Tough economic times have caused one school in Ireland to ask students to bring their own toilet paper. Parents received the following request last week from principal Catherine O'Neill:
Dear parent, from time to time we will request your daughter to bring in a toilet roll to her class teacher. These rolls will be specifically for your daughter's class and will be dispensed by the class teacher. We would also request that your daughter has tissues in her sack at all times.
Unless you are lucky enough to send your child to a school with organic lunches and a farm to school program, you probably pack your child's lunch. We've reviewed numerous lunch boxes and lunch systems, but in the end, I usually just grab random items and throw then together in my hurried mornings. Despite my haphazard lunch packing routines, I am really excited about the Munchgear Soup to Nuts Kit (so are my kids who are fighting over who gets to use it tomorrow.
The Munchgear Soup to Nuts Kit made by Citizenpip (such a cute name) is an "everything in one kit" that, in my opinion, provides more flexibility and durability than a Laptop Lunch. The Soup to Nuts Kit includes:
The Body Toxic: How the Hazardous Chemistry of Everyday Things Threatens Our Health and Well-being is one of those books that freak me out...sometimes I just don't want to know. In reality, we need to know about all of the chemicals of modern industry and how to protect our families. Knowing is the first step to making informed decisions, which is probably one reason you are a reader of Eco Child's Play.
Publishers Weekly describes The Body Toxic:
This is a chilling look at the questionable safety of nearly everything we store food in, drink from, wear, walk on, rest on and drive. Chemicals used to make everything from water-repellant jackets and flame retardants to unbreakable plastics used for food storage are building up in our bodies and the environment with possible far-reaching consequences, says journalist Baker. She focuses on endocrine disruptors that alter hormone levels, even in fetuses. Individual chapters consider the weed killer atrazine; phthalates found in many cosmetics; and perfluorooctanoic acid, used in nonstick and stain-repellant coatings. Lab studies have linked these chemicals to cancer, diabetes, obesity and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, among other problems. Baker blasts both Democrats and Republicans in Congress for the toothless Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, which leaves testing and reporting results to the manufacturer. But the companies rely on skilled public relations firms to attack scientists who raise safety concerns. The current pro-business administration also takes some licks from Baker. Although she offers suggestions for reducing exposure to these chemicals, No place—and no one—is immune.
Icebreaker's Bodyfit line has long been loved by outdoor enthusiasts, and now children can benefit from the company's eco-friendly New Zealand wool garments. Icebreaker's kids' line features no itch fabric that "smells better, feels better, warms better, and breathes better". This line is perfect for active sports and everyday use. Beyond great fabric, Icebreaker features two unique features for kids: "baa code" and "re-imagined packaging".
Have you ever wanted to meet the sheep that was shorn for your clothes? Just enter the "baa code" on your label into the Icebreaker website to meet where your sheep lives.
With most of the things you buy, you're told little or nothing about how they're made. Icebreaker is different.
We have a deep commitment to animal welfare, the welfare of the people who work with us, and the environment. And we have nothing to hide.
Your unique Baacode will let you see the living conditions of the high country sheep that produced the merino fibre in your Icebreaker garment, meet the farmers who are custodians of this astonishing landscape, and follow every step of the supply chain. We're sure you'll find the experience as inspiring as we do. Enjoy your journey back to the source.
Michelle Obama made an appearance on Sesame Street touting the benefits of healthy eating and gardening.
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Who knew Big Bird was a Republican?
