A CALL TO ACTION: Oppose AB 227

To my California Friends,

I ask that you write and fax a letter to Assembly Member Gatto’s office (916-319-2143) opposing Bill AB 227.  You can view a copy of my letter below:

California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (aka Proposition 65) is under a serious legislative attack in the state Assembly.   

Bill AB 227 claimed intention is to curtail Prop 65 litigation that harms small businesses.  The remedy in this bill would allow businesses 14 days to address any Prop 65 violation after they have been caught in violation of the law.  Unfortunately, this remedy (which would apply not just to small businesses, but also to the largest corporations) would eviscerate the law by eliminating all incentives for proactively complying with Prop 65.

Here’s a good analogy:  this bill is like allowing all reckless drivers to get off with nothing more than a warning and a promise not to speed in the future.  How safe would our highways be if every speeder got off with a warning?  How safe will California’s air, water, and consumer products be if Prop 65’s violators have no incentive to comply with the law?

Under Prop 65, children are protected from lead, arsenic, and other highly toxic chemicals in candy, baby bibs, diaper creams, rubber gloves, water filters, playground equipment etc.  Prop 65  protected people in California and across the nation, but none of them would have happened if AB 227 were the law.

Protect the health of you and your family by doing your part and fax your signed letter to oppose Bill AB 227! Click to use this easy template by inserting your name on the blank line, sign it and fax to 916-319-2143 today!

What’s the difference between Organic and Certified Organic?

California Baby® Calendula Growing Field

In a conversation recently with friends who are considering marketing a supplement product line, I commented that unless it’s certified organic, I wasn’t interested in trying it. “Of course!” they said in unison, “It’s organic, wild harvested, all that...” Being privy to the behind the scenes shenanigans of the natural and supplement industry, I know that when it comes to vitamins and supplements, the company you buy from makes a HUGE difference. “What do you want us to do, get a certificate?” they responded incredulously. “That’s exactly what I want you to do, and be sure to verify that it is current,” was my reply. You may be thinking, ‘ohh, that Jessica is way too much of a stickler,’ or ‘if a company says they use organic ingredients, shouldn’t that be good enough for me.’ The answer is, yes, maybe. That is where the word ‘certified’ becomes very important.

What does "Certified Organic" mean?

Here’s the deal straight from the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) (of which I am a member):

 "Certified Organic" means the item has been grown according to strict uniform standards that are verified by independent state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set.

So there you have it, pixel by pixel. A little bit of clarification to help you cut through the marketing hype. And when it comes to vitamins and supplements, my suggestion is to only buy from a company that has a reputation for extremely high ethics and quality (hint: it won’t be the cheapest product on the shelf).

Nasal irrigation. Ever done it?

Yes, you read right! Nasal irrigation involves washing out the nose to clear away excess mucus, pollen and debris. Those of you with sinus issues may know what I'm talking about, but you don't have to have clogged nasal cavities to enjoy the benefits of salt water rinsing.

So many of us live or work in buildings that have dry or stuffy air. In my case, I battle the dry polluted Los Angeles air; instead of reaching for a decongestant or allergy medication, I suggest giving nasal rinsing a try. I usually rinse weekly just because it leaves my nasal passages feeling, um…fresh?

Alright, I can hear the eye balls rolling on this one. I do push the limits of what 'normal' folks will tolerate—and I am passionate about composting and I probably talk too much about the need and beauty of solar power… I get it, I'm different. But seriously, nasal irrigation really does work!

Give it a try and judge for yourself. It's easy, it's cheap and can be a lifesaver. Here's how I do it.

- Warm water—only use purified or distilled—and sea salt. (see link below on why only sterilized water should be used for nasal rinsing).
- A good ratio is 1/4 teaspoon to 8 ounces of water. Mix to dissolve. The water should be lukewarm - not hot!

I like this simple plastic tube, which is technically called a “cup,” this model is small, easy to use and travel with. Neti pots are an option, although I have never tried them, they are popular.

Here’s how to use the cup/tube: Fill with dissolved salt-purified water solution, cover the hole with your thumb, place the spout into one nostril, tilt your head slightly forward and to the side—in the same direction as the nostril you are rinsing (to avoid water going into your ear canal); lift your thumb off the hole, which releases the water. The water flows in one nostril, passes through the sinus cavity and out the other nostril, moisturizing and gently cleansing away dust and pollen.

Fill with the salt and purified water solution, place your finger over the center hole, placing the other part in your nostril.

Then lift your finger to start the gravity flow of water. When you want to stop or need to take a break, place your finger back over the center hole.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions exactly. A few main things to remember:

• tilt your head forward and slightly to the side so that the water doesn't flow into your ear canal
• do not breathe in through your nose while rinsing, breathe through your mouth.
• stay relaxed; it’s a strange sensation, but try not to panic
•  to stop the flow of water, simply place your thumb back on the hole
• blow your nose very gently, just to clear away any accumulated mucus
  

Give it a try! Trust me, you'll appreciate the relief when the heat is blasting and the winds are kicking around dust, pollen, pollution and who knows what else. It's nothing to sneeze at!

Here's more info and a picture on nasal rising: Wikipedia.

My Picks:

http://www.amazon.com/Alkalol-Natural-Soothing-Solvent-16-Ounce/dp/B003YFG0M0/ref=sr_1_4?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1347286507&sr=1-4&keywords=nasal+irrigation

http://www.amazon.com/Grossan-Hydro-Irrigation-System-Original/dp/B000H84D2G/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1347286507&sr=1-2&keywords=nasal+irrigation

Click on the link below to read what the FDA has to say about nasal rinsing:

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm316375.htm?source=govdelivery