I'm going kicking and screaming, but I think I'm turning into an "Earth Mama." I don't buy organic produce, I still buy the occasional processed food item, I still get my groceries in plastic bags...BUT
It is becoming more and more disconcerting how many things (additives, chemicals, etc.) are in the things I use everyday that I don't know about. Last year, when I went to buy more Avent bottles for the girls online, I saw a warning from some "earth mama" saying not to buy these bottles because they leach a chemical called BPA into whatever fluid they contain. Did I listen - nah! I am now the proud owner of 30+ Avent bottles that were darn expensive. Although, most reports say that the chemicals released are insignificant to adults, they can be dangerous for small children...THE ONES DRINKING OUT OF THOSE @#$% BOTTLES!
Then last week, the Today show did a segment (watch the video) on the plastics we use and reported on three of the plastics we should never use - #3, 6, & 7. Guess what number the Avent bottles are #7 - of course! Then I was still thinking...well maybe it isn't that bad...as a friend's husband pointed out...they are still selling Avent bottles right?! So, I comforted myself with the fact that he had a point.
But then I read this today saying Nalgene (also a user of #7 plastic) is discontinuing the manufacturing of their popular plastic water bottles...crap! Did I mention we own three Nalgene bottles as well? There has to really be something wrong with this plastic if they are doing that because these bottles are hip and are everywhere. The Today Show gave this site for more info on the plastic segment - I click - and read that Avent is one of the products you should never use.
I then email Rubbermaid, because our Stain Shield tupperware doesn't have its plastic # on the bottom and it isn't on their webpage. They respond vaguely eluding to the fact that it is a #7, but all of their products are FDA approved. Right...so tell me again why you discontinued this product...?
Then last night, I'm reading a blog a friend told me was funny. As I'm reading a satirical commentary on the author's trip to Johnson & Johnson's Camp Baby, I discover that the shampoo we use for the girls contains a chemical called dioxine (possibly carcinogenic to humans and a known carcinogen in animals). Great!
So I don't know what it entails to be an "Earth Mama", but I have an awful feeling I'm going to find out!
4 comments:
Here's a link to some more info about the bottles and sippy cups. The book "Baby 411" is a great resource for us. The authors also have a "Toddler 411" edition. We've been using the glass Evenflo bottles. They've been great, even if you drop one! :) Cleaning products may be the next thing you'll want to go "earth mama" about!
http://www.windsorpeak.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/archive/baby%34%31%31/20070814163042/
I know exactly how you feel. I have been lamenting to Lovey about it all lately. He claims that lots of the things we use/eat contain carcinogens...that doesn't make me feel any better!
Holy crap! That is some scary news about the plastics! I knew that we had to watch out for use of bottled water containers, but had no idea about Nalgene. Thanks for sharing! Also...your mentioned a link that the Today show offered for more information about plastics. When I clicked on it, I got a website for some airline service. If possible, could you check on that and send me the link? I'd like to forward it on. Thanks much and have a healthy day!
Angie in South Dakota
Thanks for posting this! I feel like I live in a hole - I haven't heard about all of this. My Avent bottles are going in the trash! What is the deal w/ no numbers on the bottles?
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