Sunscreen safety hasn’t improved since the FDA set new rules on advertising in 2011. photo by Joe Shlabotnik, flickr

The past few years there have been studies on sunscreens and the news hasn’t been great. A myriad of false marketing claims have led consumers into a false sense of security about protection from harmful UV rays.

In late 2011, the FDA issued long-awaited sunscreen labeling standards promised since 1978. The new rules prohibited companies from making misleading advertising claims such as “sunblock,” “waterproof” and “sweat-proof.” The FDA also set the first-ever standards for sunscreens that claim to provide broad-spectrum protection.

The problem is the agency now allows most sunscreens on the American market to make claims that they help lower the risk of skin cancer and sun-related skin aging. And the FDA hasn’t yet issued final rules on excessively high SPF claims, potentially harmful chemical ingredients and sunscreen sprays that may be dangerous when inhaled.

With Memorial Day around the corner, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) today released its seventh annual Sunscreen Guide rating the safety and efficacy of more than 1,400 sunscreens, lotions, lip products and makeups that advertise sun protection. EWG researchers found that only 25 percent of products on the market in 2013 offer strong and broad UV protection and pose few safety concerns. Analyzing 750 beach and sport sunscreens, the EWG found that the new FDA rules haven’t led to dramatically better sunscreens than those offered in previous years.

Check out more details on this as well as the list of 4 key things NOT to bring to the beach, pool or on vacation. It’s a real eye opener.

The O2 Hurricane Canless Air System really is air, not canned compressed toxic chemicals

Spring has quickly morphed into summer-like weather and many of us are pulling out window and revolving fans to get them ready to stave off the coming sweltering heat. In my own efforts, I discovered that though stored well, an annoying a layer of dust had accumulated inside my fans.

Recently, I came across a device that’s saved me from my annual take-apart-and-clean-the-fans ritual.

The 02 Hurricane Canless System will replace and eliminate the need to use canned air (or your own DIY system) to clean just about anything with dust or debris. Fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand, this compact, portable, rechargeable, environmentally friendly air blower delivers a non-toxic, more continuous burst of air than any canned air product.

Able to do short or continuous bursts of air, the 02 Hurricane has an almost endless amount of uses (besides cleaning dust from fans). These include cleaning car dashboards, bookshelves, ridding pets of loose hair, “dusting” plants, light fixtures, outdoor furniture and cleaning off desktop / laptop keyboards.

This deceptively simple device encompasses a 12-volt Nickel Metal Hydride battery, a housing and a motor.

Taking in surrounding air through its vents, the motor spins it at around 35,000 rpm then shoves it out again at a high rate of speed.

John Scherer, the former Video Professor, is the man behind the 02 Hurricane Canless Air System.

“It’s like a little jet engine in your hand,” said Scherer. “And it’s just air,” he said, so there’s no danger, versus the serious health issues related with canned air products.

Most canned air products don’t actually contain air. Canned “air” is really compressed gas-filled with hydroflourocarbons – toxic greenhouse gases such as difluoroethane, trifluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane.

A single can of canned air has around 3,000 times the effect on the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO²). Worse still, inhaling this “air” has seriously negative health effects.

2.1 million Americans age 12 and older have abused inhalants. Canned air is the 4^th most abused drug out there according to the U.S. government.  Inhalant abuse or “huffing” to attain a mental “high” or euphoric effect is part of a growing and dangerous trend among youths and teens. Children as young as eight years old have tried canned air for a quick high, sometimes with horrific results.

The uses for this environmentally-friendly compact air system are almost endless – and it’s safe too!

Some of the negative health effects huffing canned air products can cause include brain damage, seizures, permanent impairment of vital organs, hearing loss, even death from sudden cardiac death and asphyxiation.

“Eliminate the sources of huffing and we can begin to end huffing,” said Scherer.

The beauty of the 02 Hurricane Air System is that it’s non-toxic and safe.

Disposing of canned air products isn’t as simple as tossing or recycling them. You first have to drill holes in the cans to release the gases. The majority of these cans end up in landfills.

Scherer’s company is currently working with corporations such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin and NASA.

Corporations are finding their products, Scherer said.

The detection systems in airports are using this. Fire alarm companies use it to clean fire alarms.

Redbox movie rentals called them, got a unit and ended up ordering 600 of them. Coinstar, which owns Redbox, orders hundreds every month.

Scherer has developed an Industrial unit, along with the original 02 Hurricane, which is designed for companies and IT departments. They also recently introduced their EDS Safe unit – the static air version that companies can use in clean rooms. This was the result of a request by Raytheon.

These handy air blowers and their myriad uses are sure to be a must-have for home, the office, boating, RVing and anything else you can think of.  Available only online, you’ll find the 02 Hurricane Air System at Canlessair.com. For a special discount on the Industrial unit, see http://bit.ly/10Q17F7.

The Association of Postconsumer Plastics Recyclers, whose members represent more than 90 percent of the processors of postconsumer plastic bottles in the US, Canada and Mexico, have formed a group to address the rapid growth of full wrap shrink sleeve labels in the marketplace.

Full wrap shrink sleeve labels “represent a nightmare for most recyclers,” says APR director Steve Alexander, because they render the containers they cover mostly unrecyclable. APR members are now seeing full wrap labels on an expanded number of containers and bottles, Alexander says. The initial concern was on PET bottles, said Alexander. Now they’re seeing full wrap shrink labels on polypropylene bottles and containers as well.

As the use of shrink wrap packaging expands, recyclers are challenged about removing it

Apparently most sorting technology fails, which leaves the material itself unrecyclable and unusable for a “second life”. The newly formed group has  published a list of principles it would like labels to meet to eliminate the contamination caused by the use of the full wrap label. Alexander says technology and equipment manufacturers, major brand owners, and other APR members look forward to working with the label manufacturers and other groups to develop a solution that works for everyone.

Meanwhile, it appears that a lot of what consumers are trying to recycle isn’t getting where we hoped it would. If the shrink wrap problem isn’t solved, a great deal of what we’re putting into our recycling bins may well end up in landfills. Let’s hope that manufacturers and tech folks step up and find a solution to this important issue – and soon.

Here’s a fascinating video that shows what humans are contributing to our oceans.  Simple yet graphic. And worth viewing.

Preventing more plastic in our oceans is everyone’s business – and it’s really not hard to do, is it?

Jewelry from Bali from the Mala Collective

Gifts from the heart come in all shapes, sizes and wrappings. Those that give back hold a special place in my heart. Even though by the time you read this the gifts have probably been given, as today is Mother’s Day, there are still “gift” ideas that you – or she – may want to take advantage of. For those who’ve forgotten it\s mom’s special day, there’s still time to do something she’ll appreciate.

The jewelry from the Mala Collective is special. Malas (ma’ luhs) traditionally are bracelets used as beads to keep track of Tibetan prayers. They’ve grown, however, to be used both as beautiful jewelry and as meditative reminders. This handmade jewelry is ethically made in Bali, Indonesia and is Fair Trade. The brown rudraksha seed beads – which are considered sacred beads in parts of the world, said Ashley Ward, Mala Collective’s founder – are sustainably harvested and combined with lovely gemstones.

A company committed to making a difference, Mala Collective donates part of their profits to a non-profit Balinese birthing and wellness center called Bemi Sehat, and to organizations like Girlvana, which is dedicated to empowering young women and providing positive role models for them.

IRC Rescue Gifts help refugee families from countries devastated by war, drought or famine; photo-by Sven Torfinn

You’ll find these beautifully crafted necklaces and bracelets – some of which were worn by Julia Roberts in the recent film Eat, Pray, Love - online at MalaCollective.com.

International Rescue Committee “Rescue” gifts offer a number of terrific giveback opportunities.  And they’re remarkably affordable.

Just $23 will provide emergency care for a child, delivering provide lifesaving medical assistance to a sick and malnourished child staying in the hospital of a refugee camp, as well as supplies to help them stay healthy. $24 ensures critical supplies and assistance that will help make childbirth safer for both a mother and her baby. $50 will provide clean water to 100 people whose lives have been devastated by war, famine or drought. (In 2011, the IRC gave 1.7 million people access to clean drinking water.)  An $84 gift will provide warm blankets and a sense of security in difficult circumstances to three families of five.

You can give to a specific cause or by price. The choices are varied and all are heartwarming.

Every gift you give helps save lives. Find out more at http://gifts.rescue.org.

Lastly, comfort and style combined with sweatshop-free labor are wrapped up in this ecoKashmere slip top. This natural undyed lingerie is made from bamboo, a sustainable plant that grows without pesticides. The company specializes in using eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable business practices. Machine washable, this luxurious slip is available in all sizes in the natural shade and, in limited sizes, in cherry red. It’s available at EcoPlum.com with free shipping and 10 percent off e-gift cards if ordered by or on Mother’s Day.

To all Moms everywhere – Happy Mother’s Day!

This year’s Composting Council poster contest winner – from Michigan junior high school student Jennifer Tigani,

Today marks the beginning of International Compost Week. Launched 13 years ago by the U.S. Composting Council, International Compost Awareness Week was designed to bring positive attention to the possibilities that composting can provide to communities. It showcases composting and compost products through special events, presentations and giveaways by communities and public and private organizations.

Celebrated each year the first week of May, “ICAW is the longest running community based awareness campaign about compost in the World,” says Rod Tyler, CEO of Filtrexx International LLC.

You can learn more about events, sponsors and ways you can participate at CompostingCouncil.org.

There are many steps homeowners can take to improve the energy efficiency of their homes without spending thousands of dollars at one time

Getting people to insulate their homes and replace all of their windows is nearly impossible. Since the downturn in housing values, many do not have enough equity in their homes to finance such high dollar improvements, and other methods aren’t always an option. Many have heard from other homeowners that the actual payback in savings was far less than projected when they made these improvements (often a symptom of overzealous sales tactics by contractors).

Telling people they should spend $7,000 to retrofit windows and also reinsulate their home is going to be a hard sell for many. If consumers knew what they could do to convert their homes to greater energy efficiency without having to save and/or spend thousands of dollars, they’d achieve this much more quickly.

Focus on What You Can do Now

There is potential for a lot of energy savings in small things that can be done easily by the majority of homeowners. If emphasis was placed on that, than the resulting savings would not only immediately benefit the environment, but it would free up money in the homeowners budget to consider greater improvements. Particularly in older homes, huge savings can be achieved with simple, low-cost measures.

Windows and Doors

Replacement windows and doors are a great investment, providing you’re able to finance, afford, or willing to absorb the relatively high cost of changing them. There are, however, many low-cost ways of greatly improving efficiency. These methods can be done one a room at a time for under $20 per window. These include:

1. Install insulating window films. This is a simple process that reflects solar heat out in the summer and helps retain heat in winter. There are many different kits available for less than $15 per window. It won’t turn them into triple pane efficiency but it can easily double the efficiency of older windows.
2. Put new caulking around exterior of windows and doors. A tube of caulk costs about $3 and will do several windows and doors. This will greatly reduce drafts on older buildings.
3. Pull off door trim and window trim. There are often gaps between window sills that go all the way to exterior siding. It’s not uncommon for light to be clearly visible. A single roll of un-faced insulation will do an entire house of windows and doors. Use caulk and hand-stuff loose insulation into these gaps. Expanding poly gap sealers also work. When done, put the trim back on.

Insulate

Adding insulation in unfinished attics, basements and around water heaters are affordable investments that can reduce home energy costs

Exterior wall insulation most often requires contractors and large investments. Though often worth it, with minimal investment, to improve efficiency, there are steps homeowners can do themselves or do small projects each month to keep costs down.

1. Attic insulation in an unfinished attic is a very simple process. Simply unroll your chosen insulation between the beams. If costs are an issue, do a few rolls each month. Place one layer between beams and a second blanket over the top in the other direction and dramatic improvement is achieved, with no contractor needed.
2. Put an insulation blanket on the hot water heater. Consider wrapping hot water pipes in an unheated basement with insulating wrap to reduce used water waste. You’ll heat the pipe before hot water gets to the tap.
3. Unfinished or unheated basements should have insulation around duct work or heating pipes. If not insulated, as much as 20% of heat in older homes is lost before it ever enters the living areas.

These are simple ways to implement energy efficiency that the vast majority of homeowners could do themselves to attain significant savings. This is not only economic savings for the homeowner but saving the environment as well. These smaller changes can be implemented with minimal cost and they pay for themselves in months not years. By putting emphasis on what you can do now instead of what you should do later, meaningful change can begin now.

A semi-retired freelance writer and blogger living in the United States, Reuben Dickison holds degrees in Marketing and Public Administration. His career path has included consumer financial management and private business management training and consulting. His passion is promoting an environmentally sound   business ethos and planet.

Online petitions for worth causes are growing in popularity (and frequency). And as more of us are participating, companies and even legislators are sitting up and taking notice.

Recently, more than 34,000 people signed a new petition on MoveOn.org’s SignOn.org platform calling on the California State Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown to ban fracking in California due to health and safety concerns. There are currently 10 fracking bills - seven in the state Assembly and three in the Senate – that range from simple regulatory measures to a full moratorium on the practice.

In another arena, over 1.8 million people sent comments last week, vehemently opposing the approval of a genetically engineered salmon by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The groups responsible for organizing the over 1.8 million comments were Avaaz, Center for Food Safety, Friends of the Earth, Food and Water Watch, MoveOn, Organic Consumers Association, Food Democracy Now, Credo, Consumers Union, Just Label It, Farm Sanctuary, Cascadia Wildlands, Earthjustice, American Anti-Vivisection Society, Institute for Responsible Technology, and the Alliance for Natural Health –USA.

“The public has spoken, loud and clear: There is simply no need for GE salmon,” said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch. “It’s time for FDA to put an end to this regulatory mess and admit that the environmental and public health risks are too big to approve this controversial product.”

Wednesday, 12 Senators led by Senator Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and 21 Representatives led by Congressmen Don Young (R-AK-01), Mike Thompson (D-CA-05) and Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) sent letters to the FDA urging it to halt its approval until their economic, regulatory and environmental concerns are addressed. The Congressional letters come just months after an amendment offered by Senator Begich to the Senate Budget Resolution passed by voice vote in favor of the labeling of GE fish.

While the FDA has refused to look at the environmental impacts of these GE fish beyond the Canadian and Panamanian facilities proposed in the application, it appears that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has already received requests to import AquAdvantage Salmon eggs into the U.S. for commercial production. 

Seems that the more, louder and varied venues use by consumers to speak up, we’re finally being heard. Let’s keep up the barrage and keep our fingers crossed.

Don’t wait! Sign up TODAY for this free session that’s live tomorrow (Thursday), May 2nd from 1-2 pm Pacific. You’ve got nothing to lose and every insight to gain from me, Debra Atlas - a successful environmental writer,  professional blogger, speaker and radio personality. I’m a woman who truly knows GREEN!

Click here to register now.

Trees have an enormous impact on our planet. They act as natural filters, capturing carbon dioxide, help clean pollution from the air, and provide critical habitat for wildlife. They also contribute to the overall well-being and health of humans, our oceans and all life.

The Man Who Planted Trees: Lost Groves, Champion Trees, and an Urgent Plant to Save the Planet details the work of Michigan tree nursery owner David Milarch. In 2008, Milarch co-founded the non-profit Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, whose mission is to “collect, propagate and archive the genetics of ancient champion trees from around the globe,” then plant these “to reforest the Earth”

96 percent of California’s old growth coastal redwoods have been cut down

“David is one of the most unusual people I’ve met,” says the book’s author, award-winning journalist and science writer Jim Robbins.

“The idea of cloning trees to protect their genetics is a unique idea. Every scientist I interviewed said it was a sound idea, and wondered why someone didn’t think of it sooner. Moreover, using the most iconic trees in the world — the redwood and the sequoia — for this project has gained attention from people all over the world.”

From the 1800’s on, huge swaths of forests were cut down across the country. With no thought to conservation, we lost more than we knew.

“The genetics of the biggest trees is disappearing,” says Milarch.

In the US, we’ve cut down or killed 98 percent of old growth forests, says Milarch. California alone has lost 96 percent of its old redwoods.

“We destroyed those ecosystems, not knowing the roles they played not just in human health but health for all mammals, including the ones in the ocean,” Milarch said.

One of the world’s largest coastal redwoods

Robbins’ book speaks to this statement.

“American urban forests sequester nearly half a billion dollars worth of carbon and remove air pollutants that would cost nearly $4 billion to clean up in other ways…from lung cancer causing particles, to benzene, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and lead… Trees also mitigate some obstructive lung diseases.”

“There are 450 major diseases racing around this planet unchecked for the 1st time in history,” Milarch says. “We didn’t know the role trees played (in this),” he said, “i.e. the natural aerosols from their needles or leaves, the natural disinfectants and natural antibiotics.”

With regards to our oceans and waterways, “trees could be utilized to remedy a lot of … water pollution problems, including … human-created chemical waste dioxin, ammonia, dry cleaning solvents, oil and gas spills, …The natural filters scrub out pollutants that can’t be extracted by conventional methods: pharmaceuticals, flame retardants, chemicals from plastic and other endocrine disruptors.” The book cites numerous documented examples of trees removing toxic chemicals from polluted waterways.

Milarch collects seedlings and cuttings from the largest, oldest known, living and felled giant trees in the world, which he calls “champion trees”.

Milarch and the Archangel team have propagated a 3,000 year old redwood

In northern California’s Crescent City, he and his team stumbled across the biggest trees that ever lived, cut down on private land in 1890. These Lost Groves were forgotten by the locals and by time.

In contrast to the “fattest” known trees in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park which measured 12 to 18 feet across, these lost champion stumps measured 24 to 35 feet in .diameter!

“It was like finding an elephant graveyard or dinosaur graveyard,” Milarch said.

Remarkably, Milarch’s team at Archangel was able to clone twelve of these into viable living trees. These were planted this Earth Day ceremonies in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Germany and the United States.

We gave them away, said Milarch, “to make sure those genetics are never lost again.”

With climate change, on-going drought and rising temperatures, “you’re losing your redwoods and your sequoias,” Milarch said. “It’s getting too hot and too dry.”

Bill Werner at Sequoia Crest, California, photo-by Bill Latka Rivet Entertainment, owned by Archangel

But Milarch’s team has prepared an ace in the hole. They planted a collection of the redwoods the farthest East and the farthest South in hot dry climates where redwoods and sequoias aren’t supposed to live.

They now have proven collection of winners of the hottest, driest conditions on the planet, he said.

“Those are the trees you’re going to need from approximately Big Sur up to Humbolt in about ten years,” Milarch said. “It’s 2½ climate zones warmer already,” he said. “It won’t take much more to tip it in California if you do the math.”

So what can we do about all this?

Jake Milarch climbing a giant redwood to gather seedlings

Believing this book should be mandatory reading for all schoolkids, Milarch also recommends watching the videos on their website, which detail their 20 year work. Educate yourselves on the advances they’ve made.

Every person has, on average, a 2½ ton per year debt we consume, says Milarch.

“Start planting trees to offset the carbon that you owe the Earth so that your children and grandchildren aren’t saddled with that debt,” he said.

Mother Nature always has the last vote,” he said

To learn more about Milarch, the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive and The Man Who Planted Trees, go to AncientTreeArchive.org.