Are BPA-Free Plastics Safe?

Do you feel “safe” when the plastic you use is labeled BPA free? A recent study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal found that many products advertised as “BPA-free” still leach endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which have been linked to birth defects, reproductive cancers, and behavioral and learning disorders.  Interestingly, the study found that almost all commercially available plastic the researchers sampled, independent of the type of resin, product or retail source, leached toxic chemicals having reliably detectable estrogenic activity (EA), including those advertised as BPA free. Exposing plastic products to sunlight, microwaving and dishwashers can increase leaching.

The bottom line is that it’s important to avoid consuming foods and drinks from plastic containers.

Let’s End Toxins in Our Lives

I’m feeling overwhelmed with the thought that we are surrounded by toxins. Pesticides in our foods. Pollution in the air. Chemicals in our personal care products. Unhealthy relationships. Let’s end this madness! When we can recognize where toxins come from, we can make healthier choices about avoiding them. Our new newsletter will post short tips to help you in your busy life to make the kinds of simple choices that can help you and those you care about live healthier, happier lives. Please join our newsletter by visiting us at www.tazzini.com and entering just your first name and email address in the form at the bottom right side of the page. We promise you will never be bombarded with ads and we won’t ever share your info. Watch for contests to win our bottles for sharing your best ideas! The more we collectively make changes, the less toxins we will all be faced with. Thank you for your support.

Summer’s Here! Are You Sunscreen Smart?

Happy summer solstice! We are really excited for summer to start. School was out a few days ago, and June Gloom in the mornings is kind of a blessing because it means I can get some work done before the kids realize we should be outdoors.

Sunscreen is always at the top of my mind (after loading up on healthy snacks that mean my kids won’t bug me all day because they are hungry). I had a pre-cancer removed last summer, and two more recently. I asked my dermatologist what’s up? I use sunscreen and have for years. She said the chemical based sunscreens are absorbed into our bodies over a few hours, so not only are the chemicals becoming a part of our endocrine systems, they are ineffective after a relatively short time. Seriously yucky! She said it’s really important to use mineral based sunscreens, the ones with zinc and/or titanium dioxide. At least 7% zinc or at least 9% titanium dioxide. My current favorite is Elta MD, but I love to shop so I’m constantly on the lookout for something that meets this criteria, that goes on easily, and that doesn’t leave us looking pasty-white, nor break the bank. We are also using more shade and clothing, which seem to be the best protection. This website has tons of information: http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/sunscreens-exposed/sunscreens-exposed-9-surprising-truths/.

See you at the beach!

Go Green Expo

We were at the Go Green Expo recently in Los Angeles. It was really invigorating to be around so many passion-driven businesses and especially to talk with the attendees. There was a ton of enthusiasm about not only the environment, but about health concerns and wanting to either eliminate them or prevent them (or both). People were really excited about our bottles! We heard over and over that they really liked the design and appreciated the benefits that the bottles are really easy to fill, clean and carry and that the high-quality materials are healthier for them and our planet.

Throughout each day, the main stage (which was right across from our booth) had speakers, including Mariel Hemingway, Captain Paul Watson and Ed Begley, Jr. along with a variety of entertainment. The energy at the event was great! I only wish we could attend an event like that every day.