alternative to plastic bottles

If you read my earlier post about the dangers of plastics and now you want to switch from those plastic baby bottles or water bottles, check out this site that I just found out about: http://www.glassforhealth.com/

I'm still on the lookout for stainless steel water bottles THAT DON'T LEAK for my kids to take to school - I found some aluminum ones but I'm not crazy about aluminum either - though I'm not sure if it's just founds heated in alumimum that cause problems or if water stored in them is bad too. Anyone know?

Great vegan web site and blog

I just found this great web site called http://www.compasionatecooks.com/ . You can find recipes, take classes and download podcasts. The web site's founder and author of the new book, "The Joy of Vegan Baking" has a blog at: http://www.compassionatecooks.com/blog/index.html . Check out her thoughts about Michael Pollans, "The Omnivore's Dilemma."

New articles in VegFamily Magazine

Wondering about starting your baby on solid food? Check out my article in VegFamily Magazine at: http://www.vegfamily.com/babies-and-toddlers/starting-solids.htm.

My 'Whole Family' column this month is Almond Joy at http://www.vegfamily.com/whole-family/almond-joy.htm.

Toxic Chemicals found in Air Fresheners

Your air freshener may contain toxic chemicals known to cause birth defects. NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) recently tested 14 different air fresheners and found that 12 contained chemicals called phthalates, chemicals that can cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects and reproductive problems. Even air fresheners marketed as "all-natural" or "unscented" contained the hazardous chemicals. In addition to phthalates, air fresheners may contain allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as cancer-causing chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde.

The air fresheners NRDC tested included aerosol sprays, liquids that emit a continuous scent, and a solid. Of the 14 products tested by NRDC, there was wide variation in the level of phthalates contained. Three of the 14 products had very high levels-more than 100 parts per million (ppm)-including products that ranged from 360 ppm to 7,307 ppm. Only two products, Febreze Air Effects and Renuzit Subtle Effects, contained no detectable levels of phthalates. (NRDC only tested one sample of each product, and more thorough testing is necessary to confirm the levels detected.)

Phthalates are found in a wide array of consumer products, including cosmetics and fragrances, pharmaceuticals, vinyl children's toys, automobiles and paints. Phthalates are known to interfere with production of testosterone and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities. Pregnant women and children should avoid products that contain phthalates but because there are no labeling requirements it is virtually impossible for consumers to know which products may pose a risk.

For complete information about the test, go to the NRDC web site at: http://www.nrdc.org/health/home/airfresheners/contents.asp .

Genetically Engineered Sugar - Due in stores 2008

American Crystal, a large Wyoming-based sugar company and several other leading U.S. sugar providers have announced they will be sourcing their sugar from genetically engineered (GE) sugar beets beginning this year and arriving in stores in 2008. Like GE corn and GE soy, products containing GE sugar will not be labeled as such. These sugars, along with GE corn and soy, are found in many conventional food products, so consumers will be exposed to genetically engineered ingredients in just about every non-organic multiple-ingredient product they purchase.

The GE sugar beet is designed to withstand strong doses of Monsanto's controversial broad spectrum Roundup herbicide. Studies show that farmers planting "Roundup Ready" corn and soy spray large amounts of the herbicide, contaminating both soil and water. Farmers planting GE sugar beets are told they may be able to apply the herbicide up to five times per year. Sugar beets are grown on 1.4 million acres by 12,000 farmers in the U.S. from Oregon to Minnesota.

To let American Crystal know what you think about this, go to: http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/oca/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=12700

School Lunch Ideas

For ideas for lunches to pack for your kids, check out my article in VegFamily Magazine at http://www.vegfamily.com/whole-family/lunchbox.htm . Also in this issue, get tips for getting your kids to eat more veggies at http://www.vegfamily.com/marriage-family/eat-vegetables.htm .

Bagged Spinach Recall

Less than a year after the E. Coli spinach recall, a California company on Wednesday recalled more than 8,000 cartons of fresh spinach after a positive test for salmonella contamination. This just confirms my resolve to buy local, unpackaged produce from farmers I know and trust.