Patagonia Bunting Bag

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Bpa Free Water Jug

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Hormone Havoc From Plastic Food Packaging

Plastic food packaging is lightweight, convenient and almost unavoidable. So the fact that it might be contaminating your food is a cause for concern. Can plastic food containers really be a health hazard?

There's no quick and easy answer to that question. What we do know is that chemical compounds of plastic are turning up in human blood levels, so you are being exposed. That's hardly surprising since we live in a plastic world.

Most of us start our day by squeezing toothpaste from a plastic tube onto a plastic toothbrush. Then we pour cereal into a bowl from a plastic bag and top it with milk from a plastic jug. After working all day on a plastic computer keyboard, we come home and heat up some soup from a can lined with – yes, plastic.

And then there's quenching your thirst from plastic water bottles…

The Main Ingredient

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is the primary component of polycarbonate, the hard clear substance used in plastic food packaging. The FDA has declared BPA safe for use in plastic food containers, but numerous clinical studies are confirming that BPA is toxic. It is interesting to note that the FDA has been criticized by its own scientific advisory board for making their decision based on research funded by the plastics industry.

A Harvard study released in 2009 was the first to make a clear connection between drinking from plastic water bottles containing BPA and an increased level of BPA in the urine. This study came about almost by accident.

Karin Michels, associate professor at the School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School, noticed a lot of her students constantly swigging drinks from plastic water bottles. She warned them that they might want to limit their BPA exposure. The students wondered just how much BPA they might be getting and decided to find out.

77 students switched to drinking cold beverages from stainless steel bottles for a week to flush BPA from their systems. During that week, they provided baseline urine samples. They then switched back to drinking from BPA bottles for another week. In the final analysis, urine levels of BPA had gone up by 69%. (1)

Not the Usual Toxin

BPA is not a toxin in the usual sense. Asbestos, for instance, has a clear impact on the body and leads to cancer. BPA leached into the body from plastic food packaging doesn't translate to immediate harm. Instead, it acts like a hormone and disrupts the endocrine system. The excess estrogen activity it causes can lead to higher risk of certain cancers, birth defects, diabetes and reduced fertility. (2)

Because BPA affects the body by mimicking natural hormones, the results may not show up for years. Research will have to be conducted for decades before evidence of harm done by plastic food containers and plastic water bottles is conclusive.

Canada has decided not to wait that long. It is the first country to officially declare BPA a toxic chemical, which could lead to a ban on food-related use in the near future. Other countries, including the U.S., have adopted a "wait and see" approach. (3)

As I mentioned earlier, it would be very hard to eliminate the use of plastic from your life. But if you want to limit your personal exposure to BPA, there are a few things you can do.

• Use water bottles that are labeled BPA-free, or go back to glass.
• Don't microwave food in plastic containers – the heat speeds up transfer of BPA into the food.
• Look for soups and milk packaged in cardboard cartons that are lined with alternate materials.
• Don't use plastic wrap to store food.

Plastic food packaging has become part of our way of life. As to whether it stays that way, only time will tell.

Remember to consult your physician before making significant changes to your diet, supplement or exercise regimen.

Sources:

1. Daley, Beth, "Harvard study back bottle concern, says plastic used leaches bisphenol A," The Boston Globe, May 22, 2009
2. Horton, Jennifer, "What's BPA and do I really need a new water bottle?" HowStuffWorks.com
3. Daley, Beth, "Harvard study back bottle concern, says plastic used leaches bisphenol A," The Boston Globe, May 22, 2009

About the Author

Dr. Blankstein has been practicing for over 30 years as a leading Cardiologist. Trained in traditional medicine and Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease, he knows the importance of good medical care. This consideration has allowed him to discover safe and natural ways of healing. His dedication to bringing the latest and best in health solutions to his patients and the public has given him the experience to research and develop proven natural remedies for many illnesses.

© 2010 Chesapeake Nutraceuticals

I've been using a plastic water bottle for months now, and I don't think its BPA free, how much harm did I do?

i have this plastic water jug that holds 8 glasses of water, I drink it everyday, I've been since December.
looked on the bottom of the bottle, there's a 1 in the little triangle
and under the triangle it, it says PETG
I don't know what that means..
does it sound like it has bpa or toxics in the plastic? I'm worried

your worried about the bottle!? then dont research where your water comes from and the journey it takes to get your tap!

BPA-Free Nalgene Water Bottle? Not Quite. It's the BPA FREE TITAN

Bpa Free Items

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Go Green with Eco-Friendly Promotional Products

Conservation of the environment is a matter of concern for everybody. Right from individuals and NGOs to government bodies, everyone is doing something towards environment conservation.

Businesses across the world are also realizing the benefits of implementing environmentally-conscious technologies into their operations and they are even using eco friendly promotional gifts for promoting their company’s name, logo or slogan. These eco friendly promotional gifts help companies improve relations with their customers and do their bit towards protecting the environment from further damage.

The promotional marketing industry is going "green" with a sudden boom in eco-friendly promotional products and promotional corporate gifts which are increasingly becoming popular among the corporate sector. Eco friendly not only help companies in creating effective advertising campaigns but also help them spread the word about their social values and concern towards conserving earth's natural resources.

You may find companies getting their brochures printed on eco friendly materials as evidence of their environmental concern.

Here are some popular eco friendly products that can be used as promotional gifts:

Eco Friendly Apparel

Today, you can find the trendy and hip clothing items made from eco friendly fibers such as bamboo, corn, and organic cotton. Clothes made from these fabrics are renewable and reusable and generate less pollution than conventional materials at the time of production. Plus, the eco friendly apparels are popular corporate gifts since they minimize chemicals and pesticides that come in contact with your body.

Eco-Friendly Bags

Promotional organic totes and imprinted recycled bags are also popular eco friendly company gifts. There is a wide variety of imprinted organic, recycled, hemp and biodegradable bags in the market to choose from.  You can easily impress your target audience with eco-friendly tote bags made of recycled material and imprinted or embroidered with your logo.

Eco-Friendly Pens and Notebooks

You can get your brand in the hands of your customers, clients or buyers with a promotional pen or pencil made of recycled or biodegradable material or corn plastics! These eco friendly corporate gifts will surely satisfy your customers and employees because they look great and help preserve the environment!

Eco-Friendly Water Bottles

An eco friendly water bottle is an essential item these days for all who want to stay healthy and contribute towards saving the planet. Eco friendly water bottles are becoming more and more popular nowadays as people are aware of the potential dangers that plastic containers can present, and the harmful effects they have on the environment when discarded without proper precautions. Eco friendly water bottles made of stainless steel or glass have no chemical liner and are BPA free.

Depending on the type of promotional products you are ordering, green items are available at various price ranges to suit different budgets. There are many eco friendly promotional products available that can be used as corporate gifts or company gifts to be given away to your employees, customers, dealers and media people.

About the Author

Mark Ryan is associated with a leading online promotional items and promotional products company. And as an amateur he mostly writes on corporate gifts, company gifts and different marketing strategies that can be used as promotional ideas.

BPA news, where to find bottles....???

I haven't really been able to find any information regarding which products are BPA free for babies and toddlers. Can anyone help me find a credible website that lists this information. It seems like the only information Babies R Us had was which items did contain the BPA. I am 20 weeks, and heard there was some waiting list for Dr. Browns glass bottles? Does anyone know anything about this? Any other information regarding BPA is appreciated too!

I agree! It's not easy to find the BPA-free bottles and sippy cups. I've been looking into it myself and here's what I've learned. Shop at www.babyearth.com! They have the best selection and you can even register there. All items below are safe - toxin-free:

Glass Baby Bottles:
-Dr. Brown's - (out of stock at most places until June 1st)
-WeeGo bottle by babylife
-Evenflo glass bottles
-BornFree plastic bottles

Sippy Cups:
-BornFree sippy cups
-SIGG water bottles (for kids)
-Boon sippy cup
-Klean Kanteen water bottles

Due to the large push in this direction, many manufacturers are back-ordered for these products. But they should start filling orders within the next two weeks.

Here's some info about BPA - As many parents know, plastic bottles have come under a lot of scrutiny due to reports about toxins like Bisphenol-A (BPA). Why? BPA is a chemical compound sometimes found in plastic products, cosmetics and foods. Recent studies suggest links between BPA and developmental problems, mainly reproductive issues and carcinogenic effects (e.g., cancers). BPA has been found to leach from plastic into food and liquids.

Phthalates, chemicals used to soften plastics, are also a concern right now. The substance is commonly used in plastic baby bottles, soft baby books and other toys intended for infants and toddlers. Some scientists say it interferes with hormones and can lead to early puberty, reproductive defects and other health problems.

Green tip: Look for BPA-free labeling on plastic bottle, like Born Free, or use glass baby bottles. Popular green options include glass bottles by Babylife and Evenflo.

Eco-Friendly Promotional Products- Morgen Marketing

Bpa Free Straw Cups

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Herb Strewing For Deodorizing, Protecting Health and Remembering Wedding Vows

In England there was an official profession called the "Royal Herb Strewer". This was a hand me down title derived over the centuries from the Romans who had similar positions for the presentation of the Emperor to the masses. One of the primary duties of the Roman Strewer was to lead the Emperor's entourage down the stone roads strewing herbs, generally rosemary, in front of the Emperor and his entourage. As the Emperor's entourage marched they crushed the rosemary and out wafted the "Imperial Scents" of the Emperor. Not only practical but one of the first uses of fragrance for marketing purposes!!.

The primary duties of the Royal herb strewer included distributing herbs and flowers throughout the royal apartments in order to mask the unpleasant odors of living in a city. The Royal family often had many residences within the city and the sanitation practices, or lack thereof, made the smells unbearable. Many herbs were used, along with straw for their aromatic and insect repelling properties.

Horses and other livestock were crucial to the Royal family. The stable areas would use straw for the absorbent properties and herbs such as pennyroyal for the insect repelling properties spread liberally throughout the stable areas. The animals were allowed an area to rest without the incessant insect biting and once the Royals were ready to move on the fleas and other insects would not attack them as they saddled on the horses or in the carriages.

Strewing herbs were used in all areas of the households, not only by the Royalty but also the common masses. The dining, kitchen and bedrooms were liberally strewn with herbs adding to the environmental enjoyment. Also since the masses often lived in houses with thatched roofs, it was important to keep the insects living in the roofs from venturing down into the home. Insect repelling fragrances would waft upward and the roof was not the best place for the insects to live. As the family members walked on the herbs in the home the fragrances were released and upwards they went, not only to the delight of the residents, but to the detriment of the fleas and ticks.

The attire of the day was often women wearing long, voluminous skirts that trailed behind them. Rather than having grass lawns it was common to have lawns liberally planted with thyme, Thymus serphyllum, and the long tails would pick up the essential oils on the dress after the lady had walked over the thyme and released the fragrant oils. The smell was rather pleasant, and some of the oils were captured and retained by the long dress prolonging the delightful scents.

The "planted seat" was also designed to scent clothing. It was created of carved stone and appeared much like a heavy church pew. The seat was hollowed out into a cavity about 6 inches deep and into this was packed earth planted with either chamomile or thyme. When a person sat down and crushed the plants, resulting oils soaked into breeches or skirts. The seat would be replenished as needed but did require high degree of maintenance to keep it watered and fertilized. Eventually potpourri would replace the "live planted seat" and the potpourri changed seasonally.

One of the common practices today of herb strewing is in weddings where once again rosemary is strewn, rather than rice. Of course the rosemary smells better but the real reason is the historical reason for rosemary, the herb of remembrance.

Remember those wedding vows!!!

Bob Johnson is owner/founder of MedFaxx, Inc. and along with his wife, the HerbFest. This is one of the herbal tips on lore and legend that is sent weekly to the subscribers of the HerbFest Lore and Legend series. The service is free and acquaints subscribers to the beauty of the herbal lifestyle and it's practical applications for everyday use.

You can get your free subscription at:

http://bit.ly/freeherbtips

Do they make a 2 piece sippy/toddler cup (cup and lid only)?

I can't stand these sippy cups and all their little rubber pieces, parts, straws, valves, etc I am very busy and don't have time nor do I want to keep washing these little parts every day. I want a BPA free dependable sturdy reusable sippy cup that only has two parts.....the cup part and the lid. Can you guys help?
Thanks Ashley! Can you tell me what brand they are by chance?
It's not that I don't have 20 seconds to wash a little rubber valve ........I seriously just DON'T want to do it ANYMORE!

from walmart:
The First Years - Toddler Girls Insulated 9oz Sippy Cup, 4-Pack Bundle, BPA Free at 13.99
The First Years - Boys Insulated 9oz Toddler Sippy Cup, 4-Pack Bundle, BPA Free
The First Years - Meal Mates Minnie Mouse Insulated 9oz Sippy Cup, 2-Pack, BPA Free at 7.99
just a few, check it out yourself

CamelBak BPA-Free 0.75-Liter Limited Edition Better Bottle

Lululemon Knotty Tank

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Bpa Free Paint

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Great Ideas for Making Baby Green

Copyright (c) 2008 Virginia Ginsburg

Green baby gifts are increasingly easy to find, and can help a baby get a great start on an eco-friendly life. The following ideas are just a few of many ways that you can get your baby off to a great start.

Gifts for Dressing Up

Organic cotton and organic bamboo fibers not only save the earth, but also save one's skin from chemical additives that can cause irritation and allergies. Baby skin is far more sensitive than adults', making organic choices far preferable to other fabrics.

For diapers, the question is: which is greener - disposable or cloth? Disposables tend to be unfriendly to the environment as it takes 200 - 500 years to decompose. Cloth diapers require more energy since they require serious chemical processing to make them re-usable. A good solution is to look for more biodegradable diapers. One such diaper is gDiapers, which are breathable with plastic-free flushable refills to keep babies dry and avoid diaper rash.

Tub-Time Gifts

Skin care is also of utmost importance. There are very few regulations placed on bath products, and most are filled with undesirable chemicals for both the environment for your skin. Chemical preservatives that you have to watch out for are Parabens. Check baby shampoo, toothpaste and gels from these chemicals, as they tend to irritate sensitive skin. Rather than picking just any bath product, look for natural cleansers that have been cleared by one of several reliable environmental organizations. One great inexpensive but effective ingredient is the Baking Soda.

The Playful Baby

Lots of toys today contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) often called 'vinyl' which is the second-most commonly used plastic in the world. It is also the most harmful to the environment and can potentially harm your baby, as well. During sucking or chewing, vinyl softeners can leak into the baby's mouth. As a result, PVC baby toys and teethers have recently been banned from the market by some governments.

As an alternative, try cloth or wooden toys with non-toxic finishes, especially those that encourage creativity and imagination. As toxins are doubled indoors than outdoors, playing outside is also one of the best experiences for your baby, and it's free!

Gifts for a Healthy Home

A new and beautiful nursery does not necessarily mean a safe one. Health risks may rest on the traditional furniture, paints and fabrics, all of which may have chemicals and toxins in them. Instead look for a natural wood crib with non-toxic finish, an organic crib mattress made of certified organic materials and fabrics, organic crib bedding for the baby's sensitive skin, hardwood or cork flooring instead of carpets and non-PVC painting and finishes.

The Baby Traveler

Baby travelers need extra equipment. Although some plastic is better than others, glass is still the best option when it comes to transporting foods and liquids in an environmentally-safe manner. One serious concern with plastic baby bottles is the presence of Bisphenol-A (BPA) which have been found to leach after repeated use. To avoid the presence of bacteria in feeding bottles, always check them for scratches, chips and cracks, especially on the nipples. Other than glass, one good alternative is to use #5 plastic bottle or silicone

Bedtime Gifts

The crib is practically the baby's home. As parents, we know that babies want to sleep and sleep and sleep some more. Hence, it has to not just be comfortable, but safe, as well. One great step to greening your baby's home is to have a sustainable natural wood crib and organic mattress inside an uncarpeted nursery. Avoid Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) paint and finishes as they release low level of toxic emissions into the air even after years of application.

Accessories for the Baby

Some of the best gifts for babies are those that are both useful and eco-friendly. For example, introduce your friend to organic and biodegradable diapers, bamboo onesies, and all of the other necessities that they will go through like mad in the first few years of life.

Who could forget baby wipes? And baby wash! And diaper rash ointment! Parents will both appreciate these gifts and, even better, they will actually use them!

So if you are considering giving a baby gift, use the opportunity to promote green products; leave a legacy that you can pass on to the future generations. .

The Gift of Love

There can never be a better gift than for the whole family to provide a healthy, loving and caring home. This is a priceless gift that becomes more valuable as the baby grows into a well-rounded person ready to face the world with that special consciousness and challenge to care for the earth and his environment.

About the Author

Virginia Ginsburg writes about sustainable products, green living, and her quest for a socially-conscious lifestyle. She is founder of Green Baby Gifts (http://www.greenbabygiftsonline.com), which offers beautifully-wrapped baby gifts made of bamboo fiber and packaged in completely recycled and recyclable packaging.

Problems with Playtex Ventaire PBA Free Bottles?

Has anyone else had problems with the paint on these wearing off? The new ones came out, BPA free, but I had already purchased some of the regualr ones. I washed once, then boiled, and already the paint that tells me how many ounces I'm pouring is rubbing off, again. I called Playtex the first time, and they sent me coupons and a return envelope, but now the new set is doing it also. I bought the new BPA free, cloudy plastic bottles. I'm wondering if the "Crystal Clear" same model twice the price will do the same thing, or if I'm using the wrong kind of soap or something.

i boil and put it in the washer endlessly and non of my bottle have done anything like that. call playtex one more time and discuss about the situation and get your money back if possible. i dont hear good things about playtex bottles anymore nowdays. skip playtex and try different brands. Gerber have worked the best. its cheapest BPA free bottle out and its very durable.

GoodLife Contemporary Drinkware - Its Whats Inside That Counts!

Lululemon Still Pants

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Where can i buy black spandex shiny pants for cheap?

Im in Alberta Canada, I have looked at lululemon, triple flip, sportchek, zellers (like target), the bay, sears, and am going to look at Wal Mart and La Senza (they used to have asprint section) do they still?
Where else can i look? Thanks also im 14 and skinny and only 5 feet tall, they are for gymnastics.
Have also looked at Urban planet and Stitches, and H and M, garage

I would suggest Miley Cyrus and Max Azria Walmart Line, Charlotte Russe, or Forever 21.

Sand classic uggs and Lululemon pants walking

Lululemon Raincoat

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Avent Bpa Free Sterilizer

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Tommee Tippee or Avent? x?

I love the avent teats but like the bottle designs on Tommee Tippee she only has them at night and jus spent money on new teats and already want to change to Tommee Tippee my Avent bottles are BPA free thats not my reason x

And would I have to change my bottle warmer and steriliser as there all avent I got thisAvent breastfeeding set that everything came with it and dont tell me not to combine feed theres reason and my daughters been very happy with it for 2 months x

I bought the Tomee Tipee range - bottles, dummy's, steam/cold water steriliser and the manual Breast pump - I love the designs too but I breast feed exclusively now as expressing didn't go quite to plan! So I don't use any of them anymore! I definitely preferred the Tomme Tippee to Avent which my nephew used I prefer the designs and the shape of the teats.

International BPA Research- "Hormonal epidemic" 2 of 2 --Must see--

Lululemon Let It Rain

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