The Quick Facts: Unfortunately, the fruits and vegetables we eat every day contain pesticide residue and bacteria, even organic produce. It is recommended to wash produce before consuming. But, what is the best method of washing produce? Using just water? What about a fruit and vegetable wash? Ultimately, it is your preference, but plain old water goes a long way in reducing your family’s exposure to pesticides and other harmful things on your fruits and vegetables (and in saving you money).
Archive for the ‘Water’ Category
How Should You Wash Fruit and Veggies?
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
Reduce Your Family’s Oil Consumption
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
The Quick Facts: Prior to the massive oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, most people probably did not think of how much oil they consume. It is projected that oil consumption in the United States will increase by 1.2 percent annually, reaching 24.7 million barrels per day by the year 2020. This increase in demand will put pressure on our resources and continue our addiction to fossil fuels. It’s a lot simpler than you think to reduce your oil consumption. In the end, it will save resources and money, and help your health and the earth.
Antibacterial Soap, Your Health, and the Environment
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010The Quick Facts: Experts recommend singing the “ABCs” song for effective hand-washing (20 seconds of vigorous washing with warm water). However, are we making the wrong choice to wash with? Antibacterial soaps have been found to be no more effective than using regular soap and do more harm than good to both human health and the environment.
More than ever, people are washing their hands with antibacterial soap, which experts say is harmful to our health and to the environment. More than three-quarters of soaps contain an “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial” ingredient. These ingredients are also found in cleaning products, laundry detergents, trash bags, and sponges, as well as toothpaste, socks, plastic kitchenware, cutting boards, and even toys. From 2000 to 2006, about 1,500 new antibacterial consumer products were introduced into the marketplace. However, antibacterial soaps have been found to be no more effective than using regular soap and do more harm than good.
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Seafood Choices: Farmed-raised vs. Wild-caught
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
The Quick Facts: We all know that eating fish is important for our health. However, when faced with the labels, claims, and prices at the seafood counter it is hard to know what to choose. Practical tips include: Choose fish that is healthy and sustainable, usually wild-caught (but not always); Avoid farm-raised finfish, especially salmon; Look for certified seafood; Buy local or domestic; Eat a variety of fish; Choose high-quality fresh or flash-frozen fish; Ask questions.
Water Supplies: Is There Enough Water?
Wednesday, December 17th, 2008The Quick Facts: Water is the Earth’s most abundant resource, but mounting pressures and misuse threaten water supplies. According to the United States government, at least 36 states are anticipating local, regional, or statewide water shortages by 2013, even under non-drought conditions. These shortages can be attributed a combination of rising temperatures, changes in precipitation, population growth, urban sprawl, waste and excess. Families and individuals can help conserve and protect water supplies to secure water for now and the future.
