I sent this letter tonight to my area Congressional leaders, as well as to the Senate majority leader, asking them to make sure that the Safer Chemicals Act gets a fair hearing in Congress. Toxic chemicals are pervasive in our environment, our products, our food, our homes... our bodies. The most recent regulatory legislation was from the 1970s. It has been too long, and the controls are too loose. Chemical companies have little accountability for contributing to health and environmental problems. Please learn more and consider how to get involved.
Dear Senator _______,
Our family is very concerned about the proliferation of toxic chemicals in our products, homes, and even food. As you must be aware, the thousands of new chemicals that are added to the marketplace every year are not required to be safety-tested before we and our children are all exposed. Too often, problematic chemicals--like poly-brominated fire retardants, BPA in food and baby products, and parabens in personal care products--are only found out to be toxic to us after 20 or more years of exposure when we can recognize all the damage already done. That is not an acceptable method of testing for us as people or for our environment.
Please help to remedy this problem by making sure that the Safe Chemicals Act reaches the Senate floor and is able to receive a fair and unbiased hearing. I know that the chemical lobbies have money to try to convince everyone that too many restrictions will damage business. But families who are enduring unnecessary illnesses and even deaths need you to represent us: too many unsafe chemicals will damage our lives. Our safety ought to be more important than a chemical company's bottom line.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Respectfully and with concern,
Susan and James Benton
parents of 2 young children
East Palo Alto, CA
For more information about the Act and how to get involved yourself, see http://blog.saferchemicals.org/2012/08/we-did-it-so-now-what-.html
Is there a chemical that you've recently learned about that concerns you? I'd love to learn from you...
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Santay sana squashed banana
Bananas. Super smoothie ingredient. Early baby food. Monkey fodder.
Also involved in the poisoning of communities and harvesters. Sadly.
It's the first thing I committed to buying organic. And it wasn't for my health. When it comes to protecting the fruit itself, the peel is pretty amazing for blocking out the pesticides that are used to spray the banana plants. But I read about how many of the banana farm workers won't even eat the fruit because they see how heavily they are sprayed. And even with that, the workers are still exposed, all day long.
The past month or so my husband and I--and several close friends--have been having a lot of conversations about money, and what we're doing with what we've got in our household. My hubby pointed out that we spend a fairly large amount on our food bill now; and it's about double what it used to be before we went organic. (This was also before we had a two-year-old boy with a voracious appetite, but he hasn't doubled our purchasing! Not yet...) 3 years ago, I just thought organic foods were a luxury item for people who are really picky or nervous about what they eat. I only bought them if the item I needed was only available as an organic. I've gone through a bit of a revolution in my thinking. I'd say we're about 90 or 95% organic now in our house. I've read a lot of articles, research, and data points about how people have lower pesticide levels in their bodies and receive higher nutrient content from organic foods. And honestly, we cannot comfortably afford it. We manage it, but it isn't actually easy for us--and probably a little harder every day that our 2 year old's appetite grows more (seriously, where do they put it?!!)
Not too long ago a friend was pointing out that you don't have to buy all organics, because some of the vegetables with thick peels are pretty low in residues anyway. And that's true. On top of that, the Clean 15 list from Environmental Working Group helps people to sort out which conventional vegetables are low in pesticides.
But I'm also thinking about the farm workers who don't get to pick what is sprayed or not sprayed on the fields; they just need a reliable job.
And I'm thinking about the soil and the waterways that are soaking up everything that is dumped onto them, year after year.
There are other things we could do with the money. Sometimes I wish we were doing other things with the money it costs us. But then I think--maybe I'm paying for these foods what they ought to cost. What they ought to cost me, who benefits from them. Not the farm worker just doing his job. Not the deteriorated, polluted soil; not the chemical water that somebody somewhere will end up drinking because they have nothing cleaner. Maybe I could save the money and buy something else for myself or my kids--or save for their future; fix up broken things in my house; even give it to charity. There are a lot of good things I could do. But I also have the chance to invest in a more conscientious way of farming, and feeding animals for meat, by buying organic foods. It isn't charity; I benefit as much as anybody else. But I think it is also more generous to the people who live in farming communities and who make their wages working farm fields.
And maybe my banana is still a Dole banana-it's not like it came from an independent cooperative of banana farmers. But if my choice helped to force Dole to convert one or two of its banana fields from a pesticide-ridden hazard to a more humane, careful organic farm, I think I can be satisfied with the improvement.
Also involved in the poisoning of communities and harvesters. Sadly.
It's the first thing I committed to buying organic. And it wasn't for my health. When it comes to protecting the fruit itself, the peel is pretty amazing for blocking out the pesticides that are used to spray the banana plants. But I read about how many of the banana farm workers won't even eat the fruit because they see how heavily they are sprayed. And even with that, the workers are still exposed, all day long.
The past month or so my husband and I--and several close friends--have been having a lot of conversations about money, and what we're doing with what we've got in our household. My hubby pointed out that we spend a fairly large amount on our food bill now; and it's about double what it used to be before we went organic. (This was also before we had a two-year-old boy with a voracious appetite, but he hasn't doubled our purchasing! Not yet...) 3 years ago, I just thought organic foods were a luxury item for people who are really picky or nervous about what they eat. I only bought them if the item I needed was only available as an organic. I've gone through a bit of a revolution in my thinking. I'd say we're about 90 or 95% organic now in our house. I've read a lot of articles, research, and data points about how people have lower pesticide levels in their bodies and receive higher nutrient content from organic foods. And honestly, we cannot comfortably afford it. We manage it, but it isn't actually easy for us--and probably a little harder every day that our 2 year old's appetite grows more (seriously, where do they put it?!!)
Not too long ago a friend was pointing out that you don't have to buy all organics, because some of the vegetables with thick peels are pretty low in residues anyway. And that's true. On top of that, the Clean 15 list from Environmental Working Group helps people to sort out which conventional vegetables are low in pesticides.
But I'm also thinking about the farm workers who don't get to pick what is sprayed or not sprayed on the fields; they just need a reliable job.
And I'm thinking about the soil and the waterways that are soaking up everything that is dumped onto them, year after year.
There are other things we could do with the money. Sometimes I wish we were doing other things with the money it costs us. But then I think--maybe I'm paying for these foods what they ought to cost. What they ought to cost me, who benefits from them. Not the farm worker just doing his job. Not the deteriorated, polluted soil; not the chemical water that somebody somewhere will end up drinking because they have nothing cleaner. Maybe I could save the money and buy something else for myself or my kids--or save for their future; fix up broken things in my house; even give it to charity. There are a lot of good things I could do. But I also have the chance to invest in a more conscientious way of farming, and feeding animals for meat, by buying organic foods. It isn't charity; I benefit as much as anybody else. But I think it is also more generous to the people who live in farming communities and who make their wages working farm fields.
And maybe my banana is still a Dole banana-it's not like it came from an independent cooperative of banana farmers. But if my choice helped to force Dole to convert one or two of its banana fields from a pesticide-ridden hazard to a more humane, careful organic farm, I think I can be satisfied with the improvement.
Monday, July 16, 2012
A natural crib mattress? Greenwashing
I've been looking for a natural crib mattress for our second-born. On our limited budget, we can't afford to replace all of our mattresses with natural ones, but I hope that whatever new ones we purchase in the future will be natural, so that we can avoid air contamination from flame retardants in mattresses. Though the mattress industry says that flame retardants pose no danger for babies or adults, I am more inclined to listen to the skeptics and doctors who argue that the addition of so many flame retardants to mattresses may be contributing to a variety of health problems, even SIDS.
Last week I thought my search had ended, with an affordable, "green" mattress that I found at Costco, made by Simmons Kids. The package claimed chemical-free flame resistance, soy foam, organic cotton cover (that nonetheless was waterproof?), GreenGuard tested for emissions, and more. Still, I know Simmons Kids is a major retailer of standard mattresses, so I was hesitant. I kept the packaging intact and did some research. Fortunately, I found a post by Eco-Novice that linked "The Mattress Matters", a recent publication about the chemical content of crib mattresses. It's a great report on in-depth research on many crib mattresses, with a chart at the end that indicates what chemicals of concern may be present in each part of the mattresses' composition. It also indicates where the companies were unwilling to disclose what additives were used in the mattresses. It turned out that the one I had bought was probably a pretty good example of "greenwashing," where a product is made to look more eco-friendly than it actually is. Hey, it's a big marketplace, so companies will do what they can to get a slice of an ever-growing pie as parents and families go greener. In short, the mattress I had waiting probably has vinyl (as the second layer of the organic cotton cover--thus the waterproof claim), chemical flame retardants (who knows which ones), and its "soy-based foam" is probably still between 80% and 95% polyurethane foam. The company did not disclose most of the specifics. I don't trust that. Sigh. Back it went to Costco (thank goodness for a GREAT return policy!) The search is still on. I'm starting to consider getting a prescription for a chemical-free mattress... Has anyone done this?
Last week I thought my search had ended, with an affordable, "green" mattress that I found at Costco, made by Simmons Kids. The package claimed chemical-free flame resistance, soy foam, organic cotton cover (that nonetheless was waterproof?), GreenGuard tested for emissions, and more. Still, I know Simmons Kids is a major retailer of standard mattresses, so I was hesitant. I kept the packaging intact and did some research. Fortunately, I found a post by Eco-Novice that linked "The Mattress Matters", a recent publication about the chemical content of crib mattresses. It's a great report on in-depth research on many crib mattresses, with a chart at the end that indicates what chemicals of concern may be present in each part of the mattresses' composition. It also indicates where the companies were unwilling to disclose what additives were used in the mattresses. It turned out that the one I had bought was probably a pretty good example of "greenwashing," where a product is made to look more eco-friendly than it actually is. Hey, it's a big marketplace, so companies will do what they can to get a slice of an ever-growing pie as parents and families go greener. In short, the mattress I had waiting probably has vinyl (as the second layer of the organic cotton cover--thus the waterproof claim), chemical flame retardants (who knows which ones), and its "soy-based foam" is probably still between 80% and 95% polyurethane foam. The company did not disclose most of the specifics. I don't trust that. Sigh. Back it went to Costco (thank goodness for a GREAT return policy!) The search is still on. I'm starting to consider getting a prescription for a chemical-free mattress... Has anyone done this?
Sunday, June 24, 2012
How to give more and make less
Some good friends and James and I were talking last 2 weeks ago about giving, and about how God's call to be generous givers plays out in our daily lives, budgeting plans, etc.
I was inspired by a video story of Alan Barnhart that our friend Brian sent out for all of us to view in advance. I've heard of the idea of a salary cap, or a "finish line," as Alan Barnhart calls it. I think I remember reading about it in a book by Ron Sider in college; if I recall, a salary cap was one of Sider's suggested strategies for making giving a way of life. That is, for sure, what Barnhart's story demonstrates is possible.
As I watched the video, I was really struck by Barnhart's example, and by how much he and his family have been able to give and accomplish. I also found myself thinking--wow--I wish I made your salary cap! Just being honest... Maybe it's being a church worker, maybe it's living in California where the cost of living is so high that the same amount gets you half the distance. (I know, we live in a paradise, but still, it does have its challenges.)
But as I tried to think about how we would practically put that in place even in our salary ranges, should we decide to, I got a little stymied. How would we decide how much we would need? How would we adjust for any future kids we might have? How/should we plan to adjust for inflation? Where do savings, retirement, and college funds fit in?
I did really like Barnhart's observation that they were able to prevent their children from experiencing the hardships of growing up rich. I really appreciated that way of thinking about it. Jesus did say it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to put their stock first in the kingdom of heaven...
I'm curious if anybody out there has any specific tools or worksheets to suggest how to work though these questions?
And at the same time, I already find myself bumping up against my own internal resistance. I grew up feeling like I couldn't ask my parents for new clothes even though mine didn't fit right. I always tried to order the cheapest item on the menu at restaurants so that I wouldn't place stress on my parents' pocketbooks. I grew up feeling like we weren't really poor, but we weren't really comfortable, either. My parents helped to pay for college when I was in it, but I had no college fund. I always thought things would be different once I got older, and I don't like the idea of feeling financially strapped. I want to have margins. I want a buffer between me and inability to provide for our kids. Right now we don't have a very big one, and it already makes me nervous sometimes. At the same time, I also don't feel the need to work full time while the kids are little or decide not to have any more kids simply because we might be a little less comfortable in the process of providing. Hmm. Even using that word makes me think--do I really believe that God is the one providing for me, and for the kids?
I feel challenged about this. I'm glad this group of friends is going to be continuing this conversation through the summer months. My prayer today is that I will care more about being financially obedient to God and compassionate toward others than about being financially comfortable. I'm not there yet. But I pray that it can become my internal posture.
I was inspired by a video story of Alan Barnhart that our friend Brian sent out for all of us to view in advance. I've heard of the idea of a salary cap, or a "finish line," as Alan Barnhart calls it. I think I remember reading about it in a book by Ron Sider in college; if I recall, a salary cap was one of Sider's suggested strategies for making giving a way of life. That is, for sure, what Barnhart's story demonstrates is possible.
As I watched the video, I was really struck by Barnhart's example, and by how much he and his family have been able to give and accomplish. I also found myself thinking--wow--I wish I made your salary cap! Just being honest... Maybe it's being a church worker, maybe it's living in California where the cost of living is so high that the same amount gets you half the distance. (I know, we live in a paradise, but still, it does have its challenges.)
But as I tried to think about how we would practically put that in place even in our salary ranges, should we decide to, I got a little stymied. How would we decide how much we would need? How would we adjust for any future kids we might have? How/should we plan to adjust for inflation? Where do savings, retirement, and college funds fit in?
I did really like Barnhart's observation that they were able to prevent their children from experiencing the hardships of growing up rich. I really appreciated that way of thinking about it. Jesus did say it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to put their stock first in the kingdom of heaven...
I'm curious if anybody out there has any specific tools or worksheets to suggest how to work though these questions?
And at the same time, I already find myself bumping up against my own internal resistance. I grew up feeling like I couldn't ask my parents for new clothes even though mine didn't fit right. I always tried to order the cheapest item on the menu at restaurants so that I wouldn't place stress on my parents' pocketbooks. I grew up feeling like we weren't really poor, but we weren't really comfortable, either. My parents helped to pay for college when I was in it, but I had no college fund. I always thought things would be different once I got older, and I don't like the idea of feeling financially strapped. I want to have margins. I want a buffer between me and inability to provide for our kids. Right now we don't have a very big one, and it already makes me nervous sometimes. At the same time, I also don't feel the need to work full time while the kids are little or decide not to have any more kids simply because we might be a little less comfortable in the process of providing. Hmm. Even using that word makes me think--do I really believe that God is the one providing for me, and for the kids?
I feel challenged about this. I'm glad this group of friends is going to be continuing this conversation through the summer months. My prayer today is that I will care more about being financially obedient to God and compassionate toward others than about being financially comfortable. I'm not there yet. But I pray that it can become my internal posture.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Reading while nursing... and other motherhood joys
My second son is now 3 months old, and I can't believe the time has flown the way it has! First off, I'll say that people weren't kidding about things being more than 2x harder with two kids than with one. It's not that I actually know how to factor and compare the challenges... but I'm definitely more tired, and feel like I'm learning a complicated dance between two very different developmental stages. All this, and my two-year old feels like he's had a partial personality transplant. Sometimes it feels temporary, and I chalk it up to adjustment. But sometimes I wonder if I'll ever see that little boy again! I am hopeful, though, that his joys with having a brother with whom to grow up and share his life experiences will more than compensate. I know my joys at having both my little boys help me to accept the inevitable changes.
One of the things that I had forgotten from my first's infancy is how much time I end up spending sitting, with a nursing baby on me. At times he alternates sleeping with nursing--at times he is only sleeping because he's nuzzled up next to me! But in any case, I have some more time to either catch up on television watching (hello, Downton Abbey and Revenge, nice to make your acquaintance) or read. Little A's first three months have been opportunities to read some light fiction--Sarah Addison Allen novels, The Hunger Games trilogy--and some parenting and marriage books.
I have made two amazingly helpful "discoveries." The first is the series of Positive Discipline books, which are extremely helpful for developing a long view of parenting in the middle of the daily grind of raising small children. Astoundingly enough, I often found my reading of Positive Discipline for 1-3 Year Olds to be as enjoyable as the novels I was reading. The stories of the families and the illustrations from lives of other toddlers have been inspiring as I try to cope with my darling 2 year old's first forays into highly frustrating behavior. And I found myself experimenting with some of the techniques and ideas right away. Now, if only one of the suggestions had been about how to deal with your toddler screaming at meals and other times just to bug you and stop conversation...
The second has been the book "How We Love" and its partner, "How We Love Our Kids."Okay, I haven't really started reading the second, but just reading the first has been helping me think more clearly about how I love my kids. How We Love is a marriage book based on 5 different attachment styles. The goal of the book is to help people of each attachment style to move closer to a secure attachment styles and maximize the intimacy in one's marriage. It's been rather eye-opening for me, as it's given me a way to explain to my husband some of the reasons why I feel how I feel about us fighting, or him disconnecting. Overall, it's given us both really helpful ways to work on some of the troubles that ail our relationship. I'm so glad for each of them.
One of the things that I had forgotten from my first's infancy is how much time I end up spending sitting, with a nursing baby on me. At times he alternates sleeping with nursing--at times he is only sleeping because he's nuzzled up next to me! But in any case, I have some more time to either catch up on television watching (hello, Downton Abbey and Revenge, nice to make your acquaintance) or read. Little A's first three months have been opportunities to read some light fiction--Sarah Addison Allen novels, The Hunger Games trilogy--and some parenting and marriage books.
I have made two amazingly helpful "discoveries." The first is the series of Positive Discipline books, which are extremely helpful for developing a long view of parenting in the middle of the daily grind of raising small children. Astoundingly enough, I often found my reading of Positive Discipline for 1-3 Year Olds to be as enjoyable as the novels I was reading. The stories of the families and the illustrations from lives of other toddlers have been inspiring as I try to cope with my darling 2 year old's first forays into highly frustrating behavior. And I found myself experimenting with some of the techniques and ideas right away. Now, if only one of the suggestions had been about how to deal with your toddler screaming at meals and other times just to bug you and stop conversation...
The second has been the book "How We Love" and its partner, "How We Love Our Kids."Okay, I haven't really started reading the second, but just reading the first has been helping me think more clearly about how I love my kids. How We Love is a marriage book based on 5 different attachment styles. The goal of the book is to help people of each attachment style to move closer to a secure attachment styles and maximize the intimacy in one's marriage. It's been rather eye-opening for me, as it's given me a way to explain to my husband some of the reasons why I feel how I feel about us fighting, or him disconnecting. Overall, it's given us both really helpful ways to work on some of the troubles that ail our relationship. I'm so glad for each of them.
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