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Beware the Rubber Ducky!

Kate Agarwal - Saturday, June 04, 2011

It is 6 A.M: What is your toxin level?

We wake up, get out of bed, and put on our robe and slippers.  We answer nature’s call, brush our teeth, head into the kitchen for some freshly brewed coffee or tea, grab the paper or the laptop and sit down at the table. Ten minutes have passed since we woke. Exactly how many toxins have we been exposed to?

  • Bed – How was the mattress made? Were chemical glues or adhesives used? Was it sprayed with a fire retardant? What about the memory foam? What exactly is foam made of, anyway?
  • Sheets – Was the cotton used to make them grown organically (grown without pesticides) and manufactured without chemicals?
  • PJ’s – (see sheets)
  • Toilet paper – Were dyes used to make it a special color? Was it processed with chemicals?
  • Toothpaste – According to eHow.com, conventional toothpastes are often made with ingredients such as propylene glycol and titanium dioxide. Propylene glycol is an ingredient found in airplane deicing fluid, and titanium dioxide can be found in paints.  Have you looked at the ingredients in your toothpaste, ever?  Why are we brushing our teeth with toxic chemicals?
  • Coffee maker – Most coffee makers are constructed with plastic.  According to an April 2010 article in Time Magazine by Bryan Walsh, The Perils of Plastic, chemicals like biphenyl A (BPA) and phthalates, which are key ingredients in modern plastics, may disrupt the delicate endocrine system, leading to developmental problems. Several health issues on the rise that could have a chemical connection are:  Obesity, diabetes, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
  • Tea and Coffee – Is the tea/coffee organic? What chemicals were used in the processing of that one coveted cup which has become part of our sacred morning ritual?
  • Coffee cup – (See coffee maker)
  • Newspaper – Inks, dyes and chemicals in the newsprint could be harmful. 

Chemicals breathed in and absorbed through our skin are lurking in places we may not have considered. In the book, “Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things,” authors Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie show us exactly how prevalent toxins are, even in something as innocent as the old standard rubber duck.  We learn as we go along, don’t we?  Sixty plus years ago, when plastic wrap, polypropylene and the like were invented, they were touted as miracle products that would revolutionize the world.  Most of us can agree that plastic has changed the world.  But some say plastic has poisoned the world and has made us all sick (planet Earth included).  Others say it has enabled us to create some pretty amazing inventions.  We agree with all of the above.  There are many important safety products which are made from plastic:

  • Seat belts
  • Bike helmets
  • Infant car seats 
  • Plumbing piping
  • Ball point pens
  • Condoms
  • Shoe soles

Look around your home. Can you imagine life without them? Count the items you can see that are made with plastic. Plastic has indeed changed the world and brought us millions of incredible and useful products, but at what cost?  Our health is suffering because of plastic.  Chemicals leach from plastic containers into our food and drink, chemicals from the plastic-made playground equipment leaches into our children’s skin as they play.  We haven’t even begun to touch on the environmental toll.  The manufacturing process is extremely polluting and utilizes precious fossil fuels.  Plastic sits in landfills. It does not decompose.  Discarded plastic, (beverage bottles, car tires, children’s toys and more), older than you and I, are floating in our lakes and oceans right now.  Yes, thank goodness we learn as we go.  There is much work to be done.

Concerned about toxins and plastic? Here are some ideas:

  1. Use less plastic – Purchase reusable bags (baggies, shopping totes, etc)
  2. Use glass or stainless steel for food
  3. Purchase organic teas, coffees, food (watch for an upcoming blog on the best items to buy organic)
  4. Try organic toothpaste or make your own (Search online for recipes)
  5. Buy organic bedding (Bella & Boo Organics has amazing baby blankets, toys and more!)
  6. Use natural cleaning products
  7. Stay aware and alert.  Become a toxin cop!


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What's Your Bag?

Kate Agarwal - Monday, May 16, 2011

by Elle Fausel

What’s Your Bag?

We used to say this, back in the day. “What’s your bag?” What we meant was, “What’s up with you?" (We were so cool in the 70s!).  Thirty years later, we’re saying it again. “What’s your bag?” But now, we’re saying it and we are not smiling. Plastic bags. They are everywhere...tangled in trees, caught in bushes, and blowing across the park. They plug up sewers and saturate landfills.  Plastic bags do more than spoil the landscape. They kill. According to the Earth Resource Foundation, plastic bags have been found inside the bellies of ocean fish, sea turtles and other animals, across the globe. Plastic is harmful to produce – mostly made of polyethylene - more commonly known as polythene.  Plastic bags are said to take up to 1,000 years to decompose on land and 450 years in water. What’s your bag?  Consider other options! Many forward-thinking companies sell totes that are environmentally friendly. 

Make an Eco-Friendly Lunch. 

Did you know there are also smart alternatives to plastic sandwich baggies that are not just good for the planet but economical too?  Reusable lunch gear is great for your family's budget. You can purchase a set of stainless steel lunch containers or washable fabric pouches and forever eliminate that 1,000 count box of sandwich baggies from your shopping list. Try Snack Taxis, reusable, washable, portable “bags” that work for smaller items like carrot sticks, grapes, nuts, chips, even fruit.  LunchBots are also great and come in several sizes and colors. Search online. One small change can make a big difference.

To summarize:  Tips for avoiding the “bag” and making an earth-friendly lunch.  

  • Wrap food in a clean, cotton cloth (This works for grapes, nuts, and things that won’t dry out)
  • Use a glass or metal container
  • Utilize BPA-free containers (Just Say No to harmful plastic)
  • Purchase Snack Taxis and other people-made reusable lunch gear!
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Chicago's Green Metropolis Fair

Kate Agarwal - Friday, April 15, 2011
We're so excited to be headed to the Green Metropolis Fair in Chicago tomorrow at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox) and even more excited to be a sponsor of this wonderful event!  It will be a fabulous day with great food, fun activities for the family, film screenings, discussions on composting and CSAs and loads of eco-friendly vendors selling their wares.  Please stop by and say hello and do some green-minded shopping!

Here is a link to more info:  http://www.greenmetropolisfair.com/
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Shopping Ethically and Being an Enlightened Consumer

Kate Agarwal - Monday, April 12, 2010
Pause for a moment and consider this: 

Every single purchase you make has either a direct or indirect impact on the environment, human welfare and animal welfare. 

It's true.  One way to shop more ethically or to be a more conscious consumer is to ask yourself these questions before making a purchase:

Was the product grown locally or did it travel thousands of miles to get to me?  Who made this product?  Were they treated fairly and given a decent, livable wage?  What is the impact on the environment from the manufacturing of this product? 

I know, it's not one of the most pleasant topics of conversation but it is important to stop and think about how every purchase we make has an impact on someone, somewhere and most importantly, on the planet that our children will one day inherit.

What are some ways you can be a more conscious consumer?  It's easier than you might think.  According to Shererazade Goldsmith, author of A Slice of Organic Life, here are some simple ideas:

Buy Organic.  Commercial farmers can legally use up to 450 different pesticides.  Pesticides might make your apples look beautiful and spotless but they can be detrimental to your health (not to mention the environment and wildlife).  Conventional cotton farming is responsible for 25% of the world's total pesticide use.  That is a sobering statistic.  Organic foods and organic cotton are safer, healthier and better for the environment.

Buy Local.  Support your local economy and reduce the miles your food and products travel to reach you.  Eating bananas and kiwi in the middle of winter might seem pretty sweet, but consider the carbon footprint made from transporting those imported fruits to your supermarket.  Eating locally grown foods that are in season is healthier and also beneficial to the farmers in your community who depend on your purchases for their livelihood.

Buy Fair Trade.  The term "Fair Trade" means that the product you purchase was made by someone who was paid a fair, livable wage.  Consider for a moment why that $6 t-shirt is selling for such a low price.  It probably cost pennies to manufacture and was made in a factory with poor working conditions and unfair labor practices. 

Reduce Waste.  One easy way to do this is to buy in bulk.  It is often more economical to buy items in bulk and it also requires less packaging--one big pack of something uses less packaging than two smaller packs of the same item.  Choose products made with recycled packaging, use your own bags when choosing your fruits and veggies at the grocery store (or buy them loose) and avoid using plastic baggies when packing your child's lunch.  There are so many reusable food containers on the market these days, there is really no excuse.  My personal favorite are LunchBots.  You can check them out here:  http://bellaandboo.com/_catalog_77292/Gear 

Recycle.  Donate unwanted clothing, books, toys and household items (and anything else, for that matter) to a thrift shop or church.  Reuse glass jars and empty containers for something else instead of tossing them out.  Consider compost--the ultimate type of recycling.  Use your food scraps and used paper products to create beneficial and nutrient-rich "liquid gold" plant food for your garden. 

Reuse.  Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater from your downspouts.  You can use the rainwater to nourish your plants, backyard garden and fill your bird bath.  Rain barrels also save money because you use less water from the household tap.

By pausing to consider how each purchase we make has an impact on the environment, on other people and animals, by making kind choices that benefit our local economy and by recycling and reusing our products, we are being more conscious consumers and ethical shoppers.  And it feels good too!

There is a movement of enlightened consumerism underway....will you join?

Peace and Wellness,

Kate
bellaandboo.com



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You Must Learn to Walk Before You Can Run

Kate Agarwal - Saturday, April 10, 2010
After 30 days of eating a mostly vegan diet, I have realized that it is harder than it seems to completely give up dairy products. Do you want to know the food that I had the hardest time living without?  Cheese.  Not surprising though, as I was born and raised in Wisconsin and have eaten cheese practically on a weekly basis since childhood.  Ice cream was hard to give up, but in the end, cheese was the first thing I caved on. 

Here's what I decided:  I agree wholeheartedly about the numerous benefits of a vegan diet.  I love the fact that as a vegan you are actually saving lives by not consuming animal products.  I love the fact that by being vegan you tread lighter on the earth and are living a more eco-friendly existence.  I also love the fact that a vegan diet is super healthy and is wonderful for your body, mind and spirit.  The most important thing that I decided while on this journey though was that I would be kind to me, and forgive myself if I gave in and indulged in an ice cream cone or a bite of my husband's gooey macaroni-n-cheese.  I found it difficult to quit dairy products cold-turkey and instead realize now that a smarter way of becoming vegan is to ease into it.  I have 33 years of dairy product "programming" that I am rebelling against!  This transition will take a little bit of time. 

If you are considering going vegan, here is my advice: gradually adjust your diet to eliminate animals products.  You will have a much higher success rate than if you abruptly stop consuming them.  Changing a lifetime of eating habits takes time, resolve and determination. Just as going vegetarian was a huge lifestyle change for me many years ago, going vegan is a huge lifestyle change too.  Be kind to yourself as you go on your vegan journey.

By the way, I do still feel A M A Z I N G and am eating about a 95% animal-free diet.  I have more energy that ever before.  I feel lighter, happier and even a little less foggy.  I've increased my whole grains, legumes, vegetables and greens and have made a really conscious effort to stay away from junk and processed foods ridden with chemicals.  My body is getting stronger, healthier and I feel an fabulous overall sense of well-being.

Peace & Wellness,

Kate
Bella & Boo
http://bellaandboo.com
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The Kindest Thing You Can Do

Kate Agarwal - Friday, April 02, 2010
I just finished reading The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone and I am INSPIRED!  This book opened my eyes to the evils of the dairy and meat industries and explained the health benefits of eating a meat-free and dairy-free diet.  Backed by doctors and scientific studies, adopting a vegan lifestyle is not only great for your body and mind, it has wonderful benefits for the planet as well.  Did you know that (aside from being cruel) factory farming is one of the most polluting industries in the world? Whether you are an environmentalist, caring conservationist or just a regular person looking to make a difference in the world, going vegan is one easy thing we can all do to make a positive impact on our planet. How fabulous is that? 

I decided to give it a try a few weeks ago and am thrilled to say it is easier than I thought it would be.  It's been 2 weeks since I became vegan and I feel fantastic!  My skin cleared up, I shed those last few pounds that have been hanging around since the birth of my youngest child and I feel absolutely amazing.  Best of all, I feel really great knowing that I am making a difference in the world.  Aside from the huge personal benefits of living a vegan lifestyle, think of all the lives I'll save this year by not eating meat and dairy!  Check out The Kind Diet.  It's filled with great healthy recipes and a step by step plan on how to transition to a vegan diet.  If I can do it, anyone can. 

I feel A M A Z I N G.  You can too!

Peace,

Kate
bellaandboo.com







 
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3 Easy Ways to Live Greener

Kate Agarwal - Saturday, January 23, 2010
1.  Use a Stainless Steel Reusable Bottle instead of buying single use cans, bottles and throw away drinks.  There are many kinds of reusable bottles on the market today. Tin is weak and will dent and scratch easily.  If you want a long lasting, safe and strong reusable bottle, get one made with 18/8 food grade stainless steel.  Klean Kanteen is a great brand that pioneered the whole "reusable bottle" idea and makes there's only with 18/8 stainless steel.  Bella & Boo carries a variety of sizes of them from toddler sippy cups to large 40oz bottles.  You can view them in our Gear section here:  http://bellaandboo.businesscatalyst.com/_catalog_77292/Gear
   

2.  Use Reusable Bags When Shopping and save a tree and help the earth.  Forget paper bags or polluting plastic bags that the store may provide, bring your own and save a few more pounds of trash from ending up in a landfill.  Envirosax is a company that makes stylish reusable bags for kids and adults.  Why not use a reusable bag for that next trip to the library or grandma's house?  Check out Bella & Boo's collection of cute reusable bags in our Gear section here: 
http://bellaandboo.businesscatalyst.com/_catalog_77292/Gear




3.  Pack Lunches with Safe, Reusable Stainless Steel Containers like those from LunchBots. Skip the plastic baggies, which don't biodegrade in landfills, and send your kids to school with a fun reusable container that you know is safe and good for them.  Made from food grade stainless steel and washes easily in the top shelf of your dishwasher.  Bella & Boo carries a variety of sizes from our smallest "Pico" toddler snack size to our largest "Eco" size.  By packing food in reusable containers you are doing the planet some good (and saving some money as well--bye bye baggies!).  See Bella & Boo's reusable lunch containers here:  http://bellaandboo.businesscatalyst.com/_catalog_77292/Gear




Here's to making more healthy and eco-friendly choices in the New Year! Drop us a line at Bella & Boo or enter your comments below and tell us what you're doing to be more green.  http://bellaandboo.com/

Peace and Wellness,
Kate


bellaandboo.com
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Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful...

Kate Agarwal - Saturday, January 16, 2010
...but here at Bella & Boo things are so delightful! 

I have several new products to tell you about that will keep your little ones warm and toasty on these cold January days.

I've partnered with a great company called Midori Bamboo who makes the most beautiful and luxuriously soft bamboo blankets with satin trim.  These are the SOFTEST and sweetest blankets I have ever touched.  They have quickly become a favorite in our family.  Who knew Bamboo could be so incredibly soft?


Just in time for those cold winter days are these wonderful infant gowns by Kate Quinn.  They have the cutest handmitts sewn in to protect baby and keep her little hands warm.  These 100% organic cotton gowns make diaper changing a snap (and we know how many diapers one can go through during those first few months!).  Available in the brightest and coolest colors, you can shop with confidence knowing that you are getting a top quality product that is pure and safe for your family.



Another new product we're carrying is organic denim jeans for older babies, sizes 12-18 mo and 18-24 mo.  These jeans are eco-friendly, hypoallergenic and great for sensitive skin because they are made from 50% bamboo and 50% organic cotton, by Midori Bamboo.  We are also carrying bibs from Midori in our Gear section that come in three different colors.  These bibs are super soft and machine washable.



Here at Bella & Boo our heart goes out to those in Haiti who are dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake that hit the region earlier this week. 5% of every sale in January will be donated to the Red Cross to provide humanitarian relief to those in need. 

Peace,

Kate

bellaandboo.com




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Happy New Year from Bella & Boo

Kate Agarwal - Saturday, January 02, 2010
The thermometer outside my window reads 2 degrees! 

2010 has sure come in with a bang.  Here at Bella & Boo we have the perfect blanket to keep your little one toasty warm this winter.  We carry a super soft organic fleece blanket with a silk ruffle trim from a company called Robbie Adrian.  These blankets are not only beautiful, they are perfect for snuggling up with your baby or toddler while rocking, reading a story or tucking them in bed.

One of the reasons I decided to carry these blankets in my shop, besides the fact that the organic fleece they use is high quality and made in the USA, is because of the gorgeous silk ruffle trim that each blanket has. I remember when I was a little girl, my favorite blanket of all time was one with white satin trim, because I loved to rub the soft satin between my fingers. It was soothing and comforting to me. I think many children love the feel of soft fabric or satin between their fingers.  With these gorgeous blankets, instead of polyester "satin," the ruffle trim is 100% SILK.  What could be better than that? 

The funny thing is I see the same "blankie love" in my own children.  My 2 year old has a favorite blanket that she insists on sleeping on top of each night (but leaving a corner untucked so that she can hold it between her fingers).  My six year old still has her favorite blanket with the satin trim that she too sleeps with every night. (shhhhh...she'd kill me if she knew this got out).  ;)

Our Organic Fleece & Silk Blankets come in two sizes and are in stock and ready to ship today:  a large 31"x37" size and a small 10"x12" "lovie" size.  You can seem them both at http://bellaandboo.com/_catalog_77367/Bedding




From all of us at Bella & Boo, Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with love, peace and happiness.

Stay Warm!

Kate


www.bellaandboo.com




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Bella & Boo Adds Exciting New Products!

Kate Agarwal - Tuesday, December 29, 2009


I am so excited to tell you about some new products that we added today! They are the cutest soft soled baby shoes from a company called Isabooties and come in many adorable styles for girls and boys sizes 3 months to 18 months. The best part about these baby shoes is that they are 100% cruelty-free and animal-free! They are made from super soft breathable Ultrasuede® fabric with durable Toughtek® soles that are non-slip, similar to others on the market that you may have seen. These baby shoes are the best of the best though because they are eco-friendly, pediatrician recommended and machine washable.

Pair them with a soft organic fleece and silk blanket from Bella & Boo and you have one very lovely baby gift!


See them for yourself by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
http://www.bellaandboo.com/_catalog_77284/Clothing
(and scroll down to the bottom)

As always, we are always on the lookout for high quality, natural and safe products for your little ones and will send periodic announcements when new products are added. 

May the New Year bring peace, much happiness, kindness and goodwill for all in our world.


Kate
bellaandboo.com


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Kate Agarwal and Elle Fausel are the mother-daughter duo behind Bella & Boo, a socially-conscious online boutique based in Whitefish Bay, WI. Click here to learn more

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