The Wise Mom, June 2012

Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network

wise: (adj) informed, aware

© The Wise Mom, Holistic Moms Network. Issue 10, June 2012.

thewisemom

To Be GreenTop Ten Ways

NurseryGreen Baby

Medicine CabinetGreen

Plastics and theChemical Industry

http://www.holisticmoms.org

http://www.holisticmoms.org/

Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network2

thewisemom4 From The Editor

6 News & Announcements

10 Earth Day Celebrations

12 Go Green When You Clean

14 Top 10 Ways To Be Green

16 HMN Cleaning Recipes

17 Juicing Recipes

18 Hardy Plants Keep The Pests Away

20 Safe Lawn Care

22 Green Home Renovations

24 Plastics and the Chemical Industry

26 Member Profile: Meet Erin Moulton

27 Volunteer Profile: Meet Lenore Ockerberg

30 Greening Your Pantry

32 Green Baby Nursery

36 Green Medicine Cabinet

38 Chipping In

40 Inner Greening

42 Giving Tree



Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 3

thewisemomEDITOR

Aimee Wood

DESIGN/LAYOUT

Emma Catarino

HMN DIRECTOR

Nancy Massotto

The Wise Mom is a quarterly publication of the Holistic

Moms Network (HMN), a national 501(c)(3) non-profit

organization for parents interested in holistic health and

green living. The Wise Mom is the voice of the members

of the Holistic Moms Network as well as an informative

publication offering views, perspectives, and wisdom from

our parents, wellness practitioners, and experts in the

broad field of holistic living and parenting.

The information provided in The Wise Mom is not intended

to replace professional advice from a qualified healthcare

professional and is not intended as medical advice. The

articles and information presented in these pages

is intended as a sharing of knowledge, information, and

experiences. We encourage all of our readers to become

informed about the many healthcare and parenting

decisions they may face and to make the choice that works

best for their unique family.

The Wise Mom is a publication of the Holistic Moms

Network and supports the mission and purpose of our

non-profit organization.

SPONSORS

For more information about Sponsorship, please e-mail us at

[email protected] or call us at 877-HOL-MOMS.

CIRCULATION

The Wise Mom is published four times per year and is

available electronically to members of the Holistic Moms

Network. For information about membership, please visit

us at www.holisticmoms.org.

SUBMISSIONS

Interested in writing for The Wise Mom? We look for a

variety of submissions, from personal stories and

experiences from members to informative research articles

based upon our issue theme each quarter. Want to share

your photos with us? By submitting a photo to The Wise

Mom, you agree that you have the right to distribute the

image and maintain that all people depicted agree to have

their image published.

Email [email protected] for details on

submitting articles or photos for an upcoming issue.

© The Wise Mom, Holistic Moms Network. Issue 9, June 2012.

Nancy Massotto

Founder & Executive Director

mailto:[email protected]

www.holisticmoms.org







Dear Mamas,

Summer is here, yay! What better time than to spruce up your house, clean it out, or plan some renovations? Or, perhaps you are looking to do some inner greening, cleansing, and detoxing? This issue is jam packed with inspiration, whether you are looking to green your outer world by renovating your home with green methods or if you are interested in doing some inner “greening”. Either way, I’m sure you will learn something new and be inspired by the information here. So, grab a comfy spot, some cold tea, and enjoy!

Looking ahead to autumn, our next issue will focus on inner growth and development while raising conscious kids. We would love to hear from you! For guidelines, please email me at: [email protected]. As always, we are eager to hear feedback from our readers, so drop us a line.

Enjoy the warm summer breezes,Aimee K. WoodEditor

editorsletter



http://www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org


http://www.frontiercoop.com/buyingclubs


news&announcementsCelebrate Holistic Parenting!

Natural LivingC O N F E R E N C E

9th Annual

2012 Natural Living Conference Announced!

We are excited to announce our 2012 Natural Living

Conference to be held on SAturdAy, OctOber 13, 2012

in Chicago! It is our first year coming to the Midwest

and Holistic Moms is thrilled to gather in the Windy City.

This year’s event features amazing Keynote and Workshop

Speakers, a Holistic Exhibit Hall, a healthy lunch, and so

much more.

2012 Keynote Speakers are former Top Chef contestant,

author, and natural foods expert AndreA beAmAn speaking

on “natural Healing through Food” and author and president

of the National Vaccine Information Center bArbArA LOe

FiSHer speaking on Vaccines & chronic illness: Staying Well in the new epidemic. Workshop Speakers

include natural beauty expert and Kiwi Magazine editor Todra PayNE; integrative pediatrician dr.

daVId W. MILLEr and author JEffrEy CoHEN; and gluten-free expert and CHEf dENISE SaNfILIPPo.

“This year’s event looks at some of the hottest issues in natural parenting, from the benefits of a whole

foods diet to toxins in our beauty products,” says HMN founder and director Nancy Massotto. “Today’s

moms are passionate about choosing a healthy, sustainable lifestyle and our sessions will empower them

to make informed choices for themselves and their families.”

Join us in Chicago! early registration ends on July 31st so sign up now to reserve your spot and save!

Natural and holistic business owners can sign up for an exhibitor table or other opportunities online by

clicking here. Space is limited for exhibitors and attendees – don’t wait until it’s too late!

http://annualconference.holisticmoms.org

http://annualconference.holisticmoms.org

http://register.holisticmoms.org/

http://opportunities.holisticmoms.org





Welcome . . .Earth Mama Angel BabyHMN welcomes new Sponsor Earth Mama Angel Baby into our community!

Earth Mama Angel Baby’s safe, trusted, hospital recommended, organic and natural herbal products and USDA Certified 100% Organic teas are specifically formulated to support the entire journey of childbirth: from Pregnancy through Postpartum Recovery, Breastfeeding, Baby and Family care. Mama’s Promise® is to offer only safe, pure, natural products that work. If it doesn’t measure up to Mama’s standards, it doesn’t leave the building. Promise.

Members can save on Earth Mama Angel Baby products! See the Online Member Savings Book for a new special offer!

Welcome New & Continuing HMN Sponsors!

The Holistic Moms Network is proud to partner with companies and organizations who share our mission and purpose, and to connect our members with these amazing Sponsors and their passions! We honor four ongoing

Sponsors and welcome a new Sponsor into our HMN Community!

Interested in living green and sustainably?

Look no further than E Magazine! The

Nation’s only non-profit, independent

consumer publication on the environment,

E Magazine is a clearinghouse of information,

news and commentary on today’s environmental issues.

It’s E’s intent to educate and inspire individuals who

have concerns about theenvironment and who want to

know what they can do to help bring about improvements.

Learn more at http://www.emagazine.com/.

Iron deficiency is the lead-ing cause of fatigue in women in North America and during pregnancy a woman’s iron

requirement doubles. Embraced by women for over 60 years, Floradix Liquid Iron is a safe, low-dose supplement clinically proven to prevent and treat iron deficiency. Recommended by both naturopaths and midwives due to its natural ingredients and its non-constipating formula, Floradix Liquid Iron is non-GMO, and free of sugar, artificial sweeteners, colorings, alcohol, preserva-tives, additives, and pesticides. Considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding, and suitable for vegans and vegetarians, Floradix is the liquid iron of choice.

Motherlove has been the trusted

leader in herbal pregnancy, breastfeeding

and baby products since 1990. All of

their products are rated zero for toxins

by Skin Deep, the toxicity database.

Based in Laporte, Colorado, Motherlove Herbal Company was

conceived by nationally recognized herbalist and author Kathryn

Higgins. Through Motherlove, the journey of childbirth is

supported by Nature’s healing herbs. Motherlove is dedicated

to crafting the finest quality, safe and effective products for

pregnancy, breastfeeding and babies, while supporting the

sustainable practice of growing and gathering herbs with

integrity and reverence for our planet.

The National Center for Homeopathy is an

open-membership organization whose mission

is to promote health through homeopathy.

By providing learning opportunities about homeopathy for

our members and the general public, and more advanced

education to those in health care, we help to make homeopathy

available throughout the United States. We also

protect your access to homeopathy. To find out more

about homeopathy for your family or the National

Center, please visit www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org

or write [email protected].

http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/

http://www.emagazine.com/




http://requiredforlife.com/

http://www.motherlove.com/)

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New Chapters Forming!

HMN continues to grow! Spring has been a busy time for the

Holistic Moms Network! Since our last issue, new Chapters

have launched in

Charlotte, NC

Western Monmouth County, NJ

Central San Diego

Ulster County, NY

Hartford, CT

Passaic County, NJ

Decatur/Intown Atlanta, GA

Suffolk County (Riverhead Area), NY

Don’t have a local Holistic Moms Chapter? Get one started – we’ll guide you, provide you with resources and materials, and help make it a success. Click here.

Save the Date!Last year the Holistic Moms Network launched the World’s Biggest

Breastfeeding Twitter Party in honor of World Breastfeeding Week on

August 2, 2011. The party had more than 760 participants and generated

more than 8 million impressions. This year, we’re shooting for an even

bigger worldwide Twitter event to raise awareness for breastfeeding and to

connect those who support and advocate for breastfeeding around the globe. Mark your calendars for

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 at 10 pm Eastern Time to join us at #HolisticMoms and be part of this

amazing global event!

news&announcements

As summer gets underway, new Chapters are launching in

Houston (Southwest), TXOrlando (College Park) Area, FLand Las Vegas, NV!

http://charlottenc.holisticmoms.org

http://westmonmouthnj.holisticmoms.org

http://centralsandiego.holisticmoms.org

http://ulsterctyny.holisticmoms.org

http://hartfordct.holisticmoms.org

http://passaicctynj.holisticmoms.org

http://decaturga.holisticmoms.org/

http://riverheadny.holisticmoms.org/

http://opportunities.holisticmoms.org

http://www.holisticmoms.org/category/news-events/big-breastfeeding-twitter-party/

http://www.holisticmoms.org/category/news-events/big-breastfeeding-twitter-party/

http://houstonsw.holisticmoms.org/

http://orlandofl.holisticmoms.org/

http://lasvegas.holisticmoms.org/





http://www.whatsinyourhotdog.com


http://www.applegatefarms.com


Eart

h D

ay celebr

ations

EarthBy Anna E.W., age 9

A giant ball of sea and land,Hilly hills and scratchy grass.

And, if the Earth were not here,Would we live somewhere else?

Or would life just not exist?If Earth were not here.

Earth Day Family Potuck and Seed Exchange

Eau Claire, WI Chapter



Chapter Leader Allison CrewsSouthside, VA Chapter

The Southside Virginia chapter of the Holistic Moms Network & STEPS partnered to celebrate the

amazing planet we all call home on Sunday, April 22nd at the STEPS Centre. The crowd received raffled

gift certificates generously donated by local businesses. Dancing, music, and hooping were part of the

entertainment. Local park information, materials on food freedoms, health information, and natural

health options were available. A local company donated a vermiculture display for the kids. Crafts and

recycling centers were prominently displayed. Then we got our hearts pumping with Zumba. A good

time was enjoyed by all and we were all reminded to celebrate the beautiful faces, places, and plants we

are blessed with everyday. Plans are underway for the second annual celebration next year!




by Dr. Brenda Trudell

go greenwhen you

Clean




There’s nothing like a good spring cleaning

to refresh your home after a long winter

and many months without fresh air. Many

feel the only way to get a really good clean

is with strong, toxic chemicals that kill

everything. While destroying every living

organism may make you feel safer, it is

important to remember that there is a

downside to all of the chemicals that we

use. Before heading out to buy supplies,

check your cupboards for some of these

everyday items that are safe, natural, effective

and, best of all, cheap.

Baking soda: It’s great for all-purpose cleaning because it

disinfects, deodorizes, and removes stains.

Distilled white vinegar: Vinegar is a grease-cutter, a stain

remover, a natural disinfectant and works to soften water, too.

Lemons/Lemon juice: Try juicing a lemon to remove grease,

disinfect, remove stains and to replace bleach. Throw the

lemon rind into the garbage disposal for a natural freshener.

Salt: Salt can replace a cleanser because it works as an

abrasive. Try it on stubborn sink stains.

Borax: Found in the laundry detergent aisle, this mineral is

a bleach alternative. It strengthens the effectiveness of soap,

deodorizes, disinfects, and kills mold and bacteria. Note

that although Borax is natural, it can still toxic to pets and

children, and it is rough on skin. Wear gloves when handling

this substance.

Liquid Soap (Castile or Murphy’s Oil Soap): Made from

vegetable and hemp oils, it has no animal fats, is organic and

all natural. Due to its super concentrated properties, one

bottle of soap goes a long way, which cuts down on the use

of plastic bottles. Castile soap is a type of soap made

exclusively from vegetable oil rather than animal fats or

synthetics. It is as a clothing detergent, too.

Essential oils: Lavender, lemon, Thieves, rosemary,

peppermint, grapefruit, and tea tree oils are great for adding

a bit of fragrance to your homemade cleaning solutions. They

also have disinfectant properties.

Hydrogen peroxide: It’s not just for scrapes and cuts. Use it

to disinfect countertops or to clean bathrooms. You can add

an equal part of water and a few drops of your favorite

essential oil for a pleasing scent. Keep this one out of

children’s reach.

Here are a few recipes for cleaning solutions.

All-purpose cleaner #1: Mix 1 part vinegar and 4 parts

water to fill a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil,

or a tablespoon of lemon juice. Use to clean countertops,

bathrooms, and sealed floors or other sealed surfaces.

All-purpose cleaner #2: Mix 1/8 cup of baking soda in a

quart of warm water. Add a few drops of lemon or lavender

oil if desired.

Soft Scrub: 1/2 cup baking soda, add enough liquid soap to

make it frosting-like consistency, add 5 drops of essential oil,

when you




and mix together. Use with a cloth, rinse when finished.

Glass cleaner: Vinegar, either straight or mixed with an equal

amount of water, it is a good substitute for standard glass

cleaner. Add a few drops of lemon oil.

Natural “Goo Gone”: To remove gooey things off of

windows, sticker or tape residue, add a couple drops of pure

lemon oil to the area, let soak in, then scrape or wash off.

Wood cleaner: A teaspoon of lemon juice, a tablespoon of

olive oil, and about a cup of warm water will work well here.

Furniture polish: 1/2 tsp jojoba oil, 1/4 cup vinegar or

lemon juice.

Oven cleaner: Use a couple tablespoons of baking soda

topped with an equal amount of liquid soap. This mixture

works well on the inside of an oven. Wipe clean with a wet

rag dipped in some vinegar to prevent streaks on metal or

stainless steel. Salt with a few drops of water also will treat

stubborn oven stains.

Clean a microwave: Cut up a lemon and put into a bowl of

water. Heat it in a microwave for 3-5 minutes. Wipe. **Tip:

use lemon juice when you make a cleaner, heat lemon to

clean microwave, then dispose of in garbage disposal to

freshen that as well! 3 in 1!

Toilet bowl cleaner: Pour 1 cup Borax into toilet before you

go to bed. The next morning, clean with a toilet brush.

To get rid of odors, make your own natural air freshener spray

with essential oils. Simply mix 10 drops of your favorite oil

(lemon or lavender are my favorites) with water or grain

alcohol in a spray bottle, and use as desired. Also works great

on pillows and bed sheets, or a car freshener.

In the laundry room, baking soda is a great boost to

detergent because it deep-cleans clothes and removes stains.

Cornstarch absorbs oil and grease, so it’s a good thing to try

before resorting to harsh stain removers. Borax will improve

detergent’s cleaning power and can be used in place of

bleach. Laundry nuts are also a wonderful detergent

alternative, and wool dryer balls can replace toxic dryer

sheets.

Whatever you decide, just know that there are alternatives to

dangerous and expensive chemicals. You can easily and safely

improve the health of your family, pets, and the environment.

And most importantly, have fun with it! These are easy to

make, fun to use, and they smell great!

Dr. Brenda Trudell is a chiropractor and

owner of New Beginnings Chiropractic in

three locations around Madison, WI. The

clinics focus on natural health, especially

for women, pregnancy and children

through chiropractic, acupuncture,

massage, reiki, nutrition and more. She

is co-founder and co-leader of the South

Central WI Chapter of the Holistic Moms Network. While Brenda

does not yet have children of her own, she is very passionate about

pregnancy and pediatrics, and can’t wait to start her own family soon.

For more information, visit http://newbeginningschiropractic.net/

or contact her at [email protected]. Follow her blog at

http://docbrenda.wordpress.com/.

http://newbeginningschiropractic.net/


http://docbrenda.wordpress.com/





http://www.organicvalley.coop


ten easy ways to be a littleGreeNer!

by Pam Howard

Use glass containers for food storage•AvoidBPA’sinplastic.

•Glassiseasiertocleananddoesn’tgetstainedlikeplastic.

Pack your child’s lunch responsibly•Useawaterbottleinsteadofsingleservedrinks.

•Usealuminumorglasscontainers.

•Useare-usablesandwichcontainerandsnackbags.

•Useafun,re-usablelunchbag.

Cut down on chemical cleaners•Bakingsoda,vinegarandwatercancleanalmostanything.

•Addafewdropsofessentialoilsanditsmellsgood,too!

•Asimplerecipeforcleaningglass:Mixequalpartswater

and vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well and use on your

windows. Use old newspapers on the glass and you’ll have

beautiful, streak free windows in no time!

Make it easy to be green!•Keepyourwaterbottlesbythedoororthefridge,soyou’ll

remember to fill them up.

•Keepaselectionofre-usablebagsineverycar,soyou’ll

have no excuses at the store!




Compost your food scraps•Don’tfeellikecreatinganentirecompostsystem?Justdo

it the lazy way (like I do) and pile up all your food scraps

(coffee grounds, egg shells, melon rinds, etc.) as you

prepare food, then throw them out on the garden!

Use cloth napkins•IadmitI’mworkingonthisone,butitisfunforthekids

(they think it’s “fancy”), and it is an easy way to cut down

on paper waste!

Line dry your clothing•Wedothisyearround.Wedoitoutsideinthesummer

and in the bedroom in the winter. Clothes last longer, look

better and you’ll save a ton of electricity!

Use “trash” for craft supplies•Ihaveacontainerfullof“trash”itemsliketoiletpaper

rolls, egg cartons, oatmeal boxes, etc. When the kids need

something to do, it’s easy to just set the box on the table

with some markers or crayons, glue, and scraps of paper

and let them go to town!

Have a scrap paper basket•RightnexttomycomputerisaprettybasketwhereIthrow

all scraps of paper. Then, whenever I need to jot a note,

make a list, or print something I can grab a sheet from the

basket.

Share!•Don’tpitchyouroldmagazines,booksandclothing,share

with your friends or someone in need!

I encourage all of you to pick one new items on this list and

give it a try next week, it really can be easy to be green!

Pam Howard is a Holistic Health Coach

located in Noblesville, IN. She works with

busy moms (and others) to create a

balanced, healthy, vibrant life. Pam shares

healthy tips and recipes at

http://www.behealthybehappywellness.com.

http://www.behealthybehappywellness.com


http://www.littlemetea.com


cleaning recipes from the HMn Cookbooks

DRAIN OPENER(From Many Paths, One Journey to Health)Nina DeSantoPoconos, PA 1/2 c white vinegar1/2 c. baking soda Pour baking soda down the drain and follow with vinegar. Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Flush with boiling water. Repeat if necessary. FURNITURE POLISH(From Many Paths, One Journey to Health)Deborah ConquestRochester, NY 1/2 c. white vinegar3 tsp. olive oilDistilled water Pour vinegar and olive oil into a spray bottle. Fill the

remainder of the spray bottle with distilled water. Spray on furniture and rub with a clean cloth.

VEGETABLE CLEANER(From Growing Healthy Families)Kristen Lee-CharlsonMissoula, MT Distilled white vinegar or cider vinegar3 percent hydrogen peroxide Spray your produce and/or work surface thoroughly with vinegar and then peroxide. Rinse produce under running water or wipe the surface with a clean sponge.

Note: Caution - Make sure to keep all home-made formulas well labeled, and out of reach from children. From Annie Berthold-Bond’s www.care2.com.

http://www.care2.com



Grapefruit Cilantro JuiceRecipe by Carissa Cox

We love how the cilantro balances the acidity of the grape-

fruit in this drink. Cilantro is a cooling herb and balances,

cleanses, and stimulates metabolic activity. Cilantro is used

to treat allergies, hyper-acidity, and skin problems. Grape-

fruit is very cleansing when drunk or eaten in the morning.

It helps lessen mucus in the system and helps digestion of

sugar.

In a blender, puree together:

1 cup cilantro

4 cups fresh grapefruit juice (juice of 6 grapefruits)

Orange, Cucumber, and Celery JuiceBy Carissa Cox

It feels like Summer outside. And Summer reminds me of

cool cucumbers. I love cucumbers because when you juice

them, you get A LOT of juice! I spend less time juicing when

I use cucumbers!

We have loved this mix of juices, after drinking it on our re-

cent travels. This is easily my son’s favorite drink these days,

although it is best in Summer or Autumn when 2 out of 3

ingredients are in season. Very simply, you need:

4 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice (In the Autumn, use

Sour Oranges. In the Winter, use Washington Navels. In the

Spring, use Sweet Oranges, Tangelos or Temple Oranges.)

3 cucumbers and 4 celery sticks (both best in Summer and

Autumn)

Juice the cucumbers and celery. You should have about 4

cups in total.

Combine 4 cups of orange juice with 4 cups of the green

juice. Voila! A delightful drink!

JuicingRecipes



20

by Trish Johnston

hardy plants that keep the pests awayWhat’s the Buzz?




Every Mother’s Day, I plant a garden. It started with a potted

hydrangea Lee got me when I was pregnant with our first

son, Cameron, and has grown in size and effort since: veg-

etables, herbs, annuals. You name it, I plant it on Mother’s

Day.

Every Father’s Day, I stand in the dry, brown wasteland of my

yard, lamenting the untimely passing of my precious sprout-

lings. By mid-June, the tomato plants resemble jaundiced

daddy long-legs. Desiccated zucchini vines lay prostrate on

the cracked earth. Empty patches loom noticeably; the

romaine never even makes an appearance.

My sweet boys are as enthusiastic as I am, and thankfully un-

aware of my consistent failure. Cameron once held a tender

seedling out to me and innocently asked, “How long will this

be green?”

This year is going to be different, I tell myself (and the

plants). This year, we’re going to make it.

I’ve trimmed my expectations. I’ve decided to plant with

a purpose: make my outside time with the guys more

comfortable. There is nothing better than pulling dinner off

the grill, sliding the chairs up to the picnic table and sitting

outside in the fading evening sun to share dinner. So long as

the bugs stay away.

I’ve researched hardy plants with naturally occurring

repellant properties. Coupled with the organic mulch I’m

having trucked in, when I’m done, our yard will not only

look neat and lovely, but will also be a chemical and bug-free

zone we can enjoy well past evening.

Here’s what I’ve planted so far:

Citronella: Not the most attractive plant, but it’s the real

deal. It repels mosquitoes and gives off a sweet scent. It

actually smells a lot like lemon candy. My nursery guy

recommended tearing off a couple of leaves and rubbing

them right on the kids’ skin. The oil from the leaves is an

effective bug repellent. This may be my new favorite thing.

Lemongrass: It’s a double-duty plant: It repels mosquitoes

and is edible. It’s kind of sad looking now, but will grow in

nicely. Bonus: It’s a hard-to-find ingredient in my favorite

soup. So now I’ll always have it on hand, instead of scavenging

the grocery store produce section for it.

Pennyroyal: This is not only a hardy ground cover, but a

mosquito, flea, tick and fly repellant, too. It can even be used

topically to soothe bug bites. Best yet, it tolerates periods of

drought, but likes moist soil. That, I know I can handle. I’m

putting it in pots to sit outside my front, back and kitchen

doors.

Sweet bay laurel: This plant isn’t native to my area, but

I plan on keeping two in pots and trimming them as they

grow. That way, not only could I take advantage of their abil-

ity to repel ants, but I would also have an endless supply of

bay leaves for soups and roasts, come fall. When it gets cold,

I can just move them indoors for the winter.

Marigolds: Because I need a splash of color and because

the word on the street is rabbits and deer hate the smell and

taste of them. Positioning them around my garden may help

protect my other plants from hungry intruders.

Trish Johnston is a wife, mom and award winning

marketing copywriter in Morris County, NJ.

Currently hip-deep in Transformers and Legos,

she aspires to rid her home of plastic, perform

sun salutations with the kids and get her

husband to say “quinoa” without laughing. Read

more at www.thedishfromtrish.com.

http://www.thedishfromtrish.com



22 Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network

A few days ago I was walking down the street with my

children when they decided to go and pet the cat sitting on

a neighbor’s stoop. It wasn’t until we got to the stoop that

I looked down and saw the dreaded yellow fertilizer all over

the law. It reminded me of a story I was told.

A few years ago, I met an organic landscaper, who told the

story of his neighbor’s son. As he turned and waved to his

neighbors one morning, he noticed the baby, a one

year old, standing on the grass barefoot, his feet

yellow from the fertilizer strewn all about the yard.

Within that year the baby died of leukemia. The man

never discussed the possible causes with the parents,

but he had his suspicions based on what he had

learned about fertilizer as an organic landscaper.

For those who think that the leukemia couldn’t

possibly have been from the fertilizer (much of

which contain pesticides), think again. A study

published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute

finds that household and garden pesticide use can

increase the risk of childhood leukemia as much as

seven-fold AND studies show that children living in

households where pesticides are used suffer elevated

rates of leukemia, brain cancer and soft tissue sarcoma.

This is scary!!!

These chemicals aren’t only being found on the

outside of our homes; they are inside our houses

as well. According to Rutham Rudel, scientific studies

find pesticide residues such as the weedkiller 2,4-D

and the insecticide carbaryl inside homes, due to

drift and track-in, where they contaminate air, dust,

surfaces and carpets and expose children at levels ten

times higher than pre application levels.

So why am I so concerned when I don’t use these chemicals

in my yard? Because come March/April, when I go walk-

ing with my kids in my neighborhood, I inevitably see the

residue on the sides of the street, which means it is getting

on the bottom of our shoes and on the wheels of the stroller

by Dawn Lorenz

The Bad and The Ugly:A Look At Lawn Care Products



23Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network

and possibly entering my house. All it takes is one piece of

residue to enter my child’s mouth for her to get sick and it

can enter her body while she plays on the floor, puts a toy in

her mouth that the particle stuck to, or when she puts her

shoes in her mouth (she is one, so try as I might, I do not

always see her doing silly things)! I also take my children to

playgrounds, and to play at friends’, family and neighbors’

homes and I have seen pesticide and/or fertilizer residue at all

of these places. In addition, according to Beyond Pesticides,

“of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides, 17 are detected in

groundwater, and 23 have the potential to leach.”

And Here Are Some More Facts:(All info comes from Bee Safe Lawns via BeyondPesticides.org. Statistics

and facts noted from the Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention)

• Of30commonlyusedlawnpesticides19 have studies

pointing toward carcinogens, 13 are linked with birth

defects, 21 with reproductive effects, 15 with

neurotoxicity, 26 with liver or kidney damage, 27 are

sensitizers and/or irritants, and 11 have the potential to

disrupt the endocrine (hormonal) system.

• Pregnant women, infants and children, the aged and

the chronically ill are at greatest risk from pesticide

exposure and chemically induced immune-suppression,

which can increase susceptibility to cancer.

• Childrentakeinmorepesticidesrelativetobodyweight

than adults and have developing organ systems that make

them more vulnerable and less able to detoxify toxins.

• TheNationalAcademyofSciencesestimates50% of

lifetime pesticide exposure occurs during the first 5

years of life.

• Studiesshowlowlevelsofexposuretoactuallawnpesticide

products are linked to increased rates of miscarriage.

• Exposuretohomeandgardenpesticidescanincrease a

child’s likelihood of developing asthma.

• Studieslinkpesticideswith hyperactivity, developmental

delays, behavioral disorders, and motor dysfunction.

• Childrenages6-11havehigherlevelsoflawnchemicals

in their blood than all other age categories. Biomonitoring

studies find that pesticides pass from mother to child

through umbilical cord blood and breast milk.

• Fertilizersmadefromhazardouswastebyproductsmay

contain arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, and radon.

How to minimize your family’s exposure:

1. Don’t use these chemicals on your own property.

2. Make those around you aware. You can even post a sign

on your property stating that your lawn is Chemical Free,

making others aware that there is something to think twice

about.

3. Ask people to take off their shoes when they walk into

your house, these chemicals will be on the bottom of

people’s shoes.

4. Look into safe, organic alternatives for lawn care. There

are actually quite a few, including ones made from

products found in your home.

Dawn is the author of

www.raisingnaturalkids.com, a website

that provides parents with the resources

they need to make informed decisions re-

garding their children, specifically focusing

on raising children in healthy environments

that will benefit their overall wellbeing.

http://www.raisingnaturalkids.com



Eco-friendly Renovations in Essex County, NJ

by Mary DeBonis (Soccio)

My friends and family will tell you, I am a “research-a-holic!”

To me, knowledge is very empowering and I feel it’s

important to make smart, informed choices, and understand

the impact of our decisions. Whether I’m choosing the most

natural health “care” for my kids, the cleanest water, or the

least toxic paint for our home, choices that can affect our

health and wellbeing, I take my decisions seriously. Also, and

equally important, I don’t stress out about them.

About six years ago, we had to decide whether to move to

a bigger home or renovate. Our daughter and son shared

a bedroom and it was time to give them their own rooms

and we really needed to have a bigger family room where we

could all gather and spend time together. After looking at a

variety of homes on the market, we decided we really liked

our home and needed to renovate. Once we made that

decision, I started researching eco-friendly building materials.

We couldn’t find a contractor in our area that specialized

in green renovations, so we chose one who understood our

goals and was willing to help us locate eco-friendly

alternatives when available.

Our contractor and I discussed everything from heating/cooling

systems to insulation, wood, caulking, and paint. In the

end, I was very pleased with the choices we made. One of

the best decisions we made was to install a geothermal unit

that supplies all of our heating and cooling needs in a safe,

comfortable, eco-friendly, and efficient manner without oil,

gas or propane. The heat and air conditioning is generated

by a coolant that flows through an underground system of

closed pipes, where the ground naturally maintains a consistent

temperature. There is only one small electric blower unit

that distributes the heat/air via a central air system. Our

monthly heating and cooling fees were cut in half and we no

longer need to rely on fossil fuels.



Other options we chose were sustainable Lyptus wood for

our kitchen cabinets, non-toxic cellulose insulation, and AMF

Safecoat caulking for our kitchen and bath. We installed

hardwood floors with a water-based finish and natural tile in

the kitchen and baths. Once the renovations were done, we

chose Benjamin Moore’s non-VOC paint, eco-friendly FLOR

tiles for our basement, and a whole house water filter from

Radiant Life Catalog to remove the chloramines and other

chemicals and contaminants from our water.

The renovation took about a year. In the end, we have been

thrilled with the results and don’t have any regrets (okay,

maybe the paint color in our dining room)!

One suggestion, which I found extremely helpful during

the renovation, was to maintain a journal with all my notes,

contractor phone numbers, updates, etc. Also, I purchased a

binder and whenever I saw a photo of a paint color I liked in

a magazine or an informative article that I wanted to explore

further, I hole-punched it and slipped it into my binder. This

was a life-saver in the end.

Some helpful resources:

www.healthyhomeplans.com

www.gogoGeo.com (Geothermal System)

Natural Home magazine,

Remodeling Today (they highlight green options)

My advice when embarking on anything from a simple paint

job to an entire home renovation, is to start by researching

the most eco-friendly, non-toxic options available and make

the best informed choices for your family.

Mary’s been married to Joseph for

16 years and is mother to Jennie

who is 13 and Michael who is 10.

She left a hectic corporate job in

2000 and started a marketing and

communications company with her

friend and colleague. She now works

from home and tries to balance her

family and work schedules. Mary

has lived in New Jersey her entire life, except when she attended

college in Washington DC and Arizona. She and her family live 2

miles from her parents and the home she grew up in. Her passions

include: eating healthy organic foods (when possible!), promoting

breastfeeding, informed choice for vaccination, and living as eco-

friendly, natural and non-toxic as possible. She’s a big fan of buying

and selling furniture (toys, bicycles, etc) through www.craigslist.com

and recycles everything she can on www.freecycle.org.

Parenting CardsThe Parenting Cards offer gentle suggestions for parenting with love and delight. Each of the one hundred small cards features a unique reminder about compassionate parenting, with a full-color logo on the opposite side.

Each set includes all 100 cards, a Guatemalan pouch, and an information sheet. $20

www.naturalchild.org/parentingcards/

http://www.healthyhomeplans.com

http://www.gogoGeo.com

http://www.craigslist.com

http://www.freecycle.org



http://www.naturalchild.org/parentingcards/


&New Improved?by Chris Murphy

Have you seen the movie, The Graduate, in which an old

family friend whispers the word “plastics” to Dustin Hoffman

as if it was a map to find the Holy Grail? Stay with me and

you will understand where I am going.

Looking back on the last sixty years, there is a pattern of

illness and pollution that is overlapping conveniently with

the advent of petrochemicals and plastics. We are seeing

genetic, developmental, and environmental fallout from the

plastics and chemicals industry that is happening faster than

we can control.

To understand the scope of the motivation, you have to

know that 3.5 TRILLION DOLLARS of chemicals are sold

worldwide to consumers and industries that want faster

and cheaper methods for making plastics. Also, companies

want to find faster and cheaper ways to improve processes,

fragrances, permanence, elasticity, chewiness, sterility, and

sheen, to just name a few. What is even more frightening is

that more countries with dubious environmental records like

India, Brazil, and Russia are looking to jump into the game to

supply American consumerism.

Virtually gone in just our lifetimes are the world of natural

perfumes, seasonal vegetables, pesticide free natural fibers,

un-fumigated coffee beans, etc. You get the point. Fueled

both by viral consumerism and the chemical industry’s desire

to capitalize on it, there is a worldwide chemical experiment

in progress that makes seeds, plants, animals, kids, pets,

water, soil, and air fair game.

The recent “Stroller Brigade” that marched on Washington

D.C. made a point that if there was a Mom and a child in the

room while the lobbyists watered down the only law since

1976, the Toxic Substance Control Act, we might have seen

a bill that actually protected people’s health. As you may be




aware, the economic impact of protecting health is often

considered too great, as was witnessed by the recent Clean

Air Act dilution. Bear in mind too that every billion dollars

spent on prevention is a billion dollars that corporate

chemical and medical interests never see.

It has been said that the rules and regulations that try to

protect Americans are usually done in name only. The Toxic

Substance Control Act was passed in 1976. After it was

adopted, it allowed industry to self test for toxicity and only

required them to report a toxic chemical’s name and for it to

be listed in a national database that now tops 83,000 chemicals.

500,000 toxic compounds are still unreported. The media

would like to have you believe that Americans are whiners

who want Washington to protect them from every little thing.

If you mean protect us from the plastics and chemicals

companies that have run amok, yes, we want to be protected.

Until the demand for cheap “stuff” abates in America, we will

see no changes. The tragedies pile up as second and third

world countries see impact on energy usage, water supplies,

the environment and health from the chemical industry and

it is devastating and often times permanent. All of this is being

done to serve the needs of the US and the other consumer

goods importing countries and their insatiable desire for all

,things fast, easy and cheap. That includes material goods,

adhesives, craft items, foams, paints, clothing, etc.

Insatiable desire… fast… cheap…. easy. In a nutshell that is

what brought us from the first TV dinners to pink slime. Let’s

face it, Americans are all in a hurry and the recent events in

the economy means that we might not be able to afford the

stuff we covet. Rather than allow us to pick and choose, the

chemical and manufacturing industries wants us to believe

that we can have it all, so they continue to focus on lowering the

real price to consumers for goods. Unfortunately, if you are

aware of the cautionary tale “The Story of Stuff” you already

know what this is doing to the resources of the world. We

already know that marketing can make us want things we

know we really don’t want.

The sickest part of this whole thing is that the masses are

gradually and willfully transitioning to an all plastic world.

There is a gradual improvement on the flip side. Insightful

and well-read people are seeing that non-toxic paints are not

only superior but cheaper than those that include NPE.

Organic and home grown produce not only tastes better and

is good for you, but it nurtures your sense of satisfaction a

little better. Old fashioned marmoleum linoleum stays cleaner

than plastic, vinyl, or toxic coated bamboo and is actually

sustainable. Clay plasters are finding use as wall finishes

where they can actually help to improve our endorphin

production and also help to fight the positive, contaminant

attracting charge that is present in an all plastic house.

Sustainability, truth, health and wellness have to go hand

in hand or the green movement will have been for nothing

except closing us into plastic bag houses that use less energy

while supporting the chemical industry. If the Stroller Brigade

made its point, which is unlikely, then transparent labeling

has to be on the agenda for the future!

Old and Improved. Maybe that is where we need to be.

As a partner at SmartLittleHouse, an online

store and brick and mortar refuge for

people who suffer from asthma, allergies

and chemical sensitivities, Chris Murphy is

responsible for vetting healthier building

products. Serving cost conscious families,

builders, designers, architects and facilities

professionals with 35 years of experience

including supply chain, interior design, space planning and

construction, he has earned his LEED AP as well as his NCIDQ. As

a resource for anyone wanting to understand the migration from

steel, glass and plastic to natural building materials, his specialty

is finding materials that perform cheaper, faster and better while

trying to avoid toxic chemicals.




Tell us a little about yourself (passions, interests, family).In thinking about how to describe myself, I would use the words… energetic, passionate, and creative. My life is never boring, nor would I ever let it be. I have three children, ages 6, 3, and 1, a hypoallergenic cat, 11 chickens, 2 hermit crabs, a pet worm, a pet moth and a pet toad. Oh, did I forget to mention that I have a husband? A husband that helps me stay organized and appreciated. My children are the center of my world as I love their curiosity, thoughtfulness, and innocence. They keep me feeling youthful most of the time (until I look in the mirror and see wrinkles, so then I just put on more coconut oil). In addition to the family, I keep myself busy as a Shared Living Provider that provides full time care in our house for a client with Down Syndrome. He has been living with us in our home for 4 years now! Also, I am a full time student finishing up my degree in Early Childhood Development with my K-8 teaching certification. I am a photographer who loves celebrating moments, memories, and milestones! If my children are ever looking for me, I am usually hiding behind the camera! I am a certified Music Together teacher and often find myself using music as a way to communicate and motivate my children. Music is my lifelong passion that has always been used to my benefit. Along with Julie Wagner, I am the co-leader of the Holistic Moms Network, Portland Maine chapter. So, thinking naturally has always been the key to my parenting success, and being a part of the group has really helped me carry those thoughts out with my family!

What got you interested in HMN? I have always had a strong desire to take care of myself through healthy food, exercising, and alternative care. However, I have always felt like I was a one-of-a-kind mother that did things differently without support from others. Well, the day that I saw the flyer for a Holistic Moms Network’s open house in Maine, I knew big changes were going to happen for me!! I was nervous I wouldn’t fit in, until I went and realized that no one fits in. We are

all different and there is no mold to fit in. We are accepted for our own thoughts and beliefs and I didn’t feel the pressure to be anyone else that I am not! Before I knew it, I was not a one-of-a-kind mother, but in fact we were a one-of-a-kind group of moms!

What are your holistic passions?I am a very opened minded person that appreciates anything that could be beneficial in my life! I have a passion for real “health” care, such as chiropractic, acupuncture, osteopathic, and homeopathic treatments, as well as botanical remedies and using food to help heal any ailments. I also find pride in providing my family with “real” foods that are grown on farms and treated properly. I am so glad that I have children that enjoy a variety of foods and a husband that supports my passion for eating it!

What is one un-holistic thing you could not give up?This is a tough one, I really don’t have a “thing” that I do or eat frequently enough to be something I don’t give up. But I guess one thing I really like is the 12 hour lip-stick that doesn’t come off right away. I hardly ever wear make-up, but when I do, I put it on for a reason (usually for a special occasion) and therefore I don’t want it rubbing off or to keep having to put it on every few minutes. So I will use Revlon that will stay on for up to 12 hours. I do have natural lip gloss that I put on top to give it a shine, but every now and then there is a good reason why I wear the toxic stuff.

How do you keep your home green?I stock my fridge and freezer with grass fed meat, organic yogurt, and healthy foods. I care for our 11 back yard hens in hopes for some yummy eggs in return, cloth diaper, have patience for all of the bugs and creatures that my kiddos bring inside as “pets”, green clean my house, maintain a lawn full of clover, compost my food scraps and open my doors to any friends that accept me for who I am and how I raise my family!

*Editor’s Note: Erin is also the newest member of The Wise Mom team, as our lead photographer.

Erin MoltonPortland, Maine

June 2012

memberprofile




How long have you been a member?

Since the launch of the San Jose, CA chapter. I was at the first

meeting, I think it was May of 2008.

When did you become a leader?

I became a leader and co-launched the Tri-City, CA chapter

in October of 2011.

What specific volunteer projects

have you worked on?

For HMN, I am totally re-constructing the quarterly and year-

end financial reports so they will be easier to complete and

will auto-calculate for leaders, thus making their life easier.

What are your favorite HMN

meetings?

My favorite meeting this year was our meeting on backyard

gardening. We got to hold the meeting at a local community

garden (LEAF of Fremont, CA). It was a perfect sunny day

and the garden looked so gorgeous. We got to learn some

helpful tips on planting our own garden (backyard and

containers). We also got to tour the garden, learn about

volunteer opportunities and the speaker even invited us to

his home to tour his backyard garden which included his

chickens. It was so fun!

Our Open House in October of last year was the most

exciting! We had close to 100 guests including lots of local

vendors and practitioners. The energy in the room was

amazing. We were welcomed into the community with open

arms. Our chapter has grown so much from that first meeting

in October and is a thriving community.

Name one un-holistic thing that

you are not willing to give up?

There are so many, well not that I am not willing to give up,

I’m just not there yet. I think my biggest one right now is

Starbucks. I get a latte twice a week and I really enjoy it! I am

definitely not ready to give it up yet! :)

Lenore Ockerberg Tri-City, CA

June 2012

volunteerprofile





http://www.boiron.com/

http://www.boiron.com/



http://www.divine-mama.com



The Eco-Pantry:

I find it funny that in this world where we talk about having too much stuff, the conversation

hasn’t made its way into as many kitchens as it has family rooms. We all have the same problem,

not enough time, maybe a bit low on energy, and the best intention to feed our families well.

Then, we have our kitchens to come home to at the end of the day and we have to clean them

before we can get to cooking dinner!

how to build a pantry that’s green, clean and lean

by Nichi Hirsch{ }




}No more of that my friends! I am going to show you how

to build a pantry that’s green, clean and lean. I think our

kitchens come last on the priority list because it feels like

such an undertaking to reorganize. There are lids, bowls,

utensils, holders, nooks, crannies, books, cans, jars, cups,

plates, pans, boards, colanders and more, AND, it all takes

up residence right there in one little corner of your house!

The first thing we need to discuss is what’s gotta go in that

pantry of yours, and here are the basics:

•Itemswithmorethan5ingredientsoringredientsyoucan’t

pronounce

•AnythingwithMSG,nitratesornitrites

•AnythingwithHighFructoseCornSyrup(HFCS)

•AnythingthatsaysLow-NoFat

•WhiteSugar

•WhiteFlour

Then, we need to make certain we have items such as these

in your pantry:

•Naturalnutbutters

•Healthyoils:coconutoil,walnutoil,oliveoil

•Wholewheatflouroravarietyofglutenfreeflourssuchas:

o Millet flour, oat flour, garbanzo bean flour, brown rice

flour, coconut flour, almond flour, sorghum flour, teff flour

•Wholegrainpastaorglutenfreepasta

•Avarietyofwholegrainssuchas:

o Oats, millet, quinoa, brown rice, popcorn

•Avarietyofdriedbeans

•Bakingsuppliesincludingxanthamorguargum,ifglutenfree

•Anassortmentofspices

•Healthysweetenerssuchashoneyormaplesyrup

You will also want a few quarts of broth if you don’t make

your own and if you don’t can, then you’ll want a few quarts

of diced tomatoes.

The above listed foods are all available at almost any grocery

store, although I’ve learned that purchasing them at a regular

grocery store typically sets my bill higher because these

products are seen as specialties in some cases. Purchasing

them in bulk at a natural foods store is almost always the least

expensive option. What drives the cost up quickly is pur-

chasing pounds of each item at once. I did this once upon a

time and couldn’t figure out why groceries were so expensive

when I realized I didn’t need 12 cups of brown rice in my

pantry, I needed 1/2 of that at any given time.

Purchasing your pantry items in bulk means storing them.

I have found Mason Jars (among the hundreds of ways to

use them) to be my favorite tool here. They are affordable,

multi-purpose, see-through and easy to replace if broken. I

use a simple white label on the front of each jar and it keeps

my pantry clean and organized. This method also keeps so

many plastic bags out of the trash. I purchased bulk food

bags online and bring those to/from the store with me when I

need to purchase pantry items.

The above list is a place to start. I know the initial thought

is “gasp”, where do we put all the kid’s snacks? Here’s the

thing: this exercise is to begin the process of cleaning out

our kitchens so what we have left are whole foods options.

That’s not to say you can’t purchase applesauce and granola

bars, it’s just a wakeup call to what else might be lurking in

our pantries that we don’t really want or need.

Nichi Hirsch Kuechle supports

moms from pregnancy to

parenthood as a Parent Coach,

Craniosacral Therapist, Child-

birth Instructor and Doula in

Minneapolis. She publishes

a weekly e-zine called Raising

Healthy Babies, which offers tips and ideas to bring ease, clarity

and understanding to your parenting. She also teaches a variety of

live and virtual workshops.




by Beth Greer

Hundreds of toxic chemicals, including PCBs, DDT,

endocrine disrupters, and dioxins, to name just a few, are

showing up in mothers’ and their newborn babies’ bodies.

These chemicals, found in everyday household products, can

get absorbed during a typical morning routine.

Consider this scenario: the pregnant mom awakens after a

night of breathing in toxic fumes from a mattress containing

flame retardants and melamine. She showers with synthetically

scented soap, shampoo and conditioner, and uses popular

brands of body lotion, moisturizer, sunscreen, cosmetics and

perfume that contain hundreds of chemicals which have been

linked to cancer, hormone imbalances, and other illnesses.

These chemicals may be seriously compromising her health,

as well as her unborn baby’s.

WANT A NON-TOxIC BABY? SET UP A HEALTHY NURSERY

Chemicals also migrate into a baby through the nursery. New

parents, with good intentions, buy new baby furniture, install

new synthetic carpeting, and paint or wallpaper the room

— all the while creating a toxic environment from airborne

chemicals released from these products. Plus, there are toxic

chemicals in the poorly labeled bottles of kitchen and bath-

room cleansers, and in bug sprays and air fresheners used

throughout the home.

In addition, common infant body care products can be

problematic. A Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute

study reported that babies recently treated with baby lotion,

shampoo, and powder, were more likely to have phthalates

yOur bAby mAy cOntAin tOxic cHemicALS! warning!




in their urine than other babies. Phthalate exposure in early

childhood has been associated with altered hormones as well

as increased allergies, runny nose, and eczema.

Plus, the FDA does not review personal care ingredients for

their safety before they come to market. Manufacturers are

free to add almost anything they want into their products, so

it’s important to buy safe, preferably organic products from

trusted companies. The good news is that it’s easy to create a

safe and natural baby nursery.

TOP 10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR BABY NURSERY A SAFE, HEALTHY HAVEN:

1. Choose a crib mattress made from untreated, nontoxic,

natural materials like latex foam rubber, wool and cotton.

Use a wool and cotton mattress topper.

2. Buy a solid wood crib or cradle/Moses basket instead of

fiberboard or particleboard (which contain formaldehyde,

a known carcinogen).

3. Use low or no VOC (volatile organic compound) paint for

the walls, or paper-based wallpaper instead of vinyl. Use

traditional wallpaper paste instead of self-stick which

contains high levels of VOCs.

4. Install wool carpet instead of synthetic. Wool is naturally

flame retardant and hypoallergenic.

5. Stay away from synthetic fragrances in things like dryer

sheets, air fresheners and body care products. These

contain phthalates, chemicals that interfere with hormones.

Use 100% essential oils instead.

6. Pick all natural, non-toxic cleaning supplies like white

vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Kill odors

with baking soda, lemon juice (or lemon essential oil)

and water in a spray bottle. Avoid bleach, ammonia and

other harsh chemicals to clean clothes, furniture and

carpets. Read labels on conventional cleaning supplies!

7. Stay away from plastic bottles and food storage containers,

they contain chemicals that leach into food and water.

Choose glass or metal instead.

8. Choose wooden toys with nontoxic paints and finishes;

and all-natural fibers like cotton, hemp and wool.

9. Don’t put electric clocks or cell phones next to the baby’s

crib, or use electric heating pads or electric blankets in

the crib, these have electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that

can negatively affect behavior and impact health.

10. Make your home a shoeless one, take off your shoes,

especially before entering any bedroom, so you don’t

track in pesticides and other toxic chemicals from the

outside.

The 2010 President’s Cancer Panel study says there’s a link

between environmental toxins and disease. For information

on ways to change the government regulatory practice to the

Precautionary Principle, check out the Center for Environ-

mental Health’s (CEH) website. To learn more about the Safe

Chemical Act in Congress, check out the EWG website. For

resources on where to buy safe, natural baby products, check

out my website, www.supernaturalmom.com.

Beth Greer, Super Natural Mom®, is a syndicated

radio talk show host, former president and co-

owner of The Learning Annex, Certified Build

It Green® healthy home makeover specialist,

and holistic health educator, who eliminated

a sizable tumor in her chest without drugs or

surgery. She’s author of the bestseller, “Super

Natural Home,” endorsed by Deepak Chopra, Ralph Nader, Peter

Coyote, and Dr. Joe Mercola. Beth is leading a movement of awareness

and responsibility about healthy home, work, and school

environments. Visit her at www.supernaturalmom.com

http://www.supernaturalmom.com

http://www.supernaturalmom.com




by Dr. Brenda Trudell

Let’s go over some things that everyone should have on

hand for their non-medicine cabinet. Start with a healthy diet

to decrease the need to take anything extra. Eating fresh,

organic, and local fruits and vegetables is the best way to

ensure that you get plenty of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and

minerals. A famous quote says, “The less doctored your food

is, the less doctoring you will need.”

A good non-medicine cabinet should also contain a few

supplements. Certain things are more difficult to attain

through foods alone. Standard recommendations include

Co-Q 10, vitamin D (especially in the winter), probiotics,

chlorella, high quality fish or krill oil, magnesium and a

bio-available multi-vitamin.

But even with a healthy diet, there may be times when you

get sick, have pain, or get injured. In these instances, use

products that are as natural as possible, even made at home if

possible. Here are some recipes and ideas for safe and natural

remedies.

For respiratory issues, it is important to clean out all the

“holes” to prevent germs from entering. A couple hydrogen

peroxide drops in each ear, a neti pot with a saline solution

to cleanse the nose, mild eye drops to rinse the eyes, and a

gargle with salt water or Thieves essential oil after brushing

teeth will usually clean out the head area. For a full-blown

chest cold, rub a mixture of eucalyptus and almond oil on

the chest to help ease congestion and discomfort.

• Forheartburnorindigestion,taketwotablespoonsof

organic, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar with baking soda,

two times a day.

• Forcutsandscrapesmixtogetherasmallamountofcoconut

oil, turmeric, and tea tree oil. Use it like you would an

antibiotic ointment, and cover with a band-aid.

•Foraskinantisepticortoner,mixtogetherwitchhazel,tea

tree oil, and lavender and put in a spray bottle. Tea tree oil

is also great for acne.

• Drinkalargeglassofwaterandrubpeppermintoilonthe

temples for headaches.

• Amixtureofclove,lemon,cinnamonbark,eucalyptus,

rosemary oils and agave or raw honey is great for soothing

a sore throat or for teething.

• Arnicaisanall-naturalpainrelievinggelthatissafeand

effective.

• Makeyourownsafeandeffectivebugrepellentsathome,

without harsh chemicals. Essential oils have powerful

anti-bug properties. The most common ones are eucalyptus,

cedarwood, citronella, lemongrass, tea tree, geranium,

clove, lavender, thyme, garlic and peppermint. Mix and

match to see what combination works best for you. Try it

in a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, or

vodka. Mix 10-20 drops with 2 oz carrier oil such as olive

or almond and rub onto skin.

Fill Your non-medicineCabinET




• Mixonepartgarlicjuicewith5partswater,soakstripsof

cloth in it and hang on a patio to deter mosquitoes.

Marigolds, rosemary or sage thrown into hot coals when

grilling out, and tansy or basil plants around the yard also

help. Thai lemongrass, which contains natural citronella,

works great too. Break off a chunk of the plant, rub

together between hands until pulpy and juicy, and rub

over exposed areas.

• Forbites,trythesenaturalremediestoreducerednessand

itching. Make a paste of baking soda and water, spread

it over bites and let dry. Natural aloe vera will reduce

swelling and itching. Make a cold compress with water

and lavender essential oil, chill in the freezer, and apply to

skin. Put a drop of Purification oil directly on bite.

• Torepelbees,tryacombinationofteatree,lemongrass,

peppermint, and citronella, diluted in a carrier oil. Dab

on hair, collars, wrists, and sock tops. To ease bee stings,

try chopped basil leaves applied to skin, a drop of lavender

on the area, or a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar

rubbed over stings.

•Naturalwaystoprotect

yourself from sunburn include

making your own sunscreen

with plain zinc oxide mixed

with your favorite all-natural

lotion. Eat lots of red, deep

green and yellow foods

for sun-protective benefits.

Having optimum vitamin D

levels also protects you

from sunburn. Take a fish

oil supplement to decrease

inflammation. Drink lots of

water. Slowly develop a base

tan that will allow you to stay

in the sun longer. Tan skin is

thicker and more protective.

•Ifyoudofindyourselfwithaburn,realorganicaloevera,

coconut oil, vitamin C serum, or sliced cucumbers can

help soothe the area and decrease inflammation. A mixture

of peppermint and lavender oils with water can also be

sprayed over the body.

The recipes for remedies are endless, and many simple, safe

and inexpensive items can be used to make a variety of “non-

medicines.” Once you see the relationship between being

healthy and using natural products, you will want to avoid

medications and products full of unhealthy chemicals.

Dr. Brenda Trudell is a chiropractor and owner

of New Beginnings Chiropractic in three locations

around Madison, WI. The clinics focus on natural

health, especially for women, pregnancy and

children through chiropractic, acupuncture, massage,

reiki, nutrition and more. She is co-founder and co-

leader of the South Central WI Chapter of the Holistic Moms Network.

While Brenda does not yet have children of her own, she is very passion-

ate about pregnancy and pediatrics, and can’t wait to start her own fam-

ily soon. For more information, visit http://newbeginningschiropractic.net/

or contact her at [email protected]. Follow her blog at

http://docbrenda.wordpress.com/.

http://newbeginningschiropractic.net/


http://docbrenda.wordpress.com/




They say children learn through imitation. Scary. Scary

to think we adults have so much influence over these

little creatures. What’s even scarier is that they believe

everything we say and do. They grasp onto our words

and actions as though we are walking, talking encyclopedias.

Scary, but empowering. Just to think, I, the nose

wiping, butt cleaning, family feeding, dog bathing,

grocery shopping, car messing, tiredly managing, simply

thanking momma, have the power to positively impact

my children.

Growing up in a conservative, traditional Christian,

Puerto Rican family, my parents had strong beliefs in

certain traditions that were important to them. One

such tradition was the cleaning of our home on Saturday

mornings. This tradition meant much more than simply

cleaning. The significance of this act meant we were taking

the time to help one another and to collectively help our

home. Simply put, “chip in.”

We had a routine. Every Saturday morning my parents

would allow my brother and I to have some bonding

time and we’d camp out in our family room, blankets

and pillows sprawled across the carpet, bowl of cereal

in one hand and remote control in the other. We would

digest our cartoons for a good hour in preparation for

the chores that awaited us. Soon after, we would hear

my mother’s flip flops clicking across the kitchen to find

us and remind us of our duties. Our Saturdays would

sometimes look like this:

JR: Mowing the lawn or picking weeds.

Me: Folding the laundry, dusting the living room, washing

the dishes.

Sometimes we would trade. It really didn’t matter and

my parents didn’t care as long as the chores got done.

It was such a part of our life that I always remember

it existing. Just as we always brushed our teeth in the

morning, we always had chores on Saturday. We always

chipped in. And that was that.

Fast forward 20-25 years and here I am, married with

my own two children, ages one and four. It is now my

turn to begin instilling values and traditions in our

children. The thought of it completely overwhelms me

as my mind begins outlining all of the values that I was

raised with:




Be polite

Respect elders

Respect authority figures

Be kind

Be loving

Be thankful

Be educated

Be proud of your heritage

Appreciate music

Be accepting

Count your blessings

And the list continues...

In true Figueroa fashion, I have begun the tradition of

Saturday morning cleaning with my children, AKA, help

your family and chip in. (Mami and Papi would be so

proud). We get up, have breakfast, chat, and then begin

cleaning. Our routine is adjusted obviously because

my little ones are just that, little. They mostly imitate

me by taking a wash cloth and wiping anything they

see. This is what we lovingly call the “Clean Up” game.

But it is also one of the powerful ways I can positively

influence them, even if by just imitation. I decided to

also make our cleaning into a science lesson and now

involve Daniel to help me make natural cleaning products.

This past weekend he learned how to measure and mix

the amounts needed to make a cleaning solution out

of vinegar, castile soap, water, and tea tree oil. We then

labeled the bottle and he happily began spraying our

kitchen, while Mia toddled behind him wiping the residue

off anything he had finished wiping.

So, although on the surface, my parent’s philosophy of

cleaning may seem mundane and old fashioned, at its

core it has instilled values of honor, family, and helping

that I still carry with me today. Taking these values and

using them to educate my own children is empowering

and not scary at all.

Marilyn is a devoted wife and mom, a full

time nurturer, and optimist. Passionate

about improving the health of her family

after her son’s immune system was compro-

mised, she began a transformational journey

towards holistic health which she documents

in her blog www.holisticish.blogspot.com.

A member of the Middlesex County HMN, Marilyn resides in New

Jersey with her husband David, their two children Daniel and Mia

and their chihuahua Laila.

Chip iNby Marilyn Gonzalez




We want to do all we can to live green for our earth,

for our environment, and for our children. But what

about living green, or clean, on the inside?

There are some great ways to keep our bodies healthy,

mentally and physically, and all easy to find in your local

health food store. You may have never heard of the follow-

ing, but their benefits are outstanding and worth learning for

your family’s holistic health!

Flower remedies. For our emotional well being.

Flower essences are very healthy for us, our children, and

our pets. They are quite powerful, yet work so gently! They

changed my life so intensely that I became a practitioner and

travel all over the world to learn about and bring back

the most incredible remedies. The remedies I recommend

in this article, you will find at your local health food store.

Flower remedies work to reverse the emotional and

behavioral issues that don’t serve us in a positive way. They

work on children’s issues such as tantrums, biting, bedwetting,

night terrors, fears, trauma, etc. If you or your children need

a boost of confidence or self esteem, there are essences for

those issues as well. Changes can be seen rather quickly!

Watch flower remedies take a 20 minute tantrum down to a

1 minute cry within a very short time! These are the remedies

that I started with in my pantry. I have hundreds now!

Here are some to reach for:Rescue Remedy: To help calm an immediate trauma, acting

out, or fighting

Rock Rose: Night terrors or any terror

Larch: Confidence

Mimulus: Known fears

Elm: Stress

Cherry Plum: To control, rational behavior, be it us or our kids!

Cell Salts. For our physical and emotional well being.

There are 12 cell salts that are used on a regular basis. You

can also purchase “bioplasma” which is a mixture of all 12

for daily health. They are simple mineral combinations, or

salts, which Dr. William H. Schuessler of Oldenburg, Germany,

believed to be crucial to the health of the body. A great

reference book to use is “The Biochemic Handbook”, this

book focuses on how to get well and keep fit with biochemic

tissue salts. It’s a thin book and very easy to use! Cell salts

are easy to take, sweet tasting, and they melt in your mouth.

If you have the beginning of a cold, growing pains, diarrhea,

headache, teeth issues, gastric issues, etc. think of cell salts.

They can even clean the blood! The book gives you the

ailment and cell salt to use. It also has a section for animals

as well. I attribute cell salts to the cessation of pneumonia for

my son who had it twice by 18 months old.

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE). This is for our

physical well being. I like the liquid as I feel it is more potent

than pills. GSE is considered a natural antibiotic. I don’t use

it with small children as it is very bitter, but I love it for older

by Amy D. Cohen, BFRP

be “clean & green”on the inside



kids and adults. I reach for it for any type of infection, if I am

beginning to get sick, or not feeling myself and it is always in

my travel bag. I use it for so many different ailments and you

can use it for cleaning your fruits and vegetables! There are

many books you can find that are easy reading and reference

books which outline the different ways of using Grapefruit

Seed Extract.

Keeping these products in your pantry is a great arsenal

against sickness and disease, emotionally and physically!

Once you start using them, they will become part of your life,

part of your green living!

Amy D. Cohen, BFRP, is a Flower

Remedies Practitioner and Teacher

focusing on emotional healing special-

izing in autism, PTSD and living stress

free. She is an accredited teacher for

Australian Bush Flower Essences and

received certification from Bach Flower

Education in NY, affiliated with Bach

Centre in England. She studied homeopathy for three years with

NY School of Homeopathy affiliated with School of Homeopathy

in England. She is one of six Registered Practitioners in the State of

New Jersey. She maintains a consulting practice in New Jersey and

does telephone consultations worldwide. She can be reached at

800-474-1667 or www.strongestminds.com.

http://www.strongestminds.com




I read Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree to my son’s kindergarten

homeschool class today. Then we created our own Giving

Tree!

I read the story to them.

I asked them what the tree gave to the boy. They drew their

answers on the leaves and apple paper cut outs I had made.

Then, we attached it to the bare branches I had brought in.

(I got a big branch from outdoors and set it in a tub with

Plaster of Paris.)

I asked them what other things do trees give us?

I shared some quick facts with them:

1. Did you know an average tree can provide enough wood

to make 170,000 pencils?

2. Did you know 2 mature trees can supply enough oxygen

for a family of 4?

3. Did you know a mature tree removes almost 70x more

pollution than a newly planted one?

And finally, I asked the children what could we give the tree

in return? They cut paper and we hung their gifts up with

ribbon on our Giving Tree.

thegivingtreeby Carissa Cox

Our Giving Tree




I left our class feeling how wise all these children already are.

Carissa is a passionate Mama in the Kitchen.

She believes in fresh, organic, local/in season,

unprocessed Vegan food. A Culinarian with

cooking school, restaurant and catering

backgrounds, she is also a certified

Ayurvedic Nutrition Therapist and co-author of Yoga for Cancer:

Esoteric, Yogic and Dietary Remedies. Her family believes they are

healthier both short- and long-term because of the addition of

more and more unprocessed and unadulterated Vegan foods into

their diets. Through her blog, she hopes to share information with

other parents on how to create a disease-free, healthy life by adding

more raw fruits and vegetables into their family’s diets.

A Bird to keep the Tree company

Friendship

Protection

Life

Love



The Wise Mom, June 2012

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Transcript of The Wise Mom, June 2012