The Greening Girl
Please check out www.thegreeninggirl.com. All future posts will be on that site.
Be Good Do Good everyone!
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RSSplastic vs. glass
We’re all heard of the dangers associated with using plastic in our kitchen… but should we pay attention to the warnings?
Here are some facts that are just downright scary:
Many plastics contain BPA. “BPA can interfere with the hormones in your body as it becomes free of the plastic and you ingest it.
Another ingredient found in plastic storage containers is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which can contain phthalates. This material can also mimic estrogen and is associated with the risk of infertility.
AND heating plastic containers in a microwave oven can actually make it easier for BPA and phthalates to be released into the body”*
Therefore make sure to use BPA free, never heat plastic in the microwave, and now someone found that using plastic wrap may even be harmful??
“The plastic packaging that food is contained in can pose a health threat in some cases. When heated, the plastic packaging releases residues that can melt or migrate onto the food itself. As technology has changed the process of plastic packaging and food storage, so has the ability to determine the dangers in using these plastic packaging containers.”*
It seems like a new danger is always coming out! It’s hard to keep up with the latest so why bother?
SOLUTION: I started re-using glass containers to store my food in. I save all of my salsa jars, baby food jars, spaghetti sauce jars, etc. They work just as well as the plastic containers and I don’t have to buy anything extra! They are great to put in the fridge or freezer. I love to store extra soup, homemade pasta sauce, leftover mac n’ cheese and basically anything that’s easy to pour or scoop out. For the trickier foods that don’t fit as easy, I did splurge on a set of glass containers – on sale with a 30% off coupon at Kohl’s, my Green super mega-store.
It’s easy being Green 
*Taken from eHow Health
bags, bags, bags
I have a trunk full of re-usuable shopping bags… so why don’t they make it into the store with me every time? I really try to be good about it, but sometimes I’m in the checkout line, full cart and two “I’m going to have a meltdown” kids and totally bag-less…
Despite my best efforts, I accrue so many plastic bags. They were spilling over onto my pantry floor!
Enough is enough so I took everything out…
And began to sort. One pile of small sized plastic bags… one pile for large sized plastic bags… and one pile of good paper bags…
I bought one of these really great bag holders from Ikea for $1.99 and put all of the small ones in there. I hung it on my pantry wall with the adhesive strips it came with. I line all of my small trashcans with these.
I put the large sized bags under my kitchen sink. These are the perfect size for my kitchen trash can.
And I hung up the paper bags on a hook in my pantry. I use these when I need to bring food to someone’s house or whatever else. After a quick clean-up with my Basic H All-Purpose cleaner - I can actually walk in there!
The # 1 rule in saving the environment is REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE. So when I forget to follow the first part (reduce my plastic bag consumption i.e. forget my re-usable bags) I reuse these bags as trash bags. I can honestly tell you that I haven’t bought actual trash bags in years!!! Saving the earth and saving money at the same time is a beautiful thing.
ants beware! flies beware!
Have an ant problem? Have a problem with ant killers around your children and pets? There’s a super safe solution – that’s super powerful against ants! I use my Basic H2 Degreaser spray bottle and spray away. Gets them right on contact! Then I spray the trail and around the perimeter of where I think they’re coming from… may take a few times to do this depending on how severe your problem is but in my experience it takes care of it!
Have a fly problem or just a random one that comes in sometimes?
Wait until it lands on your window and spray away! Works every time. Instead of taking out one of the most dangerous chemicals in your household, why not use a super-safe non-toxic one? I use my Basic H2 Window spray bottle.
Do you clean your counter tops with something that you wouldn’t mind your children ingesting after it touches their food? If not, try Basic H2 in the Cleaning spray bottle.
Did you know?
Many all-purpose cleaners may contain toxins that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Synthetic solvents may cause hormone disruptions. Organic solvents such as butyl cellosolve are neurotoxins and nasal irritants. Another toxin, morpholine, can cause liver or kidney damage. Glass cleaners contain ammonia, a poison that can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory system.*
Basic H2 does not contain these hazardous ingredients.
1 bottle of Basic H2equals the cleaning uses of 5,824 bottles of 26 oz. Windex®**
Basic H2® is all you need for thousands of household jobs
- Ultraconcentrated – 16 ounces makes up to 48 gallons of super powerful cleaner when mixed with water.
- Versatile and powerful cleaner – removes dirt, grease, and grime from any washable surface, inside and out. Dilute according to directions.
- No rinse, no residue, streak-free formula.
Use on any washable surface – indoors or out
- Walls, Windows and Mirrors, Countertops, Floors, Appliances, Stoves, Sealed Woodwork, Pots and Pans, Furniture
Clean Credentials
- Nontoxic
- Natural
- Doubly concentrated
- Biodegradable Surfactants
Directions for best results:
Kitchen, appliances, furniture, sealed woodwork, fixtures, walls, stainless steel, and sealed granite, marble, and bathrooms: Add 16 oz. of water in a Get Clean Spray Bottle. Add 1/4 teaspoon of Basic H2. Spray on surface and wipe off with the Get Clean Super Microfiber Cleaning Cloth. No rinsing required.
Pots and pans: 1/2 teaspoon + 1 gallon of warm water. Soak as needed and rinse with water.
Windows and mirrors: Add 16 oz. of water in a Get Clean Spray Bottle. Add 2 drops of Basic H2. Spray on surface and wipe off with the Get Clean Super Microfiber Window Cloth.
Floors: 1 tablespoon + 1 gallon of water. Apply to floor with sponge or mop.
Woolens, nylons, and fine fabrics: 1/2 teaspoon to a basin of lukewarm water.
*Taken directly from the Basic H Product Brief
** This label comparison was done on September 3, 2008, and is valid only for the named products marketed at that time. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
3 pack spray bottles also available.
To Do Lists…
It’s never-ending! I used to have at least two pieces of paper laying around at all times with notes on them. Things to do, grocery lists, presents to get, etc. And then when I was ready to go shopping, I could never find where I left my lists and ended up not getting the things I really needed. So not only was I being counterproductive, I was also wasting paper.
This all changed when I friend of mine showed me how my smart phone could keep track of all of this for me. Think about it – you take your phone everywhere with you so you don’t need to remember to grab your list before you walk out the door.
Look for an app that comes with your phone called “Notes” or something similar. Here you will be able to create as many lists as your heart desires! When something pops into my head, I just pick up my phone and add it to the respective list. You can save and re-save as many times as you need to. 
While at the store – I take out my phone and shop away. As I put things into my shopping cart I just delete the item from my list.
This has saved me from buying some paper and it has spared me a lot of frustration. Try it!
The Truth About Soy – Part Two
Soy (the Non-GMO kind) is an absolute essential part of a healthy diet!
THE GOO
D NEWS: Long valued as a healthy vegetarian protein source, recent research has discovered vital compounds in soy called isoflavones, which provide potentially powerful health benefits of their own. Isoflavones have been rigorously studied for their protective effects against several chronic diseases including osteoporosis, coronary heart disease and certain forms of cancer. Soy protein has great potential to help improve lives by reducing the risk of the leading causes of death and disability – heart disease, stroke and several types of cancer. There’s documented research evidence for the numerous health benefits of soy – how a daily moderate intake of soy can protect against heart disease and stroke, may help prevent certain types of cancer, potentially alleviate menopause symptoms, support bone health and possibly even exert favorable effects on aging skin.
THE EVEN BETTER NEWS: You have the freedom to purchase food made from Non-GMO Soy! You need to look for the words “Non-GMO” – if you don’t see those words, you are eating something made from a chemical company that has been bathed in chemicals.
INTAKE RECOMMENDATIONS: The 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines call for increasing the intake of plant protein. Soyfoods are an excellent way to do just that. The quality of soy protein is comparable to animal protein but soyfoods contain only minimal amounts of saturated fat. There is also intriguing evidence indicating that, independent of the nutrients they offer, soyfoods provide a number of health benefits. Based on Asian intake as well as the amounts of soy shown to be beneficial in clinical studies, a good goal is to consume about 15 to 25 grams of soy protein per day.
WHAT I DO: Besides growing Non-GMO soybean pods in my garden out back, I’m loving my Cinch shakes! Each serving provides a whopping 24 grams of Non-GMO soy protein!! Not to mention it’s loaded with tons of vitamins and minerals and DELICIOUS. There’s also the Instant Soy Protein and the Energizing Soy Protein, which provide 16 grams and 14 grams of Soy protein, respectively. Awesome recipe below tastes like Peanut Butter Cups, except good for you!! My kids LOVE these!!
Protein Bars
(Makes 1-9 x 13 inch dish cut into squares)
Ingredients:
1 cup Shaklee’s Instant Protein Mix
*(OR 1/2 cup of the Instant and 1/2 cup of the Shaklee Cinch)
1 ¼ cup oats
½ cup of flax meal
Add-Ins—Add some or all:
1 cup slivered almonds
3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 cup Organic Chocolate
1 cup of Coconut
1 cup Honey or Agave **
1 tsp Pure Vanilla
1 cup Peanut Butter or Almond Butter***
Directions:
Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. In sauce pan, bring Agave to a boil then immediately remove from heat and add Peanut or Almond Butter and Vanilla. Stir until combined. Pour Almond/Peanut Butter mixture into bowl of dry ingredients and stir till combined. You may need to use your hands. Press down into ungreased 9 x 13 in. glass dish. Cool in the refrigerator. Cut into squares. You also can roll the mix into balls if you prefer and then cool them.
Variations:
Add Fruit to dry mix— ½ cup chopped dates, raisins, cranberries, or cherries
Add Nuts to dry mix— ½ cup almonds, walnuts, pecans, or other nuts
Add ½ cup Chocolate Chips ON TOP of mix after it is pressed into pan. Turn oven on Broil. Place bars into oven for 1 minute. Remove and use a knife to spread melted chocolate chips around on top of bars. Refrigerate.
Tips:
I typically use the Shaklee Instant Protein Soy Mix for my bars. You can use any of the Shaklee protein powders for this recipe and it will come out pretty close to the same. The Instant Soy Mix Protein is flavorless and is a substitute for flour in other recipes. I keep this as one of the staples in my pantry. You can throw it into muffin, pancake, cookie or cake recipes and it will cut back on the carbs and of course the flour! It’s also a great add in to oatmeal or applesauce to make sure the kids are getting their protein!
I also have used in this recipe: Shaklee Energizing Soy Vanilla, Shaklee Energizing Soy Chocolate, and both flavors of the Shaklee Cinch for weight loss: Cinch Chocolate and Cinch Vanilla. I love using Shaklee Cinch shake mix because its powered by Leucine**** to help preserve muscle while you loose weight.
If you choose to use Shaklee Instant Protein, your entire dish of protein bars will have 120 g of Protein that offers all of the amino acids, especially the 9 essential amino acids that your body does not produce on it’s own.
** Agave is the ideal sweetener because it does not raise your Glucose level like honey does, which will help your insulin level not to rise as much.
***If you use Almond Butter(I prefer) instead of Peanut Butter, you may want to cut back on the agave or it will taste too sweet! If you only have peanut butter, try to avoid PB with added sugar or preservatives. Get the Natural PB or Organic.
****Leucine helps with the regulation of blood-sugar levels, the growth and repair of muscle tissue (such as bones, skin and muscles), growth hormone production, wound healing as well as energy regulation.
The Truth About Soy – Part One
Soy is in EVERYTHING these days – meat, poultry, cereal, snacks, bread, milk, drinks, butter, crackers, spaghetti sauce, frozen dinners, etc. It’s invaded our food supply! It’s everywhere because it’s so cheap to grow. It’s being fed to pigs and cows instead of grass so therefore it ends up on our dinner tables without us even knowing it. There are two different kinds - GMO Soy and Non-GMO Soy. GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. What does that mean?
According to GMO Compass, an online mecca of GMO industry information, 91% of soybeans grown in the US are genetically modified. Soybeans are genetically modified by inserting an herbicide resistant gene taken from bacteria into the soybean. This makes the soybean crop resistant to glyphosate or glufosinate herbicides, thereby increasing the amount of crop produced in a shorter span of time. More crop means more money for the soy industry, but at whose expense?
And do you know who is the inventor/disturbitor/enforcer of these GMO Soybeans being grown in the U.S.? Why the makers of Roundup of course! Roundup is the chemical that is sprayed on our lawns to control weeds. They’ve set themselves up to not only be the official supplier of these beans – but are also reaping the products by spraying their pesticides all over America’s farms!!
We are eating a food made from chemicals, sprayed with chemicals… and are wondering why the U.S. has the following statistics:
The US Health Care System ranked dead last among developed nations for health”. – World Health Organization
70% of Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases
Food Allergies and Asthma are the most common chronic conditions in US children and they are on the rise – AAFA.org
Diabetes is the fastest growing disease in children. By 2020 50% of children will be diabetic in their lifetime – CDC.gov
500% increase in ADHD medication prescription since 1991 – CDC.gov
“U.S. is the Most Depressed Country in the World” – Wall St. Journal 3/9/07
Prescription medicines for pediatric patients has increased by 85% over the past five years – NY Times 2007
AT THE CURRENT PACE AND HEALTH OF OUR CHILDREN WILL LEAD TO THE FIRST GENERATION OF CHILDREN TO NOT OUT LIVE THEIR PARENTS!!! HARVARD REVIEW 2008
I challenge you to watch a movie called “Food Inc.” It completely exposes all of the scandals going on in the U.S. involved with our food supply. It has changed my life and fueled my passion for promoting awareness and change!!
Great article for further reading:
Here’s a great article about this: http://www.non-gmoreport.com/articles/mar09/farmers_planting_non-gmo_soybeans.php
Looking for Something to do?
I am looking to build a team of moms wanting to green our little corner of the earth! We’ll go to our schools and ask they consider swithching to non-toxic (yet more powerful) cleaners… we’ll go to our churches… our daycares and the gyms where they play! Wherever our children go and we want them to be safe. If you’re interested, please e-mail begooddogoodmoms@gmail.com. I am looking for dependable team players to help me. Be Good Do Good!
A Lifesaver
Literally – you don’t want to miss this. It was one of the most helpful things I’ve come across as a mom. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) exists to let consumers know when products are recalled and what to do with them (whether there’s a fix available or to just take it back for a refund). It’s come in very handy for me. I was able to get a few new pieces for our Thomas the Train collection because certain items already in our possession contained lead paint… our rocking horse’s base was recalled and a new one was sent to us at no charge… our Ikea roman shades weren’t safe and we were able to get a full refund…
It’s a very helpful service, especially when you have children and want your home to be the safest place in the world!
I subscribed to their e-mail list and an e-mail gets sent to me whenever there is a recall. Go check it out, it may just save a life! Here’s CPSC’s info:
Visit our new blog, OnSafety at www.cpsc.gov/onsafety
See our videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/uscpsc
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/OnSafety
See our photos on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/uscpsc
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit www.saferproducts.gov, or contact CPSC’s Hotline at info@cpsc.gov, (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
Best $5 Daily Deal EVER
You mean to tell me that I’m currently spending $5 per day on breakfast and vitamins… when I could be spending $5 per day on breakfast, vitamins AND Vivix!?!? So $5 will get me my breakfast, all of the vitamins and nutrients my body needs for optimum health each day AND the most incredible antioxidant supplement on the market right now. Who has $5 to invest in a life-changing formula PROVEN to work – 100% natural and 100% safe by the # 1 natural nutrition company in the U.S.? Give it 3 months… if you don’t feel better, get your money back, GUARANTEED.
Vivix® - featured on Dr. Oz, Oprah and Rachel Ray
Vivix Cellular Anti-Aging* Tonic is a revolutionary breakthrough in the fight against cellular aging. Developed after years of research by Shaklee Corporation, the number one natural nutrition company in the U.S., Vivix is the world best anti-aging supplement. In laboratory studies, Vivix ingredients have been shown to impact the four key mechanisms of cellular aging.*
A 30 day supply of Vivix delivers the equivalent amount of resveratrol found in 3,000 glasses of red wine, and Vivix ingredients are 10x more powerful in slowing a key mechanism of aging than resveratrol*.
All natural. Patent pending. Clinically tested key ingredients. Exclusive.
Shaklee scientists have worked for years to create and isolate a unique profile of polyphenols shown in laboratory studies to fight cellular aging.* Not only have we filed for multiple patents to protect this innovation, we have assured that Shaklee will have the entire output of the largest and best growers of one of the key ingredients, so that we can deliver these exclusive benefits to you.
- 3000 glasses of red wine: A 30-day supply of Vivix delivers the equivalent amount of resveratrol found in 3,000 glasses of red wine.
- 2,500 research publications: Just one of the ingredients in Vivix alone has been referenced in over 2,500 research publications, including multiple studies conducted by Harvard University, at the National Institute of Aging, at the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institute of Environmental Sciences.
- 10x more powerful: The Vivix ingredients are more powerful than resveratrol alone in slowing a key mechanism of aging – A.G.E protein formation.*
Shaklee Vitalizer™
The Foundation for a Longer, Healthier Life*
Fifty years in the making, based on 12 Shaklee clinical studies, with 80 bio-optimized clinically proven nutrients, Vitalizer provides the best spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, anti-aging phytonutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics.*
Now With More Vitamin D!
New higher levels are clinically supported for bone, heart and immune health.
Vitalizer™ supports*
- Supercharged vitality*
- Enhanced immunity*
- Stress management*
- Antioxidant defense* DNA protection*
- Heart and brain health*
- Bone and joint health*
- Digestive health*
- Healthy hair, nails, and skin*
Every Vitamin + Minerals Your Body Needs
- New, higher levels of Vitamin D3, clinically supported for bone, heart and immune health
- High potency for supercharged vitality*
- Bio-optimized nutrients for optimum absorption
- All eight highly potent B vitamins, including biotin
Most Powerful Antioxidant Spectrum*
- Helps protect cells, tissues, and organs against aging*
- Superior protection against free radical damage*
- Full-spectrum vitamin E derived from all eight natural forms
- 26 antioxidants working together to augment your body’s antioxidant network*
Anti-Aging Nutrients*
- Protect DNA and support healthy aging*
- Powerful carotenoids and flavonoids, including lutein and lycopene 7 Omega-3s to Help Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease**
- Also promotes brain and joint health*
- High-potency EPA and DHA
- Ultrapure, pharmaceutical grade
Guaranteed Superactive Probiotics to Improve Digestive Health*
- Support healthy digestion and immunity*
- Extensively studied active cultures
- Patented delivery system
**Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
*** This supplement facts box is for Vitalizer. Vitalizer + Iron and Vitalizer Gold provide additional nutrients. For Vitalizer + Iron and Vitalizer Gold supplement facts, see labels.
Here’s what I just did (and what you need to do):
Add the Vivix® and Shaklee Vitalizer™ Together to your shopping cart
Click the ”Customize” link on the right side of the checkout screen for the Vitalizer (choose “Vitalizer” for Men, “Vitalizer + Iron” for Women OR “Vitalizer Gold” for adults 50+)
Join as a “Member” to take advantage of the 15% discount
Select the “AutoShip” box with a monthly frequency for an additional 10% off
You will receive a $10 Cinch coupon at checkout each month your AutoShip is maintained (beginning with your second month – so if you want the Cinch right away, be sure to add that seperately to your first order).
You will be blown away by how good you feel.
As if this wasn’t good enough… the offer below will automatically be included in your order.
Get a FREE Sports Nutrition Pack ($75 Retail Value) When You Join Shaklee with a $70 Order!
Shaklee Sports Nutrition™.
Put in the Best, Bring out the Best
| Shaklee Sports Nutrition™. Put in the Best, Bring out the Best With clinically proven formulas† that help you train longer, recover faster, and perform better, Shaklee Sports Nutrition provides what your body needs before, during, and after workouts. Natural ingredients you can trust, with no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. |
