EWG’s Latest Sunscreen Report

Summer is here in Tennessee this means afternoons and weekends at the pool, hiking, fishing, gardening, and just being out doors when ever possible. As most active people being outside is a big part of my family’s life, which means sun protection is also a big part of our lives. We were running out of sunscreen a few days ago which led me to investigate what sunscreen should I be using. The EWG has a new report out on sunscreen it is rather educational it is full of information on government regulations or lack there of, what to look for and look out for in your sunscreen, and 184 approved brands.

Needless to say I was really surprised to read about  the difference between UVB and UVA rays, skin cancer on the rise, marketing tricks to get us purchase sunscreens that don’t offer proper protection and may actual increase the risk of skin cancer, and other dangerous products that are on the market. You can read the whole report on the EWG’s 2013 Guide to Suncreens it’s worth reading.

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DYI- HOME GREEN CLEANER

I have noticed in the short time I have been on this earth an uptick in cancer rates, allergies, as well as other health concerns. My family tries to eliminate as many as these chemicals as we can, one way we do this is by making our own all-purpose cleaner. You can make a gallon of it for pennies.

It is easy as pie to make what you’ll need is:

• 1/3 cup dish soap
• 1/3 cup borax
• 1 cup vinegar
• Water
• Your favorite essential oil for scent (optional)

Use a funnel and pour all the ingredients into a left over gallon jug. Fill the jug with water, and add oils to desired scent.

NOT ALL MEAT IS CREATED EQUALLY

Not all meat is created equally. According to the Environmental Working Group lamb, beef, pork and cheese have the greatest impact on the enviroment. additional, these meats are the highest in fat thus worst for your health. Best meat choices are eggs, wild caught fish, and organic poultry. Best for the enviroment are vegetarian options, however vegetarian proteins are not as easily absorbed by the body, and most are not complete proteins. If you go the vegetarian route to get your protein be sure to mix your sources for example beans and rice, a bean spread on a wheat source. Quinoa, and soy are good sources of complete proteins but again are not as easily absorbed by the body; make sure you get what you need.