Green Seal labeled. Green Seal is an independent certifier which ensures that a whole range of products, from paper to windows, are environmentally friendly.

Forest Stewardship Council labeled. An independent certifier that works to protect forests.

Paper products with 35% post consumer waste (or higher). From paper towels to copy paper, there are a lot of recycled paper products. “Post-consumer” means it was used and then recycled by a consumer like you. Also look for totally chlorine-free (TCF) or processed chlorine-free (PCF) to limit the chlorine used.

Plastic products with 25% post-consumer waste (or higher). As with paper, high post consumer waste completes the recycling loop. You can also find clothing products such as fleece jackets made from plastic soda bottles.

Recycle right. If you have street recycling make sure to recycle only items your program accepts. Check with your city or county to see what can go in the bin.

Check out www.earth911.org to learn about other items you can recycle in your area. Find recycling centers for different kids of plastics as well as items like batteries and electronics. To donate printer cartridges or cell phones visit www.earthshare.org.

Avoiding Invisible Dangers

One of the most important ways to protect our children's health is to prevent their unnecessary exposure to toxins. Children are far more sensitive to low concentrations of toxic chemicals because of their developing organs and high metabolism. Here are some ways you can reduce exposure in your home:

Clean the air. Avoid cigarette smoke. Don't smoke or allow others to smoke in your home. From ear infections to cancer, cigarette smoke can cause serious health problems.

Check your basement for radon. You can buy an EPA approved radon test kit from most hardware stores. If you have a wood stove or a lot of fuel burning appliances, get a carbon monoxide alarm for your home. Always make sure your kitchen is properly ventilated if you have a gas stove.

Protect from lead. If your house is more than 25 years old have an expert check your home for lead paint. Also, old pipes can leach lead into your water. Have your water tested and apply a filter if you have lead in your water.

Protect from pesticides. Avoid pesticide exposure as much as possible, especially if you have young children. If you are using pesticides, use them in ventilated areas and follow all instructions. Manufacturers are typically allowed to sell their stocks of pesticides even after they have been banned. Diazinon and chlorpyrifos are two pesticides to look out for.

Other chemicals. Avoid products with formaldehyde, often found in pressed wood and carpets. Make sure areas with items containing formaldehyde are well ventilated. Watch out for chew toys and bottles made with phthalates or bisphenol A. There are concerns about them leaching out of plastics and causing health problems.

Sleep easy — organically. Most children’s mattresses contain chemicals including phthalates and PVC. In addition, because of the flammability of foam, most mattresses have additional fire retardant chemicals added. Look for organic mattresses that meet fire standards. Learn more at: www.ewg.org. Find organic mattresses at: www.naturepedic.com

Additional information. To read more about health and the environment check out these organizations: Natural Resources Defense Council (www.nrdc.org) , Center for Children’s Health and the Environment (www.childenvironment.org) , and The Center for Health Environment and Justice (www.chej.org).

What helps the environment AND the health of your family? There are many things that do both; here are some examples:

Buy organic. Health—eating organic will reduce your pesticide exposure. Environment—it also means fewer chemicals are used on the land.

Eat less meat. Health— eating less meat is better for your heart and overall health. Environment—it also saves energy, water, and land resources.

Eat pasture fed. Health—pasture fed beef, chicken, and dairy products are fed less antibiotics and contain healthier fats. Environment—it also saves energy and is better for the local waterways. Read more at www.ucsusa.org.