Autism and the Enivronment

In the past few years, there has been a rising concern that vaccinations have a role in the increased rate of autism. However, a new study done by University of California Davis reports that there is a link between autism and environmental factors. They have found a correlation between fetal and infant exposure to pesticides, household chemicals, and viruses and the rise of children diagnosed with autism. Items such as certain household cleaners and cosmetics containing phthalates, may be a link to autism. So, what can you do? Try finding household cleaners that are "green", use cosmetic products that are more natural, and even try using soaps that are free from chemicals. This study is just another testament of how the environment truly does effect our health.

Here are some quick tips to help you avoid GMO ingredients and "Frankenfoods."


1) Look for products that voluntarily label themselves as GMO or GE-free.

2) Buy Organic: Products certified as "Organic" are not allowed to contain genetically modified ingredients.

3) Avoid non-organic products that contain the most common genetically engineered ingredients: corn (corn syrup, corn meal, corn oil, etc.), fructose, dextrose, glucose, modified food starch, ingredients including the word "soy" (soy flour, soy lecithin, etc.), vegetable oil, vegetable protein, canola oil (also called rapeseed oil), cottonseed oil, and sugar from sugar beets.

Those Pesky Little Produce Stickers

Want to know how your supermarket produce was grown? Then check its price look-up code (PLU). Those little stickers affixed to your pears and potatoes reveal a lot more than how much you'll pay. If the number is:

5 digits, starting with 8 - The produce was genetically modified.

5 digits, starting with 9 - The produce was grown organically.

4 digits - The produce was grown conventionally (neither organic nor genetically modified).

New Energy Saving Appliances AFTER Jan 1

Congress has recently instated a new bill that will allow a $500 kick back to those who buy energy saving appliances after Jan 1. So if you are interested in doing more to be more green and to save some more money...wait just until Jan 1! In the meantime, you can caulk your air conditioner and then fix your baseboards and windows by caulking them as well. Try to keep the warm air in and the cold air- lessening the amount of energy needed to warm up your home. Also, turn down your water heater to 130 degrees- that's still warm enough to get a hot shower. Then lastly, always turn off ligths and electrical equipment- it will save you money and save energy.

Obama is Promising Green

Our President elect, Barrack Obama, has promised to have a green agenda. This past week he has promised the nation that he will fight climate change. He has plans to reduce emissions and he has promised $15 billion a year to go to low-carbon energy- including solar, wind, nuclear and next-generation biofuels.



Obama has said, "Delay is no longer an option,. Denial is no longer an acceptable response. The stakes are too high. The consequences, too serious."

So our President elect has our hopes up and hopefully he can help deliver a greener tomorrow.

For more information you can read this article.