Sage Advice

SAGE ADVICE is a department that you can check into each time you come onto the site and you just may learn something new.  We put little tidbits of information on here that we feel may be helpful to you in leading a green and healthy lifestyle. If you ever want to send us information we could use, please write an email and we may share it with everyone. Enjoy the site!

SUNSCREENS

 The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released their 4th edition report on sunscreens in May 2010. There are thousands of products from sport sunscreens to SFP makeup and this report makes consumers aware of which products are the safest and best and which ones to avoid. Of 500 beach and sport sunscreens, only 39 are recommended.

Here are some important facts you should know:

1) SPFs above 50 usually don't actually provide the UV protection they claim.

2) There have been new discoveries about a form of vitamin A, known as retinyl palmitate, that can be potentially dangerous because it's ingredient in sunscreens may be connected to skin disease and cancer. (FDA is still investigating this.)

3) EWG also warns against oxybenzone, which is a hormone-disrupting compound that penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream.

4) The FDA hasn't improved regualtions around sunscreens, the ingredients or UV ratings, which can give people a false sense of security from the sun.

To learn more about sunscreens and this report, go to http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/.

DISPOSAL OF BATTERIES, DRUGS AND ELECTRONICS

• What should we do with batteries when they no longer have their charge?

Here’s one site to check out and get all the information you could need about recycling your batteries from www.BatteryRecycling.com**.

• What is the best way to get rid of any prescriptions drugs you will no longer use or medicines that have expired? Flushing them down the toilet can contaminate water and cause health problems to people and wildlife. Throwing them in the trash can also be poisonous to the environment and wildlife.

Crush up the pills or simply put them in a container, such as an empty can or yogurt container or a sealable bag, with used coffee grinds or kitty litter and that will help them to stay out of the wrong hands and out of the drinking supply.  In addition, I’ve seen many pharmacies now offering a take-back program for medications and pills that are old, expired or will no longer be used.

• How should I dispose of my computer? This is a question that at some point people are going to ask or have been asking for years. Here are a couple of suggestions.

I came across some information on a company called www.Cristina.org**.

This is one paragraph from their site:

The National Cristina Foundation provides computer technology and solutions to give people with disabilities, students at risk and economically disadvantaged persons the opportunity, through training, to lead more independent and productive lives.

They do have requirements so be sure to read what they are before you expect to give them something that is not useful to them.

If you haven’t heard about the Web site www.Earth911.com** yet, be sure to check it out. You can type in what you would like to recycle and then where you live and it will supply you with a list of recycling centers in your area. This is good for computers, paint, batteries, appliances and much more.

For more great tips on Green Living, Remodeling and more don't forget to check out our Interactive and Education Center below.

**Please note, you will have to type in the address to the Web sites listed above yourself. They are not linked. Thank you.