advertisement
SEARCH
Subscribe with Feedburner
SafeMama Sponsors
Fellow Safe Mamas
Grab Our Badge!
Missions We Support
Dec
9
Gift Ideas From Lavish & Lime ($25 Gift Card Giveaway)
Filed Under Giveaways Coupons, Product Reviews | 78 Comments
- Fan/Like SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
- Fan/Like LavishandLime on Facebook (first name, last initial)
- Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
- Follow @LavishandLime 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): Enter to #win a $25 gift card for eco-gifts from @LavishandLime on @SafeMama http://tinyurl.com/d7k9cmt
- 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
- Fan/Like SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
- Fan/Like Online Shoes on Facebook (first name, last initial)
- Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
- Follow @OnlineShoes_com 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 Patagonia Shoes from @OnlineShoes_com on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 10/17 http://tinyurl.com/5shhe33
- Fan/Like SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
- Fan/Like The Glass Baby Bottle on Facebook (first name, last initial)
- Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
- Follow @GlassBabyBottle 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 a safer nap mat from @GlassBabyBottle on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 8/19 http://ow.ly/67KRp
- What was your Skin Deep toxicity rating score?
- Were you surprised with the score and/or ingredients?
- What would you like your score to be?
- Take the How Low Can You Go challenge
- Use the Action Tool to contact your representative
- Leave a comment on this entry sharing your score from the How Low Can You Go Challenge
- 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)
- 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 a Safe Summer Essentials kit from @LullabyOrganics on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 6/10 http://tinyurl.com/6fmko8f
- Fan/Like SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
- Fan/Like MightyNest on Facebook (first name, last initial)
- Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
- Follow @MightyNest 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 a glass popcorn maker from @MightyNest on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 5/19 http://tinyurl.com/6cbcctk
- Fan/Like SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
- Fan/Like Cascadian Farm on Facebook (first name, last initial)
- Follow @SafeMama 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): Help the Cascadian Farm Change Flow river cleanup initiative on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 4/30 http://tinyurl.com/3pojf3h
- Fan/Like SafeMama on Facebook (first name, last initial)
- Fan/Like The Glass Baby Bottle on Facebook (first name, last initial)
- Follow @SafeMama on Twitter (Twitter name)
- Follow @GlassBabyBottle 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 two BumGenius Cloth Diapers from @GlassBabyBottle on @SafeMama! #giveaway ends 4/22 http://tinyurl.com/43c2sfz
Gift giving for kids, especially the older crowd can get tricky. Especially when you want to chose things that are safer. If it’s not an iPod or a DSxi or whatever the gadget du jour is, they don’t want to know about it. But that isn’t always true and one of my new favorite places to shop for fun gifts for kids is with Lavish & Lime! They have tons of unique ideas, some of which I featured in my 2011 Holiday Toy Guide this year.
They carry the Green Science line of learning toys that my son and I love. We have a couple of their projects now and although my son is 6, which is younger than they recommend, he and I still enjoy doing these together. The Green Science Potato Clock Kit is a perfect 
one to start with. It provides all the pieces and instructions you need, you supply the potatoes. Once your scientist has the potato clock working they can try to discover what other materials will make the clock operate. Green Science has several projects, including this Recycled Bottle Light Kit which looks totally awesome! I love showing kids the possibilities that develop simply by reusing something.
Speaking of science, Lavish & Lime also has project kits that any kid would love (like my own who really enjoyed doing this project with me) such as the Make Your Own Lip Balm Kit. What is so great is that it’s all safe ingredients, no harmful chemicals and it’s easy to do with a small group of kids. Included is essential oils, Shea butter, Safflower oil and Beeswax to melt and mix. It’s pretty easy, and fun to do. Considering most kids are home for the holidays and by then will be driving us all bonkers, having a project handy is a good idea. (My kids are already driving me bonkers and school isn’t even out yet!)
Check Out Lavish & Lime! My Canadian readers will love that they are based in Vancouver, Canada! They carry a great variety of eco-friendly kids gift ideas as well as skin care, kitchen and practical gifts for adults. (I’m loving the Animal Print Envirosax!!! Dear Santa…)
Win!
Lavish & Lime is giving one lucky reader a $25 Gift Card to spend! Just in time for the holidays…
Here’s How To Enter (Required):
Visit Lavish & Lime 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):
One winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Open to Canadian and US readers! Entries will be accepted until Dec 15, 2011 at midnight EST. Good Luck!
Congratulations to Courtney D commenter #25!
Nov
28
Lullaby Organics Cyber Monday Giveaway!
Filed Under Giveaways Coupons, PVC Free, Toy Safety | 141 Comments
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):
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!
Oct
8
Eco-Friendly Patagonia Shoes from OnlineShoes.com (Giveaway!)
Filed Under Eco-Mama, Giveaways Coupons, Healthy Home | 199 Comments
Finding eco-friendly fashion can be somewhat of a challenge, especially if you don’t want your wardrobe to look eco-friendly. So when I was introduced to Patagonia Shoe Company, I was really impressed with the quality of their shoes. I have one lone pair of eco-friendly sneakers I bought 2 years ago that I love, but a girl has to have options!
Patagonia Shoes makes comfy functional footwear and uses recycled materials when they can, as well as working to reduce their environmental footprint. They accept all clothing and shoes back through their Common Threads Initiative program that either recycles or repruposes the materials. You simply ship your items back to the company. They even encourage customers to buy or sell their shoes second hand to extend the life of the product. What company does that? One that actually cares, I think.
Right now, in conjunction with OnlineShoes.com, Patagonia is donating $10 to Healthy Child Healthy World (an organization dedicated to creating a less toxic world) for every pair of shoes sold from now until October 17, 2011. So what’s a girl to do? Buy shoes of course. It’s for a good cause…. RIGHT? I am currently sporting a super cute pair of short boots for fall – The Patagonia Addie Ruffle Boot in Peat Moss. They’re constructed of 70% natural hevea latex in the sole and heal and 70% recycled polyurethane footbed. They are stitched from the outside to reduce the need for solvents and adhesives. They are comfy and look adorable with jeans. (That’s the most important part, right?).
How About a Pair Of Patagonia Shoes for You?
OnlineShoes.com is giving one of my lucky readers their very own pair of Patagonia Shoes, along with a copy of the Healthy Child Healthy World Healthy Home Book.
Here’s How To Enter (Required):
Visit OnlineShoes.com and tell me in the comments which pair of Patagonia Shoes you like! (I think the trail shoes are awesome too – love!)
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):
One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Entries will be accepted until October 17, 2011 at midnight EST. Good Luck!
Congratulations to commenter #51 Lisa!
Aug
12
Safer Nap Mats by Wildkin (Giveaway from The Glass Baby Bottle!)
Filed Under Giveaways Coupons, Product Safety | 190 Comments
Those of you who have kids starting in preschool this year may or may not be looking for a nap mat. When my youngest son started a long day program they told me he needed a nap mat for their rest time. Ok. So I asked where to buy it and they directed me to their stash in the main office. Horrified, I bought a vinyl trifold mat filled with foam (and likely doused with flame retardants). I lost sleep over it. So when I got home I SCOURED the internet for something better. At the time all I could come up with was some handmade ones on Etsy and lucky for me (sarcasm) she stopped making them. I found a “phthalate free” version of the nap mat (KinderMats I think) but it was still filled with flame retardant foam. I even contacted a safe mattress company and said “The world needs safe nap mats, please make some, I’m begging you“. Long story short I never got my hands on anything decent and I still cringe at the thought of my kid laying on that toxic infestation. Ok I’m being dramatic but it bugged me.
SafeParents, you now have an OPTION. Let us rejoice. Finally. A company called Wildkin, which is a new discovery for me this year, makes all kinds of things for kids like back packs, lunch bags, pencil cases and yes NAP MATS. These smooshy nap mats are naturally flame retardant and never treated with toxic chemicals. YAY! No vinyl, no phthalates, no lead, and no flame retarding chemicals. These are totally worth it. If I had the option I would have pounced.
They come in a variety of cute patterns for boys and girls and they also feature a detachable pillow and an attached blanket that has a cotton flannel interior. You can roll them up and fasten them with velcro and have a handy carrying handle. They are totally machine washable too. These are perfect for day cares and preschools that require a nap mat, and would make a cute sleeping bag for home or travel. I love these and am so glad to have found a safer alternative to those vinyl foam mats.
OMG Where Can I Get One?: You can get Wildkin Nap Mats from one of my absolute favorite non-toxic resources The Glass Baby Bottle (and by the way I am so jealous that I didn’t have one of these when I needed one.) They also carry a great variety of items for baby and kids. They are an awesome family run business and I love supporting her and her family by shopping with them. I hope you will too.
WIN A NAP MAT!
The Glass Baby Bottle (Have I mentioned I love them?) has so generously offered to give a Wildkin Nap Mat to one of my readers. If you win you can choose one mat in the pattern of your choosing (based on availability). Lucky!!!
Here’s How To Enter (Required):
Visit The Glass Baby Bottle and have a look around. Let me know in the comments what items they carry that would help you the most in leading a less toxic lifestyle.
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):
One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Entries will be accepted until August 19, 2011 at midnight EST. Good Luck! Thank you to The Glass Baby Bottle for this great giveaway!
Congratulations to Marla W., Commenter #28!
Aug
1
Earth Mama’s How Low Can You Go Challenge!
Filed Under Giveaways Coupons, Skin Care, Take Action | 22 Comments
It’s Toxic Limbo time! Sing with us, “All around the natural world, gonna get the toxins out!” How low can YOU go when it comes to safe, natural personal care products? Take the Earth Mama How Low Can You Go Challenge to find out!
Here’s the challenge:
Gather some of the most common pregnancy and baby care products you use regularly on your pregnant body or on your baby. You
can include shampoo, lotions, soaps, diaper cream, stretch mark oil, hemorrhoid cream, etc. Go to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Skin Deep database and enter a product name in the search field (for example, Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash). Look for the Hazard
Score for that product. The Hazard Score tells you the toxicity rating: 0 is lowest, 10 the most toxic. Click the product if you want to see specifically which ingredients add up to create that score. If your product isn’t listed, ask yourself why. Is there something in the ingredients list that the company might not want you to see? If your product isn’t listed, you can enter individual ingredients to check their toxicity rating.
Add up the Skin Deep toxicity rating for all the personal care products that you use on a daily basis on your pregnant or nursing body, or on your baby, to find out what your score is. Then answer these questions.
Don’t worry – there are no right or wrong answers, and everyone wins when mamas are informed and empowered. The biggest surprise is how high the toxin score can be, even for products that are labeled “natural” or “organic.” The only way to lower your score is to know what to look for, and there’s a whole tricky business trying to trick busy mamas with unclear labeling. That’s why Earth Mama supports the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011.
Please Take Action!
The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 needs your support! The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 (H.R.2359) is designed to give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority to ensure that personal care products are free of harmful ingredients and that ingredients are fully disclosed. It’s pretty simple, right? Earth Mama Angel Baby is hoping you’ll use this handy action tool from our friends at the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics to tell your rep to close the loopholes that allow “cancer-causing chemicals in baby shampoo, hormone disruptors in fragrance and lead in lipstick.”
Enter to Win Some Earth Mama Angel Baby Goodies!
One random participant will win Earth Mama’s A Little Something for Baby, filled with zero toxin essentials for an angel on the go. (Set includes naturally safe Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash, best selling, rash busting Angel Baby Bottom Balm, soothing Angel Baby Lotion and pure, virtually scent-free Angel Baby Oil)
Complete the following steps to enter: (required)
Jun
2
Summer Starter Kit from Lullaby Organics! (Giveaway)
Filed Under Giveaways Coupons, Green Mama, Skin Care | 254 Comments
I released my 2011 Sunscreen Cheat Sheet recently and right on time for starting out the summer fun! Being in the south, we’ve been beaching and swimming for a while so it’s not new to us but the rest of the northern states are gearing up for heading to the beach, lake, river, or wherever you spend your leisure summer days. So while you’re packing up your big floppy hats, umbrellas and filling your coolers with snacks, you can add some other summer aides to your pile to make your summer fun and safe.
Lullaby Organics, one of our sponsors and supporters is offering a Summer Starter Kit for some fun in the sun to one of my very lucky readers. In the kit you’ll receive some fabulous goodies from Lullaby Organics to get your summer off to a good start. Better even, if you don’t win the kit, you can buy your own for yourself or as a gift! These are all GREAT products that I support and love.
Green Toys Sand Play Set – I’m a big fan of Green Toys and for good reason. Not only are their toys recycleable, but they are make of 100% recycled plastic, made in the USA and contain no BPA, PVC or Phthalates. Plus, their toys are really fun to play with. We’ve used their sand toy set here at the beach many many times. Everyone fights over the Green Toys shovel because it’s the best one. Their toys are sturdy and well designed and will last far longer than the cheap plastic beach toys we have (that always end up breaking every year). Green Toys stand the test of time. And they look cool! And then you can recycle them when you’re done with them (which will be never… they really are that sturdy)
Purple Prairie SPF 30+ Sun Stuff - Purple Prairie got awarded Best Overall Sunscreen in this years cheat sheet. It feels “drier” than other natural sunscreens, protects great and stands up to swim, beach and rough play in the sun. When you can’t keep hats and sun clothes on the kids, a good sunscreen is good back up for long days in the sun. Some sun exposure is very important to overall health, so don’t keep them slathered every second in the sun. But if you’re out at a picnic for hours on end and the kids won’t get off the playground, a little Sun Stuff will keep them from getting burned. Non-greasy, minimal whiteness (seriously – it’s a non-issue) and good protection. Hands down my summer favorite this year.
BienElla Bug Spray – Sometimes it gets later in the day and those biting rascals come out to play too. Here in Florida I battle the buggies every afternoon around dinner time. They are relentless. So some natural bug repellent is key this time of year. Natural oils confuse bugs and keep them off your arms and legs. It has a pleasant scent and isn’t heavy on your skin. The small bottle fits perfectly in a side pocket of your non woven tote bag. BienElla specializes in all natural skin and body solutions and their bug spray is no exception. No DEET, just natural bug repelling oils to keep them at bay.
My Mama’s Love Burn Out Organic Burn Cream – If by chance you happen to get too much sun and there are pink backs and faces running around the house, perhaps a little soothing rescue is in order. My Mama’s Love Burn Out Burn Cream is great because it is SUPER effective for sunburn and made with natural organic ingredients for a soothing, healing ointment for burns that provides fast relief. My Mama’s Love products are specialized for problem skin issues like eczema, bug bites, scalp problems and itchies. Natural organic ingredients that exclude allergens is the key to it’s success!
Stock Up: Get your Safe Summer Essentials Kit from Lullaby Organics!
Here’s How To Enter (Required):
Visit Lullaby Organics and let me know what items they carry would make your life greener. They carry some great stuff! (I love the organic cotton jammies myself..)
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):
One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Entries will be accepted until June 10, 2011 at midnight EST. Good Luck! Thank you Lullaby Organics!
Congratulations commenter #84 - Tara B! Thank you to everyone who entered. I wish I could give this prize to everyone!
May
12
Catamount Glass Microwave Popcorn Popper (Giveaway)
Filed Under Food Safety, Giveaways Coupons, Product Safety | 203 Comments
We wrote here before about microwave popcorn. I know, I know… always the bearer of bad news. I’m settled in my role of letting you know things that cause you cancer. I’ll gladly be the messenger that everyone wants to shoot. Anyway, as we wrote back in 2008 (wow time flies), microwave popcorn is many things besides delicious. The liner of microwave popcorn bags are lined with a coating that is known to break down into a substance known as PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic. (Say it with me… greeeeeat.) This was a blow for me. I love my nightly popcorn ritual.
My friends at MightyNest have just announced their brand spanking new Kitchen Essentials section which provides the safest options for cooking and serving. From aluminum free muffin pans to silicone spatulas, they have you covered. Luck would have it that they now carrying a glass popcorn popper by Catamount. It sounds pretty genius and no pesky carcinogenic chemicals screwing up your popcorn. To use it you simply pour your kernels into the container, place your butter (if you like) in the silicone melting lid, and microwave for 2 minutes and 45 seconds. That’s it. Easy peasy. What’s even cooler is that as the butter melts, it drips down through the lid and coats your popcorn for you, while its popping. I totally need this thing. It’s made of borosilicate (laboratory glass) and is dishwasher safe. How cool. And guess what? I’m giving one away to one lucky reader. (You are lucky… even I don’t have one of these yet. )
Here’s How To Enter (Required):
Visit MightyNest’s new Kitchen Essentials section and tell me in the comments what you need for your non-toxic kitchen. What are you dying to replace?
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):
One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Entries will be accepted until May 19, 2011 at midnight EST. Good Luck!
Congratulations Kim, commenter #17!
Apr
25
Go to the Head of the Organic Class: Middle School!
Filed Under Giveaways Coupons, Skin Care | 301 Comments
Welcome Earth Mama Angel Baby Mama U. Students! Here at SafeMama.com you will learn about Certified Made With Organic Ingredients. By doing so you can enter to win a prize that includes Certified Made With Organic Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash, Happy Mama Hand to Toe Wash, Calm & Clean Hand to Toe Wash and Natural Non-Scents Hand to Toe Wash!
So many products, so many labels! The label says “natural,” but does that mean safe? What’s really organic? What’s a toxic ingredient? You almost need a degree to decipher label claims!
That’s why Earth Mama Angel Baby® is giving you the chance to go to the head of the organic class, win prizes and learn about the five levels of Organic and Natural. You’ll get product label information a concerned consumer can really use, plus earn your Mama U. diploma and a chance to win fantastic prizes all along the way, including a ginormous Grand Prize worth over $650! Earth Mama Angel Baby and five respected bloggers will take you from grade to grade: once you pass one level, you can move on to the next. You can do all five in a day or take your time and do it in a week. Just make sure you go to Mama U. Graduation by midnight Sunday, May 1 to pick up your diploma, your special graduate coupon code, and enter to win the Mama U. Graduates Grand Prize bundle of natural and organic goodies, valued at over $650!!
Welcome to Middle School!
We’ve covered “100% Organic” and “Organic”, now let’s go to another confusing label claim: “Made With Organic Ingredients”. The words “Made With Organic” represent a labeling category that can be certified under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). “Made With Organic” means that 70% or more of the ingredients are certified organic, AND the entire product is produced in a NOP certified facility. The entire product is verified by an independent third party certifier.
The claim “Made with organic” is very commonly seen on personal care product labels. Surely if the ingredient panel says “Made with Organic Lavender” you can trust that that lavender is organic? Sorry, nope. And because the USDA symbol is not allowed on the “Made With” label, it’s very difficult to tell when something is actually certified.
So, how CAN you tell if a product that has the words “Made With Organic” is certified? This is a toughie to decipher. The USDA symbol is not allowed on the front or informational panel of the product. The company logo may not include the word “Organic”, even though it is certified. The front label claim can only say, “Made With Organic” whatever the ingredient is. IT’S CONFUSING! But at least 70% of the ingredients must be certified organic, and the remaining ingredients must be on the NOP “allowed” National List. That means no Genetically Modified Organisms, artificial dyes, fragrances or other potentially harmful synthetic ingredients. (see fig. 1)
fig. 1
Earth Mama’s organic certifier is QAI (Quality Assurance International). They agree it’s challenging to properly market “Made With Organic” products and still follow the labeling guidelines.
“If you see the ‘Made With Organic’ claim, turn the product over and you’ll see a ‘certified by’ statement from an accredited certifying agent such as QAI. That would show that the product is certified by an independent third party. No USDA seal is allowed for ‘Made With’.”
Some certifiers allow significantly lower standards, for example requiring only that 10% of all ingredients by weight must come from organic farming. If you’re stumped you can always do a little research to find what standard the independent certifier certifies to! Here’s a link to a list of companies that certify to the strict NOP standard.
Middle School Exam (see Crib Notes here)
Answer the question in the comments for a chance to win!
Post your answer to the question below in the comments, and you’ll get a chance to win one each of Earth Mama Angel Baby’s Certified “Made With Organic” Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash, Happy Mama Hand to Toe Wash, Calm & Clean Hand to Toe Wash and Natural Non-Scents Hand to Toe Wash! Open to US Residents only. Winner with a correct answer will be chosen via Random.org. Entries will be accepted until May 1, 2011.
Congratulations commenter #65 Caitlin! Good luck to everyone who entered the contest! Hope you win the big prize!
Q. How can you confirm that the claim “Made With Organic” is USDA certified?
Congratulations, you can now move on to High School at Fig and Sage! But first, head over to Earth Mama Angel Baby’s Facebook page to let everyone know, “I just learned how to read a label with the claim USDA Certified Made With Organic Ingredients at http://www.SafeMama.com!”
Check Earth Mama’s Go to the Head of the Organic Class page for blog locations, prize information, and the Crib Sheet for your open book tests. We’ll announce locations, prizes and winners on Facebook and Twitter too.
Apr
22
I’m sure many of you have seen Cascadian Farm products before and I know I have a box of cereal in my cabinet as I type this. But what I wanted to tell you about is their very cool project to help clean up rivers in the country by way of their Cascadian Farm’s Change Flows initiative. They are asking Americans to join the company in an effort to restore and preserve our valuable rivers. Here is how you can get involved. 
From now through April 30, consumers can help make “Change Flow” by visiting CascadianFarm.com to “like” the U.S. region they think is most deserving of a river cleanup. The region with the most “likes” will receive a river cleanup sponsored by Cascadian Farm. Cascadian Farm is contributing $50,000 to American Rivers, a non-profit committed to restoring and preserving our country’s water sources.
To encourage support for clean water, Cascadian Farm would like to offer a package of Cascadian Farm cereal and a water bottle to one of our readers who participate in the Change Flows initiative.
To Enter (required)
Visit www.CascadianFarm.com and “like” the U.S. region you think is most deserving of a river cleanup. Leave a comment on this entry letting me know what region you voted for.
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):
One winner will be chosen using Random.org to select. Open to US readers only. Giveaway ends April 30, 2011. Cascadian Farm provided the information and the giveaway prize.
Apr
15
BumGenius Giveaway From The Glass Baby Bottle!
Filed Under Cloth Diapering, Giveaways Coupons | 236 Comments
BumGenius Cloth Diaper in Grasshopper
What better way to kick off Earth Day celebrations by giving away something that can eliminate disposable diapers from a landfill! The Glass Baby Bottle, one of the many family owned online shops that I love to shop with and support, is providing a generous giveaway of a great product. BumGenius, for those who haven’t experienced it, is an All-in-one (also referred to as AIO) cloth diapering system that is loved by many cloth diapering parents. Since it’s one piece, meaning no stuffing of pads into pockets or layering cloth diapers into a shell, you wear and then wash.
BunGenius is an ideal system for parents with babies and kids in daycare or who just don’t want to fuss with multiple pieces. There are certainly pros and cons to all diapering systems, and each one is different. So it’s a matter of what you are comfortable with using. BumGenius is made with a waterproof polyester outer shell and inside is layers if 100% organic cotton to provide absorbency and comfort. The gusseted sides provide comfort, fit and prevent leaks with a sure fit. The tabs stretch to fit and have a snap closure, which I like myself – they don’t stick together in the wash. The diapers come in 3 adjustable sizes that fit most babies from 7 – 35 pounds.
Get Your Stash: You can purchase BumGenius Organic All-in-one cloth diapers from The Glass Baby Bottle. They come in all 3 sizes and in 4 colors!
Win a Stash!
The Glass Baby Bottle has put together a fabulous giveaway package for you. The winner will recieve TWO BumGenius Cloth Diapers in Grasshopper (green) and Butternut (yellow) along with a pack of BumGenius Flannel Baby Wipes (which are so great for other things too – like make up removal!).
Here’s How To Enter (Required):
Visit The Glass Baby Bottle and let me know what products they sell that you think would help you lead a greener / non-toxic life.
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):
One US winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Entries will be accepted until April 22, 2011 at midnight EST. Good Luck! Thank you in advance to The Glass Baby Bottle for this fabulous giveaway.
Congratulations commenter #57 Elsa! Thank you to everyone who entered. I hope you had a Happy Earth Day!
advertisement
Latest CPSC Childrens Products and Toy Recalls
- Bumbleride Recalls Indie & Indie Twin Strollers Due to Fall Hazard
- Weeplay Kids Recalls Infant Bodysuits Due to Choking Hazard
- Infant Rattles Recalled by Lee Carter Co. Due to Choking Hazard
- Mexican Wrestling Action Figures Recalled by Lee Carter Co. Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
- Chariot Carriers Recalls Child Bicycle Trailers and Conversion Kits Due to Injury Hazard
Car Seat Recalls
Latest FDA Recalls
- North American Rescue, LLC Announces A Follow-Up to the Recall of Crickit Convenience Kits Because of Possible Health Risk Related to Nationwide Recall of Triad Povidone Iodine Prep Pads
- Healthy People Co. Issues a Voluntary Recall of Specific Lots of the Dietary Supplements Found to Contain Undeclared Drug Ingredients
- Nest Collective Voluntarily Recalls Select Revolution Foods Jammy Sammy - Strawberry Jam & Peanut Butter Snack Size Sandwich Bars Due to a Labeling Error (Undeclared Peanut on Inner Wrapper)
Latest Recalls in Canada
- Seymour Custom Solvent recalled over labelling
- Kids eyeglass cases recalled because of lead levels
- GUND board books pose choking hazard
Safer States Action Alerts
- 28 states to consider toxic chemicals legislation in 2012
- Report round-up: Toxic chemicals in hidden places
- Obesity: What do chemicals have to do with it?
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
NetwrkBlog
Google+
Pinterest
