The Wise Mom, June 2012 by Holistic Moms Network

thewisemom

wise: (adj) informed, aware

Top Ten Ways

To Be Green Green Baby

Nursery Green

Medicine Cabinet Plastics and the

Chemical Industry Copyright ÂŠ2012 holistic moms network

ÂŠ The Wise Mom, Holistic Moms Network. Issue 10, June 2012.

thewisemom 4

From The Editor

News & Announcements

10 Earth Day Celebrations 12 Go Green When You Clean 14 Top 10 Ways To Be Green 16 HMN Cleaning Recipes 17 Juicing Recipes 18 Hardy Plants Keep The Pests Away 20 Safe Lawn Care 22 Green Home Renovations 24 Plastics and the Chemical Industry 26 Member Profile: Meet Erin Moulton 27 Volunteer Profile: Meet Lenore Ockerberg 30 Greening Your Pantry 32 Green Baby Nursery 36 Green Medicine Cabinet 38 Chipping In 40 Inner Greening 42 Giving Tree

thewisemom EDITOR

SPONSORS

Aimee Wood

For more information about Sponsorship, please e-mail us at sponsorship@holisticmoms.org or call us at 877-HOL-MOMS.

DESIGN/LAYOUT Emma Catarino

CIRCULATION The Wise Mom is published four times per year and is

HMN DIRECTOR

available electronically to members of the Holistic Moms

Nancy Massotto

Network. For information about membership, please visit us at www.holisticmoms.org.

The Wise Mom is a quarterly publication of the Holistic Moms Network (HMN), a national 501(c)(3) non-profit

SUBMISSIONS

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green living. The Wise Mom is the voice of the members

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is intended as a sharing of knowledge, information, and experiences. We encourage all of our readers to become

ÂŠ The Wise Mom, Holistic Moms Network. Issue 9, June 2012.

informed about the many healthcare and parenting decisions they may face and to make the choice that works best for their unique family. The Wise Mom is a publication of the Holistic Moms Network and supports the mission and purpose of our non-profit organization.

Nancy Massotto Founder & Executive Director

editorsletter Dear Mamas, Summer is here, yay! What better time than to spruce up your house, clean it out, or plan some renovations? Or, perhaps you are looking to do some inner greening, cleansing, and detoxing? This issue is jam packed with inspiration, whether you are looking to green your outer world by renovating your home with green methods or if you are interested in doing some inner “greening”. Either way, I’m sure you will learn something new and be inspired by the information here. So, grab a comfy spot, some cold tea, and enjoy! Looking ahead to autumn, our next issue will focus on inner growth and development while raising conscious kids. We would love to hear from you! For guidelines, please email me at: wisemom@holisticmoms.org. As always, we are eager to hear feedback from our readers, so drop us a line. Enjoy the warm summer breezes, Aimee K. Wood Editor

news&announcements Celebrate Holistic Parenting! 9th Annual

Natural Living

CONFERENCE 2012 Natural Living Conference Announced! We are excited to announce our 2012 Natural Living Conference to be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012 in Chicago!

It is our first year coming to the Midwest

and Holistic Moms is thrilled to gather in the Windy City. This year’s event features amazing Keynote and Workshop Speakers, a Holistic Exhibit Hall, a healthy lunch, and so much more. 2012 Keynote Speakers are former Top Chef contestant, author, and natural foods expert Andrea Beaman speaking on “Natural Healing Through Food” and author and president of the National Vaccine Information Center Barbara Loe Fisher speaking on Vaccines & Chronic Illness: Staying Well in the New Epidemic. Workshop Speakers include natural beauty expert and Kiwi Magazine editor Todra Payne; integrative pediatrician Dr. David W. Miller and author Jeffrey Cohen; and gluten-free expert and Chef Denise SanFilippo. “This year’s event looks at some of the hottest issues in natural parenting, from the benefits of a whole foods diet to toxins in our beauty products,” says HMN Founder and Director Nancy Massotto. “Today’s moms are passionate about choosing a healthy, sustainable lifestyle and our sessions will empower them to make informed choices for themselves and their families.” Join us in Chicago! Early Registration ends on July 31st so sign up now to reserve your spot and save! Natural and holistic business owners can sign up for an exhibitor table or other opportunities online by clicking here. Space is limited for exhibitors and attendees – don’t wait until it’s too late! 6

Welcome New & Continuing HMN Sponsors!

The Holistic Moms Network is proud to partner with companies and organizations who share our mission and purpose, and to connect our members with these amazing Sponsors and their passions! We honor four ongoing Sponsors and welcome a new Sponsor into our HMN Community! Interested in living green and sustainably? Look no further than E Magazine! The Nation’s only non-profit, independent consumer publication on the environment, E Magazine is a clearinghouse of information, news and commentary on today’s environmental issues. It’s E’s intent to educate and inspire individuals who have concerns about theenvironment and who want to know what they can do to help bring about improvements. Learn more at http://www.emagazine.com/. Motherlove has been the trusted leader in herbal pregnancy, breastfeeding and baby products since 1990. All of their products are rated zero for toxins by Skin Deep, the toxicity database. Based in Laporte, Colorado, Motherlove Herbal Company was conceived by nationally recognized herbalist and author Kathryn Higgins. Through Motherlove, the journey of childbirth is supported by Nature’s healing herbs. Motherlove is dedicated to crafting the finest quality, safe and effective products for pregnancy, breastfeeding and babies, while supporting the sustainable practice of growing and gathering herbs with integrity and reverence for our planet.

Iron deficiency is the leading cause of fatigue in women in North America and during pregnancy a woman’s iron requirement doubles. Embraced by women for over 60 years, Floradix Liquid Iron is a safe, low-dose supplement clinically proven to prevent and treat iron deficiency. Recommended by both naturopaths and midwives due to its natural ingredients and its non-constipating formula, Floradix Liquid Iron is non-GMO, and free of sugar, artificial sweeteners, colorings, alcohol, preservatives, additives, and pesticides. Considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding, and suitable for vegans and vegetarians, Floradix is the liquid iron of choice.

The National Center for Homeopathy is an open-membership organization whose mission is to promote health through homeopathy. By providing learning opportunities about homeopathy for our members and the general public, and more advanced education to those in health care, we help to make homeopathy available throughout the United States. We also protect your access to homeopathy. To find out more about homeopathy for your family or the National Center, please visit www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org or write info@nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org.

Welcome . . . Earth Mama Angel Baby HMN welcomes new Sponsor Earth Mama Angel Baby into our community! Earth Mama Angel Baby’s safe, trusted, hospital recommended, organic and natural herbal products and USDA Certified 100% Organic teas are specifically formulated to support the entire journey of childbirth: from Pregnancy through Postpartum Recovery, Breastfeeding, Baby and Family care. Mama’s Promise® is to offer only safe, pure, natural products that work. If it doesn’t measure up to Mama’s standards, it doesn’t leave the building. Promise. Members can save on Earth Mama Angel Baby products! See the Online Member Savings Book for a new special offer! Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network

news&announcements Save the Date! Last year the Holistic Moms Network launched the World’s Biggest Breastfeeding Twitter Party in honor of World Breastfeeding Week on August 2, 2011. The party had more than 760 participants and generated more than 8 million impressions. This year, we’re shooting for an even bigger worldwide Twitter event to raise awareness for breastfeeding and to connect those who support and advocate for breastfeeding around the globe. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 at 10 pm Eastern Time to join us at #HolisticMoms and be part of this amazing global event!

New Chapters Forming! HMN continues to grow! Spring has been a busy time for the Holistic Moms Network! Since our last issue, new Chapters have launched in

As summer gets underway, new Chapters are launching in Houston (Southwest), TX Orlando (College Park) Area, FL and Las Vegas, NV!

Charlotte, NC Western Monmouth County, NJ Central San Diego Ulster County, NY Hartford, CT Passaic County, NJ Decatur/Intown Atlanta, GA Suffolk County (Riverhead Area), NY

Don’t have a local Holistic Moms Chapter? Get one started – we’ll guide you, provide you with resources and materials, and help make it a success. Click here. 8

celebrat ions

Earth Day Family Potuck and Seed Exchange

Earth Day

Eau Claire, WI Chapter

Earth By Anna E.W., age 9 A giant ball of sea and land, Hilly hills and scratchy grass. And, if the Earth were not here, Would we live somewhere else? Or would life just not exist? If Earth were not here.

Chapter Leader Allison Crews Southside, VA Chapter The Southside Virginia chapter of the Holistic Moms Network & STEPS partnered to celebrate the amazing planet we all call home on Sunday, April 22nd at the STEPS Centre. The crowd received raffled gift certificates generously donated by local businesses. Dancing, music, and hooping were part of the entertainment. Local park information, materials on food freedoms, health information, and natural health options were available. A local company donated a vermiculture display for the kids. Crafts and recycling centers were prominently displayed. Then we got our hearts pumping with Zumba. A good time was enjoyed by all and we were all reminded to celebrate the beautiful faces, places, and plants we are blessed with everyday. Plans are underway for the second annual celebration next year! Copyright ÂŠ2012 holistic moms network

go green

when you

Clean by Dr. Brenda Trudell

There’s nothing like a good spring cleaning to refresh your home after a long winter

children, and it is rough on skin. Wear gloves when handling this substance.

and many months without fresh air. Many

Liquid Soap (Castile or Murphy’s Oil Soap): Made from

feel the only way to get a really good clean

vegetable and hemp oils, it has no animal fats, is organic and

is with strong, toxic chemicals that kill

all natural. Due to its super concentrated properties, one bottle of soap goes a long way, which cuts down on the use

everything. While destroying every living

of plastic bottles. Castile soap is a type of soap made

organism may make you feel safer, it is

exclusively from vegetable oil rather than animal fats or

important to remember that there is a

synthetics. It is as a clothing detergent, too.

downside to all of the chemicals that we

Essential oils: Lavender, lemon, Thieves, rosemary,

use. Before heading out to buy supplies,

peppermint, grapefruit, and tea tree oils are great for adding

check your cupboards for some of these

a bit of fragrance to your homemade cleaning solutions. They also have disinfectant properties.

everyday items that are safe, natural, effective and, best of all, cheap. Baking soda: It’s great for all-purpose cleaning because it disinfects, deodorizes, and removes stains.

Hydrogen peroxide: It’s not just for scrapes and cuts. Use it to disinfect countertops or to clean bathrooms. You can add an equal part of water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a pleasing scent. Keep this one out of children’s reach.

Distilled white vinegar: Vinegar is a grease-cutter, a stain remover, a natural disinfectant and works to soften water, too.

Here are a few recipes for cleaning solutions.

Lemons/Lemon juice: Try juicing a lemon to remove grease, disinfect, remove stains and to replace bleach. Throw the lemon rind into the garbage disposal for a natural freshener.

All-purpose cleaner #1: Mix 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water to fill a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil, or a tablespoon of lemon juice. Use to clean countertops,

Salt: Salt can replace a cleanser because it works as an abrasive. Try it on stubborn sink stains.

bathrooms, and sealed floors or other sealed surfaces. All-purpose cleaner #2: Mix 1/8 cup of baking soda in a quart of warm water. Add a few drops of lemon or lavender

Borax: Found in the laundry detergent aisle, this mineral is

oil if desired.

a bleach alternative. It strengthens the effectiveness of soap, deodorizes, disinfects, and kills mold and bacteria. Note that although Borax is natural, it can still toxic to pets and Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network

Soft Scrub: 1/2 cup baking soda, add enough liquid soap to make it frosting-like consistency, add 5 drops of essential oil,

and mix together. Use with a cloth, rinse when finished.

alcohol in a spray bottle, and use as desired. Also works great on pillows and bed sheets, or a car freshener.

Glass cleaner: Vinegar, either straight or mixed with an equal amount of water, it is a good substitute for standard glass

In the laundry room, baking soda is a great boost to

cleaner. Add a few drops of lemon oil.

detergent because it deep-cleans clothes and removes stains. Cornstarch absorbs oil and grease, so it’s a good thing to try

Natural “Goo Gone”: To remove gooey things off of

before resorting to harsh stain removers. Borax will improve

windows, sticker or tape residue, add a couple drops of pure

detergent’s cleaning power and can be used in place of

lemon oil to the area, let soak in, then scrape or wash off.

bleach. Laundr y nuts are also a wonderful detergent alternative, and wool dryer balls can replace toxic dryer

Wood cleaner: A teaspoon of lemon juice, a tablespoon of

sheets.

olive oil, and about a cup of warm water will work well here. Whatever you decide, just know that there are alternatives to Furniture polish: 1/2 tsp jojoba oil, 1/4 cup vinegar or

dangerous and expensive chemicals. You can easily and safely

lemon juice.

improve the health of your family, pets, and the environment. And most importantly, have fun with it! These are easy to

Oven cleaner: Use a couple tablespoons of baking soda

make, fun to use, and they smell great!

topped with an equal amount of liquid soap. This mixture works well on the inside of an oven. Wipe clean with a wet

Dr. Brenda Trudell is a chiropractor and

rag dipped in some vinegar to prevent streaks on metal or

owner of New Beginnings Chiropractic in

stainless steel. Salt with a few drops of water also will treat

three locations around Madison, WI. The

stubborn oven stains.

clinics focus on natural health, especially for women, pregnancy and children

Clean a microwave: Cut up a lemon and put into a bowl of

through chiropractic, acupuncture,

water. Heat it in a microwave for 3-5 minutes. Wipe. **Tip:

massage, reiki, nutrition and more. She

use lemon juice when you make a cleaner, heat lemon to

is co-founder and co-leader of the South

clean microwave, then dispose of in garbage disposal to

Central WI Chapter of the Holistic Moms Network. While Brenda

freshen that as well! 3 in 1!

does not yet have children of her own, she is very passionate about pregnancy and pediatrics, and can’t wait to start her own family soon.

Toilet bowl cleaner: Pour 1 cup Borax into toilet before you go to bed. The next morning, clean with a toilet brush.

For more information, visit http://newbeginningschiropractic.net/ or contact her at brendatrudell@drtrudell.com. Follow her blog at

To get rid of odors, make your own natural air freshener spray

http://docbrenda.wordpress.com/.

with essential oils. Simply mix 10 drops of your favorite oil (lemon or lavender are my favorites) with water or grain

ten easy ways to be a little

Greener! by Pam Howard

Use glass containers for food storage

• Add a few drops of essential oils and it smells good, too!

• Avoid BPA’s in plastic.

• A simple recipe for cleaning glass: Mix equal parts water

• Glass is easier to clean and doesn’t get stained like plastic.

and vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well and use on your windows. Use old newspapers on the glass and you’ll have

Pack your child’s lunch responsibly • Use a water bottle instead of single serve drinks.

beautiful, streak free windows in no time!

• Use aluminum or glass containers.

Make it easy to be green!

• Use a re-usable sandwich container and snack bags.

• Keep your water bottles by the door or the fridge, so you’ll

• Use a fun, re-usable lunch bag.

remember to fill them up. • Keep a selection of re-usable bags in every car, so you’ll

Cut down on chemical cleaners

have no excuses at the store!

• Baking soda, vinegar and water can clean almost anything. 16

Compost your food scraps

Have a scrap paper basket

• Don’t feel like creating an entire compost system? Just do

• Right next to my computer is a pretty basket where I throw

it the lazy way (like I do) and pile up all your food scraps

all scraps of paper. Then, whenever I need to jot a note,

(coffee grounds, egg shells, melon rinds, etc.) as you

make a list, or print something I can grab a sheet from the

prepare food, then throw them out on the garden!

basket.

Use cloth napkins

Share!

• I admit I’m working on this one, but it is fun for the kids (they think it’s “fancy”), and it is an easy way to cut down

• Don’t pitch your old magazines, books and clothing, share with your friends or someone in need!

on paper waste!

Line dry your clothing • We do this year round. We do it outside in the summer and in the bedroom in the winter. Clothes last longer, look better and you’ll save a ton of electricity!

Use “trash” for craft supplies

I encourage all of you to pick one new items on this list and give it a try next week, it really can be easy to be green! Pam Howard is a Holistic Health Coach located in Noblesville, IN. She works with busy moms (and others) to create a

• I have a container full of “trash” items like toilet paper

balanced, healthy, vibrant life. Pam shares

rolls, egg cartons, oatmeal boxes, etc. When the kids need

healthy tips and recipes at

something to do, it’s easy to just set the box on the table

http://www.behealthybehappywellness.com.

with some markers or crayons, glue, and scraps of paper and let them go to town!

cleaning recipes from the

HMN Cookbooks

DRAIN OPENER (From Many Paths, One Journey to Health) Nina DeSanto Poconos, PA 1/2 c white vinegar 1/2 c. baking soda Pour baking soda down the drain and follow with vinegar. Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Flush with boiling water. Repeat if necessary.

FURNITURE POLISH (From Many Paths, One Journey to Health) Deborah Conquest Rochester, NY

remainder of the spray bottle with distilled water. Spray on furniture and rub with a clean cloth.

VEGETABLE CLEANER (From Growing Healthy Families) Kristen Lee-Charlson Missoula, MT Distilled white vinegar or cider vinegar 3 percent hydrogen peroxide Spray your produce and/or work surface thoroughly with vinegar and then peroxide. Rinse produce under running water or wipe the surface with a clean sponge. Note: Caution - Make sure to keep all home-made formulas well labeled, and out of reach from children. From Annie Berthold-Bondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s www.care2.com.

1/2 c. white vinegar 3 tsp. olive oil Distilled water Pour vinegar and olive oil into a spray bottle. Fill the

Recipes

Juicing Grapefruit Cilantro Juice

Orange, Cucumber, and Celery Juice

Recipe by Carissa Cox

By Carissa Cox

We love how the cilantro balances the acidity of the grape-

It feels like Summer outside. And Summer reminds me of

fruit in this drink. Cilantro is a cooling herb and balances,

cool cucumbers. I love cucumbers because when you juice

cleanses, and stimulates metabolic activity. Cilantro is used

them, you get A LOT of juice! I spend less time juicing when

to treat allergies, hyper-acidity, and skin problems. Grape-

I use cucumbers!

fruit is very cleansing when drunk or eaten in the morning. It helps lessen mucus in the system and helps digestion of

We have loved this mix of juices, after drinking it on our re-

sugar.

cent travels. This is easily my sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite drink these days, although it is best in Summer or Autumn when 2 out of 3

In a blender, puree together:

ingredients are in season. Very simply, you need:

1 cup cilantro

4 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice (In the Autumn, use

4 cups fresh grapefruit juice (juice of 6 grapefruits)

Sour Oranges. In the Winter, use Washington Navels. In the Spring, use Sweet Oranges, Tangelos or Temple Oranges.) 3 cucumbers and 4 celery sticks (both best in Summer and Autumn) Juice the cucumbers and celery. You should have about 4 cups in total. Combine 4 cups of orange juice with 4 cups of the green juice. Voila! A delightful drink!

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Buzz?

hardy plants that keep the pests away by Trish Johnston

Every Mother’s Day, I plant a garden. It started with a potted

them right on the kids’ skin. The oil from the leaves is an

hydrangea Lee got me when I was pregnant with our first

effective bug repellent. This may be my new favorite thing.

son, Cameron, and has grown in size and effort since: vegetables, herbs, annuals. You name it, I plant it on Mother’s

Lemongrass: It’s a double-duty plant: It repels mosquitoes

Day.

and is edible. It’s kind of sad looking now, but will grow in nicely. Bonus: It’s a hard-to-find ingredient in my favorite

Every Father’s Day, I stand in the dry, brown wasteland of my

soup. So now I’ll always have it on hand, instead of scavenging

yard, lamenting the untimely passing of my precious sprout-

the grocery store produce section for it.

lings. By mid-June, the tomato plants resemble jaundiced daddy long-legs. Desiccated zucchini vines lay prostrate on

Pennyroyal: This is not only a hardy ground cover, but a

the cracked earth. Empty patches loom noticeably; the

mosquito, flea, tick and fly repellant, too. It can even be used

romaine never even makes an appearance.

topically to soothe bug bites. Best yet, it tolerates periods of drought, but likes moist soil. That, I know I can handle. I’m

My sweet boys are as enthusiastic as I am, and thankfully un-

putting it in pots to sit outside my front, back and kitchen

aware of my consistent failure. Cameron once held a tender

doors.

seedling out to me and innocently asked, “How long will this be green?”

Sweet bay laurel: This plant isn’t native to my area, but I plan on keeping two in pots and trimming them as they

This year is going to be different, I tell myself (and the

grow. That way, not only could I take advantage of their abil-

plants). This year, we’re going to make it.

ity to repel ants, but I would also have an endless supply of bay leaves for soups and roasts, come fall. When it gets cold,

I’ve trimmed my expectations. I’ve decided to plant with

I can just move them indoors for the winter.

a purpose: make my outside time with the guys more comfortable. There is nothing better than pulling dinner off

Marigolds: Because I need a splash of color and because

the grill, sliding the chairs up to the picnic table and sitting

the word on the street is rabbits and deer hate the smell and

outside in the fading evening sun to share dinner. So long as

taste of them. Positioning them around my garden may help

the bugs stay away.

protect my other plants from hungry intruders.

I’ve researched hardy plants with naturally occurring repellant properties. Coupled with the organic mulch I’m

Trish Johnston is a wife, mom and award winning

having trucked in, when I’m done, our yard will not only

marketing copywriter in Morris County, NJ.

look neat and lovely, but will also be a chemical and bug-free zone we can enjoy well past evening.

Currently hip-deep in Transformers and Legos, she aspires to rid her home of plastic, perform sun salutations with the kids and get her husband to say “quinoa” without laughing. Read

Here’s what I’ve planted so far:

more at www.thedishfromtrish.com.

Citronella: Not the most attractive plant, but it’s the real deal. It repels mosquitoes and gives off a sweet scent. It actually smells a lot like lemon candy. My nursery guy recommended tearing off a couple of leaves and rubbing Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network

The Bad and The Ugly:

A Look At Lawn Care Products

by Dawn Lorenz

neighbors one morning, he noticed the baby, a one year old, standing on the grass barefoot, his feet yellow from the fertilizer strewn all about the yard. Within that year the baby died of leukemia. The man never discussed the possible causes with the parents, but he had his suspicions based on what he had learned about fertilizer as an organic landscaper. For those who think that the leukemia couldn’t possibly have been from the fertilizer (much of which contain pesticides), think again. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute finds that household and garden pesticide use can increase the risk of childhood leukemia as much as seven-fold AND studies show that children living in households where pesticides are used suffer elevated rates of leukemia, brain cancer and soft tissue sarcoma. This is scary!!! These chemicals aren’t only being found on the outside of our homes; they are inside our houses as well. According to Rutham Rudel, scientific studies find pesticide residues such as the weedkiller 2,4-D and the insecticide carbaryl inside homes, due to drift and track-in, where they contaminate air, dust, A few days ago I was walking down the street with my children when they decided to go and pet the cat sitting on a neighbor’s stoop. It wasn’t until we got to the stoop that I looked down and saw the dreaded yellow fertilizer all over the law. It reminded me of a story I was told. A few years ago, I met an organic landscaper, who told the story of his neighbor’s son. As he turned and waved to his 22

surfaces and carpets and expose children at levels ten times higher than pre application levels. So why am I so concerned when I don’t use these chemicals in my yard? Because come March/April, when I go walking with my kids in my neighborhood, I inevitably see the residue on the sides of the street, which means it is getting on the bottom of our shoes and on the wheels of the stroller Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network

and possibly entering my house. All it takes is one piece of

• Exposure to home and garden pesticides can increase a

residue to enter my child’s mouth for her to get sick and it

child’s likelihood of developing asthma.

can enter her body while she plays on the floor, puts a toy in her mouth that the particle stuck to, or when she puts her

• Studies link pesticides with hyperactivity, developmental

shoes in her mouth (she is one, so try as I might, I do not

delays, behavioral disorders, and motor dysfunction.

always see her doing silly things)! I also take my children to playgrounds, and to play at friends’, family and neighbors’

• Children ages 6-11 have higher levels of lawn chemicals

homes and I have seen pesticide and/or fertilizer residue at all

in their blood than all other age categories. Biomonitoring

of these places. In addition, according to Beyond Pesticides,

studies find that pesticides pass from mother to child

“of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides, 17 are detected in

through umbilical cord blood and breast milk.

groundwater, and 23 have the potential to leach.” • Fertilizers made from hazardous waste byproducts may And Here Are Some More Facts:

contain arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, and radon.

(All info comes from Bee Safe Lawns via BeyondPesticides.org. Statistics and facts noted from the Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• Of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides 19 have studies pointing toward carcinogens, 13 are linked with birth defects, 21 with reproductive effects, 15 with neurotoxicity, 26 with liver or kidney damage, 27 are sensitizers and/or irritants, and 11 have the potential to disrupt the endocrine (hormonal) system. • Pregnant women, infants and children, the aged and the chronically ill are at greatest risk from pesticide exposure and chemically induced immune-suppression, which can increase susceptibility to cancer. • Children take in more pesticides relative to body weight than adults and have developing organ systems that make them more vulnerable and less able to detoxify toxins. • The National Academy of Sciences estimates 50% of lifetime pesticide exposure occurs during the first 5 years of life. • Studies show low levels of exposure to actual lawn pesticide

How to minimize your family’s exposure: 1. Don’t use these chemicals on your own property. 2. Make those around you aware. You can even post a sign on your property stating that your lawn is Chemical Free, making others aware that there is something to think twice about. 3. Ask people to take off their shoes when they walk into your house, these chemicals will be on the bottom of people’s shoes. 4. Look into safe, organic alternatives for lawn care. There are actually quite a few, including ones made from products found in your home. Dawn is the author of www.raisingnaturalkids.com, a website that provides parents with the resources they need to make informed decisions regarding their children, specifically focusing on raising children in healthy environments that will benefit their overall wellbeing.

products are linked to increased rates of miscarriage.

Eco-friendly Renovations

in Essex County, NJ

by Mary DeBonis (Soccio) My friends and family will tell you, I am a “research-a-holic!”

least toxic paint for our home, choices that can affect our

To me, knowledge is very empowering and I feel it’s

health and wellbeing, I take my decisions seriously. Also, and

important to make smart, informed choices, and understand

equally important, I don’t stress out about them.

the impact of our decisions. Whether I’m choosing the most natural health “care” for my kids, the cleanest water, or the

About six years ago, we had to decide whether to move to a bigger home or renovate. Our daughter and son shared a bedroom and it was time to give them their own rooms and we really needed to have a bigger family room where we could all gather and spend time together. After looking at a variety of homes on the market, we decided we really liked our home and needed to renovate. Once we made that decision, I started researching eco-friendly building materials. We couldn’t find a contractor in our area that specialized in green renovations, so we chose one who understood our goals and was willing to help us locate eco-friendly alternatives when available. Our contractor and I discussed everything from heating/cooling systems to insulation, wood, caulking, and paint. In the end, I was very pleased with the choices we made. One of the best decisions we made was to install a geothermal unit that supplies all of our heating and cooling needs in a safe, comfortable, eco-friendly, and efficient manner without oil, gas or propane. The heat and air conditioning is generated by a coolant that flows through an underground system of closed pipes, where the ground naturally maintains a consistent temperature. There is only one small electric blower unit that distributes the heat/air via a central air system. Our monthly heating and cooling fees were cut in half and we no longer need to rely on fossil fuels.

further, I hole-punched it and slipped it into my binder. This was a life-saver in the end. Some helpful resources: www.healthyhomeplans.com www.gogoGeo.com (Geothermal System) Natural Home magazine, Remodeling Today (they highlight green options) My advice when embarking on anything from a simple paint job to an entire home renovation, is to start by researching the most eco-friendly, non-toxic options available and make the best informed choices for your family. Mary’s been married to Joseph for 16 years and is mother to Jennie who is 13 and Michael who is 10. She left a hectic corporate job in 2000 and started a marketing and communications company with her

Other options we chose were sustainable Lyptus wood for our kitchen cabinets, non-toxic cellulose insulation, and AMF

friend and colleague. She now works from home and tries to balance her family and work schedules. Mary

Safecoat caulking for our kitchen and bath. We installed

has lived in New Jersey her entire life, except when she attended

hardwood floors with a water-based finish and natural tile in

college in Washington DC and Arizona. She and her family live 2

the kitchen and baths. Once the renovations were done, we

miles from her parents and the home she grew up in. Her passions

chose Benjamin Moore’s non-VOC paint, eco-friendly FLOR

include: eating healthy organic foods (when possible!), promoting

tiles for our basement, and a whole house water filter from Radiant Life Catalog to remove the chloramines and other chemicals and contaminants from our water.

breastfeeding, informed choice for vaccination, and living as ecofriendly, natural and non-toxic as possible. She’s a big fan of buying and selling furniture (toys, bicycles, etc) through www.craigslist.com and recycles everything she can on www.freecycle.org.

The renovation took about a year. In the end, we have been thrilled with the results and don’t have any regrets (okay, maybe the paint color in our dining room)!

Parenting Cards

One suggestion, which I found extremely helpful during

The Parenting Cards offer gentle suggestions for parenting with love and delight. Each of the one hundred small cards features a unique reminder about compassionate parenting, with a full-color logo on the opposite side.

the renovation, was to maintain a journal with all my notes, contractor phone numbers, updates, etc. Also, I purchased a binder and whenever I saw a photo of a paint color I liked in a magazine or an informative article that I wanted to explore Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network

Each set includes all 100 cards, a Guatemalan pouch, and an information sheet. $20

www.naturalchild.org/parentingcards/

New Improved? by Chris Murphy

Have you seen the movie, The Graduate, in which an old

sheen, to just name a few. What is even more frightening is

family friend whispers the word “plastics” to Dustin Hoffman

that more countries with dubious environmental records like

as if it was a map to find the Holy Grail? Stay with me and

India, Brazil, and Russia are looking to jump into the game to

you will understand where I am going.

supply American consumerism.

Looking back on the last sixty years, there is a pattern of

Virtually gone in just our lifetimes are the world of natural

illness and pollution that is overlapping conveniently with

perfumes, seasonal vegetables, pesticide free natural fibers,

the advent of petrochemicals and plastics. We are seeing

un-fumigated coffee beans, etc. You get the point. Fueled

genetic, developmental, and environmental fallout from the

both by viral consumerism and the chemical industry’s desire

plastics and chemicals industry that is happening faster than

to capitalize on it, there is a worldwide chemical experiment

we can control.

in progress that makes seeds, plants, animals, kids, pets, water, soil, and air fair game.

To understand the scope of the motivation, you have to

know that 3.5 TRILLION DOLLARS of chemicals are sold

The recent “Stroller Brigade” that marched on Washington

worldwide to consumers and industries that want faster

D.C. made a point that if there was a Mom and a child in the

and cheaper methods for making plastics. Also, companies

room while the lobbyists watered down the only law since

want to find faster and cheaper ways to improve processes,

1976, the Toxic Substance Control Act, we might have seen

fragrances, permanence, elasticity, chewiness, sterility, and

aware, the economic impact of protecting health is often

already know that marketing can make us want things we

considered too great, as was witnessed by the recent Clean

know we really don’t want.

Air Act dilution. Bear in mind too that every billion dollars spent on prevention is a billion dollars that corporate

The sickest part of this whole thing is that the masses are

chemical and medical interests never see.

gradually and willfully transitioning to an all plastic world. There is a gradual improvement on the flip side. Insightful

It has been said that the rules and regulations that try to

and well-read people are seeing that non-toxic paints are not

protect Americans are usually done in name only. The Toxic

only superior but cheaper than those that include NPE.

Substance Control Act was passed in 1976. After it was

Organic and home grown produce not only tastes better and

adopted, it allowed industry to self test for toxicity and only

is good for you, but it nurtures your sense of satisfaction a

required them to report a toxic chemical’s name and for it to

little better. Old fashioned marmoleum linoleum stays cleaner

be listed in a national database that now tops 83,000 chemicals.

than plastic, vinyl, or toxic coated bamboo and is actually

500,000 toxic compounds are still unreported. The media

sustainable. Clay plasters are finding use as wall finishes

would like to have you believe that Americans are whiners

where they can actually help to improve our endorphin

who want Washington to protect them from every little thing.

production and also help to fight the positive, contaminant

If you mean protect us from the plastics and chemicals

attracting charge that is present in an all plastic house.

companies that have run amok, yes, we want to be protected. Sustainability, truth, health and wellness have to go hand Until the demand for cheap “stuff” abates in America, we will

in hand or the green movement will have been for nothing

see no changes. The tragedies pile up as second and third

except closing us into plastic bag houses that use less energy

world countries see impact on energy usage, water supplies,

while supporting the chemical industry. If the Stroller Brigade

the environment and health from the chemical industry and

made its point, which is unlikely, then transparent labeling

it is devastating and often times permanent. All of this is being

has to be on the agenda for the future!

done to serve the needs of the US and the other consumer goods importing countries and their insatiable desire for all

Old and Improved. Maybe that is where we need to be.

,things fast, easy and cheap. That includes material goods, adhesives, craft items, foams, paints, clothing, etc.

As a partner at SmartLittleHouse, an online store and brick and mortar refuge for

Insatiable desire… fast… cheap…. easy. In a nutshell that is what brought us from the first TV dinners to pink slime. Let’s face it, Americans are all in a hurry and the recent events in the economy means that we might not be able to afford the stuff we covet. Rather than allow us to pick and choose, the

people who suffer from asthma, allergies and chemical sensitivities, Chris Murphy is responsible for vetting healthier building products. Serving cost conscious families, builders, designers, architects and facilities professionals with 35 years of experience

chemical and manufacturing industries wants us to believe

including supply chain, interior design, space planning and

that we can have it all, so they continue to focus on lowering the

construction, he has earned his LEED AP as well as his NCIDQ. As

real price to consumers for goods. Unfortunately, if you are

a resource for anyone wanting to understand the migration from

aware of the cautionary tale “The Story of Stuff” you already

steel, glass and plastic to natural building materials, his specialty

know what this is doing to the resources of the world. We

is finding materials that perform cheaper, faster and better while trying to avoid toxic chemicals.

June 2012

memberprofile

Erin Molton

Portland, Maine

Tell us a little about yourself (passions, interests, family). In thinking about how to describe myself, I would use the words… energetic, passionate, and creative. My life is never boring, nor would I ever let it be. I have three children, ages 6, 3, and 1, a hypoallergenic cat, 11 chickens, 2 hermit crabs, a pet worm, a pet moth and a pet toad. Oh, did I forget to mention that I have a husband? A husband that helps me stay organized and appreciated. My children are the center of my world as I love their curiosity, thoughtfulness, and innocence. They keep me feeling youthful most of the time (until I look in the mirror and see wrinkles, so then I just put on more coconut oil). In addition to the family, I keep myself busy as a Shared Living Provider that provides full time care in our house for a client with Down Syndrome. He has been living with us in our home for 4 years now! Also, I am a full time student finishing up my degree in Early Childhood Development with my K-8 teaching certification. I am a photographer who loves celebrating moments, memories, and milestones! If my children are ever looking for me, I am usually hiding behind the camera! I am a certified Music Together teacher and often find myself using music as a way to communicate and motivate my children. Music is my lifelong passion that has always been used to my benefit. Along with Julie Wagner, I am the co-leader of the Holistic Moms Network, Portland Maine chapter. So, thinking naturally has always been the key to my parenting success, and being a part of the group has really helped me carry those thoughts out with my family! What got you interested in HMN? I have always had a strong desire to take care of myself through healthy food, exercising, and alternative care. However, I have always felt like I was a one-of-a-kind mother that did things differently without support from others. Well, the day that I saw the flyer for a Holistic Moms Network’s open house in Maine, I knew big changes were going to happen for me!! I was nervous I wouldn’t fit in, until I went and realized that no one fits in. We are 28

all different and there is no mold to fit in. We are accepted for our own thoughts and beliefs and I didn’t feel the pressure to be anyone else that I am not! Before I knew it, I was not a one-of-a-kind mother, but in fact we were a one-of-a-kind group of moms! What are your holistic passions? I am a very opened minded person that appreciates anything that could be beneficial in my life! I have a passion for real “health” care, such as chiropractic, acupuncture, osteopathic, and homeopathic treatments, as well as botanical remedies and using food to help heal any ailments. I also find pride in providing my family with “real” foods that are grown on farms and treated properly. I am so glad that I have children that enjoy a variety of foods and a husband that supports my passion for eating it! What is one un-holistic thing you could not give up? This is a tough one, I really don’t have a “thing” that I do or eat frequently enough to be something I don’t give up. But I guess one thing I really like is the 12 hour lip-stick that doesn’t come off right away. I hardly ever wear make-up, but when I do, I put it on for a reason (usually for a special occasion) and therefore I don’t want it rubbing off or to keep having to put it on every few minutes. So I will use Revlon that will stay on for up to 12 hours. I do have natural lip gloss that I put on top to give it a shine, but every now and then there is a good reason why I wear the toxic stuff. How do you keep your home green? I stock my fridge and freezer with grass fed meat, organic yogurt, and healthy foods. I care for our 11 back yard hens in hopes for some yummy eggs in return, cloth diaper, have patience for all of the bugs and creatures that my kiddos bring inside as “pets”, green clean my house, maintain a lawn full of clover, compost my food scraps and open my doors to any friends that accept me for who I am and how I raise my family! *Editor’s Note: Erin is also the newest member of The Wise Mom team, as our lead photographer. Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network

June 2012

volunteerprofile

Lenore Ockerberg Tri-City, CA How long have you been a member?

helpful tips on planting our own garden (backyard and

Since the launch of the San Jose, CA chapter. I was at the first

containers). We also got to tour the garden, learn about

meeting, I think it was May of 2008.

volunteer opportunities and the speaker even invited us to his home to tour his backyard garden which included his

When did you become a leader?

chickens. It was so fun!

I became a leader and co-launched the Tri-City, CA chapter in October of 2011.

Our Open House in October of last year was the most exciting! We had close to 100 guests including lots of local

What specific volunteer projects

vendors and practitioners. The energy in the room was

have you worked on?

amazing. We were welcomed into the community with open

For HMN, I am totally re-constructing the quarterly and year-

arms. Our chapter has grown so much from that first meeting

end financial reports so they will be easier to complete and

in October and is a thriving community.

will auto-calculate for leaders, thus making their life easier. Name one un-holistic thing that W h at a r e your favor ite HMN

you are not willing to give up?

meetings?

There are so many, well not that I am not willing to give up,

My favorite meeting this year was our meeting on backyard

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just not there yet. I think my biggest one right now is

gardening. We got to hold the meeting at a local community

Starbucks. I get a latte twice a week and I really enjoy it! I am

garden (LEAF of Fremont, CA). It was a perfect sunny day

definitely not ready to give it up yet! :)

and the garden looked so gorgeous. We got to learn some

The Eco-Pant ry:

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how to build a pantry that’s green, clean and lean by Nichi Hirsch

I find it funny that in this world where we talk about having too much stuff, the conversation hasn’t made its way into as many kitchens as it has family rooms. We all have the same problem, not enough time, maybe a bit low on energy, and the best intention to feed our families well. Then, we have our kitchens to come home to at the end of the day and we have to clean them before we can get to cooking dinner! 32

No more of that my friends! I am going to show you how

The above listed foods are all available at almost any grocery

to build a pantry that’s green, clean and lean. I think our

store, although I’ve learned that purchasing them at a regular

kitchens come last on the priority list because it feels like

grocery store typically sets my bill higher because these

such an undertaking to reorganize. There are lids, bowls,

products are seen as specialties in some cases. Purchasing

utensils, holders, nooks, crannies, books, cans, jars, cups,

them in bulk at a natural foods store is almost always the least

plates, pans, boards, colanders and more, AND, it all takes

expensive option. What drives the cost up quickly is pur-

up residence right there in one little corner of your house!

chasing pounds of each item at once. I did this once upon a time and couldn’t figure out why groceries were so expensive

The first thing we need to discuss is what’s gotta go in that

when I realized I didn’t need 12 cups of brown rice in my

pantry of yours, and here are the basics:

pantry, I needed 1/2 of that at any given time.

• Items with more than 5 ingredients or ingredients you can’t

Purchasing your pantry items in bulk means storing them.

pronounce

I have found Mason Jars (among the hundreds of ways to

• Anything with MSG, nitrates or nitrites

use them) to be my favorite tool here. They are affordable,

• Anything with High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

multi-purpose, see-through and easy to replace if broken. I

• Anything that says Low-No Fat

use a simple white label on the front of each jar and it keeps

• White Sugar

my pantry clean and organized. This method also keeps so

• White Flour

many plastic bags out of the trash. I purchased bulk food bags online and bring those to/from the store with me when I

Then, we need to make certain we have items such as these

need to purchase pantry items.

in your pantry: • Natural nut butters

The above list is a place to start. I know the initial thought

• Healthy oils: coconut oil, walnut oil, olive oil

is “gasp”, where do we put all the kid’s snacks? Here’s the

• Whole wheat flour or a variety of gluten free flours such as:

thing: this exercise is to begin the process of cleaning out

o Millet flour, oat flour, garbanzo bean flour, brown rice

our kitchens so what we have left are whole foods options.

flour, coconut flour, almond flour, sorghum flour, teff flour

That’s not to say you can’t purchase applesauce and granola

• Whole grain pasta or gluten free pasta

bars, it’s just a wakeup call to what else might be lurking in

• A variety of whole grains such as:

our pantries that we don’t really want or need.

o Oats, millet, quinoa, brown rice, popcorn Nichi Hirsch Kuechle supports

• A variety of dried beans

moms from pregnancy to

• Baking supplies including xantham or guar gum, if gluten free

parenthood as a Parent Coach,

• An assortment of spices

Craniosacral Therapist, Child-

• Healthy sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup

birth Instructor and Doula in Minneapolis. She publishes

You will also want a few quarts of broth if you don’t make

a weekly e-zine called Raising

your own and if you don’t can, then you’ll want a few quarts

Healthy Babies, which offers tips and ideas to bring ease, clarity

of diced tomatoes.

and understanding to your parenting. She also teaches a variety of live and virtual workshops.

Warning!

Your baby may contain toxic chemicals! by Beth Greer

Hundreds of toxic chemicals, including PCBs, DDT, endocrine disrupters, and dioxins, to name just a few, are

Want a Non-Toxic Baby? Set up a Healthy Nursery

showing up in mothers’ and their newborn babies’ bodies. These chemicals, found in everyday household products, can

Chemicals also migrate into a baby through the nursery. New

get absorbed during a typical morning routine.

parents, with good intentions, buy new baby furniture, install new synthetic carpeting, and paint or wallpaper the room

Consider this scenario: the pregnant mom awakens after a

— all the while creating a toxic environment from airborne

night of breathing in toxic fumes from a mattress containing

chemicals released from these products. Plus, there are toxic

flame retardants and melamine. She showers with synthetically

chemicals in the poorly labeled bottles of kitchen and bath-

scented soap, shampoo and conditioner, and uses popular

room cleansers, and in bug sprays and air fresheners used

brands of body lotion, moisturizer, sunscreen, cosmetics and

throughout the home.

perfume that contain hundreds of chemicals which have been linked to cancer, hormone imbalances, and other illnesses.

In addition, common infant body care products can be

These chemicals may be seriously compromising her health,

problematic. A Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute

as well as her unborn baby’s.

study reported that babies recently treated with baby lotion, shampoo, and powder, were more likely to have phthalates

in their urine than other babies. Phthalate exposure in early

other harsh chemicals to clean clothes, furniture and

childhood has been associated with altered hormones as well

carpets. Read labels on conventional cleaning supplies!

as increased allergies, runny nose, and eczema. 7. Stay away from plastic bottles and food storage containers, Plus, the FDA does not review personal care ingredients for

they contain chemicals that leach into food and water.

their safety before they come to market. Manufacturers are

Choose glass or metal instead.

free to add almost anything they want into their products, so it’s important to buy safe, preferably organic products from

8. Choose wooden toys with nontoxic paints and finishes;

trusted companies. The good news is that it’s easy to create a

and all-natural fibers like cotton, hemp and wool.

safe and natural baby nursery. 9. Don’t put electric clocks or cell phones next to the baby’s

Top 10 Ways to Make your Baby Nursery a Safe, Healthy Haven:

crib, or use electric heating pads or electric blankets in

the crib, these have electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that

can negatively affect behavior and impact health.

1. Choose a crib mattress made from untreated, nontoxic,

natural materials like latex foam rubber, wool and cotton. 10. Make your home a shoeless one, take off your shoes,

Use a wool and cotton mattress topper.

2. Buy a solid wood crib or cradle/Moses basket instead of

fiberboard or particleboard (which contain formaldehyde,

a known carcinogen).

especially before entering any bedroom, so you don’t

track in pesticides and other toxic chemicals from the

outside.

The 2010 President’s Cancer Panel study says there’s a link between environmental toxins and disease. For information

3. Use low or no VOC (volatile organic compound) paint for

on ways to change the government regulatory practice to the

the walls, or paper-based wallpaper instead of vinyl. Use

Precautionary Principle, check out the Center for Environ-

traditional wallpaper paste instead of self-stick which

mental Health’s (CEH) website. To learn more about the Safe

contains high levels of VOCs.

Chemical Act in Congress, check out the EWG website. For resources on where to buy safe, natural baby products, check

4. Install wool carpet instead of synthetic. Wool is naturally

out my website, www.supernaturalmom.com.

flame retardant and hypoallergenic. Beth Greer, Super Natural Mom®, is a syndicated

5. Stay away from synthetic fragrances in things like dryer

radio talk show host, former president and co-

sheets, air fresheners and body care products. These

owner of The Learning Annex, Certified Build

contain phthalates, chemicals that interfere with hormones.

Use 100% essential oils instead.

6. Pick all natural, non-toxic cleaning supplies like white

vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Kill odors

with baking soda, lemon juice (or lemon essential oil)

and water in a spray bottle. Avoid bleach, ammonia and

It Green® healthy home makeover specialist, and holistic health educator, who eliminated a sizable tumor in her chest without drugs or surgery. She’s author of the bestseller, “Super Natural Home,” endorsed by Deepak Chopra, Ralph Nader, Peter Coyote, and Dr. Joe Mercola. Beth is leading a movement of awareness and responsibility about healthy home, work, and school environments. Visit her at www.supernaturalmom.com

non-medicine

Fill Your

cabinet

by Dr. Brenda Trudell

Let’s go over some things that everyone should have on

• For heartburn or indigestion, take two tablespoons of

hand for their non-medicine cabinet. Start with a healthy diet

organic, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar with baking soda,

to decrease the need to take anything extra. Eating fresh,

two times a day.

organic, and local fruits and vegetables is the best way to ensure that you get plenty of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and

• For cuts and scrapes mix together a small amount of coconut

minerals. A famous quote says, “The less doctored your food

oil, turmeric, and tea tree oil. Use it like you would an

is, the less doctoring you will need.”

antibiotic ointment, and cover with a band-aid.

A good non-medicine cabinet should also contain a few

• For a skin antiseptic or toner, mix together witch hazel, tea

supplements. Certain things are more difficult to attain

tree oil, and lavender and put in a spray bottle. Tea tree oil

through foods alone. Standard recommendations include

is also great for acne.

Co-Q 10, vitamin D (especially in the winter), probiotics, chlorella, high quality fish or krill oil, magnesium and a

• Drink a large glass of water and rub peppermint oil on the

bio-available multi-vitamin.

temples for headaches.

But even with a healthy diet, there may be times when you

• A mixture of clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus,

get sick, have pain, or get injured. In these instances, use

rosemary oils and agave or raw honey is great for soothing

products that are as natural as possible, even made at home if

a sore throat or for teething.

possible. Here are some recipes and ideas for safe and natural remedies.

• Arnica is an all-natural pain relieving gel that is safe and effective.

For respiratory issues, it is important to clean out all the “holes” to prevent germs from entering. A couple hydrogen

• Make your own safe and effective bug repellents at home,

peroxide drops in each ear, a neti pot with a saline solution

without harsh chemicals. Essential oils have powerful

to cleanse the nose, mild eye drops to rinse the eyes, and a

anti-bug properties. The most common ones are eucalyptus,

gargle with salt water or Thieves essential oil after brushing

cedarwood, citronella, lemongrass, tea tree, geranium,

teeth will usually clean out the head area. For a full-blown

clove, lavender, thyme, garlic and peppermint. Mix and

chest cold, rub a mixture of eucalyptus and almond oil on

match to see what combination works best for you. Try it

the chest to help ease congestion and discomfort.

in a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, or vodka. Mix 10-20 drops with 2 oz carrier oil such as olive or almond and rub onto skin.

• Natural ways to protect yourself from sunburn include making your own sunscreen with plain zinc oxide mixed with your favorite all-natural lotion. Eat lots of red, deep green and yellow foods for sun-protective benefits. Having optimum vitamin D levels also protects you from sunburn. Take a fish oil supplement to decrease inflammation. Drink lots of water. Slowly develop a base tan that will allow you to stay in the sun longer. Tan skin is

• Mix one part garlic juice with 5 parts water, soak strips of cloth in it and hang on a patio to deter mosquitoes. Marigolds, rosemary or sage thrown into hot coals when grilling out, and tansy or basil plants around the yard also help. Thai lemongrass, which contains natural citronella, works great too. Break off a chunk of the plant, rub together between hands until pulpy and juicy, and rub over exposed areas. • For bites, try these natural remedies to reduce redness and itching. Make a paste of baking soda and water, spread it over bites and let dry. Natural aloe vera will reduce swelling and itching. Make a cold compress with water and lavender essential oil, chill in the freezer, and apply to skin. Put a drop of Purification oil directly on bite.

thicker and more protective. • If you do find yourself with a burn, real organic aloe vera, coconut oil, vitamin C serum, or sliced cucumbers can help soothe the area and decrease inflammation. A mixture of peppermint and lavender oils with water can also be sprayed over the body. The recipes for remedies are endless, and many simple, safe and inexpensive items can be used to make a variety of “nonmedicines.” Once you see the relationship between being healthy and using natural products, you will want to avoid medications and products full of unhealthy chemicals. Dr. Brenda Trudell is a chiropractor and owner of New Beginnings Chiropractic in three locations

• To repel bees, try a combination of tea tree, lemongrass,

around Madison, WI. The clinics focus on natural

peppermint, and citronella, diluted in a carrier oil. Dab

health, especially for women, pregnancy and

on hair, collars, wrists, and sock tops. To ease bee stings,

children through chiropractic, acupuncture, massage,

try chopped basil leaves applied to skin, a drop of lavender on the area, or a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar rubbed over stings.

reiki, nutrition and more. She is co-founder and coleader of the South Central WI Chapter of the Holistic Moms Network. While Brenda does not yet have children of her own, she is very passionate about pregnancy and pediatrics, and can’t wait to start her own family soon. For more information, visit http://newbeginningschiropractic.net/ or contact her at brendatrudell@drtrudell.com. Follow her blog at http://docbrenda.wordpress.com/.

They say children learn through imitation. Scary. Scary

in one hand and remote control in the other. We would

to think we adults have so much influence over these

digest our cartoons for a good hour in preparation for

little creatures. What’s even scarier is that they believe

the chores that awaited us. Soon after, we would hear

everything we say and do. They grasp onto our words

my mother’s flip flops clicking across the kitchen to find

and actions as though we are walking, talking encyclopedias.

us and remind us of our duties. Our Saturdays would

Scary, but empowering. Just to think, I, the nose

sometimes look like this:

wiping, butt cleaning, family feeding, dog bathing, grocery shopping, car messing, tiredly managing, simply

JR: Mowing the lawn or picking weeds.

thanking momma, have the power to positively impact

Me: Folding the laundry, dusting the living room, washing

my children.

the dishes.

Growing up in a conservative, traditional Christian,

Sometimes we would trade. It really didn’t matter and

Puerto Rican family, my parents had strong beliefs in

my parents didn’t care as long as the chores got done.

certain traditions that were important to them. One

It was such a part of our life that I always remember

such tradition was the cleaning of our home on Saturday

it existing. Just as we always brushed our teeth in the

mornings. This tradition meant much more than simply

morning, we always had chores on Saturday. We always

cleaning. The significance of this act meant we were taking

chipped in. And that was that.

the time to help one another and to collectively help our home. Simply put, “chip in.”

Fast forward 20-25 years and here I am, married with my own two children, ages one and four. It is now my

We had a routine. Every Saturday morning my parents

turn to begin instilling values and traditions in our

would allow my brother and I to have some bonding

children. The thought of it completely overwhelms me

time and we’d camp out in our family room, blankets

as my mind begins outlining all of the values that I was

and pillows sprawled across the carpet, bowl of cereal

Chip In by Marilyn Gonzalez

Be polite

involve Daniel to help me make natural cleaning products.

Respect elders

This past weekend he learned how to measure and mix

Respect authority figures

the amounts needed to make a cleaning solution out

Be kind

of vinegar, castile soap, water, and tea tree oil. We then

Be loving

labeled the bottle and he happily began spraying our

Be thankful

kitchen, while Mia toddled behind him wiping the residue

Be educated

off anything he had finished wiping.

Be proud of your heritage Appreciate music

So, although on the surface, my parent’s philosophy of

Be accepting

cleaning may seem mundane and old fashioned, at its

Count your blessings

core it has instilled values of honor, family, and helping

And the list continues...

that I still carry with me today. Taking these values and using them to educate my own children is empowering

In true Figueroa fashion, I have begun the tradition of

and not scary at all.

Saturday morning cleaning with my children, AKA, help your family and chip in. (Mami and Papi would be so

Marilyn is a devoted wife and mom, a full

proud). We get up, have breakfast, chat, and then begin

time nurturer, and optimist. Passionate

cleaning. Our routine is adjusted obviously because

about improving the health of her family

my little ones are just that, little. They mostly imitate me by taking a wash cloth and wiping anything they see. This is what we lovingly call the “Clean Up” game.

after her son’s immune system was compromised, she began a transformational journey towards holistic health which she documents in her blog www.holisticish.blogspot.com.

But it is also one of the powerful ways I can positively

A member of the Middlesex County HMN, Marilyn resides in New

influence them, even if by just imitation. I decided to

Jersey with her husband David, their two children Daniel and Mia

also make our cleaning into a science lesson and now

and their chihuahua Laila.

be “clean & green”

on the inside

by Amy D. Cohen, BFRP

We want to do all we can to live green for our earth, for our environment, and for our children. But what about living green, or clean, on the inside? There are some great ways to keep our bodies healthy, mentally and physically, and all easy to find in your local health food store. You may have never heard of the following, but their benefits are outstanding and worth learning for your family’s holistic health!

Flower remedies.

For our emotional well being.

Flower essences are very healthy for us, our children, and our pets. They are quite powerful, yet work so gently! They changed my life so intensely that I became a practitioner and travel all over the world to learn about and bring back the most incredible remedies. The remedies I recommend in this article, you will find at your local health food store. Flower remedies work to reverse the emotional and behavioral issues that don’t serve us in a positive way. They work on children’s issues such as tantrums, biting, bedwetting, night terrors, fears, trauma, etc. If you or your children need a boost of confidence or self esteem, there are essences for those issues as well. Changes can be seen rather quickly! Watch flower remedies take a 20 minute tantrum down to a 1 minute cry within a very short time! These are the remedies that I started with in my pantry. I have hundreds now!

Here are some to reach for: Rescue Remedy: To help calm an immediate trauma, acting out, or fighting Rock Rose: Night terrors or any terror Larch: Confidence Mimulus: Known fears Elm: Stress Cherry Plum: To control, rational behavior, be it us or our kids!

Cell Salts.

For our physical and emotional well being.

There are 12 cell salts that are used on a regular basis. You can also purchase “bioplasma” which is a mixture of all 12 for daily health. They are simple mineral combinations, or salts, which Dr. William H. Schuessler of Oldenburg, Germany, believed to be crucial to the health of the body. A great reference book to use is “The Biochemic Handbook”, this book focuses on how to get well and keep fit with biochemic tissue salts. It’s a thin book and very easy to use! Cell salts are easy to take, sweet tasting, and they melt in your mouth. If you have the beginning of a cold, growing pains, diarrhea, headache, teeth issues, gastric issues, etc. think of cell salts. They can even clean the blood! The book gives you the ailment and cell salt to use. It also has a section for animals as well. I attribute cell salts to the cessation of pneumonia for my son who had it twice by 18 months old.

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE).

This is for our

physical well being. I like the liquid as I feel it is more potent than pills. GSE is considered a natural antibiotic. I don’t use it with small children as it is very bitter, but I love it for older

kids and adults. I reach for it for any type of infection, if I am

Amy D. Cohen, BFRP, is a Flower

beginning to get sick, or not feeling myself and it is always in

Remedies Practitioner and Teacher

my travel bag. I use it for so many different ailments and you

focusing on emotional healing special-

can use it for cleaning your fruits and vegetables! There are many books you can find that are easy reading and reference

izing in autism, PTSD and living stress free. She is an accredited teacher for Australian Bush Flower Essences and

books which outline the different ways of using Grapefruit

received certification from Bach Flower

Seed Extract.

Education in NY, affiliated with Bach Centre in England. She studied homeopathy for three years with

Keeping these products in your pantry is a great arsenal against sickness and disease, emotionally and physically! Once you start using them, they will become part of your life, part of your green living! Copyright ÂŠ2012 holistic moms network

NY School of Homeopathy affiliated with School of Homeopathy in England. She is one of six Registered Practitioners in the State of New Jersey. She maintains a consulting practice in New Jersey and does telephone consultations worldwide. She can be reached at 800-474-1667 or www.strongestminds.com. 41

the

givingtree

by Carissa Cox

Our Giving Tree I read Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree to my son’s kindergarten homeschool class today. Then we created our own Giving Tree! I read the story to them. I asked them what the tree gave to the boy. They drew their answers on the leaves and apple paper cut outs I had made. Then, we attached it to the bare branches I had brought in.

I asked them what other things do trees give us?

(I got a big branch from outdoors and set it in a tub with Plaster of Paris.)

I shared some quick facts with them: 1. Did you know an average tree can provide enough wood to make 170,000 pencils? 2. Did you know 2 mature trees can supply enough oxygen for a family of 4? 3. Did you know a mature tree removes almost 70x more pollution than a newly planted one? And finally, I asked the children what could we give the tree in return? They cut paper and we hung their gifts up with ribbon on our Giving Tree.

Love

Protection

A Bird to keep the Tree company

Life Carissa is a passionate Mama in the Kitchen. She believes in fresh, organic, local/in season, unprocessed Vegan food. A Culinarian with cooking school, restaurant and catering backgrounds, she is also a certified Ayurvedic Nutrition Therapist and co-author of Yoga for Cancer: Esoteric, Yogic and Dietary Remedies. Her family believes they are healthier both short- and long-term because of the addition of

Friendship more and more unprocessed and unadulterated Vegan foods into their diets. Through her blog, she hopes to share information with

I left our class feeling how wise all these children already are.

other parents on how to create a disease-free, healthy life by adding more raw fruits and vegetables into their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diets.