Miller's are GOING GREEN!

It's important to us to share what we've found about going green, eating well and avoiding harmful chemicals in household products. Here is a quick introduction to what we've found and the changes we've made.

Recently, I watched Oprah's Earth Day Event. Featured on this episode was Sophie Uliano- author of Gorgeously Green. She talked about chemicals to avoid in household products. Here is a summary of what she said:

AVOID:

• Parabens- Can be a hormone disruptor. Found in shampoos, lotions etc. Look for "Paraben-free" products. (Also avoid all variations including: Ethylparaben or Methylparaben)

• Fragrance or Parfum- Masks the smell of other chemicals in your products. The FDA hasn't made it mandatory for companies to define "Fragrance", so it could be a dangerous mixture of up to 100 chemicals. Fragrance is in everything- be careful. 

• Phthalates- Used to make plastic soft and lotions creamy. This chemical is a hormone disruptor and very toxic to our bodies. Has been linked to retard human development.

• Aluminum- A neurotoxin. Found in antiperspirants. A good alternative: Herbal Magic or Toms.

• Germall- Releases toxic gases from formaldehyde. Found in most face creams.

• Sodium Lauryl (or Laureth) Sulfate- Foaming ingredient used in toothpastes and shampoos. Also used in anti-freeze and car shops! Avoid at all costs, very toxic- also a hormone disruptor.

QUICK FACT: Only 11% of the 10,500 ingredients the FDA has documented in personal care products like hair spray, deodorants, fragrances, and nail polish have been assessed for safety by the cosmetics industry. (Of course it had to be 11!)
Resource: The World Women Want.

ORGANIC FOODS:

Not Everyone can afford organic foods, so here is a short list of things you should try and buy organic. If you're really limited- these are in order, so you can start with the most important things first and work your way down. Organic foods are safer for us to eat, and safer for the plant. A win-win!

1. Baby Food- (Babies are much more susceptible and vulnerable to harmful effects from non-organic foods.)
2. Milk, cheese and yogurts- (All dairy products). Non-organic dairy products are the worst when it comes to added hormones, and antibiotics. You can buy organic milk in bulk for a cheaper price at Costco. Organic milk lasts 3x longer in your fridge, contains 50% more vitamin E, 75% more beta carotene, and 2x more antioxidants !
3. Meats/ Protein- This includes: salmon, turkey, eggs, ham, chicken, beef etc. When shopping for meats, also try and avoid Nitrites and Nitrates (these chemicals have been linked to cancer).
4. Rice- White, brown, wild etc. Rice is grown with a tremendous amount of pesticides- it seems like a simple food, but a very important item to buy organic.
5. Grains- This includes: wheat, corn, oats. Non-organic options contain: organophosphate pesticides. When buying organic products, make sure you include your breads (organic, omega-3 bread now sold at Costco!), tortilla chips, crackers, oatmeal (also at Costco) etc.
6. Peanut Butter- Some peanut farmers treat mold with fungicides, which are extremely toxic to our bodies. (You can buy a bulk purchase of organic PB at Costco).
7. Fruits and Vegetables- You DO NOT need to buy ALL fruits and veggies organic...just the ones that are MOST heavily sprayed. These include: Raisins, potatoes, green beans, cucumbers and strawberries. For the rest of your fruits and veggies...buy a "veggie spray" -or- make your own formula to clean off the pesticides yourself.
   

HOME-MADE VEGGIE/ FRUIT CLEANER:

1 Cup Water
1 Cup Vinegar
1 Tbsp Baking Soda
20 Drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract

Mix ingredients and then put in labeled spray bottle. Spray on fruits/ veggies. Leave on for 10-20 minutes. Rinse. Eat!

GREEN RESOURCES TO CHECK OUT:

Safe items sold at Target
Big Green Purse- User friendly website!
The World Women Want- Sister website to "Big Green Purse"
Delicious Organics- (Scroll down-A more in-depth look at chemicals)
The Green Guide
Sigg Bottles- Safe, leach-free reusable water bottles.
Seventh Generation- A great brand for dishwasher soap, laundry detergent, Household cleaners, Feminine care etc.