Environment, Organics, Fair Trade & Recycling at Big Green Purse

Have you unplugged your refrigerator?

Honestly, it never would have occurred to me as a significant way to save energy.

But a story in today's New York Times reports on this growing trend, which some consumers are adopting as much for the symbolic value of un-plugging as for the electricity savings. (NOTE: Many folks have been inspired to unplug by my Green Moms Carnival colleague Deanna Duke, who blogs at thecrunchychicken.com.)

What about you?

Have you replaced your big fridge with a smaller model, with a cooler, or with nothing at all?

Are you using just as much energy going back and forth to the grocery store to replenish fresh food since you can't store it in the refrigerator any more?

Do you miss cold beer?

While we're on the topic, here's what I do to improve my refrigerator's efficiency:

* I keep the coils clean on the back.

* I bought the most efficient model available, with the freezer unit on top rather than on the bottom or side-by-side.

* I don't have TWO refrigerators, like many consumers, who keep their old model in the basement or garage for extra groceries, soft drinks, or party supplies.

* I try not to open the door and just stand there admiring my fruits and vegetables as all the cold air escape (admittedly, my kids haven't quite got this habit down).

* I positioned my refrigerator far from my stove and dishwasher and not in direct sunlight, so it doesn't have to work extra hard to keep cool.

I'd love to know if you've gone "refrigerator free."  Drop a line and share your story.

Why I Believe in the Power of the Purse

This month's Green Moms Carnival topic is "I believe..."

I am taking the opportunity to reiterate why I created Big Green Purse, a campaign to motivate women especially to channel their spending power into social and environmental change.

It is because I believe...

*  the fastest, most effective way to stop polluters is by pressuring them in the marketplace

*  women can be the world’s most powerful economic and environmental force if we intentionally shift our spending to the best green products and services

* women have the power right now to solve many of our most serious environmental problems by using our green purses to make a difference

* women must act – intentionally, collectively, and with the full force of our purse power behind us – if we hope to leave our children and grandchildren a better world.

Women spend $.85 of every dollar in the marketplace. I believe we should tell manufacturers what to make; they should not be telling us what to buy.

I believe we only have as much power as we exercise. I also believe exercising our power gives us more.

I believe it is not too late ... but it will be soon.

As the saying goes, if not us, who? If not now, when?

I believe it is up to us, and we must act now.

See what more green moms and friends believe on Monday, February, 9, when The Smart Mama hosts the next Green Moms Carnival.

Lipstick Takes a Toxic Turn; Prevention Agenda Needed

Toxic chemicals keep turning up in lipstick.

Previously, I reported on dangerous lead levels in lipstick.

Now, according to research done in Canada, two other chemicals used in lipstick and other personal care products pose a significant threat to human health. The chemicals, known as D4 and D5 siloxanes, have been linked to uterine tumors and reproductive damage in various animals. In addition to being added to lipstick, the siloxanes are found in body lotion, hair care products, baby bottle nipples, cookware and home cleaning products. Because the chemicals persist in the environment and resist degrading, health officials worry they pose long-term risk to people and the planet.

As Canada moves forward to assess actions needed to reduce the use of these toxic chemicals under its Chemical Management Plan program,  Environmental Working Group says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has yet to publish a single study or assessment on D4 and D5 under their parallel program, the High Production Volume (HPV) chemical challenge.

Canada's findings "underscore the need for real reforms within the EPA's failed programs to regulate toxins in the U.S.," said Environmental Working Group VP for Research Jane Houlihan. "Congress and President Obama need to overhaul broken toxics laws, and establish a policy that forces the chemical companies to first prove their products are safe before being used."

Clearly, a new mindset is needed focusing on preventing hazards like this from occurring. EPA needs to expedite its process on regulating proven toxic chemicals like D4 and D5 siloxanes.

Just as importantly, the Obama Administration needs to adopt a "prevention agenda" to protect human health and the environment from toxic hazards - not just clean up after them.