Aug

4

Cheat Sheet: Safer & Eco-Friendly Lunch Gear

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Food Safety, PVC Free | 13 Comments

Pin It

    A while back we did a quick write up of safer alternatives to lunch boxes when all that “lead in lunchboxes” hoopla went down.  Since then there are so many great alternatives to lunch boxes available that it totally warrants a new cheat sheet. Lunchboxes are perfect for little and big kids and help reduce waste that’s clogging up our environment.  Whether stainless steel, canvas or recyclable plastic is your thing – there is a lunch system for you.  No matter what age.  Note: This is not a comprehensive list – if you think a brand should be on here please let us know and we’ll verify it! (Last Updated July 8, 2011)

    Lunch Boxes, Bags and Lunch Systems

    We looked high and low for lunch boxes and gear that was free of BPA, PVC, Phthalates and either claims to be lead-free or meets CPSIA testing standards for lead.  I’ve noted which brands claim what regarding lead. All of our picks are also free of Microban.   Here are our picks

    Lunchable Storage Containers

    I also encourage you to download the CHEJ 2010 Back to School PVC Free School Supplies shopping guide and the EWG Back to School Guide for more ideas on having a less toxic school year.

    Great places to shop for lunch/food storage gear:

    Jun

    8

    SafeMama Laundry Detergent Cheat Sheet

    Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, cleaning products, Cloth Diapering | 41 Comments

    Pin It

      For years and years, I was a Tide girl.  I loved  my Tide in all its stain fighting glory (especially with a husband who is a habitual leaver of lip balm in his pocket and my rule is, I do the laundry, I don’t check pockets) and optical brightening power.   Then I read about phthalates and other chemicals which could possibly be slowly poisoning my son, and the rest, as they say, is history.    So of course, all of our research has led you here, to another production of the SafeMama cheat sheet. (Know a brand you think belongs here? Let us know!)

      Make Your Own!

      You can easily make your own detergent with just a few simple ingredients.  I actually have a friend who made her own and liked it.  However, I can’t really attest to how well it gets out grime and dirt, just because she said that they don’t get really dirty (empty nesters, such is the life).  But if you want to try it for yourself, you’re more than welcome to give it a whirl and see how you like it.

      What you’ll need (the liquid version, i.e. maybe a little more time consuming, and a little more mess to prepare):

      • One five gallon bucket with a lid (you can usually find them at hardware stores)
      • One bar of soap (any kind is fine, but preferably one that’s free of all the ickies!
      • One box of washing soda (NOT baking soda).  You can find this in the laundry aisle of your grocery store or big box department store.
      • One box of box of borax (optional) (Looking into the safety of Borax use – recipe still works without it)
      • three gallons of tap water
      • a measuring cup
      • a knife or cheese grater, whichever you prefer (you’ll need it for the soap)
      • your favorite essential oil (also optional)

      First, put about four cups of water into a pot and turn the heat on high.  You want to heat it up, but not boil it   Then, begin grating or shaving strips of soap into the water.   Once you’ve put all of the soap into the water,  stir until soap particles have dissolved, but your water is soapy.

      Next, add three gallons of hot water to your bucket, along with the soap mixture from the stove.  If you want to use essential oil, go ahead and add that too.   Add one cup of washing soda to the mixture and stir.  Once you’re done, let it sit overnight, and let cool.  The next day, you should have a slime like consistency.  For each load, you’ll want to use about a cup to your washing machine.

      The Powder Variety (the easier of the two):

      What you’ll need:

      This is pretty similar to the liquid kind, except you just keep it in powder form.

      • One bar of soap (any kind is fine, but preferably one that’s free of all the ickies!
      • One box of washing soda (NOT baking soda). You can find this in the laundry aisle of your grocery store or big box department store.
      • One box of box of borax (Looking into the safety of Borax use – recipe still works without it)
      • a food processor
      • essential oil (again, optional)

      First, you’ll want to cut up your soap into manageable chunks for the food processor.  Chop up the soap until fine.   In a large ziploc bag or container, add one cup of washing soda, along with your soap flakes.  If you’re using essential oil, you can add 5-10 drops to the mixture.   seal the container or bag and shake until well mixed.  Voilà!  You can use this in high efficiency washing machines as well.  Just use less.  One to two tablespoons will do the trick.

      Got any other green laundry tips?  Share them with the class!

      May

      25

      Cheat Sheet: Safer Cleaning Supplies

      Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, cleaning products, Eco-Mama, Healthy Home | 8 Comments

      Pin It

        One of the first things that went in my house when we started to green (during the whole BPA boom of ’07) was conventional cleaning products. Since then, we’ve tried many green cleaning products. And of course, what do we SafeMama girls do best? That’s right, my friends, cheat sheets. We’d be remiss if we didn’t put together a cheat sheet of safer cleaning products for your home, too.

        Of course, there’s also no better product than making your own.  I swear by vinegar and baking soda.

        Do It Yourself

        Multi Purpose Spray:

        Take two parts warm water, to one part vinegar.  Put in a spray bottle and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and viola! You’ve got a multi purpose cleaning spray.  It’s even streak free on windows and mirrors.

        To clean your tub and shower:

        Put half to one cup of baking soda into a bowl.  Slowly add vinegar in small increments until you have a semi-crumbly paste.  Use on a scrubby sponge to clean.  It works wonders.

        To clean your toilets:

        Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into your toilet tank once a week. Make sure NO ONE uses that toilet for at least 30 minutes. I then add approx. 1/4 cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl and let that sit for a few minutes too. If need you can use a toilet brush to remove tough stains. Then flush! You have naturally disinfected the toilet and refreshed it too! Kills odors!

        Toilet Stain Cleaner: 1 cup borax, 1/4 cup lemon or vinegar juice

        Mix, then pour into the toilet bowl. Let sit for about 15 minutes, then scrub the stains away.

        (toilet cleaning recipes courtesy of dot com women)

        Great DIY Ideas and Recipes:

        Have any recipes of your own? Do share!

        Feb

        5

        Cheat Sheet: BPA Free Baby Food, Baby Food Creation and Storage Tools

        Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Food Safety | 8 Comments

        Pin It

          Having a 6 month old means I am in the midst of the baby food jungle.. starting to introduce cereals and purees, which he is really loving and doing so well on them. I’d love to say I carve time out of my day to make all my own baby food but realistically, we all don’t always have the time and need to rely on prepared baby foods.  I set out to find as many safely packaged baby food as I could and interestingly enough – most of the baby food packaged in BPA Free packaging was organic.  Yay! Many of these brands you can find at your local health food stores or Whole Foods.  Some you can find at the grocery store (Like Sprout Organics and Plum Organics). I’ve had some luck finding brands at Babies R Us as well. So here is a cheat sheet for those of you who need a little extra help finding something right for you.  I have not included baby food packaged in glass  jars due to the fact that jar lids have a BPA containing epoxy. To the makers of Earth’s Best – Get with it already!

          Last Updated: February 10, 2010

          Baby Food Packaged in BPA Free packaging

          BPA Free Baby Food Preparation Tools

          BPA Free Baby Food Storage Options & Ideas

          Make Your Own Baby Food Resources

          *Please note this is not a comprehensive list… if there is a brand or item you don’t see here please share it with us!

          Jan

          28

          SafeMama Cheat Sheet: Dishwashing Detergents

          Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, cleaning products, Suggestion Box | 16 Comments

          Pin It

            Well hello there!  I know I’ve kind of slacked off on writing anything.   And like Kathy so kindly pointed out, we’ve been kind of going through a learning curve being new moms of two.  I’ll tell you, I don’t know how people have more than two children.  You all are saints! That said, I’m really trying to be like Stella and get my groove back.  I think I’m getting there.  I am passionate about helping people achieve a cleaner, healthier lifestyle.  And now that it’s the new year, I feel ready to tackle on the world (or maybe just a cupcake and a much needed nap).

            With that said.  One of the things someone had requested, was a dish-washing detergent cheat sheet.   We get a lot of questions on dish-washing detergents, so I figured I’d put together a quick list of some of the green(er) detergents out there. Now, I have a confession.  I have not tried a single detergent out there that has worked on my dishes the way I’d like (ok, no, there is ONE, read on below).  Having kids means having food that is the equivalent of cement when it dries and even if I rinse, I still end up with dirty dishes.  So, shamefully, I keep going back to conventional, which I HATE.  Not only from the chemical aspect, but because it leaves a detergent taste on my dishes, especially silicone, which I can’t stand.   But I’m kind of at a loss.

            Ingredients to avoid:

            Phosphates: Phosphates are all sorts of bad and are completely unnecessary in your detergents.  Phosphates act as a water softener, in order to make your detergent “work better.”  They leak into the ground and water system, and wreak havoc on our eco-system.  Once in the water system, it causes algae blooms, which rob water of oxygen.  This is just a smidge important for our aquatic life.  (fish need oxygen too!)

            Chlorine: Chlorine is one of those cleaners that people swear by.  Your house is just not “clean” unless you douse it with a healthy dose of bleach.  Need your baby’s toys or bottles sanitized?  Just add a little bleach to the water.   Again, entirely unnecessary.  Bleach is caustic.  The fumes alone are enough to make you sick.

            Artifical perfumes (phthalates): By now, it’s known that phthalates are just plain bad for you.   Those fresh morning daisies you’re smelling in your dishwashing detergent, most likely contain phthalates.   And are most likely leaving that residue on your glasses.  Ew.

            Good Alternatives:

            Please keep in mind that this is not a complete list. This is just what I could find, or what I know of offhand.

            Without further adieu:

            EcoStore Auto Dish Powder: I’ve heard of this around the Internet and our buddy Sommer from Green and Clean Mom raves about EcoStore’s products.  Lo and behold, they carry a powder dish detergent for a relatively affordable price considering how much you get (Huge container for $12).

            Seventh Generation: This is probably one of the more popular eco-friendly dishwashing detergents on the market.  It’s available at most grocery stores, as well as Target.   Truthfully, I was not a fan of it, BUT, I only used the powder, so the gel may be a different story entirely. Kathy has used the gel version with much success – she’s a fan! Please note that some Seventh Generation products use SLS and this might be one of them. If you avoid it, skip this one.

            Biokleen Automatic Dish Powder: I haven’t tried biokleen’s dishwashing detergent, but I have used some of their other stuff and am a big fan.  Their bac-out works wonders. So this might be worth checking out.  I’ve always found their stuff to be affordable too.

            Citradish: I have to admit, I’ve been curious about Citradish for awhile now.  I haven’t tried it yet, but I love the smell and the cleaning power of orange.   This one is next to try on my list, as I feel better about it being a gel, versus a powder.

            Dapple: We’ve actually done a review of the Dapple dish soap, and it worked pretty well.   This detergent was made specifically for baby bottles and dishes.  I haven’t had a chance to try the detergent, but given that my daughter gets bottles, and given how much I hate washing them by hand (which I still do, anyway, because they just don’t seem as clean otherwise, see above re: caked on food), it makes me feel better that there are moms out there who get the same icky thoughts about putting their baby’s bottles in the dishwasher with a harsh chemical detergent.

            Ecover: I have to say, out of all of the eco-friendly dishwashing detergents out there, this one worked the best.  Especially being a powder.   If you couldn’t tell, I tend to not be a powder fan.  I hate the powder residue.  But these handy little tablets actually worked rather well, and didn’t leave much in the way of residue.  The downside?  Is the cost.   I also had a hard time finding them, and that whole new baby thing has left me a tad bit forgetful in remembering to order some.   Given the amount of dishes we go through on a regular basis, running out of detergent is just not an option.   But this has no bearing on the performance.  I love Ecover products!

            Method Smarty Dish: If there’s one thing that Method has down, it’s a knack for packaging.  They try to make their packaging appealing and cute.  And I’ll admit that it gets me.   Those sleek curved edges.   But I have not tried their smarty dish.  I’ve heard good things, but I just have a hard time justifying the cost of only 20 tablets.  That’s like a week in my house.  Also the fact that it’s a powder makes me leery.   I’d like to say you can teach an old dog new tricks, but not for a mere 20 tablets.

            Nellie’s Dishwasher Nuggets: Again.  I haven’t tried these, but they popped up in my quest for a safer detergent.  I passed on them, because of the powder/ small amount they give you combo.   If you only do a few loads a week, maybe this is the detergent for you.

            Mrs. Meyers: Mrs. Meyers is another popular “eco-friendly” brand out there.   I’ve always loved their products, and the majority of them have worked well.  I have not tried this, however, so I make no claims.  I will say that if you’re familiar with the brand, you know their a bit on the pungent side.  So if you’re olfactory can’t handle strong smells, you’re probably best to steer clear of Mrs. Meyers. (Note: This is the only Mrs Meyers product we recommend. The other products they carry do not pass our requirements)

            Allen’s Naturally: Allen’s has a pretty popular following of their laundry detergent in the cloth diaper world.   I know it works rather well.  I would be surprised if the dishwasher detergent did not do the same.  I have not tried this…  In fact, I didn’t even know they made dishwasher detergent.  I may have to check this out.

            SafeMama Reader Mention: Someone had made mention of Trader Joe’s making a dishwasher detergent, however, I went searching for this at my local store and all I saw was dish soap.  So I’m not sure if I maybe misunderstood, or maybe my local TJ’s didn’t carry it?   If it’s out there, I’d love to try it out.

            Alternatively, I did find a recipe for making your own, online, and the recipe is as follows:

            • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
            • 1/4 cup water
            • 1/4 cup liquid castile soap (scented is fine)
            • 1 lemon

            I’m ALL about the vinegar and baking soda.  We use TONS of it in our house, and I did try my hand at a couple of methods (not this one) in my dishwasher, and was unsuccessful.  I would love to hear if anyone has used this recipe or something similar with success, because I would switch in a heartbeat if I knew it would work.

            Now it’s your turn SafeMama readers.   Is there anything here that we haven’t mentioned that has worked for you?

            Apr

            13

            SafeMama’s 2009 Safer Sunscreen Cheat Sheet

            Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Eco-Mama, paraben free, Phthalates Info, Skin Care, Toy Safety | Comments Off

            Pin It

              sunscreen

              Please visit our updated 2010 Safer Sunscreen Cheat Sheet for more brand recommendations!

              It was high time to redo last year’s Safer Sunscreen Showdown.. spring is here and summer is around the corner!  So here’s the scoop:

              SafeMama™ Sunscreen Criteria: All sunscreens we approved needed to be free of parabens, phthalates, PEG’s, propylene glycol, SLS, dioxanes, and synthetic fragrances. Another ingredient we watch out for is the synthetic chemical oxybenzone.  Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor which can affect the nervous system, has been linked to cancer in some laboratory studies, and creates free-radicals when exposed to the sun which are harmful.  Below are our selections of safer natural sunscreens that use mineral (or sometimes referred to a physical) sunscreen which is typically Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide or any combination of those two.

              A note about the Skin Deep ratings. Their ratings are a good start, but take them with a grain of salt.   They have a big job over there and sometimes formulas change and their information gets a little outdated.  Which is why we stress learning to read the labels!  Concerning sunscreen, the EWG’s Skin Deep published a sunscreen guide last year and while we generally respect the research and efforts of EWG, we don’t agree 100% with their top picks.  For example the top choice on their Top 10 list is Blue Lizard without oxybenzone, but all Blue Lizard products contain multiple parabens, Propylene Glycol and PEG’s not to mention the giant list of chemical ingredients on every label.  So, again… read labels and don’t just take anyone’s word for it.

              * A note about Micronized and Nano:  This is a controversial topic and there have been many reports that micronized vs. nano particles of titanium or zinc oxide have the ability to pass through the skin more easily (which is why they aren’t as white as others). There is also a concern that nano titanium/zinc dioxide particles have higher photo-reactivity than coarser particles and may generate free radicals that can cause cell damage. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue by coating the particles to prevent free radical formation.  We have listed the exact active ingredient in each sunscreen for a reason.  So you as a consumer can decide which is right for you.  We will continue to investigate these materials further and share with you our findings.  We are comfortable recommending sunscreens with Micronized zinc or titanium (most natural sunscreens ARE). NANO zinc or titanium is something we feel should be avoided if possible.

              These are NOT in order of recommendation… this is a random list.

              Badger All Natural Sunscreen for Face & Body (SafeMama’s Top Pick)

              badger30Protection: SPF 30+ / SPF 15
              Active Ingredient: Micronized Zinc Oxide 20.5% (read this)
              Skin Deep Rating SPF 30: 1 (last updated 03/07) SPF 15: 2 (last updated 03/07)

              Price: ~ $14.00
              Reviews: Kathy says, “I had heard Badger sunscreen was like spreading toothpaste, but I’ve got to say that totally isn’t the case at all.  Goes on thick (like any natural sunscreen) but spreads pretty easily, doesn’t have an overpowering smell and really protects nicely.  One of my new favorites!  Badger says its naturally water resistant and I’d have to agree.  One of the few that are 100% chemical free.” Read our full review here!

              Notes: For extra protection, choose Badger Lip Balm SPF 15 – safe for you and the kids.

              Mama Rose’s Naturals Sunblocker All Natural Sunscreen

              sunblocker

              Protection: SPF 30, SPF 50
              Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (inquiring further information)
              Skin Deep Rating: N/A
              Price: ~ $15.00 – 18.00

              Notes: Seems to be chemical free, comes in an SPF 50 which is the highest natural sunscreen SPF we’ve seen.  Available online through the companies website.

              TruKid Sunny Days Face Stick

              trukidstick

              Protection: SPF 30+
              Active Ingredient: Micronized* Titanium Dioxide 8%
              Skin Deep Rating: 0 (last updated 3/08)
              Price: ~ $8.99
              Reviews: Kathy says “I carry one of these in my bag for those ‘oops I forgot’ moments or unexpected uses.  I rub a little on faces and cheeks for quick protection.  Makes getting tops of ears and noses easy too…stays on well.  ”

              Weleda Children’s Sun Screen

              weledaProtection: SPF 18
              Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 7.6%, Zinc Oxide 0.4%
              Skin Deep Rating: 4 (last updated 6/08)
              Price: ~ $14.00

              Reviews: Statia Says: “Neither of us has tried this sunscreen yet, however by the ingredients listed, we feel it makes the list and is considered one of the safer sunscreens out there.”

              JASON Cosmetics Chemical Free Sunblock (Sunbrella’s version too)

              jason1Protection: SPF 30+
              Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (8.0%), Zinc Oxide (2.5%)
              Skin Deep Rating: 1 (last updated 12/08)
              Price: ~ $12.49

              Reviews: Kathy Says: “I really liked the way this goes on, and the scent is beachy, not chemical smelling.  It reminds me of old school Coppertone.  I use this on myself too.  Be careful when shopping for this one though.  JASON Cosmetics has several sunscreens available but only chemical free version is recommended by SafeMama.com”

              Soleo Organics Chemical Free Sunscreen

              soleoProtection: SPF 30
              Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22.3%
              Skin Deep Rating: 0 (last updated 03/08)
              Price: ~ $9 – $23.00

              Reviews: Coming Soon

              California Baby Everyday/Year-Round™ Sunscreen

              cababyProtection: SPF 30+ (Also avail. in SPF 18)
              Active Ingredient: Micronized* Titanium Dioxide
              Skin Deep Rating SPF 30: 1 (last updated 03/07) Skin Deep Rating SPF 18:  2 (last updated 03/07)
              Price: ~ $17.99 – 19.99 No fragrance: $17.00 – 19.00 With Citronella: $19.00 – 25.00

              Reviews: Kathy Says: “CA Baby SPF 30 goes on thick and works well but it’s sticky.”

              Statia Says: “We have the bug blend and it goes on well, not as sticky, but it has a strong smell.”

              Variations: These come in a No Fragrance version and a Citronella version (which Kathy can never find)

              California Baby Everyday/Year-Round™ Sunblock Stick

              cababystickProtection: SPF 30+
              Active Ingredient: Micronized* Titanium Dioxide
              Skin Deep Rating: N/A
              Price: ~ $14.99

              Burt’s Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen (w/ or w/o Hemp Seed Oil)

              burts2Protection: SPF 30+ (Also avail. in SPF 15)
              Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (8.58%) (EWG claims it’s Nano Titanium Dioxide)
              Skin Deep Rating SPF 30:  3 (last updated 06/08) SPF 15:  3 (last updated 06/08)
              Price: ~ $9.99 – 11.00

              Reviews: Statia Says: “I wasn’t really that impressed with this stuff.  It was immediately cakey upon contact with the skin, and yet, I still felt  really sticky.  I felt gross all day.”

              Kathy says, “I made friends with the SPF 30 version… it is a little tough to get on but it protects like the rest.  It’s not my first choice, but it works.”

              Erbaviva Natural Children’s Sunscreen

              erbavivaProtection: SPF 15
              Active Ingredient: Micronized* Titanium Dioxide
              Skin Deep Rating: N/A
              Price: ~ $26.00

              Reviews: Kathy says, ” This sunscreen blends in wonderfully and there is no over powering scent whatsoever – great for faces too.” Full review here.

              SuperGoop Dr. T’s Quickstick

              Protection: SPF 30
              Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 8%,  Zinc Oxide 5%
              Skin Deep Rating: N/A
              Price: ~ $9.00
              Important Editor’s Note:  This is the only SuperGoop product we feel comfortable recommending.  The other sunscreen’s and products they offer contain Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Padimate O, Propylene Glycol, PEG’s, and several parabens which of course are ingredients we adamantly avoid.  We listed the Quickstick as an option but if we had to choose, we’d opt to support companies who have made a commitment to safer skin care in general.

              Kabana Skin Care Green Screen

              greenscreenspf20Protection: SPF 20
              Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 25%
              Skin Deep Rating: N/A
              Price: ~ $16.50 40z.
              Company Website: KabanaSkinCare.com

              Notes: Made from 8 edible-grade organic and natural ingredients and uses non-nano Zinc Oxide for protection.  This only has an SPF of 20 (also available in tinted SPF 22 and SPF 15) but it a great option as far as safe ingredients go.  We’re anxious to give it a try. Kathy says “I tried a sample of this and I love that its mostly natural, but it makes you look pretty white and powdery looking.  Does protect and isn’t greasy.”

              Notes: For extra protection, choose their Liplovers™ Natural Lip Balm with 10% Zinc Oxide sunscreen protection  – safe for you and the kids.

              Sunscreen Usage and Sun Tips

              Follow the directions on the sunscreen you use for proper sun protection. However, our motto is “everything in moderation”.  This means sun exposure too of course.  It’s ok to be out in the sun for 20 minutes without covering every square inch of your kid with SPF 80. Sun exposure is good for us, (Vitamin D!), and it’s been studied that people – especially kids -  with regular moderate time in the sun are healthier and may have less risk of developing conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or other auto-immune deficiencies.  But sunburns are not good, so choose a safe sunscreen and apply according to the directions for days when extended sun exposure is on the docket!

              When the option is available, use hats, cotton clothing or use the shade of umbrellas to avoid too much sun exposure. No need to bake in the sun all day… keep cool and stay in the shade!  Investing in some SPF Protected clothing for the kids is a good idea too.  Reduces the need for so much sunscreen and can have a UVB protection of up to 50.  Snapper Rock makes great SPF Swimwear for kids.  We also like Baby Banz Sun Hats for baby and kids… they also have a wide brimmed bucket hat with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor rating of 50+.  The wide brim helps keep sun off kids faces.

              After Sun Soothers

              I got the idea to include these after a day at the beach on Easter Sunday (I know, I know… my mom already told me it was 30 degrees in New York, I swear I’m not trying to rub it in!) when we were in the sun for a particularly long day.  I sometimes use after sun lotions or balms to hydrate my skin.  A few I like:

              Badger Balm Bali Balm. We’ve never tried it but it’s an organic balm designed just for after sun exposure. Cocoa and Shea Butters, with Olive and Jojoba to make a soothing body balm good for after sun, or for dry skin. Has a tropical scent! made completely with natural and organic ingredients.. not a synthetic ingredient in the bunch. We love Badger!

              Burt’s Bees After Sun Lotion with Aloe, Linden Extract and nourishing Coconut Oil. This has a really fresh scent and feels great on hot skin.  I actually put this in the fridge before I leave so it’s extra cold.  Like with many of the Burt’s Bees products this isn’t 100% natural (or organic for that matter but it’s easy to find in stores.

              Enjoy the outdoors!  Be sure to check out our Safer Bug Repellent Report for safe choices to keep the buggies at bay.

              Download our Sunscreen Wallet Card for easy shopping!

              Oct

              6

              Safer Dishware Cheat Sheet: BPA, PVC & Phthalate Free Dishes

              Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Bisphenol-A, Food Safety, Product Safety, PVC Free | Comments Off

              Pin It

                We’ve gotten the request for a cheat sheet for dishware so here is our list of favorites. We made sure all the items listed are free of Bisphenol-A (BPA), PVC and Phthalates and we listed as much of a diverse selection as possible for those who are looking for alternatives to plastic we made sure to include options for you too. Note: There is no melamine dishware on this list. You can read why here. (Last Updated: September 17, 2010)

                Plates, Dishes, Bowls, Cups

                Utensils

                Snack Containers

                Placemats, Eating Surfaces

                Lunchboxes, Food Containers (full cheat sheet)

                WAIT! You can also find a more comprehensive list of our 2010 Safer Lunchbox Picks located here.

                Have a product you think belongs on this list? Let us know! Please link back to SafeMama.com if you share this so we can keep this site going! Thanks!

                Take the headache out of no-toxic shopping by visiting our friends at The Soft Landing. They have a safer Dish and Cup Guide as well. Have a look.

                Jul

                7

                SafeMama Report: Safer Bug Repellents!

                Filed Under Product Reviews, Product Safety, Skin Care | Comments Off

                Pin It

                  This has been requested a zillion times and I’ve kept promising it will go up. Here it is finally! Our recommendations for safer bug repellents. It’s probably not a shock that products containing DEET, are not on our recommended list. DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a widely used active ingredient in insect repellents. Biting insects are attracted to the scent of carbon dioxide gas to find food… in this case, your blood. Skin and breath naturally give off carbon dioxide. DEET masks the scent of carbon dioxide therefore keeping buggies away.

                  DEET can act as an irritant, and has been reported to be the cause of seizures, insomnia, mood disturbances and impaired cognitive function. The American Academy of Pediatrics still stands by its safety on children over 2 months old. A brief encounter with DEET might not cause any harm, but long term exposure may. DEET is certainly effective but if DEET gives you the heebs then there are natural alternatives that work just as well to mask carbon dioxide and keep those pests away.

                  The main ingredients in natural bug repellents rely on oils, most notably citronella, soybean oil, geraniol (oil of geranium), eucalyptus, cedar, rosemary, eucalyptus and sometimes lemon oil. I’ve scoured the stores and the Internet for some better choices and here is what I came up with.

                  SafeMama Criteria: Products had to be free of DEET, parabens, phthalates, PEG’s, Sulfates, Dioxanes, Propylene Glycols, and synthetic fragrances. We have tested a handful of these products and they do work for general kid and adult use. (Note: I went ahead and included any Skin Deep ratings that were available. However, some haven’t been reviewed for accuracy since 2006.)

                  Last Updated: February 16, 2010

                  Sprays & Lotions

                  Bubble & Bee 100% Organic Insect Repellent
                  Main Ingredients: Organic soybean oil, organic lemongrass essential oil, organic peppermint essential oil, organic rosemary essential oil, organic cloves essential oil, organic geranium essential oil
                  Kathy Says: I have not tried this for effectiveness but it contains all of the oils that naturally repel bugs, which I have seen work with other products. I trust Bubble & Bee immensely and their passion for safe ingredients trumps all others. I strongly recommend giving this one a try.
                  Skin Deep Rating: 0

                  Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent
                  Main Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Rosemary Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Cedar Oil
                  Kathy Says: This works better than most I have tried. It smells great too. The only drawback is that the “spray” is not really a spray at all. It comes out in oil form and you have to rub it all over the place to get good coverage. But again, works really well at keeping away bites.
                  Skin Deep Rating: 0

                  Bite Blocker® Herbal Spray
                  Bite Blocker® Herbal Lotion
                  Main Ingredients: Soybean Oil
                  Kathy Says: This brand also comes in a lotion and wipes, both of which pass our SafeMama criteria. However we haven’t yet had a chance to test them out. Check out their website for effectiveness information. I will be reviewing these in the coming weeks and will update accordingly.
                  Skin Deep Rating: 2

                  Jason Quit Bugging Me – Natural Insect Repellent Spray
                  Main Ingredients: Soy Bean Oil, Geranium
                  Kathy Says: This comes in a great little spray bottle and goes on evenly. But be careful not to get in the eyes (like all of them), I just caution it here because it tends to mist when sprayed and I’ve gotten it in my own eyes trying to cover my kid. This works pretty well, not as well as others though. The smell is not my favorite either. My mother commented it smelled like wet gym socks. I do like how it sprays on and doesn’t sit on skin like an oil.
                  Skin Deep Rating: N/A

                  Buzz Away Extreme™ Natural Insect Repellent
                  Main Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Geranium Oil, Castor Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Citronella Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lemongrass Oil
                  Kathy Says: This stuff I do like, comes in a great spray. It sprays on a little oily. This stuff claims 8 hour protection but my son still got bit wearing it after an hour or so, so I don’t know if 8 hours is an accurate assumption. I’d still reapply every few hours to be covered. The towelettes are cool but for $8+ you only get 12. Compared to Bit Blocker Wipes, which is about the same price you get 25.
                  Skin Deep Rating: 0 – 1 (there are two listings)

                  Aubrey Organic’s Gone! Safe and Natural Outdoor Spray SPF 10 4oz*
                  Main Ingredients: Padimate O (PABA Ester), Natural Grain Alcohol, Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Soybean Oil
                  Kathy Says: If this wasn’t made by Aubrey Organics I might be more skeptical. I’m including this because they take great care to provide safe sun and outdoor protection. But they use PABA which some people avoid.
                  Skin Deep Rating: 7 (Due to the PABA content this rates pretty high.. interesting)

                  allthingsjill-bug-sprayAll Things Jill Bug Joose Outdoor Spray

                  Main Ingredients: Witch Hazel, Essential oils of cedarwood, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, pine, lemongrass & citronella (all organic)
                  Kathy Says: I haven’t tried this but I love the All Things Jill company and they use organic ingredients when possible.
                  Skin Deep Rating: N/A

                  California Baby® Natural Bug Blend™ Bug Repellent Spray
                  California Baby® Citronella Summer Lotion
                  Main Ingredients: Citronella, lemongrass and cedar essential oils
                  Kathy Says: These both work well and don’t smell too strong. I prefer the spray, it’s easier than applying lotions. They are both gentle and haven’t caused any reactions. However these are both hard to find in stores at the moment.
                  Skin Deep Rating: N/A

                  Balms

                  badgerstickAnti-Bug Push-Up – 1.5 oz – Stick
                  Main Ingredients: Citronella Oil (5.0%), Cedar Oil (2.0%), Lemongrass Oil (2.0%), Rosemary Oil (1.0%), & Geranium Oil (1.0%)
                  Kathy Says: I LOVE this bug balm.  I never thought a balm would be enough coverage but I found this at my local grocery store and picked it up.  The balm in the push up stick is great and the balm goes on smooth and you can easily cover exposed areas quickly.  It works to boot.  I really love Badger’s commitment to natural and organic ingredients.  Thumbs up!!
                  Skin Deep Rating: 0

                  Wipes

                  Bite Blocker® Herbal Wipes
                  Main Ingredients: Soybean Oil
                  Kathy Says: This brand also comes in a lotion and spray, both of which pass our SafeMama™ criteria. However we haven’t yet had a chance to test them out. Check out their website for effectiveness information. I will be reviewing these in the coming weeks and will update accordingly.
                  Skin Deep Rating: N/A

                  Buzz Away Insect Repellent Towelettes
                  Main Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Geranium Oil, Castor Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Citronella Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lemongrass Oil
                  Kathy Says: The towelettes are nice, and work well but for $8+ you only get 12. Compared to Bit Blocker Wipes, which is about the same price you get 25.
                  Skin Deep Rating: 0 – 1 (there are two listings)

                  Non-Spray Repellents

                  DEET Free Bug Band
                  Main Ingredients: Geranium Oil, Polypropylene plastic band
                  Kathy Says: This wristband is great for kids and can be stored for future use. Geraniol is a great natural repellent. People with perfume allergies may have trouble with this one since its about 20% Geraniol. But if you have a perfume allergy you may have problems with any natural repellent since they rely heavily on scents. NOTE: This company makes wipes and a spray as well, but I didn’t include them due to them containing Sodium Laureth Sulfates in the ingredients.

                  Don’t Bite Me Patch
                  Main Ingredients: Vitamin B1
                  Kathy Says: Unlike the other repellents, this patch uses Vitamin B1 instead of fragrant oils. B1 when excreted from the skin will mask the scent of carbon dioxide (which is what the bugs are attracted to). By applying the patch to the skin directly, rather than taking a vitamin, is the faster absorption. Like lotions (which is why we are so adamant about safe skin care), things applied to the skin go directly into your bloodstream instead of having to travel the digestive system first. So this will take effect quicker. I am not a huge fan of having something stuck to my or my kids skin (seems like it would be an irritant) but the materials.

                  The patch itself is made of “Acrylic Pressure Sensitive Adhesive with Aloe and Thiamine Hydrochloride on Urethane film laminated to polyethylene coated kraft paper”. I can’t find any solid reason to not use this product (or the wristbands for that matter) other than the waste factor, as they may not be recyclable.

                  To sum up: This obviously isn’t every single natural product on the planet, but I also had to eliminate several natural ones from our lists due to questionable ingredients. We’re comfortable recommending these, but of course, as with anything you put on your skin, use your judgment, follow the directions. Everything in moderation!

                  Other natural tips for deterring buggies naturally at home:

                  • Eliminate standing water from outdoor areas where you hang out and play.
                  • Keep potted rosemary or eucalyptus plants around your patio areas.  Marigold’s are supposed to ward off bugs too.
                  • Eat food rich in B Vitamins like bananas or eat garlicky food – mosquitoes don’t like it apparently.  (Note: Some argue bananas are a bad idea due to potassium.. jury is still out on this one I guess!)

                  If you do get bit, I like Burt’s Bees Res-Q ointment, comes in a little solid tin. A little dab on a bug bite takes away the itchies. Works great on bumps, scrapes and bruises too.

                  Enjoy the outdoors! Remember to also choose a safe sunscreen for sunny days! Read SafeMama’s 2009 Safer Sunscreen Cheat Sheet report for our top sunblock picks.

                  Jun

                  10

                  SafeMama: Wipes Review

                  Filed Under Product Safety, Skin Care | Comments Off

                  Pin It

                    In the midst of trying to detoxify our lifestyle, the last thing I even thought to look at was what was in our baby wipes. Until one day I turned over my trusty refill of Huggies Supreme, only to see parabens on the ingredients label. It prompted me to take a closer look at the ingredients listed in conventional baby wipes, and some of the information I found out, was downright disturbing.

                    Now, I want to preface our findings by saying this: A lot of the ingredients that we’ve researched, just don’t have enough studies done on them to really and truly say whether they’re safe for use. This was just our finding and our opinion is: If there’s something out there that’s safer to use, we choose to use the safer option. A baby’s skin is so delicate and given the amount of wipes you use, we can’t imagine that all of those chemicals don’t add up over time. Also, because there’s approximately 6 billion brands of wipes out there, and only two of us, we didn’t research every single brand of wipes out there. But, we did try to compile as many as we could.

                    We broke down our research by creating a PDF of the brands of wipes with the list of the ingredients we thought to be harmful, along with an additional PDF of a glossary of those ingredients. That way, if your particular brand of baby wipes isn’t listed on the list, you can compare the brand you use with the glossary. We’ve found that most of the wipes have similar ingredients.

                    Out of our findings, we’ve picked our top three favorites and our top 3 worst.

                    Safe Mama Top 3 Favorites:

                    • Seventh Generation Brand
                    • Tushies
                    • 365 (Whole Foods Brand)

                    Safe Mama Top 3 Worst:

                    • Target Brand
                    • Canus Li’l Goat’s Milk Ultra Moisturizing
                    • Publix Premium Brand

                    You can download the whole PDF list here. Along with a PDF of the glossary, here.

                    I also went ahead and called the three major companies that manufacturer wipes warmers, since I’m sure that a lot of parents use them. Prince Lionheart’s wipes warmers are made from polypropylene (a #5 plastic). Dex Products didn’t have any information on their wipes warmer, and Babies R Us brand “Especially for Babies” did not get back to me. I would venture to say that all three are made of Polypropylene, but don’t quote me on that.

                    May

                    14

                    SafeMama’s Safer Sunscreen Showdown!

                    Filed Under Skin Care | Comments Off

                    Pin It

                      sunscreenUpdate Note: We published an updated cheat sheet for sunscreen which you can find here: SafeMama’s 2009 Safer Sunscreen Cheat Sheet – please refer to the new version with many more brands to choose from.

                      We here at SafeMama™ consider ourselves to be pretty picky when it comes to sunscreens. Heck, we’re pretty picky when it comes to just about any skin care product these days (This is my last bottle of Aveda shampoo, I swear ) and we like to think that’s a good thing. We know a lot of you have asked us for sunscreen recommendations, and with summer just around the bend, we got busy testing them out. We’ve tried just about every sunscreen on the market before we were happy with the short list of the whole five sunscreens we considered to be on the safer side. We sniffed, we slathered, we absorbed. And now we’re sharing our findings with you.

                      We say safer, because as a general rule of thumb, sunscreens should be used sparingly*. The active ingredients in just about every sunscreen can create harmful free-radicals when out in the sun. If you’re going to be in the sun all day, of course even chemical sunscreen is better than turning into a leather handbag, or worse, ending up with skin cancer. Some sun is GOOD for you (Vitamin D!), but if you need a sunscreen for a long day at the beach, we have a few we like best. When the option is available, use hats, cotton clothing or use the shade of umbrellas to avoid too much sun exposure.

                      Safe Mama Criteria: All sunscreens we approved needed to be free of parabens, phthalates, and all the nasty ingredients we avoid in regular skin care (like PEG’s). Another ingredient we watch out for is the synthetic chemical oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor which can affect the nervous system, has been linked to cancer in some laboratory studies, and creates free-radicals when exposed to the sun which are harmful.

                      We’ve created a cute little handy dandy pdf file for you that you can print out and take to the store, or better yet, save a tree and shop online, as there’s a link to each sunscreen by simply mousing over the name and clicking. All sunscreens have been cross referenced when possible, with the Cosmetic Safety Database. We realize that the database is not completely accurate, but we know that some of you like to know what is in the products, so keep in mind it’s for informational purposes only, and should be used with a bit of caution.

                      You can find our updated 2009 List of Safer Sunscreens here, or simply by clicking the icon.

                      Let summer begin!

                      *By “sparingly” we mean in moderation. Choose a sunscreen that suits you and your family and follow the recommended usage on the bottle/tube for best protection. Use your judgment.

                      Next Page →

Latest CPSC Childrens Products and Toy Recalls

Car Seat Recalls

Latest FDA Recalls

Latest Recalls in Canada

Safer States Action Alerts





395256_125x125 Abes Market



Current-Special



I'm going to BlogHer '12
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • NetwrkBlog
  • Google+
  • Pinterest