Green Treehouse

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a health advocacy organization, is calling for tighter government regulation of personal care products, including baby shampoo and lotions. A study by the organization concludes that more than half the the baby shampoo, lotion and other infant care products contain trace amounts of chemicals thought to cause cancer. According to the health organization, some of the biggest names in the baby shampoo industry may have products on the shelf that contain chemicals characterized as “probable carcinogens.”

Should parents panic? Probably not, suggests a spokeperson the organization. “Our intention is not to alarm parents, but to inform parents that products that claim to be gentle and pure are contaminated with carcinogens, which is completely unnecessary.”

What can parents do? Start reading labels and pay close attention to product marketing. Look for products that clearly state what they do and don’t include. ‘Natural’ may no longer cut it. Instead, look for other descriptions, such as organic, sustainably grown ingredients, no masking agents, no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, no parabens, clear formula chemicals or no fragrance. Stick with the old warning, “if you can’t pronounce an ingredient on a label, look for another product.” Also, be on the look out for companies that have demonstrated a commitment to the safety of children’s products time and time again, such as companies that were built around the “organic” and “environmental health” concepts.

November 10, 2008: Johnson & Johnson-Mercy Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co. has announced a recall of approximately 12,000 units of Mylicon gas-relief dye-free drops, sold in 1-ounce plastic bottles and distributed to stores and pharmacies after Oct. 5. The recall involves lots SMF007 and SMF008. The lots are recalled because some bottles could include pieces of metal.

Mylicon drops are a popular product used to relieve gas in infants.

For more information about the recall, click here.

Besides taking up landfill space, did you know that many mattresses (e.g., foam mattresses) impact the environment because they are made from non-renewable fossil fuels?

Did you know that some studies suggest that petroleum-based foam mattresses pose health risks, especially overtime as foam breaks down and releases toxic formaldehyde gas?

Sealy has responded to these health and environmental concerns by introducing a Soybean Foam-Core Crib Mattress. Parents looking to buy an affordable, eco-friendly crib mattress will definitely want to check out Sealy’s Soybean Crib Mattress.

What’s to love about a Soybean-based mattress? How about peace of mind? Sealy’s Soybean Foam-Core Mattress is made in the USA from soybeans grown in the USA. So say “bye-bye” to dangerous petroleum-based foam, and say “hello” to renewable-based soy. Sealy’s mattress is also hypoallergenic and features a cover that prevents allergens from clinging to the mattress. And, the icing on the eco-friendly cake is the price. Sealy’s soybean-based crib mattress is reasonably priced, making it easier for parents to give their babies the gift of a healthy night’s rest—plus, of course, a healthier Earth.

What causes Autism? That’s what parents, doctors, and researchers want to know. Thanks to a new study we may be closer to answers. Researchers at Cornell University have found that “children growing up in the rainiest or snowiest areas of the country seem to have a higher risk for autism than children living in drier climates.”

The latest thinking is that precipitation increases exposure to mercury and other dangerous neurotoxins through deposition in the environment. It’s suspected that this exposure to outdoor and indoor neurotoxins triggers a genetic predisposition to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Recent studies have also shown increases in mercury levels in Americans in recent years, which support this latest reports’ findings.

To read more about this study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, click here.

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To Vaccinate or Not?
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A Green Treehouse reader recently wrote to us and asked for a little do-it-yourself (DIY) cleaning supplies advice. To our writer, thank you for reading and asking your question! We’ve trolled the Internet and pulled together some great links to help you create your own non-toxic, eco-friendly, baby-approved household cleaners. If we’ve missed any good links, be sure to let us know.

Why DIY non-toxic cleaning products?

There are many reasons for making your own cleaning supplies. Beyond the happy planet and health aspects, DIY cleaners can save money and they can be easy to make from ingredients commonly found at home. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the piece of mind that comes from knowing what’s in a product–especially one that you’re using in an environment shared with baby.

What about manufactured cleaners? Are they baby safe?

It depends. Today, parents interested in eco-friendly, baby safe cleaning products can find effective, yummy natural scented (or scent free), and reasonably priced non-toxic cleaners on the market. But, not all cleaning supplies are eco-friendly or baby (or even parent) safe. Look for natural ingredients and mom-approved labels like:
* Seventh Generation
* Begley’s Best
* Sun & Earth
* Mrs. Meyer’s
* BabyGanics

Where can I find *recipes* for making my own cleaners?

Thanks to mommy (and daddy) bloggers, here are some links to DIY cleaning product recipes. Please write to us and share your favorite formula!

To Make Your Own Glass Cleaner:

A little ol’ vinegar and water should do the trick. But check out this recipe (Mom’s Budget), this one (Dabbling Divas), or these heavy duty home-brewed glass cleaner recipes.

To Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner:

Check out this recipe (Greeniacs) that calls for 1/8 cup of borax and 1 quart of hot water.

To Make Your Own Tile Cleaner:

Get squeezin’ lemons. Just half kidding there. According to Greeniacs, “Cut a lemon in half. Dip the lemon half in borax and use the lemon to scrub the tile. Rinse surface with warm water after scrubbed.” Sounds super easy, doesn’t it?

For other cleaning recipes or reasons to go green at home check out these eco-friendly links:
Sustain Lane’s How to Make Your Own Household Cleaners
5 Ways Moms Can Save the Planet
Eco-Friendly Household Cleaners

This year, for the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (”CDC”) recommends that all children between 6 months and 18 years old receive flu shots.

According to the CDC, flu shots are safe and effective against the flu, which typically manifests as respiratory symptoms, malaise, cough, aches and fever. Behind the idea of universal vaccination of children is to protect the high-risk population including newborns and the elderly. That’s what my doctor was getting at when she recently suggested that I get a flu shot, “not so much for you, but to protect your baby.”

Is the Flu Shot Safe for Children

But safety is the big question. Is the flu shot safe for children? In the past, parents have expressed concerns about the use of perservative, specifically thimerosal (a form of mercury), in flu vaccines. Others have worried that the vaccines would further contribute to the creation of toxic chemical soup in their children’s bodies.

Each year, more than 30,000 deaths are attributed to the flu, including roughly 1,200 deaths in children. For many pediatricians and parents, those numbers speak loud enough, making it easier to decide whether to vaccinate. While weighing the safety of flu vaccines is one best left to parents and their pediatricians, here are some interesting links for reading on the subject–click to see what other “mommy” and “daddy” bloggers have to say about flu vaccines:

Dr. Sears - Scroll down to see what this popular pediatrician has to say about the flu vaccine

Go Green with Vaccines (Chicago Moms Blog)

Parents should have choice NOT to vaccinate (R.T.Cave)

To Vaccinate, or Not to Vaccinate — Why Is This a Question? (Chicago Moms Blog)

Shouldn’t We Know What We Are Receiving In Our Bodies? (FIR)

Related Links
To Vaccinate or Not

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Nursery Essentials, by Mommy’s Helper
ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer, by itzbeen

If you’re pregnant, there’s a good chance you’ll be hit by the nesting instinct sometime over the next 9 1/2 months–maybe very early in your pregnancy, somewhere in the middle, or hours before you go into labor.


The nesting instinct refers to the impulsive-like urge to clean and organize when you’re expecting. If you’re pregnant and you find yourself cleaning like mad at one o’clock in the morning, it’s probably safe to say you’re nesting–well, unless maybe your in-laws are scheduled to arrive in a few hours! But even if the instinct never officially kicks in, you’ll probably find yourself prepping for baby, even if it doesn’t involve scrubbing underneath your refrigerator produce bins.

How to ‘Nest’ Green Room-by-Room Guide

If you’re looking for tips on How to ‘Nest’ Green, stay tuned. In the coming days, The Green Treehouse plans to bring you the How to ‘Nest’ Green Room-by-Room Guide. By the end of the series, you’ll have your very own Green (minus the tree) House ready for baby!

Oh, for an organizational heads up…check out this cool Sippy Cup Valve Organizer by Prince Lionheart:

Did you know that fragrances found in perfumes, cleaning products, beauty products, and in air fresheners usually come from petroleum-based chemicals? Did you know that there are millions of people who are highly sensitive (some more so than others) to chemicals and scents? Did you know that some places have “scent free” or “reduced” scent zones?

Chemicals in our environment can affect people in ways that we might not realize. Synthetic fragrances contained in shampoos, hair care products, and body soaps can induce headaches, mood changes or breathing difficulties. Some studies suggest that man-made fragrances are more than simply annoying–they claim that chemical fragrances can damage the body, like the nervous system, and even lead to cancers or depression, among other health problems.

New parents concerned about the safety of synthetic fragrances have options. Parents can opt for fragrance free baby products, like California Baby’s Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion (fragrance free) or TenderCare Tushies Unscented Wipes. Parents can also look for bath and body care products that are free of synthetic fragrances and are made of natural or organic ingredients like Little Twig’s line of baby skin and bath products. Parents can also switch to natural laundry detergents, such as BabyGanics Laundry Detergent that is specially formulated for babies, and choose natural air fresheners.

When it comes to health, the environment, and air quality, even small decisions, like deciding what baby shampoo or body wash to buy, just might have a big impact on future generations.

A growing number of baby care products display “Paraben-Free” on the label. Curious what Paraben-Free means? And perhaps most importantly, what it means for your baby if a product label lacks a Paraben-Free mention?

**Keep reading for the scoop on Parabens:**

What are Parabens? Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives and are widely found in cosmetics and bath and body care products.

What products contain Parabens? Parabens can be found in shampoos, conditioners, body wash products, antiperspirants, toothpaste and in other cosmetics and bath and body care products. Not all cosmetics and bath and body care products contain parabens. A growing number of manufacturers do not use Parabens, and frequently make mention of such on product labels.

What, if any, risks are associated with Parabens? There is controversy surrounding parabens and the effect of exposure to products containing parabens. Some researchers and organizations take the view that there are possible links between parabens (common ones include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben) and cancers (e.g., breast cancer and estrogen-dependent tumors). Some also believe that parabens contribute to skin irritations.

Are Parabens Safe for Your Baby? Studies of parabens on health continue. Some researchers, organizations, and manufacturers suggest that people use products containing parabens with caution. Others advocate avoiding use altogether until more conclusive health data is available. Still others contend that any health risks are minimal. Ultimately, the question of safety is left to parents and pediatricians. If you have concerns about parabens, talk to your child’s doctor, do your own research, and consider switching to body care products that are paraben-free.

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Protecting Baby from UVA and UBA Rays
The Low Down on the Plastic Safety Debate

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BabyEarth carries a full line of paraben-free California Baby products.

I grew up in a no-apple slice type of family. Come to think of it, it was also a no-cheese cube type of family. It’s not that I didn’t eat these healthy foods. I did. A lot. It’s just that apples and cheese were never cut up and served as cute little bits in my school lunches or at snack time.

As silly as it may sound, after seeing another mother’s perfectly sliced apples one day, I decided that was that. My children would grow up in a slice and cube type of family. Beyond cute, smaller chunks are more practical and safer for small children, especially when they’re discovering the art of eating. But how did other moms get those slices and cubes to look so perfect and adorably tasty looking? Apparently, with a little help….

If only I had known earlier that it could be this easy. Should have known KidCo would offer this cool baby gadget.

Oh, in case you’re wondering, good nutrition and environmentalism go together like peas in a pod. For example, eating less processed or natural food is less taxing on environmental resources, and planting fruit trees and vegetables supports a greener environment.

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