How to choose safe, non-toxic toys for your kids

November 5, 2017 · 10 Comments

How to choose safe, non-toxic toys for your kids

Play is a fundamental childhood experience.

As well as being an important part of our children’s development, it’s also fun and many of us have fond memories of childhood toys.

Toys are something our kids will come into contact with nearly every day and they love exploring them with their mouths! So, it’s incredibly important to make sure toys you provide them with are safe and non-toxic.

“The World Health Organisation has emphasised that infants and young children are more vulnerable to gene-damaging chemicals than adults” Dr Peter Dingle

What to avoid when choosing toys

There can be many toxins in cheap toys including things like PVC, BPA, BPS, phalates, polyethylene terephthalate, fire retardants and heavy metals. They can be ingested, inhaled or transferred through the skin. These toxins are linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, endocrine disruption, developmental delays, and reproductive system damage. Scary stuff!

As well as being toxic, cheaper toys tend to be very poor quality and can break easily. Be wary of anything that has small pieces that can break off and become a choking hazard. Anything smaller than a ping pong ball can get trapped in airways.

Cheap toys are not designed for longevity. It’s a vicious cycle of consumerism where plastic toys are bought cheaply, broken and then discarded to landfill. Every bit of plastic ever made is still in existence.

There are also issue of fair-trade and ethical practices to consider. Denying a worker in a third world country a decent wage and safe working conditions so kids can have all the latest toys for Christmas is pretty messed up, no matter which way you look at it.

Wishbone 3 in 1 Bike

What to look for when choosing safe toys

♥ Choose a reputable store where you know the owners are eco-conscious and ethical.

♥ Choose natural and untreated materials such as wood, bamboo, metal and natural fibres like cotton, wool or felt. These materials are also an environmentally friendly option.

♥ Check that soft toys are not stuffed with toxic fillers. Natural fillers like bamboo or GMO free corn starch are preferable.

♥ Check that the paints, dyes and treatments used are natural and non-toxic.

♥ Check that wooden toys are not made from MDF or plywood or use toxic glues.

♥ Look beyond the labelling. Just because something says it’s non-toxic or wooden doesn’t mean it’s safe.

♥ When choosing plastic toys, look for recycled plastic that is food grade safe and free of toxins. Some good brands are Green Toys and Miniland for dolls.

♥ Personally, I also look at who makes the toys and where they are from. Is the company ethical and are they looking after their workers? It’s just good karma!

Some of my top picks:

♥ Hevea

Hevea make rubber toys that don’t contain holes so there is no chance of mould build up. The safe rubber ducky! See more here.

♥ EverEarth

EverEarth make beautiful wooden toys from sustainable wood and water based non-toxic paints. Find the whole range here.

♥ Maud n Lil

I am so in love with Maud n Lil soft toys. You will see them featured often on Natural New Age Mum. They are beautiful quality and certified organic with corn starch filling and no small buttons. Find them here.

What about family and friends?

I hear you. A new child in the family gets everyone excited and they want to buy all the baby things!

I find it’s best to nip this in the bud early and explain your stance on toxins, plastics and cheap toys. You might instigate a ‘books only please’ policy or something else that works for your family.

If you need some help navigating those conversations, have a read of my article, What to do when your family and friends don’t support your lifestyle choices.

Kinderboard

Good quality, eco-friendly toys should last a lifetime and may even become family heirlooms. You will be able to pass them on to siblings, other families or sell them when you are finished.

It’s also worth remembering that kids (and babies in particular) don’t need a lot of toys for stimulation – that’s what we are here for! There is something to be said for providing less to encourage more imaginative play. Simple toys without all the bells and whistles (or flashing lights and sounds!) are often best.

Choosing quality over quantity is a safe bet for your kids and the environment. Good quality, ethical toys do cost more than cheap plastic junk from the discount stores but I think our kids are worth it.

What do you think? Do you actively search for safe, non-toxic toys?

Further Reading and sources:

Slow Death by Rubber Duck

Healthy Home, Healthy Family

Is your home making you sick?

The Best Natural Perfumes

September 11, 2016 · 16 Comments

The Best Natural Perfumes

I’m a natural perfume convert.

In my younger days, I was an Estee Lauder ‘Beautiful’ girl but once I learnt about toxins and how they affect us, I was more than keen to ditch it for something more natural.

Like I have said before about natural skin care and natural make up, perfume is very much a personal thing, so try a few and see what resonates with you!

Did you know that perfume smells slightly different on everyone anyway? That’s because it mingles with your own body chemicals.

Why would you choose a natural perfume?

“If you are serious about your health, the first thing you would eliminate in your home is perfume, air fresheners and all products that contain artificial fragrances” Nicole Bijlsma, Building Biologist.

Yes, it really is that bad! You may have seen recent articles likening fragrance to ‘second hand smoke’. Some of the major concerns are that fragrance may contain styrene which a panel of experts found compelling evidence to link it to cancer.

Check out this article my friend Laura Trotta, environmental engineer wrote about the health and environmental concerns about perfume.

So, it’s not all bad news, because there are some amazing alternatives out there. Here is my list of the best natural perfumes in Australia!

♥ Lhami

The lovely Natalie from Lhami sent me the Sweet Dreams scent from her perfume range to try out and now I know why it’s her best seller! As well as smelling heavenly, it also sends me off to sleep (that’s why it’s called Sweet Dreams!!) This is a lovely calming blend of pure essential oils including grapefruit, cedarwood, lavender and frankincense with a jojoba oil base, in a glass roller ball. Natalie also has five other perfumes in her range – Pink Lotus and Rose, Sandalwood and Orange, Frangipani and Lime and Vanilla and Rosewood.

Check them out here.

♥ Lemon Canary Chakra Perfumes

Fiona at Lemon Canary has lovingly created and infused with reiki, an organic perfume blend for each chakra! Based on pure essential oils, each roller comes with a gorgeous card and calico bag with information about the chakra. You can also buy them all together in a gift box.

Sublime! Get them here.

♥ Black Chicken

Famous for their Axilla Paste deodorant, Black Chicken also do a lovely perfume that has recently been revamped. I actually got it for my daughter this year for her birthday and it’s gorgeous. Don’t tell her I have been sneaking a little roll-on here and there when she’s at school! Called Transcendense, it’s a beautiful earthy, musky scent with notes of Sandalwood, Geranium Bourbon, Patchouli, Lavender, and Ylang Ylang. It is 100% natural pure plant extracts, no alcohol and no toxic chemicals in a roller ball.

Get it online here.

♥ One Self

You could easily imagine yourself on holiday in Hawaii with this luxurious fragrance. Made from flowers found in the traditional Hawaiian Flower Lei – Gardenia, Frangipani and Tuberose in a base of certified organic coconut oil. Each perfume is uniquely hand crafted by Hawaiian locals who collect the pure organic ingredients using sustainable farming on the Big Island of Hawaii. A very special gift for yourself or someone you love.

Get it here.

♥ Weleda

Hugely popular German brand, Weleda has three perfumes in their range. Choose from Agrume, Grenade and Rose. They come in a 50ml spray bottle and are all natural with an alcohol base. I found them to be light and fruity, changing over the day to a more subtle earthy fragrance. These perfumes match up with their other products, so you can layer your fragrance.

Get them here.

♥ ime Natural Perfume

Gorgeous Tonia has created her perfume range holistically from her background in natural therapies. I adore the concept – nine scents that are all different. Each has their own colour and ‘muse’ from Greek mythology, so you can choose one depending on your mood or intention for the day.

A great way to try them out is the collections set pictured with one of each perfumes. It makes a fabulous gift too. They are 100% natural with an alcohol base in a spray bottle. We have been trying them all out (thank Tonia!) and my daughter and I both decided that Polyhymnia is our absolute favourite – divine!

Check out Tonia’s natural perfumes here.

♥ Vanessa Megan

This range from Western Australia features five different scents to choose from, all based on certified organic essential oils in a water base. They are 100% cruelty free, vegan, alcohol free and use eco packaging. You can choose them in 100ml spray bottles or get a pack of all five in a trial size.

Get them online here.

♥ Flora Remedia

Flora Remedia is an Aussie range of perfumes quite unique in that they combine aromatherapy oils in a coconut oil base with flower essences. Creator Maddy Dixon says she has formulated them to provide different purposes, creating a beautiful holistic synergy that work on our emotions. Choose from Uplifting, Immunity, Calm Infusion or Let Go in a roller ball and apply to the pulse points. I have had a smell of all of these and they are sublime! Definitely one of my favourites.

Get them online here.

♥ LaVanila

La Vanila is a fresh and fruity range from the US using pure essential oils and botanicals, each starting with a warm base of Madagascar vanilla. Choose from coconut, grapefruit, lemon, blackberry, lavender, passionfruit, pure vanilla and vanilla summer in an alcohol base.

La Vanila comes in spray bottles or roller balls or get a trial pack with all the scents. You can also layer the fragrance with deodorants in the same range!

Get them online here.

♥ Tinderbox Breath of Blossom

Tinderbox is the ultimate earth-mother natural brand based in WA, showcasing a range of gorgeous aromatherapy products. Breath of Blossom is a light floral cream perfume using only botanicals and pure plant products. It is an earthy, sweet floral fragrance designed to invite intimacy and comes in a reusable bamboo pot!

Get it online here.

What about the guys?

Natural cologne especially for men is available! Here are some awesome ones:

♥ Aromantik’s Merchants of Menace
♥ Vanessa Megan’s Driftwood or Citrus and Spice

Where to shop?

♥ Beautiful Because.

This online store was founded in 2013 by Nina Weston and sells purely natural beauty products. Nina has a background in beauty and prides herself on exceptional customer service. She has a huge range with everything from sunscreen to kids’ bubble bath to luxurious aromatherapy skincare, makeup and perfume! You can earn loyalty points, get free gifts with purchase and free shipping when you spend over $39.

♥ Emporio Organico.

Kitsa’s online store is an extension of her very successful business, Kitsa’s Kitchen. She has sourced some beautiful, luxurious products that include a huge range of natural skincare, body care and make up.

♥ Flora and Fauna.

A gorgeous online store created by Julie Mathers – an animal, nature and planet lover. Julie’s mission is to sell the best natural, organic vegan skin care, make up, body care and lifestyle products out there. You can be assured that nothing at Flora and Fauna is tested on animals, ever.

♥ Biome Eco Store.

Founded by Tracey Bailey, this small family business is a favourite. They stock a huge range of things that are organic, natural, recycled and fairtrade. Tracey has a rewards program, free shipping over $130 and a 5% discount.

♥ Lemon Canary.

Natural new age Queensland mum Fiona has a gorgeous range of essential oils, candles, homewares, gifts, new age ritual tools, crystals and so many more beautiful things.

How to replace toxic cleaning products with essential oils

March 14, 2016 · 10 Comments

How to replace toxic cleaning products with essential oils

I love using essential oils for cleaning!

As well as being incredibly effective, they also smell amazing and are not toxic unlike many commercial cleaning products. Of course, you still have to use them with safety and in the correct amounts.

Many cleaning products are very toxic and harmful to our health when in contact with skin or inhaled – things you normally do when you clean!! These toxic chemicals also end up in our oceans and waterways and can cause havoc to our marine and sea life.

If you want to read up about the harmful ingredients, check out this article by Dr David Suzuki.

I use essential oils alongside other natural things like bicarbonate of soda, castile soap and vinegar. Oils provide not only the awesome aroma (which by the way you also benefit from inhaling while cleaning) but the grunt behind the cleaning with their antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

I always use 100% pure and natural oils (like Thursday Plantation) with no synthetics or fillers, even for cleaning. Not only will they do a better job, you don’t want to be inhaling cheap, nasty oils.

My top three oils to use for cleaning are eucalyptus, tea tree and lavender. They all have antiseptic properties and eucalyptus and tea tree kill 99.9% of household germs.The bonus is that these oils have multiple purposes and you can also use them for all sorts of first aid treatments as well.

The power of mother nature!!

Here are some ways you can use essential oils around the house for cleaning.

Make sure you do a quick spot test on surfaces first!
1. Straight eucalyptus oil on a cloth is great for removing stains and scuff marks from walls and floors.

2. A few drops of eucalyptus oil with some bicarb in the toilet bowl will clean it, remove odours and keep your loo smelling fresh.

3. A very easy to make, budget friendly all-purpose spray is simply to combine 1 cup water with 1/2 cup of vinegar, 2 teaspoons castile soap and 20 drops of either tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil or lavender oil.

HOT TIP: I am not a fan of plastic, so I use glass spray bottles, sourced from the health food store. You can also easily make your own by using old glass bottles and fitting an old spray nozzle onto the top. It might take a little trial and error to find a perfect match!

4. Put a few drops of essential oil in your vacuum cleaner bag for a lovely fresh smell.

5. Pop a few drops of essential oils into your mop bucket with hot water and a good splash of vinegar. It will disinfect the floors and get them sparkling clean.

6. Eucalyptus makes a fabulous home-made stain remover. Simply mix 1 cup of water with 1/8 cup of eucalyptus essential oil in a spray bottle. Give it a good shake before you use it and spray directly onto stains.

7. Eucalyptus oil is also fabulous in killing off dust mites. Use a few drops in the rinse cycle of a hot wash when you do your bedding.

8. Put a few drops of lavender oil on the inside of your toilet roll. Every time someone uses the paper, you will freshen the smallest room in the house with a lovely scent!

9. If you have sickness in the house, dilute some tea tree oil in a small bucket of hot water and wipe all surfaces down, including door handles and phones. Diffusing a few drops of oil in a diffuser or oil burner will help purify the air as well.

10. 10 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle with water and vinegar will deter mould. Spray it in the bathroom or kitchen on those areas where mould likes to grow.

11. Ditch those toxic air fresheners and use a spray bottle filled with water and 10-20 drops of lavender oil. The bonus is that you can also use this mix in the kid’s rooms to help them relax and fall asleep.

12. For an easy to make anti-bacterial hand wash, just mix some castile soap with a few drops of tea tree oil.

13. To make a carpet freshener, mix 20 drops of essential oil thoroughly into 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda. Sprinkle on the carpet, leave for 20 minutes or so and then vacuum up.

Want some more ideas on how to use essential oils around the home?

Head to the Thursday Plantation website to see ideas and tips that readers have submitted! You might like to submit your own tip too.

Safety First! Although essential oils are all natural, they are very potent and must be stored away from children and used with care.

*this post is sponsored by Thursday Plantation

Smart swaps for single use plastic

July 15, 2015 · 7 Comments

Smart swaps for single use plastic

Plastic really has crept into every area of our life.

It can be quite overwhelming and hard to know to where to even start. My advice is to make small swaps and just do what you can. It’s not about being perfect – it’s about making an effort.

Take a look at what single-use plastic in your life you are consuming in big quantities and aim to find an alternative.

Trust me, once you get into the habit, it’s actually easy and pretty fun to take on the challenge.

I have listed here six of the most common single-use plastics and what you can use instead.

It just takes a little planning! Are you up for the challenge?

Plastic Food Wrap

This stuff is doubly worrying as the ‘anti-bacterial’ wrap may contain harmful toxins! Replace with

♥ upcycled glass jars (the bonus is you can see what’s in them)

♥ glass or stainless steel storage containers

♥ food covers, pockets and wraps (I love the original 4 My Earth brand)

♥ a ceramic bowl with a plate on top or two plates (too easy, right!)

♥ toxic free paper products

Find out more details about how I gave up plastic wrap! I haven’t bought a roll in well over five years! Woohoo!

Plastic Fruit and Vegetable Bags

This is a tricky one because I know it’s quite a habit to use those plastic bags at the supermarket!

♥ do you need a bag? Come on, bananas don’t need a bag!

♥ use reusable, lightweight produce bags (I’ve been doing this for years and it’s easy to remember them if they are in with your reusable grocery bags!

♥ shop at the farmers’ markets with an old-fashioned basket (I am in love with these jute baskets – so chic!)

Plastic Straws

♥ do you really need that straw? Start asking for drinks without straws when you buy a drink.

♥ use a glass, bamboo or stainless straw

TIP: If you do get stuck with a few plastic bags, take them back to the supermarket! Most larger stores will have a bin where you can recycle them.

Plastic Cutlery and Plates

I know how convenient these are when you have a party, but just a little bit of thought into alternatives can mean a huge difference!

♥ get some crockery and cutlery from your op shop – it’s so cheap and it will look funky (bribe the kids into washing up)

♥ get some biodegradable catering products (they actually look much more stylish plastic too)

♥ stash a bamboo spork or cutlery in your handbag for those lunches out and about

Plastic Grocery Bags

After all the publicity and education about these, I am still gob-smacked that I am usually the only person I see at the supermarket using my own bags. Please tell me this doesn’t happen in your local area!

There are several alternatives you can use. Personally, I don’t like the ‘green bags‘ as they are usually polypropylene (a fossil-fuel based plastic) and are imported from China. I have been using homemade or natural fibre bags.

Here are some great options:

♥ make your own bag! If you can operate a sewing machine, it’s not that hard to whip a few bags up out of an old pillowcase or t-shirt

♥ cotton reusable grocery bags

♥ jute reusable shopping bags

♥ canvas shopping bags

TIP: How do you freeze food without plastic? I wrap food in a toxin free baking paper and then pop into either a glass storage container or a 4 My Earth food bag.

Plastic Water Bottles

As well as being bad for the environment, drinking out of plastic bottles can also be questionable for your health. Get everyone in your family their own drink bottle (plus a few spares) and fill up before you leave the house. It quickly becomes routine!

♥ stainless steel drink bottles

♥ glass drink bottles

♥ upcycle a glass bottle or jar

♥ invest in a nice glass jug and glass for work

♥ for hot drinks, I love my Contigo insulated stainless mug

The amazing plastic spoon

You may have seen this quote floating around on social media. It’s incredibly powerful and I love sharing it. I made my own design for it (I couldn’t find the original source of the quote, but please get in touch if you know it). Please pin it and share it on social media if it resonates with you – you have full permission to use my image, unaltered, wherever you like!

Where to shop:

Biome Eco Store

Flora and Fauna

The Clean Collective

More inspiration:

Plastic Free July

My Plastic Free Life

Treading My Own Path

Plastic: A toxic love story

Slow Death by Rubber Duck

Zero Waste Home

Plastic Free: How I Kicked the Habit

Have you got any more tips for us? What have you managed to ditch?

What’s all the fuss about PHENOXYETHANOL ?

June 19, 2015 · 10 Comments

What’s all the fuss about Phenoxyethanol ?

What is Phenyoxyethanol?

Pheynoxyethanol is a synthetically produced glycol ether preservative used in cosmetic products to prolong their life. It’s pretty commonly found in natural products, particularly the cheaper priced ones.

Is it bad for us?

Well, this is where it gets confusing!

The EWG Skin Deep Database puts its hazard rating as low-medium with a number 4. There is no cancer or development/reproductive toxicity concerns. There seems to be a small concern about allergies.

There was one study which suggests it’s not so great for products used around your lips (so ingestion is no good).

The Chemical Maze Handbook says 🙁

“Suspected reproductive and developmental toxicity; effects from exposure may cause headache, tremors, eye irritation and central nervous system depression; mild irritation on sensitive skin; absorbed by the skin, toxic to the kidneys, the nervous system and the liver; safe as used up to 5%”

The International Journal of Toxicity says in their report on the safety of phenoxyethanol “It is concluded that Phenoxyethanol is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the present practices of use and concentration.”

The Material Safety Data Sheet on phenoxyethanol says;

It’s hazardous in case of eye contact, skin contact, ingestion and inhalation. “The substance is toxic to kidneys, the nervous system, liver. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Repeated or prolonged inhalation of vapors may lead to chronic respiratory irritation”

Keep in mind that the MSDS is for phenoxyethanol in its pure 100% form. In cosmetic products, the amount of phenoxyethanol might have 0.5% or 1% of the substance.

What’s the issue?

Initially it seemed this preservative was a great substitute for parabens and embraced by the natural cosmetic companies. Since new information and research has come to light, some cosmetic companies are reformulating their products to remove it and replace with something safer.

Perspective

While phenoxyethanol may sound pretty bad, I think you have to look at it in context. 0.5 – 1% is a pretty small amount of it in your product. Cosmetics need preservatives to avoid bacteria growing in them and the addition of phenoxyethanol helps to keep natural products reasonably priced. As the Chemical Maze pointed out, it has been declared safe in amounts under 5%.

We quite probably encounter more toxic chemicals in our environment, in the air we breath and in a hundred places you would not think.

For those that are sensitive to products, have allergies or any sort of intolerance to products, it might be an issue for you and it’s probably best to steer clear.

For those that are on a budget and can’t afford the expensive natural products, you may want to settle for a bit of phenoxyethanol in your products. Perhaps limiting those products with phenoxyethanol to ones that are washed off rather than left on your skin is a compromise.

It’s pretty much a personal choice.

I know I can get a little paranoid about all the nasties, so sometimes its good to just take a step back and put it all into perspective.

How to avoid phenoxyethanol

Look for products that are certified organic. They should not contain phenoxyethanol.

Read labels. Phenoxyethanol can also be listed under fragrance, Phenoxytol, Phenoxethol, Rose ether, Phenyle cellosolve, and Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether.

Some brands that don’t contain phenoxyethanol:

Happy Skincare

Mukti Organic Skincare

Twenty 8 Skincare

La Mav Skincare

Brands that do contain phenoxyethanol are usually at the cheaper end of the natural skincare ranges like Sukin and Australia Pure Beauty by Nature’s Organics.

You might also like to read:

The Best Natural Skincare Brands

The Best Natural Makeup Brands

What are parabens and should we avoid them?

Does phenoxyethanol bother you? Do you look for it on labels?

Hidden Toxins in Everyday Household Items

March 26, 2015 · 24 Comments

Hidden Toxins in Everyday Household Items

It’s common knowledge that things like bleach, flysprays and cleaning products all contain toxins that we should avoid around the house.

But did you know there are hidden toxins in things we may not even think of?

These are just six that you should double check around the house. I also have some alternatives for you as well, because finding these things out can be quite disheartening. Remember, knowledge is power and the more you know, the safer you and your family can be.

1. Teabags.

Sorry tea lovers, but your tea bags may be made of a nasty plastic (and we know plastic and boiling water is not a good combination). Paper tea bags may be bleached or treated with epichlorohydrin (a compound that has been identified as potential carcinogen).

Solution? Contact your tea manufacturer and ask questions about the tea bag or just stick to loose leaf tea (hey, I think it tastes better anyway). I use a teapot – a small one for myself and bigger one for guests. You can also use stainless steel tea diffusers if you only want to make one cup.

2. Dental Floss.

Some dental floss can contain perfluorinated polymer – also known as a PFC (the same thing that is in Teflon) to help it be all slidey on your teeth. PFC is nasty stuff – it can cause cancer, damage your immune system and disrupt hormones. Ever seen antibacterial dental floss? Well that might have triclosan in it – which may pass through your skin and disrupt hormones.

Solution? Check the ingredients of your dental floss or use a natural one like these.

3. Baking Paper and Plastic Wrap.

That paper you are baking your biccies on may be bleached, contain chlorine and/or coated with Quilon which contains heavy metals like chromium. Plastic wrap? Well plastic isn’t so great anyway, but the ‘antibacterial’ plastic wrap is also coated in triclosan.

Solution? I use the If You Care range of baking paper, muffin cases etc. for baking and instead of cling wrap, we use a variety of things.

4. Disposable Nappies.

As well as being not so eco-friendly, disposable nappies can contain a chemical cocktail sitting on your baby’s precious bum and being absorbed into their blood stream. You can expect to find dioxin, sodium polyacrylate (the absorbent gel), phthalates, heavy metals and more. Check out this great article at Small Footprint Family for more details of how toxic these chemicals are.

Solution? Old fashioned cloth nappies or modern cloth nappies are much safer or check out some eco disposable nappies – some brands are free from the nasties.

5. CFL lightbulbs.

CFL (compact fluorescent lightbulbs) contain mercury and if they are broken, mercury vapour is released. Now, it’s not a huge amount but mercury is a potent neurotoxin and exposure should be avoided where possible.

Solution? Handle carefully to avoid breakages and follow these guidelines for clean up if you do break one. It’s also important to dispose of them properly.

6. Kids’ pyjamas.

Kids’ clothing, particularly pyjamas made from synthetic materials, are often treated with flame retardants. There is growing concern that these chemical compounds are suspected carcinogens and neurotoxicants. Unfortunately fire retardants can also be present in bedding and furniture too.

Solution? Look for clothes without the flame retardant or choose organic clothing for your kids.

Did you know about these toxins? Where else have you found hidden toxins?

Why would you use Modern Cloth Nappies ??

November 5, 2014 · 44 Comments

Nappies!! I wonder how many of those I have changed over the years? I shudder to think! Not the most fun or glamorous part of being a parent, is it?

My babies are now nearly 16 and 13. So it’s been a while since I had to change a nappy! Back then, I used the old fashioned terry towelling squares, nappy pins, pvc pilchers (yikes!) and washers at home. Disposables and baby wipes were used when we went out. These days there are so many better options, both environmentally and logistically. It’s actually pretty exciting to see what has been developed.

So what are Modern Cloth Nappies (or MCNs)?

Modern cloth nappies basically combine the convenience and design of a disposable nappy into a reusable cloth nappy. So you get the benefits of both! These ones pictured are made from cloth, with a waterproof outer, elastic legs and waist, absorbent inserts and snaps for closing. It will depend on the brand as to the features.

What are the benefits of using MCNs?

1. CHEAPER. Let’s not beat around the bush, having kids is expensive! If you can save thousands of dollars using these, why wouldn’t you? It’s a one-off expense, plus laundering, but in the long run, it’s a lot cheaper than buying disposable nappies.

2. ECO-FRIENDLY. As a rough estimate, 2 billion disposable nappies go to landfill each year in Australia. (Ibis World 2009). Not cool. Apart from the landfill and carbon emission problem, there is also the environmental impact of manufacturing of the disposable nappies and their poor decomposition rate to consider.

3. TOXIN-FREE. Did you know disposable nappies can contain a toxic cocktail of chemicals that get absorbed straight into your precious bundle’s blood stream? Sodium Polyacrylate, Dioxin, Pthalates, Heavy Metals, and more may be present in your nappy. There is also concern that childhood asthma may be linked to inhaling the emissions from disposable nappies. You can see that Pub Med study here.

4. LESS NAPPY RASH. Without the plastic and chemicals, the incidence of nappy rash on baby’s bums in reduced. MCNs allow the skin to breathe better and avoid sweaty, uncomfortable bubs.

Introducing…. Cloth Nappies Direct

I have known Stefanie Samuel for a while now and have worked with her before. Last year, she told me all about the new venture with her husband, Illan : Cloth Nappies Direct.

“I always knew I’d nappy my baby in cloth, it’s just who I am. But I was not impressed with the high prices of modern cloth nappies (MCNs). $30 plus for 1 nappy seemed steep to me, but, I figured, I would just have to be smart, shopping on sale, and purchasing carefully. We started our baby on the traditional flat cloth towel nappies – our washing line would be a sea of white every day, and my husband would fold them while watching TV at night. I had purchased a few MCNs to try once baby was bigger (she had tiny little thighs). Somewhere along our cloth nappy journey, my entrepreneurial husband said, “why don’t you just find a manufacturer and make your own?” And a new business idea was born!” Stefanie

Stefanie and Illan make their MCNs and sell directly via their website – there is no other distributor, wholesaler or retailer involved, so the cost is significantly lower than most MCNs. In fact, most of their nappies are $14.95, with savings to be had when purchased in bulk. They make a ‘one size fits most’ nappy, with snaps at different positions so you can adjust as bubs grows. That makes it a lot more affordable to go the eco-friendly way!

They have also been getting a lot of great feedback from happy MCN mums. The no-leaks feature seems to be a big hit – well, that’s understandable I guess!

Stefanie

I’m really excited about MCNs! Now that I understand more about them, thanks to Stefanie, I am telling all my new mumma friends to get into them. I also love the fact that the nappy doubles as bottoms as they come in funky colours and prints. Whack on a t-shirt and you are good to go out! No need for extra clothes. Winning.

It’s the way of the future – saving our planet, cutting out chemicals and being more economical. It almost makes me want to have another baby to get to use them. Nah………… not quite!

Special Offer:

Stefanie is advertising with me on the blog now and I am thrilled to help her spread the word about MCNs! (See her ad up there on the right). If you click the ad, it will take you through to a special offer on the Cloth Nappies Direct website, just for NNAM readers. You get a FREE nappy with your first order over $10. It’s a great way to try them out.

Giveaway:

This giveaway has now closed. The winner was Jessie!

Stefanie at Cloth Nappies Direct is kindly giving one of you a ‘Try Me Out Kit’ worth $49.80! It contains:

1 Cloth Nappy

1 Swim Nappy

1 Double Pocket Wetbag

1 Pack of 5 Cloth Wipes

How to enter:

♥ Make sure you are a blog subscriber (add your email to the top right box)

♥ LIKE Cloth Nappies Direct on Facebook. Go here.

♥ Comment on this blog post, telling us what colour or print you would like in the cloth nappy and which of the three prints you would like in the swim nappy! IE so you might decide KERMIT and HAPPY HAWAIIAN. You get to choose!

Terms and Conditions: Australian residents only. Winner will be chosen via random.org from those meeting the entry requirements. Giveaway closes on 14th of November at midnite. Winner will be emailed and announced on this blog post. Good Luck!

{This post is sponsored}

Do we have the right?

July 2, 2014 · 8 Comments

One of my gorgeous and loyal readers, Bea, sent me these musings the other day via email and I immediately thought this needs to be an article for you to read! So, here you are! What do you think? Do you agree with Bea?

♥♥♥♥

Do we have the right??

I was chatting to a hairdresser today, thinking about getting some foils. I was explaining to her that I have been chemical-free for a couple of years now, to the point where I can’t even walk down the laundry aisle at the supermarket without getting sick/headachey, so thought that foils would be the best way to get some colour into my hair without too manychemicals. She was amazed, and said, “Oh wow, I must just be so used to it, working with chemicals all day.”

I was lost for words. I couldn’t criticise, nor empathise seeing as I had been chemical free for so long, nor to the fact that here I was, sitting in a chair having a consult about chemicals. Her words haven’t left me for the rest of today, nor have those of others who have been affected by Multiple Chemical Sensitivity that I have known over the years, and the many many issues that I have learnt about that have also erupted over the years, and I am left thinking, “Do we really have the right?”

“The right to what? What are you talking about?” I hear you say.

I’m referring to the right to create and support industries that require people, people that are our husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, relatives, and later on, our children, to be in constant contact or close proximity to countless, toxic chemicals. Our hairdressers, our truck/tanker drivers, our chemists, our servo attendants, mechanics, our miners, supermarket packers, cleaners, factory workers, our farmers – every single person that needlessly has to endure exposure, all because as consumers, we demand and expect products we don’t even need, with ingredients most of us can’t even pronounce, much less know where they come from and the processes needed to create even a single ingredient.

And for what?

To satisfy generated demand by those convincing us, consumers, to buy stuff we don’t need, to fill a hole that isn’t there. There is something seriously wrong when we rarely stop to consider how a product was even created, and why it was created in the first place. Who benefits from it? What was used to get it here? If we each look around our homes, and think about both what we would save if there was a fire, and also about the things we have thrown away in our lifetime – what would it say about us, as a society, as a person even?

There are solutions.

The bigger question to all of this is, are you willing to be part of the change? Change that sees us reducing or even eliminating toxic chemicals from our lives? Our children’s lives, the environment?

The fact is, we have a bigger, and better right. The right to demand to know how, where and why products are made, and whether they are genuinely organic, sustainable and environmentally friendly. The right to expect packaging that is reasonable in amount, recyclable and earth-friendly. To be able to read labels without gigantic scientific names, or to be tricked by marketing into thinking that something is better than it really is. To expect our food to be grown the original, safer way – locally, chemical free and working with the environment rather than against it.

There are so many things we can all do, from little things like switching out toxic products for organic ones, or making your own, to help end the ban on helpful crops such a hemp. (Don’t be fooled by propaganda, do your own research why it is *really* banned)

There are a plethora of recipes from everything like washing powder/detergent to mascara to make, and tons of different products like make up, shampoo/conditioners, to organic foods and sustainable fibres such as hemp and bamboo, that are making an emergence into the market, that need your support. Farmer’s markets, markets in general, and online stores have amazing local produce and all sorts of items lovingly made.

If we all start to make even small changes to the way we buy/shop, and start demanding better, sustainable and organic products that are not limited to planned obsolescence, then we all win – the economy, the environment, and ultimately, us.

About Bea:

I am a single mum of one that is passionate about clean living and eating, along with many related issues such as the legalisation of hemp, keeping alive many “old-fashioned” things such as home remedies and talking to as many people as I can about my passions to encourage others to dig deeper about what is going on with our food, and society in general. I enjoy many arts and crafts and my biggest dream is to see sustainable, close-to-nature family-centred living a reality in our lifetime.

Is your pillow harming your health?

February 21, 2014 · 22 Comments

Is your pillow harming your health?

If you are getting your eight hours of sleep a night, then you spend about one third of your life sleeping.

Snuggled up on our pillows, dreaming…… breathing………….. in….. what?

Have you ever really thought about what you are inhaling, night after night?

What about fungi or mould, dust mites, flame retardants, formaldehyde, polyester, acetate and antimicrobial compounds such as Microbian or Allerban? Of course there is also sweat, drool and skin flakes to consider too!

“From memory loss to headaches, depressions to itchy eyes, an array of health problems can arise from exposure to seemingly innocent bedroom objects. Most mattresses and pillows, for example, are filled with chemical-drenched synthetic fibers such as polyurethane foam that release chemicals into the air for years; these airborne toxins can cause headaches and nausea, and even lead to multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), a condition that stems from exposure to toxic chemicals and results in a myriad of crippling symptoms. Microscopic dust mites (and their allergenic fecal matter) frequently infest mattresses, pillows, and carpeting, leading to respiratory problems including coughing and sinus congestion.” Tina Spangler, Natural Health Magazine.

Now, of course I take everything I read on the internet with a grain of salt, but these testimonials really gave me food for thought! My daughter was sleeping on an ‘egg crate’ foam mattress topper and a memory foam pillow. Her health improved when we got rid of the mattress topper and got her onto a new pillow! I couldn’t believe it took me so long to work out.

We swapped our pillows over to biodynamic wool pillows, dust mite protectors and organic cotton pillowcases. I sourced ours from Blessed Earth, here in Queensland. It wasn’t cheap, but I literally sleep better at night! Not only because of the better sleep quality, but just knowing that I am not breathing in nasty chemicals. I also like Blessed Earth because they are fair-trade, local and truly organic.

Wool is naturally mould, mildew, dust mite and fire-resistant. “Wool can absorb bodily moisture up to 30% of it’s own weight and dissipate it naturally into the atmosphere.” Blessed Earth. It also is biodegradable and can go on the compost!

Nicole Bjisma, author of Healthy Home, Healthy Family, says natural latex pillows are also a healthy alternative option. Natural latex has antimicrobial properties that resist dust mites and other allergens as well as being mold and mildew resistant.

Organic cotton pillows are another great option you can get here. They are Australian made, chemical free, with totally organic filling and perfect for allergy sufferers and chemically sensitive people.

Bamboo, down, kapok and buckwheat or millet hulls are other natural alternatives for pillows, but you need to investigate to make sure they are processed without chemicals.

You should also air your pillow regularly out in the sunshine and replace it every few years.

It is really worth checking out what is available and considering the effect that your pillow might be having on your health.

How does your pillow shape up?

10 Apps for Natural, New Age Mums

October 18, 2013 · 26 Comments

Apps allow information and entertainment to be at our fingertips 24/7 in a portable, user-friendly way.

But it’s not all for techno-geeks and game players, apps can be used to enhance your everyday. These ten awesome apps will help you lead a healthy, happy, holistic life.

1. Headspace Meditation. Headspace is a project designed to demystify meditation. Using the wonders of science and technology, they make it easy-to-learn, fun-to-do, and relevant to your everyday life. Featuring how to meditate, daily meditation sessions and reminders. Download it here.

2. The Whole Pantry. A very popular health, wellness and lifestyle app with a vision to restore balance and empower. The Whole Pantry is the new go-to place, filled with a continually updating library of resources, empowering information, lifestyle guides and simple, yet beautiful nourishing recipes. Visit the website here.

3. Healthy Home. Is your home making you sick? With the increase in asthma, allergies, chemical sensitivities and other illnesses related to indoor pollutants a healthy home has never been more important. Take a walk through your home and complete the quiz to identify health assets and challenges. Discover tips and resources to help you create a healthy home for your family. Find out more here.

4. GS1 Go Scan. By either browsing the database or scanning products in store, Go Scan gives you information about food to help you make the right choices for your family. It includes information on allergens, ingredients, nutrition, storage and preparation, dietary and basics like country of origin and company website. Check out the website here.

5. EFT Clinic. This free app allows you to tap into (see what I did there) the amazing healing power of EFT (emotional freedom technique) with a combination of text, diagrams and video. Free yourself from difficult emotions wherever you are, be it stress or anxiety, depression, low self esteem, weight loss and much much more. EFT Clinic is presented by Sue Beer, one of the first certified EFT Masters. Check it out here.

6. Safe Runner. Aussie mum, Rebecca has come up with app to not only be a personal tracker for running, walking or pushing the pram, it comes with inbuilt security. Safe Runner will track your distance, calories burnt and if required will automatically notify your emergency contact that assistance is needed as well as your GPS location. For more information go here.

7. Inspire Me Quotes. With quality images and designs, get inspired and uplifted by beautiful quotes. Inspire Me Quotes offers users the chance to browse through a variety of inspirational quotes to reveal wisdom from great minds such as Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Mark Twain, Steve Jobs, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Abraham Lincoln and many, many more. Find out more here.

8. Shop Ethical. A quick and easy way to avoid companies with a negative track record and support those making a positive impact. With 10 years of research as a basis, this app have everything you need to start shopping ethically. With information on animal testing, factory farming, food miles, labour exploitation, GMOs, overfishing, palm oil and more, you can find products that fit with your values. Get it here.

9.Yoga Studio. This app is like your own yoga studio on call. It features detailed info and advice on 280 poses and 16 hours of yoga classes in a clean, easy to see format. Ideal for beginners up to advanced, it’s an affordable way to bring yoga into your life. Check out the website here.

10. The Chemical Maze. The very popular book by Bill Statham is also available in app form. With ten years of research and a huge database, you have access to information about food additives and cosmetic ingredients. Identify the risk level and possible reactions and problems of each. Invaluable in navigating the world of chemicals! Go here for more details.

Want more? My friend Alexx Stuart shares her top apps here.

What is your favourite app? Link us up!