Green Living

Which are the Most Contaminated and High-Pesticide Fruit and Vegetables

Sometimes called the "dirty dozen," there are twelve fruits and vegetables that are the most contaminated by pesticides and/or fungicides. Here is a list of the most contaminated produce in loosely descending order and the pesticides used on them. 1. Bell Peppers - Of vegetables contaminated with neurotoxic pesticides, bell peppers came out the winner (or loser, depending on how you look at it). They have a higher level of such neurological toxins than any other crop that has been tested. 2. Apples - Apples have substantially higher pesticide residues than other fruits and vegetables. They also have one of the greatest numbers of chemicals on their skins - at least thirty-six in one large test. 3. Strawberries - Fungicides like captan and iprodione are a problem on these vitamin C-rich fruits. These chemicals are probable human carcinogens according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Endosulfan is a pesticide that is related to DDT, and is commonly used on strawberries. Endosulfan, as the name implies, affects the human endocrine system, specifically the production of estrogen. 4. Spinach - The pesticides found on the leaves of spinach - permethrin and chlorothalonil to name two - are probable carcinogens. And they are found in high levels ...

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Extending the Life of Your Electronics with Proper Care

Electronic devices are tricky to recycle (although there are programs), and they are not cheap. So extending their life makes sense from a waste standpoint as well as an economic one. Here are some tips and ideas on how you can get the most out of your electronic products. 1. Keep Them Clean The manual says to do this, but how many of us ignore the manufacturer's recommendations in this regard? Normally, cleaning electronics is simple as long as it is done regularly. Dust remover, or canned air, can be a big help in keeping dirt out of the computer keyboards and the keypads of cell phones, calculators, remote controls, and so forth. Use a soft, damp cloth on the surface of electronics. Dust off the back of your computer tower periodically. Its fan draws dust, which then sticks to the back of the tower and accumulates, affecting the performance and life of your machine. Don't use a vacuum - that can create static electricity. Wipe off your computer screen and monitor periodically, too. 2. Keep Them Cool Electronics do not like temperature extremes. Keep them out of direct sunlight and excessive heat and cold. Make sure the device has a lot of space around ...

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EPA eCycling Program – An Explanation

ECycling refers to the recycling of electronic products, which are getting more and more common in American homes. The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, has instigated a program to help and encourage the recycling of electronics. To get the program to the regional and community levels, the EPA headed up "Plug-In to eCycling Partners." These partners support electronics recycling programs in individual communities. They offer local governments, retailers, and manufacturers opportunities to reuse and recycle their products. Those who make and sell electronics then sponsor or instigate programs and opportunities for consumers to recycle their used electronic products. One of the EPA's goals is to educate consumers as to why the recycling of electronics is so important. They also want to make eCycling opportunities accessible to individual consumers and their household electronics. According to the EPA, the eCycling Program has been quite successful. In 2008, the EPA collected 66.5 million pounds of electronic devices through their Plug-In Partners. Local governments have also gotten on board and passed legislation intended to manage used electronic devices. Large corporations have adopted eCycling programs at their local retail stores. One retailer offers consumers small, medium and large boxes for sale, which the consumers then fill with used ...

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Brown, White, Organic, Free-Range Eggs – What’s the Difference

When you go to the grocery store with eggs on your list, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the choices. It can be confusing when the humble egg comes in varieties like organic, free-range, cage-free, brown, white, Omega-3, and any combination of these. Is there really a difference? Which eggs are healthiest? * Brown versus White Eggs - Perhaps it's the earthy color, but for some reason many people consider brown eggs more "natural" than white ones. Others claim there is a difference in taste or nutritional value. While taste can differ between various types of eggs, what makes an egg brown is the breed of hen that laid it, not the conditions under which the hen is kept. Brown eggs are not necessarily more nutritious than white ones. * Organic Eggs - Chickens that are fed organic feed produce eggs that can be labeled "organic." Organic feed contains only those ingredients that are grown and produced without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides. Organic eggs therefore would have no traces of these chemicals. Also, for eggs to be labeled organic, the hens must not receive antibiotics or hormones. * Vegetarian-Fed - Some egg cartons will note that the chickens are fed only vegetarian ...

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Alternatives to Punishment

It's easy to resort to punitive methods when your child breaks the rules or otherwise causes frustration. But many parents don't like to punish their children; they simply do so because they don't know any other way. There are alternatives to punishment, however. Next time your child causes a problem, keep a level head and consider some of these ideas. 1. Meet the Need This is probably the number one thing you can do to stop or prevent unwanted behavior. It is vital that the underlying cause of a behavior be addressed. Often, meeting the need stops the behavior and no correction is even needed. For instance, if your child tends to have meltdowns half an hour before lunch, don't send her to her room or to a chair for punishment. Think a moment - right before lunch probably means her blood sugar is low, or she's just hungry. Give her a light snack that won't spoil lunch instead. And next time, plan a mid-morning snack and watch the pre-lunchtime meltdowns melt away. Some children act "bad" because they have needs for attention, approval, or affection. Your child is not "manipulating" you to get what he wants; he is communicating with you to express ...

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