Healthy Home Tips

If you've kept up with this blog, you already know that we're big fans of the Environmental Working Group and the wealth of information they offer consumers. Last month they began their Healthy Home Tips Series for Parents. You can sign up via e-mail to be alerted of the next installment of the Healthy Home Series, and you don't have to be a parent to benefit from the content. The series is check full of ways that you can ensure your home is as healthy as possible. The latest installment is all about personal care products and how you can be a better label decipherer. Click your way on over to a healthier home for you and your family!

A Fair Trade

Most of us are familiar with the term "fair trade," but do you really know what it means? If you are interested in learning more about it, a great resource is Green America's Guide to Fair Trade. Do you think the fair trade label only applies to coffee? Not true...find out about the people behind fair trade chocolate, tea, fruit, sugar, fashion, jewelry, home decor and even sports equipment. Learn about what the term means and why it matters. Explore some of the places where fair trade is in action. Finally, learn about how you can get involved. It's all in Green America's Guide to Fair Trade!

Land of Greenwash Confusion

Check out the MSNBC special on greenwashing featuring Grist's Katharine Wroth. Find out why "green" and "natural" might not be very reliable buzz words to go by. According to Katharine, labels that do have meaning behind them include USDA Organic, EnergyStar, Green Seal Certified and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). There are also several reliable Web sites suggested for more information that won't try and pull the green wool over your eyes. These include GreenerCars.org, the Responsible Purchasing Network and the Cosmetics Database. If nothing else, you get to hear a clip of the Genesis classic Land of Confusion. Check it out!