Green and Clean Living.... Part II of Pests Aside

Before finding my passion for health, yoga and wellness I was an attorney. You can close your mouth now, I know it's shocking...but true!! In my previous career life, I studied and practiced environmental and natural resource law and then earned a LL.M. (Masters of Law) in Environmental and Heath Law. I published articles on corporate environmentalism and was even cited by the United Nations Environmental Law Programme's Training Manual on International Environmental Law. You might think that this doesn't really have much to do with health, wellness, yoga or holistic health counseling...but I beg to differ. It's actually beautifully interconnected.

Because of my traditional career background, I have turned bit of a green-toxics junkie and greening your life is a significant aspect of how I counsel my clients. I am obsessed with greening my home, removing toxins from my living space and generally reducing toxic exposure as much as possible for my health. I am actually so obsessed with this that my go-to gift for all of my newly wed friends is Shaklee's Get Clean Starter Kit. Let's just say that the jury is out on how well this present is received. I personally think that it's one of the most heart-felt gifts someone can give. Some friends get that but unfortunately, some don't.

Every day I receive news updates on Environmental Health News published by Environmental Health Sciences. I will be honest, each day I struggle over whether or not I should repost what's in the environmental news in the 3 Healthy Chicks blog or my own Vibrant Health, Green Living blog. Most often I don't because I worry that news stories will be come pervasive in the blog, and we're/I'm not a news service, we're here to simply offer advice on healthy living. Then I wonder if people are even interested, certainly not everyone in this world is such an environmental health geek!

Today I am caving as variations of the same news article from different sources has made its way to my in-box over the past few days. If that many organizations (Environmental Health Science, Environmental Working Group, Dr. Mercola and the Health Ranger!) are talking about a topic, it's meant for me to inform my clients, readers and friends. To quell my environmental health geek worries, I will label this blog post as Part II of Jill's Pests Aside article that ran on September 6th.

On November 6th, Environmental Health Sciences reported that "good house-keeping is more even more at controlling pests than hiring an exterminator to spray powerful, toxic pesticides." Research conducted by Columbia University found that an integrated approach to pest management (IPM) eliminated more cockroaches and mice than repeated applications of toxic, chemical pesticides! IPM is simple: make the home an unattractive place for insects and other pests by fixing leaky pipes, filling cracks in walls and gaps under baseboards and thoroughly cleaning kitchens and bathroom.

Now the virgos and OCDs of the world will promptly respond to this by saying "duh!" but the solution isn't always so obvious to the masses. So, to ensure you don't have unwanted pests as well as eliminate household chemical toxins stick to the following rules:

1. Keep it Clean: Dirty, sticky counters are breeding grounds for pests, germs and infections. Make sure you keep your counter space clean and free of food and drink remains. This means wiping it down after each use. To some, this may tedious and time consuming but it takes little effort and working it into your cooking routine will become second nature.

2. Keep it Fresh. Eating fresh produce is a must for healthy living. But you keep your produce in a bowl on the counter or kitchen table, make sure you eat it in a timely manner! Allowing produce to go past ripeness will draw fruit flies. If you accidentally let produce spoil, make sure to toss it out immediately and then clean its container thoroughly before adding more produce!

3. Keep it Non-Toxic: Regular exposure to the toxic chemicals in most household cleaners can lead to "Multiple Chemical Sensitivities" or MCS. Cumulative exposure to these toxins can eventually overwhelm the body's ability to eliminate them causing low-level chemical build up. This is applicable to both humans and our pet friends. Chemical build up in the body can cause fatigue, weakness, poor memory, migraines, insomnia and anxiety. Reduce the risk of chemical build up in the body by choosing all natural, non-toxic household cleaners such. Many companies now offer green alternatives to cleaners. My favorite green cleaners are Shaklee and Mrs. Meyers.

4. Keep it Natural: An alternative to buying non-toxic, organic cleaners is to clean with natural products such as, lemon juice, baking powder and vinegar. Lemon will dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits and will shine brass and copper. Baking soda can be used just like a commercial abrasive and deodorizer. Vinegar is an all purpose disinfectant and deodorizer, it must be diluted to be used on grout and never use it on marble. Don't worry about any lingering scents, the smell disappears when it dries!!

Many chemical companies and sellers of commercial products will insist that toxic chemicals are not harmful in the quantities used. This is WRONG. Toxic chemicals are labeled as such because of their inherent harm and toxicity.

Keep it Fresh (and Green!)
~ Terra

Pests Aside

Labor Day is here and summer is drawing to a close, which usually means that we are outside soaking up what is left of the warm weather. Unfortunately, being able to enjoy the outdoor BBQs, picnics and beach parties inevitably means one thing... pesky mosquitoes! We may be fortunate enough to not have to worry too much about contracting Malaria or Yellow Fever in the states, but between the chemicals found in candles, bug sprays and topical ointments to treat the itch, mosquito bites can be as hazardous to our health as they are irritating! Insect repellents come in many different forms: candles, lotions, wipes, sprays to name a few. Almost all varieties of these contain one or more unnatural chemicals such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or p-Mentane-3,8-diol. You don't have to know what these are (or be able to pronounce them) to know that you probably don't want to inhale or ingest them. And absorbing them into your bloodstream through your skin is not exactly any safer. The EPA (the Environmental Protection Agency) may deem these chemicals safe in low doses, but did you know that they classify most of them as pesticides? Pesticides by definition are meant to repel pests, but those found in products today are often chemically synthesized versions of repellents that are found in nature. Exposing our bodies to the toxicity of these chemical pesticides, even in small doses, can prove detrimental to our health and to our environment over time.

The good news is that there are alternatives! A non-chemical based insect repellent may be difficult to find, but can be worth searching for. Studies have shown that natural pesticides, such as Lemon Eucalyptus oil can be just as effective in warding off mosquitoes and other bugs as their chemical counterparts. There aren't many natural bug sprays out there, but there are a few. 3 Healthy Chick's favorite is Kiss My Face SwyFlotter Tick & Insect Repellent With Lemon Eucalyptus, which can be found in Whole Foods stores. Cutter also makes a natural version of their bug spray that is made with Lemon Eucalyptus as well, and can be found in many large chain stores, such as Wal-Mart.

Often we fail to prepare ahead of time and before we know it we are covered in itchy, swollen, red bites. This can be quite uncomfortable and can force you to reach for the hydrocortisone cream for relief. These treatments contain strong chemical steroids that are also absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin, especially in sensitve areas where skin is thinner, and can supress the immune system and effect the body's hormones. Children are especially susceptible to harmful chemicals found in products today while their bodies and immune systems are still developing. Fortunately, there are much more natural remedies that we can turn to for relief, many of which can already be found in our kitchen! Avoid scratching those bites, which can lead to infection, and try one of these natural anesthetic or anti-inflammatory remedies instead:

1. Pure lavender and tea tree oils. Apply directly to the bite with a cotton ball or swab.

2. Tomato. Tomatoes contain lycopene which is a natural anti-inflammatory. Cut one open and apply directly to the bite.

3. Rub the bite with an all natural soap.

4. Onion. Onions have natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Slice an onion and rub it on the bite while it is still fresh.

5. Mix either salt or baking soda with water and apply to the bite to relieve itching and swelling.

6. Banana. Rub the inside of a banana peel directly on the bite to relieve the itch.

7. Lemon. Cut a lemon in half and rub the pulpy side against the bite to fight infection. (Do not try this on open wounds!)

8. Apple cider vinegar. Rub directly on the skin with a cotton ball or add to a warm bath to relieve itching.

9. Oatmeal. Add 1 to 2 cups finely ground, uncooked oatmeal to a warm bath to relieve itching.

10. Herbs. Mint contains menthol, which is a natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory. Basil and cloves contain eugenol, a natural anesthetic.Thyme, which contains thymol, is an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory as well. Crush herbs and apply directly to the skin, or place in boiling water to make a tea and apply a clean cloth soaked in the tea to the bite.

Natural protection and remedies for bites from mosquitos and other pests can let you sit back, relax and enjoy these last few days of summer without worrying about the effects of harmful chemicals on our bodies, our children's bodies or our planet! Many of these remedies can also be found at any farmer's market, so you can stock up, be prepared, and support your local farms all at the same time!

Limiting pesticides in your produce choices.....

The mission of 3 Healthy Chicks is to help people live healthier, greener lives while keeping it Jersey Fresh. New Jersey is bountiful in produce production; there are fresh options everywhere you turn. Of the thousands of growers in New Jersey, only a select few farms in New Jersey that are certified organic, pesticide free and sustainable (check the Northeast Organic Farm Association of New Jersy for a list). So now you're wondering, "do I buy organic from Mexico or a non-organic from a Jersey Fresh Farm?" It's confusing we know.

Before we offer any suggestions in navigating the organic maze of confusion, we need to offer you a little education on pesticides. In pretty simple terms, pesticides and fungicides are toxins designed to kill things. The logical conclusion would be that we as humans shouldn't injest toxins designed to kill other organisms! Logic aside, research has shown that even small doses of pesticides and other toxins are carcinogenic, can negatively affect the nervous system, disrupt natural hormone patterns and cause eye and lung irritations.. The Environmental Working Group noted that even small doses of pesticides can cause long lasting damage to human health during fetal development and childhood.

Given the damage that can be done, it's important to educate yourself about pesticides and choosing clean or organic produce. EWG conducted extensive research and analysis based on data collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. With this information EWG created two lists: The Dirty Dozen and The Clean 15. The Dirty Dozen lists the produce with the heaviest pesticide loads and the Clean 15 lists produce with the lowest pesticide loads.

EWG found that by avoiding the top twelve most contaminated produce and eating the least contaminated instead, consumers lowered their pesticide intake by almost 80 percent! "Eating the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables will expose a person to about 10 pesticides per day, on average. Eating the 15 least contaminated will expose a person to less than 2 pesticides per day." EWG has a full list of 47 fruits and vegetables ranked in order from highest pesticide residue to lowest. You can also download a pocket sized version of the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15 here.

So, to answer the question, "do I buy organic from Mexico or a non-organic from a Jersey Fresh Farm?" it depends. Our first choice is always locally grown organic produce, but there are always exceptions. For those exceptions we offer these tips:

1. Download the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15. Start to understand what is "clean" and what is "dirty" and choose your produce accordingly.

2. Wash your produce. There are lots of veggie wash products on the market today, but a little water and fresh lemon juice works fine too!

3. Peel, Peel, Peel! If do buy non-organic produce from the dirty dozen list, remember to wash it and then peel! We know that some of the best nutrients in an apple or a peach is contained in the peel, but it's just not worth the risk. A new study just linked exposure to pesticides with a 70 percent increased risk of developing Parkinson's Disease!

4. Talk to your local farmers! At every farmers market or roadside vegetable/fruit stand, there is a wealth of knowledge behind the table. Get to know your local farmer and learn about their sustainability practices. Know where your food comes from! You may be surprised to learn that while their produce is not USDA Certified Organic, it may be grown in a sustainable manner with limited use of pesticides.

Stay tuned for the next few September Blog updates....3 Healthy Chicks are going to visit Terhune Orchards to go apple picking and talk with the Mount Family about their farm and how it feels to be one of the few organic apple orchards in New Jersey.

Until then, keep it fresh!