Seasons Greetings

Reading is beautiful. Can you remember such a wonderful snowfall and just in time for the holidays? I just feel so very lucky this morning that out of all of the place on the earth...we decided to live here. It is not just the snowfall that has gotten me all ga-ga.. its the entire package. Reading is a town that George Baily could have lived in. Kind folks who work hard to make every one's lives a bit better.

My son's new favorite show is Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. I am thrilled to have rediscovered it with him. What strikes me is how often he reminds the children to be a good neighbor. Over and over the message is the same. Be kind and caring and look after each other. Well, it is making me a better mother watching these episodes and hopefully I will be a better neighbor.

So it is with these thought in the air circling around with the new fallen snow that I take the time to honor the wonderful people of Reading who do good for all of us. So many folks work extra hard to ease the effects of global warming, create plans for our outdoor enjoyment, keep the magic of the holidays alive (and green on the green), and so many other ways. Many many many people are trying to make Reading more eco and healthier for all of us. I just want to be a good neighbor and say thank you and really we all appreciate the hard work and dedication. Everyone that puts in extra hours to help us....bravo and thousand thanks.

So if you see me trying to navigate the traffic buoy on Main Street in not such a logical manner, have pity on me. I will smile if I see the same. Help each other out of the giant snowbanks that are sure to impact us this winter. Offer a smile and hello to all of these good citizens on the streets of Reading. Then we can truly do our part to make Reading an even better place....and make Mr. Rogers proud.

Wishing you joy, peace and happiness. We'll talk again soon in the New Year.

Eco Reading

Eco Reading Gets Political

I have avoided getting political since I feel that embracing a more sustainable lifestyle has no political affiliation or ideology. My reason for writing this blog was to circumvent the larger overwhelming problems on a global scale and just take it local. Well, as they say, all politics is local. We can do some very tangible things in Reading to make a very large impact when it comes to our health.


My reader friends, you all know that my newly discovered information on the toxic chemicals that are contained in everyday products have got me a bit angry. Which can be a good thing. Angry people enact change. Please take some time to listen and read to some of the stories. Let's see if I can get you riled up enough to take some action :)

Here's a report on Bisphenol A, a type of chemical that is found in some plastics and as it turns out, most cans in the US. I do have to give a little chuckle at the title of the piece, Sex Hormone in a Can.....can you get anymore tabloid than that! But hey, if it gets folks to pay attention, the facts are startling. Bisphenol A can activate the body's own estrogen and cause a myriad of problems. There is a huge debate on the daily human dose levels that are acceptable and at which point damage is done. Our neighbor to the north, Ontario, will probably be banning Bisphenol A in baby bottles. Just this morning CNN has reported that Bisphenol A in baby formula cans may also be a problem. I guess the question is do we want to wait and find out or take steps to limit our exposures to this chemical. At the very least we should be made aware which products contain this chemical.

Unfortunately, most chemicals that are used in products never.....I mean never have been tested. An amazingly retro (meaning actual journalism) investigative piece Are your products safe? You can't tell in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, found some startling information on the chemical in everyday products. The newspaper reviewed more than 250 scientific studies written over the past 20 years; examined thousands of pages of regulatory documents and industry correspondence; and interviewed more than 100 scientists, physicians, and industry and government officials. There findings (get ready to get mad) include: no screening of chemicals despite spending millions, U.S. testing is outdated, Europe and other country bans hundreds of products while the US sits; and the lack of U.S. regulations gives the consumer no informed choice.

Hmmmm ...it seems that the government and the companies that manufacturer these compounds don't want us to have the facts on what is in our products. It seems that a concerted effort is made to delay and misinform us. We think that the federal government is protecting us, when in fact they are not. The Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are inept and by design, fail to serve the interest of the population. Several examples would be that the FDA does not regulate cosmetic nor personal care items. That is why the cosmetic industry does not have to disclose what is actually in their products or if an ingredient causes cancer or reproductive problems. There are no regulations at all....none. The only way we can know about what is contained in our cosmetic products in through non-governmental organization like the folks who put together the skindeep website, the Environmental Working Group.

Another example would be the Consumer Product Safely Commission...they agency that has been listing the recalls for the toxic children's toys. The reality is that there are no regulations that specifically outlaw toxic chemicals in everyday products with the exception of lead in paint in children's toys. Thank goodness at least for the minimal! This agency budget had been severely underfunded and most decidedly their policies had become more and more non-regulatory in action. Due to concerns about the safely of toys and such, the Congress finally decided to take a stand and substantially expand the budget and regulatory power of the CPSC. The reaction of the agency head, Nancy Nord? She said "thanks but no thanks" to it! Am I kidding you.....I am not. Perhaps she was distracted by the investigations into trips to China that were sponsored by lobbying groups and lawyers representing the makers of products linked to consumer hazards.

The European Union is has taken a much more proactive stand against toxics in everyday products. According to the research of Mark Schapiro in his book, Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What's at Stake for American Power, the EU is now the largest economy in the world and they have taken the view of "precautionary principle" in regards to chemicals. They look upon the "accumulation of evidence" and act before harm is done while the U.S. must have "complete scientific evidence" along with a cost/benefit analysis in order to enact a change in regulation. As a result, the EU has banned outright many of the most toxic substances and has used scientific innovation to come up with alternatives. The U.S. continues to be the go-to market for all the products that were rejected from other countries. So as a result, the U.S. gets the worst of the worst that the world has to offer since we have no protections what so ever.

According to Mark Schapiro, the non-policies of the U.S. in regards to environmental standards are hurting our ability to remain competitive in the global economy. Other developing countries are using the EU model for regulation and in fact, China will be banning the most toxic of substances from their electronics to be sold in China. However, it will be O.K. to sell the products containing mercury, cadmium, chromium, and flame retardants in the U.S. Folks...if China is banning these in China....what does this say about us?

Well, all is not lost. States are picking up the slack in federal policies. California has taken the first step to align their policies with the EU by banning phthalate in all children's products! States are suing the EPA for data on toxins in the environment. Washington has passed a measure phasing out the class of fire retardants PBDEs. Brilliant! Great start!

So here's where I bring it on home, what about Massachusetts you ask? Great news....we have a bill in play right now that would help move things along in regards to toxic chemicals. It is called "An Act for a Healthy Massachusetts: Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals." It aims to reduce our exposure to many of the chemicals that I have been talking about by mandating an alternative be used. This is direct response to the EU and it will align Massachusetts much more closely with the policies of the EU and make the state much more competitive in the global economy. What kind of substances are we talking about? How about lead, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, dioxins and furans, hexavalent chromium, organophosphate pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), 2,4, dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4, D).

The great news is that there is a tremendous amount of support for the bill in the Massachusetts legislature (including Rep. Patrick Natale ...way to go!) and many others including the Massachusetts PTA . What is not so great is that our Reading representatives Richard Tisei and Brad Jones do not support the bill. Senate Republicans (including Tisei) said they "needed more time to analyze the impact of the bill on businesses, but they were generally supportive of the bill in tone." Well since this bill has been floating around for years, the clock has already been ticking and for the impact, the EU has already implemented these measures and the effects can be clearly seen. Alternatives do not make companies less competitive, it makes them more innovative and appealing to the global marketplace! So any delay in voting upon the measure is clearly not in the long-term interest in businesses and certainly not in the interest of the citizens of Reading! It is really time to stop all this nonsensical "bad for business" model for the environment and health issues. It is simply false.

Ready to go local! Let's see if we can get Tisei and Jones to change their non-support and get them working for the health of Reading on this one. We all need to contact them and let them know that they absolutely need to support the Safer Alternative to Toxic Chemical Bill...no delays for "studying". Massachusetts can be on the forefront of policy change in this country and once again take the lead in philosophical ideology like we did back in the day! If you are in Patrick Natale's district (precincts 2, 3 and 5) please give him a shout out for doing the right thing.

I will sweeten the pot. If you are the first to have a letter published in the Daily Times Chronicle or the Reading Advocate supporting the Safer Alternatives Bill I buy you and your family a dozen eggs and a chicken from 7 Acres Farm. If you are the first to get it published in the Boston Globe.....a big fat turkey! I know that you would do it anyway, but why not have fun with a little contest. A bonus would be to call out Tisei and Jones on their "support but non-support". Just send me your "publishment accomplishment" ;) by email and I will arrange it with 7 Acres. Really, I mean it.

If you are a bit shy about writing to the newspapers just contact Tisei and Jones directly. Feel free to use an example letter or cut and paste parts of this post. Here are the details :

State Sen. Richard Tisei
Richard.Tisei@state.ma.us
State House
Room 308
Boston, MA 02133
Telephone: (617) 722-1206
Fax: (617) 722-1063

District Office 979 Main Street
Telephone: (781) 246-3660 Fax: (781) 246-2873

State Rep. Brad Jones

E-Mail: Rep.BradleyJones@hou.state.ma.us
State House
District Office
Room 124
Boston, MA 02133 Telephone: 617-722-2100 Facsimile: 617-722-2390

District Office 249 Park Street
North Reading, MA 01864
978-664-5936
978-664-5936
RepBradJones@Comcast.net

State Rep. Patrick Natale
State House
Room 167
State House
Boston, MA 02133
Telephone: 617-722-2810
Facsimile:
E-Mail: Rep.PatrickNatale@Hou.State.MA.US

I know our state reps. are good folks and really have done much good for the Town of Reading, but we can do even better. Even if you are not a Reading Townie you can still get involved. Learn about the local movements on the health and environmental fronts. Let's get informed, demand some changes and put democracy to work!

Peace,
Eco Reading

Talk Amongst Yourselves

Hello, my friends. I am currently working on an entry that is a bit complicated and requires some major research. I didn't want to leave you hanging so I thought I would post some related media to get you in the mood for things to come. Give a listen to Fresh Air with Terry Gross from earlier this week and tell me if you want to know more! Get ready to get mad.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16616951

It's Sew Time

I totally stole this line from the promo of Project Runway which begins anew tomorrow night! I have heard that this show is inspiring people to start sewing and I too am hoping to inspire you to try your hand at an oldie, a goodie, and I do think an eco... sewing.

I think sewing is in my blood. My Baba sewed, and in fact, when she came to the U.S. got a job in Brodsky's clothing factory and retired there with many many years of service. My grandmother M. was such a skilled sewer that she actually tatted, which is an ever so complicated process of hand making lace! Impressive indeed.

That leads me over to my grandfather, my Dido. His obsession as the "original freegan" was fixing and restoring vacuums and sewing machines. He was fantastic at it and the house had too many machines to count. There were ones in beautiful wooden furniture cabinets, giant overlock machines and the more compact portable ones. Well as I found out, portable is a relative term.

About 12 years ago while I was still a single gal living in my single gal apartment, I decided that I should try my hand a sewing. The last time I sewed was in the late 80's when I was unemployed and decided to make sachet and satin pouches for my friends for Christmas. I went to my grandparents house and my Baba and Aunt helped me. Well, they really did most of the work. I was the designer.

I really wanted to make some pillows for my apartment so hence the need for a sewing machine. I just went to my grandparents house for my "shopping" . My grandfather took the request and several weeks later I went over their house for the pick-up of my small portable apartment-friendly machine. It was a Viking cast iron machine made in "occupied Japan". It weighs about 40 pounds. I was a bit disappointed as I visioned myself with a more "modern" lightweight version of "portable". I probably should not have expressed my feelings (very ungrateful) as it caused the biggest argument I have every seen my grandparents have. (in very loud and fast Belorussian) My grandmother was very sympathetic to me as she was always.


The bottom line, my grandfather was right. It is the perfect machine for me. It is indestructible. No zig zag, no button holer, nothing except perfect stitches forward and backwards! It has served me so very well and continues to do so. It really doesn't need to be new and fancy it just needs to work!


I have been on a bit of a sewing tear since thinking about ways to be more eco-friendly. I have been a frequent visitor to the locally- owned Fabric Place at the Woburn Mall. It is always so busy and I am wondering if folks are back into basics or I am just fairly new to it all and never paid attention. I know that a friend of mine also has just caught the sewing bug and is making the most amazing bags, just like that. You just have to go for it!

I had this silly thought lately while I am browsing around the fabric store. It harkens back to my too-much TV-watching-childhood in the 1970's. I am Mrs. Ingalls in the Olsen's store, fretting over the prices of calico for Laura's and Mary's dresses. I just want to choose the best for the money and perhaps a few eggs. O.K. I know that it was just a TV show and Karen Grassley probably was at Studio 57 after she shot the scene, but I really want to believe that what I will be making will be meaningful and valued.


So I guess that is part of the reason why I think sewing is eco-friendly. If you make it yourself or someone you care for does, you will value the piece more, and they are less likely to be tossed out with yesterday's news. I have two rooms worth of curtains made my my grandmother many, many years ago and I adore them, mainly for sentimental reasons. I can look at the stitches, some of them by hand, and I know that my grandmother is still there within these small gestures. Something that I would not feel the same about if I bought them from Macy's. While sewing is still consumption, it does take out a portion of that global economic machine...the actual manufacturing. I do think that most materials are made in Asia and specifically in China, but I think that it is a trade-off I have live with for the time being.

So what am I making? I made my son's Halloween costume, sexy red silk pillows for our bedroom, a superhero cape, and I am currently making curtains for my son's Christmas present complete with trains! I am not such a skilled sewer but these are straight lines! Even a caveman can do it! :) You just need a bit of planning before hand and go for it. I will use "natural" canvas that uses no dyes and of course the train fabric used on his made in USA comforter. I was a bit disappointed when I found out the fabric was made in Korea, but it was not unexpected. I know that when these are done he will love them and I certainly will do the same.


I have found a local Connecticut company, Poly-fil , to use as my pillow fill. Unfortunately, while it is a local company ,I used the polyester version (polypropylene) ...not so green. After visiting their web site I see that they are manufacturing bamboo fill! Great news and that much better for the next project!


So now you are saying, "Oh yeah sure, when am I going to find the time," and "I can't sew." I have solutions for you! First for time. There is something zen about sewing and just give yourself permission take some "me" time and create! Second,there are many classes in the area such as at Marie's Sewing Center in the Woburn Mall right next to the Fabric Place. Check out the website for a list of classes and the calendar. If a class is too much of an obligation go to the Sew Trendy Studio in Wakefield (the amazingly cute smiles on the girls is worth the trip to the website) for drop in time. If you need help on a project the studio can help you get going! If you need some resources perhaps check out the Reading library for sewing books.


My mother,not a crafty type, actually took a class in the 70's at an adult continuing ed with our neighbor. She made the coolest purple polyester long dress that I absolutely loved. She looked great in it and wore it many times for her dressiest of occasions. Really if my mom can do it, you too can make a funky purple dress. :)


This weekend we took a family trip to the Wenham Museum to see...can you guess...trains! They also have a new show on quilting for dolls. I studied these small treasures and smiled at the perfect stitches probably done by young girls side by side with their Mothers. What a wonderful skill to pass along and perhaps a sewing class could be a perfect gift especially if you do it together.

I am really hoping that you give it a try, as I am sure that you have a sewing machine tucked away somewhere. If you don't check out craigslist for one! You also have plenty of time to get sewing for gifts for the holidays. Just think how much your mom will love something you spent time making! Or how much your daughter will love her new pink pillow!

In parting, I want to share a special memory of my grandparents that I thought about so much today in writing this entry. I had this coat that I loved so much and the lining was totally worn, well let's be honest, it was ripped to shreds, but I wore it anyway. My grandmother seeing this was horrified and set off to repair it pronto. At the beloved sewing machines, my grandfather came over to help her and they had their heads together working in partnership as only life-long partners could. The mid-winter, late afternoon light was coming in from the large window and the picture before me, magical and loving, I knew in my heart, needed to be forever burned into my deepest memories. I know that sewing has a reputation as being mundane, but it can also be a beautiful thing.

Collective Toxic Awareness

Sometimes realizations come to us in the collective. They day before my last post, Tom Ashbrook from WBUR's On Point hosted a great show on all the issues I presented in relations to chemical concerns.

It's a great listen and it will perhaps solidify your understanding, or at least get you thinking and perhaps hopeful that things can change.

http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2007/10/20071029_a_main.asp

At the end of the show one of the guests highlighted a new series of articles in USA Today entitled Our Toxic Legacy. Lead, mercury, and plastics are covered in detail. A trifecta of chemical nasties. As Borat might say, "Good times..............................NOT."

Just off the top of my head, my take away is that I will be investing in some old school glass storage containers. Just add this to my ever growing to do list.

The learning just continues...as does the anxiety!

S.O.S on the Chemical River De-Nial

I have to admit, I like to be an ostrich with my head in the sand as much as the next person. I really do think this is an all-too-human trait. We really don't want to dwell on the possibility that something well, less than optimum may come out of any situation. This is exactly what I did with the information that my Aunt send me months ago.

It was revisited with the CNN article about a toddler being inundated with chemicals and how plastic toys can turn my son into a eunuch. It totally hit home. Looking at my lovely young boy I knew I could and must do a better job knowing what is coming into the house, but I didn't really want to know....do you know what I mean? So, I took a deep breath and took my head out of the sand and took my first step and checked out the Skin Deep website. This organization test skin products to see which products contain harmful chemicals and rates them on a scale of 0-10. They rate shampoos, deodorants, moisturizers, baby products, and for the reason my Aunt initially sent me the link, sunscreens.

Well, it wasn't pretty I can tell you that. My most beloved products came back with many a chemical hazard. Carmex lip balm....(7) contains chemicals found to cause cancer, reproductive/developmental toxicity, on and on...simply terrible. My spoiled rotten Chanel moisturizer...same thing....(7) terrible. On and on it went. The only sunshine I could find on this day was that the soap my son uses, California Baby, was great! I do believe we read something a few years back that prompted us to switch from Johhson and Johnson Baby Wash (surprisingly bad at a 6) to the California Baby (a less worrisome 1). Like all the "natural" products you will have to pay a big time premium for "safety" as a small bottle will cost you $10. A bit steep for sure, the price for sure is worth the peace of mind.

I have to warn you this cosmetics database is completely addicting. I went through tons of products in our home and tossed them out. I felt a tad guilty about the waste, but how could I give these away knowing the reason why I was tossing them. Based on the results I even had to throw away an unopened bottle of Johnson's Baby Lotion! Baby lotion!

This purge joined the trash with the plastic ducks and the more squeezable toys that were in my son's toy box. This was due to the prevalence of phthalates and the new research coming out about the potential health risks, especially to boys. I really sometimes feel like I am turning into a class-A nut, but I think it is just the ostrich wanting to go back to the safely of a nice dark whole in the ground.

This chemical concern had been brewing for a while with me. About 6 months ago I switch my use of cleaning products to stuff I could get at the Whole Foods or other like stores. We love the new dish soap of Seventh Generation Liquid Dish Detergent in lavender and mint. We had bad luck before with a more "natural" product as it really didn't work that well, but this one is great. We also have used the Mrs. Meyers brand of scrub and general cleaner. Nice stuff, but again very expensive. I am really thinking that I need to invest in some spray bottles and make my own cleaning products as was suggested a few months ago by a reader. There are many variations but basically you need baking soda, vinegar and detergent and you got yourself a clean house at a very low cost. Also a word of warning about using air fresheners just don't use them, they also contain phthalates. Surprise huh?

I visited the Organic Mattress Store in Sudbury and was very pleasantly surprised how nice and comfy they were. I am also shocked at what natural latex (from rubber trees)feels like..well it feels like foam. The nice man at the store gave me a little history of why we have synthetic latex made from petroleum. During WWII Japan occupied the Asian producers of rubber and the US needed to find an alternative to the natural latex, hence the latex we are all familiar with today. There is one major problem with the synthetic latex, since it is made from petroleum. It is highly flammable. That is why flame retardant chemicals are needed.

Flame retardant chemicals such as a the class PBDE are a nasty beast. These chemicals are found in breast milk in alarming rates especially in the US and well, it is not really known what harm they can cause (the industry I am sure is not interested in knowing) but it is looking more and more that it can harm brain development and thyroid function. Oh my, my husband and I both have thyroid disease. Looks like we really need to get serious about removing this chemical as much as possible from our home. It is really difficult since so many products contain this retardants. I am going to start with our son's mattress and clothing. No more flame retardants for these. Out with his cute fleece winter pj's :(.

So I did go on a big replacement spree for myself and family. We are definitely going to buy an organic mattress and will just have to suffer through the really high price. They are made in the USA, but you will need to pay the "real" price of goods, not the deflated price of a product made in China. I am trying new shampoos, deodorants, skin cream, lip balm and soon, makeup. I will use them for a while and give you an update on my progress and whether I can stand them for one more day, or if I fall in love with them and they are my new favorite things. I have bought some locally made products as well and will be included in this new "review". Please post any human-friendly products that you love and would recommend!

I know this is really a bit of an intense few entries, but I feel it is so important. I am taking small step towards change and this one really does require a bit of sacrifice. I am not trying to guilt you into anything, but I am alarmed and wanted to let you know. You are my peeps, and we have to look after each other :)

If CNN Covers It...

I know that my last post was a bit alarming and I was a bit overcome with anxiety. I fully planned on writing today a little more upbeat post filled with tips on avoiding Chinese goods, a foodie tip or two, etc., etc. But then, I opened the CNN.com homepage. The top story was on chemical poisoning of children. There goes my upbeat, Reading eco beat.

My friend in NJ has already forwarded this story to her email list as I was reading it. I know this will hit many parents hard. Not only does it cover phthalates, but other nasties such as PBDES, Bisphenol A, PFOAs and PCBs. Now you have to be a chemical engineer to be a parent! Go to the CNN article for an overview of these agents.

So my friends, lets learn. Don't turn away from these fundamental questions about what exactly is in the clothing, toys, shampoo, bedding of our children because it is most unpleasant and horrible to think about. Things can't change overnight, but we can join together to get some answers and change some policies in Massachusetts!

Toys Companies Will Harm Your Babies

You remember the movie the Matrix when Neo takes the red pill and can never again believe in his "reality". Well, after researching the many toxic policies of US governmental agencies in cahoots with corporate greed, is like taking the red pill. The government which I really believed would protect us from harm is actually the antithesis of protector. I have read the most disturbing article called, "Toxic Toys" that is in the Nov. 5th issue of The Nation.

I really think that may need immediate action on your part. Please take the time to read the entire article, especially if you have boys. This chemical class (phthalates) used to soften plastic in baby toys have been BANNED in Europe for 8 years yet the USA continues to be the only "developed" nation to freely allow companies (most made in China) to poison our children! This can totally harm their endocrine system and cause damage to their adulthood. Please go through your children's toys and toss out the one's that are "questionable." Why take the chance with their health?

I am made as hell and I am not going to take it anymore! I will be writing letters to our representatives. Repeat it with me WE ARE MAD AS HELL AND ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE! Please do the same. Perhaps if we can organized we can change things at least in Massachusetts. In the meantime, we all have the power to vote with our dollars. Knowledge is power, my friends!

Greening the Giving

Last Christmas my husband and I literally took away presents given by Santa, wrapped and under the tree, from a blissfully-occupied-with-too-many-other-presents son. We stored them in the attic to be given instead for my son's birthday. Months before the big event, I would put away a little of this and a little of that and well,that added up to a whole lotta-lotta. Now bring in the grandparents and uncles and we have got ourselves present overload.

This year I am a different person. Let's just say I have evolved in my thinking about giving. I was embarrassed that I went so overboard and confessed to a friend of my guilt. She told me she limits her children's gifts to 6. Wow, I never thought of an actual limit as a marker, (right...it seems such an obvious no-brainer) but as it turns out limiting choices can lead to more happiness for both the giver and the receiver. So now I have my own limiting devices....due to current conditions of the toy industry (lead, safety flaw, etc., etc) and my newly developed personal convictions. So my limiters are :

• Locally made is best


• Made in USA


• Not made in China


• China made if it is a necessity and if no alternate is found.
  

So I have been searching and searching for ideas that will appeal to a young child and have come up with some terrific options (not too many!) for the holiday season.

My husband and I decided that my son should have a "big boy" bed instead of his toddler bed, and we have successfully convinced him that he really should ask Santa for one. We found terrific options at Winchendon Furniture which carries many different brands of furniture that are actually made in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. If you have not been to the furniture stores in Gardner and surrounds, I highly recommend them. They really make it easy to go local if you decide to go that route and I was told by more than one associate that many,many people are coming in and asking about buying American made furniture. As it turns out we went with a set that we found on craigslist.org. It is a Maine manufactured bed, that uses eco-friendly paints, and is being reused by us! How green!

We are leaning towards getting an "organic" mattress due to our concerns over the flame retardant chemicals mandated by federal regulation. I am still early in my research, but I know that there are a few American manufacturers of wool, cotton and latex bedding which includes some Amish makers. This weekend I hope to check out the first such "organic" bedding store in the area. I do know that our ideas for being healthy are going to cost us a lot of "green" as these mattresses are not cheap!

We have also found some bedding that will be perfect for our train fan that is made in Ohio. Oh...I can't resist showing you the train that is made in the USA (see photo) and is available at the same site as the bedding. Great find, me thinks!

Yes, we still believe in toys :) and I think that this really is the largest challenge. A vast majority of the toys are made in China and there are few alternatives that are actually made in USA and even fewer made locally. So, I have had to really solidify my convictions. Is a German toy made in Thailand any better that an American toy made in China? Why? What's the point if they are both travelling so far to reach us here in Reading?

Here's my thinking and of course my very own opinion. Most of the recalls of toys have been manufactured in China and they seem so have a system wide problem that really is quite larger that we can get our minds around. The economic changes have taxed environmental, safety and human right issues to such a point that it poses a danger for everyone involved, but most especially the Chinese people. So in my world it is best to stay away from products produced in China. I have been really please to see that others are of the same thinking and are actively blogging about our options such as http://www.notchinamade.net/ , http://www.nomoremadeinchina.com/ and http://www.chinafreechristmas.info/ . Talk about feeling like the bee girl! I could go on and on about which companies are China-free, but why reinvent the wheel. They really do a great job in helping parents make decisions about their buying and have many ideas for seasonal giving and more.

While you could shop for these toys on the internet, such as Amazon, a great place you may want to shop first is locally owned Mud Puddle Toys in Marblehead. After speaking with the owner I get the feeling that I am not the only one with this new "list" of requirements for buying. In fact, I overheard another shopper asking about "not made in China"...I kid you not. They carry many alternatives to the big toy stores and some are even made in the USA. Take an afternoon and spend some time in this wonderful shopping district with cafes and cute small boutiques and a wonderful old fashioned toy store that wants to tap into the new awareness that parents are experiencing.

Tonight starting at 7:00 p.m. the Masonic Temple Hall on Haven St., is hosting the Newcomers and Neighbors annual shopping night . For the past few years it has been filled with hand-made items from local folks. Last year I bought some local handmade soaps and chocolate sauce. Yummy on both counts. I am sure this year will be no exception to the wonderful array of businesses. So you can get an early start on some of your shopping!

I hope I did not stress you out talking about the holidays and it is not my intention to make you feel guilty about choices you make. I am far from being little Miss Perfect Eco Reading. I still use paper towels like a mad person and I still buy bottled water. (See, I too have my developments in waiting). I just wanted to help do the research about topic that I know many of you have been talking about:)

Peace.

Ant in a Clown Mask

I have really tried to keep these post upbeat and jovial, but underneath my clown makeup lies the the serious face of an ant with a mission. Each day brings a new piece of unfortunate evidence that perhaps I am on to something with sustainability. Perhaps what I try to do with Eco Reading is important.

Such evidence could be that the EPA has approved a new horrid pesticide that Nobel scientists and some 50 others are begging to be banned because of the"potential danger to pregnant women and children, the elderly and farmworkers."

Or evidence could be that really...corporations will kill or maim you for a buck as demonstrated so terribly by Home Depot and the product Stand ’n Seal. Basically this sealer used on tiles will melt your lungs but hey.....this was just a simple mistake, right!?

Or perhaps I can point to the evidence right here in my very own cul-de-sac. Another neighbor has cancer. This makes it 2 on our street this year (that I know of) the first being a teen. I guess I have just had enough of enough.

So you see my Reading friends, things can and do get to me, and I try to combat it by being a good ant and sharing with you the knowledge that had been hard won. There are such happy finds in the sea of bad news and there are folks about us who also want to take a step off this corporate nonsense of profit at all costs.

I have been busy getting prepared for the winter as a good ant should. I am finally going to use all of my freezer space this year thanks to all the food I have collected locally this season. In the past few weeks I have done the following:

• picked and dehydrated apples (Red Apple Farm)
  
• stored my winter squash in the garage (Farm School share, home grown, and Mr. A.)
  
• bought 12 pounds of potatoes from Red Apple Farm


• bought dried beans from the Marblehead Farmers Market


• bought and froze sausages from Drumlin Farm, Lincoln


• froze strawberries, corn, beets (Marblehead, Farm School, Drumlin)


• bought and froze varied pork cuts from Stillman's Farm via Marblehead


• chopped and froze basil in ice trays (Farm School and homegrown)

• bought and froze goat cheese from Crystal Brook Farm (via Marblehead Market)

I have been so very busy! I still need to find some beef so my work is not ending anytime soon! I know that some of you may say...hey you have been spending not only time but a whole lot of green to be "green". Yes, it is an investment upfront but I fully expect that my food bill will go down this winter or at least I hope it to :)

So it is not too late to take stock of your stock and get yourself into an ant state of mind. I have just returned from 7 acres farm in North Reading and he has tons of winter squash and the end of season tomatoes. The farmers market in Marblehead will be going on for a few more weeks, and today there is a farmers market in Lexington until 6:30 p.m. . I am ever so grateful for the friends who tip me off to many offerings in the area and help me along on my quest. I hope that I can do the same for you.

Bring Out Your Inner Bee

I don't know about you but sometimes I really do feel like the bee girl in this video. Perhaps that is why I write Ecoreading. I can talk to my fellow bees and not feel as if I am doing a tap dance in my eco costume and no one really get what I am driving at. Well, I have great news, you too, are not alone. This Thursday evening, the Reading Chapter of Cities for Climate Protection is hosting an event filled with fellow bees. Find out the postive steps that Reading is taking to combat climate change and take charge of making small changes in our community. You can participate with your ideas at "conversations" with other like-minded folks who want to see things get better. So don't be shy and head to the Senior Center this Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. and embrace you inner bee.

Caught Between the Freegan and Material Worlds

My grandfather used to say that you could live for free in America, all you would have to do is live on other people's trash. Well who knew that what he believed in and partially lived by would be growing trend and actually have a name? Folks who live this principle of trash picking full time are now called "freegans". Now, my family had limits, as they did not get food stuff out of the trash, but everything else was up for grabs. It really was quite acceptable to pull over to the side of the road when someones trash looked interesting and help yourself to the booty. As a child most of the time I was horrified by this. It was the 70's and consumption was just starting to really get going and would be in full swing by my formative adult years of the 1980's. I wanted to be a material girl, and I rejected the standards of my family.


I really judged my family and thought that their ideas were outdated and really not with the times. I understood where their compulsion started; to grab what you could when you could find it for free. It is what you do when society breaks down for real...wartime Europe in the 30's and 40's. I understood that there was no messing around in order to survive. But that was then, this is now right? So I shopped until I dropped and rang up my credit cards.(FYI most of my family does not have credit cards because they too do not believe in debt..another story)


So I found myself broke, in debt and living in Baltimore. Little did I know that this was one great freegan town. So in order to get myself free of my excess and pay off my debts I once again embraced the freegan life that was in my genes and started on my path to becoming thrifty. I could garbage pick with the best of them, and would not hesitate to drag home an outdoor furniture set found in an ally in a skirt. Oh, by the way I still have it. Most of my apartment was furnished with found items that came from my grandfathers garage....a bastion of stored freegan claims. I think one piece is actually a fine antique and worth some money! Rummaging through thrift stores was entertainment and a social must if you were to claim any bit of hipster status. Competition was fierce and if you held a garage sale, you would literally sell out of everything, that is if the price was right. It really was an underground economy.


So what does this have to do with our lives now? I know that most of us are not single hipster artists looking to buck the system, but who are we exactly? Our we just blind consumers just gaining more and more objects, getting in more and more debt, or are we and can we be more than that? When was being called thrifty such a negative word? The concept of thrift is as old as civilization and it was Confusius who said, "He who does not economize will have to agonize." The corporations who sell us products we don't need are not thinking of our long-term health as a society, they are looking at short term profits. So let's take back the word. Let's make the word thrift and thrifty the in thing to do and to be.


First, many of you are already thinking and acting thrifty in order for one parent to stay at home with the children. You know that hand-me-downs are a prize and yard sales can be a dream. For a great resource for local garage sales and items for sale check out craigslist . There are special sections you can search under for what you need like garage sales and farm/garden and even items for FREE! I recently bought my new patio set using craigslist and we are completely thrilled with it. It even has solar lights and it was a bargain. I also have used this site to plot my itinerary for yardsales where I have focused on finding trains (Thomas and the like) for my son. At one sale I hit the jackpot of an entire collection of Thomas Trains and structures for and obscenely low price. This bounty saw our son through 4 gifting occasions! He is none the wiser. Of course, we had to go back and check to make sure they were not the recalled items at the CPSC site, but thankfully all was well.


For more of the freegan approach, check out freecycle Woburn . Folks offer up all items for free!


Before you even think of getting rid of something you own as garbage perhaps take a few seconds to ask yourself....can this be repaired or can someone else use this? Most of the time the answer will be a resounding yes! Donate items to the Mission of Deeds, 6 Chapin St. in Reading (781)944-7697, or to the Salvation Army in Wilmington, 625 Main St. (978) 988-9488. The Salvation Army has a drop off center around the back and both will give your a receipt for your taxes. Those deductions really do add up and you are doing the right thing.


Here is another idea....get shoes repaired instead of getting rid of them. There is a new show repair in town, Larry the Village Cobbler, 108 Eaton St. 1-978-664-4410. I took him a pair of special sandals that I bought in Italy for repair and he did a wonderful job. Next time you are out at a gathering in Reading let's ask each other, "Are those old shoes? How nicely resoled they are.:)"


I know we are not all gifted with the ability to repair many items, but perhaps we can learn to sew, do simple carpentry or plumbing by simply taking to each other. My husband repaired out leaky shower by talking with my neighbor who was willing to come over and take a look. We all have secret special skills that really need to be shared. Perhaps taking an adult education course to brush up on needed skills would be most satisfying to yourself and really a green thing to do. Maybe Reading Recreation Department could offer more basic skill classes..hint, hint.

Make no mistake, I still love a Target run now and then, but it is not the same as I once was. Now I limit my purchases 2 ways. First, was it made in China? Second, do I have enough cash with me? We have decided to stop using all credit cards and see what would happen if we went on a cash only basis. Well, the end result is we spend less money. Before, if we wanted an impulse buy, we did it. Even though we paid off the card every month, something really does click when you are cash and carry. It becomes more precious. So for us, we are more green by using our green.... that is when we are not raiding your trash. :)

You Say Tomato, I Say Tomato, Tomato and More Tomatoes!

Hello again! Yes, I have been absent for quite some time as the summer was in full boil the last time I wrote and now the leaves are touched with the golden hand of autumn. I hope you are all happy and well! We have much to catch up on and I am so glad you have taking time out of your day to check in on the local eco haunts. I feel like this post is going to be a big catch up on the season so I guess I will just dive in.

While I was away I totally missed the peak season on tomatoes. I do hope you had some great ones as did I. I grew several varieties this year in pots which was not exactly the right thing to do if you plan to be away for a month during a drought. My neighbors were wonderful and watered when they could, so I did get some lovelies when I arrived home. My main competition for my tomatoes...the fox. Yes, fox do eat tomatoes...at least this is my best guess according to the bite marks on the half eaten, mind you only ripe, tomatoes that I found on the ground.

So my tomatoes did not fare so well, but that doesn't mean that the other resources in the area did not help. I have 2 new finds to tell you about....albeit so very late in the season. Just tuck this into your mind for next year. First, I want to tell you about the local man who sells tomatoes and squash out of his garage on the corner of Franklin and Haverhill streets. There is a sign on a post that you can see when you are headed to Haverhill on Franklin. Don't be shy... pull in and check out the feast of tomatoes that are laid out on the tables. He also has squash the size of baseball bats....I am not kidding. I have no idea what variety they are and it is a bit hard to get the answers as the gardener is a native of Italy. I have heard through the grapevine (Mr. A. my super gardener friend) that his property at one time was a horse farm ,so according to him, how could you not have a super tomato patch with 50 years of manure. Well now, who knew! No more horses to be seen now, but hundreds of tomato plants and oodles of squash dominate the space and it really is quite a sight and quite a find. So don't hesitate to practice some Italian and order up molto pomodori, per favore.

My next find is found right of the Wakefield circle on Lowell street, just about 3 houses down at #222. This gardener also sells to the public. He not only sells tomatoes but he specializes in fruit trees. I was tipped off to this local by an eco minded friend who bought peaches and declared them wonderful. So off I went in search of wonderful peaches and I was not disappointed. The owner is a friendly man who was only too happy to show me his wonderful back yard and let me tell you what a surprise. We all know how busy a road this large Victorian house sits on, but it hides such a lovely open expanse that goes all the way to the Saugus River. Many varieties of fruit trees are able to be spied, and off course a huge garden fenced to keep the deer at bay. According to Paul, the owner, deer love macintosh. Well so will you. Unfortunately, the peach season is ending quickly but next up will be apples. Just drive up to the sign at the front of the house and deposit your dollar per bag of goodies and off you go! He also was selling tomatoes and he said that he sold out of them this weekend fast. Well why not! They are really great. So not only did I wind up buying 3 bags of peaches 3 bags of tomatoes I went back and bought a box of "flawed" peaches so I could preserve them. So you see I have been a busy beaver!

Now what did I do with all of this produce, plus my weekly farm share.?I dehydrated some tomatoes, froze the peaches, baked a peach tart and made a huge pot of tomato sauce. I have not even mentioned that Mr. A. insisted that I clear a giant row of green beans and I probably had more than 10 pound of beans that I needed to do something with. I have canned this year, but I felt a bit overwhelmed, so I the advice of a reader, I took the plunge and got myself a Foodsaver vacuum sealer. I guess what sealed the deal (pun very much intended) was that the peach people told me how they used to can more, but now they freeze many items now. I am a bit ashamed to admit that I have a much underused freezer that is using energy, so I figured that I should use it more and not be so wasteful. The other confession is that yes, parts are made in China. So I had to do a pro-con thing and brought it home. My husband is great with directions and walked me through the simple process that even a distracted Ecoreading could follow it.

While I was away, I really was still thinking, learning and researching about being committed to eating local by reading the much talked, and Ecoreading reader recommended Barbara Kingsolver memoir, Animal Vegetable Miracle. This is such a rich and informative book that can really propel your knowledge and commitment to a higher level. The website alone can keep you occupied for days and I can guarantee you will want to try a new step in the direction of being a local food consumer. She did an amazing job at communicating the need for rethinking our reliance of food grown so far away from our communities and really inspires to move beyond our comfort level. I could have done without the somewhat preachy 18 year old daughter essays, but hey, she is further along the chain that I am! But really, nobody wants to listen to an intelligent, thoughtful, and caring 18 year-old no matter how earnest. O.K. that is just me. :)

I just wanted to finish with a tip on a wonderful event happening this Saturday in Orange. (Rt. 2 and head west). It is the annual Garlic and Arts Festival and if last year is any indication, it should be wonderful. You can buy all sorts of locally produced products, listen to music that uses a solar power grid, and see proof that there can be such a thing as a zero waste human gathering. It is really packed with all kinds of inspiring ideas and really terrific folks that a good time is almost a given. I will be there with family and hopefully will run into you! Talk with you next week!

Little Eco Reading

O.K. this is not me in the film, but I so wanted to to be. I watched this over and over on Sesame Street in the early 70's and how I longed for a Mrs. Wilson to show me the ropes of "country living". This was certainly not in my sphere of experience in my vaguely urban town in New Jersey. So enjoy watching the seeds of going eco as I return to the mother land for the week.

The Secrets of Gardens

I have always been drawn towards senior citizens, even as a small child. I would visit my next door neighbors routinely as a preschooler and listen to their stories of 'ol. I loved imagining what life was back in the "olden days" and really enjoyed their mellowed energy. It was a counterpoint to my world of modern society where media is so prevalent and distractions seems to be around every corner.

Just as a side note I just read this new David Sedaris story and thought it was really funny...retro living gone wrong.

My grandparents were doers. My baba baked her own bread, went blueberry picking when the season was right and grew her own tomatoes. It was just something she did. It is not like she had more time than the rest of us, it just something she did instead of something else, like watching t.v..
It seems that we have lost something with the modern amenities that we have all come to enjoy and rely on possibly too much. We no longer "need" a garden like they did say during WWII, we have plenty of produce to choose from in the stores, but perhaps we do need them in an ecological, psychological, and even biological manner. According to many studies, having a relationship with our natural world is essential to our overall happiness and health. Without a connection to the outdoors people, particularity children, can suffer from what author of Last Child in the Woods , Richard Louv, coins "nature deficit disorder". This book is truly wonderful and has changed the way I go about parenting and looking at the outdoors. I am sure I will be talking about this gem again! Anyway.....back to the topic.....gardening is also a great form of exercise. It seems silly that we get on treadmills and elliptical trainers when we have a pre-made workout called gardening! (oh FYI I do have a treadmill....but also have a garden...see my future post on guilt).

What am I getting at???? Well, many older people already have an established relationship with the outdoors through gardening. It is just something that they do because they have always done. They are such an amazing resource, and one you just can't get from a book. So I have made a brand new friend of the senior citizen kind, an expert, the king-daddy gardener in all of Reading. I will call him Mr. A. I found him quite by accident one day when I was riding my bike around town looking at our collective home from a slower pace. I called out to him, "Is that your garden?" He kindly replied, "Yes, want to come take a look?" Of course the farmer wanna-be in me couldn't resist and that is how I found the most beautiful and enormous home garden that I have ever seen. This really can't really be called a garden, more like a small farm! Best part of all...Mr. A can tell sure tell great stories and loves to talk about gardening!

So I now visit him regularly on my bike rides about town. We chat about soil, compost, history, politics, manure, pig slaughtering and just about anything that pops into our heads. On one of my visits he tells me of how on Washington Street in Woburn before 128 was created, his world was a series of farms all up and down Washington St. What is now the Woburn Post office...farms. The car dealership....farms. On and on. This is where he honed his skills as a youngster farming with his family in Woburn! Can you imagine! He tells me during WWII you either had a garden and chicken or you did without. I am amazed and a bit saddened that it had changed so very much. He thinks that maintaining and preserving land for agricultural uses is very important and perhaps Reading has missed the boat in that regards. Looking around Reading and seeing no land in use for agriculture, I happen to think it is spot on. I recall a recent story about of the citizens of Westport, Ma collectively purchasing a farm for 1 million dollars to keep away from developers and now have sold it to a young farmer for $32,000. Ahhh....what could have been. Perhaps we could have been saved from the Kylie Lane project gone terribly wrong.

Mr. A. is 76 and maintains all of his gardens without a weed in sight using organic methods. Yes, he is an organic farmer. He really emphasises the importance of composted loam, and when you step on his soil it is soft as pillows beneath your feet. Yet, he still has time for fishing (he caught this trout this morning in Concord) and talking with friends overlooking the fruit of his labors. I can't even believe my ears when he tells me how he grew 7 tons of tomatoes on his back field? That's right, he grew one season 7 tons of tomatoes on his property. In Reading!

So today we chatted and he talks about the dangers of food from China! Hello....you are preaching to the choir, my friend. I guess this just adds to the ever increasing list of why you should garden, you will know where your food comes from when it is from your yard!

Not to despair, I know you want to garden right this second. The good news is that you can still have a vegetable garden on a small scale even now. You could still plant green beans from seed and get instant gratification! In this warm season you will be amazed how quickly they will grow. Where to plant...try a large pot in a sunny place. Or go ahead grab a shovel and in a sunny place set up a tiny garden. Don't be afraid to use your front or side yards as I have seen so many really successful edible gardens in these locations. I have tomatoes growing this year in pots on our front yard step away from our front door. (FYI my husband had a bit of protest at first but is most happy with our results) You could also plant some cabbage seedlings and give it a go. I had cabbage in my garden last year until Thanksgiving when I picked them for our family feast. You could also plant an herb garden in a planter for wonderful pickings until a hard frost. Last year my parsley did will until Dec/Jan!

You can also just start your garden plans for next spring. Find yourself a neighbor or friend and talk with them about their edible garden. I also highly recommend the book Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew. It really gives a step by step plan to getting great results with small efforts and space. If you are an experienced gardener, don't be shy, talk about your successes with friends or neighbors that show an interest. Or even those who don't :)

I know that many of you have wonderful flower gardens and they are so very important as well. This is not an either or situation. You can have both and probably should have both. When you have a vegetable garden attracting insects for pollination is a great thing. Many flowers can also repel many unwanted insects away from the garden and away from all your hard work. Mr. A also has a wonderful portion of his garden devoted to flowers. While sitting and chatting I became awed at the shear number of insects and animals that were visible at any giving moment. He has the circle of life around him in a big way!

All for now. I must now manage all the additional zucchini, summer squash and green beans Mr. A. generously gave to me. I know you are a bit envious...but you will have to get your very own organic gardening mentor....Mr. A is taken :) To make it up to you come on over for some zucchini bread ;)

Happy gardening!