It’s official! The Mecklenburg Times named Do Your Part founder, Terri Bennett, as one of the 50 Most Influential Women of 2013 for the Charlotte region. This award spotlights women whose work within business, government, education, and non-profit fields is creating positive change in the area. The award culminated with the 50 Influential Women’s Event held on the evening of May 31st at the Hilton Charlotte Center City. You can read more on the other award recipients by clicking here.

]]> http://www.doyourpart.com/green-living/congrats-terri-named-one-of-the-charlotte-regions-most-influential-women/feed/ 0 http://www.doyourpart.com/green-living/searching-for-the-safest-sunscreen/ http://www.doyourpart.com/green-living/searching-for-the-safest-sunscreen/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 13:47:39 +0000 Megan M. http://www.doyourpart.com/?p=22937

One of the best parts of the summer for me is hitting the lake with family and friends. I love relaxing on the water and feeling the sun on my skin. What I don’t love is jumping through hurdles to find the safest sunscreen among all the different varieties on store shelves. This year though, sunscreen manufacturers are required to make a few important changes to their sunscreen labels. While these changes will help you Do Your Part to make the healthiest sunscreen choice for your family – there’s still plenty of homework for you to do.

Let’s start with the label changes. Last year, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) informed the makers of sunscreen that by this June, some of the claims on their packaging needed to be revised. However, while you will see many changes now, that deadline has recently been pushed back to December because of sunscreen shortage concerns. The new guidelines will force manufacturers to stop claiming that their sunscreen is sweatproof or waterproof. That’s because those claims influenced people’s decisions to not reapply sunscreen after getting in the water. Also, products labeled “Broad Spectrum” must meet the FDA’s standards for protecting against both types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. Anti-aging products will also have to be “Broad Spectrum” with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Now, while these changes to the outside of the sunscreen package will help consumers, the FDA is not requiring changes to deal with the potentially dangerous ingredients found inside the bottle and that’s what worries me the most. If you look at the label of most sunscreens, you’ll see oxybenzone listed as an active ingredient. Here’s the problem. Once absorbed into the skin, oxybenzone can be easily converted to free radicals when exposed to sunlight. Those free radicals in our skin can lead to everything from wrinkles to cancer.

Your best option is to find sunscreen without oxybenzone. Mineral based sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide powerful protection without the health concerns. However, finding these safer sunscreens takes a little work. When I went shopping for sunscreen a few weeks ago, I checked dozens of bottles before I found one without oxybenzone. And, one word of warning, don’t be tempted by the new spray and powder sunscreen options. As you apply, the particles can easily get into your lungs.

So, how can you find the right sunscreen for you? The Environmental Working Group makes it easy at www.ewg.org. Each year they update their database where you can search by specific brand name to see how it rates. You can even download a free app to make it super simple to check specific sunscreen while you’re shopping.

A little extra work will help you Do Your Part to keep your family safe in the hot summer sun.

The sounds of spring are most definitely here. You know, the loud buzz of the lawn mowers, the piercing sound of leaf blowers, the incessant whir of the trimmers. Not only is there the noise pollution to contend with, there is also the air, land, and water pollution that comes with gas powered lawn equipment. This summer, Do Your Part to pick smarter equipment that will not only cut down pollution but will cut down on your lawn maintenance costs.

Let’s start with what really gets under my skin. The loud noise of gas powered lawn equipment. The National Pollution Clearinghouse contends that an ordinary gas fueled lawn mower can actually be heard at least a quarter mile away. Then, there are the other pollution concerns. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 17 million gallons of fuel and oil are accidentally spilled while servicing all this lawn equipment. That’s right – 17 million gallons! And, here’s another startling statistic for you; gas powered lawn equipment produces roughly five percent of the air pollution generated in America. The exhaust from the gas-powered equipment sends tiny particles into the air, quickly creating unhealthy conditions. The fumes from the engines also add to the creation of ground level ozone and smog. To help put those numbers into perspective, think of it this way. A gas-powered lawn mower emits as much pollution each hour as 11 cars on the road.

The good news is that there are better (and quieter) options out there. The cleanest option is to use human powered equipment. Reel mowers are ideal for small lawns. There are many different styles too including some which have an attachment to catch grass clippings. You can also do what I do which is to go electric.

Electric mowers win hands down when it comes to convenience. They start with the push of a button and you never need to fill up the gas tank or replace the oil. The electric mower is lighter than its gas-powered alternative and it’s much quieter too! Now, electric mowers do generate pollution but at drastically lower levels and not in your backyard. They are also more expensive than their gas-powered cousins but they are a lot less expensive to operate and maintain. An electric mower will cost you about $5 a year to operate, which is the cost of electricity to power or charge the mower. If you opt for the more convenient cordless electric mower then you should know that the rechargeable battery contains lead and should never end up in a landfill. Fortunately, there are many resources available for recycling rechargeable batteries of all shapes and sizes. You can also find electric blowers, trimmers, tillers and more. Some states offer incentives for purchasing electric equipment so be sure to check.

When it comes picking out your next piece of lawn equipment, Do Your Part and make an economical and eco-friendly choice. It’s a whole lot better for you, your neighbors, and the planet.

If there is one thing gardeners everywhere can’t stand – it’s weeds. However, many times the solution to getting rid of weeds can actually be more of a problem. In fact, it can be downright dangerous because there are growing health concerns about one of the chief ingredients in many of the popular herbicides people use on their lawn and garden. Do Your Part when taking on the pesky problem where you live and find safer solutions. Not only are the alternatives healthier, they are much easier on your wallet.

In my own garden, I make my daily newspaper do the dirty work. It easy and effective. Simply lay out your newspapers out about a half inch deep in the area where you don’t want weeds. Then, give them a good soak with the hose so they don’t fly away. Once the newspaper is in place, it won’t let the sunshine through and that means the weeds won’t grow. To make this area of your lawn more attractive, cover the papers up with mulch or grass clippings. Eventually, earthworms will break down the newspaper and the end result will be healthier soil.

Another effective option when it comes to blocking out sunlight is a roll of landscape fabric. A few years ago, finding eco-friendly landscape fabric was a nearly impossible task. Now, you can find landscape fabric made of recycled paper that gets the job done without any plastic or any unwanted chemicals. This recycled fabric can be found at all the major home improvement stores or online.

I also use white vinegar on pesky weeds that come up near my walkway. Because vinegar can kill most everything you spray it on, you’ll want to be careful as you apply. That’s why I use it in those annoying crevices in my driveway and around my patio. Hot water is also effective when it comes to killing weeds in those same areas.

This summer, don’t poison your lawn and garden. Instead, Do Your Part to get rid of those unwanted weeds in a much safer way.

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It’s spring and pollen is on the attack. It’s in the air, on our skin, and much of it will end up coating our cars. No matter what particular elements you are battling this season, there are eco-friendly ways to keep your car clean for spring. And you can Do Your Part to wash your car without doing damage to our local waterways.

One of the most environmentally unfriendly ways to wash our cars is at home. That’s because hosing down and soaping up cars in our driveways uses and average of 80 to 140 gallons of water. And that’s not even the worst of it. Contaminates such as oil, brake dust, and harsh chemical based detergents run down the driveway into a nearby storm drain. Do you know where that ends up? That untreated soapy water, filled with pollutants, travels right into our lakes and streams.

There are better options when it comes to washing your car yourself. One of the easiest ways to make less impact is to move your car to your lawn or gravel surface where all that contaminated runoff can be absorbed into the ground and filtered naturally. Concerned car owners should also give their car products a good long look. Soaps, waxes, and the like that contain petroleum-based ingredients, kerosene, silicone or mineral spirits should be swapped with biodegradable, phosphate-free versions. That way they won’t damage nearby water supplies. If you’re specifically concerned with reducing the amount of water you use, regulate your water hose with water conserving nozzles. There is also a wide variety of eco-friendly waterless car wash products that eliminate the need for water altogether. Although in pollen season it is probably a good bet to rinse those allergens from your car before getting to the dirty work.

For me, I go the super easy route and choose a responsible car wash facility. A professional car wash generally uses about half as much water as the most careful of home car washer. These facilities are also legally required to route all their used water into the sewer system where it is treated before returning to local waterways. These days, many car washes also understand that they can save money by recycling most, if not all, of the water used in the wash process. This efficiency combined with the environmental benefit also makes selling professional car wash vouchers for a group fundraiser a better way to go than holding the car wash event yourself.

Keeping your car clean maintains your car’s value and it just makes you feel good. Do Your Part as you drive through the season to be clean and green at the same time.

The flowers are blooming, the weather is warming, and pests are starting to appear inside and outside of our homes. Instead of reaching for a toxic cocktail of bug killer, Do Your Part to battle these pests with safer solutions.

Make Mosquitoes Disappear Naturally
Mosquitoes can make life miserable in just a matter of minutes so prevention is key. Scan your yard for pools of standing water – especially after a good rain. Places like clogged gutters or plant saucers are mosquito magnets so get rid of that standing water quickly. If you have a water feature outside or a rain barrel, you can safely keep mosquitoes from breeding by using mosquito dunks. They are easy to find at any hardware store or garden center and they are safe for humans, pets, and wildlife. As for mosquito repellents, there are a number of natural alternatives. Lemon eucalyptus has been proven to be equally as effective as the controversial chemical DEET, found in so many insect repellents. Citronella oil and Cedar oil are among other natural alternatives that will also keep mosquitoes away.

Fight Fleas Without Dangerous Chemicals
It’s tough to watch your dog or cat battle with fleas. The last thing you want to do is to put a toxic collar on them. Those collars usually contain pesticides that can rub off on your pet and people. Prevent fleas by giving your pets regular baths with natural flea fighting shampoos that contain essential oils such as lemongrass, cedarwood, peppermint, rosemary, or thyme. If there’s already evidence of fleas, all natural borax will help kill them on carpets and rugs. Sprinkle some on and let it sit for an hour before vacuuming. Of course, keep your pets and children away from the area during treatment. If you find that you need a stronger solution, ask your vet about oral medications to treat fleas. And, GreenPaws.org also provides a thorough guide where you can type in a flea or tick product to find out just how safe – or unsafe – it really is.

Battle Ants and Roaches Safely
The best way to keep ants and roaches at bay is to make sure they don’t get inside your home in the first place. A natural, safe, and inexpensive solution that I use is something called Diatomaceous Earth (DE). It looks like a powder but is actually made of fossilized microscopic shells. You can buy food grade DE from many home and garden centers. When insects come into contact with it, their outer shell is pierced and they die of dehydration. That’s why it’s a good idea to apply DE around the foundation of your home and in the nooks and crevices where ants and roaches can sneak inside.

This spring, don’t let pests get you down. Do Your Part with a few simple and affordable options to keep them away from your home for good.

Looking to make a difference this Earth Day? There are many ways you can Do Your Part to make our planet healthier. It could be volunteering, supporting local farmers, or even planting a tree. Here are Terri’s Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day to inspire you today and everyday.

1) Volunteer Where You Live

Volunteer at a park, help clean our waterways, or attend another Earth Day event wherever you live. The Environmental Protection Agency’s database searches for volunteer opportunities by zip code so it couldn’t be easier to get started right where it matters most – close to home.

2) Take the Pledge

The Earth Day Network is asking everyone to take an online pledge – stating what they’ll do for the planet. In fact, they are hoping to get people to carry out a billion acts of green. Post your pledge here and let the world know what green act you will commit to doing. It could be anything from turning off lights when leaving a room to biking to work. What will you do?

3) Get Kids Involved

We all know how important it is to get kids to involved in helping protect our planet at an early age. A new nationwide campaign called Pennies for the Planet can do just that. It’s the work of the National Audubon Society. The project gives kids all the tools they’ll need to start a penny collection campaign of their own. The money will go to help protect river rest stops for birds, boost butterfly habitats, and also to helping birds in the Gulf Coast.

4) Go Local!

One of the best ways to go green is to go local. It could be supporting restaurants which only use sustainable seafood, using native plants in your garden, or tasting the season’s bounty at a nearby farmer’s market. So how do you know what’s available right were you live? Use Do Your Part’s Local Green Guide for all the info you need – right at your fingertips!

5) Plant a Tree

Planting trees is an important way to give back to our planet. Trees remove contaminants from our air, land, and water. And there’s no better time to plant a tree than this month.

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Temperatures are on the rise. The school year is starting to wind down. And, that means prom season is heating up. Whether you’re a high school student or prom parent, Do Your Part as you plan for what to wear, the accessories you’ll need, where to dine, and how to get around. A few smarter choices will help you spend less and look fabulous while treading a bit lighter on the planet.

Dress Decisions
For most prom-goers it’s all about the dress. And lucky you, there are more green options than ever. Consider consignment shops around town. Many have fashionable dresses that have only been worn once and for an unbelievable price. You can also make one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Another smart option is your local Goodwill. Dresses there are incredibly inexpensive and some Goodwill Stores even feature prom sales with dresses donated by boutiques. Now, if you know exactly which designer dress you want to don this year, let technology help you be green. There are several online designer dress sites where you can rent the gown of your dreams. The cost is a fraction of the retail price and you don’t have to fear wearing it once and letting it go to waste in your closet. And, don’t forget to donate your past prom dresses. Donate My Dress and The Cinderella Project are just two worthwhile organizations to consider.

Accessories, Accessories, Accessories
So, you’ve got the dress. What about the accessories? There are the handbags to consider. Just like the dress, there are plenty of online spots that feature bag rentals for any budget. And the rental market doesn’t end there. You can add on earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Returns are usually super simple. Another accessory that is synonymous with prom is the corsage. Check with your favorite florist to use locally grown, in season, and organic flowers in your corsage or boutonniere. This is a much better option than using traditional roses that are usually imported from other countries and treated with large amounts of pesticides.

Responsible Reservations & Getting Around
The next big question is, where should you eat? Do something a bit different when you dine pre-prom this year. LocalHarvest.org and DineGreen.com will both help you research restaurants specializing in locally grown foods. As for getting to the restaurant of your choice – consider carpooling. Whether you rent a limo or ride together in another way, it beats out taking several vehicles to each location.

Remember, half the fun of the prom comes before you even arrive at the big dance! So Do Your Part as you get ready, dine out, and arrive at the biggest high school event of the year.