A Greener Walmart?

Natalie Norbut / September 27, 2013 / Comments are off for this post.

Several years ago, there were many people who thought “going green” was just a passing fad. Today, however, even major companies such as Walmart are now starting to get on board with the whole movement. As you’ll read in this article from Huffington Post, Walmart now has a policy which will rid many of the harsh chemicals, which can harm people, pets, and the environment, from household and personal products.

What’s In Your Home? New Walmart Policy Promises Safer Ingredients In Household And Personal Care Products

Ever worry about what’s in that cleaner you just sprayed all over the house? What about the shampoo your kids use each night? Today, an overwhelming number of products on store shelves and in our homes contain chemicals known to pose health risks to humans. Thanks to a new chemicals policy just announced by Walmart, American consumers are a step closer to having safer, healthier items in their homes.

It may surprise you that Walmart is leading the retail industry in eliminating hazardous chemicals from household products. Under the guidance of Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Walmart has committed to taking steps that will move the entire industry — from manufacturers to retailers — towards producing and stocking safer products on shelves across America.

At Walmart’s Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting, the company unveiled a new policy on chemicals, calling for expanded ingredient disclosure and targeting about ten key chemicals of concern for substitution with safer ingredients. It also plans to take its private brand consumables products through a rigorous screening process for these chemicals.

The commitments made today will impact some 20 percent of the consumables sold at Walmart stores nationwide — the non-food products that you can pour, squeeze, dab or otherwise apply to your body or use in and around your home or car. This includes everyday products like shampoo, baby lotion, cosmetics, paint, spray cleaners and air fresheners.

Regardless of your views on the company, Walmart’s ability to transform how business does business is unprecedented. EDF has been working with Walmart since 2006 to protect people and the environment. Harnessing the massive scale of Walmart’s business to move hazardous chemicals out of the supply chain and off store shelves will have ripple effects across the entire industry.

Consumers today demand safer products; scientific research points to serious risks of chemical exposures to our health, including cancer, diabetes and infertility. Several years ago, EDF challenged Walmart to remove toxic chemicals from thousands of products on its shelves. Walmart’s announcement marks an important step toward doing just that.

Since 2006, Walmart suppliers have submitted chemical ingredients for consumables to The Wercs, which allows Walmart to see exactly what chemicals are in suppliers’ products. Using a screening tool called GreenWERCS, developed by a working group of industry, government and NGO representatives and co-chaired by EDF, Walmart will now be able to measure the progress it makes towards these commitments over time.

In our view, taking action on chemicals is a timely and practical response to growing public concern about toxic chemicals and public interest campaigns directed at many retailers and product manufacturers to remove hazardous ingredients from their products.

Over the past several years, major companies like SC Johnson, Johnson and Johnson, and most recently, Procter & Gamble — some of Walmart’s biggest suppliers — have all taken steps to phase out hazardous chemicals.

This commitment promises to make thousands of healthier and safer products available to the 80 percent of Americans that shop at Walmart. It is a first and important step that must be followed through with meaningful implementation. At EDF, we will be closely monitoring and verifying the reduction of hazardous chemicals and shift to safer ingredients, ensuring the promise for healthier products becomes a reality.

This will not be achieved overnight or by one single retailer. Industry and government are both responsible for continuously improving the safety of chemicals in the products we bring into our homes every day. But Walmart’s initiative marks a major step forward, and we hope to see other retailers follow suit.

Your Kitchen’s Dirtiest Spots

Natalie Norbut / September 24, 2013 / Comments are off for this post.

When it comes to the toughest room to clean in your home many people think of the bathroom. While in many cases this may actually be the toughest room to clean, it doesn’t necessarily make it the dirtiest. In fact, the kitchen is often times the dirtiest room in your home. Think about it, the kitchen is the room with the most visitors on a daily basis, not to mention the area where food is prepared and discarded. This also means your kitchen probably has the most dirt and germs. In this article from Enviro Maids, they discuss the areas in your kitchen which are most likely the dirtiest, and ways to clean them.

The Dirtiest Spots in Your Kitchen

Of all the rooms in your house, the kitchen gets the most foot traffic and use. The kitchen is the hub of the home where meals are prepared, children tackle their homework and friends are entertained. It’s no surprise that with so much use, the kitchen is a breeding ground for germs, dirt and grime. It’s important to be aware of some of the common spots in your kitchen that can harbor dangerous germs and bacteria and to learn how to sanitize them.

Kitchen sponge and dish rags

These cleaning aids do a great job of getting the oily, sticky residue off dishes and pots and pans, but if they’re not routinely sanitized they quickly become overloaded with bacteria. According to NSF International, a public health organization, 75% of sponges and dish rags contain disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli. When using these microbe-filled sponges and rags to wipe countertops you are unwittingly spreading harmful bacteria around to surfaces in your kitchen. The solution? A quick and effective way to sanitize a sponge is to dampen it and zap it daily in the microwave on high for two minutes. Let your dish rag dry out completely between uses and use a clean one about once a week. Wash and dry rags on the hottest setting.

Sink

Many people don’t think about washing their sink. Hidden areas in and around your kitchen sink such as the faucet handle, the gasket around the garbage disposal and the drain stopper are holding onto dangerous disease-causing pathogens. According to Woman’s Day, lower your chances of foodborne illnesses by cleaning your sink immediately after washing raw chicken, meat and vegetables. Use a disinfectant around the entire sink, faucet, faucet handle, garbage disposal gasket and the drain stopper.

Coffee Maker

Your coffee maker is routinely brewing cups of coffee, but it may not routinely be getting cleaned. In addition to hot coffee, your coffee pot reservoir can be serving up mold and yeast. To remove the ick factor, wash the individual parts of your coffee maker daily. Once a month, run a cycle with just vinegar followed by several cycles of clean water.

Drawer knobs, refrigerator handles and light switches

These areas fall under the “I didn’t even think to clean them” category. Think about how many times a day someone is grabbing the cabinet handles or pulling on the refrigerator handle. Imagine all the bacteria and grime that accumulates over time. Make a note to include these areas as part of your regular cleaning routine.

Trash can

Even with a bag lining your kitchen garbage can, food particles, liquids and contaminated chicken, meat and fish juices can leak through. That unpleasant odor emanating from your trash can is a telltale sign that bacteria is lurking and your garbage can is in need of a good scrubbing. Take it outside once a week and spray it inside and out with a disinfectant and give it a good scrubbing.

Reusable grocery bags

Using reusable cloth grocery bags is an important step in helping to eliminate the use of plastic grocery bags. However, according to a University of Arizona/Loma Linda University study, half of the reusable cloth bags they tested came back positive for E. coli. What many fail to realize is that most reusable bags are made of porous, non-washable materials so they soak-up contamination from food and liquids. Look for bags made of washable cotton and launder them after each use (especially when transporting meat and chicken), or at least once a week.

Does Your Home Have Mold?

Natalie Norbut / September 20, 2013 / Comments are off for this post.

Does your home have mold? Mold may be growing in certain areas of your home and you may not even know it. If your home does have mold, removing it as quickly as possible is definitely advised. Mold can cause damage to your home but it can also cause problems to your health, especially if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma. In this article from our friends at Enviro Maids, they explain what exactly mold is, how to detect if it is in your home, and ways to remove and prevent mold.

FAQs About Mold Growing in Your Home

Mold is a four-letter word for some homeowners. Depending on where you live and if you have moisture problems in your home, you may have a mold problem. Mold thrives in damp, dark environments, and after Hurricane Sandy, mold problems became even more troublesome for many homeowners as flood waters invaded their basements. Not only is mold smelly and unsightly, it can pose a health risks for many. With the help of the EPA and CDC, we’ll answer general questions about mold — what is mold? How do I know if I have it in my house? Is it harmful? How do I get rid of it? How do I prevent it from growing?

What is mold?

Molds are musty-smelling fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds thrive in warm, damp, and humid conditions. Basements and crawl spaces are the ideal places for mold to grow. Molds reproduce through tiny spores invisible to the naked eye that float through outdoor and indoor air. When these spores attach to indoor surfaces that are wet, they begin to grow and multiply. As long as there is moisture present, mold can grow on many surfaces including wood, leather, paper, and carpet.

How do I know if my house has mold?

The simplest way to determine if you have mold in your house is to follow your nose! Large mold infestations have that distinct musty odor. Basements are the main source of mold, that’s why they’re notorious for having a musty smell. Once you smell mold, look for its presence on exposed surfaces such as walls and ceiling tiles. Mold often looks like black, brown, green stains or a fuzzy white film.

Is mold harmful?

Some people are more sensitive to molds than others especially allergy and asthma suffers and people with some lung conditions. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, redness and watering of the eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions.

How do I get rid of mold?

It’s impossible to get rid of every trace of mold. The goal is to remove as much mold as possible and then to take measures to prevent mold spores from growing into unhealthy levels. As long as the moisture problem has been resolved, these spores will not grow. Consult with a professional to help with your specific mold problem.

According to the EPA, the use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms (including chlorine bleach) is not recommended for mold cleanup due to the harshness and toxicity of these chemicals. There may be instances, however, when a professional may suggest its use. To remove mold contained to smaller areas, scrub hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.

Can I prevent mold?

Since mold needs moisture and humidity to grown, the key to preventing mold is to control the moisture and humidity in your home. The EPA website suggests these preventive measures:

Use air conditioners in the summer and install dehumidifiers in the basement to lower indoor humidity to less than 60%.
Vent bathrooms and dryers to the outside.
Use exhaust fans whenever cooking.
Add insulation to prevent condensation on cold surfaces such as windows, piping, exterior walls, and roof.
If the source of mold is due to a leak or if water is getting inside the house from the outside, fix the source of the water problem. Make sure the ground slopes away from your house and that gutters and downspouts are functioning properly.
Remove or replace carpets that have been soaked and cannot be quickly dried.

Naturally Remove Grass Stains

Natalie Norbut / September 17, 2013 / Comments are off for this post.

Autumn is the time of year when kids are participating in sports like soccer and football, both of which lead to grass stains galore. Even if your child isn’t playing an organized sport, there is a good chance that they will still manage to find a way to get some grass stains on their jeans while playing with friends. Not to worry, in this article from eHow, you are shown 2 different methods to naturally rid clothing of grass stains.

Regardless of how the grass stain came to be on a garment, it’s important to understand the makeup of a grass stain in order to remove it. A mixture of organic matter, proteins, grass juices and other pigment components form a grass stain. This combination adheres and binds with the natural fibers of the cloth. The grass stain binding with the natural fibers is what makes removing the stain frustrating and difficult.

White vinegar is a low-cost, effective method to removing grass stains in clothes. You can apply undiluted white vinegar directly to the stain and let it soak overnight. By morning, the grass stain should have lightened. Laundering the item as normal should remove the grass stain.
An alternative is to make a solution of one part vinegar, one part rubbing alcohol and one part warm water. Pretreat the stain with this mixture, using a sponge to rub the mix into the stain. Allow the mixture to set on the stain for 10 or 15 minutes before laundering as usual. If the stain has not vanished after washing, repeat this method.

Pretreat a grass stain with rubbing alcohol by first applying the rubbing alcohol directly on the stain and letting it dry. After the alcohol has dried, rinse the stain in cold water. Now work a little enzyme detergent into the stain, then rinse again with cold water. Allow the material to air dry before washing the garment in the normal manner.

Flood Cleanup

Natalie Norbut / September 13, 2013 / Comments are off for this post.

Floods can be extremely devastating and come almost without warning. A flood can cause damage to a home or business in many ways. The damage may be a ruined rug or floorboard, furniture, utilities, or even the buildings foundation. Cleanup after a flood can be a long and difficult process but a proper cleanup is very important. According to the EPA, failure to remove materials that have been contaminated during the flood, can severely effect your indoor air quality which can lead to long term health problems. Here is an article from Flood Safety, which has guidelines for a proper flood cleanup. We hope this information will be helpful, especially for our friends in and around the Boulder area who have been effected by recent flooding.

A Description of Typical House Flood Damages and Cleanup Requirements:

When your house floods, the water can wreak havoc on the structure of the house, your personal belongings, and the health of the inside environment. Flood waters contain many contaminants and lots of mud. High dollar items can get ruined all at once, even with just an inch of water, for example: carpeting, wallboard, appliances, and furniture. A more severe storm or deeper flood may add damage to even more expensive systems, like: ducts, the heater and air conditioner, roofing, private sewage and well systems, utilities, and the foundation.

After a flood, cleaning up is a long and hard process. Here is a list of common techniques for sanitizing and cleaning flooded items:

First things first: call your insurance agent. If your insurance covers the damage, your agent will tell you when an adjuster will contact you. List damage and take photos or videotape as you clean. You’ll need complete records for insurance claims, applications for disaster assistance and income tax deductions.
Contaminated mud–
Shovel out as much mud as possible, then use a garden sprayer or hose to wash away mud from hard surfaces.
Clean and disinfect every surface. Scrub surfaces with hot water and a heavy-duty cleaner. Then disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach per gallon of water or a product that is labeled as a disinfectant to kill germs.
In the kitchen–
- Immerse glass, porcelain, china, plastic dinnerware and enamelware for 10 minutes in a disinfecting solution of 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach per gallon of hot water. Air-dry dishes. Do not use a towel.
- Disinfect silverware, metal utensils, and pots and pans by boiling in water for 10 minutes. Chlorine bleach should not be used in this case because it reacts with many metals and causes them to darken.
- Cupboards and counters need to be cleaned and rinsed with a chlorine bleach solution before storing dishes.
Furniture and household items–
- Take furniture, rugs, bedding and clothing outside to dry as soon as possible. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to remove moisture or open at least two windows to ventilate with outdoor air. Use fans to circulate air in the house. If mold and mildew have already developed, brush off items outdoors to prevent scattering spores in the house. Vacuum floors, ceilings and walls to remove mildew, then wash with disinfectant. Wear a two-strap protective mask to prevent breathing mold spores.
- Mattresses should be thrown away.
- Upholstered furniture soaks up contaminants from floodwaters and should be cleaned only by a professional.
- Wood veneered furniture is usually not worth the cost and effort of repair.
  Solid wood furniture can usually be restored, unless damage is severe.
- Toys and stuffed animals may have to be thrown away if they’ve been contaminated by floodwaters.
- Photographs, books and important papers can be frozen and cleaned later. They should be dried carefully and slowly. Wash the mud off and store the articles in plastic bags and put them in a frost-free freezer to protect from mildew and further damage until you have time to thaw and clean them or take them to a professional.
Ceilings and walls–
- Wallboard acts like a sponge when wet. Remove wallboard, plaster and paneling to at least the flood level. If soaked by contaminated floodwater, it can be a permanent health hazard and should be removed. If most of the wallboard was soaked by clean rainwater, consider cutting a 4- to 12-inch-high section from the bottom and top of walls. This creates a “chimney effect” of air movement for faster drying. A reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade works well, but use only the tip of the blade and watch out for pipes, ductwork and wiring.
- Plaster and paneling can often be saved, but air must be circulated in the wall cavities to dry the studs and sills.
- The three kinds of insulation must be treated differently. Styrofoam might only need to be hosed off. Fiberglass batts should be thrown out if muddy but may be reused if dried thoroughly. Loose or blown-in cellulose should be replaced since it holds water for a long time and can lose its antifungal and fire retardant abilities.
Electrical system–
The system must be shut off and repaired and inspected by an electrician before it can be turned back on. Wiring must be completely dried out- even behind walls. Switches, convenience outlets, light outlets, entrance panel, and junction boxes that have been under water may be filled with mud.
Heating and cooling systems and ducts–
Will need inspection and cleaning. Flood-soaked insulation should be replaced.
Appliances–
Appliances will get stains, odors, silt deposits, and gritty deposits and need to be serviced, cleaned and sanitized. Running equipment before it is properly cleaned could seriously damage it and/or shock you. Professional cleaning is recommended for electronics, TVs and radios, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners. The hard exterior can be hand cleaned. All metallic appliances that have been flooded should be properly grounded to prevent electric shock. Mud or dirt in a grounded outlet or adapter may prevent the grounding system from working, and you could be electrocuted.
Pump out the basement–
If your basement is full or nearly full of water, pump out just 2 or 3 feet of water each day. If you drain the basement too quickly, the pressure outside the walls will be greater than the pressure inside the walls. That may make the walls and floor crack and collapse.
Floors–
With wood subflooring, the floor covering (vinyl, linoleum, carpet) must be removed so the subflooring can dry thoroughly which may take several months. Open windows and doors to expose the boards to as much air as possible.
- Carpeting–
  Clean and dry carpets and rugs as quickly as possible. If sewage-contaminated floodwater covered your carpeting, discard it for health safety reasons. Also discard if the carpet was under water for 24 hours or more. To clean, drape carpets and rugs outdoors and hose them down. Work a disinfecting carpet cleaner into soiled spots with a broom. To discourage mildew and odors, rinse with a solution of 2 tablespoons bleach to 1 gallon water, but don’t use this solution on wool or nylon carpets. Dry the carpet and floor thoroughly before replacing the carpet. Padding is nearly impossible to clean so should be replaced. If the carpet can’t be removed, dry it as quickly as possible using a wet/dry vacuum and dehumidifier. Use a fan to circulate air above the carpet, and if possible, lift the carpet and ventilate with fans underneath.
- Vinyl flooring and floor tile may need to be removed to allow drying of subfloor.
- Wood floors–
  Wooden floors should be dried gradually. Sudden drying could cause cracking or splitting. Some restoration companies can accelerate drying time by forcing air through the fluted underside of hardwood floorboards. Remove hardwood floor boards to prevent buckling. Remove a board every few feet to reduce buckling caused by swelling. Clean and dry wood before attempting repairs.
Roof damage and leaks–
- Defective flashing– Flashing is the sheet metal used in waterproofing roof valleys, hips and the angle between a chimney and a roof. Wet spots near a chimney or outside wall may mean the leak is caused by defective flashing, narrow flashing or loose mortar joints. Look for corroded, loose or displaced flashing on sloping roof valleys and at junctions of dormers and roof.
- Clogged downspouts or eaves– Check for choked downspouts. Accumulated water or snow on the roof above the flashing may cause a leak. Ice accumulations on eaves sometimes form ridges, which cause melting snow to back up under the shingles.
- Cracks and deterioration– Roofing (especially wood or composition shingles) usually deteriorates first on southern exposures. Check southern slopes for cracking or deterioration.
- Holes– Missing shingles or holes in the roofing may be causing wet spots. To find holes, check for a drip trail or spot of light coming through in the attic. Stick a nail, straw or wire through the hole to mark the spot on the outside.
Private sewage systems–
Flooding of a private sewage system can be a hazardous situation for homeowners. It may lead to a back-up of sewage in the home, contaminated drinking water and lack of sanitation until the system is fixed. When flooding or saturated soil conditions persist, a private sewage system cannot function properly. Soil treatment systems for wastewater rely on aerobic (with oxygen) regions to reduce the amounts of chemicals and living organisms (viruses, bacteria and protozoa). When the soil is saturated or flooded, those hazardous materials can enter the groundwater and your drinking water supply.

What Exactly Is Baking Soda?

Natalie Norbut / September 10, 2013 / Comments are off for this post.

I’ve had many posts about green, homemade, alternative ways to clean your home. Almost every homemade cleaning concoction seemed to use either vinegar, or baking soda. But what exactly is baking soda? This article from NewsOk, should not only explain what makes up baking soda, but also tells you about the many different uses it has.

Green Cleaning Basics: Wait, What IS Baking Soda?

As a dedicated DIYer and a self-proclaimed aficionado of any and every homemade cleaning product out there, I have to say: I use a LOT of baking soda. To anyone who makes their own eco-friendly cleansers and cosmetics, you know that baking soda is your best friend. It’s safe, neutral, edible, and incredibly effective in everything from nontoxic DIY Draino to all-natural homemade deodorant.

But after years of using this stuff on a daily basis, it sort of struck me — I don’t actually know what it is! So I went searching.

Turns out, it’s really not as simple as it seems. NaHCO3, aka sodium bicarbonate, aka baking soda, is a chemical salt that occurs in its natural form as the mineral nahcolite. NaHCO3 is an amphoteric compound, which means it may react as an acid as well as a base, although in aqueous solution it is slightly alkaline. Also, other fancy chemistry words.

Moving beyond the scientific jargon, I think what really matters to all us eco-conscious DIYers, is the impact that baking soda has. Where does this stuff come from, anyway? And why the heck is it so good at doing the things we want it to do?

Baking soda production

There are deposits of pure nahcolite which occur naturally in the Green River Formation, which spans a few states in the Central US. The Green River Basin alone houses a 200-billion ton nahcolite deposit — enough to supply the entire world with baking soda for many hundreds of years.

These natural deposits at the Green River Basin are commercially mined by many companies. Some mine it directly from the ground and sell it as is, in its natural state. Other companies extract and then refine it, by heating it and treating it with chemicals (not necessarily bad ones, but chemicals nonetheless). Either way, mining results in a relatively low-impact, relatively environmentally-friendly product.

Baking soda can also be created through a series of chemical reactions known as the Solvay process. This method uses carbon dioxide, ammonia, and sodium chloride as the raw materials. Unfortunately, these are pollutants. The Solvay process has its issues, especially with disposal of toxic chemicals. Because of this, more and more producers are moving away from the Solvay process, towards mining and refining.

Baking soda works

And how! It really does.

Baking soda is actually a crystal, and as a fine powder it creates an effective, yet gentle, abrasive. This is why it’s so great on countertops, tile, and toilets, as well as on teeth.

In water, baking soda is mildly alkaline and can be used to neutralize acid. That’s why it works so well dissolved in water as a natural antacid remedy, or as a way to remove rust from old metal, or to remove tarnish from silverware. Its alkalinity is also why it acts as a deodorizer — by counteracting slightly acidic scent molecules.

But baking soda’s amphoteric qualities come in useful too. That’s how it enhances homemade laundry detergent and clears up pools and fish tanks, by balancing the pH level.

The bottom line: Yes, baking soda is natural and environmentally-friendly. Best of all, it actually does all the things we use it to do — even science says so! So before you call that Dallas cleaning service, try a little baking soda!

Sayward Rebhal writes for Networx.com.

Back To School The Green Way

Natalie Norbut / September 6, 2013 / Comments are off for this post.

Keeping with the whole “back to school theme” (my last post was about preventing head lice in kids), I thought we’d take a look at how to send the kids back to school the green way. In this article from Big Spring Environmental, they literally show you the ABC’s of going back to school green. You are given tips on things like, how to cut back on waste at lunch, eco friendly supplies, and better ways to commute to and from school.

The Green Way Back to School

©Ethical Ocean

It’s hard to believe that summer is coming to an end and it’s time for students to head back to the classroom. Why not make preparations for the new school year fun and purposeful by “thinking green?” Stop for a minute and think about how much waste goes on in schools with just the notebook paper, plastic sandwich bags and paper sacks that are discarded. According to Ethical Ocean, 35 to 45 percent of trash in the solid waste stream comes from institutions like schools. Of that share, 40 percent of the total waste stream is composed of paper products. Big Spring Environmental has put together a short lesson on back-to-school shopping and planning to help students and parents reduce this and other waste.

The ABC’s of Back-to-School Green

Credit: TreeSmart

A is for Apple: Okay, so they may not be Macs from Apple Computer, but many schoolsare starting to incorporate computers and online schoolwork and textbooks into the classroom, which will significantly cut down on paper waste over time. One of the first and largest computer initiatives in history was launched by the Huntsville City School System last year and it is a great model for leaving a smaller carbon footprint. When back-to-school shopping, buy paper products including notebook paper, notebooks, sticky notes and tissue that are made from recyclable materials. There are many interesting and eco friendly school supplies that are great for back-to-school needs.

B is for Boxes: In addition to paper waste in schools, there is also the issue of lunch packaging waste. According to Ethical Ocean, the average school age child throws away 67 pounds of lunch packaging waste each year, which amounts to 18,760 pounds per average elementary school! That is a staggering amount of waste that could be reduced dramatically by using lunch boxes and reusable Tupperware containers. Also, putting multiple food items such as fruits and vegetables in the same container adds to the reduction in packaging waste.

C is for Clothing: One of the biggest costs of returning to school, besides school supplies, is new clothing. Most students want to look good for their return to campus but there are other ways to look good without breaking the bank, while reducing clothing waste. Why not throw a clothing swap party for the kids? Everyone brings clothes they they no longer want to trade for gently used items. It’s simple, fun and a great way to recycle clothing and get a new personal style. Shopping and donating at a consignment store is another way to add new style the “green way,” plus you earn money by donating the clothing you no longer want!

All good lessons need a teacher to present them, but our “T” word is transportation. The task of transporting the kids to and from school continues long after the back-to-school wave has crashed. Walking or biking to school instead of driving or riding in a car saves greenhouse gases from being emitted and gives the student more exercise. Being conscious of how your actions affect the environment can help students realize that healthy habits and going green can go hand in hand. Carpooling is another way to reduce carbon emissions. It’s a great lifestyle practice to “go green” as often as you can and incorporate it into more aspects of your life. Other people will catch on and the reduction of waste and greenhouse gases will be more noticeable. Go green when going back to school this year and help spread the word that the green way is the best way!

Tips To Prevent Head Lice In Kids

Natalie Norbut / September 3, 2013 / Comments are off for this post.

Back to school time can be a very exciting time for a child. As a parent, it can also be a rather stressful time for you. Besides your worries that your child is safe, doing well in class, and making friends, there is another issue which is sometimes forgotten about at school until it’s too late… head lice. Head lice outbreaks are fairly common but a problem nontheless. In this article from Backup Care, you are given several tips on how to prevent your children from getting head lice and/or transfering it from one child to the next.

5 Tips for Preventing Head Lice in Kids

The news of a head lice outbreak at school is one of the most common, albeit most upsetting, aspects of raising children. Some schools seem to have an outbreak every year, and transmission is common among kids who come into close contact with one another through play and socialization. While there’s little you can do to limit kids’ exposure to head lice, there are a few things you can do to reduce their chances of bringing an infestation home.

Talk About Appropriate Versus Inappropriate Sharing – After spending your kids’ early years impressing upon them the importance of sharing, the last thing that you probably want to do is start talking about times when they shouldn’t share. This is, however, one of your most effective lines of defense when an outbreak of head lice is ravaging the population of your child’s school. Make a point of talking about appropriate sharing versus inappropriate sharing with your child before messages come home about reported cases of head lice to minimize her chance of bringing these little critters home.
Check Kids’ Hair Regularly – You should regularly check your kids’ hair for lice, even if there have been no reported outbreaks of lice in their school. It’s especially wise to do so after sleepovers and overnight play dates to reduce the chances of your kids’ bedclothes and the rest of the house becoming invested by any nits or lice they may have picked up at a slumber party.
Buy Hair Products That Do Double-Duty – There are shampoos, conditioners and detangling products on the market designed to prevent or lessen the likelihood of a head lice infestation, and many are made from all-natural substances. Look for these products when your kids start attending school, and just make the switch a permanent one while they’re still young and unclear about how lice are spread.
Maintain an Open Line of Communication With Teachers and School Administrators – Your child may have a letter sent home from school detailing a recent reported case of head lice or an ongoing outbreak, but that letter may also never make it to your hands since it probably won’t need to be signed and returned. Making sure that you’re maintaining an open line of communication with your child’s teachers and school administrators can help you get the message about possible infestations when the news breaks, helping you to contain the situation if your child has been exposed and prompting you to check for signs of lice.
Help Older Kids Understand How Lice Spread – Small children may become terrified at the idea of tiny bugs living on their head, and may not yet be able to grasp just where they come from or how kids spread them to one another. Older kids, however, can understand that head-to-head contact, sharing hats and hair products and other behavior of this kind can help one person transmit head lice to another. Make sure that, when they’re old enough to process the information without panicking, your kids know how head lice spread and what they can do to minimize their exposure whenever possible.

Should all of your efforts prove to be in vain, there is a wider selection of treatment options available now than in years past. All-natural treatments are even gaining ground in many circles, though some products may require more than one application to be truly effective. Be sure that you’re not only treating kids’ heads, but also their beds, clothing and personal items to stamp out an infestation, should one take root.

Talk About Appropriate Versus Inappropriate Sharing – After spending your kids’ early years impressing upon them the importance of sharing, the last thing that you probably want to do is start talking about times when they shouldn’t share. This is, however, one of your most effective lines of defense when an outbreak of head lice is ravaging the population of your child’s school. Make a point of talking about appropriate sharing versus inappropriate sharing with your child before messages come home about reported cases of head lice to minimize her chance of bringing these little critters home.
Check Kids’ Hair Regularly – You should regularly check your kids’ hair for lice, even if there have been no reported outbreaks of lice in their school. It’s especially wise to do so after sleepovers and overnight play dates to reduce the chances of your kids’ bedclothes and the rest of the house becoming invested by any nits or lice they may have picked up at a slumber party.
Buy Hair Products That Do Double-Duty – There are shampoos, conditioners and detangling products on the market designed to prevent or lessen the likelihood of a head lice infestation, and many are made from all-natural substances. Look for these products when your kids start attending school, and just make the switch a permanent one while they’re still young and unclear about how lice are spread.
Maintain an Open Line of Communication With Teachers and School Administrators – Your child may have a letter sent home from school detailing a recent reported case of head lice or an ongoing outbreak, but that letter may also never make it to your hands since it probably won’t need to be signed and returned. Making sure that you’re maintaining an open line of communication with your child’s teachers and school administrators can help you get the message about possible infestations when the news breaks, helping you to contain the situation if your child has been exposed and prompting you to check for signs of lice.
Help Older Kids Understand How Lice Spread – Small children may become terrified at the idea of tiny bugs living on their head, and may not yet be able to grasp just where they come from or how kids spread them to one another. Older kids, however, can understand that head-to-head contact, sharing hats and hair products and other behavior of this kind can help one person transmit head lice to another. Make sure that, when they’re old enough to process the information without panicking, your kids know how head lice spread and what they can do to minimize their exposure whenever possible.

Monthly Archives: September 2013