Green Zone Broadcasts

January 9-31, 2012

Monday, January 9
Today’s Tip: Stock bulk whole foods. Avoid processed foods.

This week the Green Zone is concentrating on the kitchen pantry, with do’s and don’ts for green living. Today I’m tackling the subject of whole vs. processed foods.

Do: Stock Bulk Whole Foods: The pantry is the place for go-to foods you need to make meals. Most of your stores should be real foods – unprocessed whole foods, like grains, root vegetables, legumes, dried fruit and nuts – and minimally processed foods like pastas. A good rule of thumb: Foods without ingredient lists or heavy-handed health claims on their packaging (or without packaging at all) are the best choice. Those foods with short ingredient lists made up only of items you recognize and can pronounce are good, too. Anything else is best thought of as "food" in name only.

Don't: Stock Processed Foods: It's often true that whole foods take more time and expertise to cook well (though couscous will rival even the quickest of quick-fix meals) but it's also true that processed foods tend to be loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and other calorie-heavy ingredients, preservatives, and an array of artificial colors – including some linked to attention deficit disorder, cancer, and allergic reactions.

Tuesday, January 10
Today’s Tip: Don’t use plastic food storage containers

This week the Green Zone is concentrating on the kitchen pantry, with do’s and don’ts for green living. Today I’m tackling the subject of storage containers.

Don't: Use Plastic Food Storage Containers: Plastic may be versatile, lightweight and cheap, but some types of plastic also leach chemicals into foods. If you're keeping some plastic around, purge anything marked with a recycling code No. 3 or 7. Those numbers are used to mark hard plastics that often have the hormone-disrupting chemical bisphenol-A. Whatever you use for food storage, avoid microwaving or cooking in plastic, and avoid using plastics that show signs of age, since these conditions make chemical leaching more likely.

Do: Use Nontoxic Food Storage Containers: Choose glass, ceramic, and stainless steel over plastic whenever possible. These materials are long-lasting, can often be transferred directly from the pantry or fridge to the oven or microwave, and – most importantly, they won't leach chemicals into your food.

Wednesday, January 11
Today’s Tip: Don't overstock canned foods

Yesterday the Green Zone advised against using plastic storage containers. Unfortunately, plastics aren't the only packaging that leach chemicals into foods. The lining of cans also contains the suspect chemicals bisphenol-A and phthalates, both of which can mimic human hormones. A recent analysis found that families can reduce their exposure to the two chemicals by more than 50% simply by steering clear of canned foods, like soups, tuna and beans. Canned foods are an important part of emergency preparedness, though, so you'll probably want to keep some on hand just in case. Eden Organic is one brand that uses BPA-free cans.

I fully expect the U.S. government will ban BPA in canned goods one day, hopefully soon. Canada and many European countries do so already. Until that time, steer clear of canned foods if you can.

Thursday, January 12
Today’s Tip: Make your own green cleaning products

This week the Green Zone is concentrating on the kitchen pantry, with do’s and don’ts for green living. Today I’m tackling the subject of cleaning products.

Save space in the pantry by stocking just a few simple cleaning agents: baking soda, distilled white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, club soda, and lemon juice. That, a little know-how and some elbow grease are all you need to clean just about anything in the house, from the kitchen counters and the oven, to the windows and the toilet bowl. Best of all – unlike most toilet bowl cleaners – these ingredients are useful in cooking, and relatively safe around small children and pets.

If you're making the switch, don't dump those cleansers down the drain! Check with your local waste hauler, municipality or with Earth911 on the Web to find the nearest hazardous household waste drop-off location and time. (That's right: Many are so toxic, they're considered hazardous waste.)

Friday, January 13
Today’s Tip: More tips for greening your kitchen pantry

This week the Green Zone has been concentrating on greening the kitchen pantry. Today I have three tips.

Tip #1: Stock Reusable Items: Whether it's cutlery, flatware, napkins or towels, the rule of thumb should be: Wash and reuse. If you're using disposable paper plates and napkins, or plastic forks and knives, they're not only cluttering your pantry but also cluttering our landfills. Don't be too quick to be taken in by marketing about biodegrable or plant-based items, either; the Earth-friendly choice is reuseable, and – in the long run – far cheaper.

Tip #2: Check Food Safety Recalls. Even if you are a conscientious health nut who buys only organic food, your shopping trips may not be immune from the dreaded food safety recall. In recent months, everything from organic alfalfa sprouts to organic ground beef has been recalled, along with the usual sad litany of industrially processed meats and "foods." Check TheDailyGreen.com for relevant recalls, or sign up for e-alerts from foodsafety.gov.

Tip #3: Don't use toxic pesticides. Anyone who's stored food knows that nature is never far away. Whether it's mice in the rice or moths in the oatmeal, critters are sometimes hard to keep away, and harder to get rid of. Before resorting to the strongest poison on the market, try integrated pest management techniques--which range from sealing cracks where mice might enter to sprinkling cayenne pepper to deter ants. Consult with the list of natural pesticide alternatives on beyondpesticides.com before resorting to commercial pesticides.

Monday, January 16
Today’s Tip:  Detox Your Life—Clean Green

January is “Detox Your Life” month, according to The Huffington Post. In honor of that, this week the Green Zone is focusing on finding and eliminating the hidden chemicals that could be polluting your home and your family.

Today’s tip is Clean Green. You’ve no doubt heard me say it before. I’ve even written a book about it, Green Clean, a great little guide to cleaning the whole house and save money at the same time.

Cleaning green is an important step in detoxing your life because many popular household cleaners hide toxic chemicals in their list of ingredients. Those ingredients stay behind when you clean and contribute to indoor air pollution.

Better choices include using homemade cleaners made from natural products like distilled white vinegar, baking soda, vegetable-based soap, and borax. You can also opt for store bought cleaners which are plant based and biodegradable.

My book Green Clean has lots of recipes for making your own cleaning products. You can also find them on the Web. One good site is doyourpart.com.

So do your part today. Begin detoxifying your life by cleaning green.

Tuesday, January 17
Today’s Tip: Detox Your Life--Rid Your Life of Formaldehyde

January is “Detox Your Life” month, according to The Huffington Post. In honor of that, this week the Green Zone is focusing on finding and eliminating the hidden chemicals that could be polluting your home and your family.

Today’s tip is Rid Your Life of Formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is linked to a number of health issues, including asthma and cancer. It's often emitted over many years from certain pressed wood furniture pieces, carpet adhesives, and paint. It is also found in hair straightening treatments, kids' dishware made of melamine resin, air fresheners, wrinkle-free bedding, dry cleaned clothes, and nail polishes.

It's important to seek out formaldehyde-free products. Ask your beautician about the products your using. If you're planning to remodel your kitchen, choose cabinets made from solid, untreated wood. And phase out your particle-board furniture, such as shelving and office desks. Replace them with pieces made of natural materials such as hardwood, rattan and iron.

For other surprising sources of formaldehyde, check the Web at doyourpart.com.

Wednesday, January 18
Today’s Tip: Detox Your Life--Ban VOCs from Your Home

January is “Detox Your Life” month, according to The Huffington Post. In honor of that, this week the Green Zone is focusing on finding and eliminating the hidden chemicals that could be polluting your home and your family. Today’s tip is Ban VOCs from Your Home.  Formaldehyde is one of the most notorious volatile organic compounds -- or VOCs -- out there but there are others to worry about, too. They include benzene, toluene, methylene, and chloride. Many times, the VOCs are found in paint, personal care products, bedding, furniture, carpets, and adhesives.

You can specifically seek out low-VOC paints.

Most mattresses contain considerable amounts of synthetic and chemical-based foams, plastics and artificial fibers, and most box springs are made with chemically treated wood and chemical adhesives. Next time you buy a mattress consider one made from more health-conscious materials, such as natural fibers and untreated wood. In the meantime, a mattress cover made of barrier cloth can help isolate a chemical-laden mattress.

Also consider that most bed sheets are made from cotton, a crop that takes 25 percent of the world's pesticides to grow by today's common agricultural methods. And most conventional sheets have a formaldehyde-resin finish to make them "easy care" and/or water-resistant, and to reduce shrinkage. Better to use organic sheets made from natural fibers and colored with low-impact dyes.

For other sources of VOCs, do a little research on the Web. A good site to check is  http://life.gaiam.com.

           
Thursday, January 19
Today’s Tip: Detox Your Life--Choose Better Personal Care Products.

January is “Detox Your Life” month, according to The Huffington Post. In honor of that, this week the Green Zone is focusing on finding and eliminating the hidden chemicals that could be polluting your home and your family. Today’s tip is Choose Better Personal Care Products.

There may be volatile organic compounds—or VOCs--in your personal care products. When shopping for clean personal care products, look for those which have mostly natural ingredients and the fewest preservatives.  But remember, the claims on these products aren’t regulated. So you’ll have to check out the ingredient list for yourself.

True organic products won’t contain toxic chemicals or chemical preservatives.  And, truly natural products usually contain minimal amounts of preservatives. Many preservatives contain parabens which are considered toxic.  And, be suspect of the word “fragrance” on the ingredient list. Many companies use that term’ to avoid listing toxic chemicals like phthalates which can alter hormones.

An easy way to find out exactly what's in the products you use, check out the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetic Safety Database. You can find it on the Web at ewg.org. You can search by brand name or type of product.

Remember, everything we use on our bodies will eventually go right back into our environment.  Do Your Part to seek out beauty products that are made with the fewest toxic ingredients.

Friday, January 20
Today’s Tip: Detox Your Life--Know What You’re Eating

January is “Detox Your Life” month, according to The Huffington Post. In honor of that, this week the Green Zone is focusing on finding and eliminating the hidden chemicals that could be polluting your home and your family. Today’s tip is Know What You Are Eating.

When possible, opt for organic foods. They are grown and processed without using synthetic chemicals, sewage sludge, or radiation. Familiarize yourself with Clean 15 list-- a list of the specific fruits and vegetables that have been tested to have the lowest levels of pesticide residue after having been grown on a conventional farm. The ‘Clean 15’ includes onions, avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, mangoes, sweet peas, asparagus, kiwi fruit, cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, and sweet onions.

The reason these fruits and vegetables are free of many pesticides is because they naturally absorb less of the chemicals during the growing process.

Pesticide-free produce is clearly better for you and your family. With good information, you can stretch those organic dollars wisely by knowing which organic options are better for you and your wallet.

Monday, January 23
Today’s Tip: Detox Your Life--Give BPA the Boot

January is “Detox Your Life” month, according to The Huffington Post. In honor of that, the Green Zone is focusing on finding and eliminating the hidden chemicals that could be polluting your home and your family. Today’s tip is Give BPA the Boot.

Several studies have linked bisphenol-A (or BPA) to developmental problems, cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and infertility. BPA is used in polycarbonate (PC) containers that are often marked #7. Plastics with the recycling numbers #1, #2, and #4 are safer choices. BPA is also found in the lining of canned food and juices. Look for cans labeled "BPA-free" and choose food items packaged in glass or other safer containers. Eden Organic is one brand that uses BPA-free cans.

Remember, plastics with the recycling numbers #1, #2, and #4 are safer choices.

Tuesday, January 24
Today’s Tip: Detox Your Life--Choose Natural Pest Control Products

January is “Detox Your Life” month, according to The Huffington Post. In honor of that, the Green Zone is focusing on finding and eliminating the hidden chemicals that could be polluting your home and your family. Today’s tip: Choose Natural Pest Control Products.

Chemical pesticides can block the absorption of nutrients and can even cause permanent biological changes. Natural alternatives include distilled white vinegar, borax, and diatomaceous earth.

Spraying vinegar will keep ants away. Borax kills roaches. Diatomaceous earth can kill all sorts of bugs, including bed bugs.

Be careful around children and pets with borax and diatomaceous earth because it can be poisonous if ingested.

For more natural pesticides, check the Web or my book Creating  Safe and Healthy Home. It has an excellent chapter on ridding your house of pests the natural way. I’ve tried many of these tricks. They work!

Wednesday, January 25
Breaking News: Genetically Modified Corn Is Linked to Organ Damage
           
In a study released by the International Journal of Biological Sciences, researchers found that agricultural giant Monsanto's genetically modified corn is linked to organ damage in rats.

In the conclusion of the study, researchers wrote: "Effects were mostly concentrated in kidney and liver function, the two major diet detoxification organs, but in detail differed with each GM type. In addition, some effects on heart, adrenal, spleen and blood cells were also frequently noted… These substances have never before been an integral part of the human or animal diet and therefore their health consequences for those who consume them, especially over long time periods, are currently unknown."

Monsanto immediately issued a statement saying that the research is "based on faulty analytical methods and reasoning and do not call into question the safety findings for these products."

The study's author responded to the Monsanto statement on the blog, Food Freedom, saying: "Our study contradicts Monsanto conclusions because Monsanto systematically neglects significant health effects in mammals that are different in males and females eating GMOs, or not proportional to the dose. This is a very serious mistake, dramatic for public health. This is the major conclusion revealed by our work.”

So be aware that genetically modified seed and food products likely cause disease in humans, as they do in rats. Keep them out of your garden. Keep them out of your diet.

Thursday, January 26
Today’s Tip: Take Care When Using Your Microwave.

When it comes to appliances, nothing beats the ubiquitous microwave for quick and easy cooking. Most of us use our microwaves without giving it another thought: Pop in a frozen dinner or last night’s leftovers, and lickety-split it’s a hot meal. Despite worrisome terminology such as “radiation” and slang expressions like “nuking,” microwave ovens have worked their way into most kitchens and practically every break room in this country. They’re a staple of our lives.

But is microwave cooking healthy? Despite words like “radiation” and “nuking,” the biggest concern about microwaves is that while they are heating your food, they are also zapping valuable nutrients. According to microwave skeptics, the intermolecular friction created by the appliance reduces the bioavailability of essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and vitamin C. In some cases, it renders valuable vitamins, like vitamin B12 (needed for proper neurological functioning) somewhat useless.

In addition, microwaving food negatively affects antioxidents and enzymes. It can even change the chemical composition of foods, including animal proteins and dairy. When food, including baby formula, is microwaved, certain amino acids (which are the building blocks of protein) are converted from their natural, active forms into biologically inactive forms.

Studies also show that heart-healthy phenolic compounds found in extra-virgin and virgin olive oils can lose some of their antioxidant capacities when exposed to microwaving, and that microwaving garlic can destroy its most powerful medicinal compound.

While some scientists believe the dangers of nutrient loss from microwaving food are no worse than pressure cooking or stovetop boiling, other reputable scientists disagree. One of them,  Lita Lee, PhD, a chemist and enzyme therapist in Portland, Oregon, claims, “Microwaving for seconds or longer will destroy nutrients — by changing them to biologically inactive forms — and create toxins and carcinogens. Stovetop cooking cannot compare to the damage of microwaving.”

Given the conflicting evidence, it’s clear that a consensus on the nutritional impacts of microwaving is probably anything but imminent. So for now, it’s up to individual cooks and eaters to decide whether they want to ditch their nuker, or embrace it with cautious enthusiasm.    

Friday, January 27
Today’s Tip: Odor-Fighting Clothing Could Be Making You Sick

It’s a fact. Clothing claiming to be odor-fighting or odor-free could actually make you sick, according to health experts.

Companies are embedding antimicrobial compounds into everything from toothpaste and hand soaps to socks, underwear, and workout clothing to kill germs and odors. While going to this extra germ-fighting effort might seem smart at first glance, scientists are finding that some antimicrobial chemicals are actually harming humans' thyroids and hormonal systems.

The kicker? Many antimicrobials used in pricier consumer products aren't any better than traditional soap-and-water washing. Adding to the rip-off angle, the Swedish government recently analyzed clothing impregnated with the antibacterial agents silver, triclosan, and  trichlorocarban and found that the germ- and odor-killing compounds often wash away very quickly, sometimes after just three washings. Because of the rapid wash-out and health threats posed by the chemicals, a Swiss-commissioned report actually suggests companies phase out the use of antimicrobials in clothing.

What’s the wise consumer to do? Rely on regular washings, not harmful antimicrobial compounds in the fabric, to keep your clothing fresh.

Monday, January 30
Today’s Tip: Give up conventional toilet paper and paper towels.

Here are two easy new year’s resolutions that go a long ways toward green living.

#1: Give up conventional toilet paper. Cost: $2.96 for 4-pack, 260 sheets.

Believe it or not, switching to recycled toilet paper can change the world. If every household in the United States bought just one four-pack of 260-sheet recycled bath tissue, instead of the typical tissue made from virgin fiber, it would eliminate 60,600 pounds of chlorine pollution, preserve 356 million gallons of fresh water, and save nearly one million trees. And the best news is that a four-pack of recycled toilet paper costs about the same as a four-pack of conventional toilet paper.

#2: Give up paper towels. Cost: $6.95.
No matter how you look at it, paper towels create waste. During your next trip to the grocery store, buy some reusable microfiber towels, which grip dirt and dust like a magnet, even when they get wet. When you are finished with them, toss the towels in the wash and reuse them again and again. They are even great for countertops and mirrors.

When you absolutely have to use disposable towels, look for recycled products. If every household in the United States replaced just one roll of virgin fiber paper towels (70 sheets) with 100 percent recycled ones, we could save 544,000 trees.

Tuesday, January 31
Today’s Tip: Give up dry cleaning and hot water for washing clothes.

Here are two more new year’s resolutions that go a long ways toward green living.

#1: Give up dry cleaning. Cost: $0.
Until recently, almost all dry cleaners used a cancer-causing chemical called perchloroethylene, also known as Perc or TCE. Traces of this toxic chemical remain on your clothes after dry cleaning and evaporate into the air in your car or home. If you have to use a traditional dry cleaner, take your dry cleaning out of the plastic and air it outside or near a window before hanging it in your closet.

To avoid the need for dry cleaning at all, make customer care a part of your clothing purchase decisions and choose fabrics that don't require dry cleaning at all.

#2: Give up hot water, at least in the clothes washer. Cost: $0

Did you know that only 10 percent of the energy used by a typical washing machine powers the motor? About 90 percent of the energy is used to heat the water, and most clothes will come clean in cold water. So switch your washing machine's temperature setting. For heavily soiled clothing, change it from hot to warm, but otherwise try to wash and rinse most of your clothing in cold water.

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