Did you know that a recent study of 367 mothers and infants by researchers from the Penn State College of Medicine found that if pregnant woman are exposed to BPA, their children may end up with a higher risk of developing asthma early in life?

What is BPA, you might ask? Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical building block that is used primarily to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate is used in a wide variety of common products including digital media (e.g., CDs, DVDs), electrical and electronic equipment, automobiles, sports safety equipment, reusable food and drink containers, and many other products.

Through the above mentioned study, 99% of the children were born to mothers who had detectable levels of BPA at some point in their pregnancy. Interestingly, the scientists found that high levels of BPA detected in the mothers at 16 weeks of gestation were associated with asthma in their kids, while high levels later in pregnancy or at birth showed little association. This suggests that the impact of BPA—like other hormone-disrupting chemicals—might be dependent on the timing of exposure for pregnant women, not just the level.

While the dangers of BPA have yet to be proved through conclusive studies, there is still a link between BPA and asthma. The Federal Government has made no move against the chemical, but some countries and states have banned it from products being used by young children.

Until more information is available, Dr. Spanier (lead author of the study) recommends that women of child-bearing age should consider avoiding products made with BPA. The good news is that there are many BPA free products available, such as reusable water bottles, containers, baby bottles & feeding items. Be sure to read the packaging when shopping if you’re in this group or just want to steer clear of BPA.

Worried about BPA? Try an eco water bottle or consider a BPA-Free Formula Dispenser.

Start your mom’s day off right by making her an organic breakfast in bed. Find local products such as organic eggs, fruits, whole grain breads and tofu slices for a delicious, nutritious and eco-conscious start to her day. Satisfy her sweet tooth later in the day with organic, fair trade chocolates.

For the mother who loves jewelry, consider skipping the gold and going with a handmade piece made from wood or other natural elements. Break out of the mold of traditional jewelry and explore the various unique designs of the many sustainable jewelry options available.

Whatever the gift, please remember to honor your mother and Mother Earth every day of the year.

With Earth Day upon us, it’s a good time to be reminded of what we can do to be more environmentally conscious. We may think it’s harmless if a can of coke slips through our trash once in a while, but what if every household in America left one soda can in the trash every day. That would mean over 130 million cans would end up in landfills in one day! The fact is each person’s action has a big reaction. Even the smallest acts have big rewards to our environment. Here’s the Top 10 Green Earth Day “I Do’s” that are easy and enjoyable vows with big upsides to Mother Earth!

1. Do Recycle
   Recycling is economically and environmentally important. Every time you recycle, you’re helping create new jobs. On a per-ton basis, sorting and processing recyclables sustains 10 times more jobs than landfilling or incineration.  Expand your recycling efforts to cans, bottles, plastics, glass & paper. Contact your local municipality to help set up a recycling program for items they’re not collecting to spearhead community involvement, cleanup, and more new jobs.
2. Do Shop Local
   When you shop local, you invest in your community and in your neighbors. In our tough economic climate, it’s best to support local businesses whenever you can. It’s estimated that for every dollar you spend, twice as much will be reinvested in the community by a local store than a national store. Plus, less fossil fuels are required to transport goods and service to local farmer’s markets. To find local farmer’s markets near you, visit www.localharvest.org/.
3. Do Bag the Habit
   The third act is to commit to reusable bags. Millions of plastic bags litter our oceans and landfills and continue to be used and discarded at an alarming rate. In the U.S. alone, we use 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually at an estimated cost to retailers of $4 billion. (The Wall Street Journal). By bringing your own bag to the store, you’re saving our wildlife and environment plenty from the single most destructive American habit.
4. Do Use Power Strips
   Energy vampires add about $5.8 billion a year to Americans’ electric bills, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, but there are ways to stop these hidden costs. The fourth act of unplugging devices you occasionally use like countertop appliances, battery chargers, and portable power tools is a good place to start. Plug related devices like computers & printers or TV/home entertainment systems into a power strip so you can easily disconnect electrical output easily when not in use.
5. Do Switch Out Your Light Bulbs
   The fifth “I Do” is the best way to conserve electricity by turning lights off lights before you leave the room. If you have to leave a light on, be sure to switch to energy-efficient CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) or LEDs (Light-emitting diodes) so you’re not wasting energy. By installing Energy Star rated bulbs in five of your highest-use light fixtures, you can save as much as $60 a year in electricity costs.
6. Do Invest in Energy-Star Appliances
   The sixth eco-conscious act is to buy appliances that are Energy-Star qualified. The amount saved from purchasing Energy Star products can significantly reduce your energy use and cut your electric bill. Depending on the age of your current appliances, the energy savings can be anywhere from 10 to 75%.
7. Do Donate Old Items
   Donating items instead of putting them to the curb to be hauled away is more environmentally conscious. Donate your outdated household furniture, computers and appliances to a needy organization as many worthy nonprofits can use older items. Reusing is the best way to get the full life cycle from items rather than destroying them in exchange for buying new.
8. Do Adopt “Meatless Mondays”
   The 8th idea is to participate in “Meatless Mondays.” This growing grassroots movement spans all borders and demographic groups and helps shrink our carbon footprint and helps reduce global climate change. By cutting out meat just one day per week, you not only improve your own personal health but reduce mega fossil fuels and water required to raise livestock for food.
9. Do Buy “Organic”
   The best organic food is what’s grown closest to you. By vowing to buy organic when possible, you’re helping our farmers produce food that’s not exposed to pesticides and chemicals. The EWG has compiled the “Dirty Dozen” which are the most important foods to buy organic. Organic food is not only healthier for you, but it tastes better and it’s fresher. http://www.foodnews.org/
10. Do Take Up Gardening
    With so many positive benefits to gardening, isn’t it time you got outside and started tending to your garden? Next time you are kneeling in fresh dirt to pull weeds, think
    about planting a vegetable or flower, think about the tranquility you feel while being outdoors in your garden. Let the act of gardening sooth and revitalize you. Soak up the positive benefits of tending to your own garden & get in touch with Mother Earth.

Tell us what other ideas you’re doing to celebrate Earth Day on our Facebook page for a chance to win our Earth Day Giveaway prize package!  http://www.facebook.com/pages/World-of-Green/301243048610

Wildlife will not disturb the plants allowing for less protection needed against pesky garden invaders. While many people think of the bright yellow variety of the flower, there are in actuality over 600 different breeds of the plant currently in existence. With such a wide array to choose from, they can easily be planted in such a way to create a colorful display of the joys of spring. The right color combination can set the stage for an amazing growing season.

The ability for these flowers to withstand the wide differences in temperature during the springtime makes them the perfect choice to being grown early. Daffodils signal the beginning of a season of growth that allow an individual to experience the full cycle of life. Unlike other breeds of flowers, the daffodil is a perennial. This means that a single planting may result in many years of growth to signal the end of the colder winter months. A pleasant surprise for someone moving into a new home will be the growth of flowers from a previous owner.

In the middle part of the United States, halfway through the month of March signals the first signs of the daffodil. Visiting a number of gardens will allow people to experience firsthand how daffodils have earned the reputation it has. The ability to easily include this flower in a number of different gardening schemes allow them to be viewed in a number of regions. The spring will continue to see different varieties to spring into life leading to a summer full of robust flowers. The next time a daffodil is happened upon, consider the legacy that it has left upon the world.

There are a number of different options to consider when making the decision toward growing & cooking with basil. Plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes that provide distinct tastes and looks. Varieties such as the Siam Queen, Boxwood and Cardinal plants will provide a unique look within the garden and add more choices for cooking. Consider personal preference when deciding upon which type of basil plant will present the best options. A nice mixture of varieties can result in unique color combinations and tastes that will turn an old favorite recipe into a brand new taste sensation.

Adopting creativity when growing & cooking with basil adds to the spice of life. It has been discovered that planted with tomatoes, basil plants can improve the yield and result in better flavor for the tomato. Combined with traditional meal choices such as salads, pasta, soup and sandwiches, the flavor can be enhanced with a sprinkle of leaves from home grown plants. Inclusion in a different type of food such as drinks and desserts can add an inspired touch and different take on a crowd favorite. The freshness and delicious taste of this plant can enhance the garden and dining experiences.

Understanding color basics in the garden should begin with an examination of the science of using colors. For graphic designers, colors come in two different categories. Looking at a color wheel, effective use of different colors lends themselves toward primary and secondary placement. The basis for creating every form of shade possible is to use red, yellow and blue. Used in combination, different hues are realized to add distinct flavors to the look and feel for a garden. Black and white can have dramatic impact and used in combination with complimentary tints can result in a unique landscape that will draw attention from visitors.

By using varying approaches of combining colors, different color basics in the garden begin to take shape. Choosing hues that are close together on a color wheel exhibits a sense of harmony that result in a natural feel to the flow of the shades. To create an element of excitement, the use of reds, oranges, and yellow present a warm glow that reminds the viewer of naturally radiance. Cool atmospheres to encourage peace can be accomplished by using blues, greens and purple flowers. As with any decorating scheme, too much use of any design element can actually be more distracting to the viewer than the original intent.

Some experimental and alternation will help the gardener create a truly fascinating plot that increase the overall dramatic feel of a landscape. With a proper amount of interchangeability between different design elements, the right choice of color can convey special meanings. Following color basics in the garden allows the individual to exhibit their creative side while providing a place for people to stop and enjoy. Keep in mind that the colors in the garden should enhance the surrounding location and invite people to enjoy in the splendor of the natural beauty of the area.

The advice of drinking eight glasses per day is based upon evidence that was discovered over seventy years ago. While the facts haven’t changed in regards to the question how much water should I drink, the answer varies depending upon the level of health being sought. For individuals that are health conscious, the current consensus is that the consumption of eight glasses a day is the bare minimum to reach personal goals. A more realistic approach to achieve the desired level of well-being is to exceed this amount on a daily basis.

Much of the research of current society suggests that many of the habits of the modern individual require more water in the body to remove unhealthy toxins. An increase of chemicals and gases in the atmosphere and more readily consumption of premade foods full of preservations have an effect on the overall condition of the body. These external forms of pollution to the natural aspects of the body need to be cleansed for the normal operation of body’s defenses. Increasing the levels of liquid for the answer of the question how much water should I drink vary per individual and can be determined by understanding current body conditions as well as personal habits.

Performing an assessment of the current way of life will help calculate the correct amount to consume for answering how much water should I drink. Factors such as the current weight level, dieting habits and amount of exercise that a person maintains are important to consider. Habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking or using caffeine also have an effect. Anyone taking prescriptions, experiencing special medical issues or are currently pregnant will need to modify the intake amounts. Finally, travelling by air, eating a high amount of sugar and using supplements to nutrition can affect the water levels in the body.

There are a variety of reasons that people seek to provide supporting mechanisms to the plants that they grow. For the wellbeing of the plant, fruits and vegetables can be kept off of the ground resulting in better size and more flavors in the product. Diseases can be more easily controlled when staking & support is part of a regular maintenance plan. Another rationale behind allowing plants to grow upward rather than outward is to prevent the foliage from overtaking walkways. An orderly look to plants appears tidier to visitors and prevents an unseemly look to a landscape.

When considering staking & support options, there are some handy guidelines to keep in mind to allow maximum effectiveness. Use sturdy materials to provide adequate protection against inclement weather and prevent heavier plants from weighing down the supports. It is easier to apply the stakes while planting rather than waiting until the plant has already started to sprout. To add to the décor, use gentle and matching materials to provide enhanced design aspects to the area. Finally, use materials that are beneficial to the gardener. Equipment that is difficult to work around or install can make regular pruning of the plants difficult.

Depending upon the type of plants that are being grown, different staking & support supplies offer more effective usage. Peas and beans grow better around an item that they can wrap around. Tomatoes and pumpkins grow better when the vines are allowed to spread across the grown. For flowers, roses, morning glories and lilies like to grow upward and will enjoy a stake for support. Peonies are better suited with lower supports that allow them to expand outward. Regardless of the type of staking material that is being utilized, the right combination can create a dramatic effect that will improve the yield of a garden.

To mark the occasion that April is national garlic month, understanding the basics of the plant is in order. Each individual bulb is made up of different sections which are called cloves. During the growth of these bulbs, there is a small protective layer of skin that feels like paper. To grow garlic at home, break apart the cloves into individual pieces to allow new plants to form. Preparation for the growing season can be done in the fall or spring allowing for versatility in planting.

For that person that likes to plan ahead, planting the cloves in the fall will allow plenty of time to prepare in marking the occasion. Since April is national garlic month, mid-autumn presents a perfect time to place the clove in a warm spot to spur growth. Depending upon when planting occurs, the growth period may begin before winter sets in or wait until the following spring. The clove should be placed with the root facing downward to allow the plant to take root. If the desire is to wait until spring for growing to begin, cover the plot with mulch for protection.

Spring planning can be done as soon as the ground thaws enough to allow gardening to being. For many regions of the world, a good way to celebrate the fact that April is national garlic month is to lay the seeds for fresh plants. The harvest of the fruits of the labor can be done in late summer by allowing the sun to naturally dry out the plants. Strings should be removed from the stems and allowed to hang in a cool and dry location. This not only allows the creation of a decorative touch but will leave the garlic fresh for cooking purposes.

Here’s a thought…..what if we started thinking about water like money…our own money. We’d probably stop wasting it and start saving it like with do with our own cash. Maybe we wouldn’t use the commode as an ashtray needlessly flushing the toilet which wastes gallons of water every day in every household in America. We might even get around to fixing that leaky toilet so our money isn’t losing interest. In the United States alone, a trillion gallons of water is wasted each year due to household leaks, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. And for the average family, this amounts to 10,000 gallons, enough to fill a swimming pool. Imagine the water was your money and you began to lose a little each day without every knowing about it.

Here’s 5 things that you can do to protect and conserve your precious money:

Check faucets and pipes for leaks.
A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.

Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket.
Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, five to seven gallons of water is wasted.

Check your toilets for leaks.
Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.

Take shorter showers.
One way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water.

Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush.
There is no need to keep the water running while brushing your teeth. Just wet your brush and fill a glass for mouth rinsing.