Tag Archives: non-toxic cleaning products

Book Review :: The Non -Toxic Avenger by Deanna Duke

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Today’s book review is part of a whirl of a blog post book tour for Crunchy Chicken Blogger Deanna Duke and the release of her new book The Non-Toxic Avenger.

I discovered Deanna and her wacky green ideas in my early blogging days, my first impression of her was that she was nuts. At that time she was campaigning about something called a Diva Cup,  peeing in her garden and writing about a friendship she had with an offgrid dude named Greenpa at that time I had no idea what off grid even was.

Something about her enthusiasm, her sincerity and yes her wacky way of looking at things kept me coming back to her writings.  Along the way her husband was diagnosed with cancer and holy smokes I was stunned.  I had never experienced something so personal on a blog before. Since, we have become wonderfully acquainted via our work together in Green Moms Carnival.

I find Deanna to be smart, very detail oriented, insanely curious, tremendously thoughtful and seriously gosh darn funny.  She continuously cracks me up!

I loved this book.  I’d especially recommend it to a family or individual who REALLY wants to know about the toxins around them and how to make shifts towards a less toxic personal environment.

What separates her book from others is how she took us into on this very ambitious project and tucked all of us into her everyday life. This was not a go to spa, get it all together detox ahhhhhhhhh experience. This was an in the trenches everything exploration in the middle of life. Work, mom, wife, cancer, asbergers, family, holidays , red velvet birthday cake.   The journey was real.   It was like spending a few months as a fly on the wall inside the Duke household and better yet being included in all the details, concerns, and speculation in Deanna’s mind as she took this thing on.

I can thank Deanna for my shift to the use of a Diva Cup, applaud her reinforcing my decision to never ever use teflon pans, marvel at the toxins I didn’t know about, like oh my gosh, the coating on dental floss??  who knew! , and be totally inspired to buy of all things more house plants!

( you’ll just have to read the book to find out why) 

This book is an easy read despite some of the alarming and complex details and it’s loaded with references and resources.

Nice work Deanna!!

Many of the suggestions for alternative products she mentions can also be found through me.   Ask me about green cleaning and anti-aging plant based skin care.

 

12 Ways To Beat Allergies Or The Flu

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12 Ways To Beat Allergies Or The Flu

As we prepare for the cold weather months ahead –

I know hard to imagine in August,  but we all know it’s coming !!

The hype about getting the flu shot begins. UGH.

I personally believe that if you give your body the tools to build, strengthen and enhance immune function that our immune systems can fight off any flu or virus that comes it’s way.

This is also true of seasonal allergies.

Below are just a few items that my mentor and nutritionist Barb Lagoni recommends for this time of year:

“I thought it might be a good idea to share with you the many ways we can strengthen our immune systems and help prevent colds and flu nutritionally… as well as share some pretty handy formulas to help us fight flu’s and viruses once they do set in.” B. Lagoni

Start with:

Immune Support – The American diet is low in immunoactive nutrients which are known to help nourish the immune system. This support formula contains the key vitamins and minerals that support the immune system. Reduces frequency, severity and duration of illness. Speeds wound healing and may reduce allergy symptoms.

Vitamin C - Antioxidant property protects the body against free radicals. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, is an infection fighter, a natural antihistamine, and increases the resistance to ligament and tendon injury. Vitamin C is depleted by stress such as infections, illness, fatigue, surgery, anxiety, pollution and extremes in temperature. As we age, there is a greater need to regenerate collagen which requires more vitamin C.

For more protection, try:

Garlic - This product has two-way odor control with a gentle, temperature-controlled drying process and with a pleasant blend of spearmint and rosemary extracts. Historically, has been used for congestion, asthma, sinusitis and allergies, colds, flu and pneumonia, sore throat and bronchitis. Has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and is effective against yeast infections (Candida). Nature’s strongest natural antibiotic

Friendly Bacteria - This advanced colon care system contains Acidophilus and Bifidus, essential friendly bacteria that ideally live in our lower intestines. Research shows, however, that most adult Americans only retain about 15% of these microflora, rendering our bodies (and especially our immune systems) vulnerable to toxic build-up. Our product includes the prebiotic FOS and inulin to provide nutrients that selectively feed the good microflora for rapid colonization.

It is the only product of its kind to guarantee delivery of live beneficial microflora to the intestines, due to its unique triple encapsulation that protects these essential bacteria from the acidity of the stomach.

*If you have to be on an antibiotic remember to restore the friendly bacteria that antibiotics kill.

To keep in your medicine cabinet until needed:

Echinacea- Has become the most prominent herb used both in the United States and in Europe. Activates the immune system, promotes production of white blood cells, enhances resistance to infection, viral and bacterial, especially flu and herpes; reduces mucus. Works best when started at the onset of cold or flu symptoms. Can be used effectively for up to 10 days at a time.

*seriously great to slip into children’s juice in sippy cups.

Other nutrients to consider:

Alfalfa - Natural anti-histamine, improves digestion and a natural diuretic. Often recommended for sinus congestion, hay fever, allergies, gout, body odor, bad breath, stomach ailments, hiatal hernia and gas pains.

Carotonoids– Especially valuable if you are not eating 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits a day – contains lutein, lycopene and other carotenoids believed to help prevent macular degeneration and reduce cancer risks especially of the prostate and cervix.

Flavonoids - These powerful water soluble antioxidants increase the power of the immune system to fight infection. They are natural antihistamines, are antiviral and antibacterial because they interfere with the actual mechanism of some of these organisms, they lower risk of many cancers including gastric cancer. Even little ones who may not list vegetables in their top 10 favorite foods can still get the benefits of vegetables…in a capsule that can be opened and the antioxidant-rich powder poured in their juice or morning Soy or Whey Protein Shake.

Vitamin E-is an anti-oxidant that protects against cell damage. Helps to prevent heart disease, Parkinson’s; protects lungs from air pollution, protects cells from premature aging, helps cystic breast disease, improves circulation, promotes healing. Our immune systems decline with age. Vitamin E enhances immune responsiveness in the elderly. Our Vita-E is in a natural d-alpha form and is more biologically active than synthetic vitamin E. Provides the full spectrum of tocopherols found in nature.

For all things germy – Non-Toxic Biodegradable Germicide

Cleans, disinfects and deodorizes in one step. Our germicide kills 33 different types of germs, including feline leukemia and canine parvovirus. In laboratory conditions using E Coli, resistant bacteria that contaminates meats, this germicide not only killed the organism, it continued to work for three days after the initial use. Household bleaches lose their effectiveness within one hour. Spray on kitchen counters after preparing meats to prevent risk of E Coli contamination. Comes in a handy dandy wipe too

*Use in humidifiers to prevent mold or bacteria growth – very economical

Please remember our companies promise and guarantee :

100% money back, satisfaction guaranteed – insuring risk free trial

We guarantee that the ingredients listed on the label are in the product.

We guarantee that we use only the finest quality ingredients available.

100% guarantee of quality-controlled product formulations that insure product safety, purity, reliability, and product performance.

 

 

I Am Participating In First Friday’s Go Green Event :: Downtown Bloomington

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Science Daily posted an article about published findings sharing that dryer air vented from our homes using mainstream scented liquid laundry and dryer sheets contain hazardous chemicals two of which are carcinogenic.

The article interestingly commented on how emissions from smoke stacks and automobiles are regulated, but dryer vents are not!

How do you feel about this topic?? Want to learn about how you can shift to something safer for you, your family and the environment??

Next week I am presenting locally at a Go Green Event.

I am thrilled to have been invited.

The event is part of our Downtown Business Association

First Friday, is a monthly event that showcases the art scene in combination with downtown business.  I am delighted to be hosted by Commerce Bank

My main sharing/display will be about shifting from main stream laundry to something greener. Changing brands is not only better for the environment – it also saves you money!!

I am raffling off our signature all-purpose cleaning product!!  One product – 1001 uses, sourced from corn and a true cost saving green cleaning marvel!

You will see a terrific display of my local photography. My first solo show! With an opportunity to purchase at reduced prices!

Finally, yes – I know – this is a lot …but the burger will have it’s first PUBLIC viewing. EVER. Not familiar with the story of the 1996 McDonalds Burger?  More information here!!

Don’t forget to bring the kids – the bank has a special kids craft planned!!

Late Afternoon/ Autumn - Downtown Bloomington

 

 

 

 

Oprah’s Favorite Things Includes Our Cleaning Products

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Oprah’s recommends! Now that’s leverage! Did you know that our green cleaning products are on Oprah’s Favorite Things List ?  She lists just 283 items, rather select wouldn’t you say after 25 years??  Gosh are we ever proud to be part of that!!  What ways are you seeking to switch to green? I’d love to help!!

image by karen hanrahan

The Morning Of A Typical ADD Child

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There are many substances around us which can affect a person’s behavior and ability to focus and learn.  Some affects are believed to be transient and some are known to be permanent.

Obvious examples of substances include:

heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium
alcohol of all types
nicotine
caffeine
drugs – both legal and illegal
solvents and glues, such as airplane glue

and then there is petroleum.

Petroleum??

Who thinks about petroleum, except when we fill our gas tanks?    Few people are aware that thirty seven percent of the crude oil used in the United States goes into the manufacturing of other products with which we come in contact everyday.

Derivatives of petroleum and crude oil are in our clothing, cosmetics, shampoos, detergents, perfumes, paints, plastics, pesticides, and – most significant of all, our FOOD.

We eat, breathe, and surround ourselves with the by-products of crude oil every day.

Some of us have a hard time coping with these powerful substances.

Like our kids.

Let’s take a look at the typical morning of a young boy with ADD as he gets ready for school…

(Every substance which is likely to be an irritant for a chemically-sensitive person is noted with an *.)

He wakes up between sheets, which have been exposed to scented fabric softening strips*. He walks down the hall on new carpeting*, which still retains the smell of the chemicals used in it’s manufacture. An air freshener* adorns the bathroom and complete with scented soap* and scented tissue*. The tub has been cleaned with a miracle spray* and the scented chlorine* clings to the tile floor. His toothpaste is green*.

Breakfast is a bowl of sugar frosted grains* and synthetically colored marshmallow bits*.    All are treated with the preservative BHA* hidden within the added vitamin A.What looks like juice is a blend of water, sugar, and synthetic dyes*, plus artificial orange flavoring*.

An artificially colored, sweetened and flavored vitamin* tops off the meal.   If Jeremy is having one of his frequent ear infections, his mother adds a spoonful of bright pink bubble-gum flavored medicine*.  He grabs his homemade lunch that mom has prepared*** or puts his lunch money in hip pocket for the lovely flavorful meal served at his school******, runs past the fragrant potpourri*, out the door across the lush green lawn – treated with powerful pesticides* – across the newly paved asphalt* street.

He has forgotten his homework (for the third time this week) gets agitated easily, has trouble focusing all the time and Jeremy’s mother wonders why her son simply can’t get his act together.

*denotes chemical or toxin exposure

above sourced and rewritten from something someone shared with me via email

Shifting your lifestyle takes time and a commitment.

Start with cleaning green.

Replace your everyday personal care products with safer alternatives.

Eat clean. Organic. Shop local. Eat seasonally. Eat for health not for taste and convenience.

Stop purchasing petroleum derived products.


plastic utensils flickr image credit

How do you celebrate Earth Day?
If you’re not cleaning green – what’s stopping you?