Pesticides Could Be Cause of ADHD

Reuters Health has released findings that children who are exposed to pesticides could put them at a higher risk of developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This could be promising news to parents whose children are dealing with ADHD. ADHD is a common condition that children seem to be increasingly dealing with. Yet there has been nothing to indicate what causes ADHD. This could be the link that many have been looking for. The pesticides, known as organophosphates, are usually found in produce. However, at this point there is really no way of knowing which products and to what degree … Continue reading

Natural Pesticides

Spring is delightful, but it can also be a time when the bugs take great delight in munching everything in sight: the plants, the garden beds, you. If you’re feeling frustrated with the bugs in your garden, what can you do to control their populations without resorting to spraying toxic pesticides? Organic pest control methods are a healthy and safe alternative. First take a look at your garden. Is it a healthy ecosystem right now? Does it have a variety of plants, including plants that attract birds and beneficial insects? Birds and insects can control the pests that eat your … Continue reading

More Natural Cleaning Solutions for Pregnant Women

In the last segment, I told you about some simple ways to use vinegar and baking soda to clean your house. It’s a great way to avoid the use of harsh chemicals, which is especially important during pregnancy, and it’s good for the environment, too. There are other natural and safe ingredients you can use to clean as well. For disinfecting surfaces, tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant. You can find tea tree oil at your local drug store or health store. Mix two cups of water, three tablespoons of liquid soap, and about 25 drops of tea tree … Continue reading

Apple Juice with a Side of Arsenic

My son refuses to drink sodas, which makes me one proud mama and almost makes me forget that he won’t eat most vegetables and fruits. But, I was alarmed today when I read that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning to find out of the amount of arsenic in our food is a problem and apple juice – my son’s favorite drink – is among one of the highest offenders! Past studies have shown that the amount of arsenic in our foods and drinks may pose a problem, but I guess the FDA has just glossed over it. … Continue reading

Eating Organic and Local For Less: Part One

You’ve chosen to eat organic and local to reduce your impact on the earth. If you also want to eat on a budget, how can you eat frugally and be green? Switching to organic food reduces the amount of pesticides, antibiotics and hormones used to grow your food. Switching to local food reduces the travel distance and greenhouse gases emitted when your food travels from far away to your plate. However, for many people eating organic and local food seems totally out of reach. How can you go organic and local without breaking your budget? Create connections with local farmers. … Continue reading

Whole Foods Market Take on Sustainability Part 1

It’s not often that you find a grocery store as dedicated to sustainability as Whole Foods Market. The company actually has a policy on their web page about how they have a vision of how their policy on sustainability can help future generations and how companies, governments, and institutions have a moral imperative to stop doing things to harm individuals and the ecosystem. The policy mentions the following topics: Holistic Thinking in a Conventional World Whole Foods Market mentions how it is dedicated to offering products that are high quality, but have little processing, that are favorable and natural, sold … Continue reading

Getting Rid Of Toxins

Every day we are exposed to hundreds of toxins. Everything from the food we eat to the air we breathe has toxins. I always feel as the mom and main housekeeper that it is my job to protect my family from harmful things in our home. There are some things you can do at home to minimize your family’s exposure to harmful things. *Eat organic whenever possible. Look for produce that is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. If you have a garden at home then you know exactly what your veggies are exposed to. A farmers market is also … Continue reading

National Organic Harvest Month

I am going to ignore that today is National Coffee Ice Cream day and focus on it being National Organic Harvest Month. I love the word “harvest.” It reminds me of apple orchards and pumpkin patches. I love purchasing produce from local farmers this time of year. I also love making fun food from apples and pumpkins. I am blessed enough to live by several apple orchards and pumpkin patches that deliver quality organic produce. If you cannot visit a local orchard or farm this time of year make sure to stop by the organic section of your grocery store. … Continue reading

Your Guide to Nut and Seed Butters

Growing up, I only had two options in nut and seed butter. The first was the classic peanut butter that only came in smooth and only came in Skippy. Today, not only are there so many different varieties of nut and seed butter, but there are even more variations or versions within the broader categories. So what was that second option that I had? It has been around for a while, and you may or may not know about it: Nutella, a chocolate and hazelnut spread made with skim milk. It was like getting desert for lunch, although the taste … Continue reading

Healthy Home, Healthy Air: Chemicals That Pollute Your Indoor Air

While you may not live in a major city, air pollution is probably a problem for you. It lives in the most unlikely of places: inside your home. Even if you live in a big city, the air inside your home can be just as polluted as the air outside. Avoid these common air pollution culprits to help your home maintain good air quality. Volatile organic compounds don’t sound particularly lovely, and they’re not very good for your health either. New cars, new furniture, and freshly painted rooms have one thing in common: they’re all releasing chemicals into the air … Continue reading