Living Green with Kids

We want the best for our kids. As parents, we want our kids to grow up healthy, have a good education, achieve their dreams, understand the value of family and friendships and ultimately live the best life possible. I do not mean our kids have to live a kush life in a bubble. They should know the value of hard work and responsibility, understand respect and what it means to be a part of this world. In that, it is our duty to teach them and give them the tools to make it a better world. A world they can pass down to their children, their children’s children and so on. It sounds cliche, but lets face it…that’s how it goes down.

So, how do we teach them the fundamentals of preserving this planet? It’s hard enough for adults to remember to be responsible and practice green initiatives, but when we do, our children follow in our footsteps.

Here are a few easy things (with practice) that you and your kids can do together:

1. Teach the importance of conserving water. When your children brush their teeth or wash their hands teach them to turn off the water in between brushing or scrubbing. Parents – practice too.

2. Grow a garden or plant a tree. Kids love to be outside and this is an easy way to get them interested in sustainability and how to care for the Earth. Planting a tree produces cleaner air. Did you know one tree can absorb 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

3. Use recyclable grocery bags. Keep them in the car so you’re never without. If you find your kids have to constantly remind you to take in the bags reward them with a special treat from the store.

4. Recycle. Make a game out of it for your kids. Have them help you sort. If one person recycled all their newspaper a year, they could save about 250,000,000 trees! Imagine if we all did even just a little bit. On average Americans use 2,500,000 plastic bottles every hour of which most are thrown away along with 25,000,000,000 styrofoam coffee cups every year! Despicable.

5. Turn off the lights. You can make a game out of this too. Let the race begin. See how quick everyone can turn off all the lights before leaving the house. Save the energy…no need to keep that light on in the bathroom if you’re not in there.

6. Turn those recyclables into toys. Try putting some dry beans in a milk jug – you have a maraca. Turn a cardboard box into a space ship (see awesome rocket ship above). There are a million things you can do. It’s amazing how creative kids are and what they’ll come up with.

7. No more wrapping paper. Use a paper bag or recycled paper to wrap presents. Then have your kids paint or draw on the paper. They will love decorating it. It’ll certainly be the most unique wrap job there!

8. Have a toy swap. Kids get tired of their toys…and fast. Why buy more (especially when you can save a buck these days) when you can swap them out with other friends, family or neighbors.

9. Walk. Get outside, explore. Not only are you teaching your children to exercise more, enjoy the outdoors, but it’s just about the most environmentally friendly way to get from A to B.

10. Teach your children well. Kids do what you do, they follow our examples. There is no better way to teach your children how to protect this Earth than to show by example and live responsibly.

Obama Administration gets Tough on BPA

FDA Concerned about Substance in Food Packaging.

Read the linked NY Times post about how the Obama Administration is taking charge on BPA.

Research shows BPA exposure damages intestines; U.S. senators propose legislation to eliminate BPA from children's products


MCT News Service
In the face of research showing BPA's harmful effects, many people are switching to BPA-free or glass baby bottles, shown here.
Bisphenol-A, casually known as BPA, is a plastics chemical that has gotten much attention in recent years for its suspected harmful effects on health. Many plastic water bottles, can linings, baby bottles and other products contain BPA, and for the first time, research has shown that BPA has negative effects on the intestines.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy Sciences Journal showed BPA causes damage to the intestines, the first organ BPA meets after ingestion. According to the research, when rats were exposed to doses of BPA that were 10 times less than the amount thought to be safe for humans, their intestinal linings were damaged. The researchers are from the National Institute of Agronomic Research in Toulouse, France, according to the AFP (Agence France-Presse) newswire.

This damage, known as poor intestinal permeability or leaky gut syndrome, makes it more difficult for water and other nutrients to be absorbed by the body. In addition, infant rats who were exposed to BPA while in the uterus and through feeding had increased risks of having intestinal inflammation as adults. Inflammation can make it easier for harmful substances, such as bacteria, to come into the intestines and can also result in poor immune system function, according to a related story from emaxhealth.com.

In the face of suspicions about BPA's harmful impact, Sens. Charles Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand, both of New York, are calling for the elimination of BPA from all container linings that hold foods for infants and toddlers in the BPA-Free Kids Act, according to Medical News Today. Schumer and Gillibrand specifically mentioned a study published in December from Consumer Reports, showing almost all of the 19 name-brand foods that were examined had some level of BPA, including some products labeled "BPA-free."

BPA is thought to act like the hormone estrogen when it enters the body, possibly negatively impacting reproductive and neural development, according to the Medical News Today article. BPA is used in many other products, including CDs, DVDs and glasses lenses, and also makes plastics clear and resistant to breaks. The federal guideline right now is 50 micrograms of BPA per kilogram of body weight, according to Medical News Today, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not officially established how much daily exposure to BPA is safe for humans.

However, many manufacturers and lawmakers have taken steps to eliminate BPA from their products. In June 2008, Canada outlawed the use of BPA in creating plastic baby bottles, according to Medical News Today, and in May, six manufacturers of plastic baby bottles stopped using BPA in their products. And as of Jan. 1, Minnesota outlawed the use of BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups for babies and young children, according to DailyFinance.

Hello New Year

It's a new year and we want to hear from you! As your sili kid grows, we want to grow with you. What do YOU want to see from Silikids? Is your favorite kids shop or website missing Silikids? If so, let us know and we'll see what we can do! We have big plans for 2010 and look forward to sharing with you in the new year.

Thanks for all the support and here's to a Happy New Year!

Warm Hands, Cold Cans

Hey there tailgaters and outdoor adventures alike...throw a Large Wideneck Siliskin on a can. When you're out (or in), keep your beverages insulated and your hands nice and toasty. Goooo Bears!

Moldy Sippy Cup

Do you see what I see? I used to think I was very careful at cleaning my children's cups. I thought this dark residue was a shadow in the deep crevasse of this plastic spout. But then I looked more closely and realized that this stuff came off with my nail! I don't know how long I gave my daughter juice and stuff with this cup, but after discovering the mold I swore off plastic cups. I've kept this science project to show my other mom friends why I think glass for feeding is best!

Is this your kitchen sink?

In a world of excessive plastic use, don't let your sink look like this. It might be easy to replace and recycle all those plastic containers and cups every 3 months, but what does that mean for the environment? While it's good to recycle, the plastics we recycle do not turn into the same kind plastics that we threw into the bin. Instead they become a lower-quality plastic (look for the number in the recycling symbol) that have limited applications. So, we say...cut back on the plastic use! Use glass cups and containers. Glass is best when it comes to feeding. It's clean, doesn't fade or scratch like plastic so mold can't grow. It can be recycled infinitely without any loss of purity or quality. Another great reason to use glass is that it is made from naturally-occurring materials like sand and has a low rate of chemical interaction with the contents in the container. Unlike many plastics that have been leaching a toxic chemical called BPA into our foods and liquids. In the end what's important? Using a clean staple like glass for feeding/drinking will help reduce excess waste.

Awesome Glass Sippy Cup

Look what we can do with our new SiliCup!

Ever Skinned a Sigg

Have a Sigg Bottle? Put a Siliskin on it. If you've ever used a Sigg bottle you know that if cold liquids are inside, then the bottle is going to be cold on the outside. The same goes for hot liquids. The Solution...Skin it! Wideneck Siliskins will fit most Sigg bottles. Siliskins also create a barrier to the condensation on the outside of the bottle. No more slippery bottles. The Wideneck Siliskins make a perfect compliment to a Sigg!

Congress asks the FDA to prove that BPA is safe or take it off the market.

There is a landmark food safety billthat has been making a lot of noise on Capitol Hill these days. Most greenies have been playing close attention to the bill — in particular, as it relates to the future of organic farming in the U.S. But one aspect of the bill seems to have slid by without much notice, and it has to do with a very hot topic — BPA... http://www.mnn.com/family/baby/blogs/congress-asks-fda-for-proof-that-bpa-is-safe

silikids review & giveaway!

Silikids' germ-, mold-, BPA- and toxin-free, hypoallergenic baby bottle giveaway! Ends Friday, July 24!

http://tinytapir.wordpress.com/2009/07/18/baby-bottle-giveaway-ending-fri-24709/
http://tinytapir.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/silikids-glass-baby-bottles-silicone-sleeves/

Will BPA be added to CA proposition 65's required annual list of suspect chemicals?

Introducing the Siliskin-Glass, a clean alternative to plastic drink-ware!

From two moms whose children are growing and inspiring new ideas,
comes a new option for the entire family! The Siliskin-Glass is a clean
alternative to plastic drink-ware. BPA-free, and made from 100% food
grade silicone, the Siliskin—GLASS helps prevent slipping and adds
extra protection to the glass inside. Glass is the cleanest option for
drinking and it lasts because it’s reusable, and recylable. The Siliskin is
hypo- allergenic, has no open pores to harbor bacteria, is dishwasher
safe, and can be boiled to sterilize. Two simple ideas have come
together to make the perfect drinkware better for your family and the
environment. Siliskin with 6oz glass available in Aqua and lime.
> bpa free
> 100% food-Grade siliskin™
> dishwasher safe
> helps prevent slipping
*Our Siliskin 6oz Drinking Glass for kids is coming next month. Wanted to let everyone know we're taking pre-orders and couldn't be more excited to introduce the first glass cup designed for kids learning to drink from a "big kid" cup.

BPA ban in plastics moves forward in California legislature

For the second year in a row, the California Senate voted to ban bisphenol A in baby bottles, toddler cups and food containers.

Tests in animals have linked the chemical, a primary ingredient in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics, to diabetes, brain damage, developmental abnormalities, precancerous changes in the prostate and breast, and a variety of other health problems.

British researchers last year reported an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, liver problems and diabetes among people with the highest concentrations in their urine.

The chemical industry and some beverage and container manufacturers have pushed hard against such bans, citing several studies funded by the chemical industry that showed no adverse effects in animal tests. But studies have been accumulating that suggest otherwise. Major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and CVS have announced plans to shift away from products containing BPA.

The Food and Drug Administration has deemed BPA safe, but an investigation by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel revealed that the agency relied on chemical-industry lobbyists in its decision-making, and that a trade group wrote an entire section of the agency's report on the chemical.

Last month, Chicago became the first city to ban BPA. Minnesota passed a ban a week earlier. Canada last year became the first country to ban BPA in baby bottles.

A similar ban passed the California Senate last year but died in the Assembly. Advocates of the ban also expect a tough battle this time.

-- Geoffrey Mohan

Silipads Review

Call me a worry wort, but when my son first started to crawl I became increasingly concerned for bruising knees. My New York City apartment is covered in bamboo floors, which can be tough on his little knees. So, when I read about Silipads by Silikids I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them! They are little cotton kneepads with silicone padding in the center to provide protection from hard and rough surfaces. You can purchase these for about $18.00.
My son has a slim physique so the kneepads continued to fall off as he started cruising for the day. I had to keep pulling them back onto the knee area. Maybe a child with bigger sausage type legs could hold these protectors better in place. I think as he thickens up a bit, the silipads will be snuggled on more securely.
I can really appreciate Silikids line of products. They carry other silicone products such as silibibs, silibottles, and skins. Mothers concerned for toxic materials in children’s products designed this company. That is why all their products are made of silicone, which is non-toxic, green, hypoallergenic, and BPA-free! The one thing I would change about the Silipads is to carry a variety of sizes.

Feisty, Frugal, & Fabulous Silikids review & giveaway!

Silikids is a company that makes silicone products...for kids (wow, bet that was easy to figure out from the name huh?) With all the scary reports out there about BPA leeching off of plastics, two friends and mothers decided there had to be a better way to make children's products. Years and years ago, glass bottles were the norm. I shyed away from glass with both my kids because I was so scared of breaking one in the middle of the night! Had I known about the products from Silikids, I might have considered glass bottles. Among the products available from Silikids are Silibottles, which are glass bottles with a colored silicone sleeve slipped on it. Brilliant! Not only does this sleeve make it easier to grip the glass bottle (for both weary mothers and eager babies), but it can also help prevent breakage should the bottle slip. Also, the silicone helps to keep heat in and not transfer it to your hands.
If you are already all set up with glass bottles, you can buy the sleeves on their own - Siliskins as they are called, are available in wide sizes as well.
Silikids also makes silicone bibs. Tired of washing your stained bibs all the time? What if you could wipe clean your child's bib and even put it in the dishwasher?! Yup...you can do that with Silibibs.

1 reader is going to win 1 Silibottle in Aqua and 1 Silibib in Lime! This is a great way to start your silicone/glass-bottle stock, or give a friend an awesome baby gift... visit http://www.feistyfrugalandfabulous.com/2009/06/silikids.html for more giveaway information.

Chicago becomes the first major US city to ban BPA in bottles and sippy cups

Harvard study confirms BPA scares and concerns

A new Harvard study reveals that the potentially dangerous chemical BPA is getting into our bodies. Participants who drank from bottles with BPA, a plastic hardener, showed a two-thirds increase in their urine of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). Exposure to BPA, used in the manufacture of polycarbonate and other plastics, has been shown to interfere with reproductive development in animals and has been linked with cardiovascular disease and diabetes in humans. The study is the first to show that drinking from polycarbonate bottles increased the level of urinary BPA, and thus suggests that drinking containers made with BPA release the chemical into the liquid that people drink in sufficient amounts to increase the level of BPA excreted in human urine.

First-Ever Statewide Ban of BPA Adopted in Minnesota

Minnesota is the first US State to ban BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups. California and Connecticut are soon to follow suit along with several other States and cities.

BPA is a strengthening agent in many hard clear plastics. It is also used in the lining of cans and myriad everyday products from CDs to eyeglass lenses.

The Food and Drug Administration agreed in December to reconsider the issue of the hazards of BPA, after it received criticism from its own advisory board for a draft risk assessment it issued in August saying that the levels of BPA to which children and adults are exposed do not pose a meaningful risk. The chemical appears to have estrogen-like effects, and in animal studies it appears to accelerate puberty and pose a cancer risk. Other studies have linked BPA to higher risk of heart disease and diabetes in adults.

Twenty-four states have pending legislation restricting BPA, but with its labeling requirement

Suffolk County bans BPA

Suffolk county is the first county in the nation that voted unanimously to ban BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups. This is a much needed first step towards protecting our children.