Paper or plastic?

When you go to the grocery store, what do you ask for???

Well, here's the problem:

"To make all the bags we use each year, it takes 14 million trees for paper and 12 million barrels of oil for plastic. The production of paper bags creates 70 percent more air pollution than plastic, but plastic bags create four times the solid waste — enough to fill the Empire State Building two and a half times. And they can last up to a thousand years."

Actually, some research shows that plastic NEVER breaks down. Basically every piece of plastic ever created is still in our Earth. And it will stay that way. That is terrifying. And another post all together.

Doesn't sound good, huh?

"Plastic, because it's cheaper to produce, is the overwhelming choice of grocery stores across the nation — the average family of four uses almost 1,500 of these a year"

So 1,500 times the number of families of 4 in this country? What does that number even look like???

So what to do?

Here's what.

Go to the Alabaster Galleria. (okay, fine. The Alabaster Thrift Store.)

For approximately $10.00, you can get about 10-15 canvas tote bags. Yes. They are that cheap there.

And when you go to the store, take your bags. Publix loads them up without even blinking.

Wal Mart looks at you like you have 3 heads, BUT, I was there today, and they are now selling reusable bags for a $1 each. So they are at least encouraging the use of these bags.

And you look cute and crunchy and trendy and eco friendly when you tote around your bags. And that's what it's all about, right??

No, not really. But saving the Earth that God created for us is a pretty good reason too!!!! :)

Be a Diva

You're gonna die.

http://www.divacup.com/

But it's really cool. Just read it and bear with me for a second. And don't be grossed out. Okay? ;)

This is a really soft silicone cup that you use that time of the month.

It has done the following for me:

• saved money on feminine hygiene products
• saved a few trees
• made me more healthy-no chemicals in the bleaching process of the products entering the body.
• reduced my cramps. yep. big time. the other products draw fluids from the body in it's efforts to be "absorbant." this can cause more cramping.
• actually made me forget about this whole thing for the 12 hours I don't have to clean it.

Now just peruse the website and read about it.

This phenmemon swept my message board about a year ago. It was hilarious to read about all these non crunchy women talking about the Diva Cup. Most love it. A few didn't.

There is a money back gaurentee if you don't like it. That's not a job I'd personally want, but I'm glad that option is available!!!

Just think about it, okay??? ;)

Palm what??

I had my coupon all ready this morning for my Natural Skippy peanut butter. We normally do cashew or almond butter, but with it being the end of the month, I needed to $pend less that I normally do.

But when I flipped the jar around to read the ingredients (always always always read the ingredients) I saw "Palm Oil." Uh oh. I couldn't remember whether this was a good thing or a bad thing, so I chose another brand with the words, "Peanuts and salt" as the ingredients and came home to look up "palm oil."

And I'll share what I learned with you.

Here is the most detailed information: (and I really love Dr. Weil. He's a great source of info.)

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA118473

but basically here's the lowdown.

Palm oil is still a saturated fat. Still not good for your heart and arteries, but better than Partially Hydrogenated Oil. Remember we are avoiding this at all costs.

Palm oil is okay. Palm kernel oil is bad and Fractionated Palm Oil is the worst.

I'd eat palm oil on occasion. I'd avoid the other two.

This is important because now that companies are trying to label their food as "Trans Fat Free" you really need to read the labels (!) to see what they are replacing the partially hydrogenated oil with. We are used to tasting that partially hydrogenated stuff, and when you take it out, you have to replace it with something. If it says "Trans Fat Free" but has partially hydrogenated oil in it, they are lying. They do that, you know!

So there you go!

Artificial colors

Any time the ingredients list a FD&C number, don't buy it.

Artificial colors have been linked to ADHD, general hyperactivity, asthma, rashes, allergies, and general gastric upset.

There is no reason to color food. It doesn't change the taste, and it's purely for visual affect.

My kids are sensitive especially to red and blue dye. It's not the sugar in food that make kids hyper. It's the artificial color.

Read labels and avoid artificial colors. You can buy whatever you need without buying products with these additives, and you may notice a change in your child's behavioral and/or health issues.

I'm tired, so I guess that's why I'm so blunt and bossy! I'm so sorry.... :)