It is important for people to be in the know to make more educated buying decisions because we now live in a world that is overrun with ingredients that are mislabeled and genetically modified .Most people are unaware of the corruption behind their food and personal products and the FTA is as corrupt as the food it deems safe. Please note below the 10 most genetically modified foods and with that knowledge, it is our hope that you can learn how to replace these with local or homemade products!
1.) Corn- The Fda has declared that genetically modified food is safe for human consumption. What they do not tell you is that this alerted corn has been injected to create its own insecticide. Mice fed with GM corn were discovered to have smaller offspring and fertility problems.
2.) Soy- Soy has been genetically modified to resist herbicides. It has been found that hanpsters fed with GM soy were unable to have babies and suffered a high death rate.
3.) Cotton- Cotton has also been designed to resist pesticides It is considered food because its oil can be consummed. Thousnads of indian farmers working with GM cotton suffered severe rashes after exposure.
4.) Rice- Rice has been genetically modified to contain high amounts of Vitamin A. In China, the GM corn has been linked to allergic reactions.
5.) Tomatoes- To prevent rotting and degrading, tomatoes now have beem genetically engineered for a longer shelf life. Some animals that consumed GM tomatoes died withina few wekks of ingesting them.
6.) Rapeseed- Rapeseed oil is used to process cooking oil and margarine. Honey can also be produced from GM rapeseed.It has been discovered that as much as 1/3 of the total pollen present in Canadian honey amy be from GM pollen.
7.) Dairy Products- As many as 22% of the cows in the US today are injected with a genetically modified bovine growth hormone that stimulates milk production. This growth hormone has been found in humans and has been associated with breast and colon cancer.
8.) Potatoes- Health risks were revealed when mice that were fed GM potatoes had these toxins in their body for some time.
9.) Peas- A gene from kidney beans is now injected into peas creating a protein that functions as a pesticide. These peas have been found to cause immune responces in mice and humans.
1.) Papaya- GM papayas were created to prevent the ringspot virus in India. Who knows what they do to humans!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Products You Should Avoid Having In Your House
It is very upsetting to note that, given poor government regulations, many cleaning products available on the market today contain carcinogens such as formaldehyde, nitrobenzene, methylene as well as reproductive toxins and hormone disruptors. Other products contain ingredients that cause liver, kidney and brain damage as well as allergies and asthma. In addition to cleaners there are also a host of products that often contain carcinogenic and you should avoid having them in your home at all cost!
1.) Air Fresheners- Air fresheners contain napthelene and formaldehyde. It is best to remove bad odors, not mask them. Several ways to do this is: Open a window, empty the garbage frequently, burn 100% pure beeswax candles with 100% cotton wicks, use an open box of baking soda for really smelly rooms and use indoor plants to clear carbon dioxide and other toxins. Perfume the air with natural scents. Simmer cinnamon and cloves, fresh ginger or herbs in water on the stove top. Or, simmer water with a drop or two of your favorite pure essential oil.
2.) Art Supplies- Epoxy and rubber cement glues, acrylic paints and solvents, and permanent markers often contain carcinogens. I painting and print making, ready-mixed water based paints or ink can be used. Ventilate the space thoroughly whenever using any solvent and use lead-free enamels whenever possible.
3.) Automotive Supplies- Most are toxic. Keep them safely away from the house and dispose of at a hazardous waste disposal center.
4.) Carpet and Upholstery Shampoos-Use only wet-clean natural ingredients.
5.) Flea, Tick and Lice Control- Avoid linden-based pesticides.
1.) Air Fresheners- Air fresheners contain napthelene and formaldehyde. It is best to remove bad odors, not mask them. Several ways to do this is: Open a window, empty the garbage frequently, burn 100% pure beeswax candles with 100% cotton wicks, use an open box of baking soda for really smelly rooms and use indoor plants to clear carbon dioxide and other toxins. Perfume the air with natural scents. Simmer cinnamon and cloves, fresh ginger or herbs in water on the stove top. Or, simmer water with a drop or two of your favorite pure essential oil.
2.) Art Supplies- Epoxy and rubber cement glues, acrylic paints and solvents, and permanent markers often contain carcinogens. I painting and print making, ready-mixed water based paints or ink can be used. Ventilate the space thoroughly whenever using any solvent and use lead-free enamels whenever possible.
3.) Automotive Supplies- Most are toxic. Keep them safely away from the house and dispose of at a hazardous waste disposal center.
4.) Carpet and Upholstery Shampoos-Use only wet-clean natural ingredients.
5.) Flea, Tick and Lice Control- Avoid linden-based pesticides.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Cleaning Mold Naturally and Safely
It is probably no surprise to hear that mold is associated with respiratory health problems. It is often prevalent in our bathrooms because they are the dampest rooms in the house and the grout between tile is usually the first place that mold breeds. You may be surprised to learn that there is one product that can help you keep your grout looking great and it's safe to use. It is also odorless and inexpensive. That product is hydrogen peroxide!
To reduce mold from your grout combine one cup water and 1/2 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide solution in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the moldy areas and do not rinse off. It is important to note that hydrogen peroxide loses its mold-busting power when exposed to air, so mix up only the amount you want to use per treatment.
To keep mold from occurring in the first place, make sure you have installed an exhaust fan that has enough air movement to remove the moisture and be sure it is vented to the outside. Think about leaving a light on in your bathroom as mold dislikes light. Also, change your towels and rugs frequently to reduce moisture.
To reduce mold from your grout combine one cup water and 1/2 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide solution in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the moldy areas and do not rinse off. It is important to note that hydrogen peroxide loses its mold-busting power when exposed to air, so mix up only the amount you want to use per treatment.
To keep mold from occurring in the first place, make sure you have installed an exhaust fan that has enough air movement to remove the moisture and be sure it is vented to the outside. Think about leaving a light on in your bathroom as mold dislikes light. Also, change your towels and rugs frequently to reduce moisture.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Is Your Home Causing You Health Problems?
According to the U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency, the air inside our homes is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air! Most people spend about 90% of their time indoors so we are actually getting the majority of our chemical exposure in the very place we thought was safe. Relative to their body size, children are more susceptible to indoor air pollutants than adults. Their newly developing organs and respiratory systems are more vunerable to certain chemicals.
Where do these pollutants come from? A common source of indoor air pollution is mold which is a result of excess moisture. The excess moisture could result in mold in your walls and floors. This is usually a result of poor drainage or lack of vapor barriers. In addition to improving both of these, you may want to run an air conditioner or a dehumidifier. Other sources of indoor pollutants are paints that emitt harmful VOCs into the air, and chemicals that get released into the air by furnishings, cleaning products, office products and other everyday products. Chemical exposure from indoor air pollutants has been linked to eye, nose and throat irratation, headache, dizziness, nausea, wheezing and even cancer.
What can you do? Pick paints that are low-emitting such as UL's GREENGUARD Certified paint. Make sure your cleaning supplies are safe and easy. Make your own using baking soda and vinegar. Try to choose fragrance free products. When you buy new furniture- allow it to air outside for at least two weeks. Always paint a baby's room one month in advance so it has time to air out. Buy cotton shower curtain liners to eliminate the toxic fumes plastic ones give off up to two weeks after it has been hung.
Where do these pollutants come from? A common source of indoor air pollution is mold which is a result of excess moisture. The excess moisture could result in mold in your walls and floors. This is usually a result of poor drainage or lack of vapor barriers. In addition to improving both of these, you may want to run an air conditioner or a dehumidifier. Other sources of indoor pollutants are paints that emitt harmful VOCs into the air, and chemicals that get released into the air by furnishings, cleaning products, office products and other everyday products. Chemical exposure from indoor air pollutants has been linked to eye, nose and throat irratation, headache, dizziness, nausea, wheezing and even cancer.
What can you do? Pick paints that are low-emitting such as UL's GREENGUARD Certified paint. Make sure your cleaning supplies are safe and easy. Make your own using baking soda and vinegar. Try to choose fragrance free products. When you buy new furniture- allow it to air outside for at least two weeks. Always paint a baby's room one month in advance so it has time to air out. Buy cotton shower curtain liners to eliminate the toxic fumes plastic ones give off up to two weeks after it has been hung.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Organic or Not Organic- That is The Question
Well.... A new study from Stanford has created quite a buzz. The study says that there is a lack of nutritional benefit from eating organic food. It states that "Organic foods are not necesarily 100 percent free of pesticides. What's more, as the researchers noted, the pesticide levels of all foods generally fell within the allowable safety limits."
Do we really trust the FDA to set "safe limits" for pesticide residue in our food? NO! You can bet that the chemical and biotech lobbies have a strong foothold in the FDA with which they can control standards to suit their needs, rather than protecting consumers. The Institute that conducted the study got its biggest financial backing from a company called Monsato. Monsato is the single largest biotech donor in the fight against labeling food with GMOs in California.
Charlotte Vallaeys, the Director of Farm and Food Policy with the Cornucopia, said of the Stanford study,"Consumers should not lose sight of the important impacts of organic agriculture, which produces foods without the use of toxic pesticides that have been linked to an array of health problems, including cancer and ADHD in children. This study confirmed once again that organic foods contain significantly lower levels of pesticide residues, and that alone should be enough reason for every family to consider exclusively purchasing organic foods.”
And... as a consumer Jo put it,"It is highly doubtful that the food industry, basically the farmers, can produce organic foods fast enough and in vast quantities to meet the current world needs in supply and demand. This is probably why so many in the food industry are largely reluctant to roll back to the days when most all crops were organic, that, and of course, the fast money they make today in going with the flow. If you don't live on a farm it is most difficult to grow your own crops in modern urban town USA, particularly without violating some City Code of Law, and if you don't live next to a farm, well it becomes even more difficult and expensive to obtain organic corps (fresh vegetables and fruits) for your dinner table. Not to mention how difficult it would be for the food industry to roll back their current processes, not because they don't want to, or because the Government won’t allow it, but it is basically because of you, the share holders who have a huge stake in the food industry who just won't tolerate change in the large profits now flowing in, plain and simple."
Do we really trust the FDA to set "safe limits" for pesticide residue in our food? NO! You can bet that the chemical and biotech lobbies have a strong foothold in the FDA with which they can control standards to suit their needs, rather than protecting consumers. The Institute that conducted the study got its biggest financial backing from a company called Monsato. Monsato is the single largest biotech donor in the fight against labeling food with GMOs in California.
Charlotte Vallaeys, the Director of Farm and Food Policy with the Cornucopia, said of the Stanford study,"Consumers should not lose sight of the important impacts of organic agriculture, which produces foods without the use of toxic pesticides that have been linked to an array of health problems, including cancer and ADHD in children. This study confirmed once again that organic foods contain significantly lower levels of pesticide residues, and that alone should be enough reason for every family to consider exclusively purchasing organic foods.”
And... as a consumer Jo put it,"It is highly doubtful that the food industry, basically the farmers, can produce organic foods fast enough and in vast quantities to meet the current world needs in supply and demand. This is probably why so many in the food industry are largely reluctant to roll back to the days when most all crops were organic, that, and of course, the fast money they make today in going with the flow. If you don't live on a farm it is most difficult to grow your own crops in modern urban town USA, particularly without violating some City Code of Law, and if you don't live next to a farm, well it becomes even more difficult and expensive to obtain organic corps (fresh vegetables and fruits) for your dinner table. Not to mention how difficult it would be for the food industry to roll back their current processes, not because they don't want to, or because the Government won’t allow it, but it is basically because of you, the share holders who have a huge stake in the food industry who just won't tolerate change in the large profits now flowing in, plain and simple."
Friday, August 24, 2012
Shower Curtains and Low Birth Weight- The Connection
Have you ever noticed the noxious smell of a new shower curtain? This odor is plastic softener, a potently hazardous chemical compound that may do much more than just soften shower curtains. Many daily household products sold by companies today are sprayed with a host of chemicals designed to keep the plastic soft, sterilized and not flammable.
In a study done by a group of environmental agencies, such as The Center for Health and the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition, it was found that the coating on shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic chemicals and that some of these chemicals cause developmental damage to the liver and central nervous system, respiratory and reproductive systems. In addition, 28 days later after the shower curtain had been unwrapped and hung, some chemicals were still found in the air. Another study showed that these chemicals, phthalates, have a devastating effect on the health of new born babies. If a pregnant woman breathes these chemicals during her shower, it may interfere with the development of her fetus. It was found that during the first trimester, the fetus was particularly vulnerable to what the mother was breathing.
So, become informed! Look for labels that say PVC or "vinyl" and avoid them. Shop for a shower curtain that is made from natural fibers such as cotton. The EPA has publicly shown that 7 of the chemicals in shower curtains are hazardous air pollutants, yet companies are still selling them to uninformed consumers.
In a study done by a group of environmental agencies, such as The Center for Health and the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition, it was found that the coating on shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic chemicals and that some of these chemicals cause developmental damage to the liver and central nervous system, respiratory and reproductive systems. In addition, 28 days later after the shower curtain had been unwrapped and hung, some chemicals were still found in the air. Another study showed that these chemicals, phthalates, have a devastating effect on the health of new born babies. If a pregnant woman breathes these chemicals during her shower, it may interfere with the development of her fetus. It was found that during the first trimester, the fetus was particularly vulnerable to what the mother was breathing.
So, become informed! Look for labels that say PVC or "vinyl" and avoid them. Shop for a shower curtain that is made from natural fibers such as cotton. The EPA has publicly shown that 7 of the chemicals in shower curtains are hazardous air pollutants, yet companies are still selling them to uninformed consumers.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Guess What? Cleaning is Good For Your Health!
A new study by Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, shows that cooking, cleaning and even washing dishes are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Study author Aron Buchman says that " These results provide support for efforts to encourage physical activity in even very old people who might not be able to participate in formal exercise but can still benefit from a more active lifestyle." There are other health perks related to cleaning and those are:
1.) It Burns Calories- Taking out the vacuum can help you lose those extra pounds and reduce stress. You can burn an average of 250 calories an hour during a cleaning frenzy-even more if you are really moving.
2.) It Reduces Stress- An article published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine stated that 20 minutes of activity-including house work- cuts anxiety and stress by as much as 20 percent. A clean and clutter-free home is a great anxiety reducer- especially if you always have unexpected guests.
3.) It Helps Your Allergies- By purging your home of dust, dust mites and dander you can improve or avoid allergies and hay fever. Some of the best ways to control allergies are by vacuuming frequently, washing your sheets and curtains often, cleaning out your fridge and sink as well a thorough dusting throughout the home.
4.) It Improves Concentration- Do not be bogged down with lots of clutter. A clean and organized home helps you to focus on what is most important which means your concentration is improved. You will feel more optimistic and in control.
5.) It Gives You an Outlet For Your Anger- Cleaning is a productive way to vent when you are angry and lets you avoid from saying things or doing things you shouldn't.
1.) It Burns Calories- Taking out the vacuum can help you lose those extra pounds and reduce stress. You can burn an average of 250 calories an hour during a cleaning frenzy-even more if you are really moving.
2.) It Reduces Stress- An article published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine stated that 20 minutes of activity-including house work- cuts anxiety and stress by as much as 20 percent. A clean and clutter-free home is a great anxiety reducer- especially if you always have unexpected guests.
3.) It Helps Your Allergies- By purging your home of dust, dust mites and dander you can improve or avoid allergies and hay fever. Some of the best ways to control allergies are by vacuuming frequently, washing your sheets and curtains often, cleaning out your fridge and sink as well a thorough dusting throughout the home.
4.) It Improves Concentration- Do not be bogged down with lots of clutter. A clean and organized home helps you to focus on what is most important which means your concentration is improved. You will feel more optimistic and in control.
5.) It Gives You an Outlet For Your Anger- Cleaning is a productive way to vent when you are angry and lets you avoid from saying things or doing things you shouldn't.
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