Changing Batteries to Rechargable

A few years ago I was completely clueless about batteries.  I would just change them and toss the old batteries into the trash.  Then I read how dangerous that is for the environment.


Batteries are made from a number of different materials.  These materials include acid, lead, nickel, lithium, cadmium, alkaline, mercury and nickel.  When batteries are not properly disposed of the casing can disintegrate and the toxic chemicals within can leach into the surrounding environment.  It can contaminate the soil and water.  Since around 180,000 tons of batteries are being discarded in the trash in the US every year that ALOT of toxins making it's way into our soil and water supply.

I started taking our used batteries to the recycling drop-off.  They have one at our local library, maybe yours too.  But then I thought, why am I not using rechargeable batteries?

Yes they are initially more expensive, but think of how much it costs to constantly replace the batteries in your home.  It actually ends up costing way less in the long run to use the rechargeable.

We now use the rechargeable batteries and have the charger.  They are awesome.  When they run low I throw them in the charger and a little while later they are good to go.  No need to go to the store to have to buy more batteries and I don't have to take them to be recycled.  I know that the rechargeable batteries eventually die too, but at least we have so much less to be recycled.

With the holidays coming up it is something to think about.  How many batteries will you have to buy?  Why not make them something better for the environment and eventually your wallet.

Till next blog................

Decorating My Daughter's Room

When I had my daughter it was right after baseball season and my husband and I were still looking for a house.  Since we were in NY for season I didn't get the chance to "nest" and make a nursery while pregnant.  When we finally found a house it was time to create a room for my daughter but I wanted it to be as non-toxic as possible.

The first thing was choosing paint.  I knew I wanted  to use no VOC paint.  VOC's can be very dangerous, especially in a baby's room.

Volatile Organic Compounds in Your Home

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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. While most people can smell high levels of some VOCs, other VOCs have no odor. Odor does not indicate the level of risk from inhalation of this group of chemicals. There are thousands of different VOCs produced and used in our daily lives. Some common examples include:

• Acetone
• Benzene
• Ethylene glycol
• Formaldehyde
• Methylene chloride
• Perchloroethylene
• Toluene
• Xylene
• 1,3-butadiene

  What are the health effects of VOC exposure?

  The risk of health effects from inhaling any chemical depends on how much is in the air, how long and how often a person breathes it in. Scientists look at short-term (acute) exposures as hours to days or long-term (chronic) exposures as years to even lifetime.
  Breathing low levels of VOCs for long periods of time may increase some people’s risk of health problems. Several studies suggest that exposure to VOCs may make symptoms worse in people who have asthma or are particularly sensitive to chemicals. These are much different exposures than occupational exposures to VOCs.
  VOCs refer to a group of chemicals. Each chemical has its own toxicity and potential for causing different health effects. Common symptoms of exposure to VOCs include:

  Short-Term (Acute) to high levels of VOCs

  • Eye, nose and throat irritation
  • Headaches
  • Nausea / Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Worsening of asthma symptoms

  Long-Term (Chronic) to high levels of VOCs

  Increased risk of:
• Cancer
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Central Nervous System damage
• 
  
• I found a fantastic no-VOC paint. The Benjamin Moore Natura line.  They color match any color and the paint is SAFE.  
• 
  

• Natura Interior Waterborne Eggshell (513) is a premium-quality, zero-VOC paint that provides a durable, washable and fade-resistant finish. Natura Interior Waterborne Eggshell (513) is ideally suited for residential applications. Unlike conventional zero-VOC paints, Natura remains zero-VOC even after tinting, which means it remains virtually odorless regardless of color.

  Features Virtually odorless Zero VOC's regardless of color Quick return to service 100% Acrylic Provides a durable, Washable film Spatter-resistant unlimited color selection one hour recoat for quick return to service Self priming on most surfaces Carries the Green Promise designation.

  Even when we started to paint the room there was No Odor!  It was amazing!  The color went on beautifully. Next was choosing the carpet.  I did alot of research and I was so pleased to discover that there is an Eco-friendly carpet!  The Smart Strand by Mowhawk. Who Knew?? We decided on the berber, which is the softest berber I have ever felt.  There are several colors to choose from.  It was available at our local Home Depot.   We are thrilled with it. SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer contains ingredients made from corn sugar. 37 percent of the carpet fiber comes from renewably sourced ingredients that replace petroleum – a limited resource. Every seven yards of SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer saves the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. By choosing Eco-smart technology, you are choosing to reduce your environmental impact. Now that’s smart. SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer reduces our environmental footprint but what about the durability, texture and stain resistance of this product? SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer offers environmental benefits with no compromises. With unbeatable built-in stain protection for all the “oops” moments, time-tested durability, incredible softness and eco-smart technology, SmartStrand® lets you focus on other things besides your carpet. Making up your baby's room is so much more than cute wall decals and colors.  The paint, carpet and all should be as non-toxic as you can possibly make it.  Hope this gave you some options. Till next blog.....

A New Use For Olive Oil

I was in the kitchen with my daughter making salsa the other day as my husband was doing yardwork. He was coming in and out of the sliding glass door and it had this horrible squeaking sound that was driving me crazy.  My fix for that problem used to be to grab some WD-40 and be done with it but since I have become very anti-chemical, especially when my daughter is around, I had to find a different solution.

As I was standing at my counter I saw my container of olive oil and I thought, "why not?".  I always have a large supply of olive oil in the house so I gave it a shot.  I oiled down the track and the catch. Tada, the squeak was completely gone.  The door hasn't made a noise since and it actually runs smoother than it EVER has before.

I went around the house and found all the doors and drawers with little squeaks and put a little olive oil on them as well.  It's unbelievable how well it works!  No chemicals, and it's something you probably have in your house right now!

Give it a shot.

Till next blog.......