Cotton: The Difference Between Conventional & Organic

Many of us are going green because we know it is good for our children, ourselves, and our environment. We don’t litter, we recycle, we buy organic food, bring our own reusable bags when we go to the grocery store, and, of course, cloth diaper. We are taking all these steps to ensure a healthy, happy planet for the generations to come. But, many of us overlook one of the most earth and health devastating culprits which has saturated our everyday lives. The thing is, we don’t even realize it.

Okay, so most of us know the clothes we wear everyday are made of cotton. Our couch, carpet, curtains, tablecloth, sheets, towels, and stuffed animals… cotton (at least in part). I think many of us also know that cotton is referred to as the ‘king of chemicals’. So, I can’t help but wonder why we continue to buy conventional cotton? We shouldn’t have to wonder if in the end it was worth it. It is cheaper, true. And, it is everywhere. But, don’t we want the best for ourselves and especially our babies?

I came across a very interesting and in depth article that I would like to share with everyone. I also found a shorter version that I am including as well. Both are very informative on the differences between conventional and organic cotton. It truly is amazing that it is the same plant, but they do not in any way compare to each other.

Long one:
http://www.ejfoundation.org/pdf/the_deadly_chemicals_in_cotton.pdf

Short one:
http://greencotton.wordpress.com/2008/04/21/organic-cotton-vs-conventional-whats-the-difference/

Just one more reason we love our BabyKicks! Natural and organic!

I’m Getting Rid of All of My Bottles

(cross posted from www.civil3drocks.com)

While I try to be sensitive to chemicals and such in my house by using natural cleaners and buying organic food when it makes sense, I haven’t been panicked about the whole BPA in Baby Bottles thing yet. Until a few weeks ago when Canada took action. When babies are small, I don’t use too many bottles at my house, but lately he’s been drinking four or more 6 oz bottles per day, and he starts daycare next month.

I’ve read up. I’ve done my thinking, and I’ve decided to clean house and buy a small quantity of BPA free bottles BPA-free Bottles, Sippy Cups and Otherwise.

For all of you geeky parents out there, there is a fun photo pool on Flickr for reuse ideas for all of these BPA bottles. It’s been mentioned on a few of my favorite geek parent sites including Baby Toolkit and GeekDad. These bottles tend to stack up nicely, are almost unbreakable, take a sharpie well, and are otherwise a great container for all kinds of little things (as long as they don’t wind up in your belly.)

Here are my ideas:

I always try to grab a few crayons for restaurant use, but the ziplock baggy and Rubbermaid containers tend to get crushed. These bottles are the perfect size for a handful.

Most of you who know me know that I travel with a stash of staedtlers, HB, rubberbands, paperclips, staples, binder clips, USB devices, mouse adapters, earbuds, you get the idea.

Other ideas: Change for the vending machine; odd buttons; spare keys; matches; camping odds and ends that usually wind up wet; a mini-first aid kit with band-aids; ointment, etc.; dry dog treats for the park; metal bits in your carry on luggage that you want to keep together and throw in the bin; crushable liquid containers for your carry-on; and so much more.

Life Tip: Don’t Hang Your Keys Over the Trash Can

This was a really bad move. We’ve mysteriously lost two minivan keys in the past six months. Hmmm…