What's More Important Than The Health of Your Child?

There probably isn't a parent in the world, that wouldn't give or do ANYTHING, to protect their child. Loving their children and protecting them from being physically or emotionally harmed by themselves or someone else, are instinctual traits for all parents. Yet, despite parents doing their very best, sometimes children are still exposed to harmful things.

Health hazards for children are everywhere. Yes, there are exposures outside, as well as inside of their homes, that can trigger common diseases and health conditions in a child. Even in utero, babies and children are often vulnerable to environmental toxins. Obviously, parents can't remove all the "bad stuff", but they can become more informed and make educated choices for their children's health, as well as the whole family.

Children are more likely than adults to come in contact with many of the health hazards around us each day. Their most common playground; the floor, holds a barrage of allergens, such as dust and heavier-than-air chemicals. Then, they put everything in their mouths, further exposing them in different ways than adults.

It really is easy to start making changes by choosing a few simple steps to take in your home. It's not necessary to do everything at once, but doing something, is definitely a good thing. HealthyChild.org offers a Pocket Guide with 5 easy steps to give you a place to start:

1. Manage Pests Safely


2. Use Non-Toxic Products


3. Clean Up Indoor Air


4. Eat Healthy


5. Be Wise with Plastics

The below video is from HealthyChild.org. It's called A Wake Up Story. Please watch the video and become committed to make some small changes to provide a healthier home for your whole family. Then, please pass this message along to another and another .....



A Wake-Up Story from Healthy Child Healthy World on Vimeo.

Environmental Accountability

After almost one month, the daily reports coming in from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster are still very discouraging. Everyone is disappointed and outraged that this even happened, as well as the lack of success in stopping the spill. Without a doubt, this crisis will stimulate some serious discussions and actions for ensuring environmental accountability.

But why does it always take a life/environment altering event to inspire action? Why can't we be more proactive with environmental accountability, instead of just reacting after the crisis?

There are probably numerous "good" answers to those questions, but I am going to propose one of selfishness. If everyone thought more about others than themselves (or their businesses), accountability in all aspects of life, including the environment, would be prevalent.

We can point our fingers at big business such as BP PLC and our government leaders, but what are you, as an individual doing to reduce your carbon footprint....even in your "own backyard"?

Do you recycle? And if so, are you recycling what is only convenient, or are you going above and beyond?

Do you purchase locally grown foods? Besides the health aspects, did you know that the overall process for getting local products to your door, reduces millions of pounds of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

Are you buying recycled and/or sustainable merchandise? And, I don't mean just thinking you're hitting the mark, when you "happen" to purchase a recycled item here or there. I'm talking, a concentrated effort to seek out recycled products that are remanufactured or can be reused in their current condition.

Started using "green cleaners" in your home, yet? Not only are they good for your planet, but the statistics are in; they're good for your families health and longevity!

This is our home and our planet. Let's be environmentally accountable even for our little piece of it.

Teens & Mobile Cell Phones

The purpose of this blog has been intended to address environmental, safety and health issues for the family and planet. Mobile cell phones for teens and young children would definitely fall under the category of safety, in my thought process. Therefore, I'd like to share with you about a cell phone company that offers quite a selection of plans and controls, plus there are no annual contracts or activation fees.

I'm sure there are a lot of arguments, good and bad, for kids and teens having their own cell phones. In my opinion, the #1 positive would point to the issue of children being able to reach their parent or emergency service provider, in the event of an emergency. Beyond the scope of emergency situations, parents also want a way to ensure they can keep in touch with their children throughout the day.

Keeping "tabs", some may call it, is the responsibility of every parent. And with a mobile phone, parents and children can communicate their schedules, whereabouts, curfews, etc., to one another.

But, an issue that is often talked about, is the misuse of cell phones by the kids. Texting or talking on the phone at inappropriate times, (i.e. middle of the night, at school, etc.), talking to people that the parent doesn't want them talking to or the parent doesn't know, or even using the phone to harass or badger other kids.

There's a great mobile phone resource that is available that has all the parental controls, a budgeting system, GPS Locator, no annual fees and plan limitations all in one. It's offered by Kajeet, and there are plans as low as $4.99 a month.

Statistics show that 54% of teens were texting daily in a survey taken in September 2009. Half of the teens send more than 50 text messages a day, or 1,500 texts a month, which may or may not, be excessive to a particular parent. Older teens are shown to text even more.

With the Kajeet phone, parents can monitor the phone usage in real time and provide the necessary guidance to keep kids safe and focused on all their other responsibilities. And, then there's the feature of having no annual contracts, no activation or termination fees and a plan can be changed at any time.

A Kajeet mobile cell phone would be a great graduation gift to family or friend's children. Since, there are no contracts or activation/termination fees, the gift could be given with no strings attached or future financial or contractual responsibility of the giver. Then, it would be the responsibility of the receiver and/or their family, to decide whether to continue the use of the Kajeet phone and/or modify the type of plans/services

How High Are Your Indoor Air Quality Standards?

I recently became aware of one of this Country's watchdog agency's standards for ensuring the indoor environmental quality of their facilities. All, I could say was, "Holy Cow, they're finally getting it" !!

The CDC, (Center for Disease Control & Prevention), is a government-based agency that was founded in 1942. They are staffed with over 15,000 highly educated engineers, doctors, biologists, chemists, toxicologists and more. These are the folks that keep us up-to-date on local health issues up to biological threats to our population.

Apparently, this educated and informed agency has set very high standards for Indoor air quality in all of their facilities. The standards have been set to protect the health of their employees and customers, as well as lowering their liabilities to them. In the guidelines, they've even established the types of cleaners, etc., that will be used.

Here's a recap of their Housekeeping Guidelines:

CDC will ensure the products used in the workplace, such as soaps, cleaning products, paints, etc. are safe and odor-free or emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the fullest extent feasible. Only GREEN CLEANING (emphasis mine), products shall be specified and used within CDC facilities and leased spaces unless otherwise approved by the Office of Health and Safety.

They also have a laundry list of "Non-Permissible Products":

Scented or fragranced products are prohibited at all times in all interior space owned, rented, or leased by CDC. This includes the use of:

• Incense, candles, or reed diffusers


• Fragrance-emitting devices of any kind


• Wall-mounted devices, similar to fragrance emitting devices, that operate automatically or by pushing a button to dispense deodorizers or disinfectants


• Potpourri


• Plug-in or spray air fresheners


• Urinal or toilet blocks


• Other fragrance deodorizer/re-odorizer products

Personal care products (e.g. colognes, perfumes, essential oils, scented skin and hair products) should not be applied at or near actual workstations, restrooms, or anywhere in CDC owned or leased buildings.

In addition, CDC encourages employees to be as fragrance-free as possible when they arrive in the workplace. Fragrance is not appropriate for a professional work environment, and use of some products with fragrance may be detrimental to the health of workers with chemical sensitivities, allergies, asthma, and chronic headaches/migranes.

Do you know anyone who has regular issues with the above mentioned chemical sensitivies, allergies, asthma and chronic headaches/migrances?

Is it possible that some of their health issues may be a direct result of exposure to some of the CDC's mentioned "non-permissable products"?

Do the research and check out our non-toxic cleaners and personal care products. It may end up being a life-changing experience for you and others around you.

New Childrens Book - Loui Saves The Earth

I'm very honored to share with you about a new children's book that was written by a fellow planet lover. It's called Loui Saves The Earth and was written by Alexandra Gnoske of Recycle Me Organic Clothing.

I knew about Alexandra's passion for the planet and her clothing business, but now she's showing her talent in the writing of children's books. Alexandra has taken her passion for nature and wildlife and turned it into an inspiring story with a simple message: children can make a difference for Planet Earth. As a native Chicagoan, she draws from her surroundings to create colorful pictures that will entertain and educate children of all ages.

Alexandra has many adventurous stories for Loui and Dusty to help the planet and hopes to inspire many superheroes for Planet Earth. Her blog features stories about simple things children are doing to help the planet. She is also writing a book about the environmental impact of clothing.

The book, Loui Saves The Earth, is currently available via Amazon.com, but may also be coming to a bookstore near you. I've got several children on my list, that will be receiving this inspiring book!

Putting An End To Paper Receipts

My colleagues over at SoftwareAdvice.com have recently posted a very interesting article and poll on their website. It addresses the impact that printed receipts have on society's paper consumption.

I have to be honest. I regularly use printed receipts for posting bank debit transactions to my check register and documenting purchases for tax purposes. And, for me personally, it would be a BIG sacrifice to go paperless! But, I truly feel it all boils down to learning a new behavior and knowing that the end result is worth it.

As stated in the Software Advice article, there are several environmental drawbacks to receipt/paper manufacturing. Deforestation, Co2 Emissions, Water & Oil consumption, and Trash are all factored into the manufacturing of the finished paper products. Additionally, there can be BPA exposure via some thermal paper receipts and credit card receipt products.

The folks over at allEtronic are a progressive company that are paving the way to providing digital receipts for everyone. You can set up a free online account to have your generated transactions sent to.

I realize this is all pretty new and will take quite sometime to be accepted by businesses and consumers. But, as mentioned in Software Advice's article, paper manufacturing and usage is a huge environmental concern, and alternatives must be sought out.

Please jump over to the article at SoftwareAdvice.com and be sure to take their poll.

Earth Day Giveaway - Making A Choice For The Environment

"Out of all those millions and millions of planets floating around there in space, this is our planet, this is our little one, so we just got to be aware of it and take care of it". - Paul McCartney

In honor of Earth Day and Earth Month, I am offering a giveaway of Shaklee's, Get Clean® Healthy Home Pack, along with a free Shaklee Membership and Free Shipping.* This is an extraordinary offer, with a value of over $100.00.

The Winning Entrant Will Be Making A Positive Change For The Environment, Themselves and Their Families
You and your family will reap the benefits of using safe, non-toxic and economical cleaning products that work! Also, you'll have peace of mind knowing that these products are from a 53 year old company that has been in continuous business, never changed it's name, never had a product recall, and offers a 100% money-back guarantee on all of it's products.

The Get Clean™ Healthy Home Pack contains all the products you need to start making your home cleaner for your family and the planet. With cleaning choices that are SAFE, POWERFUL, GREEN, and SMART, Get Clean is the safe alternative to traditional household cleaning products.

The Get Clean Healthy Home Pack contains:

Basic H2™ Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate, 16 oz. (1)
Basic H2™ Organic Super Cleaning Wipes, 35 Wipes (1)
Scour Off™ Heavy-Duty Paste, 9 oz. (1)
Dish Wash Concentrate, 16 oz. (1)
Fresh Laundry Concentrate HE Compatible, 32 oz. (Liquid) (1)
Soft Fabric Concentrate, 32 oz. (1)
Soft Fabric Dryer Sheets, 80 sheets (1)
Spray Bottles (3)
Windows and Mirrors (1)
All-Purpose (1)
Degreasing (1)
Laundry Measuring Scoop
Super Microfiber Window Cloth
Dropper for measuring Basic H2™ (1)

*The winning entrant will receive the Get Clean® Healthy Home Pack, Shaklee Membership and Free Shipping for this entry. Only, those who do not currently have a Shaklee Membership in their household/shipping address, are eligible to participate. Also, entrants must be at least 18 years old and have a U.S. shipping address. Entries will no longer be accepted after Tuesday, April 27, 2010.

The value of this giveaway is $116.90, not including any applicable sales tax for state in which you reside. (I will also pay the sales tax.) That being said, I'm asking those who would like to enter into this giveaway, to make at least one new environmental commitment to your normal routine, that will help your family and the planet. Also, I'm offering a free report that explains about many of the toxic exposures that your family is exposed to everyday.

To enter this Earth Day Giveaway, please do the following:

1) Follow my blog, Healthy At Home Healthy Planet;

2) Become a Fan on my Ask Liz First Fan Page;

3) Go to my Toxic Exposures Information site and order the Free Report;

4) Watch the below video and find at least one new habit/behavior that you can put into place. In your comments, please share what action you've decided on.

5) Also, in your comments, share which Shaklee product you are most interested in getting more information about, found on my website at http://www.sowing4health.com/

Celebrating Earth Day & Community Gardening

I've had the great pleasure to join in with a zealous group of people that are affiliated with the Four Rivers Community Garden & Next Chapter Food Pantry, in Ontario, Oregon. This week, they plan on celebrating the First Anniversary of the Community Garden on April 22nd, which is officially Earth Day.

I just love Earth Day. Actually, I wish everyday was "Earth Day" to everyone on the planet. Seriously, we shouldn't need a day set aside to raise awareness about environmental issues. But sadly, we do.

Someday, it won't be this way. Someday, (hopefully very soon), the majority of people on this planet will be constantly making positive changes in their lifestyle, to lower their carbon footprint.

What does being environmentally conscious mean to you? Does it mean anything to you? Last year, I posted a video link that shared people's perceptions and values regarding our beautiful planet.

No matter where you live, there will be activities this week in honor of Earth Day. Seek one or two of them out, you won't regret it. You'll probably learn a thing or two, PLUS you may just have a little "green & clean" fun !

Locally in the Ontario, Oregon area, I would be honored if you came by the Four Rivers Community Garden on the 22nd, between 4:30 & 6:30 pm. There will be a tour of the garden and some interactive planting going on. Also, I'll be there to share with folks about practical ways to be more environmentally conscious in the areas of recycling and avoiding toxins in commonly used househould products.

Four Rivers Community Garden
802 SW 5th Street
Ontario, OR 97914

If, you'd like a good chuckle, read this Earth Day reminiscent story that I found at www.ecoearth.com website. It's a classic!

Treasure Valley Bowl For The Cure Kicks Off

The 1st Annual Treasure Valley Bowl For The Cure continues through the weekend. Check out some video's from the event that is half way through. Also, it's not too late to come out and help them Strike Out Cancer and Spare A Life !!

Causes of ADHD & Conduct Disorders Exposed In New Study

The word is getting out and more people are starting to listen. There has been a "silent pandemic" by common daily exposures to children and even women yet to conceive children. These exposures greatly effect the potential for health related conditions such as Asthma and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

A peer-reviewed study was just released in January 2010, that validates what the EWG and other environmental groups have been beating their chests about for years. The study confirms that prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with childhood behavior and executive functioning.

Speaking plainly, the exposure to plastics, perfumes, shampoos, etc, can affect the neurodevelopment of children still in the mother's womb. No, not all babies are adversely affected, but the odds are increased for health conditions such as ADHD, depression, learning disorders, obesity and other health disorders.

I've talked about BPA (Bisphenol A) in previous posts and a recent article at the Environmental Working Group's website, provides more scientific explanations. Also, EWG's site shares a insightful information about the Kids-Safe Chemical Act.

Please take the time to look over these up-to-date resources about what current negative health exposures your children or future children are exposed to. The good news is, you can do something about it. Simply, by reducing and removing the exposures from your surroundings. Naturally, not everything can be removed, but your choice of cleaning products, personal care products, etc., is definitely a place to start.

In addition, it is very important that you have your voice be heard that it is time to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. A 30 year-old law, protecting companies and polluters, but not people and public health.

Start by signing a petition for the Kids-Safe Chemical Act. Also, become more educated about safer products for your family and the environment.

The information is all there for us, it's just depends what we're going to do with it.