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The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics has a warning for parents considering "face paint" as an alternative to a Halloween face mask.  For years, safety experts have convinced parents that make-up is safer than a mask to keep kid's vision clear.

But a new study shows some makeup contains harmful lead, chromium, nickel and cobalt.  What's even  more scary, parents can't tell which makeup is safe as the products tested would lead you to think they're safe with advertising claims such as "hypo-allergenic" or "FDA compliant".

The CDC recommends parents avoid makeup with lead in it as there are no safe levels of exposure according to the experts.

Here's a link to the report for you to read yourself.  Since non of the makeups that tested positive for metals included that information on the labels, experts advise you skip all commercial face paints until safety standards are put in place.

The link also has kitchen recipes using food grade products to make your own face paints, plus a petition to sign toward safe makeup.

If you're like my family, we're looking for all kinds of ways to cut costs these days.  Halloween has always been a fun time for us and we've been tempted by the 50% off sale signs in abundance at lcoal stores for indoor decorating items.  Still, at 50% off, those decorations can be pricey. 

As a result, I've spent a little time online surfing for super easy ideas that would do the trick.

I found one that's easy and the key supply needed is as close as your refridgerator.

Happy Halloweening!

OVERLAND PARK, Ks. – Sometimes the simple process of living leads to unexpected opportunities.  For a couple residing in Overland Park that moment happened when they learned how neighbors moving in next door lead to a new business in Texas.  A business they thought could do very well in the metro.

The story originated one day in a Dallas suburb as a husband and wife looked out their window and saw the aftermath from the neighbor's moving day.

“They pushed out a 6 foot pile of used boxes on to the curb after they moved in,” said Hix Hardy of Dallas, Texas. “My wife and I joked there had to be a better way to reuse and recycle the boxes.”

Soon Best Price Boxes, Inc. was born.  A simple idea, but then some of the most successful businesses are just that. Meegan and John Campbell of Overland Park were in the moving business and learned about Best Price Boxes, Inc. from their friends in Dallas who were also in the moving business.

"We were talking about all the boxes we were asked to take away when moving folks, especially military families," explained John Campbell.  "We had the boxes stuffed in storage and would re-sell them, but only if people asked about it.  We hadn't thought about buying and selling used boxes as an added revenue stream, but its been great."

Hardy, back in Dallas, agrees saying his business model offers a win-win for buyers, sellers and the environment, but works best if offered by someone already in a related business.  The Campbells, with their moving companies, fit that mold.

“Our business model is to sell used boxes for about half the cost of others and then buy the boxes back from our customers,” explained Hardy.

That fit in perfectly with a need that John and Meegan had with their existing moving businesses called Studdard Relocation Services and Studdard Moving and Storage.

The Campbells pay anywhere from .15 to $1.00 per box depending on the size.  They sell their used boxes starting at .89 and up.  Customers win with competitive pricing for a necessary moving expense.  But then something extraordinary began to happen as others joined in the entrepreneurial spirit.

“Kids started driving around in their pickups every week in the summer on trash days to pick up used boxes that residents put out on the curb,” said Hardy.  “They would bring them to our location and we paid them money.”

It was another win for the budding business and kids trying to earn some summer cash.

“Their parents loved it because they are working, earning money and taking responsibility,” further explained Hardy. “The kids love it because they are their own boss and are making money. We love it because we are keeping thousands of used boxes out of the trash and landfills.”

It’s estimated that 90 percent of all products shipped in the U.S. travel in cardboard boxes.  For every ton of cardboard recycled we save 17 trees, 7000 gallons of water, more than three cubic yards of landfill space and help cut pollution by 95%.

Businesses are catching onto this recycling alternative, too.  When the economy slowed earlier this year the price for baled cardboard plummeted.  Prices last year of $110 per ton by January had fallen to $25 per ton. And, while the cardboard market is trying to make a comeback as demand increases, Hardy and the Campbells have found a niche market among businesses wanting to sell their boxes instead of paying for trash companies to take the boxes away.

“Companies who were throwing out thousands of used boxes in their dumpsters every month are now contacting us,” said Hardy. “We will not only pick them up from them, but will also pay them for their boxes.”

Best Priced Boxes, Inc. has three locations in the area including Overland Park, Lee’s Summit and Leavenworth.  They can also be found in Texas and Colorado and expect to have new locations in other states soon.

Obesogens - that's the scientific umbrella for chemicals we eat that researchers believe mess with our metabolisms contributing to weight gain.  On the list are chemicals used in plastic and to make cookware non-stick. Also included are dioxins which rain down on us from the stuff that comes out of smokestacks, tailpipes and fires and ends up on farmer's cropland for us and the animals to eventually eat.  And, while on the subject of farming - there are the chemicals used in pesticides which get into the food chain.  How do we minimize the impact? Researchers say to avoid plastic use in the microwave and drink your water from glass or stainless steel containers.

The obesogens are just one of several "causes" researchers are linking to obesity.  Lack of sleep and stress have also been linked as triggers for gaining weight.

Link here to read the full article and comments from readers - some who don't buy into the latest chemical study.  

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A study released today in California has far reaching effect and probably all the way into metro homes.  The state is known for its strict chemical reporting laws and it’s identified 30 more chemicals that could cause cancer or reproductive and developmental health problems according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.  The Council led a coalition of labor and environmental groups seeking greater protection from suspect chemicals.

The list includes chemicals you might be using this time of year as they can be found in household weed killers and insecticides and gasoline additives.  Other chemicals could be found in industrial chemicals used to manufacture plastics, and adhesives.

Read your products carefully using the list below which includes how each chemical is used and the health issue California researchers link to it.  Researchers say 12 compounds may harm the male reproductive system and 11 may cause cancer while 8 may interfere with the normal development of fetuses, babies and children.  Two of the chemicals may harm the female reproductive system. 

Male Reproductive Toxicants

1.     n-Butyl glycidyl ether, a chemical used to make epoxy resins with a number of uses in common products

2.     Carbaryl, a household pesticide used to kill a range of insects, and sold as Sevin by GardenTech and Bayer (also a developmental toxicant)

3.     2-Chloropropionic acid, a chemical used to make herbicides

4.     Dichloroacetic acid, which forms in drinking water as a byproduct of disinfection using chlorine

5.     Diglycidyl ether, a chemical used to make epoxy resins

6.     Ethylene oxide, a chemical mainly used in the manufacturing of chemicals like antifreeze and polyester (also a developmental toxicant)

7.     Ethyl-tert-butyl ether, a common gasoline additive

8.     Methyl chloride, a chemical used primarily to make silicone polymers, but also used in other processes, including the oil refining

9.     Methyl n-butyl ketone, an industrial solvent

10.   Phenyl glycidyl ether, an industrial chemical

11.   1,3,5-Triglycidyl-s-triazinetrione, a constituent of some paints

12.   4-Vinyl-cyclohexene, a chemical used in the production of epoxy resins (also a female reproductive toxicant)

Carcinogens

1.     Amsacrine, a chemotherapy drug

2.     Bleomycins, antibiotics used in chemotherapy treatments

3.     Chlorophenoxy herbicides, including 2,4-D, are common weedkillers sold for lawn and garden use

4.     Marine diesel fuel

5.     Progestins, synthetic hormones found in some birth controls

6.     Styrene, an ingredient in many plastic and foam products

7.     Toxins derived from Fusarium moniliforme (Fusarium verticillioides), a fungus

8.     Vinyl acetate, a compound used to make polymers used in plastics, films, lacquers, adhesives, inks, water-based emulsion paints, floor tiling, safety glasses, cosmetics and personal care products and other goods

9.     Wood dust

10.   Zalcitabine, an HIV drug sold as Hivid

11.   Zidovudine (AZT), an HIV drug

Developmental Toxicants

1.     Tert-Amyl methyl ether, a common fuel additive

2.     Carbaryl, a household pesticide used to kill a range of insects, and sold as Sevin by GardenTech and Bayer (also a male reproductive toxicant)

3.     Chloroform, which is used in the manufacturing of other chemicals, and which can form in drinking water as a byproduct of disinfection using chlorine

4.     N,N-dimethylacetamide, a solvent used in industries ranging from fibers and adhesives to pharmaceuticals and plasticizers

5.     Ethylene oxide, a chemical mainly used in the manufacturing of chemicals like antifreeze and polyester (also a male reproductive toxicant)

6.     2-Ethylhexanoic acid, a chemical associated with phthalates and PVC plastics

7.     p,p’-Oxybis (benzenesulfonyl hydrazide), an industrial chemical

8.     Phenylphosphine, an industrial chemical

Female Reproductive Toxicants

1.     Toluene, a constituent of oil, is found in gasoline and is used to make paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives and rubber

2.     4-Vinyl-cyclohexene, a chemical used in the production of epoxy resins (also a male reproductive toxicant)

If you're an environmentalist, you'll appreciate perhaps the efforts of the Great Wolf Lodge which announced it is the first and only national hotel chain to be Green Seal certified.(www.greenseal.org)

To receive the Green Seal distinction the lodge implemented a plan that called Project Green Wolf.

To some, it may be amazing to think that a chain of indoor waterparks can be green, but over the last year, Great Wolf Resorts managers examined nearly every facet of their operations and made changes.

·         Water Reclamation: We have the best sanitation and filtration system technology in the world, making it possible to recycle most of the water in the waterpark every day.

·         Waste Minimization: Co-mingled recycling bins are stationed in all public areas, guest rooms, and employee areas.

• Energy Efficiency: Our lighting uses only energy-efficient bulbs.
• Environmentally & Socially Sensitive Purchasing: We only work with suppliers who help us be environmentally sensitive in our purchasing.
• Guest Education: We have developed children’s environmental entertainment and enlightenment programs with our partners at National Geographic Kids, including activity and learning areas, a Green Wolf TV channel, and interactive web content.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to save energy and keep cool this summer.  Here are some reminders.

• Don’t be a blow hard (it’s a waste of energy!) Running your AC all night or when you’re out wastes energy. Set your thermostat to cool just when you really need it, and to a reasonable temperature—72-75° F is sufficient for most people.
• Nuke it. Use your microwave to cook. Turning on the stove for small meals wastes energy and heats up your home.
• Decorate! Hang light colored window coverings. They reflect heat and light.
• Cover up. Keep window coverings closed on south- and west-facing windows during the day to keep temperatures from rising inside.
• Mind your ‘fridge. Clean coils help a refrigerator run more efficiently. The smoother it runs, the less heat it will release into your home.  
• Turn over a new leaf and grow house plants. According to NASA, they clean the air by converting pollutants into plant food. Clean air will make your home feel fresher.
• Don’t be a dim bulb! Use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) where appropriate. Regular lamps release about 90% of their energy as heat. CFLs use more of their energy to create light, not to heat your home.
• Ok - be a blow hard! Install an EnergyStar ceiling fan. Air movement makes people feel cooler  
• Give your house new clothes (so you shed less.) Insulate your walls and attic to keep hot air outside where it belongs!

Additional ideas can be found at:

http://www.sustainlane.com/reviews/putting-the-freeze-on-your-energy-bills-this-summer/4Y29S12CCPPB3NZTL2TXPLQN4VYD

A non-profit organization focused on energy efficiency, security and protection says Americans won't have to give up high tech lifestyle in an energy starved future.  The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy reports huge net energy efficiencies have already been achieved and more is expected over the next 20 years resulting in major savings for consumers along with hundreds of thousands of jobs.

That's the word out of Washington, DC and Silicon Valley, Ca.   Below is their latest news release about a study coming out Wednesday that talks about "the high tech energy paradox".  

While the emergence and widespread adoption of advanced microchip devices and related technology systems have been identified as principal drivers of the growth in economic productivity, their energy efficiency benefits have received much less attention.   This lack of recognition is likely due to what ACEEE refers to as “the high tech energy paradox” whereby analysts and consumers tend to pay more attention to the energy-consuming characteristics of specific semiconductor-supported devices than to the broader, economy-wide, energy-saving aspects of microchips and other technology advances.

The ACEEE study will show how much of the United States’ significant “energy intensity” achievements have resulted in large part from the explosive growth in technologies.   The study shows that semiconductor enabled technologies already have eliminated the need for more than 100 coal-fired power plants and are poised to transform how Americans generate, transmit, and use energy from 2010-2030, generating huge pocket book savings for consumers and businesses.