Digital Calendars

So, how does one manage to get it all done?  A full-time job, children, spouse, fitness, down-time, housekeeping, and feeding everyone healthily?

Well, I'm no expert...and I fail in at least 2 or 3 of these categories everyday.

Basically, what it comes down to is mindfulness...and loads of pre-planning.

I use the Jorte calendar/agenda app...it lets me schedule everything, create task lists, color-code things for each family member, and access it from my phone or computer.

It's taken me years, and several failed attempts, to accept a digital calendar.  I've tried them before, but I always find myself falling back on paper calendars.  This program made me a convert, because it allowed me to do everything I would normally do in my planner...plus it accounts for repeat events and plugs them in for me so I don't have to enter them manually every time.  It will also send me notifications to remind me of events.

Really, a nifty little program for the price:  FREE.

Less Stuff = More Happiness

Something to be mindful of...maybe especially during this big consumer season? I like especially the idea of - Small and Sexy. "Consider the benefits of an edited life."

Cleaning Day

Cleaning is my nemesis.  It's a slippery one that has a much bigger army that I do.  And to make things worse, my army seems to help the enemy more often than they help me.

So, armed as a one woman militia, I trudge through the house every weekend just trying to keep the house from caving in. 

Honestly, my house looks pretty decent most of the time.  It's a mirage, in some ways, but what helps most is vacuuming and clutter-control.  If those two things get done daily (or nearly), then the rest of the "filth" is less noticeable. 

Until the weekend.

Now, I visited this theory/practice before.  But, it actually does seem to be working for me this year.

Since I work and my son has after school activities, I have little time for housework during the week.  But, as I cannot function (literally) without a "clean" house, I have broken the regimen down to this.

Everyday

• Try hard to keep from creating a bigger mess in the morning - put things back when they've been used (a.k.a. the peanut butter jar, the hair dryer, and the clothes I have thrown to the side in exasperation because they looked better on the hanger).  Basically, this boils down to simply putting things away after you get them out.  A simple concept, but one that many of us could put into practice more often.
• As soon as I walk in the door, I put one load of laundry in, and fold the ones that were dried yesterday. (This cycle repeats daily, with each load carrying into the next day - it ain't gonna kill the clothes to sit for one night - though I do have to "fluff" dry them again right before I fold them).
• Take a one-room-at-a-time approach to clutter-control.  This amounts to racing through the house finding more appropriate places to put all of the piles that have insidiously taken root to surfaces all over the house.
• Put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher (unload as necessary).

Occasionally during the week
Sometimes, it cannot be avoided.  With two dogs and three cats, the rugs, like hungry velcro, become covered in fur; little furry spots on the couch begin to look like they will sprout eyes and begin to meow; and the "tumbleweeds" of fur that blow across the laminate wood floor grow, and grow, and take up root in corners, sinisterly glaring out at the world.  When this occurs, I must vacuum and sweep.  But, I'm quick about it.  I sweep quickly...everything gets swept ON to the the rugs.  Then I vacuum the rugs.  Saves time.

Weekends

• Saturday is it, usually.  I finish the week's laundry, do one set of sheets (I alternate each week between our's and the boy's), and get it all put away (usually).
• I sweep and vacuum.
• I run around with a duster and move the dust from one surface to another, filling the air with sparkly little motes.
• I clean the bathrooms (quickly, and only as much as necessary).
• And I clean ONE room from top to bottom.  This weekend it was the kitchen, which entailed spraying down counters, cleaning out cupboards, mopping, spraying down all the stainless steel appliances, and clearing the counters of useless crap.  The kitchen will now be put back into survival mode until I get back around to it.  (Last weekend it was our bathroom - scrubbing tile floors, cleaning grout, emptying drawers of expired meds...)  I try to pick the room that needs it the most.  This keeps me from trying to deep clean the whole damned house every weekend.

Doing things this way, usually leaves time for Sunday to be all about relaxation.  It also, when I do it right, leaves much of Saturday for errands and such.  I usually sweep and vacuum and do a few more loads of laundry on Sunday...and pack gym bags and soccer bags and school bags, so they are all ready to go Monday morning.  I pick out Monday's clothes, do the week's budget and plan the week's schedule (who's picking up whom when and where, who's working, who's cooking, who's got appointments...).

And yes, if you're thinking I'm a bit anal retentive and obsessive about planning, I am.

But....the chores get done, the kid gets picked up and carted to practice, and dinner gets cooked.  Usually.  Don't get me wrong - plans fall apart...on a regular basis around here.  We are definitely a "plan B" (or D or Z) type of family.

Emerald "Earth" Mattress (Tierra) Review +

Well...all of the purchases have arrived and been used long enough to review.  I'm just gonna brag for half a second, since my research really paid off this time (it doesn't always do that, I've found).  The pillows are great, the protectors are fantastic (feel just like sheets, really - no crinkle at all), the organic sheets are luxurious and thick - as is the blanket, and the mattress is "fabulous".  So, you can definitely take my research and suggestions to the bank this time.  Any and all of them are worth their weight in gold.


So, let's get to the mattress. 

When I was researching, I could find little to no information on Emerald mattresses.  I am going to assume that is a good thing, because it appears that, since people tend to review stuff they really hate more often than stuff they like, there isn't a good mattress out there anywhere.

This is the low-down on the Emerald "Earth" Mattress (model: Tierra, size: King).

The mattress is firm, but not rock hard like so many complain that latex mattresses can be.   In fact, I can definitely tell that there is a very heavy, solid support under the soft wool.  It's also a very thick mattress.  We have a platform bed with drawers in the base, so it means I almost need a stool to get in and out of bed.  No need for a box spring (which saves a little cash).  The top of the mattress is quilted, causing 4 inch sections to rise slightly.  It gives a bit of a ridged look under the sheets, but, when the bed is made, that doesn't show.  And since it seems to add to the comfort, I have not complaints.  The fabric cover is bamboo cotton...very silky soft.

Some people in the reviews I read about latex mattresses complained of a smell.  I detect no such offensive odor with this mattress.  Just smelled like new, clean fabric.  No chemical or "plastic-y" smell at all.

The reviews are very accurate on how heavy latex mattresses are.  I could hardly push the thing around on the floor, let alone move it or stand it up on my own.  Luckily, latex mattresses are usually "no-flip".  There is a suggestion that you turn the mattress a few times within the first 6 months.

Overall, this is a well-made mattress, made in the U.S. (Tacoma), out of healthy, biodegradable materials (soy-based foam, natural latex, wool, and bamboo), for a reasonable cost (comparatively speaking - $1599).  I give it 5 stars.  And since I can't, for the life of me, find a picture of it or even any mention of it on the internet...I will simply list the phone number of the company.  That's how my local furniture company found this for me.  They knew the company made a mattress like the one I was looking for, so they called, acquired the specs, ordered...and voila!  I'm not sure why they haven't added this mattress to their website (especially since it's been around for a little while and is being replaced by a newer, similar model).  Seems to me it would behoove them to add it and make it more widely known.  I think a lot of people are in the market for this type of mattress.

Federal Way
(253) 838-1711

3025 Pioneer Way East
Tacoma
(253) 922-1400

Guess all those hours on the internet were worth it after all:  *smile* and *contented sigh*.

A new organic sleep system!

Alrighty then...the orders have been made, the financing has been completed...and I'm ALMOST done hyperventilating over the cost.  Here's what it finally came down to, after hours upon hours of research.

Mattress -
Choice #3 - Pure Latex Bliss (model: Pamper) - found for $2500 in Silverdale - $1400 online at The Healthy Back Store - very good reviews on this one
Choice #2 - Sealy Embody (model: Insightful) - found locally for $1450 on sale
Choice #1 - Emerald (model: Tierra/Earth) - found locally for $1599

Why did I choose #1?  It came down to this - the Emerald mattress, though lesser known and much harder (if not impossible) to find information on, is from a local manufacturer (Tacoma).  This company has been in the mattress making business for around 40 years.  I liked that the salesman explained his reasoning for stocking only Emerald and one other brand was that they both came from WA and the factories were close enough he could drive over and walk through them to see exactly what was going into the mattresses.  Of course, I'm not naive...I realize salesmen have their sales pitch.  I also liked that this mattress had all the specs I was looking for (100% natural latex, organic wool top layer, soy-based foam beneath, organic bamboo cover) and it wasn't $4000 like most other mattresses with these qualifications.  I like the organic part of the whole thing, and the wool topper - for it's natural anti-microbial properties and it's ability to breathe and, ironically, stay cool.  I also appreciate the absence of polyester or polyurethane foam.  This was pretty much the least toxic, most natural mattress I could afford.  The store didn't have the mattress on hand, so they are ordering - with the written promise that if I don't like the product, I will be given a full refund.  At that point, I'll move on to Choice #2.  But, if I keep it, I'll be writing a full review...as I can't find one anywhere on the web.

Pillows -  $66 for two king
I looked at wool, Kapok, organic cotton, latex, and silk.  Organic cotton was the first to be ruled out, because so many people complain about them flattening out too quickly or losing their shape.  Kapok is similar, but garners better reviews.  Those are the cheapest options.  I was initially then deciding on latex (shredded for pliability and flexibility), but the reviews were all over the place.  So then it was on to wool, but my wallet started to quiver in fear.  I got lucky and found a great deal on a set of Smartsilk pillows on Amazon.  The Smartsilk brand gets great reviews.  I hadn't really though of silk, but like like wool, this particular material is naturally anti-microbial and recommended for people with allergies and asthma.  I do think these are made in China but Smartsilk is a Montreal-based company.

Mattress and Pillow protection -  $169
To protect our investment, I've ordered waterproof mattress and pillow protectors.  I didn't want anything vinyl or plastic or anything that remotely looked like a crib protector.  This is more to protect the mattress from sweat and skin and to keep dust mites from setting up shop (the wool in the mattress will help that, too).  I looked at four particular brands that received great reviews and that fit my budget.  Luna, Dusk 2 Dawn, Gotcha Covered Organic, and Magnolia Organic (listed from least to most expensive).  While the Luna earns shining reviews and is U.S. made, it is not organic.  Dusk 2 Dawn is about 20-30$ more expensive and is made of organic cotton and a "breathable membrane" of some fancy concoction that isn't really explained on the website.  Magnolia Organic has a mattress barrier cover in thick organic cotton ($139 on Amazon, but only $89 on their website), but the matching pillow protectors were unavailable in king (if you don't need king size, I'd go with this one because it's 100% cotton but thick enough to fend off icky critters and protect your mattress from normal use).  It was my first choice, but I ended up going with the Gotcha Covered Organic and matching pillow protectors because they are made in the U.S. and contain recycled, non-toxic poly material on one side as a barrier and 100% organic cotton on the other.  I got an acceptable deal online at Living in Comfort.

Bedding - $125
I went with Magnolia Organics for the sheets and blanket (very good prices on Amazon - comparable to much lesser quality goods).  Not made in U.S., as far as I can tell...but impressive fair trade agreement and apparently good company ethics.  Also, they receive consistent 4 and 5 star ratings across the web.  Luckily, my homemade quilt will still fit and I already have matching shams for that...so I didn't have to incur the added expense of a bedspread or comforter - and my curtains already match that, so I'm set there, too.

So....mattress and bedding for under $2000 and every last bit of it is ecologically responsible.  In all reality...all that research saved me hundreds...if not thousands.  Though, if I'm honest, there's no way I would have spent an outrageous 3 or 4 thousand on a mattress, no matter how wonderful it was.  I just don't have that kind of cash to spread around.  So, this was the absolute best I could do at getting exactly what I wanted on a budget.  Could this have been done cheaper?  Possibly, but quality would have suffered and I would not have been as happy with my choice.

I must say I am damn glad to be done with it.  After having stopped the sale of my first mattress purchase (took me roughly an hour to change my mind and go back to the store and say no) and taking back pillows and bedding to Kohl's (all Pakistan- and India-made and not much cheaper than what I ended up getting),  I'm exhausted, mentally and physically.

I hope you can benefit from all the time and energy I put into making these decisions.  There are a lot of eco-conscious and health-conscious choices available out there.  For example, I loved the wool bedding (Natura and Shepherd's Dream have a lot of great stuff), but it's very, very expensive.  And I saw dozens of mattresses in the $2500-4000 range.  The Smartsilk company also sells bedding packages, but they were all in the $400-$800 range.So, as you can see, my choices were made with more than just environment and health in mind.  Compromises had to be made, but as with all of my major consumer purchases, I weigh the factors.  I make a list of dream qualities for a given product and then I try to meet as many of them as possible.  That's what I hope I've done here.

Now, it's time to sleep on my crummy old mattress.  I'm up way too late, and tomorrow is my last day of Spring Break.  Time to relax.  Finally.

Eco-friendly mattresses (locally procured)

Well, it's that time...the old mattress is now 12 yrs. old and causing bodily harm - time to kick it to the curb.  But, my oh my, does it lead to some intense research.

So, here's what I've set out looking for (keep in mind, when I begin my research on anything, I shoot for the moon - what would my dream _____ look like? and then I end up moving further and further down my list of exceptions and desires until I can afford a compromise item):

- comfort (which is hard to agree on when two bodies are deciding)
- price (ummm....I really don't want to spend more than 6-800$ - but I'm aware these things cost an arm and a leg)
- eco-friendly construction
- made in the USA

(Here's a great blog post on choosing a natural/organic mattress.)

Alright - let the research begin.  Apparently, what I'm looking for in an eco-friendly mattress is:

- a wood frame that is Forest Stewardship Council certified
- natural latex (I have a latex sensitivity...so I will have to look that one up - here's a forum on the topic from Green Living) or soybean foam core
- no synthetic foam core, like polyurethane (it contains PBDEs - linked to breast cancer - and even though companies claim it is a recyclable product, it contains chemicals that can cause asthma and, overtime, can let off chemicals into the air) - instead choose naturally fire-retardant wool
- organic cotton or hemp cover (hemp provides mildew/mold resistance, as does wool)
- bamboo is naturally anti-microbial (but usually only found in mattress pads and other bedding, though some companies use it in mattress construction)
- avoid coil mattresses because they harbor dust mites more readily (which is the source of most allergies)

Now, how much is all this going to cost?  And can I get it where I live?

Well...we live in a small town - or in the middle of a succession of small towns - so our options are limited (which also raises the price).  We have a few furniture stores (one is going out of business, so I'll give that a shot), Bargain Warehouse (which I'm not feeling confident will have eco-friendly options), and Sleep Country. I did a bit of preliminary research on Sleep Country and found this company statement about their new line (3 years old now...so maybe there are a few other options by now) of Nature's Rest organic mattresses (bonus:  Made in the USA).  I'll see if our local store has such a thing.  From the little I've found on the web...these seem to be quite spendy (in the thousands).  A few other brands I have found are:  Essentia (natural memory foam), Keetsa, Dormia, and Cozypure.  Simmons also has a line called Natural Care (though I am always aware of greenwashing and really wonder what the ingredients truly are).  Some people recommend a traditional Japanese futon (placed on a slatted platform bed).  I'm all about the platform bed and only having one mattress (to avoid the box spring and the squeaking that eventually begins over time as the joints and coils break down).

There is also always IKEA.  Quite a drive for us, but possibly worth it if I can't find anything more local.  I will admit that I'm pretty sure IKEA's prices can't be beat for the product.  Plus I love their 90 money-back guarantee for mattresses.

I also found an all wool mattress for about a grand at The Organic Mattress Store - they take special care, though, so it takes some thought before purchase.

In my internet travels, here a few complaints I dug up on natural and organic mattresses:

- the strong odor of latex and soybean (especially) foam mattresses (which I can attest to, as I have a natural latex yoga mat - even though I have a latex sensitivity)
- wool, since it is an animal product, must be cleaned at least once a year
- the latex foam mattresses seem to have some issues with sagging and denting
- cost!! (As we all know, if it says natural, organic, or eco-friendly, it's going to cost a lot more - which is really quite absurd.)

For some organic mattress reviews, check out this site.

Anyone have any suggestions?  I would rather purchase locally so the tax dollars stay nearby.  Plus, I don't want to pay a whole wad of extra cash on shipping.

Full Bloom

Years ago, I went to Japan on a school-related trip.  Until that trip, I was unaware of my stunning allergy to cherry trees.  Of course, we visited in spring, when the trees were in magnificent full bloom.  Breathtaking.  No really... I couldn't breathe.  My throat closed up, itchy and swollen, my eyes waters, my nose itched and my sinuses caved in on themselves.

Up until that point, I had wanted my whole yard filled with them.  Now, suffering from their terrible beauty, I wish every one of them within 50 miles of my house were yanked up and sent back to Japan.

I prefer to enjoy my cherry trees from afar...or better yet, in serene, poetic Asian art.

Another spring gem that I'd like to send back to wherever it originated, the hornet, was spotted spinning angrily above the back door this afternoon.

So....I guess this means it's official - Spring has sprung.

Oh...and the front rug is already covered with pussy willow tufts.  So, there's that, too.  Now I get to vacuum those up along with the already out of control display of fur clumps from various shedding animals in the house.

While I am definitely a fan of the returning sun and blue sky, I could do without a few of these inconveniences.  As it stands, I suppose I am at least happy to know that they lead to warm summer days ahead.

Whiteboard Calendars

It might seem like a no-brainer...but just in case it isn't...

Having a new calendar every year could be viewed as wasteful.  Sure, you might re-use the pictures - frame them, use them in an art project, cover a wall.  And if you plan to do that, then go ahead and buy the calendar.

But, if you're just going to throw the calendar away at the end of the year, trade it in for a whiteboard calendar.  You can change the dates, easily make amendments, and you won't have to waste money or throw away another calendar.

Just a thought.

I bought one, and have assigned a color to each member of the family.  That way, we can easily see the events that affect particular people.

My husband has a constantly shifting schedule, so it makes it easy for us to change dates and times without have to cross things out.

Anyone have other ideas or ways that you keep family schedules straight while still being mindful of the planet?  Please share!

Wine Corks as Soil?

Here's a nifty little trick I just picked up from this month's Urban Farm magazine:

Place your leftover wine corks in your houseplant pots, all along the surface (you can just throw them in, or you can arrange them in a pattern, if you are so inclined).

Frank Hyman (a gardener/Urban Farm columnist) claims that it cut down on his housplant watering by half.

"Cork is hydrophobic, meaning it doesn't absorb water and decomposes slowly."

Of course, you have to pack them in tightly so they won't float when you water (if you care at all about the design).

The cork acts as a long-lasting mulch for the houseplant.

What a cool use for a cork! (Beats a trivet any day.)

Head over to Frank Hyman's website or his blog (which I think is more interesting) for more cool, green gardening tips.

Waste: Analyze and Reduce

We all know we should reduce, reuse, and recycle.  Some of us take it more seriously than others.  I, personally, am aware I could do more, but hey, it's a process.

Several years ago, I went to a conference on gifted education.  A handful of the break out sessions were centered on ecology and the environment.  At the time, it was a huge new focus for me, and I was incorporating concepts into my classroom on a regular basis, with a whole unit on consumerism, waste, geography, and environmental impact.  We'd watch films (Wall-e, Ferngully, CNN's Planet in Peril, The Story of Stuff, PBS's Affluenza/Return to Affluenza, Planet Earth), and read books (The Curious Garden, The Wump World, The Lorax, A Material World, What the World Eats, Hungry Planet), and do dozens of activities to explore human impact on the earth (A Drop in the Bucket, The World as an Apple, and Fred the Fish are a few of my favorites).

But one truly impacted how I did things.  I'm not sure what you'd call it, maybe just "Effective" (I'll explain shortly).

At the time, we were without garbage service (to save $)...and the more we could recycle the less we had to spend once the truck was weighed as we entered the dump.  Now, we have garbage service, but we have the smallest can and have pick-up only every other week (which works for us 90% of the time) along with recycling (which we tend to have a lot of - glass/paper/cardboard/plastic/aluminum).

So, here's how the experiment works.  Get a garbage bag (if you have several people in your household, give everyone his or her own - it could be quiet an eye-opener). Pack this bag around with you all day (all week if you can handle it).  Now, everything you throw away goes in this bag.  If you can figure out how to recycle it or reuse it, do so.  At the end of the day (or each day, if you plan to go a week), take a look at what's in there.  Keep a list/diary of the items you tend to throw out; is there a way you can avoid it tomorrow?  I noticed right away (since I was living in dorm, away from home) that my consumption of paper cups/napkins was more prevalent...even paper towels in the restroom.  Well, those were easy fixes.  I dug my reusable mug out of my car, went to store and bought a few cloth napkins, and used the hand-drier on the wall of the bathroom.  Carrying the garbage bag around didn't teach me that waste was wrong.  I already knew that.  But, it did attach a neon light to my careless choices.  Since we all had to bring our bag to class on a daily basis, it sort of became a competition.  No-one wanted to be the one with the fullest bag. 

I've done this experiment with my students.  Of course, we have some rules about food and hygiene products.  I usually have them dispose of these elsewhere, but still record them on paper.  It's amazing what they learn about themselves and their families.

Considering what most people throw away, it's amazing that more isn't done to encourage people to recycle.  The majority of what we dispose of is either recyclable, re-usable, compostable, or is something we didn't need in the first place.  For some of us...it's simply a matter of living in a place that does not recycle certain items (often types of plastics).  I really wish companies would use as little packaging as possible.

I started out this blog, a few years ago, by measuring my global footprint.  So, let's see how things have changed.

According to the same footprint calculator I used then:
My results (4.07 earths)
Tips for reducing my footprint

Two years ago...my result was 5.16 earths.  So, I've managed to reduce it by a little more than one planet.  Not bad.  Not great, I'll admit...but certainly an improvement.  And if I can do it...absolutely anyone can.

There's a much more fun version of the calculator that I use with kids (go to footprintnetwork.org).
According to this site, the areas of my biggest footprint are energy and services.  And my "number of planets it would take to sustain the world if everyone lived the way I do" result is pretty much the same:  4.19 planets.

Where do I still fall short?  Transportation, electrical usage, non-local food items (outside of 200 miles).

Hmmm...so now...two more years - can I reduce my impact by another planet?  I'm pretty sure.  It's gradual, but, it's sustainable change.

So what are some easy ways to keep your garbage bag as empty as possible?  Here are 20 to start with:

1. compost
2. carry a re-usable mug/cup/set of silverware with you at all times
3. bring your own tupperware when you eat out
4. use re-usable shopping bags and produce bags (if it's possible, tell the clerk you will not be needing a bag)
5. avoid products that have too much packaging
6. pack your own lunch and use tupperware/stainless steel containers/re-usable snack bags
7. take re-usable items to the thrift store
8. pass gently used kids clothes and toys between friends/family
9. buy bulk to avoid packaging (if there's only one of you, go in on bulk purchases w/a friend)
10. avoid buying more than you need (shop for food daily or weekly if it will save you money and decrease the possibility of wasted/unused food)
11. cook from scratch to avoid food packaging
12. recycle everything possible (if you have no recycling pick-up...find the station and take it yourself - and then encourage your city to begin recycling pick-up...the easier it is to recycle, the more likely you are to do it)
13. make sure to have a household recycling system in place (keep it simple and convenient)
14. get long-lasting light bulbs/filters
15. if you have a choice, always pick the product in recyclable packaging
16. buy clothing/linen products made of cotton or other biodegradable fiber
17. only buy electronics when your old ones wear out
18. find the proper places to take your old batteries, unused medications, computers, oil, paint, etc.
19. recycle your running shoes (Nike, Converse, or Recycled Runners)
20. buy local (it tends to mean less packaging)

Dishwashing Detergents

Alright...I've been hand-washing dishes with environmentally friendly dish soap for over 2 years now.  I'm tired of it.  And after reading up on dishwashing detergents (why they do and do not work), I have come to the conclusion that the reason my dishwasher was not working is because of the detergent I was using.  The eco-friendly versions have a tendency to not work.  They are phosphate-free, bleach-free, and generally just too weak to handle tough cleaning.  So, you end up running them through the dishwasher and then re-washing half of them afterward.  A big waste of water and time.

I am a huge proponent of balance and simplicity.  And while I definitely care about the planet...I also care about my time.  Washing dishes every night for up to 30 minutes just isn't my idea of time well spent.  And if I can manage to get the job done without using much more water or hurting the environment, then that is the plan.

So began the research.

Sometime in 2010, a new law went in to effect that limited the amount of phosphates allowed in dishwashing detergent formulas.  Those of us who weren't aware of this may have suddenly thought our dishwashers were done for.  I certainly did...which is why I switched to handwashing (to avoid double-washing my dishes).

Cascade All-in-One (28 cents per load), Cascade with Dawn ActionPacs (23 cents per load), Finish Quantum (30 cents per load), and Finish Powerball Tabs (23 cents per load) rated highest with Consumer Reports.  They were quick to mention, also, that you didn't have to have phosphates (which encourage algae growth) or bleach (which can harm a septic tank) to get the job done.  They recommended Method Smarty Dish Detergent and Simplicity (both a bit more expensive, as would be expected, than the low-phosphate brands).  CR also found that bleach did little to improve the cleaning ability of the detergent, but enzymes seemed to help.

I found Finish tablets at Costco.  The price was right, and since they are safe for the septic system, earn relatively high consumer ratings, and are low in phosphates and include enzymes without bleach...I'm giving it a go.

My 30 minutes of time each night is worth more to me than a few gallons of water (because honestly, I don't think handwashing made much of a difference in our overall water usage).

I'll let you know how it works out.

The bad news...Finish is not listed as a "Cruelty Free" product.  But Method is.  So, I suppose if this whole dishwasher experiment works out...I will probably search out the Method tablets.  After reading several reviews on all of the CR-endorsed products, I have found that both the Method and Simplicity received more positive AND more negative reviews than either of the main-stream brands.  The Finish Quantum received almost all 5-star ratings on Amazon.  Hmmm...we'll see.

Reminder: ingredients to avoid

It can be absolutely mind-numbing to make intelligent and safe choices about ingredients in the products that we use.  Sure, there are some obvious things to avoid...but then there are some sneaky ones, ones that "sound" safe, and ones that can be fine for some and dangerous for others.  I'm not going into any great detail...but I would like to simply provide a "reminder" list (I have to do this for myself periodically) at the beginning of the year.  Until EWG finally makes an app, we'll just have to be content with research.  But, I must admit, it can be very time-consuming to head out to the store, look at the backs of dozens of products, make a list of possibilities, go home, research, cross most of the items off of the list, and start at square one.  Or, better yet, buy a product you think might work, only to find out that no matter how great the ingredients are, how kind the company is to people, animals, and the planet, or how eco-friendly the packaging, it just plain doesn't work for you.

I've done hour upon hour of research, and I still haven't found perfection.  When it comes to my governing principles for purchases (buy as local as possible, buy organic/natural when I can, buy cruelty-free, etc.), I have whittled it down to these ingredients to absolutely say NO to.  I'm not going to go into great detail about why these ingredients are bad, as I've done that before in previous blogs.  This is just a concise refresher:

Parabens - chemical preservative, possible ties to breast cancer

Phthalates - group of industrial chemicals used to make plastics more flexible, may cause hormone disruptions

PABA (aminobenzoic acid) - used as a UV filter, can cause allergies

Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea — These are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens

Petrolatum/petroleum/mineral oil - increase possibility of sun damage

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - a synthetic substance used in shampoos for its detergent and foam-building abilities...can cause eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions

Stearalkonium Chloride - a chemical used in hair conditioners and creams, may cause allergic reactions

Synthetic Colors - labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Synthetic colors are believed to be cancer-causing agents.


Synthetic Fragrances - can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply say "Fragrance." Some of the problems caused by these chemicals are headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation by a cosmetic that has the word "Fragrance" on the ingredients label.

Triethanolamine - often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.

Propylene Glycol - can cause liver/kidney damage, created as an industrial anti-freeze - used in brake fluid

Titanium Dioxide - carcinogen (often used in sunscreens)

Aluminum - often used in deodorants, carcinogen

Cocamidylpropyl Betaine - chemical surfactant used to make products foam up, tied to dozens of allergies

Of course, there are probably many others to watch out for.  Ultimately, if I don't have a list handy, I choose products with ingredients I can pronounce and with which I am familiar.  If it sounds sketchy, I avoid it.  I look for cruelty-free, fair-trade, organic, and chemical/synthetic-free.  I, personally, prefer to have my products smell good, so going the fragrance-free route, even though it is probably better for me, isn't my first choice.  I just try to avoid synthetic fragrance/color.  It's also a must that the product be made in the U.S. (or Canada), the closer to home the better.  I pretty much research to death every product I use until I find the right one that hits as many criteria as possible.  I have been known to sit down with a product and input every ingredient into a search.  It is cheaper to do this before buying the product...so I have gone to great lengths to visit local stores, write down available products that look promising, and then come home to research...for hours.  Then I purchase.  And often, I am let down and have to continue my search (even in "natural" and "organic" stores).  Just because it says natural or organic...doesn't mean it's safe or good for you.  I've found plenty of items at our local "natural grocery stores" that have several of the above ingredients.  It especially annoys me when the product is covered in green leaves, says "organic", and "natural" and calls itself healthy...and the first few ingredients are crap, with a few organic/natural ingredients mixed in toward the bottom of the list.

It really shouldn't be this hard for consumers to select healthy products that work.

But, until companies become more customer/health/ecology-centered, I figure it is my consumer responsibility to make sure they aren't hiding anything.

Safe Seeds

It is always around this time, during the early rise from the dead of winter, that gardeners (and yard-dabblers, like me, who just dabble in the yard and make more of a mess of it than a thing of stunning beauty or bounty) begin to drool over seed catalogs, plot out their grow plans, and begin ordering greenhouse replacement parts.

Me?  I haven't even looked at a seed catalog.  Other than ooohing and aaahing over the pretty pictures, I'm not sure I'd have any clue what to order or why.

Oh, I try to grow a few things, mainly herbs because we use them often in the kitchen, and landscape plants and flowers to make my massive and unruly yard look at little less like wild overgrowth.  But, aiming for a particular type of tomato or apple tree?  Hmmmm...I'm not sure it would do me any good.

I do appreciate the people who DO, though.  And I certainly envy those with greener thumbs than mine (which are sort of an olive drab).

So, to make it even more complicated...if you are really trying to stay green, simply growing plants and fruits, herbs, and veggies might not qualify...if you aren't making sure the seeds you buy are safe.

What?!!!  Fruits and veggies not safe?  Especially those you have cultivated from seed to sprout to blossoming and productive cornucopias of sweetness and savory spice?  Well...much like our beautiful green lawns and perfectly round and brightly colored grocery store produce - beauty is not always the most natural form of good and nutritious food.  To our prejudiced eye, it seems to make psychological sense that a pretty and shiny apple is better than one that is a bit bruised and dull in color...maybe even a little lopsided or uneven in texture or shape.  The unexpected (at least to some) truth is that "ugly" fruit and veggies are oftentimes better for us.  Why?  Well, think about what makes produce "pretty":  pesticides, wax, and other unwanted chemicals to give them a longer shelf life.  "Ugly" produce is usually the stuff that comes from organic farms that use natural deterrents for pests and avoid chemicals and waxes.  Their products don't last as long once removed from the plant, as a result.  And since they lack a protective coating, they tend to show wear and tear more easily.

I, personally, take comfort in clumps of dirt on my potatoes and the odd bee corpse found smooshed between the leaves of lettuce.  And I'm willing to pay more for the privilege of washing my veggies and fruits thoroughly.  I'm cool with waiting until a particular type of produce is in season, so I know what I am buying is as local as possible.  Those strawberries might look tempting in January...but where on earth are they from, how long did they travel, how much did it cost, and is all the pollution it caused worth it?  Not to me.  I'll take my strawberries in the summer.  The same goes for pretty much all other types of produce.

So why wouldn't I want my seeds to be the same.  Free from pesticides...free from contamination...

If you agree...check out Earthly Pursuits - a listing of seed companies that have signed the "safe seed" pledge.

Enjoy!

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day

MMMMMMMM....yummy! We have this new thing this year where I work. Each of us was charged with bringing in a nice smelling hand soap for the ladies' bathroom. Just a fun way to avoid using the commercial soap that may have been sitting in the dispenser on the wall for years. Eww. Usually, people bring in really sweet smelling products...which aren't bad, but the ingredients definitely leave something to be desired. And then one day, someone put Mrs. Meyer's lavender hand soap by the sink. I wanted to wash my hands 10 times a day just to smell it. So I bought some. The lemon verbena is wonderful, too. They also offer cleaning products. And to help out the planet a bit, you can buy refill packages so you won't need to throw away/recycle so many plastic bottles and pumps. Mrs. Meyer's is owned by the Caldrea Company.

One room at a time

Some time ago...I was complaining to a friend about how difficult it was to keep up as a working mom. Coming home from work to face laundry, cleaning, dinner...it was all just too much. Especially when I'm trying to fit in time with the family, time to exercise, and time to just kick back and relax (do people who work do that anymore?). She blessed me with this little gem of advice. Clean ONE room...and only one room...each night. Yep...that is pretty much manageable. Housecleaning under control? Check. Of course, there are nights when the vacuuming can't be ignored and the laundry is getting out of hand. So on those nights, I skip cleaning a room and focus on a chore that spans the whole household. So, it become this revised rule of household maintenance for the time-challenged: ONE. Clean ONE room or do ONE major chore. And leave it at that. The rest can wait.

Saying No to One-Use Drink/Food Containers

Okay, so it's time to re-invigorate my "saying no" campaign. Because, let's be honest here, I've been a little ho-hum on the "change" front, lately. Maybe that's because my life, and our family's lives, have been changing in a lot of ways that have not focused on the environment.

With that said, it always seems to be right around the holidays when I start to feel the need to throw out, bring in, and mix it up.

So, the ONE SUSTAINABLE CHANGE for November? No more one-use drink or food containers. I know I've suggested re-usable coffee mugs (duh), and stainless steel water canteens (another duh)...but I'm pushing it further. No cans, no bottles, no paper cups of any sort...no paper or (gasp!) Styrofoam take-out boxes.

It's do-able...it just means packing my own cups around (a coffee mug and canteen are good enough) and a plastic or steel container for leftovers when we go out...maybe a set of silverware in the car to avoid plastic forks and spoons.

I really don't eat out much, and I rarely eat "fast" food of any type, but when I do, I always find myself completely unprepared. And then I feel guilty, as I walk out with my leftovers in a throw-away container or my beverage in a paper cup.

So, here it is...in writing...my vow to stop buying anything that requires a one-use container. And I suppose that means plastic bags at the grocery store too...because, like many of you...even though I have the re-usable produce bags and gorcery bags...I continually leave them in the car.

Done. Not doing it any more.

Here's to sustainability. Here's to change. Here's to one...sustainable...change.

Local Re-usable Snack Bags!

I really meant to share this earlier. But, as you can see, time has gotten away from me.

I recently was given a link to an Etsy shop for "The Barefoot Seamstress" because a friend of mine knew I was looking for re-usable snack bags and that I prefer to support local business. Plus, while Snack Taxi and Chico (and dozens of others) have a great product...they cost more than I really want to spend ($7.95 to $14.95).

But, I found the holy grail of snack bags....

Photos and Prices available at Buzzy Bee Creations at Etsy.

Affordable - available lined in cloth or nylon - velcro seal - large enough for a good-sized sandwich.

I bought two sets; one for me and one for my son. Becky was so workable - even tried to find Spiderman fabric for my son's bags. She has a well-made product and a great price. I totally plan to buy more as gifts for this holiday season!

Check out her blog:


The Barefoot Seamstress

Genetically Engineered Pet Food

I remember, few years back, a huge pet food scandal. Melamine was found in certain brands of food that could be traced to Chinese production plants, and hundreds of animals died as a result of renal failure. Recalls occurred in North America, South Africa, and Europe.

Now, the problem mostly centered around canned/wet foods, but as I have several furry family members, it peaked my attention to a problem I hadn't actually thought much about (which kind of made me feel guilty): was I feeding my pets "good" food?

I immediately looked into brands, ingredients, and place of origin. The majority of the problem pet foods came from an Ontario-based company - Menu Foods. Specific products included Sunshine Mills (dog biscuits), Nestle- Purina and Alpo (why does this not surprise me?), Science Diet, Natural Balance, Dr. Fosters & Smith, Kirkland (Costco), and Diamond Pet Foods (Chicken Soup for the Pet For the Pet Lover's Soul and Nutra Nuggets).

At first, the concern was a chemical called aminopterin, but soon shifted to melamine - which is a chemical used in the production of plastics - found in wheat gluten samples retrieved from some of the recalled pet foods and urine samples from affected pets. It was also found in rice protein, used in Natural Balance pet foods.

Some people opted to feed their pets home-made food. I searched for a new pet food and supplemented with meat from our own meals.

The same "Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act" that applied to human foods applied to pet foods, as well. (For more information on this, see my previous post, "The Future of Food" - Pharming?). The bill, proposed in 2010 by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), would have required foods that contain a GM (genetically modified) material be labeled accordingly. Unfortunately, the bill never passed (doesn't mean it won't be re-introduced!). The bill that did pass (The Food Safety Bill) does not require companies to label their GM foods. It does, however increase the FDA's power to inspect foods and places stricter standards on imported foods. It also affects the safety of pet foods.

The struggle for safer foods and better labeling continues. Be a part of it. If you love your pets and are concerned about their health (as well as your health and that of your loved ones, duh!)...visit the National Health Federation's website and sign the petition (Say NO to GMO).

Understandably, all legislation comes with loopholes and can sometimes do exactly the opposite of what the public expects. Make sure to read the bills, not just the titles...and make your own educated decision. (For example, it can be very expensive for companies to obtain certain labels. This means that a lot of small companies are left out and can be negatively impacted. They can even be put out of business if they are required to pay for a label they can't afford. It's a tough decision for a consumer to make - is the labeling process and the appearance of that label on a product worth the possible negative outcomes?) Every issue has two sides. It's important to weigh the pros and cons based on your own research. It'd be nice if we could trust our governing officials to keep our best interests at heart, but unfortunately, too many of them have been bought by big industry and powerful lobbyists.

DOG FOOD

Ingredients to avoid:

By-Products
Non-specefic animal source
Contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin
No meats in the first five ingredients
Contains artificial colorants
Contains ground corn or whole grain corn

For more info. and tips to help you choose a better commercial dog food - visit DogFoodScoop.com and check out Good Guide's Dog Food Ratings

Keep in mind that just because a pet food has been recalled before, it doesn't mean the food is bad now or that the company hasn't made efforts to improve their product. And research will prove that not all consumer advocates agree on what is "good" and what is "bad". Read labels, just like you would for your own food.

CAT FOOD

Good Guide's Cat Food Ratings: Which products are best and worst?

I have 5 pets and a limited budget...so I'm just as guilty as anyone when it comes to buy the most affordable brands. For me, it's about compromise...just like it is for me. I try to find the best product at the best product. I usually can't afford the "perfect" product. Or, I simply don't have ease of access, living where I do. In order to support local, I have to make some important choices. I buy Kirkland's brand of Dog Food. Here's how it measures up according to Dog Food Adviser. I also feed my cats Kirkland brand cat food. Here's how it measures up, according to Cat Food Reviews. Neither food is "top of the line", but they meet my requirements: regional company, affordable, and decent ingredients (no artificial preservatives/colors and haven't appeared on the FDA recall list). NOTE: Kirkland canned dog food DID appear on the list during the 2007 recalls.

Related Resources:

List of good and bad pet food ingredients (pretty extensive!)
Read the bill that didn't pass - grrr....
www.truthaboutpetfood.com
Find out what's in your pet's food: visit Petsumer Report
Organic Consumers Assoc.
Dennis Kucinich's site
2007 Pet Food Recalls

There's an app for that...

So, now that I've had my new phone for awhile, I have finally gotten to the point where survival has moved to learning and right on into playing. My favorite new apps:

Cozi

This app allows you to calendar your life and your family's. It color codes each member, allows you to enter multiple appointments, and shows calendar and agenda mode. It also includes a shopping list (you can have as many as you want), and a To Do list (you can create one for each member of the family). The extra special part? You can sync it to your computer, your loved ones' phones (oh, honey...here's your "to do" list...and can you take a glance at the shopping list and pick up a few things on the way home). I'm sure my husband will be totally on board.

My Fitness Pal

This app is soooooo easy to use and quite motivating. It basically tracks your daily nutrition and calories. The food database is amazing! This app is basically a running record of what you have eaten (and the nutritional content of it all), how much you have exercised, how much water you have consumed, and how many calories still available for you to meet your goals. It's a nutrition and health diary that does all the hard work for you. Very handy.

My Tracks

If you are a runner or a long distance walker...this is a great app. It tracks you (yes, Big Brother IS watching you), and lets you know how far you have gone, your elevation changes, and your time.

And BTW, now that summer is on the way (at least I think it is...what with all this rain and cold and dreariness), I'll finally have more time to write! Yay!

GRRRRR....cell phones!

Some time back, I wrote a post on cell phone radiation levels. I researched and researched to find the most "beefed up" smart phone that had a great camera, could quickly and easily browse the internet, and had the lowest radiation level. I found that Samsung and LG consistently met all of my criteria and earned high consumer reviews. In fact, the Samsung Fascinate and Continuum phones outperformed, according to several review sites, the Motorola Droid phones. I thought I had it all figured out.

But, alas, I am at the mercy of red tape. Or more specifically the red tape of "Big Red" (Verizon). Apparently, the Fascinate and Continuum (Verizon's "Samsung Galaxy-S line" phones) are the only Verizon smartphones left with the Froyo 2.1 Android operating system. And...to make things worse, the company has been promising an upgrade to 2.2 for nearly a year. They're on the verge of a class-action lawsuit for selling a product to customers with the promise of a quick upgrade that never happened, and may NEVER happen. GRRRR. I even called Verizon today to get the real scoop. They pretty much confirmed my research.

Mr. D. just ordered the Droid X (which currently seems to be the best competition for the Fascinate). The Droid X sports an 8.0 mp camera, which is better than the Fascinate's 5.0 mp camera (though many reviews stated that the Fascinate still produces better pictures). The Droid X also has the 2.2 OS, more internal memory, and a better battery life. The Fascinate is reportedly faster but, according to consumer reviews, tends to freeze or seize up often.

I suppose every tech device has its bugs, but I'm pretty disappointed with the OS debaucle. It basically puts me in a position of choosing a higher radiation phone and puchasing a "hands-free" device to reduce my exposure.

I know, I know...a cell phone may not be all that important in the grand scheme of things, and there probably isn't a real necessity for me to have a smart phone. But, I like them.

This time, my sensible side is winning out against my principles. I'm not willing to spend $$$$ on a phone (Samsung Fascinate) that may or may not be able to perform up to its ability (3G/WiFi Hotspot/Froyo 2.2 or higher) because of an argument between companies (Verizon/Samsung/Google). It's especially frustrating that the same phone has the OS upgrade everywhere else but the U.S., and that all the other Samsung models under other carriers have it. I'm not switching carriers (Verizon gets the best coverage in my area, provides the "friends & family" network that means free long-distance for me no matter how long I talk, and I've never had any problems with their service). Even though the decision may be made in the next few months, leading to the upgrade to 2.2, or even higher, it's a risk I'm not willing to take.

Grrr...is all I have to say. At least the Droid X is cheaper...so I can spend that extra $ to buy it a case and make it hands-free.

Interested in researching different phones or different carriers? Check out Mobiledia's Cell Risk Site. Great comparison tools and reviews.