Books
On the bed stand:
Smarting Us Up by Luz Shosie and Ned Vare
Gaia Girls Enter the Earth by Lee Welles
Safer For Your Baby by Lynn Tondat Ruggeri and Laura Costa
New e-Magazine: Connections (Unschooling)
Products:
Safer for Your Baby: a guide to living better with fewer chemicals.
Lynn Tondat Ruggeri, Ph.D. and Laura Costa, Ph.D.
Web site: www.saferfoyourbaby.com
Reviewer: C.J. Wong
Once your eyes are opened to the plethora of toxic ingredients used in seemingly innocuous household items, you also realize you have a lot of homework to do. Authors Lynn Tondat Ruggeri, Ph.D. and Laura Costa, Ph.D. have written the definitive reference for parents concerned about toxins in their book Safer for Your Baby: A Guide to Living Better with Fewer Chemicals . The book informs readers why it is important to reduce toxins around the house and how toxins are absorbed and broken down in the body. It also covers how to read and understand labels used not only for food, but also household chemicals and cleaning agents as well as personal and body care products.
The kitchen and foods section of the book covers which cookware is safe to use, safer ways to use the microwave, and safer containers for food and beverage storage. The section on the containers alone makes the booklet a must-read as the authors have done the research to find the best items and the recommend places to purchase (often online) some of these hard to find items. The food section also provides indepth coverage of food labeling, foods to enjoy and foods to avoid. There is also a section on water and water filtration.
Also covered are safer ways to clean including which cleaning products to use and which to avoid as well as providing recipes for homemade cleaning products. In addition, there are sections on indoor air quality, safer ideas for flooring, plastics found in the home, safer toys and furniture and even safer bedding.
This book is succinct. I've read dozens of books on many of these topics that often provide more information than I really need. This book covers nearly everything you need to know to reduce toxins in your life in a comprehensive, yet accessible manner. Throughout there are extensive references and additional resources and web sites listed for readers wanting a more detailed explanation of something. Safer For Your Baby is truly an exceptional resource for anyone concerned about toxins in their environment.
Juicing for Jocks
Juicing for Jocks: An Athlete’s Guide to Fresh Juicing for Peak Performance
Author: Joan Stanek
Publisher: Juicing for Jocks
ISBN: 0976222108
I must admit I have never tried juicing, but this book makes me want to try it. Juicing for Jocks covers the basics of juicing, why juicing is good for student athletes, how juicing can help childhood ailments, and how to get started juicing. Also included are frequently asked questions about juicing, testimonials, and a list of books and web sites to learn more. This book is a nice introduction to juicing and includes many recipes. Juicing for Jocks was written by Joan Stanek a mother passionate about the health benefits of juicing. This book is another great example of independent mama media! -CJW
Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home
Authors: Linda Mason Hunter and Mikki Haplan
Publisher: Melcher Media, 2005
ISBN: 1595910042
Review by C.J. Wong, Organic Family Magazine
Green Clean provides an excellent resource to greening your home environment. The book briefly begins with the history of cleaning, the toxic chemicals that are contained in our modern cleaning agents, and an introduction to green cleaning including the tools needed and steps to the process. Next, the book dives into a room-by-room green guide to cleaning. Included are how to clean different types of surfaces such as walls, floors, countertops, sinks, appliances, furniture, carpeting and clothing. The latter part of the book talks about storage, disposal, and recycling of hazardous household products including a handy chart with the type of product listed with the best way to dispose of it.
Many recipes for creating your own cleaning products such as an all-purpose cleaner, carpet cleaners and deodorizers, dishwashing, disinfectants, drain cleaners, floor cleaners, air fresheners, furniture polish, laundry detergent, metal cleaners, window cleaners, oven cleaners, sink, toilet and tile cleaners. There is a stain guide for how to get out tough laundry stains naturally as well. Additionally, a product guide along with resources and readings are included.
This book includes an index and is made out of durable synthetic paper. You could leave the book in the bathroom and not have to worry about it getting wet and ruined. Using the tips and recipes contained in the book can save your family money, but more importantly you’ll learn how to green your environment. I had already been using cleaning products similar to those recommended (baking soda and vinegar can do wonders) and find they work excellently, and I do not have to worry about having toxic cleaning products in my house near my child and dogs. Overall, I learned from this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking to green their cleaning routine.
Sound Truth & Corporate Myth$: The Legacy of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill by Riki Ott, Ph.D.
Title: Sound Truth and Corporate Myth$: The Legacy of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
Author: Riki Ott, Ph.D.
Publisher: Dragonfly Sisters Press, 2005
ISBN: 0964522667
Dr. Riki Ott has devoted her life to uncovering the truth about the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. She has a Ph.D. in Marine Toxicology and has worked as a commercial fisherwoman off the shores of Alaska. She was one of the first people to witness the devastation caused by the oil spill. She knew this was the big one and she asked herself the question, "I know enough to make a difference, but do I care enough for the Sound to commit my life to this?" Clearly Dr. Ott does care enough as she has worked tirelessly to educate people about the truth about what really happened and about the toxicity of oil.
This is the story of people who care and people who don't. Most people have heard a bit about the spill, but most people have not heard about the health damage done to workers involved with the clean up. Many people stepped up to help the minute they heard about the spill, putting their lives on hold to do what they could to clean up the spill not realizing the devastating effects it would have on their own health. Many people suffer with symptoms of a mysterious illness due to the toxicity of the oil they were inhaling along with the powerful and toxic cleaning agents. Imagine being on an oil-covered beach surrounded by dead and decaying animals "engulfed in clouds of oil mist and saltwater steam." (89) It is hard to imagine enduring even one minute of this let alone weeks on end without proper safety equipment. Dr. Ott tells the stories of the people who unknowingly sacrificed themselves to a greater good and the people who lied and covered up the truth about the damaging health effects from oil exposure.
This is also the story of the non-human inhabitants affected by the oil spill. It is the story of the birds, mammals, fish, plankton and other life in Prince William Sound. How many were lost due to oiling? Are populations recovering? What are the long-lasting effects? Dr. Ott has put all the studies together to give a broad overview on the subject. There are 64 pages of references to this book! Dr. Ott has interviewed people and read all she could find to compile what is known at this point. This book provides a comprehensive look at pre-spill studies, early oil spill studies, ecosystem studies, and the status of the Sound.
This is not an easy book to read because it exposes such awful truths, not just about Exxon’s oil spill, but about our own contribution, from fossil fuel use, to damaging our health and our environment. However, this book leaves readers feeling hopeful as Dr. Ott takes the third part of the book to discuss her recommendations to reduce risk of oil spills and oil pollution, inspiring people everywhere to take action by supporting responsible companies and doing what they can to reduce consumption of fossil fuels.
It is hard for me to find the words to adequately express what a tremendous contribution this book makes to the world. It should be in every library in the country and instructors should include it in the readings for courses in ethics, environmental sciences, business, and others. I highly recommend this book to everyone because this is a story that needs to be told lest we continue on our same path making the same mistakes.
Brain Trust by Colm A. Kelleher, Ph.D.
Title: Brain Trust : The Hidden Connection Between Mad Cow and Misdiagnosed Alzheimer's Disease (ISBN: 0743499352)
Author: Colm A. Kelleher
Brain Trust has all the makings of a good horror novel. There are many deaths, cover-ups and even cannibalism. The only problem is that it was NOT a work of fiction by Stephen King. It is the horror story of how Mad Cow disease came to be discovered. This terrifying tale begins with researchers in Papua New Guinea studying the Fore people and the illness they were succumbing to called Kuru.
The story unfolds over five decades and reveals the scary details of the spreading disease and the stark reality of how unsafe our food supply is. I distinctly remember the first time I heard about prions and it scared me terribly with good reason. Prions are not a virus or bacteria, but a protein with an odd shape that can apparently multiply and are zoonotic (passed between species).
This book covers the history of how the various forms of prion disease (scrapie in sheep, chronic wasting disease in wildlife like deer, bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cows, and Creuztfeldt-Jakob disease in humans) came to be known. Included are the stories of the researchers, what is known to this point, and how it is spread including the details of the outbreak in England. We would be wise to heed to warnings of this book, in light of the recent confirmed case of mad cow in the U.S. The author also makes the link between misdiagnosed Alzheimer’s disease and Creuztfeldt-Jakob disease.
This book beautifully written and reads like a thrilling mystery, but is much more scary because it is real. I commend Dr. Kelleher for his research on this topic and providing citizens with this overview. This is a must read for anyone concerned about the politics and safety of food.
Title: Journey Into Motherhood: Inspirational Stories of Natural Birth
Authors: Sheri L. Menelli and various contributors
ISBN: 0974785326
We want everything to be easy nowadays and there is a pill for every ailment in the book. Many women know right from the beginning that they want the epidural while others take the wait and see method and still others very carefully plan a natural birth from the start. I had a hospital birth taking the wait and see method. I decided to go about my business the day I was in labor even attending a baby shower and waiting until I had watched both Keeping Up Appearances and As Time Goes by on BritCom. I thought if I waited long enough to get to the hospital it would be too late to have the epidural thereby making my decision that way. Since I was not informed enough to hire a doula or take a hypnobirthing class, once I got to the hospital I was faced with the epidural decision. At that point it seemed like a pretty good idea, but it was too late! I had a beautiful birth without the drugs. I did it! However, I did it blindly knowing nothing about birth and how much more wonderful it could have been if I would have taken the time to really learn about natural birthing. Sheri Menelli has compiled a wonderful collection of natural birth stories in her book Journey Into Motherhood: Inspirational Stories of Natural Birth. Each story is written by a mother in her own voice and concludes with A Mother’s Guidance and Additional Thoughts sections giving additional tips and advice to help you arm yourself with the support and guidance you need to have a natural birth.
Many stories are so touching they made me cry, but the practical tips and experiences of those that have gone before are priceless. Having a natural birth is not for everyone, but the fact that we hardly ever hear an inspiring natural birth story fills the whole process with fear for many first time mothers. If we can just trade that fear for education and preparedness I believe many more women would opt for a more natural birth experience. Menelli has provided women with a book that is both educational and inspirational. By reading these stories while preparing for birth, mothers can feel empowered by their decisions and know that others have gone before them and had a beautiful, natural birth.
Title:Politically Incorrect Nutrition: Finding Reality in the Mire of Food Industry Propaganda
Author: Michael Barbee, C.D.C.
ISBN: 1-890612-34-0
It seems like so much of the information we internalize is gathered from news snippets and commercials. We hear things like: eggs are bad; drink lots of milk and green tea. The problem is that we are not sure why these things are true. How many of us hear the snippet and then spend the time reading all the opposing scientific papers to determine why the statement was made so we can make informed decisions about making a change in our diet? Michael Barbee has done the research for us in his book Politically Incorrect Nutrition: Finding Reality in the Mire of Food Industry Propaganda.
The book covers a variety of nutritional topics and challenges conventional thinking citing historical sources as to why we believe certain things. For example, the conventional thinking on eating eggs is that we shouldn't eat too many as they are high in fat and cholesterol or that we should throw out the yolk and only eat the white. The author takes us through the history of why eggs were originally found to be unhealthy-a study conducted on dried egg yolk powder, not whole, fresh, organic, free-range chicken eggs. Since 1945 egg consumption has dropped by almost 50%, yet there has not been a subsequent drop in heart disease. The author says that eggs are nutrient dense and that "eggs have the best nutrient package of any food we can eat." He ties in the politics of cholesterol paranoia by making the connection with greedy corporate America. The emphasis placed on cholesterol being bad is misguided and has led the drug companies to earn mega-bucks by selling cholesterol lowering drugs (statins) to unsuspecting citizens.
Assumptions made about eggs are just one topic covered in this book. There are also chapters on green tea, soy, cholesterol, conjugated linoleic acid, fluoridation, aspartame, osteoporosis, bovine growth hormone, plastics and microwaves, vitamin C, food irradiation, and vegetarianism. The book concludes with a chapter on whether or not there is indeed a perfect "best diet" for everybody.
Title: Feeding the Whole Family: whole foods recipes for babies, young children and their parents
Author: Cynthia Lair
ISBN: 0-9660346-1-9
Available from Moon Smile Press. This book gives the basics of how to feed a baby natural foods you cook yourself. It includes sections on when and how to start solids, safety tips for homemade baby foods, foods not to feed babies, and healthy eating for the older child. Included are many healthy recipes. The recipes include variations for babies and older children. Nutritional analysis for all the recipes as well as a glossary and index are included. Highly recommended!
Title: The Newman’s Own Organics Guide to a Good Life: Simple Measures That Benefit You and the Place You Live
Authors: Nell Newman with Joseph D’Agnese
ISBN: 0-8129-6733-X
Nell Newman has certainly lived a different life than most of us with actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward as her parents, but her book The Newman’s Own Organics Guide to a Good Life: Simple Measures That Benefit You and the Place You Live is decidedly down to earth and readable. Ms. Newman has a degree in human ecology from the College of the Atlantic and she founded Newman’s Own Organics. Her book, written with Joseph D’Agnese, provides a good introduction to living a more environmentally friendly life. It covers the basics of eating, transportation, energy and water issues, investing, cleaning, shopping, gardening and pet care.
Each chapter is sprinkled with stories of organic farmers, environmentalists, or eco-friendly companies and how they are making a difference in the world. There are tips to help a person choose the most environmentally friendly way to do something. For example, in the chapter about pet care there is the story of a golden retriever with hip dysplasia who was helped immensely by a change in diet. Included are ways we can improve the diet of our pets by adding organic and fresh foods to our pet’s diet such as apples, pears, melon balls, carrots and even a recipe for an organic carrot juice.
Throughout the book the authors emphasize that buying products locally is best because it takes resources to move items across the country. Also emphasized is thinking more about where things come from and how they were produced. Companies that use organically grown materials and fair labor practices are emphasized. Included are many resources and web sites throughout as well as a bibliography and 25-page resource directory at the end with names, address, e-mails, and web sites of companies and organizations that correspond with the chapters of the book. Highly recommended!
Mother’s Pearls: The Revival of Parenthood
ISBN141203942-8
Available from: http://www.trafford.com
The Get Real! Cookbook: Seasonal Receipes for Health and Healing by Cynthia Valletta Baker
DVD/CD Recommendations:
Peas and Honey: A Musical Introduction To Poetry and Verse Available from: www.sweetstreetrecords.com
This delightful CD captures the essence of the innocence of childhood. The vibrant songs and verses are sure to be a favorite with children and adults. This CD features Broadway Musicians and the composer’s own daughter on a couple of tracks singing a mixture of original and traditional verses! The original compositions are by Jennifer Montague and her friend Randy Cohen. Jennifer, Mark, and Maeve Montague perform the vocals. Jennifer and Mark are parents with an impressive Broadway career. This is their first venture into writing together as a family. Children will delight in the pictures created in their minds from the stories and use their imagination while listening. I love to support independent media and I love this beautiful CD. It would make a lovely addition to bedtime routine or be a nice birthday gift.
Title: Fed Up! Genetic Engineering, Industrial Agriculture and Sustainable Alternatives
Available at: http://www.wholesomegoodness.org
Fed Up provides viewers with a good introduction to the hazards of genetically modified foods. It is organized in a series of questions such as what is the green revolution? What is genetic engineering? What is genetic pollution? Why is there still hunger in the world?
Interviews with experts such as Vandana Shiva, environmental activists and organic farmers really make this a nice video. The video is 60 minutes long so it could be easily shown in a class period with discussion to follow.
Food
Las Brisas Extra Virgin Olive Oil 100% Organic Unfiltered: This olive oil has a beautiful green hue and is delicious in salad dressings, in stir-fry, or just for dipping. This is high quality oil made from primarily Arbequina olives grown on the farm Casa Pareja in Jumilla/Murcia Spain run by the Molina Family. The olives are grown 1300 feet above sea level and the trees range in age from 10 to 350 years. This oil is a delight to the senses and rich in flavor. Give yourself a treat and pick up a bottle.
PortO Port Vinegar: If you like to try interesting varieties of vinegar as much as I do, you will absolutely love Porto Port Vinegar. It is excellent on salads alone or in a dressing. It is made from cabernet port wine, aged 4 years. This port vinegar is a taste sensation for summer salads and vegetables.
Fiction:
- Author:
Titles: - No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
Tears of the Giraffe
ISBN:
X
The joy of these novels is Smith's ability to describe the story from every person's point of view including their feelings and prejudices. Reading these novels has given me a sense of what life might be like in Botswana. Mma. Romotswe has much pride in her country and in Africa. It is delightful to step in the shoes of Mma. Romotswe and feel her love of Africa. It seems like most news we (in the U.S.) hear from Africa is bad news and I have been captivated by the stories and people depicted by the author. What a lovely place Botswana must be. I hope I will see it myself one day.
Titles: A Long Way From Chicago (ISBN: 0141303522)
A Year Down Yonder ( ISBN: 0142300705)
Author: Richard Peck
Having grown up in a small northern Illinois town and living the better part of my adult life in east-central Illinois, I took great pleasure in reading A Long Way From Chicago and A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck. Both books take place in a small town in Piatt County in central Illinois near Decatur. A Long Way from Chicago contains the stories of a brother and sister (Joey and Mary Alice) and their yearly visits with their grandma in her sleepy country town, which seemed so far from their home in Chicago. Each chapter is a story of their adventures with their Grandma, Mrs. Dowdell. In A Year Down Yonder, Mary Alice moves in with her grandma during the depression. The stories of Grandma Dowdell and how she secretly cares for individuals in her town are so delightful to read and reminded me of how special my own 95 year-old Grandma is. The stories also made me homesick for Illinois.
