Uppababy contains Flame Retardants, after repeated claims to the contrary!

Yet another incredibly frustrating, disappointing circumstance. Please read: “I was interested in purchasing an Uppababy stroller after reading that it was free of FRs on the Organic Baby University blog. To be sure, I emailed Uppababy and 2 representatives confirmed that Uppababy strollers were indeed free of fire retardants. I received the stroller and noticed a TB117 label attached to the seat bottom. I was confused as to why this label was on the stroller and reached out to the customer service agents again. I wanted to know why this label was on the stroller and how they were meeting TB 117 without the use of fire retardants and really why they were even applying TB 117 to strollers. One of the representatives I had originally contacted never responded and the other told me that while Uppababy does not add fire retardants under manufacturing, the foam is treated with fire retardants by the supplier!!!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to ask one more Uppababy representative so I asked the question on their facebook page. I posted the question on June 4th and have yet to receive an answer. I posted my question two times.

It’s really disappointing when you think you have found something safe only to learn that you have been deceived. I strongly urge you to ask Uppababy directly by phone, email, and facebook. I am still waiting for my answer on Facebook but if more people post the same question on their Facebook we have a better chance of getting an answer!

My question: I noticed Uppababy strollers have the TB117 label attached to the seat cover. Are flame retardants or water/stain treatments used on the fabric or foam of the seat during manufacturing or by the supplier?”

FDA advises against spray-on sunscreen, for now

“The Food and Drug Administration announced last month that it was investigating the potential risks of spray sunscreens. Of particular concern to us is the possibility that people might accidentally breathe in the ingredients, a risk that’s greatest in children, who—as any parent knows—are more likely to squirm around when they’re being sprayed.” Full article: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2011/07/don-t-spray-sunscreens-on-kids-at-least-for-now/index.htm

My decision to become a Guide with Poofy Organics

https://ecofriendlyusa.poofyorganics.com/

For those who have been on my page any amount of time, you know I recommend Poofy Organics over & over, with recommendations for other lines mixed in, depending on the product being asked about. If you’re new to the page, you can check out my review for Poofy which I shared for the 1st time in May of 2013. You can also scroll through my FB timeline & read past posts from the last year+ to verify that indeed, I’ve been recommending a lot of Poofy Organics products. Why? Several reasons:

1:) The company’s USDA certified organic status ensures 3rd party oversight. Poofy has to buy from a very small list of 5 or so vendors that are approved by the USDA. If one of those vendors is out of an ingredient, Poofy has to wait, not shop around. What is sold must equal what was brought in for ingredients. It all has to add up.  I am one of the toughest critics of ingredient labels you will find. These products are full of organic, safe, and effective ingredients.

2:) These safe, organic products REALLY work. Here’s a recent message to my inbox: “Just to let you know I am obsessed with Poofy’s dish soap and all-purpose cleaner. You are so right!! I have tried so many natural products too and they are the best by far. Thank you again for your recommendations.” I receive many, many similar messages. I feel honored that so many of you take my recommendations & product reviews very seriously. Whether it’s dish soap, nail polish, lotion, make-up, I hear it time & time again: you recommended it, I tried it, I love it!”

3:) In the year+ since discovering Poofy Organics, Kristina (the owner & product creator, AKA Mama Poof) has answered every, single question I’ve had beyond my satisfaction. She actually makes the products herself, so doesn’t need to consult a distant product manufacturer & take 2 weeks to answer my question. She’s a wealth of knowledge, and she gives me complete confidence in her products. Trust is not something I have an easy time with when it comes to companies trying to sell what they consider “natural/safe/organic” products. Trust is earned. She’s earned it!

4:) These safe, natural & organic products are very cost-competitive. There are many lines on the market that are not certified organic, not as safe, not as effective, yet selling at twice the price.

SO, I recommend Poofy over & over. Many of you have tried the products, love them, and place orders directly from the company. I also started a Buying Club which many of you have ordered from, bringing together 25 of my favorite vendors, Poofy being one of them.

Recently, Kristina asked if I’d like to become an affiliate. What does this mean? This means I have my own My Poofy Organics website. By beginning your search there, and placing your order through my link, I received a percentage of your sale. You don’t pay a single cent more. I don’t touch the products. Krisina & her team make & ship them directly to you. I was hesitant at 1st. I don’t want people to think I’m recommending these products because I’m receiving a kickback. It’s the exact opposite. I’m selling these products because I’m recommending them many times a day as is. Denying the chance to earn a little income seems ridiculous. Of course I’d love a little extra income, I’m a work-at-home Mom, and have to be creative to make ends meet! Never in my dreams did I think launching this FB page on a whim, over 2 years ago would lead to any income whatsoever, but it has, so why deny that opportunity?

I know some will be critical of this decision, that’s OK. You can research for yourself the hundreds of lines available & try to find one better & safer than Poofy Organics. You can also shop directly from Poofy Organics website & not cut me in on your sale, that’s fine. You could also see if there’s a Guide (Poofy rep) in your area, maybe another WAHM, and keep your money local, that’s fine. I just want to get this info out there. I’m an honest person who never in a million years thought I’d be getting into sales. But as I’ve said, this is just too good of an opportunity to ignore. So, those of you who place regular, or irregular, Poofy orders, I hope you’ll consider doing so through my link. If you never buy a Poofy product, that’s fine too. Please continue to enjoy the 50+ reviews I’ve done on all sorts of products, and enjoy the huge wealth of information available for absolutely free on my website :) NOW, the very important link to said website. I’m always looking for motivated, educated, organic loving folks to join my team as well: https://ecofriendlyusa.poofyorganics.com/

ALSO, I offer 10% off your 1st order with me. I can’t create my own code, you need to place your order using my link then I send you a rebate via check or PayPal (product total only, tax/shipping excluded, not valid with any other offers). OR I offer free shipping on orders $200+, again, via reimbursement after the order (and again, that’s $200 in product or more).

Questions & comments are always welcome!!
Super awesome feedback regarding my decision here, many assumed I was already doing this! https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=952739534741687&id=397517646930548&comment_id=952920848056889&reply_comment_id=953411498007824&offset=0&total_comments=39

 

Fiestaware tested positive for Cadmium

Tamara who runs the Mislead: America’s Secret Epidemic page tested  a set of Fiestaware &  found them to indeed be lead-free, but not cadmium-free. Here’s a link to the FB post on her wall with lots of questions, comments & her responses:

A sad reminder why buying organic is VERY important!

In case you need a reminder why paying extra for organic is worth every, single penny: ” The Pesticide Action Network recently updated its database that tracks the pesticide residues found on the foods that we eat. For the first time, the group included baby food, and the verdict is grim: A jar of pureed pears contains 26 different pesticide residues, including toxins that are known or probable carcinogens and chemicals that cause developmental or reproductive problems.” Link to full article: http://www.takepart.com/photos/pesticide-residues/?cmpid=foodinc-fb

My plan of attack to lower my Son’s lead level

After having a few days to digest all the info regarding my Son’s lead level rising from a 1 to a 2 over the course of 2 years, here’s my thoughts at this time:

It seems very wise, prudent & rational that I should do everything I can to get that score as low as possible, even though a 2 certainly isn’t cause for panic. He’s a very healthy, smart 3 year old, and I want him to stay that way of course! So, it makes sense to me that I should do my best to eliminate ANY potential source of lead in his/our lives.

–We live in a house built in 1998 so lead paint is not of concern.

–He eats off a stainless steel plate & uses Pyrex glass bowls, but I still will be investing in new dinnerware, as what we have now is a hodge podge of hand me downs from others. I’m looking into, and leaning towards, glass plates & salad/soup bowls made by Anchor (will post what I end up with after I make the purchase).

–The above 2 are some of the most common sources of lead exposure, but there are a TON of other possibilities as to why his number has risen. I’m 99% sure that the bentonite clay in the 2 toothpastes we use daily are not a factor, but as they are known sources of lead, it makes complete sense to me to eliminate them at this time. I have some tooth powder on order (https://www.facebook.com/397517646930548/photos/a.568349859847325.144572.397517646930548/594604927221818/?type=3&theater) that we used before discovering Earthpaste and Poof Organics toddler toothpaste, and my Son really loved dipping his toothbrush in the toothpowder. So I know it won’t be a struggle or an issue at all with his preferences. Also, I can’t wait to see what Poofy Organics has in store for us– Kristina is hard at work on a non-bentonite based adult & children’s toothpaste! I plan to use the toothpowder for 6 months, in conjunction with trying to single out any & every other potential source exposing him to lead. My Baby Girl will be 1 in ~ 6 weeks (hard to believe!), so I’ll be taking her in around that time for her 1st wellness check, which will include a lead test, and I’m curious to see what her number will be. I will continue to use Earthpaste & Poofy myself.

–We have our own well & just had our annual well test. I will be calling them on Monday to verify they checked for lead, the only things they reported back numbers on (or lack of, thankfully) were nitrates & bacteria, so I need to check on this!

–We will be using bentonite clay in our baths to help draw out the lead & any other heavy metals in his/our bodies. Interesting that the same product that concerns some regarding it’s potential lead exposure, is excellent in detoxing from heavy metal exposure.

–After 6 months we’ll get him retested & see what the number is at, and take it from there. My hope is I can get it back down to a 1 or less, and then I’d be totally comfortable re-introducing the toothpaste, and testing again 6 months later. I would never, ever think of doing that if I had concern at all that the toothpaste was unsafe. I’ve heard from several of you who have children who have used either Earthpaste and/or Poofy Organics paste exclusively for the last couple years (when both these really made an entrance in the market) and your children do not have an elevated level whatsoever.  This is very encouraging.

Thoughts, questions, comments, please share…

TONS of info from earlier this week wrapped up in this post: https://ecofriendlyusa.wordpress.com/2014/05/15/lead-in-bentonite-clay-based-toothpaste-is-any-amount-safe/

 

I WAS ON THE RADIO!!!

It was really fun, you should listen 🙂  The overall subject was reducing plastic use in the kitchen, but we touched on a range of subjects. It’s almost an hour long, which flew by for me. I’d love to know your thoughts if you have a chance to listen to it! Here’s the link: https://soundcloud.com/wdrt-news/may-10-2014-whos-in-the-kitchen

Lead in bentonite clay-based toothpaste, is ANY amount safe?!

UPDATE: before you even read this, know that the whole reason this was written was my Son had a BLL (blood lead level) of 2, at the age of 3, after ~18 months of using Earthpaste & Poofy Organics bentonite-based toothpastes. WELL, my daughter, who has never used ANY toothpaste, came back with a BLL of 3 at the age of 1…. I’ve heard from SEVERAL parents who have had their kiddos tested, who’ve only ever used E.paste and/or Poofy, and they have not had elevated levels. It’s a very complex issue, but I’m back to believing that there is no risk involved in using a bentonite based toothpaste. That being said, read on…. 🙂

UPDATE #2, 5/3/16: Both of my kiddos had a vein draw lead test, my 5 & 3 year old came back less than 1, as good as I can hope for in this world we live in! All they’ve ever used for toothpaste has been bentonite-based from Poofy and Earthpaste. And I’ve heard from numerous, numerous others who’ve had test results of less than 1 as well, and who’ve only used bentonite-based as well….

As you all know (or most of you) I’ve been a very firm supporter of Earthpaste & Poofy Organics toothpaste for almost 2 years now. It’s the only toothpaste my Son (now 3) has used, other than a toothpowder for a few months before discovering these other toothpastes that I consider to be a fabulous alternative to fluoride, SLS, titanium dioxide- laden alternatives. Honestly, when I 1st started using them I wasn’t aware of the lead in the clay issue. Had I looked at the elemental analysis of the clay provided by Earthpaste on their website I would’ve seen that yes, it does contain lead, also aluminum, and a host of other elements as it’s gathered from within the earth. The research I did after learning that info all pointed to the fact that these elements were not absorbed by our body, and whole books have been written about how fabulous the clay is, and those who’d taken it as supplements did not have high levels of the elements that would indicate cause for concern. In the recent months Earthpaste has added a Prop 65 warning label, required by the state of CA (although Poofy doesn’t have one), which has resulted in many concerned emails from those new to it. Once everyone reads the info on why the label is there, just about everyone continues to use it without much concern (the explanation here: http://www.earthpaste.com/prop65/). Then someone shared this post by Lead Free America with me (http://leadsafeamerica.org/earthpaste/). Tamara calls out Earthpaste as one of the worst Greenwashers on the market, and you all know I don’t take greenwashing lightly & am on a mission to out green washers myself! You really need to read it for yourself, as well as the comments below, from Redmond, many from myself (both Jessica Brandt & Jess B are me) & from Tamara.

So, after reading her concerns I decided to have my Son tested. He was tested at 1 year & came back with a level 1 which I was told was great, and no concern. We hadn’t been back in since that time, and as I said he’s been using these toothpastes since he was ~18 months old. Also, as many kids do, he eats the stuff right off the brush, sometimes even squirting it right in his mouth from the tube. This never concerned me since all the info I can find on bentonite clay is that it’s great for you. So, the results…. After a year & a half of use, his level is up to a 2, which my doc said should be of no concern and was just fine. Yes, it did go up from a 1-2, but according to everything I’ve read, above 4 is start to be cause for concern, and after doing my own research I found this info which let me know the range can go up to 45 or more and in the 70’s-80’s limits were around 60 (to stay under)! Of course, when we know better, we do better, and there were many issues with levels that high & that is certainly off the charts in our day. This document says at a 0-4 there is very little lead in your system, and 2 is the average, above 10 requiring action: (https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2526.pdf). The CDC states that above a 5 is concerning, that used to be above a 10 (http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/ACCLPP/blood_lead_levels.htm). “In the past, blood lead level tests below 10 micrograms per deciliter of lead in blood may, or may not, have been reported to parents. The new, lower value means that more children likely will be identified as having lead exposure allowing parents, doctors, public health officials, and communities to take action earlier to reduce the child’s future exposure to lead. What has not changed is the recommendation for when to use medical treatment for children. These new recommendations do not change the recommendation that chelation therapy be considered when a child is found with a test result of greater than or equal to 45 micrograms per deciliter of lead in blood. ” (http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/lead_levels_in_children_fact_sheet.pdf)

So, nothing to worry about, right?! Well, not according to Tamara, from Lead Safe America. If you read the comments below her main post, she says I should be concerned with a 2. Here’s her most concerning (to me) comment: “Hi Jessica – 2 is not normal unfortunately – but many think it is. Natural pre-industrial level is a BLL of 0.016. For a child to have a BLL 2 that indicates a specific source of exposure in my book. I tested the redmond clay samples last week and they came in between 3 and 15 ppm, food items are considered toxic at parts per billion and even 3 ppm is not safe. Very not safe. Here’s an article about how a BLL 2 can impact a child. Please seriously consider not using this product anymore. Especially if you live in a newer or lead-safe home – it could be that this is his primary source of exposure. http://www.precaution.org/…/prn_low_level_lead.070712.htm” Her Son has damage from high levels of lead in his past, so I completely understand her mission to inform us & warn us of the dangers of lead. While I continue to research this myself I want to hear from you. What do you know about a level 2, does/would it concern you? Has your child been tested ever- especially interested in those testing after using Earthpaste or any clay based products being ingested?!

Again, I’ve researched this quite extensively & can’t find anything but fabulous remarks about clay being used, many take it as an oral supplement to improve gut health, like probiotics. At this time, we are continuing to use & love our Earthpaste & Poofy Organics (the only certified organic toothpaste made in the US). BUT, I feel this is a decision everyone needs to come to on their own, as with ANY other product. You need to be informed to make that decision, and I want to help facilitate getting ALL the info out there. I am not an expert in this area. If you are concerned, I’d suggest looking into some of the toothpowders available. Jack & Jill is a non-clay based option (made in Australia), but the research I’ve done points to it’s main ingredient, silica, being highly abrasive & to be avoided. I plan to re-test my Son in 6 months, and if the number rises more, I will re-evaluate my use of clay based products.

FOLLOW UP with more info: https://ecofriendlymamausa.com/2014/07/22/what-ive-learned-about-lead/

PLEASE, share your feedback below, or in the FB thread we have started here: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=912142638801377&id=397517646930548 FB thread #2: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=912313912117583&id=397517646930548 FB thread #3: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=915541588461482&id=397517646930548

I’ve learned so much about lead since this post, you can read about many important issues here: https://ecofriendlymamausa.com/2014/07/22/what-ive-learned-about-lead/

EWG’s 2014 Shopping Guide

EWG has released their 2014 Produce Guide, have you taken a look? Apple still comes in as the #1 most contaminated of all, again, several years running. I will never eat nor feed a non-organic apple to my family. And it’s sad as I live in an area known for it’s apple orchards. They’re all conventional except one organic one, owned & cared for by some of the most amazing folks I know, my friends at Turkey Ridge Orchard, here in SW Wisco…

“EWG analyzed pesticide residue testing data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration to come up with rankings for these popular fresh produce items. All 48 foods are listed below from worst to best
(lower numbers = more pesticides)

Note: EWG analyzed pesticide tests of 48 popular produce items. Domestic and imported versions of three items – nectarines, blueberries and snap peas- showed sharply different results, so we have ranked those domestic and imported items separately. As a result, the full list of foods ranked by the Shopper’s Guide displays 51 entries.”

Basic Essential Packages from the Eco-Friendly USA Buying Club

WILL BE UPDATING THIS FOR THE NOV CLUB THIS WEEK.

 

There are hundreds of products available to you outside of the packages I’ve organized below. It’s my hope that getting these basics together will be a start to getting these products into your house & getting you to try some new things too! Deadline to have orders email to me at ecofriendlymamausa@gmail.com is Monday morning the 19th at 6am. Link to entire listing of  25 vendors & all available product: https://ecofriendlyusa.wordpress.com/donations-now-accepted/eco-friendly-usa-buying-club-2/

Beginner sample pack- $20 (will ship in $5 flat rate envelope if this is all you get)

EcoNuts (soap nuts) 10 load sample pack: $4.50
Molly’s Suds powdered laundry detergent samples- 3 packs (enough for 3-6 loads): $2.75
MamaSuds liquid laundry sample 8 oz (2-8 loads) $4
Earthpaste samples: 3 total, 1 of each: Cinnamon, Peppermint, Lemon (Spearmint/wintergreen not available in sample size): $.75
Jess deodorant sample (choose scent: orange, lavender, peppermint, rose geranium, patchouli, unscented): $2
Josiah’s Oils shampoo & conditioner sample pack: $5.40 (2.2 oz each)
Josiah’s Oils automatic or hand dish soap (select which) $1.50

Additional samples available, add on to base price above:

Josiah’s Oils makes numerous products available in trial sizes, in addition to what I listed above. Here’s the link, you can add any of these on for the additional amount noted here: http://www.josiahsoils.com/apps/search?q=trial
Simply Rustic Body Care Sample Bundle:  $12- choose a scrub, body butter & lip balm: http://www.simplyrustic2011.com/shop.html#!/~/category/id=2885861&offset=0&sort=nameAsc
Simply Rustic Face Care Sample Bundle: $13- choose a face food, toner, cleansing oil & facial serum
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SUMMER ESSENTIALS: BUG & SUN PROTECTION

Fiddlebump’s:
Sunburn Soother–$16/ 4 oz jar
Bug Repellent Stick–$11/ 2.65 oz stick
Bug Repellent Spray–$10/8 oz bottle (my top pick for bug spray)
Bug Bite Salve–$10/ 2 oz. glass jar

Josiah’s Oils:

Buying Club exclusive: 1 oz sample of her sun stick- $3.50
Sun lotion– $16.99/ 4 oz. glass jar
Sun stick- $16.99/ 4.5 oz stick– 10% OFF MAY SPECIAL: $15.30
Insect away concentrated drops (to mix your own)–$19.99/ 15ml
Insect Away 2.2 oz bottle $8.99
Insect Away 4.5 oz bottle $15.99

Poofy Organics:
Bug Spray- $10/ 2.8 oz bottle
Sun stick–$11
Sun lotion tube–$14/3.4 oz

MamaSuds
Sun lotion- $10/ 4oz. tube: $1 off MAY SPECIAL: $9 (beeswax version only)
Bug Spray- $8/ 4 oz bottle: $1 off MAY SPECIAL: $7

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MEDICINE CABINET BASIC ESSENTIALS:

Redmond Clay 1st aid cream- $10.34  **NO medicine cabinet should be without this! 10% off MAY SPECIAL: $9.31

Natulo- Ouch Ease hot/cold pack, made from organic cotton with organic rice inside- $20: http://www.natulo.com/Easebags/HeatingBags

Fiddlebump’s Medicine Cabinet: base price $34
Healing Salve- $10/2 oz glass jar
Boo Boo Balm- Fiddlebump’s $4/.35 oz plastic roll-up tube
Tiny Hiney Cream- $10/ 2 oz glass jar
Children’s Respiratory Balm- $9/2 oz glass jar

Additional ideas:
Unpetroleum Jelly- $6/2 oz glass jar
Joint Balm- $10/2 oz glass jar
Skin Food- $10/2 oz glass jar (choose: eczema/psoriasis or problem formula)
Muscle Balm- $12/2 oz. glass jar

Poofy Medicine Cabinet- base price $34
Boo Boo Balm: $10/.63 oz stick in plastic roll-up tube
Tiny Tush Cream: $12/2 oz jar
Vapor Rub: $12/2 oz jar

Additional ideas:
Rub-ology hot & cold healing herbal liniment- $20/4 oz jar
Healing Skin Oil- $22/4 oz spray bottle
Flexitol Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Homepathic wash(7oz) and/or cream(2 oz): $14.99 each

Josiah’s Oils Medicine Cabinet- base price $34
3 pack purse size boo boo sticks (in lip balm tubes) $11.75
Vapor rub-  $7.99/2.5 oz
Congestion Relief concentrated essential oil blend w/ carrier oil- $14.99/15ml bottle

Additional Ideas:
Germ Fighting Thieves Blend- 15 ml bottle, $17.10 (10% off normally $18.99)
Boo Boo Spray- $14.99/ 2.2 oz spray bottle
Vapor Rub XL- $14.99/4-5oz jar
Earth Jelly- $8.99/3.5 oz jar.

*Additionally:
*MamaSuds offers a vapor rub in a 4 oz. glass jar for $10
*Simply Rustic offers a Boo Boo Balm $8/ 2 oz. tin

__________________________________________________

CLEANING ESSENTIALS BY VENDOR:

Fiddlebump’s
All-purpose Cleaner Concentrate: $13/ 6 oz.
Furniture Polish: $7/8 oz

Poofy Organics:
All-purpose Cleaner: $8/ 17 oz. spray bottle
Dish liquid (for hand washing): $12/ 16 oz bottle (what Jess uses & loves for dishes)
Automatic Dishwasher Pods: $12/24 pods

Josiah’s Oils
Concentrated Cleaning Essential Oils (to make your own cleaner): $12.60 (normally $13.99)
Automatic Dishwasher Liquid & All-purpose cleaner w/ Thieves Blend (Jess loves in foaming hand pump): $8/9 oz bottle (also available in samples, and 2 larger family sizes!)
Hand Dishwashing Soap in foaming hand pump: $7/ 8.5 oz bottle (I’m currently testing this, it didn’t make bubbles in my sink out of the bottle, so I’ve been adding it to my rag from the foaming pump- also available as a sample or in large family sizes)

MamaSuds
Castile Soap: $6/16 oz. bottle, can add Essential Oils for $.50 extra each
Toilet bombs: $5.75/10 wedges

The WashCloth Shop
Reusable Swiffer Pads, Shark Pads & Washcloth sets, $6-$7.50/item or set. Comment on this album to claim: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.875016965847278.1073741840.397517646930548&type=3

EcoNuts
Certified Organic: Veggie Wash, Glass Cleaner or Multi-Surface Cleaning Spray- each $6.99/ 10 oz. spray bottle

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