Are your baby toys and accessories completely safe? Three chemicals you need to be aware of – BPA, PVC and Phthalates

Consumers are very trusting of products they buy, naively assuming that everything found on the store shelves is completely safe to use. The fact is that there are many compounds and chemicals in commercial use which are subject to ongoing research and controversy you may not be even aware of. This is something to bare in mind when choosing toys and accessories for babies and young children because they are at a more sensitive stage in their development and particularly vulnerable to the effects of unsafe and toxic substances. Here we offer brief information on three chemicals known or suspected to pose health risks – BPA, PVC and Phthalates.

Bisphenol A, commonly abbreviated as BPA is an industrial chemical foundin some plastics and plastic additives. Products containing bisphenol A plastics have been in commerce for more than 50 years and nearly for that long they have caused concerns about their potential harm to human health and the environment.

BPA is used in the manufacturing of baby bottles and toys, water bottles, metal cans and food storage containers amongst other products. Studies have shown that the leach of the chemical into food or liquid is a common occurrence during normal, everyday use of plastic products. New research results prove that even drinking water out of a plastic bottle can increase the content of BPA found in the human body.

Research has linked BPA with adverse health effects such as disturbed brain development, diabetes, obesity, breast cancer, reproductive disorders, cardiovascular disease, behavioural and hormonal changes. While the European Union has not recognized BPA as a toxic and harmful substance, USA and Canada are moving towards issuing legislation that would ban the use of BPA in certain products. Major retailers such as Walmart have already pulled BPA bottles and food containers from their stores and some manufacturers have voluntarily eliminated it from their products.

While government reports are not conclusive on the effects of BPA on humans and as always are suggesting that more research is needed, concerned parents should not wait for legislation to protect their children from toxins. There is enough evidence that toxic effects from BPA on humans and particularly children cannot be ruled out, which is a valid reason to try and avoid using BPA plastics as much as possible.

Polyvinyl chloride plastic, commonly referred to as PVC or vinyl, is another potentially hazardous material that can be found in baby and children’s products, such as toys and bibs. It can be dangerous to human health and the environment throughout its entire production, product life cycle, and even in its waste disposal because it is thought to release poisonous chemicals, such as dioxins, and phthalates. PVC is another controversial material and opinions on its use range from advisory bodies and environmental organisations such as Greenpeace advocating its full phase-out to European industry representatives claiming that its production causes minimum harmless emissions. It needs to be mentioned that PVC plastic has been believed to cause cancer and harm the immune and reproductive systems.

Manufacturers and retailers are slowly starting to recognize these potential risks and PVC use in products where healthier substitutes are available will gradually diminish. Parents have the option to choose PVC-free products for their babies and young children while more evidence of its safety becomes available. By avoiding PVC you also reduce your exposure to phthalates.

Phthalates are a class of chemicals often found in PVC. They are added to plastic products such as children’s toys to increase their flexibility and durability. Phthalates are easily released into the environment and when absorbed can disrupt natural hormones and cause potential health problems, especially in young children. Phthalates are being phased out of many products in the USA and EU over health concerns such as asthma, allergies, hormone disruption, metabolic disorders, reproductive problems, liver and kidney damage . In contrast with the BPA legislation, the European Union is leading with the number of restricted and banned phthalates.

These are just a few facts to raise awareness of possible toxicity in baby and children’s products. Finding enough evidence to categorize them as official health threats is a long process of scientific studies and research that may take years. In the mean time governments are happy with reports showing that minimum quantities of these chemicals are not harmful. What they don’t tell us about is that very little research has been done on what our cumulative exposure may be from all the chemicals in our homes, workplaces, nurseries and schools. The use of a singular product may not pose an immediate health threat but the continuous exposure to a large number of chemical substances from various sources can have a totally different effect.

When choosing children’s products and accessories there are many safe and natural alternatives for parents who want to follow precautionary principles in their child’s upbringing. Our recommendations is to always check the labelling and question what your child’s products contain.

Sophie the Giraffe and Chan, Pie, Gnon teething toys are made of natural rubber and free from BPA , PVC and phthalates.

Under the Nile premium organic cotton toys are both safe and a fun way to educate and entertain your kids.

Earth Mama Angel Baby skin care are made of organic ingredients and free from toxic substances.

Hydroponic Nutrients And Your Plants

All plants require food in order to live.  If you are a proponent of hydroponic gardening, that is, a method of indoor gardening that replaces the soil that plants would traditionally be grown in with water or another form of growing medium, then you know that the hydroponic nutrients, or plant food, that you give to your plants has a tremendous impact on how they grow, as well as how quickly and effectively they produce vegetables, fruits and flowers.  There are hundreds of different kinds of hydroponic nutrients, so a brief overview of a few favorites is in order.

You may decide to use organic nutrients in your indoor hydroponic system.  This is a good choice, because organic nutrients contain no toxic chemicals that could enter your food crops that you are trying to produce, and they will not enter the water system in your locale when the water from the organic nutrients’ solution is drained into a storm drain.

One brand that many gardeners like is the Bloombastic line of hydroponic nutrients.  Bloombastic, as the name implies, helps provide your plants with the nutrients needed to encourage the production of beautiful, full and lush flowers.

Botanicare nutrients form a line of bio-organic and original organic nutrients.  Botanicare nutrients include Botanicare Sweet Citrus, which increases the carbohydrate level in citrus.  Botnicare Hydroplex causes your plants to shine during their reproductive stage of development.

Foxfarm nutrients rely on organic products, such as Norwegian kelp, blood meal and earthworm castings to create their popular line of nutrients used in hydroponic applications.  You might select Foxfarm’s Big Bloom when you want your vegetables to produce large flowers, because the nutrients are handcrafted in order to bring you the highest quality of nutrient possible.  These are created by people who garden themselves, so they understand what plants need and how plants should respond when they are properly fed, which is why they have created their Foxfarm line that includes Grow Big, Beastie Bloom Cha Ching, Grow Big, Big Bloom and others.

For any nutrient that you want to use on your hydroponically grown plants, you will want to make sure that they include the complete line of macro-nutrients, as well as the full range of micro-nutrients that are needed in lesser amounts but which are crucial to your plants’ health.

A hydroponic discount gardening supply website will list these and other nutrients that you can try with your plants.  You will also find grow lights, ballasts, hydroponic systems, light kits and other items useful to your gardening pursuits.

6 Ways Organic Honey Can Enrich (and Even Save) Your Life

Organic honey has long been respected by the medical and fitness community for its versatility and its ability to help restore health within the body. Eating organic foods without additives is a great way to aid your body in becoming more productive with the energy it takes in, but among these selections honey stands out. Produced naturally by bees, honey is a sweet and soothing product that can be taken in as much for enjoyment as physical necessity. But there are a variety of other uses for honey that you would be wise not to overlook.

Skin care. More consumers are finding out that honey doesn’t just make a great snack, but also helps to cleanse pores and hold in moisture to keep your skin from drying out. Beauty products are starting to incorporate more organic honey in their ingredients and salons all over the world are encouraging men and women to take advantage of this unique property.

Tissue repair and fighting free radicals. Free radicals in your body can be very harmful if left unchecked. The effects can range anywhere from sickness to chronic illness if you don’t know how to handle them. What honey does is fight against these free radicals while also helping your body to grow new tissue that is ever so important in the healing process.

Dressing wounds. Many physicians use honey to dress wounds because of its anti-microbial properties that help stave off bacteria. In fact, honey has long been used within the medical community. While different advice and remedies come and go, this is one that has extended from early medicine to the 21st Century.

Fighting cold and flu symptoms. Cold and flu season is tough on everyone because even at its weakest, it can cause you great discomfort. It makes getting through your day an uphill struggle, especially if you’re not sick enough to miss work altogether. With organic honey, you can get moving and restore the energy that it takes to face your day.

Fights cravings. Unlike sugar, honey is filling and it will not make you crave more of it once you’ve consumed it. Sugar speeds the body up to an unhealthy degree and quickly burns away forcing the consumer to take in more to fend off the craving. Honey can replace sugar in virtually every area without reducing the taste.

Delicious. Honey is the ultimate healthy replacement for sugar in your life. With honey, it becomes possible to stay healthier without risking flavor or enjoyment. And therein lies the greatest benefit of all for incorporating honey into your daily diet. It will always leave your taste buds wanting more, but your body will not need it in order to feel nourished and satisfied.

Organic Herb Farm – Getting Started

An organic herb farm can be rewarding financially, physically, and emotionally. Even a small organic herb farm can produce a good harvest. You can use the herbs yourself, or sell them for profit at a farmer’s market. You will want to plan, of course. You will need to learn a number of things before getting started with an organic herb farm.

Organic Herb Farm Plans

Organic herb farm plans begin with determining how large a space you will allot to growing organic herbs. Herbs do not require as much space as many organic vegetables require. You can reap a good harvest in a small space.

You will want to plan, too, what types of herbs you will plant. There are three main categories.

1. Culinary – herbs valued for their taste
2. Medicinal – herbs valued for healing power
3. Scented – herbs valued for their fragrance

Organic herb farm plans often use all three, but some limit the farm to one type. Some organic herb farms grow only one herb. Think about whether there are any organic herbs you consider “must-haves” and whether there are some you really do not want to grow.

Once you have decided on space and the type of organic herbs you will grow, you need to test your soil. Is it chalky, clay, loam, or sandy? The type of soil you have will play a part in your organic herb farm plans. Test it, or have it tested so that you know. Determine whether the soil is well drained. Is the location sunny, shady, or mixed sun and shade? Will parts of your organic herb farm be exposed to wind?

Organic Herb Farm Layout

Your organic herb farm plans will need to include a layout. Use graph paper, or a computer program with a graph. On your graph paper, mark north and south. Then draw in the basic shape of your planned farm. Use a key. For example, 1 square on the graph equals 1 square yard. Draw any buildings, walls, ponds, streams, trees, or other obstacles. Indicate how tall the trees are, since this will affect sunlight. Indicate areas that are especially damp or dry.

Use your farm layout to select seeds or healthy herb plants. You can buy bulk organic herb seeds, sometimes at wholesale prices. Consider your soil and climate in selecting plants or seeds. Most nurseries or farm suppliers can give you guidance in these matters.

You may want to arrange plants according to color, If soil, sun, shade, and wind conditions allow. Or you may group organic herbs that offer benefits to one another on the farm. Here are three examples of good groups.

1. Germander, lavender, rosemary, sage, and thyme
2. Cilantro, lemon balm, lemon verbena, oregano, parsley, and thyme
3. Basil, mint, oregano, and thyme

Organic herbs are among the most beneficial plants you can grow. The plants will attract insects to your organic herb farm. Count on the help of bees, birds, and butterflies to enhance pollination and increase harvest.

Your organic herb farm plans should take advantage of the fact that those who grow organic herbs create a beautiful landscape, teeming with wildlife.

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Uses for Bulk Organic Herbs

Bulk organic herbs are dried herbs that are sold in larger quantities of one pound or more.  There are a plethora of different uses for bulk organic herbs, which include cooking at home and for restaurant use, resale of organic herbs, using dried herbs as an ingredient not only in food products but also in personal care products and laundry products, as well as for crafts.

Organic herbs are those grown under special conditions in order to become certified organic.  In order for herbs to be labeled as organic herbs, they must be grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.  The ground in which the plants are grown must be chemical free for several years prior to the production of organically grown crops such as herbs.  The plants must also be kept separate from other plants grown non-organically.  The farm that grows the organic herbs must also undergo routine inspections by the certifying agencies and keep careful records which are audited in order to meet organic certification standards.   

It is an excellent idea to keep several organic dried herbs on hand in your kitchen for cooking.  Organic dried herbs, if stored in an air-tight container and in the dark, will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a year or longer.  Some basic organic dried herbs that you will find useful include garlic, black pepper, oregano, thyme, dill, cinnamon, nutmeg and parsley.  The savory-dish spices can be used in breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes, and they are so versatile that they can be used in recipes from a wide variety of cuisines.  The organic herbs and spices used in sweet dishes can go to flavor cakes, pies, cookies, even coffee drinks and other delectable offerings.

Restaurants and bakeries use a great deal of organic herbs.  Wholesale prices are available to companies that purchase the dried herbs and then use them in products that will be resold to the public that feature the organic herbs.  Wholesale soapmakers, cosmetic and personal care product companies, as well as health food stores offering dried herbs in bulk can all benefit from these types of organic herbs.  Wholesale vendors can save money by purchasing dried herbs in bulk as well.

Bulk organic herbs are also used in laundry products.  Dried herbs such as lavender can be placed in fabric bags that are then added to clothes in the dryer, to impart a lovely, light fragrance as the heat from the dryer releases their scent.  

Craft projects may also use organic dried herbs.  Making potpourri from these herbs allows you to place small dishes of it around your home, and you can custom blend the herbs to achieve the specific scent that you desire.

For all these reasons, dried herbs that are organic are very popular today.

Organic gardening in hydroponics – Organic nutrients and growing mediums

The use of organic plant nutrients instead of the man-made chemicals in the hydroponic garden eases the work of a gardener. The matter is that the absence of synthetic chemicals eliminates the problem of ppm amount and pH balance of the water. If there is no need to calibrate nutrients, to check pH level of the water, and calculate fertilizer’s amount, a beginner of the hydroponic gardening will definitely make no mistakes, which means many problems may never occur.

A dual root growing system is made by special composition of the medium in the container: the upper part of the medium is soil or soil substitute, and organic nutrients can be supplied directly to this upper part; the lower half of the medium is some porous material, which retains water, but to which no nutrients are supplied. 

Creating an organic hydroponics system, a gardener may use a standard hydroponic grow container, though a coir fiber container will suit too. The preferred material to put at the bottom of the box is lava rock, which perfectly keeps water. Lava rock is then covered with a thin layer of loose rockwool or coir fiber to divide both medium layers and prevent them from mixing together. The upper half of the container should be filled with a mixture of 1/3 potting soil, 1/3 coarse grade horticulture perlite, and 1/3 large-sized horticulture vermiculite. Such arrangement ensures the upper capillary action of water and protects the bottom of the grow bed from the occasional mixing with any organic particles. 

Using a standard plastic hydroponic grow container one should place a plastic screen lining inside the grow bed, fitting it well at the bottom and on the walls of the container up to their top, also with the aim to protect the water from the small particles in the medium mixture. It is also possible to use a hydroponic container with tiny holes.

One more good choice for the use of organic gardening methods in hydroponics system is coir fiber containers. The filling is the same as described above with the thin layer of loose or strand coir fiber between the two types of medium. 

Such box is then set in the grow bed. Note that the level of the pumped water should be a bit lower than the soil mixture. The secondary root system will be submerged into the water along with lava rock and promote the capillary water flow up into the soil. The lower half of the medium may be watered on a regular hydroponic basis, while the upper one can be moistened just once a day. 

This system allows a gardener to supply nutrients right to the upper part of the medium, where they are vitally important. At the same time, the whole medium structure will be perfectly moistened by the pumped water and the plants will also have constant supply of oxygen and CO2, drawn into their root systems. Finally, proper amount of CO2 will improve the absorption of nutrients by the upper parts of the roots.