Do you still use paper plates? Don't worry, we won't call the green police on you. But if you do, there is something you need to know. A dangerous chemical known as PFAS (short for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) was recently found in paper plates and other disposable food wares. These substances make your disposable plates, bowls, and other …
Dangerous Chemicals in Food Packaging: Grocery Stores & PFAS
One important contaminant that is not transparent in our food system is the use of "indirect additives" coming from packaging, storage & cooking. And it's quite a conundrum because these "indirect additives" get into our food whenever heat, acid or fat are in the mix, which is quite commonplace. Unfortunately, there was no way to find out other …
Car Seat Investigation–Which Brands Contain Dangerous Fire Retardants?
Everyone needs an infant car seat when they have a baby. It's part of the law. But when it comes to babies and young children, harmful chemicals are more potent and far more dangerous. So who's looking out to make sure that harmful chemicals, like fire retardants, are not inside car seats off-gassing dangerous ingredients into their lungs? The …
Over the Counter (OTC) Cough Syrup Investigation with Elderberry Syrup Recipes
Coughing. It's not fun, and we usually just want to make it stop, however, coughing is one of the body's miraculous ways of getting rid of things it knows shouldn't be there. Especially in the lungs where air is supposed to be, coughing is the natural mechanism that works to ensure clear airways, so it's important to distinguish between a cough the …
Toxic Cadmium Found in Women’s Jewelry at Ross, Nordstrom Rack and Papaya
Before you head to Ross, Nordstrom Rack, and Papaya, you may want to take a look at a report recently dropped by the nonprofit Center for Environmental Health about cadmium in jewelry. Cadmium, an incredibly toxic heavy metal that causes cancer and reproductive harm, was found in jewelry sold with women’s dresses and shirts. The public has been …
The Ultimate Non-Toxic Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Investigation
Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies are hard to ignore online. Women have found a way to have an independent business without having to leave the comfort of their home and we are happy for them. However, which companies are selling products with questionable ingredients? When the cosmetic industry virtually runs itself, it's paramount for …
Non-Toxic Baby Care: Disposable Diaper and Baby Wipes Investigation
Diapers and wipes are a must for every parent for the first several years of each child's life. And with all the brands out there, which ones are nontoxic and are void of chemicals that would impact baby's hormones? We run into trouble though when we begin questioning what those diapers are made of. Most manufacturers are not transparent about the …
Popsicle Investigation — The Safest Frozen Desserts for Children + 10 Homemade Recipes To Try
I don't know a kid in the world who doesn't LOVE popsicles. My kids think it's the most important culinary invention of all time. But really, what's better than a delicious frozen treat on a hot summer day? The problem is the ingredients found in most freezer pops aren't safe for children. For this investigation, we scoured dozens of popsicle boxes …
Oat Cereals & Granola Bar Product Investigation: Glyphosate Pesticide Levels in Popular Foods
Glyphosate is in the news yet again as the Environmental Working Group releases a study on everyday food products like oat cereals and granola bars that contain dangerous levels of the herbicide glyphosate. And with all the bad press on this dangerous chemical, it seems more people are heeding our indelible warnings. We're seeing all sorts of new …
Bertolli Olive Oil Threatens to Sue Mamavation For Reporting on UC Davis Study
Last week, I received an email from a representative of Bertolli Olive Oil threatening to sue me for reporting on a UC Davis study years ago that found their extra virgin olive oils were not up to standards. Instead of pulling this post, what I've decided to do instead is take a closer look at Bertolli, the olive oil industry and issues around …
BACK TO SCHOOL ALERT: Asbestos Found in Crayons and Other Dangerous School Supplies
Just as school is about to get back in session, some concerning news has surfaced about common school supplies. Asbestos and other developmental toxins were found in crayons, 3-ring binders, and dry erase markers. As parents are scrambling to purchase school supplies before school gets back into session, they are now faced with the extra stress of …
How Toxic Are Your Tampons? Product Investigation Reveals Shocking Details
As women, feminine care is at the top of our list of concerns for decades of our lives, and tampons are the product we reach for most often. They're compact, convenient and useful for our most earnest hygenic need, answering the demands of our periods every single month. And as one of the most intimate products we use, tampons should be made of the …