Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that some baby bottles contain chemicals that can cause health problems for babies? If so, how can I find alternatives that are safer? - Amy Gorman, Berkeley, CA No links connecting specific human illnesses to chemicals oozing out of baby bottles have been proven definitively. Nonetheless, many parents are heeding the call of scientists to switch to products with less risk. A 2008 report by American and Canadian environmental researchers entitled "Baby's Toxic … [Read more...]
Do I have to feed my cat meat?
![“Give me meat or give me death!” Well, not necessarily, say some. Cats are natural carnivores and they need certain nutrients that can’t be obtained through plant-based foods. But some pet food and supplement makers say they have that problem solved - and that it is even healthier for cats than conventional meat-based pet foods. [Getty Images]](http://edgemagazine.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/earthtalkvegetariancats-150x150.jpg "earthtalkvegetariancats")
Dear EarthTalk: I don’t eat meat, for a variety of ethical and environmental reasons, and I’d rather not feed it to my cat, either. Do cats have to be carnivores? – John McManus, Needham, MA Unlike dogs and other omnivores, cats are true (so-called “obligate”) carnivores: They meet their nutritional needs by consuming other animals and have a higher protein requirement than many other mammals. Cats get certain key nutrients from meat – including taurine, arachidonic acid, vitamin … [Read more...]
‘Smart’ energy grid gains ground
Dear EarthTalk: What is the so-called "smart grid" I've been hearing about, and how can it save energy and money? - Larry Burger, Litchfield, CT America's electricity grid is built upon what many consider to be an antiquated principle: Make large amounts of electricity and have it always available to end users whether they need it or not. It's much like the way most home water heaters work in keeping water constantly hot even when it is not being used. It is also a strictly one-way … [Read more...]
Baby Bottle Safety and Toxic Chemicals
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that some baby bottles contain chemicals that can cause health problems for babies? If so, how can I find alternatives that are safer? - Amy Gorman, Berkeley, Calif. No links connecting specific human illnesses to chemicals oozing out of baby bottles have been proven definitively. Nonetheless, many parents are heeding the call of scientists to switch to products with less risk. A 2008 report by American and Canadian environmental researchers entitled "Baby's Toxic … [Read more...]
How to Start an Environmental Club in School
Dear EarthTalk: I'm thinking about starting an environmental club in my middle school. Can you give me some ideas about how to start? Can you connect me with other school clubs? - Rosemary, Andover Township, NJ Starting an environmental club at school is a great way to get students energized about taking care of the Earth and helping their community while learning about some of the most important issues facing the world in the 21st century.EarthTeam, a non-profit environmental network for … [Read more...]
Environment-friendly Holiday Gifts are Available
Dear EarthTalk: Can you recommend some sources for toys and other holiday gifts that are both safe and not harmful to the environment? - Tracy Gately, Marblehead, MAGiven the massive recall of toys contaminated with lead last year, let alone all the other bad news about chemicals seeping out of just about every other conceivable type of consumer item, it's no wonder that people are nervous about what might be inside the wrapping paper this next holiday season. Luckily, growing environmental … [Read more...]
Natural Headache Remedies are Available
Dear EarthTalk: Are there natural headache remedies that can get me off of Tylenol, Advil and other medicines whose side effects can be as bad as or worse than the pain that led me to use them? - Jan Levinson, Portland, ME Many of us may be too dependent on over-the-counter painkillers to treat the occasional headache, especially given the side effects of such drugs. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can increase the risk of heart and circulation problems - including heart attack and stroke - and is … [Read more...]
Recycling does not include the Tops of Cans, Bottles
Dear EarthTalk: Everyone knows we should recycle metal, glass and plastic cans and bottles, but what about all the lids, tops and caps? I see people recycling plastic bottles, for example, with their caps on, but I've always been told to thrown them out. Is that wrong? - Stefanie Gandolfi, Oakland, Calif.Many municipal recycling programs throughout the U.S. still do not accept plastic lids, tops and caps even though they take the containers that accompany them. The reason is that they are not … [Read more...]
How safe are plastic food storage containers?
Dear EarthTalk: I've read that plastic bottles are not always safe to reuse over and over as harmful chemicals can leach out into the contents. I'm wondering if the same issues plague Tupperware and other similar plastic food storage containers. - Sylvie, Dawson City, Yukon, Canada The recent hubbub over plastic containers leaching chemicals into food and drinks has cast a pall over all kinds of plastics that come into contact with what we ingest, whether deserved or not. Some conscientious … [Read more...]
Eating Healthy on the Road
Dear EarthTalk: I really want to eat healthy and organic but am constantly traveling and on the go. How can I eat fast food without having to always end up at McDonalds and Burger King? - Dylan Baker, Seattle, Washington The latest trend in fast food is healthy and organic, and luckily for conscious consumers, several chains offering just such fare are taking root in different parts of the U.S. One of the leaders of this small but scrappy pack of fast food upstarts is O'Naturals. The small chain … [Read more...]
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