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What causes childhood eczema?

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I have recently been wondering if the increased incidence of childhood eczema could possibly be linked to clothing and bedding used. Natural untreated fibres used in the manufacture of clothing cause almost no skin problems. We know that conventionally grown cotton is very chemically intensively farmed and amongst many other potential side effects skin damage is mentioned. There is also much speculation about the harmful effects of formaldehyde which is used in textile finishing. It is widely accepted to be carcinogenic in some circumstances. Symptoms associated with formaldehyde exposure include headaches, respiratory problems, coughing and watery eyes. It can also aggravate asthma attacks. Frequent skin contact in clothing which has been treated can cause hyper sensitivity which leads to the development of contact dermatitis. Formaldehyde is applied during the manufacturing process in such a way that it becomes a permanent part of the fibre. Although repeated washings can lower the levels of formaldehyde it continues to be released for the lifetime of the fabric. It might be best therefore to avoid these finishes completely. Although manufacturers are not required to state whether they have used formaldehyde look for items that are labelled “no iron”, “shrink proof”, “stretch proof”, “permanently pressed” or “crease resistant”. As formaldehyde is used to keep fabrics wrinkle free these terms are indicative that it may have been used.Read More »What causes childhood eczema?

Give your kitchen a green makeover

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You don’t need to rip out your existing kitchen and start over if you want to give your kitchen a green makeover. There are lots of little changes that you can make to your kitchen to improve its green credentials. In this article we’ll start with the little changes, and work up to a whole new eco-friendly kitchen. So, no matter what your budget is, there’ll be something that you can do.

Every little step makes a difference

Starting small means that you won’t find the process of going green so daunting.

  • Switch to biodegradable cleaning products – Ecover products are readily available at supermarkets. Other products to look out for are Bio-D and Biocare, their Citrus Degreaser is really good on a greasy hob. You can also try good old fashioned methods of cleaning.
  • Stop buying disposable dishcloths – Instead, try buying cotton dishcloths that can be washed and used over and over again. Or try microfibre cloths, that can be used without any cleaning agents.
  • Avoid buying kitchen roll – If you must have it, opt for the recycled variety.
  • Compost – Get yourself a bucket or compost crock and fill it with fruit and vegetable peelings, leftover salads, the contents of your vacuum cleaner, hair from your hairbrush, compostable packaging and small bits of textile made from natural fibres. You can find out how to compost here, and what to compost here.

By making just these few simple changes you will already be protecting the water table and yourself from exposure to dangerous chemicals, saving energy, saving trees from being cut down, and keeping organic waste out of landfill. But there’s no need to stop there, you’re just getting into the swing of things. Read More »Give your kitchen a green makeover