I use essential oils for many things, but care MUST be taken. Most things you read will advise you to dilute your oils before use. Occasionally you might come across something telling you that Lavender is safe and can be used neat (undiluted). Wrong! No oil is safe undiluted.

Lavender is great for calming. It’s an anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, bactericide. It’s great for muscle aches and pains, acne, sunburns, insect bites. It’s one of few oils that is sometimes directed to use without dilution. But that is a big mistake.

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Tags: General, Health, Safe Things by Stephanie
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This is just so cool! I see it’s been around for awhile, but this is the first time I’ve seen it.

Ecovative Design uses mushroom fibers grown on waste like cotton seed, wood fiber and buckwheat hulls to create EcoCradle packaging and Greensulate insulation. Their current process uses only one-tenth of the energy needed to create foam packaging. That in itself is quite cool, but thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation, they are working on a slightly different process that will cut their energy needs down to one-fortieth of that of foam. That’s 2.5 percent!

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Tags: General, Safe Things by Stephanie
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On a recent outing, I wanted to pick up some Udi’s bagels, but was no where near Whole Foods. I remembered that a new MOM’s Organic Market had opened near the area I was in and thought I’d stop in and take a chance to see if they carried Udi’s. Let’s just say I was pleasantly surprised.

I entered the store in Bowie, Maryland, not expecting much. I had only ever visited one other MOM’s store and the g-free selection was there, but I remember it being small. This was before I started my g-free diet. This new store was larger and very well stocked. I was so excited to see the ice cream cones I had been wanting and couldn’t find on my last Whole Foods trip, not only that, but they had sugar cones as well! I was so overwhelmed with the gluten free choices! My local shopping is so very limited in selection so visiting these others stores is always a joy. I found so many new things to try, bought way more than my two Chico bags could handle!

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Tags: General, Gluten Free, Helpful Sites, Reviews, Safe Things by Stephanie
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I don’t know why I like Nascar, but I do. Must have something to do with that race fan husband of mine. The most un-eco-friendly sport and yet, fascinating at the same time. Go figure.

I was surprised to read about Pocono Raceway’s new solar farm. The project began a year ago and was officially opened August 2nd. The solar farm consists of nearly 40,000 solar panels on 25 acres. It will produce between 3 and 4 million kilowatt hours per year. Enough to power the raceway and almost 1,000 homes in the community. The project cost was $16 million, but will save the track $700,000 yearly. This is the largest renewable energy project at any stadium worldwide, the largest in Pennsylvania and the 10th largest in the United Sates.

Kudos to Pocono for trying to “green” up a very un-green sport. Maybe other tracks will follow soon!

Tags: General, Safe Things by Stephanie
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It’s almost time for the new school year. Whether you’re sending your little ones off to school or schooling at home (like me!), it’s time to stock up on all those wonderful things that will need to be replaced in a few months. You know, the school supplies.

PVC is full of harmful chemicals. Things you don’t want near your little, or big, ones.  We go on and on about removing PVC and phthalates from our kids’ toys, but we need to also think about the things they use every day. As you head out to fulfill you list, consult this one. The Center for Health, Environment & Justice has composed a list of PVC-free school supplies.

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Tags: General, Health, Helpful Sites, Safe Things by Stephanie
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This time of year I hear the same things over and over again. “Forgot the sunscreen and now I’m a lobster.” “Spent the entire day at the beach and I’m completely sunburned.” “Ow, this sunburn hurts!”

I’m the type of person that burns easily. No matter what sunscreen I use, I burn. And it hurts. I’ve tried many remedies and soothers over time and only one has worked every single time I use it, Burt’s Bees After Sun Soother. It contains not only aloe, but linden flower as a key ingredient as well.

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Tags: General, Health, Reviews, Safe Things by Stephanie
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