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
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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network4
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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network6
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!
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 7
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].
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network8
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!
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 9
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network10
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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 11
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!
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network12
by Dr. Brenda Trudell
go greenwhen you
Clean
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 13
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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network14
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/.
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network16
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!
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 17
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.
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network18
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.
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 19
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?
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 21
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.
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.
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network24
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.
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 25
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/
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network26
&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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 27
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.
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network28
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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 29
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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network30
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 31
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network32
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{ }
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 33
}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.
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network34
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!
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 35
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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network36
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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 37
• 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/.
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network38
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:
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 39
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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network40
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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 41
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.
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network42
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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network 43
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
Copyright ©2012 holistic moms network44 by Trish Johnston
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