognize, look it up on Ecolabel Index, a global directory tracking 400+ different eco-labels in 197 countries across 25 industry sectors. The free online resource provides information on which company or group is behind each certification and whether or not independent third-party assessments are required.

CONTACTS: CorpWatch, www.corpwatch.org; Greenpeace Stop Greenwash, www.stopgreenwash.org; Ecolabel Index, www.ecolabelindex.com.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: [email protected]. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

-photo credit: iStockPhoto

Don't Ditch Your Used Art Supplies, Pitch 'em for Creative Pitch at Whole Foods Chicago

Several years ago at the Green Festival in Chicago, I became acquainted with Creative Pitch and their mission of reusing, reclaiming and redistributing unwanted art and design items to help art students and teachers, therapy programs and non-profits unable to purchase these materials. 

So I was very happy to hear that Creative Pitch will be partnering with Whole Foods Market this winter as a One Dime At A Time recipient. Periodically Whole Foods partners with a local non-profit organization for the opportunity to be a One Dime at a Time recipient, a program that allows Whole Foods customers the choice to take $.10 off their purchase when they shop with a recyclable bag and donate the refund to a local cause.

For five weekends from October 6 to November 3, the South Loop, Northalsted, Lakeview, Gold Coast and Kingsbury Whole Foods locations will be collecting used art supplies for donation to Creative Pitch.

I don't know about you, but oddly in our house, among the recycled cereal boxes, paper tubes and bottlecaps, we often find ourselves with duplicates of basic art supplies. Maybe something gets lost and we replace it too soon, but what better idea than to share the bounty with students and teachers who could really use these items. 

So don't toss those incomplete sets of markers, crayons, glue sticks, and paint brushes your kids no longer need; and why not throw in a few of those endless collage items that might just wind up in your vacuum?

For a complete list of needed items and what not to drop off see this list.

Happy decluttering! 

-Christine

-photo credit: Cali4beach, flickr