Today’s Guest Contributor is NaturalPath Featured Expert Debra Lynn Dadd. Week 5 in our Wednesday post swap with NaturalPath.
View Debra Lynn Dadd’s Bio

We like to think of our homes as being a safe place to be–a refuge from a dangerous world. Yet some of the exposures that you have day-to-day that are most hazardous to your health and the health of your family happen right at home.

The good news is that for every toxic product you’ll find in your home, there is a safer alternative. You just need to know where to look for those toxic exposures and what safe solutions are available.

Here are ten common toxic exposures most Americans have in their homes, and some simple, inexpensive things everyone can do to reduce household toxics.

1. Save yourself from exposure to toxic ammonia by washing your windows with vinegar and water.

Ammonia can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, and burn your skin. Instead, mix distilled white or apple cider vinegar half-and-half with water in a spray bottle. Squirt on windows and wipe with recycled newspapers for a streak-free super shine.

2. Free yourself from toxic formaldehyde exposure by sleeping on untreated cotton sheets.

Formaldehyde exposure can cause insomnia and respiratory problems, among other symptoms. Bypass formaldehyde-coated polyester/cotton sheets and no-iron cotton sheets and choose cozy cotton flannel sheets or untreated cotton percale sheets, both available at major department stores and online.

3. Put up a detector to protect your family from carbon monoxide exposure.

Carbon monoxide starves the body and brain of oxygen and can be fatal. First symptoms include sleepiness, headache, dizziness, flushed skin, and disorientation. All homes with gas appliances or
Carbon monoxide starves the body and brain of oxygen and can be fatal. First symptoms include sleepiness, headache, dizziness, flushed skin, and disorientation. All homes with gas appliances or heaters should install carbon monoxide detectors, available in most hardware and home improvement stores or on-line. (more…)

Tomorrow, Thursday July 26, 6-9pm

75-83 Orchard Street

Kaight’s summer closeout sale, Tahir Boutique’s bargain basement

Josh Dorfman autographs his green guide, “The Lazy Environmentalist”

Koca Lounge after party 9-11p. 15% off food and drinks.

Meet Kate and Josh, get designer eco threads on sale, a good green guide and healthy eats. What could be better?

details: 212 680 5630

www.kaightnyc.com

Let me know how much fun you had…I’ll be in Saratoga:(

As green as it gets. That’s what comes to mind when I envision Sunrise Springs Eco Resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Featuring organic, local and natural cuisine (some from their own gardens) and wines, house-made oils, vinegars and liquors, yogurt and breads, this resort is a member of Slow Food, USA and supporter of the Farm to Restaurant Project. And that’s just one bite of the delicious Sunrise Springs eco friendliness pie. Truth is, there’s too much to tout in one post.

In their spa and guest rooms, travelers will find equally impressive tactics that strive toward sustainability. Even the gift shop boasts locally made products. Accommodation choices come aplenty as well. Choose from a private casita, garden- or pond-view room.

Current room rates start at $125. Visit www.sunrisesprings.com for rate and package details.

• South-Eastern Europe is suffering. Hungary Heatwave Kills Hundreds – bbc
• Now about those borders… U.S., Canada, Mexico Vow Energy Tech Cooperation – enn
• Getting paid not to do something is a rare, but sweet, deal. Ecuador: Pay Us and We Won’t Drill in Forest – msnbc
• Larry may have grounds for going back on-grid. Larry David Shows His Bitter Greens – ecorazzi
• When global warming effects Starbucks pricing we’ll see some real fear and trepidation. Global Warming Threatens Coffee Collapse in Uganda – natgeo
• Antique Engines Inspire Nano Chip – bbc

Each one of these adorable penguins is hand-knit by women who are part of a collective of knitters in rural Kenya. The collective is involved with the East Africa Hub, a non-profit organization comprised of socially responsible businesses that provide a link between artisans and the marketplace.

The importer of these products takes personal care to monitor the safe, dignified and healthy working conditions. They are committed to: the welfare of the artisans, respecting and sustaining the environment, and promoting and practicing fair and open trade ethics and principles.

materials:
Natural wool yarn, treated with natural vegetable-based dyes.
Filled with acrylic.
dimensions:
Small: 4″ tall. Large: 16″ tall.
maker notes: the handmade quality of these items may lead to variations

Starting at $18.00 @ branch.com May sound crazy, but these charming creatures have cast a spell on me.

Tom’s of Maine has been around for over 37 years. This pioneering brand launched in 1970 with Clearlake, the country’s first non-phosphate liquid laundry detergent. And since 2006, Tom’s of Maine has been an independently run division of Colgate-Palmolive. Today, their natural product line includes: toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, soap, shave cream and deodorant.

What sets Tom’s apart from many brands is what they put in and what they leave out of their ingredient mix. In are ingredients based on plants and herbs. Out are “artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, and animal products. Toothpastes contain no saccharin, mouthwashes no alcohol, and soaps no EDTA.” And no animal testing.

Over the years, I’ve enjoyed using many of their oral care products — most recently — their natural anti-plaque tartar control plus whitening fennel toothpaste and Cinnamint mouthwash. Not only do I like their products, but also their sustainable and responsible corporate policies. Their products and packaging are sustainable and recyclable — saving 376,396 pounds of solid waste and 87,286 gallons of water annually. They provide employees with a $4000 benefit when they purchase a new hybrid vehicle. And they’ve donated generously to The Nature Conservancy for various projects since 1998.

New to the personal care scene is their aluminum-free, improved, Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick, made with hops — a great, natural, anti-bacterial agent to help combat odor.  Let me know how it is, if you try it.
With over 40,000 retail locations throughout North America, you may not need to refer to their store locator. First-hand, I know Tom’s of Maine is available at most Whole Foods, Duane Reade, Eckerd, Rite Aid and CVS stores.

We’re always on the prowl for alternative forms of urban transportation. Here’s a shiny, new, eco-friendly electric scooter from Zap.

The ZAPINO sports an advanced 3000-watt brush-less DC hub motor, perfect for city commuting or zipping to the store. With a top end speed of 30mph, you can pass those out-of-town drivers who are clogging up your city’s streets.

The hub motor in the rear wheel creates space for additional batteries, greater functionality and performance, while eliminating the need for belts, or chains, to create a more user friendly rider experience while also reducing overall maintenance.

some stats:

• motor: 3000W brushless hub motor
• max torque: 120NM/900RPM
• max speed: about 30 mph
• range: up to 30 miles each charge*
• brake: rear and front disc
• weight limit: 280 lbs.
• battery: 60V Green Saver silicone battery
• net weight: 297 lbs. (including battery)
• upgrade: replace with 60v40AH lithium battery for range up to 65 miles
• climbing ability: 25% slope with a 177 lb rider.
• 3000 peak watts, 60 volts
• Intelligent Controller and DBI-digita

Marketed as the most powerful electric scooter in its class.  I found no info on the charging time or number of charges expected out of the battery.

Note: Some states will classify the Zapino as a moped other states a motor driven cycle.
order online for $2,995 @ zapworld.com

locate a zap dealer near you @ dealersearch

In this brief video Altcon’s youthful thespians examine the dilemma that is bottled water.

Pump up the volume, and click on the small black arrow at bottom left of “video screen” above.

featuring:
zach & max

• Humans to Blame for Rainfall Changes: Study – msnbc
• I’m putting down this can of TAB right now. Study Links Diet Soda With Cardiac Risk – livescience
• Britain Battles to Hold Back Devastating Floods – reuters
• Shocking! Now who was the previous governor? Florida a Laggard in Harnessing the Sun – usatoday
• This would seem to make sense. Protected Coral Reef Found to Recover – earthsky.com
• Let this be a lesson to you. Prison Sentences Symbolize the Decline of the Radical Environmental Movement – enn
• Ah, to be young, again! Dipping a Toe Into Marine Biology at a Summer Camp – nytimes

Express as you dress or accessorize (with bracelets made of recycled leather), and support National Resource Defense Council’s anti-global warming initiatives simultaneously. Order NRDC’s organic tee that says “Turn Up the Heat, Fight Global Warming” on the front, and “Clean Cars + Clean Power = Cooler Planet” on the back. And join the org or sign up to help, while you’re at it.

How deep are your green pockets? You can also donate to NRDC through Gift and Estate Planning, or your workplace. It’ll feel good to be a part of such a worthwhile organization. Sometimes, we just need to dig in and do it.

Related: NRDC – Issues and News

photo above: Mount Reynolds, as seen from Logan Pass, Glacier National Park

earthshare.org

(previously on AltCon nrdc – make an eco-fashion statement, 3.2.07)