Green Your Period | Sckoon Cup Review

This post is for the ladies! Men, nothing here to see, move on now. 

Ladies, I want to introduce you to something that changed my life for the better. What if I told you there is an alternative to conventional feminine care products that saves you lots of money and contains no toxic chemicals? It's more comfortable than tampons or pads, can be worn up to 12 hours, and is made in the USA. SckoonCup is all of the above!

At first I tried a different brand menstrual cup a few years ago that was made out of natural rubber, and while I enjoyed saving money, it felt much too rigid and I has issues with leaking, so I needed backup. Fast forward to three months ago when I received a SckoonCup, I love that it's made of soft and flexible medical-grade silicone! Squishy, folds easily, and you literally cannot feel it at all when it's in. 

With the previous cup I had, it took me about 4 months to get used to and figure out how to put it in correctly. It was rigid and hard to fold. It took me two cycles to get the hang of SckoonCup primarily because I was inserting at the wrong angle during the first cycle. Now it's easy and second nature! The directions on the insert help immensely, make sure to read it.

Thankfully being pregnant and breastfeeding gave me a whole five years without menstruation, but now the size 2 SckoonCup is perfect for those not-so-fun days. I love that I don't have to run to the store to buy anything like bleached feminine care full of dioxins and toxic fragrances! I really like the smooth outer curve of SckoonCup as well as the fact it's made from medical grade silicone, not to mention it's actually cute! I always carry the little pouch in my purse, just in case. Oh, and love, love, love that it doesn't come from China and is made right here in the good ol' US of A. 

So far I've never run into a situation where I've had to change empty a SckoonCup in a public restroom, I love that it can be worn up to 12 hours - it's worth its weight in gold for a female wedding photographer! Shooting a photo session or a wedding I can't exactly run to the bathroom at the end of the ceremony - I've got group photos and bridal photos to photograph, every moment counts! SckoonCup is absolutely perfect for that. It gives me the time I otherwise would have to scramble to find a restroom. Along with my roll-with-the-punches attitude, it enables me to give couples the best experience on their wedding day - and nobody has to know about it! It's my little secret!

SckoonCup comes in two sizes, for those who have never given birth and those that have given birth vaginally. Sckoon also offers organic cotton cloth pads for any backup needs or if you like to have a reusable alternative. So what are you waiting for?! You've got to try SckoonCup - I think you'll love it and your new-found freedom! Get a 10% discount when you use our referral code VYBUMR.

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Disclosure: Thank you to SckoonCup for providing samples of the products mentioned in this post. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of the Green Moms Network, and the content and opinions expressed here are 100% my own. May contain affiliate links, your purchase helps offset the time and energy we pour into this website at no cost to you!

10 Best Low-Hazard Sunscreens & Smart Sun Exposure Tips

Sun phobia has been cleverly marketed over the past twenty years or so. It's unfortunate that the belief that sun causes cancer is more widespread than the fact that sunscreens are loaded with carcinogens. Yes, we absolutely must be careful with our sun exposure - sunburn is never, ever good for you and raises your risk of skin cancer. But that doesn't mean we should slather ourselves and our children with highly toxic, chemical sunscreens that only exasperate the problem. 

What do we do here at Eco-Babyz? Many of you asked, so I'm here to answer even though almost half the summer has passed! Here is how we do our best to avoid sunburn all summer long, yet get plenty of healthy sun exposure to optimize natural vitamin D levels.

• Embrace the shade: I don't know about you, but on a hot sunny day we want to be in the shade. Maybe because we have no pool and don't live on a lake, but I digress. To avoid sunburn and overheating, staying in the shade when possible is just common sense. When out in the sun for prolonged periods, take frequent breaks to cool down and re-hydrate in the shade and apply more sunscreen. 
• Wear sun hats: The delicate skin on your child's face tans faster than other body parts, make it a habit of wearing light colored sun hats on sunny days. If it's really hot, dunk it in the water before going outside and put it on damp! We particularly love the fast drying, always good looking, and easy laundering hats like this one and this one. 
• Drink lots and lots of water: There is nothing worse than sun exposure + dehydration! All parts of our body, every cell, and your skin need water to function properly. You will never see us outdoors in the summer without plenty of water for the kiddos and I. We rely on these stainless water bottles because they are the only ones so far that I've found leave no weird taste in the water and don't accumulate mold, love them! They come in different sizes too, the kids love the 16.9 oz ones. 
• Apply sunscreen when we know we will be in direct sunlight for more than half an hour: My kids and I tan easily, so I know how long we can be in the sun without damage. This timeline may differ for you and your kids, you may need to apply sunscreen if you now you'll be out in the sun longer than 15-20 minutes. Which brings us to...

Which low-hazard sunscreen do we choose? We love these carcinogen free, non-nano zinc based sunscreens and use some of them sparingly when needed, we never go through more than a tube in the summer (maybe because we don't live on the beach or vacation frequently!). Though I think that may change since we've just discovered an amazing lake near us, and it's free! Here they are in approximate order of value for the amount in package, cheapest to most expensive (prices current at time of publishing this post)...

1. Neutral Skin and Hair Mineral Sunscreen Water Resistant 80 mins | SPF 33 | 8 OZ | $11.99 | EWG Hazard Score: 1

2. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive | SPF 30+ | 5 oz | $16.39 | EWG Hazard Score: 1

3. ThinkSport Kid Safe Sunscreen Thinkbaby Livestrong | SPF 50+ | 3fl oz | $12.69 | EWG Hazard Score: 1

4. Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, Tangerine & Vanilla | SPF 30 | 2.9 oz | $15.99 | EWG Hazard Score: 1

5. Sunology Sunscreen Kids | SPF 50 | 2.1 oz | $14.99 | EWG Hazard Score: 1

6. TruKid Sunny Days Sport Plus Water-resistant UVA/UVB Sunscreen Lotion, Unscented | SPF 30 | 2 oz | $14.99 | EWG Hazard Score: 1

7. Sweetsation Sun'n'Fun Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen for Kids with Antioxidants, Marshmallow and Chocolate | SPF 30 | 3.3oz | $17 | EWG Hazard Score: 1

8. BurnOut KIDS Broad Spectrum | SPF 35 | 3.4 oz. | $17.99 | EWG Hazard Score: 1

9. California Baby Sunscreen Lotion, Everyday/Year Round, Water Resistant | SPF30+  | 2.9 Ounce | $22.25 | EWG Hazard Score: 2

10. Badger Plus Sunscreen All Season Face Stick Unscented | SPF 35 | 0.65 oz | $8.79 | EWG Hazard Score: 1

Want to find out how your sunscreen is rated? Check out the EWG 2014 Sunscreen Guide.

What's your favorite non-toxic sunscreen?

Contains affiliate links to where we usually shop, your purchase supports Eco-Babyz at no extra cost to you and helps offset some of the cost associated with pouring our time and energy into this site. Thank you!

Toxin-Free Alternatives to Antibacterial Triclosan Soap

I'm glad I've learned about this years ago and now finally this knowledge is slowly becoming mainstream. If you use conventional soap and toothpaste, it very likely contains triclosan -  a chemical that kills bacteria but has structural similarity to thyroid hormones, thus having the ability to alter growth and development in wildlife and humans. 

Of course as with thousands of other unregulated chemicals on the market, we simply don't know what the impact on humans will be in the long run. It often takes years for research to come around. Meanwhile, we don't really need proof when it's already apparent that the environmental toxic assault on the human body is far greater than it ever was (think GMOs, vaccines, pesticides, geoengineering, and chemicals in all items we use every day). Little by little, it pays to switch to natural products for the sake of your family's long term health. 

So if half the soap aisle in your local store is filled with toxic triclosan, and the other half with other unwholesome chemicals you don't want your family's skin absorbing - what's a mom to do?! Thankfully there are many alternatives! You're not the first to be looking for safe skin care products and there are a lot more options today than say 10 years ago. Well, 200 years ago all the options were natural and without man-made chemicals!

Here are ten options we've found that will leave your little ones clean - but without unneeded toxins, all of these rated 0 to 2 on Skin Deep Database:

CleanWell  |  This brand creates an array of botanically based soaps and sanitizers without harmful chemicals, based on a natural thyme oil formula that disinfects without harsh man-made additives.

River Valley Soap  |  A great Etsy find of natural certified organic soaps in a variety of essential oil fragrances such as citrus lavender, lemongrass tea, oatmeal spice, and peppermint leaf.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Pure Organic Citrus Orange  |  Long name, short and sweet ingredients list. Plus a great price for the amount you're getting. Organic, nourishing, moisturizing ingredients for gentle cleansing.

Hugo Naturals Foaming Hand Soap, Vanilla and Sweet Orange  |  Looking for something extra yummy? You might need to convince your kids not to eat it! Pure ingredients with botanical extracts.

The Clean Soap Co.  |  Some great bar soap made in South Carolina out of pure, local ingredients and irresistible scents like cucumber aloe melon,  peppermint fields, sandalwood, and pear & redwood tres leches.

Deep Steep Foaming Handwash, Grapefruit Bergamot  |  Luxurious cleanser without chemical preservatives, organic extracts leave skin feeling soft and smooth; pleasant, non-lingering scent.

Soap for Your Soul  |  A huge variety of handmade vegan soap made in small batches. Some of it looks more like artwork! How about some passionfruit guava, mandarin mimosa, or herbal vanilla?

Aubrey Organics Nourishing Sea Buckthorn Bath Bar  |  Sea buckthorn oil is antioxidant-rich, cleaning gently, protects skin, long-lasting, pleasant light smell, vegan, and great for those with very sensitive skin.

Desert Essence Tea Tree Liquid Castile Soap  |  Made with organic tea tree oil, this vegan cleanser has many uses besides washing hands. Works great with a foam pump!

Out of Africa Organic Shea Butter Hand Wash  |  A moisturizing hand soap without parabens, every purchase also helps provide medical care and education to children in West Africa. Available in lemon verbena or lavender scent.

Add your favorite non-toxic, triclosan-free soap in the comments below! 

Contains affiliate links to where we usually shop, your purchase supports Eco-Babyz at no extra cost to you and helps offset some of the cost associated with pouring our time and energy into this site. Thank you!

How is YOUR Underwear Made? {Lazy Glamour Kickstarter}

Do you know that regular underwear is full of toxic pesticides, chemicals, and dyes from production? Not to mention it is mostly made by underpaid and overworked slave-like laborers in third world countries. If that's something you don't want to support, you'll love what I'm about to tell you!

What if I said that there is a new line of amazing, non-toxic, U.S. sourced and made undies that are ridiculously flattering, made from sustainable fabric, and feel like you don't even have them on? Yes, that's Lazy Glamour. You may remember I previously wrote about them. Yes, still wearing them and they are like new, the most comfortable undies I have ever owned in my life!

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, a video even more, and so much time and effort has been put into this project already, watch this short video - I think you'll love this!

Pretty awesome video, isn't it?! So if you really want to say no to pesticides, chemicals, dyes, and supporting cheap labor - it would be immensely appreciated if you could contribute to the Lazy Glamour Kickstarter campaign. Any little bit counts! If $5 is all you have, we will be thrilled! But, there is something in it for you too if you can pledge a bigger amount - here is what you'll get:

$25 or more pledge: One pair of Lazy Glamour underwear and logo vinyl sticker

$38 or more pledge: Two pairs of Lazy Glamour underwear (retail value of up to $48) and logo vinyl sticker

$50 or more pledge: One pair of Lazy Glamour underwear and super-soft Lazy Glamour logo tank (retail value of up to $48), and logo vinyl sticker

$80 or more pledge:  Five pairs of Lazy Glamour underwear (retail value of up to $120), and logo vinyl sticker

$275 or more pledge: Design your own print for Lazy Glamour AND get 10 pairs of your own design (Great for sororities, organizations, and clubs).

$5,000 or more pledge: See what this gets you on Kickstarter! 

Without your support it is impossible to launch Lazy Glamour into the mainstream market and to create enough stock to approach distributors and retailers. As you know, keeping sourcing and manufacturing in the U.S. isn't cheap.

I know many of you reading this are mothers! So I feel like you should know that Kristina, the creator and driving force behind Lazy Glamour is just a mom like you and I. Supporting this Kickstarter campaign directly supports a mother's entrepreneurial dream - not to mention it creates U.S. jobs and contributes to the 'green economy' in a tangible way.

Pledge to support Lazy Glamour Kickstarter!

Connect with Lazy Glamour on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest 

Disclaimer: I am receiving product/compensation in return for promoting this Kickstarter campaign that I am truly proud of supporting because it aligns with everything we believe here at Eco-Babyz and we really wanted you to know about it!

Naturepedic | Interview with Founder Barry Cik

Tomorrow will mark the beginning of our 5 Year Blogiversary celebration and giveaway event! Naturepedic is our premier event sponsor and we are bringing you this exclusive interview with the company's founder - Barry Cik. 

1. What inspired you to create Naturepedic? 

About ten years ago my wife sent me to a baby store to buy a crib mattress (and a few other items) for our first grandchild. I am a Board Certified Environmental Engineer, a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, a Diplomate Forensic Engineer (entitled to testify in court as an expert witness) and author of an environmental textbook. So I know something about chemicals. After examining the baby mattresses in the store, I realized that they contained nasty plasticizers, flame retardants, pesticides, and more. I came home without a purchase and told my wife that I’d rather that our grandchild slept on straw like my grandfather did, than on the materials that I saw in the store. One thing led to another, and here we are.

 2. What were the most important factors that contributed to your business success?

Education. At first, no one would believe that a baby mattress could contain potentially harmful chemicals. People just needed to open their eyes and pay attention. We educated and people are opening their eyes.

 3. Do you spend more time working in your business than you did when you were employed by someone else? 

I’ve essentially never been employed by others, at least not in the past thirty years. I’ve always charted my own course.

 4. What is the biggest misperception people have of you? 

They think that I’m a nutty professor type. Not at all.

5. Why do your customers select you over your competitors?

 People aren’t stupid. When you show them the difference, and explain the issues, they get it.

 6. How does Naturepedic contribute locally to the community? 

We donate all materials that we’re unable to use, plus all returned products, to the Amish. They have large families and are able to put everything to good use.

7. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to create a kid and parent friendly business? 

Moms want straight answers. Provide a good product, stand behind it, and don’t give people a hassle. The public acknowledges it.

8. What are you most thankful for in your life?

The ability to raise a family in the USA. My parents suffered in order to get here. I appreciate what they did for me, and I try to continue that love to my family and to everyone who I encounter.

Connect with Naturepedic on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

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Come back tomorrow and see what awesome prizes from Naturepedic and nine other sponsors we will be giving away as a "thank you" to our readers. There will be 3 winners!

Eco-Babyz 2013 Holiday Gift Guide: HOME & FAMILY

We have presented the Baby and Kids Gift Guides last week, today we're bringing you some hand picked goodies for Home & Family. There are some great unique gifts here that are versatile either for your own family or for those living near and far. These are products and services we stand behind and recommend based on our own experience or that of people we know. Some of these are economical, some are a splurge, but all of them worth the price tag. Feel free to let us know what other Home & Family gifts you have in mind in the comments!

Have kids? Check out the BABY Gift Guide and the KIDS Gift Guide! 

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MINTED

Do you have a new addition to the family? Loved ones far away that you would like to keep in touch with? You should check out Minted for their huge selection of custom stationary and options for keeping relatives and friends in the loop. They have adorable holiday birth announcements that are perfect if you've had a baby within the past few months. Their selection of Christmas photo cards is amazing, you'll find something to suit virtually any style. Not to mention other options like photography and art prints, custom notebooks, journals, and stationary. 

The cool thing about Minted is that all their products are designed by independent artists and designers and anyone can submit a design for the Minted community to vote on and add to the line-up. Pretty neat, isn't it?!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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MY ORGANIC HAVYNN

Have you ever wanted to give someone a gift basket only to discover it's full of toxic, chemical filled products? You would love My Organic Havynn natural and organic gift baskets! They have a basket for nearly every occasion that's thoughtfully filled with GMO-free, cruelty free, fair trade, organic and/or completely natural products. The gift baskets have sustainable packaging and the enclosure cards are made from earth-friendly seeded paper that when planted, will bloom with wildflowers! They carefully choose everything they place in these gift baskets and work with many brands we have previously featured here at Eco-Babyz. This gift shop is sweetly named after the founder's daughter.

Website | Facebook | Twitter 

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NOPLASTIC.CA

I'm sure you remember we've worked with NoPlastic.ca on many occasions. We love and still daily use the glass container, non-toxic diamond coated non-stick pan, and stainless ice cubes. If you know someone who has been putting off the switch from toxic plastic food containers to glass, stainless, or other safer alternatives - NoPlastic.ca has great options for healthy food storage. I absolutely love their selection of leak-proof food storage containers that can be so hard to find!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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NIELSEN-MASSEY

For the person on your list that enjoys baking, Nielsen-Massey offers a variety of high quality vanillas and flavors that infuse baked goods with delectable aromas. These pure vanilla extracts are made to the highest of standards and simply cannot be compared to the artificial vanilla flavoring you usually find in stores. In fact, I use their organic vanilla every week when I bake cookies and pies! We have both reviewed their products and have bought them locally on several occasions. I highly recommend Nielsen-Massey good for the baker on your list!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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SUN OVEN

If you've got someone on your list who loves the outdoors or likes to save money and be eco-friendly, this splurge worthy gift would really amaze them! The All American Sun Oven allows you to cook food harnessing the free power of the sun. It is used all over the world where access to electricity isn't feasible or available. The All American Sun Oven with Preparedness and Dehydrating Package makes it easy to naturally dry vegetables, fruits, meats (jerky!), herbs, and fish. Great for poultry and roasting, heating water, and even making breads or cakes. It's something that can even be life-saving in an emergency!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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BLURB

Want to give a gift you created? Maybe you want to give the grandparents a photo book of your family's favorites from this year? Maybe you've finally decided to take the plunge with a Family Cookbook that everyone has been begging you to make? Blurb is THE place to make these dreams come true. It's so easy to make a book with the tools they provide, it can be anything you can dream up and you're only limited by your imagination!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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BERKEY

Clean water is a great gift for any family, including your own. Berkey is considered to be on of the top water filtration systems in the world and rightfully so. These stainless steel water filters remove contaminants from your tap water such as chlorine, fluoride, pharmaceuticals, and even viruses. It's a big investment for your family's health. The Berkey comes in various sizes and is priced from $230 to $325. 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
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We hope you enjoyed the Baby, Kids, and the Home & Family Gift Guide, come back later this week for the For Her Gift Guide. 

Please do share your gift ideas below!

Disclaimer: I received some compensation or product in return for featuring some of these brands. Contains affiliate links to where we usually shop, your purchase supports Eco-Babyz at no extra cost to you and helps offset some of the cost associated with pouring our time and energy into this site. Thank you!

Bambo Nature: The Best Eco Disposable Diaper

As you know, we are a cloth diapering family. When we travel however, I prefer disposables simply because as is, I have enough things to worry about when going places with kids. My problem was finding a disposable diaper that doesn't contain toxic chemicals, that can handle a blow-out, and one that isn't made by a huge corporation with too many wrongdoings on their list. 

So in short,  I set out to find the best disposable diaper on the planet. Guess what? I found it! You've seen me mention it before, but now I'm devoting an entire post to it! Have you heard of Bambo Nature? That's my little guy Baby T wearing one above during a hotel stay. You can kind of tell it's full, the kids were frolicking in bed when they woke up and I snapped some photos before changing him. 

Performance wise, this is the kind of diaper you don't have to change the first second in the morning so it doesn't leak everywhere. Never a wet sheet or pajamas in sight. In fact, just to illustrate my point, recently my 21 month old slept in one for 12 hours and I left for an appointment in the morning forgetting to change the diaper, the kids stayed with hubby. Of course he thought I changed it! So I come back and the diaper has been on Baby T for a total of 18 hours!!! No leaks, no rash, no chemical stink. M-I-R-A-C-L-E!

Maybe the average big brand diaper can perform like that? Maybe. But it would be pumped full of toxic, carcinogenic chemicals and they cannot claim is this:

• Guaranteed and third-party certified 100% free of dangerous chemicals and all known allergens
• No chemicals are used during raw material sourcing and production, which guarantees there is no water or air pollution when converting trees to wood pulp or similar activities
• No additives, guaranteed to contain no allergens - i.e. dyes, inks, latex, glue, odor eliminators, perfumes, essential oils, preservatives, plant extracts, lotion, moisturizer, etc. 
• Manufactured in Denmark with machines owned and operated by the company unlike other brands in undisclosed factories and countries
• Holds the Nordic Swan Eco-label, the FSC label, Asthma and Allergy Association label, the rare ISO 14004 Certification (all waste is reused, under 2 % waste produced), and the company has signed the UN Global Impact.
• Awarded #1 Best Diaper in the US by BabyGearLab.com and rated the most Eco-friendly diaper at EthicalConsumer.org
• 95% commercially compostable
• All ingredients are disclosed
• Made by Abena, an open and transparent company that's audited and investigated

In fact, as I was digitally combing through the stack of files and certifications provided to me by the wonderful people at Bambo Nature, I wondered how other disposable diaper manufacturers have the audacity to claim their diapers are 'green' or 'Eco-friendly' - with nothing to show for it. Really, it's all just claims with no proof and many so called 'green' disposables are anything but! I saw the comparison chart of the top 8 'natural' or 'green' disposable and Bambo Nature certainly blows them all out of the water in terms of ingredients and allergens. Now I certainly see why Baby E, before we started cloth diapers, had a horrible rash from one of the popular 'Eco' disposable diapers. Oh, not to mention Bambo Nature is one of only two disposables that can claim to be GMO free.

Bambo Nature are not the cheapest disposable diapers, and they have every reason not to be. In fact I'm amazed they aren't more expensive! Since we use them sparingly, we go through a package of 50 diapers every 2.5-3 months. I buy a 3 pack (150 diapers) on Amazon for an average of $70. If you do the math, it ends up to be $0.47 per diaper for the older version. Depending on the size, package, and where you are purchasing, you're looking at $0.42 to $0.57 range per diaper. 

So while we love our cloth diapers and have been faithfully using them despite battles with hard water and ammonia stink, we are sticking with buying Bambo Nature for travel and visits to grandparents. For us, it is easy to justify the price of these diapers considering it's the only one that is free of toxic chemicals and will stand up to an entire night for a heavy wetter baby boy - and then some!

Next week we'll be giving away a case of Bambo Nature diapers valued at over $80!

Check out the Bambo Nature website

Purchase Bambo Nature diapers in their store, on Amazon, or from Diapers.com

Connect with Bambo Nature on Facebook and Twitter 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bambo Nature. Opinions are genuine and 100% my own, I only share products I love and believe in with my readers!

Contains affiliate links to where we usually shop, your purchase supports Eco-Babyz at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Nestle Thinks Water Is Not a Human Right

Gerber, Toll House, Nescafe, Stouffer's, Lean Cuisine, Juicy Juice, PowerBar, Poland Spring, Jenny Craig, DiGiorno. What do all those brands have in common? They are all owned by Nestle, one of the largest food giants in the world. 

I'm not even going to talk about the fact that most of their products contain toxic GMOs, if that wasn't bad enough. 

What's more disturbing is the mind set of the former Nestle CEO and current Chairman. Apparently he is convinced that water is not a human right and it should be privatized.

I'll let that sink in for a moment.

No living thing can survive without water. Your body composition is about 50 to 75 percent water. Who in their right mind would say "The one opinion which I think is extreme... is declaring water a public right. That means as a human being you should have a right to water. That's an extreme solution." Excuse me sir, if anything is extreme, it is your assumption that you should own all the water in the world.

I'll just let this video do the talking. My jaw dropped at how ridiculous the claims of this man are and how deceiving this video is. If you're pressed for time, you may start at the 2:00 mark to get right to the point.

So what would happen if water would be owned by huge corporations raking in the wealth? I think it's terrifying to even imagine. I do hope that for the average person, it's easy to see through the lies of such men. 

Nestle, of course, has been making headlines for decades with issues from child labor abuses (in the making of your much loved chocolate bars) and WHO code violations, to destroying sources of tourism and possible ties to murders of trade unionist in Columbia.

In 2001, Nestlé faced criticism for buying cocoa from the Ivory Coast and Ghana, which may have been produced using child slaves.[58] According to an investigative report by the BBC, hundreds of thousands of children in Mali, Burkina Faso and Togo were being purchased from their destitute parents and shipped to the Ivory Coast, to be sold as slaves to cocoa farms.

So next time you reach for the jar of Gerber baby food or a Kit Kat bar, think hard before supporting such human rights abuses (or GMOs). Your money is better off elsewhere, supporting small family-owned companies, local farmers, and maybe even seeds for growing your own. 

What do you think, is water a human right?

Green Your Summer Giveaway Hop {Sun Oven, Paperless Kitchen, Stainless Plates}

We have teamed up with the Blogging Mamas Network and other like-minded bloggers to make sure your grass isn't all that is green this Summer! We're giving away fabulous prizes: the All-American Sun Oven, a Paperless Kitchen Starter Kit, and Stainless Plates for your family.

Each blogger in the Event is bringing readers a great green prize to win.  You have until June 13th to enter, so be sure to hop around to them all and find great eco-friendly products to help you go green! 

While you're hopping, be sure to enter the TWO Grand Prizes for to Green Your Summer for Mom and Baby!  You'll find prizes including a Lunette Menstrual Cup, Amber Necklace and Bracelet Set, a Merino Wool Sleepsack, re-usable Snack Pouches, and earth-friendly Vinyl Wall Decals from Walls Need Love! 

We are giving away two fabulous prize packages! Here is what you can enter to win below:

The All-American Sun Oven: Read our Sponsor Highlight for more information on this amazing, simple-to-use solar cooking oven. 

Paperless Kitchen Kit: Tired of spending money on throw-away products? Upgrade your kitchen to paperless with the Paperless Starter Kit!

Partitioned Stainless Steel Plates: A great alternative to disposable plates to complete your summer barbecue from NoPlastic.ca.  

If you're lost with Rafflecopter or don't know how to use it, check out this 45 second Rafflecopter video, it's simple!

If you like our posts and giveaways, please click to vote for us on Top Baby Blogs and Picket Fence when you have a chance!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eco-Babyz did not receive payment for this post and is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. 

According to Jenny, So Easy Being Green, the Blogging Mamas Network, and the Green Your Summer participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

The All American Sun Oven: Sponsor Highlight and Discount {Giveaway Tomorrow}

Wouldn't it be nice if you could cook, bake, and dehydrate food without paying for or relying on electricity? How about no-mess cooking while camping, after a natural disaster, or in your own backyard so that you don't heat the house in warm weather? I am amazed that all of that is possible with solar cooking - harnessing the immense energy of the sun to cook your food! Today I want to tell you about the unique American-made Sun Oven that is used all over the world. 

Since a video is worth way more than a thousand words, here is everything you may need to know about how the Sun Oven works and how to use it:

The Sun Oven is about the size of a small suitcase, so it is very portable. The simple, one piece design takes the hassle out of solar cooking, which has really need around for centuries. So what are the benefits of using the Sun Oven, here are just some:

• It's free: After the initial investment of buying a sun oven, there is never a need for electricity, fuel, or any type of refills!
• It's easy: You'll use it a couple of times and will be a pro, it works very similarly to a regular oven, so there is no steep learning curve. It's near impossible to burn your food in a solar oven
• Like an oven: It reaches temperatures of 360 to 400 degrees, just like your oven. It's perfect for baking, boiling, and steaming. The temperature inside is even and there is no need to stir the food
• Safe: The Sun Oven is flameproof, it may be used where open flame cooking is prohibited and it is safer around children than an open fire or a grill (of course it's still hot, so advise kids to be cautious!)
• It's Eco-friendly: Using the sun to cook, what can be more resourceful and environmentally sound? No fossil fuels or electricity required!
• Fun for Kids: Get your kids outdoors and making their own healthy snacks! They'll be amazed at the power of the sun and how it can dehydrate fruits and veggies
• Endless possibilities: While the Sun Oven is most appreciated in the event of a power outage, it can be used in so many ways: camping and RVing, in your backyard, boating, at the park, at the beach, traveling in remote regions, living off grid, etc. 

The All American Sun Oven with a Granite Ware Enamel 3-quart Cooking Pot costs $349. There is also one with a preparedness and dehydrating package that in addition includes two loaf pans, multi-fuel water pasteurizing indicator, two easy stack pots with interchangeable enamel and glass lids, and multi-level dehydrating and baking rack set (3 racks with one roll of parchment paper) for $399. Shipping is included in both!

I have two exclusive discount codes for you for $70 off the Sun Oven with preparedness/dehydrating package or $50 off the Sun Oven! Expires June 15th, see details here. (also available on Amazon). 

I think it's pretty obvious the Sun Oven is amazing! Honestly I would have loved to use one and review one myself but we have a less than ideal situation where our condo association doesn't allow us to leave anything outdoors and the shared yard is in the shade, away from direct sunlight, for most of the day. I would probably only use it for camping, but that's something we aren't up to yet with little ones. If we had a single family home with our own yard, I would be all over this thing!

Since the generous folks at the All American Sun Oven had one oven available, I thought it would be perfect to give away to one of my readers! Tomorrow during the Green Your Summer event, you may enter to win the Sun Oven!

Visit All American Sun Oven

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We received no payment or product for this post. All opinions are my own.

'Healthing' With Toxic Chemicals?

I just saw a Lysol commercial on YouTube. My jaw dropped. Not because it was so good but because I'm appalled that a company that makes highly toxic cleaning chemicals would stoop so low to market their toxic products to unsuspecting parents who are trying to make healthy choices. How peculiar that it looks awfully similar to a Seventh Generation commercial from several years ago, going for the same feel of 'natural' and 'good for families'. Number one brand recommended by pediatricians? It certainly shows that they don't have much of a clue either.

"Banish those germs and viruses!" seems to be the horn to toot. But at what cost? Replacing colds and flu with chronic, debilitating, life-altering diseases that result from toxic chemicals is hardly justifiable. 

Do they really think we are that gullible? For starters, let's look at the ingredients in many Lysol products, just in case some of you aren't aware (every Lysol product contains at least one of these in same or similar form):

Benzalkonium Chloride: biocide, preservative and surfactant associated with severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and allergies, especially dangerous for people with asthma or skin conditions such as eczema... Regular use of products containing antimicrobials such as bezalkonium chloride could lead to the development of resistant bacteria in homes and food processing facilities.

Fragrance: Evidence of skin irritation/allergies/damage; acute aquatic toxicity, nervous system effects.

Quarternary Ammonium Compounds, Benzyl-C8-18-Alkyldimethyl, Chlorides: Asthmagen, very toxic to aquatic life, causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

Ethylene oxide: Known to cause reproductive toxicity in females, asthmagen, may cause genetic defects, central nervous system impairment, known to be a human carcinogen.

Those are just a few of the many, many ingredients in Lysol products - and most conventional brand name cleaning products as well.

Of course that's a problem, but the bigger problem is that the use of these toxic products is advertised as 'healthy'!

Not only are we filling our homes with ingredients that cause cancer, asthma, nervous system issues, and skin problems - we are also killing all the beneficial bacteria that is necessary for life and for creating immunity to diseases.

We are creating bubble, 'manicured green lawn' environments for our children where they grow in a sterilized environment and in turn become sick from every little germ they encounter. Is it any wonder that autoimmune diseases are skyrocketing?

Kids need dirt and germs to prevent the development of allergies. We need to let our kids be kids. There are plenty of toxin free alternatives to disinfecting in 'germ breeding' spaces like schools and hospitals. Plus the alternatives are much, much cheaper than brand name cleaning chemicals (think vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, lemons, etc.). These will not promote the breeding of super bugs in our homes, schools, and hospitals.

So what's it going to be Lysol? Will you continue pushing your deceptive marketing on unsuspecting moms? Are you going to be part of the problem or the solution? Why not overhaul your toxic ingredients list instead of pouring money into deceptive marketing?

What about us? As consumers we can vote with our wallet. You know what? Your wallet will thank you because homemade cleaners can be just as effective and much cheaper - not to mention they will not cause cancer or other severe health problems.

Solutions: Homemade Cleaners

Check out your cleaning products on EWG's database

How do you keep your home clean without the use of toxic chemicals? 

What do you think of Lysol's deceiving marketing? Did you know what their products contain?

10 Green and Crunchy Mother's Day Gifts

What? Mother's Day already? Whether you are looking for a gift for a fellow mom, your own mother, or your mother-in-law, we've got ideas. These are great gifts for the health conscious women in your life, from affordable to super expensive splurges - there are many options to fit within your budget. 

1. Eco Non-stick Pan: I use one daily and it's great to know it has no toxic PFOA or PTFE. There are many out there, usually the more expensive the better the quality. I love the ceramic/diamond coated ones, they just don't get scratched! I don't even need to use oil for things not to stick, though I still do for nutrition. Some great options: BergHOFF or Woll. 

2. Stainless Water Bottle: I still see so many people using plastic bottled water with chemicals leaching in. So much healthier and cheaper to use a stainless bottle! My favorite one hands down is the G2V reusable water bottle, no mold, no weird taste or stink, we've had it for over 2 years and it is still like new. This brings us to...

3. Berkey Water Filter: To compliment a reusable bottle, of course you need something to fill it with. The Berkey water filter is hands down one of the best out there and filters out fluoride, chlorine, pathogens, VOCs, heavy metals, and more.

4. Non-toxic Mattress: A toxin free sleeping environment can do a lot for overall health. Help avoid headaches, sleeplessness, and give the gift of resting well. This, of course, is one huge splurge of a gift! By far, Essentia looks like the leader in natural rubber memory foam, but there are other options such as Pure Rest or an organic wool mattress topper from Bio Sleep Concept. 

5. Reusable Lunch Containers: Whether for work, leisure, or travel, reusable stainless or glass containers will make for healthier eating habits without the toxins found in plastic and without the temptation of buying a packages processed lunch. We highly recommend Eco Lunchbox and leak proof stainless containers from Onyx. 

6. Abe's Market E-Gift Card: This online retailer has anything and everything an healthy mom could dream of, so an Abe's Market gift certificate is a perfect gift in any denomination from $15 to $150. They have organic cotton and bamboo clothing, natural and gluten free foods, natural skin care, natural health remedies, and so much more. If you wish to buy a specific gift, use this link for free shipping. 

7. Conscious Box Subscription: Do you know a mom who loves to discover new Eco-friendly, natural, and organic products? Give the gift of a monthly Conscious Box subscription delivered to her door. 

8. Purificup: For a mom who likes to travel or is into hiking/camping, this is a great gift. The Purificup is a portable water filter that uses silver technology to provide drinking water no matter where you are in the world! Water from any lake, river, or stream is now safe to drink without worrying about bacteria or heavy metals. For Mother's Day use code MOM15 through May 12th to get 15% off your purchase. 

9. A Blendtec: No 'real food' kitchen is complete without a high powered blender or a food processor. Yes, quite the splurge of a gift - I sure wouldn't complain if I received one! Our cheap 'just married' blender from almost 7 years ago is on it's last lap. Use code 499955 to get free shipping.

10. Healthy Makeup: It's no secret that the toxins in modern makeup only aid in skin aging. Give the gift of healthy, food and mineral based makeup that results in a natural glow and healthier skin. I'm a big fan of RMS Beauty, Jing Ai, and Emani Minerals. 

Of course your mom would be happy with a few drawings and crafts from the grandchildren, but it's always nice to receive a thoughtful gift!

What ideas do you have for Mother's Day gifts? What would you like for yourself?

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