Real Mama Blog

February 11, 2009

Greening Families’ Routines in 2009: Whole Foods & Real Mama Team Up

Filed under: Uncategorized — Kirstin @ 12:30 pm

GREENING FAMILIES’ ROUTINES IN 2009

Real Mama and Whole Foods Event Helps Set Green Goals for Families & Caregivers

Middletown, NJ – On Thursday, January 22, Real Mama, Inc., a Middletown-based environmental and kids health nonprofit organization, provided a new presentation with Whole Foods Market of Middletown. Real Mama presented five green family goals and tips for achieving them during the free, in-store presentation, entitled “Living Greener in the New Year.” Mothers and fathers with and without their children, as well as grandmothers and grandfathers attended the presentation.

The presentation was given by Kirstin McPolin of Middletown Township, NJ, an environmental attorney and mother, Kari Martin of Middletown Township, NJ, an environmental advocate, and Cornelia Mazzan of Fair Haven, NJ, a holistic health advocate and mother.

“It can be easy to be green, and learning five things that families can do to help the environment and improve our health is a good start in this new year,” said Kirstin McPolin, President of Real Mama, Inc. “We thank Whole Foods for being leaders in helping families achieve greener lifestyles and providing the space, organic snacks, and opportunity to Real Mama to reach area families.”

The five goals that Real Mama presented include choosing not to drink bottled water, simple steps to take to save energy and money at home, choosing and eating organic foods, knowing what to recycle, and spending time outdoors, especially at local places to foster a sense of environmental stewardship. These goals were chosen because the actions would greatly improve the environment and the goals are achievable despite the busy lives of families.

For each goal, Real Mama recommended tips for successfully reaching the goals. For example:
• No bottled water: purchase a reusable water bottle for each member of the family and refill with tap water
• Energy conservation: install a programmable thermostat to save energy and money on heating & cooling
• Organic foods: Buy organic for foods your family eats most
• Recycle: Know what is recycled in your community; plastic items (marked #1 & 2 in recycling symbol), aluminum cans, glass bottles, newspapers, magazines, and office paper/envelopes can be recycled
• Go Outdoors: Pick a local park or natural area to spend time outdoors; Monmouth County Parks System has a wide variety of local areas for families to enjoy and children to learn

Recognizing that families and caregivers are short on time and that environmental issues and actions can be complex, Real Mama researches and reviews some of the latest environmental topics and concerns for today’s busy families. Articles in Real Mama’s quarterly online newsletter are categorized into topics related to earth, water, air, minds, and bodies. The e-newsletters are quick resources for activities, books, movies, and websites that encourage environmental stewardship in children and parents. The e-newsletters also include updates on pending or recently passed legislation and regulatory actions.

For more information about Real Mama, e-newsletters, links, and scheduled presentations to the public, as well as to sign-up to receive notice of the free quarterly e-newsletter, visit www.realmama.org.
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Real Mama, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to inform and educate mothers and families and to increase awareness and conservation of the natural environment through the most important resource – children.

Real Mama’s Winter 2008 eNewsletter

Filed under: Uncategorized — Kirstin @ 12:25 pm

O Christmas Tree: Should I choose real or artificial for thee?
Which is better for the environment and your children’s health—an artificial or real Christmas tree? This article delves into an annual holiday dilemma, analyzing the pros and cons of both types of trees.

Water Supply: Is There Enough?
Water is the Earth’s most abundant resource, but mounting pressures and misuse threaten water supplies. According to the U.S. 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. Appropriate incentives to conserve and protect the resource, and opportunities to allocate supplies efficiently among competing uses must be implemented to secure water for now and the future.

Real Mama’s Second Annual List of Environmentally-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas
This holiday season, instead of giving “stuff,” give gifts that are unique, sure-to-be-used, and environmentally-friendly. Real Mama suggests giving gifts that are non-material, reused, reusable, organic, resource-saving, and/or nature-themed. Read on for specific gift ideas for all of your special someones.

Real Mama’s Go-Green Goals for 2008
As busy mothers, professionals, and human beings, we too get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Each year (since last year) those of us involved with Real Mama have verbalized our go-green goals for the holidays. This is both to remind us of our values at a hectic time of year and hopefully inspire our readers.

Making An Informed Vaccination Decision
The use of vaccines has various benefits and risks. In order to make informed decisions, parents and caregivers should educate themselves about these benefits and risks before following the standard vaccination schedule.

Winter Safety
Winter safety is an important issue that sometimes gets lost in the excitement that surrounds a heavy snow and school cancellations. Although Real Mama first posted this article a few years ago, we are reposting it now in an effort to help remind everyone that it is important to get kids outside in all types of weather but even more important to do so safely.

Activities, Books, and Websites to Encourage Environmental Stewardship in Kids (and You!) this Winter
This webpage provides ideas for activities, websites, books, and products that are sure to be fun and encourage environmental stewardship in your kids and you this fall.

Legislative Updates
We at realmama.org strive to provide you with information about environmental issues that impact the health and well being of your family. Our Legislative Updates page provides you with news on recently passed federal laws, pending federal legislation, federal agency rule proposals, and presidential initiatives.

October 2, 2008

New Study: Ways to Rid Your Body of Chemicals, Namely Bisphenol A

Filed under: Body — Kirstin @ 9:30 am

A recent study done at Duke University found that certain nutrients may protect us from the dangers of chemicals. It is too soon to say it definitely counteracts the harmful effects of the most recent chemical of concern, Bisphenol A (BPA), but results are promising. Researcher gave pregnant mice BPA-laced food, then fed one group a nutrient-rich diet including choline, folate, vitamin B12. Only the baby mice of those who were given these nutrients were free from negative health impacts of BPA. Foods that contain folate include leafy greens and beans and B12 and choline are eggs and fish. Fill your plate with these nutrient-rich foods and you may counteract or diminish the impact of chemicals on your body!cartoon sex movies
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Real Mama’s Fall 2008 eNewsletter

Filed under: Minds — Kirstin @ 9:21 am

With the 2008 presidential election fast approaching, in Real Mama’s Fall 2008 eNewsletter we gathered and compared the candidates’ positions on various environmental issues, including: carbon emissions and climate change; land preservation; water quality and water resources; and environmental hazards related to children’s health as well as energy issues including: vehicles and alternative fuels; renewable and “clean” energy; energy efficiency; and drilling for oil and natural gas. Check out the rest of Real Mama’s Fall 2008 eNewsletter at www.realmama.org for information on how to integrate environmental stewardship into everyday life!

The Presidential Candidates (McCain versus Obama) on the Environment
The Presidential Candidates (McCain versus Obama) on Energy
Water Use and Conservation: Are We Water Wasters?
Smog Season Safety: How to Help Your Kids Enjoy the Outdoors While Reducing Risk from Harmful Air Pollution
Socially Responsible Investing 101
Bisphenol-A: Controversy Over Safety of Plastics and Kids Health
Cellular Phones and Cancer: Making the call for your health
Activities, Books, and Websites to Encourage Environmental Stewardship in Kids (and You!) this Fall

For more information about Real Mama, Inc., the Fall 2008 eNewsletter, quarterly newsletters, online resources, the organization’s blog, or to make a donation, visit www.realmama.org.

April 8, 2008

Spring 2008 e-Newsletter is Here!

Filed under: Minds — Kirstin @ 8:17 am

Real Mama’s Spring 2008 e-Newsletter is here! Spring is a time to clean out your closets and start fresh. This spring, make a commitment to youself and your family to spend more time outside and enjoy the season.

With plans being made for summer vacations, take a look at “Driving Under the Influence of Toxic Air” discussing in-air car pollution. If you are cleaning out your medicine cabinet, be sure not to flush anything down the toilet since harm may come to wildlife (and even humans) from “Pharmecuticals in the Environment.” As for freshening up your beauty routine, take the change of season as an opportunity to throw away old and possibly outdated personal care products and cosmetics and consider going the more natural route with “Skin Deep: Chemicals in Personal Care Products and Cosmetics Pose Health Risks.”

Articles in the Spring 2008 issue also include “The False Expectations of Biofuels as the Fuel of the Future,” Legislative Updates, and Activities to Encourage Environmental Stewardship in Kids (and you!) this Spring including instructions on how to make an egg-carton herb garden as well as programs that encourage adventure and exploration!

For more information about Real Mama, Inc., the Spring 2008 Issue, quarterly newsletters, online resources, the organization’s blog, or to make a donation, visit www.realmama.org.

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About Real Mama - Real Mama, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to inform and educate mothers and families and to increase awareness and conservation of the natural environment through the most important resource – children. Through the organization’s website, quarterly web-based newsletter, and various outreach activities, Real Mama strives to provide information to busy mothers and other caregivers in an easily-digested format, covering various environmental and children’s health topics, information on legislative happenings, and ideas for environmentally conscious children’s activities.

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You are currently subscribed to receive notification of eNewsletters availability at www.realmama.org. To unsubscribe send an email to mkmcpolin@hotmail.com

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February 11, 2008

Toxic Baby Bottles?

Filed under: Body — Kirstin @ 3:56 pm

A recent study, entitled “Baby’s Toxic Bottle: Bisphenol A Leaching from Popular Baby Bottles,” by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice was released recently that studied and documented the amounts of Bisphenol A in popular baby bottles when heated. According to CHEJ, scientific studies show Bisphenol A may have adverse health effects: breast and prostate cancer, thyroid disease, early puberty in girls, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, and obesity. Before getting concerned and afraid of what types of chemicals you have exposed your child to, be aware that there was no detection of the chemical in baby bottles until they were heated. So if you are like me and never heat plastic, you should be OK. Check Table 2 on page 10 of the study to see the results of bisphenol A in baby bottles bought in the U.S.

Real Mama’s article “Plastics and Children: Friend or Foe” discusses the issues with Bisphenol A as well as phalates in plastics.

February 1, 2008

Presidential Candidates’ Stances: Kids and the Environment

Filed under: Minds — Kirstin @ 9:59 am

One of our core beliefs at Real Mama is that environmental values are taught at home. Realistically, political change with regard to the environment will only come when the bulk of the nation thinks it needs to change. By teaching kids environmental stewardship at home, you are fostering that change. Unfortunately it takes years for the majority of people to think something needs to change, in particular with regard to the environment, but in the meantime you are teaching your children how to respect the earth, themselves, and others through lessons in environmental stewardship. Most importantly you are safeguarding the health of your family. Remember, no one knew the dangers of saccharin for years; what will the DDT of our kids generation be?

On a more positive note, the political process gives us some hope that candidates will follow through on their campaign promises and that change really is as simple as they make it sound. At this stage of the game, during the primaries, candidates are not taking too hard a stance on environmental issues or kids health. They are talking mostly about the hot-button issues to play to their bases or expose their opponents weaknesses. In the coming months as the dust settles and campaign promises are made we will help you wade through the rhetoric to see what the candidates will do for your kids health and the environment.

In our Spring 2008 e-newsletter we will give you the low-down on what the candidates positions are on kids health and the environment. Certainly no one is going to vote for a candidate based on those issues alone, but being educated and aware of their stance may sway your vote one way or the other. Of course we will follow up this primer on the primaries with information to prepare you for the election in the fall. At no point will we endorse or campaign for any candidate or encouraging you to vote one way or the other, we will simply lay out the publically stated views of the frontrunner presidential candidates on the issues of kids health and the environment in a neutral way.

January 7, 2008

Kids Safety in a Winter Wonderland

Filed under: Body — Kirstin @ 6:14 pm

Although it has snowed less than an inch here in coastal New Jersey this winter, I know of many friends who that have 3 feet of snow outside their door. Winter safety is a different ball game than the other seasons. If it ever snows here (today it was 62 degrees), me and my family will be headed outside. If you do the same, here are some tips for having a safe and fun winter season.

1. Keep Warm - This may seem obvious. However, kids don’t know how to dress to stay warmest in cool temperatures. Dress the kids and yourself in layers with the closest layer to the body made of a wicking fabric (e.g., polypropylene long underwear). By using this approach any moisture from exertion will be taken away or “wicked” from the body helping keep the core of the body warm. In addition, if kids get hot running around they have the option to take off a layer or two without being totally exposed. As my grandfather always used to say, wearing a hat can be a good temperature regulator. In my experience hats really do keep you warm. According to a December 2005 Fitness Magazine article, thirty percent of heat loss occurs from the head. The opposite is also true, if you are overheated just take your hat off and you will feel much cooler.

Remember, frostbite and hypothermia are of concern in the winter. Keep in mind that hypothermia can occur in temperatures as high as 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit if conditions are damp and windy. Babies and the elderly are at highest risk due to being more sensitive to the cold.

2. Drink Plenty of Water - Even if kids say they aren’t thirsty encourage them to drink water or other fluids. They have the same risk of getting dehydrated in winter as they do in the summer.

3. Wear Sunblock & Sunglasses - Although the sun is less strong in the winter there is still a chance of getting sunburned. This is particularly true if there is snow on the ground, as kids will be exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays from direct exposure as well as from the reflection of ultra violet rays off of the snow.

4. Warm Up & Stretch - Before the kids head outside in winter to play sports, shovel the driveway, or even partake in a snowball fight, encourage them to stretch their muscles. Winter sports often use muscle groups that summer sports don’t use. (If it is the adults in the house that shovel the driveway, this suggestion is particularly important for you!)

5. Use Operational & Appropriate Gear - After lying around in the garage all summer, winter sports equipment should be tuned-up and tried-on to ensure safe operation and proper fit. If your kids will be sledding, have them use a sled that can steer—it’s safer than flat sheets, toboggans or snow discs. If the kids will be ice-skating, ensure that their skates fit comfortably and that they provide adequate ankle support. If the kids are on the ski or snowboarding slopes, ensure that all bindings are readjusted based on the weight and ability level of the skier or snowboarder, and also have the edges of skis sharpened. When the kids partake in any of these sports, make sure that children under 12 wear a fitted helmet.

6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings - For sledding and ice skating, adults should always supervise children. When the kids are out sledding, make sure that the hill is safe (without obstacles in the sledding path or ending near a street, parking lot, pond, or other danger). Even seemingly safe obstacles, like snowbanks, can be harmful when they freeze. Never go down a hill headfirst, and don’t allow too many people to pile onto one sled. When out ice-skating, only skate in designated areas where the ice is known to be strong, always check for cracks, holes, or debris on the ice, and never allow kids to skate alone. When snowshoeing, cross-county skiing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding, tell the kids to stay on designated trails and always remain alert to ensure that they don’t get lost. When downhill skiing, snowboarding, and sledding, if you have to stop, don’t stop in a high traffic area or where oncoming skiers, snowboarders, or those sledding can’t see you. In addition, if you crash into someone ahead of you, the common understanding is that you are the responsible party because people ahead of you on the hill have the right of way.

(American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons is a nonprofit corporation created to serve the profession, champion the interests of patents, and advance the highest quality musculoskeletal health.)

December 13, 2007

Holiday 2007 eNewsletter: Go-green the Season

Filed under: Minds — Kirstin @ 5:01 am

This time of year, it is especially hard to be or stay “green.” We at Real Mama would like to help you do so this holiday season.

View Real Mama’s Holiday 2007 eNewsletter at www.realmama.org. With toxic toys in the headlines, we made a list and checked it twice to create the “First Annual Holiday Gift Idea List,” which guides mothers and caregivers to give kid and earth friendly gifts and non-toxic toys. In addition, each board member has committed not to be a Grinch when it comes to making more eco-friendly choices this holiday season with “Real Mama’s Very Own Green Holiday Goals,” to save resources and inspire others. Lets not forget the little elves in our lives and the importance of engaging children in charitable giving discussed in “Little Elves: Involving Kids in Charitable Giving this Season.”

Articles in the holiday issue also discuss toy recalls, eco-friendly gift wrapping and holiday card ideas, lead in candles, and serving sustainably grown coffee at parties and gatherings.

For more information about Real Mama, Inc., the Holiday 2007 Issue, quarterly newsletters, online resources, the organization’s blog, or to make a donation, visit
www.realmama.org.

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About Real Mama - Real Mama, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to inform and educate mothers and families and to increase awareness and conservation of the natural environment through the most important resource – children. Through the organization’s website, quarterly web-based newsletter, and various outreach activities, Real Mama strives to provide information to busy mothers and other caregivers in an easily-digested format, covering various environmental and children’s health topics, information on legislative happenings, and ideas for environmentally conscious children’s activities.

November 30, 2007

Real Mama’s First Annual Holiday Gift List: Kid and Earth Friendly Non-Toxic Toys

Filed under: Minds — Kirstin @ 4:56 pm

After conducting much research and reviewing the toys we Real Mama’s have at our homes, we have finished our list and checked it twice!

When considering our list, please keep in mind:
1. We have chosen items that are both child and environment friendly. In making our choices, we didn’t simply pick items that are made of all natural materials (although we encourage wooden toys over plastic toys), but opted to choose items that children will enjoy and use often and that will encourage your children to be active, participate in the community, be creative, engage their minds, and become more aware of the environment.

2. Some of the toys listed may seem pricey but consider that the toys we listed are sure to be used often, and giving one big toy instead of many smaller ones reduces consumption and perhaps importantly, clutter.

3. This list is not an endorsement of the products safety or durability, but rather is a list of what we think are the best gifts out there for children and the environment.

4. For your convenience, we have included a photo of the product as well as a link to the item on www.amazon.com. Purchasing a toy online is convenient, allows you to avoid the hustle and bustle, and saves on car emissions, but we also encourage you to buy items at a store near you to cut down on the packaging, costs and emissions associated with shipping.

Happy gift giving!!

  • Be Thoughtful - Gifts of your time rather than of a thing are often most thoughtful and remembered. Give kids movie, museum, aquarium, or zoo tickets and make sure that you are the one to take them.
  • Be Charitable - Donate old toys and clothes to those in need through the Salvation Army, community groups, religious organizations, or second-hand stores. Involve your kids in the charitable giving, and give them the gift of understanding the true joy and meaning of giving.
  • Be Imaginative - Kids imaginations have no bounds. Encourage storytelling and acting with a puppet theater and cloth puppets. Older siblings can write and act out a play to entertain the younger ones.

  • Be Crafty - They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Many girls do like jewelry and dress up, so improve hand-eye coordination, inspire creativity, and even encourage them to make gifts for others with a set of wooden beads.

  • Be Active - Eventually the snow will melt and temperatures will rise. Get kids outside with sporting equipment. Help kids, from tots to teens, practice their soccer shot with an all weather outdoor net.

  • Be Inspired - Getting messy is what kids do; art provides them with an outlet for this urge while resulting in priceless keepsakes. Being artistic and getting inspired are not reserved for the kids, so get in there and get messy. Keep in mind that art supplies that are all natural do exist but may not take as much of a beating as those in the mainstream (a box of non-petroleum crayons only lasts about 2 days in our house).

  • Be Brilliant - Once kids can read, they enjoy getting lost in a book. Encourage this sanctuary with books that not only entertain but teach them about the natural world.

  • Be Curious - Kids are innately curious. Don’t fight it, foster it. Spark their natural interest with things that help them examine the natural world. For tots try a handheld magnifying glass to check out insects hiding under rocks; for teens a telescope so that they can reach for the stars.

  • Be Competitive - We all have a competitive streak. Start a family game night after the holidays with a non-traditional twist on an old favorite.

  • Be Sheltered - At any age kids love climbing in and out of tents. Whether it is to be used for a serious camping trip in the spring or as a place to play indoors when “the weather outside is frightful,” a tent fits the bill.
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