Healthy News » healthy tips

This school year, what can you do to impact the environment?

JohnW — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:46:03 +0000

First, you can quit buying those bulky, over-packaged, prefab lunches with names like: Lunch Makers and Lunchables. Whenever I’m in the supermarket with my youngest, she’s always attracted to them. Must be the packaging that catches her eye!

A better alternative for you, the environment and your kids would be to use wrap-n-mats for sandwiches, snacks, etc. They’re reusable, economical and washable. Also, check out the new, cool designs that will entice your kids to use them everyday!

Make it last

JohnW — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:56:13 +0000

Good article in “The Star Online” about how the kitchen is a good place to start going green. Of course, don’t use Teflon frying pans. They wear out pretty fast. (I do miss flipping eggs in one, though). Use cast iron or stainless steel instead. My sister picked up a discarded cast iron skillet at a garage sale. It will last generations. Also, stainless steel and glass containers are essential items for your kitchen. They’re a bit more expensive, but you’ll have them forever.

I know. It’s a pain to recycle all of those plastic containers. But, you and your family will be glad that you did.

Next time you go to McDonalds….

JohnW — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 17:38:13 +0000

Just when you thought it was safe by tossing out all of your plastic food storage containers, bottles, etc; and buying healthyKitchenware Products to replace them, guess again! According to the EPA, Bisphenol-A (bpa) -”a reproductive, developmental and systemic toxicant” has shown up in cash register receipts! (I always thought that they smelled funny). According to the Environmental Working Group, the amount of BPA on some Bank ATM, McDonalds and Wal-Mart receipts is 250 to 1000 times more than what’s found in a can of food or baby formula, etc. Better think twice next time they ask if you want a receipt or not!

Great video about plastics

Cynthiab — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:29:14 +0000

Share this video. It’s short and sweet!

Thanks to Tiffany at Green and Natural Parenting for the tip.

Use Less Plastic from TakePart on Vimeo.

Greens counterattack BPA

Cynthiab — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:38:25 +0000

Folate is found in lettuce too.

So, your mom was right, eat your greens!

As if we did not already know, greens are good for you, a new study has discovered that folate, which is found in dark green veggies and beans can counterattack the effects of BPA in our bodies.

That is great news, it is always handy to have a cure, when you know there is a problem. So, go eat some beans, lentils, spinach, collard greens, etc.

Source:
What if you already used BPA?

Maybe it is not food making you fat…

Cynthiab — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:40:25 +0000

Teflon and thyroid illness?

The thyroid gland regulates our metabolism.

A new study shows that thyroid illness might be related to the use of non stick pans and/or use of water repellent clothing. This is the first time that perfluorooctanoic acid is related to thyroid illness, which is one of the most common disorders in women in North America.

At Healthy Kitchenware we recommend the use of stainless steel or glass pots and pans.

Complete article: Non-stick chemical and thyroid illness

Men are getting the “willies” about BPA.

JohnW — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:32:09 +0000

Interestingly enough, this subject is showing up in the “mainstream” press. According to an article in “U.S. News & World Report“, BPA might be a cause for erectile dysfunction in men. For those of you that don’t know, BPA is an essential ingredient of polycarbonates, epoxy resins and many types of plastics.

I can hear it now: “Sorry about that honey, I guess that microwaving my lunch in tupperware everyday at the office has really lowered my testosterone levels because of the BPA leaching into my food. I’d better start taking my lunch in glass or stainless steel containers. Then, things will be back to normal, kitten. I’ll be that tiger that you always knew!”

By all means limit your intake of BPA. However, I think that other factors might be involved like: cholesterol, blood pressure, stress, drug side effects, etc.

The EPA & You.

JohnW — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:29:45 +0000

Below are listed 6 principles that the EPA Administrator, Lisa P. Jackson, mentioned in a speech not long ago in San Francisco.

Principle #1: Chemicals Should Be Reviewed … on Sound Science.

Principle #2: Manufacturers Should Provide EPA with the Necessary Information… that New and Existing Chemicals are Safe.

Principle #3: Risk-Management Decisions Should Take into Account Sensitive Subpopulations.

Principle #4: Manufacturers and EPA Should Act in a Timely Manner.

Principle #5: Public Access to Information Should Be Strengthened.

Principle #6: EPA Should Be Given a Sustained Source of Funding.

Nothing too radical here. It’s interesting to note that she is trying to enlist the support of the American Chemistry Council to implement her reforms. They are part of the “BPA belongs in baby bottles” faction. It should be interesting to see what happens.

Check this out!

JohnW — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:42:22 +0000

Have you ever seen a product that made you say “Why didn’t I think of that?”

It’s called Blood Energy Drink. It even comes in its very own IV bag! As you can see in the photo, the blood type is B positive. I wonder if O negative taste any different?

Anyway, does anybody see a potential problem here?

Yes, Bisphenol A. Not only does one find it in plastic food storage containers, water bottles, etc., but, also in medical equipment-IV bags in particular. This is according to a study by the National Academy of Science, as discussed in Dr. Joseph McNamara’s Blog.
It’s an interesting read.

What do your kids like for lunch?

JohnW — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:01:49 +0000

I have mine pack their own before they head off to school on their bikes. There are some rules though. They have to have it somewhat balanced – fruit is mandatory. Caesar salads are a huge hit. So, are spinach wraps stuffed with cream cheese, cole slaw or left-over BBQ chicken.

My youngest prefers her 3 tier stainless steel container to carry her lunch, snacks, etc. Did you know that these were introduced by the British to India? It was the perfect solution for the lunchtime needs of Her Majesty’s Imperial Government office workers.