Nov

30

Holiday Travel Means Driving: Keep Up With Car Seat Recalls

Filed Under Car Safety | 1 Comment

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    I just returned from a grueling 11 hour drive home after visiting family for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Car travel can be brutal but staying safe while traveling is the most important factor.  Especially when it comes to car seats.  Car seats often times are recalled without you knowing about it, which could put your child in danger on the road. Good news…. It’s easy to stay on top of it though.

    Check out my tips for Keeping Up With Car Seat Recalls over on the Allstate Community Blog. You’ll find my tips for making sure your car seats are safe and say that way for the life of the product!  Safe travels!

    Nov

    29

    Gift Idea: Safe Yoga Essential thinkSport Yoga Mat

    Filed Under Healthy Home, Product Reviews | 1 Comment

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      I’ve been getting fit this year.  Part of that means doing some Yoga which I’ve fallen in love with.  I run now (without being chased by a bear) and Yoga seems to align my body and keep things in working order better than I could with any other exercise. So once I started

      Yoga regularly, my Yoga mat became more important.  Initially I started out with a basic mat I bought at Target because I was too much of a phobe to use the gym mats.  It seemed fine at first until I started wondering what it was made of.  I had heard that years ago they were all made of PVC… but surely they weren’t made of that now, right?

      What I discovered was two things.  One is that some yoga mat makers are very careful about how they describe their mats.  They rarely say PVC free but almost always brag about being Latex free.  Some of the “eco” mat versions tout “Does not contain 6 of the most harmful phthalates”.  So, does that mean there are other phthalates in it? The “non-harmful” kind?  Others are made of natural rubber.  One major brand says their mats are phthalate free but I never see the words PVC or Vinyl free in any descriptions.  thinkSport specializes in safe products so I knew this one would be a good bet.  I was right. This yoga mat is free of Bisphenol-A (BPA), PVC, Lead, Phthalates, Dioxins, and biologically toxic chemicals.  Thank you thinkSport!

      The second thing I learned is that I require a thicker yoga mat.  The basic mats are 3mm thick. But one kneed or tailbone on a 3mm thick mat makes my body angry.  So I needed a thicker mat.  I was elated to find out that thinkSport, the makers of some of my favorite non-toxic sport and baby products, came out with a  thinkSport Yoga Mat!!!  The clouds parted, a rainbow appeared.

      I hurriedly brought my new thinkSport Yoga Mat to the gym to try it out.  I *love* this mat.  Love it.  It’s thick enough to cushion my joints and not so thick that its like carrying a tree trunk.  The texture is really soft but provides excellent grip for all types of yoga or Pilates practice.  Despite being sweaty, I never have slipped.  There is no crazy off gassing scent and it looks really sharp.  They also have great colors to choose from.  I knew thinkSport wouldn’t let me down.

      This would make a perfect gift for someone and I plan on gifting this to someone else this year too. thinkSport will be under our tree this year!

      Get Yours (Or Gift It): You can find the thinkSport Yoga Mat at Abe’s Market for $39.99.  Mine is the Ice Blue color and it’s really pretty and hasn’t shown any dirt or wear and tear despite my regular beatings.  You can also get the yoga mat as a gift set paired with a matchin  thinkSport Stainless Water Bottle!

      Sponsored by Abe’s Market

      Nov

      28

      Lullaby Organics Cyber Monday Giveaway!

      Filed Under Giveaways Coupons, PVC Free, Toy Safety | 141 Comments

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        It’s no secret that I love Lullaby Organics or that I love to support small businesses when possible.  So when I was invited to participate in Lullaby Organics 12 Days of Holi-Daily Deals I was totally on board!  Starting on November 25th and ending on December 6th, they will have a deal of the day and offer you big discounts on safe products.  You can find out which bloggers are revealing the Deal of the Day by following Lullaby Organics on Facebook or visit their website.

        Lullaby Organics Daily Deal for November 28: All Green Sprouts Bath Toys and Grooming Items are 30% off!  Plus you can use our coupon code SAFEMAMA for an additional 10% off. I have written about bath toys before and while you should look for toys that are not made with PVC, you should also loo for bath toys that can be cleaned inside and out.  Many bath squirties and duck toys can harbor dangerous bacteria (and other gross stuff ew).  I love to give my kids cups like the Green Sprouts Stacking Ducks.  They can pour and measure water or bubbles and my kids pretend to cook with them too.  I’m not sure why cups are so entertaining to kids but they are!  They are adorable duck shaped stacking cups that feature holes to play with water while it drains out.  All of Green Sprouts bath toys re made with safe materials and NO PVC.

        Green Sprouts has also tackled the tub mat issue by creating bath mats made of natural rubber with suction cups on the bottom.  This set comes with 5 whale shaped tub mini mats that you can stick all over your tub floor. The textured surface prevents slips.  Green Sprouts ensures their toys and products are all free of PVC, BPA and Nitrosmines so your little ones can be safe.

        Green Sprouts toys are a great choice when searching for safer toys and I do think these would make great little gifts for those adorable little ones in your life.

        Giveaway Time!

        One reader will take home a set of Green Sprouts Bath Toys from Lullaby Organics!  The set will include the Green Sprouts Stacking Ducks, a 5-pack Mini Bath Mats Set,  a set of their Sea Life Bath Friends to stick all over the tub, AND a full size 100% rubber bath mat.  That’s a $43 prize!  Thank you Lullaby Organics!

        Here’s How To Enter (Required):

        Visit Lullaby Organics and tell me in the comments what you found there that would be a great gift for someone over the holidays!

        For Extra Entries:(You must leave a comment for each extra entry for them to count and you must have already completed the required entry method above):

        • Fan/Like  SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
        • Fan/Like  Lullaby Organics on Facebook (first name, last initial)
        • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
        • Follow @LullabyOrganics on Twitter (Twitter name)
        • Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED ONCE A DAY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments): Check out @lullabyorganics 12 Days of Holi-daily Deals and #Giveaways! Win Green Sprouts bath toys from @SafeMama http://tinyurl.com/cfwtrxt

        One winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Open to US readers!  Entries will be accepted until Dec 13, 2011 at midnight EST.  Good Luck!

        Congratulations commenter #53 Jenny!

        Nov

        17

        American Moms Will Be Watching To See If Congress Will Make Products Safer

        Filed Under Chemicals, Take Action | 3 Comments

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          Today the U.S. Senate will be holding a hearing on The Safe Chemicals Act.  A bill that American moms have been waiting for, for years. The Safe Chemicals Act, sponsored by Senator Frank Lautenberg, is a bill that will finally address our severely outdated laws surrounding the issue of chemical safety and regulation in our every day household products.  The reform will address the antiquated Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976.  It’s long overdue and the old laws are not working.

          Being a parent brings to the forefront the instinct to protect.  To protect our children and our families from harm, in any way possible. So when many of us became mothers or fathers, we took a close look at what was around us. Our mattresses soaked in flame retardants, our cleaning products that pollute the air in our homes and the earth, our skin care, our baby bottles, … everything.

          By updating TSCA, Congress can create the foundation for a sound and comprehensive chemicals policy that protects public health and the environment, while restoring the luster of safety to U.S. goods in the world market.

          Like our celebrity mom Jessica Alba (who has been our Mom Ambassador on supporting this reform) says, “It is still legal to use lead, mercury, asbestos and formaldehyde in many common household products. Even worse, there are thousands of other chemicals in use that have never been tested for safety at all!”

          We rely on the government to make sure that the products our families use are safe.  That needs to become a clearer truth rather than a false assumption.  Today at 10am EST, Moms and Dads across America will be interrupting their busy day to watch The U.S. Senate hold a hearing on “The Safe Chemicals Act“.   Follow the hearing, along with 30,000 other parents, on the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Facebook page today at 10am EST.

          I’ve been waiting for this since I learned about the risks my family suffers so that companies can make money. It’s time for that to change.  Today.

          Nov

          8

          Clementine Art: Natural Paints (Giveaway)

          Filed Under Healthy Home, Product Reviews | 177 Comments

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            If you’re like me, you love it when your kids bring home those little hand print painted crafts they make at school.  I often wonder what’s in the paint they are putting on my kids hands.

            Unless you want to supply the class with natural paint, it’s one of those things you kind of deal with and get over it.  But at home, it’s another story.  I like to make sure that when I am supervising craft time at home (which I need to incorporate more often, I’ll admit) I like to choose products that I know are not full of petrochemicals and dyes.

            I’ve been a long time fan of Clementine Art supplies since I first tried out their Natural Modelling Dough in a play dough showdown I did a couple of years ago.  (I also think their Crayon Rocks are nifty and a good stocking stuffer for the kid who has everything)  So when My Little Green Shop asked me to do a giveaway of a set of Clementine Natural Paints I was thrilled!  If you haven’t investigated My Little Green Shop yet I encourage you to go take a peek.  They have an adorable array of kids and baby gifts that make this a great place to shop for unique gift ideas.

            Anyway, my little guy and I tested them out to see how they perform.  I suited up my son and we went to work.  They have the same consistency of a tempura paint and they apply well.  I thought they’d be too thin or drippy but they have a nice feel to them and are easily applied to paper or canvas.  The colors, in my opinion, are stunning.  The set comes with Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, green and Purple but they are less primary looking and have more of a wall color appeal.  I would seriously consider using that red on an accent wall in my house. So the shades aren’t traditionally primary but they’re gorgeous.  They dry a little lighter and still look great.  My little man had a blast painting with them during our test.  The only thing I would change is to put them in taller squirt bottles so you could put some colors out for the kids without trying to pour them from the round tins. But really not a deal breaker.

            Clementine Natural Paints are made with natural ingredients and mineral pigments so I don’t worry about harmful dyes and petrochemicals.  Just having pure artistic fun.

            Get Yours: You can pick up Clementine Natural Paints and other safe art supplies and crafts from My Little Green Shop – I love supporting this shop because she truly cares about product selection and is passionate about living green. I hope you’ll support this family run business too.

            Win a Set of Clementine Natural Paints

            My Little Green Shop is giving away one set of Clementine Natural Paints to one lucky reader!

            Here’s How To Enter (Required):

            Visit My Little Green Shop and tell me in the comments what you found there that would be a great gift for someone over the holidays!

            For Extra Entries:(You must leave a comment for each extra entry for them to count and you must have already completed the required entry method above):

            • Fan/Like  SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
            • Fan/Like  My Little Green Shop on Facebook (first name, last initial)
            • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
            • Follow @MyLttleGreenShop on Twitter (Twitter name)
            • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via feedburner email
            • Follow me on Google Friend Connect!
            • Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED ONCE A DAY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments): Enter to #WIN Clementine Natural Paints from @MyLttlGreenShop on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 11/18

            One winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Open to US and Canadian readers!  Entries will be accepted until November 18, 2011 at midnight EST.  Good Luck!

            Nov

            4

            Greenwashing 101: What Companies Will Do To Get Your Dollars

            Filed Under Chemicals, Green Mama | 30 Comments

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              I was lying in bed last night watching Vampire Diaries (don’t judge me…  I like angst ridden teen television.) when a commercial for Pantene Nature Fusion Shampoo came on.  It was the typical Eva Mendez flipping her unnaturally shiny hair around and pouting her big lips at me trying to sell me shampoo to make my hair “stronger” and unbreakable like a super hero.  This is the kind of commerical I am used to. Basic marketing baloney to sell a product.

              But what got my attention was the marketing language for this new “Nature Fusion”  shampoo. “Want to make a healthy choice for your hair, and a healthy choice for the environment?”.  Hold on.  Back up a second.

              Pantene saw an opportunity, like every other large company, to take advantage of consumers wanting safer and more environmentally safe products.  So instead of cleaning up the products they already sell (like J&J did with their new “Natural” line of baby shampoo) they add a “natural” product line to their arsenal to draw you in.  To make it seem like they are really trying, Pantene claims their Nature Fusion shampoo is packaged in a 59%  plant based plastic bottle – but not the cap. Wow! All 59% of it? You really must love the planet, Pantene.

              This is an ingredients list for their new Nature Fusion shampoo:

              Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Xylene Sulfonate, Cocamide MEA, Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) Flower Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract (Ginger), Panthenol, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Citric Acid, Dimethiconol, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium Citrate, Yellow 5, Orange 4

              • So we’ve got SLS : classified as a skin irritant and has 1,4-dioxane contamination concerns – which is a carcinogen
              • Cocamidopropyl Betaine: known human immunity system toxicant and Suspected to be an environmental toxin.  I’m not sure why they bothered with this ingredient when they have SLS in here.  Just wanted to be able to say there is coconuts in the shampoo perhaps.
              • Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride: I don’t even know what this is but it sure does sound like it was harvested from a tree in Brazil! It’s natural, can’t you tell?
              • Fragrance: PHTHALATES – hormone disruption, need I say more?
              • Methylchloroisothiazolinone AND Methylisothiazolinone:  You can never have too much preservatives classified as a “Human immune system toxicant” now can we?
              • There’s other chemicals in here but do I really need to go on?

              My point here is that if they really cared about the environment and saving the planet, they wouldn’t be selling products that contain harmful chemicals, which get washed down the drain and into our water systems, polluting our environment.  They toss in a minute amount of aloe and flower extracts and they can call it natural.  But it’s far from it.  Providing it in a partially plant based bottle? That’s just their way of pretending to be environmentally conscious so that your money goes into their wallets.

              Top it off with a gorgeous high paid actress and you’ve got yourself some classic Greenwashing.

              Nov

              3

              Johnson & Johnson To Make Products Formaldehyde Free, But Is It Enough?

              Filed Under Skin Care, Take Action | 3 Comments

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                In the US, J&J products contain formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane which are both carcinogens

                This week The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics asked for a call to action after finding out that Johnson & Johnson, the popular baby product manufacturer, was selling a “safer” version of their bath products in foreign countries.  By safer, I mean they had eliminated formaldehyde releasing preservatives from those products while the babies in the US continue to be exposed to their old formulas.

                The ingredient that The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics had their eye on was quaternium-15 which releases detectable levels of formaldehyde in to the products.  Pair that with the carcinogen 1,4 dioxane and you have yourself a nice gentle and safe baby product, right? (That’s sarcasm by the way).  A few years ago they lobbied to J&J to remove quaternium-15 from their products. But as of today, J&J is still exposing babies in the US to these carcinogenic chemicals.

                This week Johnson & Johnson released a statement in a letter saying that even though formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are safe (that sounds ridiculous) they are phasing them out and are going to gradually reduce the level of dioxane to lower than detectable levels.
                While I think this is a step in the right direction I do have a few misgivings with the recent developments.  One is that its taken entirely too long for J&J to respond to the demand of the consumers.  It’s been years that we have been writing letters to them demanding safer products.  And yes, they did come out with a safer version of their products.  But this is mainly out of money making instead of wanting to make safer products.

                My other “beef” is that the spotlight in this case has been mostly on quaternium-15 and 1,4 dioxane.  But what about the fact that they are using hormone disrupting phthalates (fragrance) in a product designed for infants! Even if they eliminate quaternium-15 and dioxane (which are carcinogens… I understand the focus on getting rid of them) the products will still not be what I consider to be “safe”.  But one thing at a time I suppose.

                I get email all the time from people asking me what I think of their new “Naturals” line.  I understand people want safe products that don’t cost $16 a bottle.  I get it.  I would much rather pay $4.99 than what I pay for kid shampoo.  But I just cannot give it my support.  It’s free of many things I avoid in skin care but I don’t trust that the company has children’s safety in mind, only dollars signs.  I would much rather support (and sacrifice) a company that cares and has cared from the beginning.

                Take Action: Despite what I’ve said above, I do see the value in demanding safer products for the public even if it means they aren’t perfect, but better. So we will continue to write to J&J and other companies to demand better for our babies.

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