Buta Full Life

A Campaign for Moderated Bottled Water Use.

2011-01-24T12:35:00.068-05:00

This blog is regularly updated, reflecting what my followers have received to date throughout winter 2011.

Summer season is now 5 months away. Let's image:
It will be hot, we will play outside more, we will have picnics, day trips, day camps for the kids, walks in our favorite spots, boat rides, and more. Nice thoughts on the coldest day of the year so far, eh?

We'll also kick up our bottled water usage.

There are times when buying and drinking bottled water is a great choice. Maybe we're out and about spontaneously. Maybe we're traveling on jets. Maybe we're in Mexico and are trying to protect our guts. Whatever the reason, sometimes bottled water is the best choice we have.

Let's talk about the time we do have a choice. We can choose ultra convenience, toss a bottle in our bag then pop open a bottle when we get there. Or, we can take a minute, fill a water bottle with fresh filtered water right at home or at our office and bring that to the gym, to the playground, to the concert.

If we hope to use bottled water less often in summer, it's time to start the resolution to change (or at least truly consider a resolution to change?) now. Six months before. We can be ready then, if we adjust our habits now, right?

Take a moment and comment on your thoughts about bottled water.

If you'd like more facts about the impact of bottled water, baker's dozen facts of my Bottled Water Reduction Campaign are updated below as it progresses throughout winter, 2011.

If you are ready to reduce your bottled water usage, but want better then tap water, click here for
Filtration Pitchers
High Volume Broad-Spectrum Countertop Filtration System
High Volume Broad-Spectrum Undercounter Filtration System

Fact: We drink a lot of bottled water.

33 billion liters of bottled water sold in the United States in 2007 according to the Beverage Marketing Corporation. That averages out to about 110 liters (almost 30 gallons) of water per person, not including soda or juices.

Fact: Bottled water is better then soda or juice if you don't have a choice.

"Since 2001, bottled water sales have increased by 70 percent in the United States. far surpassing those of milk and beer. Only sodas have larger sales." 90 millions liters of water and soda are being shipped around the country. Environ. Res. Lett. 4 (2009) 014009 (6pp)

Fact: Bottling water takes energy.
“It took an estimated 32-54 million barrels of oil to generate the energy to produce the amount of bottled water consumed in the United States in 2007.”

As a nation, we’re looking to reduce energy use. Lots of folks would like to reduce petroleum dependency, one of the precepts of BFLI’s Pollution Reduction Initiative.

Peter Gleick, president of the Pacific Institute, and colleague Heather Cooley .

http://www.pacinst.org/reports/bottled_water/index.htm) Published in the Journal Environmental Research Letters.

Fact: How does a little bottle rack up so much oil?

Making the bottle is a big start.

Gleick and Cooley estimated that about 1 million tons of PET* was used to make plastic bottles in the United States in 2007 requiring about 13 billion barrels of oil for the total production.

http://www.pacinst.org/reports/bottled_water/index.htm)

*PET is recycling #1 plastic, also abbreviated as PETE.

FACT: Oil: bottled water vs tap water.
The amount (of oil to make bottled water) is 2,000 times more than is required to make tap water.
Peter Gleick, Pacific Institute.

Fact: Water is heavy and costly to ship.

Whether as the primary ingredient in a juice, a soda, or pure spring water, a liter of water weighs about a kilogram, approximately 2.2 pounds. In the US in 2007, 1.3 billion gallons of oil were used to ship water. David Coale, Acterra

Fact: Plastic bottles are poorly recycled.

Only about 23 percent of bottles, including soda, are recycled.

Life of a Water Bottle, Lindsay Mangum, NPR, June 11, 2007

Fact: Bottled water is better then tap water?

Two quotes:

“We live in a country where we have very good tap water," Peter Glick, The Pacific Institute.

I totally agree. The federal standards for clean tap water are the same as for clean bottled water.

“No, I wouldn’t argue it’s safer or not safer.”

Yale University School of Medicine’s Dr Stephen Edberg, recommended by the International Bottled Water Association to “ “20/20: Bottled Water: Better Than the Tap?”

I know Dr. Edberg from my Yale University research days. I did the “hands on” research for one of his water quality projects.

Fact: Bottle water is pure?

Maybe or maybe not. Environmental Health and Safety took a look. Sometimes the results for a particular brand were better then the standard. Sometimes worse. Often times, not tested so who knows?

If you want to be sure the contaminants are out of your water, start with your tap water then filter it with a good filtration system. We offer pitcher filters, countertop units and under - counter units.

Pitchers filter 80 gallons per filter and fit Brita, Pur and most pitcher systems. The larger units filter 1000 gallons and one filter change per year.

Mixed Organic Cocktails Anyone?

2010-11-12T14:09:00.001-05:00

The Massachusetts Regional Water Authority is a highly reputable water company. By Massachusetts law, they test above and beyond the federal EPA standards for a wide variety of minerals, and even organic disinfectant by-products. They do a good job.

But they don’t test and can’t test for all of the industrial and agricultural products commonly present in our water supply. Just a sampling of common persistent organic compounds include atrazine, alachlor, simazine, benzene, xylene, carbofuran, pentachlorophenol, methoxychlor, Dinoseb, and the most widely used pesticide in the world, 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid)

I oppose legislation, perhaps surprisingly, requiring water companies to test for all of these chemicals. I know what that would entail from my professional experience in water quality and toxicology labs. With the expensive technology, our water bills would go through the roof creating more of a hardship for homeowners in these tough economic times.

Does that sound inconsistent with wanting everyone to have safe water and even everyone having the right to safe water? Confusing, but by now, it’s obvious that I’m too passionate about health to not propose simpler and fully economical solutions to mandated contaminant testing.

Here’s three actions that can make your water safer.

Everyone needs quality water filtered drinking water. Top brand filter pitches aren’t effective against most or all persistent organic chemicals just like they are not rated for lead. Ours is. So, if our brand is as good or better than what your are already using, would there be any reason not to switch brands and be sure? Both pitcher styles or family models are available
Secondly, do not depend on bottled water. Bottled water has the same standards as tap water. If you want to be sure your bottled water does not contain the lovely POCs listed above, please request full testing information from each individual company you use.
Third, maintain your lawn in a safe environmentally sound manner. Fertilizers and pesticides from lawns are main pollution sources. Here's a link for organic lawn care. Better yet, consider an indigenous species lawn like I'm cultivating on the Cape, or ultra low maintanence lawns. (Would you please let them know I sent you?) And, to reduce storm water run off that carries off fertilizers and lawn pesticides, check out the Charles River Watershed Association brochures.

Thanks for reading!

Susan
Butafullife.com

Get the Lead Out!

2010-09-27T13:53:00.014-05:00

In the USA, we are so blasted lucky to have the safest water in the world. I'm so grateful for the privilege of accessible good water!

However, do you ever read those reports sent to our homes by our water companies? If you have, you know that even the best water in the world still needs improvement.

Here in Boston, and probably in your area too, our water reservoirs are in great shape. There isn't any lead, for example, in our water supply. But our municipal water authority reports lead is found at our taps. The contamination is picked up along the way to our homes with the majority of lead contamination caused by our own plumbing.

By the time samples are taken at the faucets of our homes, 90% of us drink on average, 10.6 parts per billion (ppb). One in ten homes have levels above the "action level" of 15 ppb.

The amounts seem low, but the EPA says the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal for lead is zero.

No amount of lead is safe in our drinking water.

We all need to know about lead in our water. Families have an even greater burden. A modest amount of lead in our kid's bloodstreams can lead to measurable drops in SAT scores and noticeable increases in aggressive behavior. And, did you know that lead continues to build up in the body? It's rare in the USA, but lead can cause adults serious health issues with even modest levels contributing to disease.

The best quick, cheap, and effective solution to protect yourself from water borne lead is to filter your water, right at your tap.

All our pitcher, counter top, and under-the-counter filter systems take the lead out.

Click here if you want to be sure to get the lead out!

We also offer replacement cartridges for your Brita™ or Pur™ pitchers because these leading brands did not pass the newest WQA and NSF standards as recently as June, 2010.* Our better-for-the-environment filter replacements have refillable cartridges and filter twice as much water.

So, if our products are as good or better then what you are already using, is there any reason you wouldn't switch and shop for your filter replacements with us? We offer on-line shopping and home delivery. You can even have filters and other items sent right to your in the future so you won't run out. It's called autoship and you can set up your automatic shipments up during your first order. What a blessing for busy people!

Thanks for reading!

Susan

* Testing comparisons on June 16, 2010 from WQA and NSF certified reduction claims for the Brita OB-36 and the PUR CR-6000C pitchers.

De-gunking: cleansing your body of toxins.

2010-06-02T12:30:00.018-05:00

Hi!

When I last wrote, I introduced Paula F. Baillie–Hamilton, the author of “The Body Restoration Plan” and "Toxic Overload" She’s the gal who studies the effect of chemical calories and their role of bodies of holding on to stubborn pounds.

So, where to begin? How does one start the process of getting the gunk out of our cells so good stuff like nutrients can go in and feed each and every cell?

When I work with people who are committed to a preventative program for their health, I often suggest starting with a natural herbal cleanse. Sure, you can juice, fast, do colonics, and all sorts of other cleanses, but the reality, there’s a greater chance for more people to do the thing if it’s easy, right? I feel so much better after cleansing that I do one at least once per year. It’s just part of my toolbox of stuff that allows my body to be healthier, thinner, and stronger then a decade ago.

The suggestions I offer are those from Gemma Gorham, MPH, Nutrition Specialist with Initiative for a Healthy Weight, RI Dept of Public Health. Ms. Gorham was the nutrition instructor during my Wellness Educator certification training. I will list the steps briefly then add more explanation for each step at the end of the blog.

These are, in summary, the nutrients in Ms. Gorham's cleansing program. Scroll down for detailed descriptions about each nutrient.

Drink pure, filtered water – gobs of it during cleansing.
Eat as close to nature as you can by eating fresh foods when you cleanse. Preservative laden foods would thwart the very goal a cleanse tries to achieve, right?
Use mature alfalfa to work in the bloodstream at the cellular level.
Use a mixture of soluble and insoluble fiber and gentle colon cleaning herbs to clean out your intestines – a great reservoir of waste gunk, wouldn’t you say?
Use a milk thistle product to support your liver to naturally regenerate liver cells
Once the gut is cleaner, re-introduce good guy bacteria, called probiotics.

Experience has shown that many toxins release in just about 3-5 days. In 30-days, with smart, consistent supplementation our clients report feeling much better. In 60 days most people who are on a consistent, regular supplementation program feel so much better, they wonder why they waited so long to try our programs. It’s that remarkable! Plus our manufacturer guarantees their products so you can’t lose – oh, except maybe some atrazine…

Let’s say you want to cleanse now, click here now to get started. Otherwise, I’ll be right here when you are ready to get the gunk out. But hey, please do it before the gunk does irreparable damage. Perhaps you agree that it’s harder to repair then to prevent.

So, more details of the cleanse process:

All cleanses start with lots of fresh, pure water. If you are going to drag gunk out of cells, they better be flushed out of the body ASAP. Does that make sense? Flushing with water containing oxidative chemicals - think chlorine - or chemical pollution such as toluene, chlorobenzene or hexachlorobutadiene* that all could be in tap or bottled water sounds counterproductive, yes?

*my "diene" - get it? buta diene? ;-) My chemistry students thought this was really funny...

Bottled water purity is very difficult to gauge. Some of it’s really good and some of it is no better then what’s minimally acceptable to federal water standards. So, how do you know? You don’t! Or, maybe with some research…

If you want good filtered water, filter your tap water as you use it. No plastics leeching, no re-contamination, just fresh, filtered water. The best filtration system uses reverse osmosis technology – an expensive option. With our local waters in fairly good shape, I recommend an on-site filtered water system that meets filtration NSF/ANSI standards 42 and 53 as a good choice. On-tap water filters and most pitchers are not quite good enough, as most only meet the easier “42” standard. Click here for the filtration system I use because I only need to change the filter once a year for all my family's drinking and cooking water.

Eat for life while you cleanse.

Twinkies and chips aren’t going to cut it. Neither will power bars. Why put in what we’re trying to take out? Stick to whole foods that a farmer would recognize. Check labels for high protein and fiber contents. Avoid process foods and those loaded with preservatives. Wash all fruit and veggies with soap. I use a couple drops my household cleaner (link) as a fruit and veggie wash because it rinses completely.

Use whole leaf alfalfa to cleanse the cells.

Mature alfalfa leaves (verses sprouts) has many essential trace minerals, digestive enzymes, and chlorophyll to cleanse at the cellular level. We carry a convenient tablet form. I take a bunch of them everyday during heavy tree pollen season because alfalfa calms my allergies down. I can breathe easily without medications. Many people take alfalfa every day to decrease her inflammation from arthritis. Others like alfalfa because it is such a nutrient rich food. Talk about a substance with lots of side benefits!

Clean your gut.

Our bodies eliminate waste in two ways, commonly known to kids as #1 and #2. So, you will drink LOTS of pure water for the water soluble stuff and your colon must take care of the rest. Get that stuff out by increasing your fiber. Ms. Gorham suggests doing it with high fiber, whole grains and veggies, fiber tablets, and a gentle natural herbal blend that helps in moving the gunk through the plumbing so it can get out.

Probiotics are gaining in popularity, hence even Hollywood starts like Jamie Lee Curtis talks about their benefits to millions of TV viewers. Isn’t that special?

What you really need to know is that one little pill can do what a month’s worth of eating yogurt can do. Get the good-guy bacteria into the intestines where they belong to help heal those tiny little leaks in the gut suspected to be a major source of allergies and autoimmune problems. Then feed them so they want to stay for life.

Want more information? Click right here to contact me.

Thanks for reading!

Can’t lose weight? Look at your household chemicals.

2010-02-22T11:17:00.004-05:00

Chemical residues may be causing you to eat more, exercise less, and be less motivated.

Paula F. Baillie–Hamilton, in a 2002 Publication, Chemical Toxins: A Hypothesis to Explain the Global Obesity Epidemic, (Alternative Complement Med8[2]:185–192,2002) first introduced the concept of the chemical calorie – "an estimate value of the degree of damage caused by a chemical to the body’s natural weight-loss system.” We can think about chemical calories as the effect of holding on to stubborn pounds due to chemical residues. If dieting hasn’t work for you or is very difficult, it’s time to recognize the importance of chemical calories.

There are many families of chemicals that stick around in our bodies. Many of these persistent organic chemicals can dissolve in both water and fats and oils so we can ingest them in several different ways. Here's a few examples:

Household products can be breathed or eaten.
The foods we eat are often contaminated with pesticides, antibiotics or steroids.
We may drink chemicals that interrupt our metabolism as they are in our water supplies.

In her interviews, publications and books, Dr. Paula F. Baillie–Hamilton reveals how these ‘sticky’ compounds “mimic the hormones (that regulate metabolism) and send messages that impact various hormonal systems. Because hormones control such basic human desires such as appetite, energy levels, and motivation, they can drive a person to eat more then is needed.”

It’s absolutely clear that weight loss is not just a matter of eating less.

Dr. Baillie-Hamilton even suggests that “no diet will really ever work without detoxification.”

So if you have had trouble losing weight – stop beating yourself over the head! It isn’t just about will power!

Start detoxing instead! Get down to that biochemistry level and have your body restore itself!

That’s what I did. I sought better energy and better immunity and one side benefit was better weight management. And now, I’m healthier, stronger, and thinner then 10 years ago. Would it be attractive for you or for someone you love to say the same in a decade?

Here’s a brief summary of Dr. Baillie-Hamilton’s recommendations:

Limit toxic exposure – click here for cleaners that will detox your home.
Detox your body – We have a cleansing program ready for you right now. Contact me now.
Eat less contaminated food – contact me for a list of the “Dirty Dozen” and commonly contaminated foods.
Take the right supplements recommended by Dr. Baillie-Hamilton – and the weight management program she helped create.
Drink purified water - here's where to get more information or order an excellent filtration system.

“And, of course,” says, Dr. Baillie-Hamilton, “as a lifestyle change, this program is permanent and can not be done overnight. It’s not a “quick fix.” – It is a program for sustained overall health.”

That has certainly been my experience! That's why I’m so committed to a proactive healthy, dynamic, beautiful life. If what I do is better then what you are already doing, is there any reason not to try a new approach?

To your health!

On New Year's Day, 2011

2010-01-05T12:12:00.002-05:00

It's the New Year and some things have to change for lots of us - health.
Would 10 or more pounds and keeping it off be a benefit to your health?
Hey! What does that have to do with cleaning chemicals?

More and more, I read research suggesting that weight loss becomes a medical condition over time, not a will power test. Researchers are looking at the biochemical issue of weight control – blood sugar, chemical calories, enzyme deficiencies, set point irregularities, hormonal satiation signaling, environmental chemicals, and more. Some of that stuff is due to what’s on us and what’s around us and therefore, gets in us.

I found this to be true in my life. Losing weight, for me, was a side benefit of getting healthier and staying that way as I paid attention to "in, on, and around me."

My journey started in 1998 when I had an immunity shutdown. I was constantly sick and gained at least 20 pounds in the previous decade. Yet, I exercised, ate right, etc. I could not understand why my body degraded. By March I was homebound. That was my wake up call.

My friend recommended a range of products to give my body what it needed to heal itself naturally. Yes, I thought it was too expensive too, but as compared to what? I finally did what she recommmended and I felt better within one week. If you could feel better even in 30 days, can you image how happy you’d feel?

I now have lots of tools in my toolbox and have enjoyed great success. These are some of the tools I have available:

Products that work.
Our Inch-loss products helped me with a problem I had for years - my stomach flab. I always try products before recommending them. In one month, I only “lost” 2-3 pounds as most of the weight was already off, but I shrank 2 inches off my abdomen during the trial. I guess I was just holding those inches until my body had the right biochemical tools to release the bulk. I went down a pants size and it’s not come back in four years.

Safe Products
Our product manufacturer is the #1 natural supplement company in the world. They are leaders in science based products and have been in business for over 50 years.

Product Support
Inch-loss starter packs are accompanied by support websites, CD’s, recipes, individualized programs, and more.
P.S. If you buy, I would be grateful if you used this link.

I realize that a lot of good companies say similar stuff – right? So how is this program different?

You get me!
I want to give you great service and be attentive to your results and give good answers your questions. It's important for you to get the results you want so we guarantee the products. I’ve done my homework well and have many resources and skills for your success.

You get my team!
We have two partners who specialize in Inch Loss, both very effective, although with different styles. Weight management and better health are not a private matter. Everyone needs support and that support needs to come from outside your normal circle.

Barb Mardorin works with folks who want to take off anywhere from 10-100 pounds and would like to take it off and keep it off healthfully. She’s nurturing, calming, and a joy to hear.

The Wise Guys, Leo and Michael Gallarano, and Bill Burrows are straight shooters who hold lively conversations each Tuesday night. Leo lost something like 60 pounds and also lost all his prescription medications.

The coolest thing, is you don’t have to choose! You can get a bit of both or settle on the best fit for you.

Finally, I want to sweeten the pot to make it worth your while.

You get paid!
How’s an extra 100 bucks by 2011?

We can play it straight, or even better,
let’s make a bet because research shows you will have a greater chance of success if you do!

You lose (meaning you win the challenge) you get the bucks! Do something fun!

You gain, (meaning you get off track) and we’ll give that money, slowly, but surely, to charity – especially one that you’d hate to support because that would motivate you even more according to stickK.com. So, would that be Bill Clinton’s or George Bush’s Presidential Library Fund? ;-)

The details

1. Start with our team and our products by Jan 25, 2009.
2. Set a goal of 1-3 pounds per week, according to your body composition.
3. Maintain orders of at least 100 PV a month (ask me: bfli@buta.org).
4. Reach your goal and maintain your weight goal by June 25 and
I’ll pay you $50. Yep, you get a chunck of my profit because your health is worth my dollars.
5. Keep on the maintenance program and when the New Year rolls around, I’ll pay you another $50!

Have a happy NEW year and may we both lose!

Traditions and Good Ideas

2009-11-19T10:55:00.008-05:00

"Good ideas are not adopted automatically.
They must be driven into practice with courageous patience."
– Hyman Rickover.

Traditions like Thanksgiving are often uplifting and grounding. We welcome them warmly.

Every day choices can become traditions too. Call them habits perhaps, but these familiar choices guide a lot of what we do, from brushing teeth to choosing our products. Advertisers work tirelessly to entice you to change your product choices.

I do things a little differently. I have a good idea of how to orchestrate better health and a safer, cleaner environment by carefully choosing our household cleaning chemicals. I won’t ring bells and whistle fluff at you, because that’s not how I like to buy.

I will, however, patiently seek to personally connect with you on behalf of my quest to literally change the world and other small things like that, through applying four objective criteria for truly green cleaning.

Change, even small change is hard. Acting different creates stress" says Lou Tice, of the Pacific Institute, "It doesn't matter whether the new behavior is worse or better than the old."

Mr. Tice suggests reducing that stress of change by "taking out the pain and anxiety of change Change the mental picture you have of yourself first. Literally rehearse the future in your head, and see yourself acting in the new way. You take yourself through it safely and comfortably in your mind, over and over again. Soon it doesn't feel like new behavior at all. It feels like something you routinely do."

Buying differently, from a "direct to consumer" marketer is a change.
But it benefits both you and people like me who own local small businesses.

Changing how we use cleaning products is a change.
But reducing 50,000 pounds of greenhouse gases is a benefit to us all.

Using high quality supplements to get healthier and stay that way is a change.
But you will be quite thankful, as research shows, that you did in 20 years.

I've visualized change and made it happen. I work to create a beautiful life that allows me to make positive change in the world while doing well by doing good.

How about you? Ready for change?
I'm right here to help with products, services, and a good listening ear.

Happy Thanksgiving!

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate?

2009-09-21T12:56:00.012-05:00

I’m departing from my usual because I believe that a strong immune system is high on the priority list for my family this year. Is strong immunity for you or yours also important too?

I’m thinner, healthier, and stronger then I was 10 years ago. Do you know others who say that?

I’m healthy and do not have complicated factors so I’m choosing not to vaccinate against H1N1 this year. In Massachusetts, at least 4000 confirmed cases have been reported and thousands more flu cases were suspected, but not confirmed due to mild symptoms. 11 people, nearly all of who reportedly had complicating health concerns like respiratory disease or age factors, sadly died. H1N1 can be dangerous for some. (note: seasonal flu in the US kills an estimated 36,000 people yearly)

Now, only your doctor can give you advice whether the flu or H1N1 flu immunization is right or not right for you, but here are things I’ve done to give myself the a lower risk of succumbing to the flu. I’ll let you know if I made the right choice at the end of the season!

1. I eat well. I eat a fresh Mediterranian diet, and often eat vegetarian meals. I like them and feel great the day after! However, in full disclosure, I eat dessert almost every day! Mmmm, butter and sugar…

2. I take my supplements on a consistent, regular basis. Click on one of the following links to see what I take each day to support my immune system and support my cellular health.

3. I exercise. I go to the gym, I walk about town, I park further away from large stores, I take the stairs. And, when I can, I bike, hike or build Habitat houses on the weekend. I feel so energized when I move my bod!

4. I detoxify my environment

I use cleaners that meet the Four Criteria for really green clean.
I drink purified water with filters meeting NSF/ANSI standards 42 and 53.
I use a whole house air purifier that is effective in reducing particles in the air, bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, gases, and odors.
I wash my hands with soap and water. No antibacterials since they are so damaging to human and animal hormone development.

5. I protect my rest and actively work on stress management.
I’m a type A gal and if I build in stress management techniques in my day, I am much more content. The techniques I use could include: prayer, outdoor time, exercise, relaxation tapes, quiet time, yoga, reading for pleasure, get together with friends, and biofeedback.

So, that’s what I do.

And my customers and partners that do the same things I do on a consistent regular basis, also enjoy similar healthy lives.

How about you? Do you wish you could be stronger, thinner, and healthier in ten years?

I’m right here to discuss what I do more in depth. Maybe you’ll find you can say the same thing in 10 years if you do what I do? bfli@buta.org, 617-504-4971.

Losing weight

2009-08-04T14:26:00.005-05:00

What more popular topic is there then losing weight?

To do that for your body, I’m passing you off to my buddies The Wise Guys. Tell them I sent you and have a blast with Leo and Michael who know all about losing fat but while keeping muscle.

Here's what I'm thinking about: Did you know plastic bottles are going on "diets" to make them "skinnier?" I didn’t much think about fat bottled water bottles until I saw this billboard in downtown Boston; imagine a tape measure around the hourglass shaped “waist” of Aquafina.™ brand bottled water. 50% less packaging! Imagine how good that is for the environment because in 2006, the Pacific Institute estimated that it took 17 million gallons of oil just to produce the bottles of bottled water. Seth Godin thinks 50% less weight is a good business move too.

At 10.9 grams, the Eco-Fina Bottle is made with 50 percent less plastic, eliminating an estimated 75 million pounds of plastic annually. Good job PepsiCo! (We promise not to say too much about all those the Gatorade, soda, vitamin water, etc bottles though!)

However great “skinny” bottles seem, we still have the problem of the real gas-guzzler: Shipping the actual water.

The Pacific Institute reports in their Bottled Water and Energy Fact Sheet: After the 17 million gallons of oil needed to product the plastic bottles, "more energy is needed to fill the bottles with water at the factory, move it by truck, train, ship, or air freight to the user, cool it in grocery stores or home refrigerators, and recover, recycle, or throw away the empty bottles. The Pacific Institute estimates that the total amount of energy embedded in our use of bottled water can be as high as the equivalent of filling a plastic bottle one quarter full with oil."

I’m not for a minute going to knock bottle water as a preferable healthy choice to sodas, juice drinks, coffee drinks, etc when we’re unexpectedly out and about. But for our daily activities, if you want really pure water (see our last post), it’s really easy to filter the water from your tap, bundle it up in a stainless steel water bottle, and be on your way!

We can help make it easy to filter your water, increase your natural abilities to stay healthy, and take along the water. Click here for our special August Water and Health package good through August 28, 2009. We’ll throw in a free Buta Full Life stainless steel water bottle as our thanks for your commitment.

If you have a family our best bet recommendation is the MTS filtration system - 800 gallons of water with one filter that’s changed only once a year). We’ll thank you with up to four free BFLI bottles for your family. Offer ends August 28, 2009.

Enjoy the summer!

It's Summer, I'm hot! What’s best to grab? Bottled or Tap?

2009-06-02T22:37:00.012-05:00

When I’m thirsty and have a choice – I say neither.

Huh?

Below you’ll find great info about US water standards for tap and bottled water, expert opinions about which is better, the environmental impact of bottled water, trash talk, cost comparisons of water options and an explanation of the photo you're looking at.

Before browsing the topics headings that catch your eye, let me cut to the chase for those who appreciate fast information when they are looking for a solution.

I filter my water - right at the tap for about $0.17 a gallon.
I use a Microkinetics Treatment System (MTS) and I never have to worry about what’s in my water. My water tastes absolutely great- actually better then bottled! (alas... no fizzies for festive occasions.)

If I’m out and about, I just put that same freshly filtered water into my stainless steel water bottle. No organic chemicals leaching, totally reusable, and both me and the environment get a break! Here's where to get great filtration systems! See below for our welcome to summer sale in June, 2009!

Below you'll find lots of information about water quality along with links to other articles. Let me know what catches your eye!

US Water Standards for Tap and Bottled Water
The US standards for bottled water are the same standards for tap water. In fact, roughly 40 percent of bottled water begins as tap water and often the only difference is added minerals that have no marked health benefit.

Expert Opinions: Which is Better- Tap or Bottled?

“Yale University School of Medicine’s Dr Stephen Edberg, recommended by the International Bottled Water Association to “20/20” for their report entitled “Bottled Water: Better Than the Tap?” agreed that bottled water is no better for you. “No, I wouldn’t argue it’s safer or not safer.”

(How cool is this? I was the chemist at a start up company for Dr. Edberg’s invention of Colilert™ - a coliform bacteria testing product that is now used throughout the country. He would come by to discuss results and future research.)

Even bottled water industry officials don't claim bottled water is better for you than tap water. "We think drinking water, whether it's bottled or tap water, is a good thing. I will not state that bottled water is healthier," says Joe Doss, president of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), which represents bottled water makers. Instead the association stresses that there are some "taste differences" and "convenience issues." "It just boils down to what consumers prefer," says Doss.

Environmental Impact
Bottled water is an oil monster! For every six and a half gallons of water, we need to use 1 gallon of oil. Read on!

Environmental Letters (Jan – Mar 2009) reported a study done by Peter Gleick , president of the Pacific Institute, a nonpartisan research institute, and his colleague Heather Cooley. “An estimated total of the equivalent of 32 million to 54 million barrels (1.34 to 2.27 billion US gallons) of oil was required to generate the energy to produce the amount of bottled water consumed (33 billion liters) in the United States in 2007 writes Andrea Thompson, Senior Writer for livescience.com, in her article The Energy Footprint of Bottled Water.

Trash Talk
Even though plastic bottles can be recycling, they basically aren’t being recycled.

Emily Arnold and Janet Larsen reported in their 2006 article, Pouring Resources Down the Drain, “According to the Container Recycling Institute, 86 percent of plastic water bottles used (33 billions liters in 2007) in the United States become garbage or litter.”

Cost Comparisons
Arnold and Larsen continue: "Although in the industrial world bottled water is often no healthier than tap water, it can cost up to 10,000 times more. At as much as $2.50 per liter ($10 per gallon), bottled water costs more than gasoline."

Bottled water is really expensive. At the grocery store end, it’s $0.79 per pint. And, I’m sure you are like me; I’ve had to fork out as much as $2.00 for bottled water or else drink cheaper, but sugary sodas, juices, or artificially sweetened beverages.

Tap water is free. Because I choose to filter out the organics and any particles picked up along the pipeline, I pay about $0.17 a gallon for really good quality water.

Does Filtration Work?
As you see at the very top, a picture of a used filter says a thousand words. Yes, it really works.

BFLI recommends overcounter and undercounter MTS filtration models. Our recommended BestWater MTS filters are rated* for 1000 gallons of water (compare to pitcher products that usually rate 40 gallons before replacement). Plus, pitcher units do not have the same quality of filtration. After the initial purchase, a gallon of truly purified water is only about 17 cents a gallon.

Thanks so much for reading!
Now, what are you going to drink today?
Of course I'm right here to answer any questions!

Susan

Rated NSF/ANSI standards 42 (particulates qnd aesthetic qualities) and 53 (Volatile organics and cytosporin and other health qualities).

Summer water sale!
Purchase a new MTS system as a member in June (That's how to save an extra 15% right away!), use it for a month of great tasting water, and we'll rebate your membership fee as a thank you to you and your health!

Safer Alternatives: De-Gunking the Public "Kitchen Sink"

2009-03-28T15:56:00.021-05:00

Greetings to you today!

If you have seen BFLI’s consumer awareness presentation, you know we're on a mission to get the gunk out from under your kitchen sink.

Today, I'm thinking about the public arena- where legislation can be effective.

So, why not Twitter your friends what you are doing right now as you read this! It’s really cool to make the world a better place!

Let’s take a moment to define “Safer Alternatives.” A safer alternative simply means that if a chemical or cleaner is toxic to people, and if there is a safer and economical alternative that will equivalently do the job, companies should use the safer alternative. Doesn’t that make sense?

Priority goes to the really nasty stuff first- like getting PERC out of the dry cleaning industry because safer alternatives are readily available.

If a company doesn’t know if safer alternatives exist, it’s relatively easy to find out if one does exist through University of Massachusetts. Lowell’s TURI (Toxic Use Reduction Institute’s) chemical solutions website – a true wealth of information for consumers and industry.

After examining the Massachusetts "Safer Alternatives" bill in detail, both pros and cons,
I recommend supporting this type of legislation.

So if you are ready to get the public “kitchen sink” cleaned out:

1. Find your state and national representatives by clicking here.

Now how easy was that!! You’ve now found everyone who represents you!

2. Next step: Click a rep's name.

3. Please write your reps an email saying, “I’d like to be protected by legislation that asks companies to use safer alternatives to toxic substances when possible and when economical. Please support this type of legislation.”

You have my permission to plagiarize, so please cut and paste now, 'cause if you are like me I'll make it too complicated and it won’t get done! So, KIS!

4. If you have time, click another name.

5. Then, put on your laurels! Tell your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, Plaxo, My Space, etc!

Done! Have a fabulous day!

Thanks so much and please remember, I'm right here to help you with your safer home or office environment and providing recommendations for a healthier, dynamic lifestyle.

Not done?
Yes, some of you are like me, right? I prefer reading everything I support.
OK, here are the launch sites of my research:

Want to know more about the Safer Alternative movement on several issues?

Clean Water Action has good national and state by state information on water quality.
The Alliance for a Healthier Tomorrow was my jumping off point for the MA legislation.
U.S. Public Interest Research Groups (US PIRG) advises many state’s legislation on water, toys, chemicals, and more.

Do you want to read about some local bills?

In Massachusetts, the bill is Senate, No. 2481
In Illinois, HB3792 was just introduced. I have not yet read the bill.
The US Congressional action's bill is H.R. 5577, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008.

Enjoy the read, or just go back to the top and write your reps if it's easier.

Whatever you choose, truly, thanks so much for reading, and please remember, I'm right here to help you with your safer home or office environment and providing recommendations for a healthier, dynamic lifestyle.

To you!

Susan

Vision 2009 – An update on "Changing the World..."

2009-01-29T17:09:00.008-05:00

How can I thank you enough for your decision to view this website today?

THANK YOU!!!!!!

OK, so let’s make it worth your time!

The goal is to slash (take a deep breath!) greenhouse gases, petroleum dependency, landfill waste, asthma and allergies, the cancer death-risk rate, indoor air pollution, and phosphates, nonylphenols, and antibacterial hormone disruptors from our waterways and more. To learn more about all these topics you can click on a plethora of archived articles on the right side of this screen!

So, do you want to do all that stuff too? Click here and do the thing today.

Want to know more about the criteria?

Here’s a short review - you can always click on “Horton Hear’s a Green” from Oct 2008 to dig deeper.

Assuming the cleaner works, is it:
1. Non-toxic?
2. Biodegradable?
3. Multitasking?
4. Concentrated?

If you click on "Horton Hears a Green"and "Making Vulcanos" you can see how easy it is to put a cleaner through the objectives. To make it even easier for you - if you email me, I will send you a sheet that compares several brands.

Want to know why it's hard to find cleaners that meet the criteria?

Just to let you know, few and far between companies are committed enough to the environment to offer a product that fits the criteria. For those few that I've found, not one of the products is as inexpensive or as concentrated as the product line I’ve chosen for my own home.

You see, from a sales perspective (excuse me for putting it plainly), it’s pretty stupid to sell concentrated, totally multitasking products. Selling one bottle of cleaner once every 2 years is just not a big money maker for me or my product partner.

Somehow, though, we both know to trust that it is a blessing to
do well by doing good.

So, are you going to let me make it easy for you to join our movement to change the world?

Hope to hear from you soon! Call or click, I'm right here to help.

Susan

Who's doing the dishes? Mr/Ms Phosphate?

2008-12-16T20:43:00.003-05:00

Doing any dishes this holiday season?
Does the designated dishwasher(s) ever share the job with an automatic dishwasher?

If so, what’s your favorite dishwasher detergent?

Palmalive™? Cascade™? Sunlight™? Electrosol™?

Good stuff, eh?
Well, maybe not if you make your home in a river, stream, pond, or lake.

Along with lovely fish and aquatic plants, normal bacteria often called blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), live in fresh water.

The algae normally are not a problem until they feed on lots of phosphates from our lawn fertilizers, dishwasher detergents, and personal care products, and more. Then, these critters “consume oxygen, keep valuable sunlight from other water plants and is just one more struggle for wildlife,” reports the Charles River Water Association.

Massachusetts ponds and lakes experience algae blooms regularly and so much so that the EPA has joined with local efforts. “Explosive algae growth has turned the [Charles] river a day-glow green during the warm spells of the last two summers. That vivid color indicates the presence of "blue green" algae … whose cells may release a toxin when they die. Exposure to the toxin can cause skin rashes and irritate the nose, eyes, or throat, and if ingested can lead to serious liver and nervous system damage. Other harmful affects of the algae include reduced water clarity, nuisance scum, and reduced oxygen in the water.” Euuuuu!!!!!!

So what’s the dishwasher detergent connection?

Phosphorus, often in its salt form, phosphate, is a very common additive to products used at home since these salts are known to be non-toxic and safe for humans. You can find them in household cleaners, personal care products, and even food. In household products, phosphates are added so products dissolve easily, disperse dirt, maintain a balanced pH, and rinse cleanly.

For instance, "automatic dishwashing detergent contribute between 9% and 34% of the phosphorus load going to wastewater treatment plants from domestic sewage” says Nigel Pickering, Senior Engineer and Water Modeler, CRWA. Other products include “power” spray cleaners, deck and siding cleaners, lawn fertilizers, shampoos and conditioners, hair dyes, colors and permanents, skin care products, cosmetics, and even toothpaste.

All stuff that goes right down our drains, through our septic systems and storm sewers and reintroduced right into our waterways.

Isn't that a tragedy if it's easy and realistic and economical to fix?

Need more information to make the change?
Email me for a phosphate "load and price comparison" sheet. (bfli@buta.org)

Or, just click here to eliminate the whole problem today. Why make it hard?

BFLI To Do List: #1 Change the world.

2008-09-22T12:38:00.008-05:00

I'm serious!

Serious enough to have a solid plan that's easy enough and economical to implement.
And, each day my partners and I are getting closer and closer to the “tipping point.”

Will you give me just one hour of your time this month to decide if I’m crazy or if I’m a visionary? I’m confident that it’s worth your while.

Could it really be easy to get rid of massive amounts of greenhouse gases, and protect our daughters from endocrine disruptors, and eliminate tons of trash? Does it really depend on what how I clean my toilet or scour my sink?

Yes! And, I've done my homework to make it easy for others to say, “Yes! I’m in!”
In a nutshell that’s why I developed the 200 Household Initiative Presentation.

Did you know three Boston City Councilors have supported this Initiative and recommend you see it too? Thanks (in chronological order) to Councilors Connolly, Flaherty, and Yancy!

Here’s what we do during a presentation:

We begin with an outline of why each one of us needs to know about common chemicals used in homes and small to mid-sized offices and how urgent it is to pay attention.
We go through some powerful influences that guide our choices.
We review criteria so there’s an objective measure for consumers to base their buying decisions. Then, they can make knowledgeable choices for their homes and offices.
We look at the numbers and evidence of the positive impact of those changes.
I offer my services for in-home evaluations and consultation specials for those who attend the seminar.
After the presentation I offer an opportunity for people to know how to make those changes fast. I also set up an optional “lab” opportunity to “play” with the products I use in my own home.

Here are some of your opportunities to work with me to change the world.

You can take my word for it and get the environment safer right away with cleaners that meet the criteria for truly green cleaners. See the I’ve done my job to find and offer my clients products that meet the criteria. Click here.

See the presentation one of two ways:

1. Stay in your slippers and join us for an Internet Webcast. More info: bfli@buta.org.

Or:

2. If you like being in the same room with people (I love it - people are fascinating!) here are some upcoming presentations.

Oct 14 at the Charles River Watershed Association, 12:30 p.m. Brown Bag Lunch.
Newton, November 1, 3-5 p.m. More info: bfli@buta.org
Harwich, MA around November 21.- date and time TBD.

More presentation dates are in the works, so watch here for updates or call or email me for something in your area.

And, if you want me to come to your home...I present for groups of 6-8 in private homes. Give me a call 617-504-4971 or email me - bfli@buta.org

Here's to your feeling good about getting the grime off your shower!

Susan

Making Vulcanos

2008-08-11T13:17:00.011-05:00

I’m constantly asked about baking soda and vinegar for household cleaning.

Know anyone who uses these chemicals for cleaning? What could be more natural? Will vinegar and baking soda meet our Four Criteria for a truly green clean?
Let’s look.

In our July, 2008 entry we introduced criteria that help us objectively determine if our cleaners effectively reduce indoor air toxicity, water pollution, landfill waste, petroleum dependency, respiratory irritants, and other forms of pollution.

Here’s the four criteria:
Assuming baking soda and vinegar actually clean are they
non-toxic, biodegradable, multitasking, and concentrated?

1. Non-toxic? Sure, no problem, been eating the stuff for millennium all over the world. I even used both in cooking yesterday.

2. Biodegradable? You bet. vinegar and baking soda are already pretty simple molecules and definitely not a problem to the environment.

So far so good, eh?

3. Multitasking? Yeah, I’d say so. If you surf to the multitude of vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda websites like 3 Homemade Natural Cleaning Products or Clean Green for a Cat-Safe Home there are LOTS of great suggestions how to use these chemicals for a whole morning of cleaning joy.

Still a winner!

4. Is it concentrated? Oh dear. I thought we had such a good thing going. But alas, vinegar is definitely not concentrated. I looked like an out-of-space alien by the time I suited up to handle concentrated acetic acid to prep the dilutions for experiments.

Store bought vinegar requires a dilution of 1:1. So, it’s a cup of vinegar to a cup of water for countertop spray. Yow! That’s 192 times more product needed then my recommendation for general cleaning. And remember, vinegar should not be used on marble, grout, highly polished, or hardwood floors. So you need another product for those uses. I use the same stuff for all my general cleaning. I like having less bottles around taking the space under my sink. What about you?

It's pretty obvious then, that we'd go through a good bit of vinegar to keep our homes clean. And, all those gallons are not so green. Are you like me – willing to add the water right in my own kitchen so we don’t burn gas trucking water around the country?

So, even if they were cleaners,* the criteria show vinegar and baking soda are not as “green” as is generally thought.

But vinegar is so cheap, right? Vinegar is pretty reasonable., But would you be surprised that it's about seven times more expensive then what I pay? Vinegar runs about $1.50 a gallon for general cleaning. My cleaner runs about 21 cents a gallon for general cleaning.

What about the cat?
Stick a bowl of vinegar on the floor for your cat and ask his or her opinion. While you wait for your pet to start talking to you again, click here to order the non-stinky stuff. Hopefully, both will only take a few minutes. ;-)

* Vinegar is a mild disinfectant and a water-based solvent. It cleans by dissolution, but it is not a surfactant that will lift grime from a surface. As it is an acid, it corrodes some mineral materials and finishes. It may also dissolve some of the oils your hands contributing to dry, chapped skin. Please wear gloves.

Baking soda is not a cleaner. It ‘cleans’ by abrasion- scraping. It’s known for odor control via neutralizing acid-base organic substances that cause odors.

Horton Hears a “Green”

2008-06-16T16:02:00.009-05:00

We’re green! We’re green! We’re green!

Every company these days seems to shout ME TOO!

Here’s a primer of how I try to look at “hip” marketing.

I start with this basic questions: Assuming the cleaner actually works, does this "green" product meet the Four Criteria for truly green household cleaners; are they really non-toxic, biodegradable, multitasking, and concentrated?

Let's pull an example:
Chlorox GreenWorks is the loudest “green” shouter these days. This “newbe” to “green” has introduced a line of household products that are around 99% natural. That’s good!

They partnered with Walmart for the “You Plus 200 Million” marketing campaign. That’s smart!

The ad reads:
“YOU x 200 Million can eliminate the production of 2.5 million gallons of petroleum-based solvents.” Cool! I like that-sounds passionate and committed!

Let's apply the Four Criteria:

So, is it non-toxic? They say yes and 99% natural. (good start)
Is it biodegradable? They say yes - at around 28 days. (ok, but doesn’t meet the European Standard)
Is it multitasking? Countertop spray, five uses. The floor cleaner is recommended for four tasks. (partially meets the criteria)
Is it concentrated? Countertop spray-no. (doesn't meet the criteria)

Wow: 32 oz x 200 million bottles sold (see the marketing above!) would translate into 10 billion gallons of basically water shipped around the country! Ummm, that’s a lot of petroleum to haul around something I can get from my own tap! Would you agree with me that’s unnecessary waste and doesn't meet the criteria?
The floor cleaner dilutes at a ratio of 4 oz (1/2 cup) in 1.5 gallons of water. Since I know other products are much more concentrated, it's greener, but still has too much impact on the environment.

That's why I use the Four Criteria. I can see "up and over" the marketing and determine objectively that GreenWorks is "greener" but there's A LOT of room for improvement. So therefore, I wouldn't recommend it to you because there are better products that fit the criteria!

So, why not use 1/4 teaspoon of the concentrated product I recommend for countertop cleaner AND floor cleaner and lots more instead of 32 oz + 28 oz of theirs?
How about you add the water and have real impact on the environment? Agreed?

Thanks for reading!

Susan

How 'Small Stuff' Pollution Becomes 'Big Stuff' Pollution

2008-05-05T14:40:00.008-05:00

As you may know, I started a grassroots effort in April 2007 called the
200 Household Initiative. The objective is to decrease multiple forms of pollution caused by everyday chemicals typically used in homes and offices. This effort impacts greenhouse gases, landfill waster, petroleum dependency, wastewater treatment, drinking water quality, and more.

Here's the principle: If each one of us starts at home taking small steps, then, as word spreads, each neighborhood, community, town, city, and beyond adds to the effort, creating massive change.

For example, when people wash their hands, they probably don’t think about the small amount of antimicrobial chemical that goes down the drain. It’s small stuff. Until that is, 200 other households in each neighborhood also wash their hands with the same stuff. Then it becomes bigger stuff. A city of small stuff is, well, big stuff.

That innocent antibacterial chemical, when added to hundreds, then thousands, then millions more, becomes a problem- and it doesn’t break down and go away. That chemical is an endocrine disrupter. That’s why the EPA is concerned about the leading source of non-point source water quality degregation- our homes.

So, do you see how that the small action of washing our hands can become big stuff?

How about an easy, no sweat solution?

See that Get Clean Now link on the right of this screen? You can find safe, concentrated hand wash there. No antibacterial, endocrine disrupting goop there.

You can even get rid of a bunch of big stuff problems with one fell swoop by ordering a kit so that you don’t ever have to think “Is this stuff safe for us and for our environment?” So if what I have is as good or better then what you are currently using, would there be any reason not to switch?

And, I’m also right here to answer questions for you about what you currently use. Because we know not every chemical is harmful. Right?

Please give me a call (617-504-4971) or email me (bfli@buta.org). Perhaps you might also consider hosting a 200 Household Initiative gathering to create awareness in your own neighborhood. Truly, what have you got to lose, except pollution?
And that's a good thing- right?

Together, we can slash multiple forms of pollution.

$150 or $60 billion in research tax dollars – either one should do it.

2008-03-11T16:52:00.008-05:00

University of Chicago Economics Professor Dr. Kevin Murphy (nice article) studies the investment of research dollars devoted to life-sciences and the return-on-investment (ROI) in terms of our county’s economic health.

He has calculated:

Potential gains from future health improvements are also large; for example, a 1 percent reduction in cancer mortality would be worth $500 billion.
The Value of Health and Longevity” (Journal of Political Economy, 2006)

That’s a 10-fold return on investment!

And, the numbers grow significantly if the modest reduction in various diseases (eg cardiovascular disease) doesn’t cost a lot to deliver. Potentially, future projections approach numbers like $95 trillion that could be added to the GDP.

Wow that’s a lot of money- like more then the value of all US homes.
Disease is really expensive. How about it?

It is the mission of BFLI to slash the 54% increased cancer death rate from continuous exposure of common everyday chemicals.

So, is your health and the U.S. economy worth a modest investment of $150 to replace all the household toxic brew that may be in your home? (that’s hundred not billion!)
Is an ROI of a reduced cancer death risk rate and $3400 savings from single use products attractive?

Click here if the numbers add up and you want to get started.

Can’t believe this is true? I've done the homework for you- just call! 617-504-4971.

Want to learn why we have to take action today?
The 200 Household Initiative is a presentation of BFLI to educate people about the link between their health and common household products that jeopardize health.

Please join me during one of these upcoming presentations:

Neighborhood Gathering April 12, 10:30 a.m. Swansea, MA- call or email for more information
Neighborhood Gathering April 15, 7 p.m. Franklin, MA - call or email for more information.
A Business Lunch –Back Bay April 17. 12:15-1:15 pm. Ames Mansion. Call or email for more information and RSVP.

RSVP bfli@buta.org or 617-504-4971

Why be old?

2007-11-20T13:07:00.000-05:00

Another year ends and my birthday is rapidly approaching.
I should be moaning and groaning... Right?

But, I'm not!

Maybe it's because I don't look or feel as old as I am.

Dr. Oz, Mr. "Real Age", was the feature guest Oprah on her November 5th show on anti-aging.
And, guess what?

He stressed that toxins in our homes increases the rate of aging. Does that sound familiar?
And, he does some of the same things I do to decrease my rate of aging.

Do you want easy, realistic, and economical solutions to making sure

"what's in us, on us, and around us (that becomes part of us!)
is good for us, our home, and our planet?"

Detox your home. And, you can get one of the most economic products lines that Dr. Oz recommends and Oprah loves by clicking right here.
Take the recommended amounts of supplements a day based on your age, especially of Vitamin D3- and of course you can be sure you get that with my products. If you want to make it even easier, click here for a supplement pack that makes getting started very easy. Or, call me 617-504-4971. I'm always right here to help you make smart choices for your personal health profile.
Eat sparingly. Including lots of anti-oxidant foods (bright colorful). Dr. Oz adds some very interesting herbs and weeds.
Include a green drink. Click here for the recipe.

Now, I do a few more others things too.

I know what's on me is very important. So I use really good skin care. A cleanser, a toner, an AM repair product, and a PM repair product, and a mask keeps my skin healthy on the outside to complement what I do to stay healthy inside.

I exercise. Not much, just 30-40 minutes first thing in the morning (while my husband showers) 3-4 times per week to get my blood moving.

I pray. It works and calms me down.

Those are my secrets! I'm right here to discuss them if you'd like.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Christmas, and other meaningful times this coming holiday season!

Susan

Buta Full Life, International
617-504-4971
bfli@buta.org
------------------------------

Clean and Lean December specials.

Are you shopping for others this holiday season?
Well, through December 17, 2007, you can actively slow down aging with these gift ideas!

What about a non-toxic New Year for your family or for someone you love?
Order a Get Clean Starter Kit, save $3400 in cleaning products and I'll send you a free Enfuselle Hand Lotion or Shower Gel as a gift to you!

Or, give your favorite gal or guy nutrition for their skin!
Order the four basic anti-aging skin care products I use (see above), and I'll send you a free Mineral Mask.

Is it a girl or a boy?

2007-09-07T09:36:00.000-05:00

Usually, this basic question we ask about newborns, “Is it a boy or a girl?” is pretty evident. But will it become more difficult in the future?

For some aquatic animals-frogs, salamanders, fish and other marine species today, that question is murky at best. More frequently, species are hatching without defined gender, with dual gender, and immature gender, and disturbed gender (primarily males turning into females). Does that make you concerned?

Nonylphenols and the parent compound, NPE, nonylphenol ethoxylates (say that three times fast! :-) ), is an endocrine system disrupter, ESD, and has been significantly linked to gender change in aquatic animals. (downloadable WWF brief )

NPE’s are really, really good at allowing degreasers, pesticides, emulsifiers, etc. to attract and lift off organic material, like greasy stuff, and disperse it in water.

Do you ever wash your clothes?

Getting the gunk off clothes is the whole point of doing laundry, isn’t it? And that’s how NPE’s are getting into our waterways- through the sewer system via our laundry and other personal care products.

Not good.

And the stuff doesn’t very biodegrade-ie break down into harmless byproducts. NPE’s break down eventually into nonylphenols that are more disruptive then the parent compound. And, this “child” doesn’t biodegrade.

17% of the NPE biodegrades before
37% reaches the wider aquatic system and
6% reaches sludge that used for fertilizing our food?

What’s being done?

Some companies are phasing out and/or are searching for better alternatives. If you would like to avoid contributing to the contamination from your household, just click here for the alternative Get Clean product line I recommend and use in my home. Every product is biodegradable and safe for you, your home, and whoever is wearing your laundry!

And, six organizations, the Sierra Club, the Environmental Law & Policy Center, the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Association, the Washington Toxics Coalition, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and UNITE HERE have petitioned the EPA this past July to regulate the use of NPE’s in certain industries. This issue has broad support!

But who is talking to consumers who have the voice to do something about it?

I am!

Please help me be the change I wish to see in the world by passing along this link, inviting me to present the 200 Household Initiative to your friends, organizations, churches, your local elected officials, and other groups who care about the environment.
617-504-4971.
bfli@buta.org

Thanks for reading!

Susan

Popcorn Lung

2007-05-31T14:29:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder!
There are two June 200 Household Initiative dates!
Click on the post at the right hand side of the screen to know more about what this is!
Please join us June 11, 2007 12 pm. or June 20, 2007 6 pm.
Email me at bfli@buta.org for more information.

I received a request about this topic in May, so I thought a health related message would provide a change of pace. Thanks for the idea Harry. :-)

Popcorn Lung is a nickname for a variety of lung diseases, most seriously, bronchiolitis obliterans, contracted by industrial workers at food flavoring factories.

In 2004, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) received reports of a worker who had severe scarring in their lungs and bronchial tubes rendering him incapaciated. This worker had handled pure forms of the flavoring diacetyl, a volatile chemical component of butter flavoring used in microwave popcorn, hence the name, “Popcorn Lung.”

Other lung conditions reported by workers are asthma, bronchiectasis, chronic bronchiolitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and severe lung impairment. Yuck!

Wow, am I at risk?
Now, many of us love the smell of popping corn. Is that true for you?
And, many of us find it convenient to pop a bag of microwave popcorn. Do you ever do that?
But are you at risk for developing these severe diseases from smelling microwaved popcorn?

The CDC reported this past April, Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2007 Apr 27;56(16):389-93., “Food flavorings are designated "generally recognized as safe" when approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; flavorings are not known to put consumers at risk for lung disease.”

And, other scientific publications seem to agree.

So, we’re off the hook, right?

Well, I can’t promise you’re safe either.

Just like dryer sheets (you can read my April 20, 2006 article about dryer sheets, Ants in Your Pants? on the right side of this page), we don’t know the long-termed implications of breathing in the these heated, volatile chemicals on a consistent basis. And, if you, or someone you know, is particularly prone to allergies or asthma, they might want reconsider using this type of processed food.

It’s always the same: What’s in us, on us, and around us becomes part of us.

So what do you think?
Do you think you might avoid microwave popcorn? Do you avoid other stuff? What have you heard? Leave a comment! It's much more fun when there are other opinions out there!

Meanwhile, I found a couple of good popcorn ideas for you from Belly Bytes- a nutrition website. It's a riot to look through!

Belly Bites claims that these are “healthy popcorn recipes” but many of the recipes start with microwave popcorn that’s loaded with fat, and volatile chemicals, then add sugar, corn syrup, and even butter! WHAT”S HEALTHY ABOUT THAT?

Here’s an example of how a recipe can be modified to actually become healthy.

Hauntingly good Popcorn, modified by BFLI

In large bowl, toss together 3 cups air-popped popcorn, dried applies, dried cranberries, raisins and walnuts. Coat with a little canola oil spray to moisten and mix again.

In small bowl combine 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp pumpkin spice and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Add to popcorn mixture and toss until popcorn is coated.

You may also want to try:

Pizza Flavored Popcorn or Dilly Lemon Munch

Have fun!
And safe popping!

Welcome to BFLI!

2007-04-05T12:43:00.000-05:00

Hi!

Thanks for dropping by!

This site is especially for people who want to know more about BFLI, what we're up to, and our team philosophy. If you wish to know more about our Paragon Partners international marketing group, enjoy looking around, but please contact me directly at bfli@buta.org or 617-504-4971.

If you want to see our 200 Household Initiative, please go to the Previous Posts list on the right hand margin of this posting and click on the 200 Household Initiative.

If you are new and want to find out about Buta Full Life,, you might want to check out Buta Full Life - the Company (under the November archives) and March 2006 Q & A to get an overview of who I am and what I do.

If you are here to find out some choices to get started living a healthier, more dynamic life immediately, click on the side bar. I’ve made it easy for you to start fast.

But know that I’d rather get to know you first. That way, we get you what you really need and bypass the distractions. So, if that sounds good to you, call or email me first to schedule a 5 minute conversation to see if we’re a good fit!

To everyone, please leave your comments! Your opinions and wisdom adds richness and allows this blog to become a conversation about best practices, not just a newsletter or information center.

Have a fabulous day!

Susan Buta
Buta Full Life
-an international marketing group
bfli@buta.org
http://butafullife.blogspot.com
617-504-4971

Real Impact: The 200 Household Initiative

2007-04-05T11:46:00.000-05:00

Environmental concerns have grown to the current mandates of action.

For eight years I have built a business that supported my concerns of
proactive environmentalism and proactive disease reduction.

I have combined my rich professional and academic background with my love of learning, and a strong sense of stewardship for the world around me into a business that allows me to be able to do something about pollution now!

200 Households: the stats
50,000 pounds of greenhouse gases
21,500 pounds of packaging waste
increased cancer death rate associated with commercial household products
increased asthma and allergies

I’m looking for people who are consciously aware, enthusiastic, take-action kind of people
who will work with me to change these statistics.

Do you know anyone like that?

The 200 Household Initiative.
commencing April 14, 2007

What I do alone can, together, significantly decrease non-source point pollution.

Smart lifestyle and products,
passion for the environment
and commitment to get the job done.

Will you join me?

Here are a variety of ways to help!

Invite me to speak at your favorite community center, school, organization, or at your home about the 200 Household Initiative. Awareness is a strong beginning.
Connect me with cleaning services, au pair organizations, and stay at home parents who are at higher risk for cancer deaths just because they are exposed to typical cleaning products.
Ask me about fundraising opportunities for schools and organizations.
Commit to being one of my 200 households. Keep watching for lifestyle changes but you can start by changing your household and personal care products. Click here for my product website for a starter kit or, call or email me.
Connect me with those you know who are environmentally conscious, enthusiastic, take-action kind of people who will work with me to change these statistics.

Susan Buta
Buta Full Life
-an international marketing group
bfli@buta.org
http://butafullife.blogspot.com
617-504-4971

This is all I have to do to save a bundle this year?

2007-02-12T15:07:00.000-05:00

Yeah! It really is possible to save your household a whole lot of money this year- if you are will to do, literally, a little work-

Like diluting 1/4 teaspoon of cleaning concentrate into 16 oz. of water instead of buying a whole new bottle of general spray cleaner. Or, getting used to using a lot less dishwasher cleaner instead of filling whole dishwasher cups. By doing these sorts of little changes in habits, you buy less, ship less, and recycle less.
Is that good, or what?

Plus, you save up to $3400 dollars in cleaner costs.

Plus, plus, and more importantly, these cleaners are safe for the planet and for who’s around your house-like kids, pets, you, for instance! What an easy way to be part of the pollution solution!

And, if my products are good, like the stuff you’re using now, and they can save you significant money, is there any reason you wouldn’t buy them from me?

I’m passionate about your family’s health and about the health of our environment! I will help you use these products well and be here to answer any questions you have. With personalized service, and never having to lug home huge jugs of laundry detergent, it’s all so convenient.
You can choose to Click here to get started, or, you can call me (617-504-4971), or e-mail me (bfli@buta.org) for more information.

Thanks for reading!

Susan
bfli@buta.org
617-504-4971

Do you know someone in the service industry exposed to toxins on a daily basis?
For me, it’s an ethical , even moral mandate to spread the word that there are non-toxic alternatives to the products used by maids, cleaning crews, day care workers and others who labor in the service industry. Exposure to commercial cleaning products are a significant health risk factor for these workers. If someone helps you clean your home, will you help me help them be safer by introducing me to their employer?

Breathe (2 A.M.)

2006-12-04T13:04:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays!

Thanks for stepping in for a breath of fresh air!

I know you’re especially busy this month, so this is short and sweet. And, it might even help you with your holiday shopping if you exchange gifts with loved ones.

So, why is the air around us such a problem?
What are we dealing with?

Here’s a short list of what our bodies deal with according to the EPA:

* Combustion sources-burned heating fuels, fireplaces and smoking products.
* Building materials - insulations, carpets, cabinetry and furniture, upholstery
* Our personal care products - deodorants, nail polishes, hair products, creams
* Our hobby equipment - glues, lacquers, and paints
* Our decorating materials - paints and wallpaper strippers, glues,
* Our household cleaners - power sprays, air fresheners, cleaners
* Our environments – dust, pesticides, mold, dust mites, outside air pollution

And this stuff is linked to:
Headaches, fatigue, asthma, allergies, sinus infections, emphysema, colds, flu,
viruses, chronic fatigue, skin irritations, sick building syndrome, memory loss and
even depression.

Do you anyone who needs relief from these symptoms? Like allergy suffers, perhaps?

Did you know that researchers in France in Sept. 2006 concluded “treating allergic rhinitis or other nasal symptoms may improve dramatically the quality of sleep?" Hmmm, 20-50% of us might be more alert if gunk stays out of our noses...

So here’s an easy, realistic solution that is non-invasive: a good air purifier that can handle a whole house and takes care of all that stuff. I’ve checked it out- it works. BTW, it looks good.

You plug it in and it does its thing without filters or cleaning. You only need to change a bulb once a year. Easy.

And, through me, you can try it first and see the difference it makes. What if it changes someone’s life?

And, because I passionately believe that these products will make a huge difference in your life or your loved one’s life, through January 10, I offer my:

I Love You Forever Package.
Clean air. Clean house. It’s simple - and done with one swoop.
Eliminating the problems is a smart, easy solution and a loving gift to those who suffer. And who minds saving $150 now and up to $3400 annually?

So,

Breathe!
Just breathe!

Warmest wishes for the holiday!

Susan

P.S. How to enter the Dec 15th drawing for the AirSource Mini.
Visit Get Clean.
Click "Our Convictions."
Click "Powerful Clean" on the left margin.
Then, please answer this question and e-mail the answer to bfli@buta.org:
What do the makers of Get Clean believe first and foremost?

P.P.S.
Exposure to household products are a significant health risk factor for service industry workers. (link it! http://iccnetwork.org/cancerfacts/cfs8.htm). If someone helps you clean your home, will you be the link of a safer working environment by introducing me to their employer?

Pink Floyd – early environmental advocates?

2006-11-06T10:49:00.000-05:00

Thanks for visiting. I appreciate that you are passionate enough about your environment to take a minute to learn more about your home environment.

Here’s an important question if you use household cleaning products in your home:
What if the stuff in our cleaners puts in as many toxins in as it take out?

Now, everyone wants to have good cleaners that actually clean, right?

Marketers know that. Companies spend billions a year to come out with more powerful, more gimmicky cleaners. It’s how they think they are staying ahead of the market. But, the study I mentioned concluded that the 54% higher death rate from cancer was a direct result of the increased exposure to toxic chemicals, many of which are found in common household products. Does this number make your toes curl like it does mine?

Take bleach, for instance.

We’ve been conditioned to believe that the smell of bleach is equal to “clean.” Well, bleach is not a cleaner - meaning, it does not release dirt from a surface. Bleach is a disinfectant - meaning, it kills germs. But, at what cost?

To us chemists, bleach is a strong oxidant. So, when you breathe in the vapors from your countertop sprays, bathroom cleaners, laundry products, etc, you are breathing in a chemical that first, is a lung irritant, and secondly is a chemical that actively seeks to grab electrons from ANYWHERE (like your lung tissue, so conveniently located). Isn’t it better to avoid putting oxidants inside our bodies in the first place if we want to avoid cancer, a condition probably caused by poor immunity, genetics, and oxidized DNA?

And what about other volatile organics that "off-gas" into your air through household cleaners – like naphthalenes, petroleum distillates , formaldehydes, and phenols?

Are you like me? Do you want safer alternatives? Do you want to save hundreds of dollars in cleaning costs a year while you are being safer? Click here for that safer stuff now. And, don’t even give your worst enemy the old cleaners under your cabinet. Just get them out of your house… and your lungs so that you can confidently...

Breathe!
Breathe in the air!
Don't be afraid to care!

Of course feel free call me (617-504-4971) or e-mail me (bfli@buta.org) for more information.

Thanks for reading!

Susan

How can you enter to win the $299 AirSource mini?
To prove that safe does not have to equal expensive, an important concern in our family, please go to my product website, find out, and then e-mail me the answer to this question by November 13th, 2006: How many gallons of powerful all-purpose cleaner can be made from one 16 oz. bottle of the organic cleaning concentrate? Compare that to many all-purpose (read: countertop) cleaners that run around $3.40 for just 32 oz. Just think of all that packaging!

Helping those in the service industry.
For me, it’s an ethical , even moral mandate to spread the word that there are non-toxic alternatives to the products used by maids, cleaning crews, day care workers and others who labor in the service industry. Exposure to household products are a significant health risk factor for these workers. If someone helps you clean your home, will you help me help them by introducing me to their employeer?

Take a deep breath... a deep, cleansing breath...

2006-09-12T11:46:00.000-05:00

Just don’t do it indoors - according to the EPA!

Hi!

I hope your summer was refreshing and fun!

Alas, with the fall, there are new opportunities and activities. And, of course, new fabulous info from Buta Full Life! This fall, I’m concentrating on indoor air pollution because I’m passionate about the environment.

Many people I care about suffer with allergies, asthma, and serious diseases that in some part, or even a large part, are exasperated by the environment around them.

Fortunately, there are steps that most people can take both to reduce the risk from existing sources and to prevent new problems from occurring.

About seven years ago, the EPA began a major, long-term study of the effects of indoor air quality- the kind in homes and offices and schools. In their publication, The Inside story: A Guide to Indoor Air Qualtiy, the EPA writes

“In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.

While pollutant levels from individual sources may not pose a significant health risk by themselves, most homes have more than one source that contributes to indoor air pollution. There can be a serious risk from the cumulative effects of these sources. Fortunately, there are steps that most people can take both to reduce the risk from existing sources and to prevent new problems from occurring.”

So my friend Cathy Payton is right- What is in you, on you, and around you really does become part of you!

The EPA study lists many sources of indoor air pollution.
A big one is household cleaners- the EPA says "use less toxic cleaners in your home."

If you, or someone you know, is interesting in good, absolutely Earth-friendly cleaners good for people and their homes, made in an environmentally conscious fashion, that have saved my family hundreds of dollars each year, Click here.

The site is very pleasant and is easily broused in just five minutes. And, you will never have to lug another giant jug of laundry detergent home from the supermarket- a plus for busy people.

Or, call me! I'd love to hear from you - 617-504-4971!

Breathe deeply…and much more safely this year!

Thanks for reading!

Susan

P.S. I’m committed to better air for you!
So, I’m giving away an AirSource Mini- a little air purifier for cars, trips, and small rooms- on December 17, 2006. Just in time for the holidays!

This is what you have to do by October 8 to put your name in the basket this month.
* Go to the Get Clean website.
* Click “Your Home”
* Do the short survey “What’s under your sink?”
* Post a comment with three results from your survey results by Oct 8.
That’s all you have to do.

Ants in your pants? An Earth Day Message

2006-04-20T23:22:00.000-05:00

Ants?

Well, no, but this stuff is not very Earth and People friendly!

In honor of Earth Day, however, I do want to talk about your pants.
And shirts, skirts, underwear, and socks.

63% of all Americans have this stuff in their pants!

Benzyl acetate: Linked to pancreatic cancer
Benzyl Alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant
A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema, and central nervous system damage
Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA's Hazardous Waste list
Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders
Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic
Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders
Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled

and…
Whatever else was made in the process of their general use…

How did they get there?
Through dryer sheets and other typical fabric softeners!

I taught chemistry in the 90’s and used dryer sheets as a great example of what not to do with volatile organic chemicals (VOC’s)…stick ‘em in the dryer with heat and agitation. It’s a bad idea since that’s how chemists make new chemicals. We start with various starter chemicals - burn ‘em and churn ‘em- usually for more then 50-60 minutes- and see if we get something new.

Your dryer does about the same thing. And, even if not much new stuff is made, the VOC’s are leaching into your air at a great rate. That’s why a lot of people get a headache, or the sniffles, or sneeze when they pass a laundry mat. Personally, I hold my breath…

I really want to spread the word about household toxins. Too many women, children, and people in the cleaning service industry are unnecessarily exposed to all sort of toxins in their everyday cleaners. 150 Chemicals found in the home are associated with allergies,birth defect, cancer, and psychological disorders.

The EPA has, rightly, turned its eye strongly upon household chemical usage and has just issued a call to action to those industries involved in developing household laundry products. http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/laundry/brochure/
They’re looking for companies to join with them to develop less toxic laundry products for household use.

Now, you can wait until they’re through, but
BFLI has already found easy, realistic non-toxic, ECONOMICAL solutions to reduce environmental pollution in your homes. If you know anyone who is concerned about household toxins, or you want to find out more yourself, call or e-mail for more information. bfli@buta.org, 617-504-4971 and ask for Susan. Or, you can click here and go to our product website to get started now.

Meanwhile: Are you concerned about indoor air pollution? What topics are you thinking about lately?

Add a comment before April 30 and be entered automatically to win a box of our fantastic powerbars!

Welcome from Susan

2006-03-27T13:26:00.000-05:00

Hi there!

How’s your day going?

What can you do to make it better?

Oh yeah! You came here. Thanks!

Spring approaches and I look forward to the promise of new life. I’ve get introspective during winter after the holidays. I re-evaluate, think, self-protect a bit, dream big, and try to take care of myself a bit more. But then spring comes and the light gets good and the energy builds and we New Englanders venture forth out of our winter dens to frantically look for that first crocus. And the buds come out and the first flowers bloom in the bright blue sky and the trees mate, and (oh… God bless you… here’s a tissue) spew their pale green dustings all over our freshly washed cars . Hmm… too much Garrison Keiller this winter…

Well, BFLI is available to help out with those lovely spring allergies and more. We’re a team of entrepreneurs that help people get healthy and stay that way. That means doing what we can do to give ourselves and the kids the best chance to stay out instead of at home again with another sick day!

Look around. This site is especially for people who want to know more about BFLI and our team philosophy.

If you are new, you might want to check out Buta Full Life - the Company and March 2006 Q & A to get an overview of who I am and what I do.

If you are here to find out some choices to get started immediately, click on the side bar. I’ve made it easy for you to start fast. But know that I’d rather get to know you first. That way, we get you what you really need and bypass the distractions. Click here to contact me first to schedule a 5 minute conversation to see if we’re a good fit. It could be a really freeing 5 minutes!

To everyone, please leave your comments! Your opinions and wisdom adds richness and allows this blog to become a conversation about best practices, not just a newsletter or information center.

And, as a thank you for contributing, posting a comment between March 27 and April 30, you will be automatically entered into a drawing for a box of the healthiest snack bars out there to carry around when you need energy but can’t get a healthy meal.
In the glycemic index battle: Cliff Bar 110 (ouch!) My bars: 47 (yes!)
And that’s good news for diabetics, dieters, and anyone with bouncy blood sugar.

Have a great spring!

Q&A: Uh, what do you actually do?

2006-03-27T13:12:00.000-05:00

Oh, I have a whole toolbox of things I do. But, bottom line, I market a line of products and services for people who are smart, passionate, and committed.

They are smart about the products they use.
They are passionate about the environment
And, they are committed to doing what they need to do to living healthy, dynamic, beautiful lives.

Right now, I’m particularly focusing on people, like me, who believe in active environmental sustainability and are willing to make lifestyle changes that reduce their personal impact on the planet. These people may have already changed products to safer, greener, alternatives, but are looking for more effective or better economical choices because it’s also smart to budget their own resources. They like the idea of smart production, less shipping and recycling fewer bottles. They care about how they spend their consumer dollars and want socially and environmentally responsible manufacturing. Through personalized service and ongoing counsel, I offer easy, realistic, solutions so families can feel great and live gently while enhancing their own beautiful lives.

Now, to do that, BFLI offers several services.

Consultation: Usually, when someone is interested in what I do, they have a problem to solve. So, we first do a quick 5-minute phone call to see if we are a good fit. If we are, after an assessment process, I design a customize package of products and services to address their needs. For my better clients, I offer on-going consultations to make sure they continue to get the results they want.

Seminars: for community groups, companies, parent groups, religious organizations,etc.

For parents- Mac and Cheese, Again? and Brain Gain- Nutrition and Lifestyle for Better Performance.
For adult groups-Energy and Stress Relief, Personal Excellence in Health, Hot Chicks-Help for Hormonal Hostages, and Healthy Homes.
For teens- Performance Warriors (healthy athletes) and Attack of the Teenage Mutant Adolescent Females- ok so I don’t call it that to their faces, but hormones, menses, acne, and persons of attraction are really an interesting mix to 13-16 year old women.)

Personal Coaching: This service helps people achieve their goals beyond the health arena in areas such as parenting, career considerations, decision-making, etc. I help frame the questions and considerations so personal goals can be achieved.

No matter what attracts you, getting started is easy. Just dial 617-504-4971 for a 10 minute free consultation to see if your needs are a good fit.

Spring Passionate- Living gently-still

2006-03-27T13:07:00.000-05:00

I am passionate about the environment. Better material usage, using and marketing inexpensive non-toxic cleaners, living in a small space so that the whole space is utilized, rennovating with solar power, are all part of it. I constantly think about reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Recently, I googled and found an interesting site from Gentle Living Quarterly. Wow, a whole grassroots movement exists of people who want to tread lightly on the planet and, more importantly, each other.

Check out this website, then revisit here and let us know if something catches your eye.
http://www.islandnet.com/~see/living/articles/intro.htm

Committed to drug- free zones.

2006-03-27T12:57:00.000-05:00

I press on with my commitments that are getting me where I want to be- and that’s to be healthy, strong, energetic and able to live my dynamic, beautiful life for years to come. So, I am totally committed to preventative health.

But what’s my alternative?

I found this cheerful site recently and I didn’t like what it said about the community population (meaning outpatient, apparently) in 1999: http://www.meps.ahrq.gov/Papers/CB12_04-0001/CB12.htm

The prescription drug business was $92.5 billion in 1999. And that’s just for outpatient medications.
The average person was spending $341 a year on those medications
In community populations, there is an average of about 8 prescriptions per year.
People ages 45-64 made up only 24% of the non- Medicare population, they accounted for 53% of prescription expenses

Lucky me! With my genetic roll of the dice, I would naturally be right in the pile! Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis make my genetic short list. Euuuu…

But that's my family's story - not mine!

I may be a supplement pill popper, a fan of chiropractic care, and get to the gym way to early in the morning– but what’s the alternative? Being a very expensive pill popper at 65?

People like me invest in prevention and education before we become hostages to medications and ongoing medical care. We are wise enough to take it now to prevent later. Do you know anyone, like me, that is ready to do what we need to now for a better life later? Or can you play it forward and hook me up your friend, neighbor, or relative so that we can still ski together at 65? E-mail me!

Q&A How is a product smart?

2006-01-30T05:04:00.000-05:00

I’ve been asked this several times recently especially since I market "smart products to smart people."

Smart products are extraordinary, just like smart people. Like anything smart, they stand out. So, as I look at various product lines, I look to see what stands out- what goes beyond what has to be done- to what is done exceptionally.

I’ve looked at probably 50+ product lines and I can confidently say most products on the market are not smart. Why? Because most companies manufacture products with the primary goal of marketing cheap, passable products . It doesn’t matter to them whether their products really work because their goal is not truly the consumer’s best interest.

So what is smart? As a chemist, I have to determine that as objectively as possible, so I use a rubric, a set of strict standards, to what I accept as smart. Here’s a sampling of the standards in my product rubric:

To me, smart products must:

Be based on good science, first and foremost (no fad products!).
Be supported by double-blind, placebo-controlled research published in peer-reviewed journals
Be formulated to represent the best, up-to-date science
Use the correct form of ingredients to work with the body’s natural biochemical process
Have proven bioavailability , so the products do what they are supposed to do, if taken as directed.
Be completely free of contaminants (think pesticides, heavy metals, artificial colors, and sweeteners, fillers, etc) at all times, every time.
Be manufactured using pharmaceutical levels quality control so that dosage, purity, and safety are consistent.
Have an excellent track record.
Be guaranteed by the manufacturer so the consumer risk is minimalized.

Guess what? Only about 5-10% of the products on the market fit those standards.

But that’s not quite the end of the story, at least in my book.

Smarter products also pay attention to the environment and to people- from sustainable harvests to green manufacturing to healthier homes. This is important to me because I want to minimize our family’s impact on the earth so I want my manufacturers to do the same.

Smartest products use ethical marketing and business practices-practices that go beyond doing what’s legal- to doing what’s right such as paying just wages, ethical selling, profit sharing, access to benefits, etc.

In my eyes, smart products are therefore, good products, and also a philosophy. What’s your opinion of smart products? Attractive? Compelling? Worth it?

Passionate- Living Gently

2006-01-30T04:53:00.000-05:00

I am passionate about the environment. From recycling, to using and marketing inexpensive non-toxic cleaners, to living in a small space so that the whole space is utilized, I think about reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Recently, I googled and found an interesting site from Gentle Living Quarterly. Wow, a whole grassroots movement exists of people who want to tread lightly on the planet and, more importantly, each other.

Check out this website then revisit here and let us know if something catches your eye.

http://www.islandnet.com/~see/living/articles/intro.htm

Committed- Vision

2006-01-23T07:26:00.000-05:00

So, back to the resolutions-

As I look back and see they changes our family has made to get us to this point, I realize, we get change done.

We’ve had a lot of practice, actually. I surely would not have imagined our life’s details 10 years ago, but the essence of what it is, is consistent with how we wanted our life to look like 10 years ago. I know that we are constantly evolving to a lifestyle that we desire more and more as time goes on.

You see, Paul and I have a strong vision of what we want in life. Though the visions are tailored to our individual tastes, we have our visions stuck in our skulls and we will do pretty much what it takes to get the job done. We have certain ethics, of course, so we won’t go visiting loan sharks, and have God to be accountable to, etc, so no worries there.

So, let’s see my vision... (RAM to the VISION)...
At age 70 we are as healthy as all get out. We are not missing a dime of our current income. We read, talk, joke around, take our kids and grandkids traveling, continue making a difference in the communities we live in, lie around naked on some Carribean island (still awake? ;-)) and enjoy all that the city has to offer us-whatever one we feel like visiting that month. And we're sponsoring a Habitat House or some similar project. We are not limited. But we are enjoying life very fully. Ahhhh.......

OK. got to pull myself back for a moment....
To get there, choices need to be made.

Some choices involve risk, like starting new companies without much income.
Some choices involve change, like rewriting my business plan in the last year.
Some choices make us think out of the box, like exploring more then time verses money income.
Some choices involve commitment, like growing a business until it becomes wildly successful.
Some choices involve delayed gratification like eating foods that are healthy and good for me and taking effective supplementation now so that my body is still healthy and strong in 25 years.

So, I keep on track by going back to my vision- my mental picture of what my life “should” look like. If it isn’t on track, change must happen- out with the old, in with the new, smarter practices.

Please share your thoughts on how you keep on track, or on the obstacles that get in the way, of resolutions. Collective wisdom will get us there!

Welcome- December 2005

2005-12-03T04:11:00.001-05:00

Hello!

I'm glad you stopped by today. We're new together on this blog.

In my craving to do something different, something remarkable, I "blow my nose in the general direction" of another Website. Lots of businesses have them. I have one too, but I just don't sell on the first date. You have to get to know me first so you'll respect me in the morning. ;-)

Living beautifully is not just about a magic product. It's about a way of life. My top asset is the personalized service I offer. It's the right listening ear combined with the right program so you can get the results you want. I wanted to create something that let's you get to know me and what I do-without the hastles of clicking around sensationistic bells and whistles. Sound more sane?

So, each month, I'll post in at least three catagories. Smart, Passionate, and Committed.
Smart postings are about science, diet, nutrition, and supplementation. There's a lot of information out there and who has time to get through it? Well, I do. And, as a chemist who has worked in production, quality control, water quality, microbiology, and drug toxicology, I can wade through the headlines and get to solid ground.

Passionate postings will focus on the ways to create healthy environments and decreasing the impact on our larger communities. I believe that saving the world starts with one person-so our little collective efforts make a big difference.

Committed is about lifestyle. It's people, it's places, it's attitude, it's what we do to get the job done. Fun is welcome and so are stories. Paula, what was that about windsurfing naked in Northern California???

Meantime, have a question? Feel free to e-mail me. I'll select a few and post the answers too.

Susan

Q&A- To flu shot ... or not to flu shot?

2005-12-03T04:01:00.000-05:00

Of course I have to say, ”check with a qualified medical professional first. “

But the whole thing is confusing!
Does the shot really work? Is it really the best option?
Will there be side effects?
How do you decide?

That is the question.

I’ve decided to build my immune system using general supplements, protecting my rest, exercise and eating a “Mediterranean diet (‘cause that’s how I feel best) and going to my chiropractor for “tune-ups.” Then I add on a really good probiotic (good guy bacteria for the gut) and a special supplement that has been proven to strengthen immunity. The guy who discovered Interferon-the stuff that regulates our immune systems -developed it. (http://www.naturalinterferon.com/video.html).

So far, so good. And it’s easy, realistic, do-able.

And, that’s where my personalized service fits in- helping you explore the alternatives and designing the right program for you.

What are you doing this year? What have you found that works?

Smart about getting sick.

2005-12-03T03:56:00.000-05:00

Because we’re just getting into cold and flu season let’s get the best conventional wisdom out to each other of how to minimize the symptoms.

Smart stuff that seems to work for me:
I like the old fashion stuff myself-
Getting more rest
Good chicken soup
Suck some steam
Gargle with salt water
Taking garlic with active allicin and probiotics.
Sucking the lozenges that I talk about in the Q&A.
Saying no. I forgot to do that this month and actually got sick. I haven’t been to the doctor for an illness since 2002.

What are YOUR favorite things to do if you feel yourself starting to get sick?
p.s. no commercials please!

Passionate about water pollution

2005-12-03T03:47:00.000-05:00

I'm a chemist.
I taught high school chemistry for 7 years and one of my favorite facts from Chemical and Engineering News was that 60% of all water pollution comes from households. YOW!

The Chemical Industry has made a concerted effort to reduce their 40% in the last 10 years. There is still a lot to be done, but the industry is actively pursing "green" chemistry and reducing usage, waste, energy, etc.

However, household pollution is not decreasing. Laundry products are a big polluter. So are fertilizers. Anything we throw down the drain or pour on our land, that isn't water, has to be managed.

What do you think about that?
What do you do about that?
What's hard about that?

Committed to attracting wonderful people in my life

2005-11-20T10:25:00.000-05:00

Last week, after a year of planning, four months of constant attention, three weeks of heavy activity, and 5 days of fully consuming attention, we gave birth to....
a waterproofed foundation!
The years of flooding are over! We also found out that our drain pipe from our gutter was crushed underground. All the gutter water was pouring into our foundation. So, we also had to do some emergency plumbing. And the chimney guys were out. And.... You know, life's been filled with contractors lately....

Nonetheless, there have been great blessings with the people who have been associated with my life throughout these efforts. I have made new friends and have rejoiced knowing all these new people. I'm so very glad that I'm able to do what I do because I can actually take the time to build relationships and get to know the fascinating people that come into my life. It was all quite an effort, but look who was a part of the experience. So thanks, Gary, Freddy, Sal, Big Tony, Tony, Omar and crew, Carl and crew, Kevin, Jim, Brian, Tom, Frank, Anne, Matt and crew, Carol, Daniel, Carl-Isaak, Nattie, Rachel, Elon, Doug, John, Tom M. and Micheal T, and to the others whose names I didn't know or who might have slipped by. Thanks for making my life more beautiful.

Q&A Echinacea

2005-11-19T22:18:00.000-05:00

Question: So, what’s the deal with Echinacea? Does it cure the common cold?

Uhhh, hmmm,????

Several studies have made headlines recently that have outright said that Echinacea has no effect on the common cold. (1,2). Yet, I wouldn’t be so hasty to dismiss the herb altogether, but nor would Echinacea be my first recommendation for fighting colds. Doesn’t that just clear everything up?

OK, first the critics: the studies done were well done scientifically, so that’s important. But the Turner study, blasted all over the news last July, seems almost as if the study was designed to fail. The dosage of echinacea was about 60% of the usual dosage for the more active echinacea species and Turner used a species of Echinacea that isn’t the most studied because it has less biological activity then other species. The World Health Association would recommend a dose 10 times as much for the species of echinacea used in the Turner study. Isn’t that interesting? I’m actually dismayed as a taxpayer that this very well designed study didn’t use better Echinacea. That’s leaves the jury out for me as to the effectiveness of Echinacea.

That said, it’s not my favorite cure for the common cold. I would rather build up the immune system because it is THE cure for colds. I only recommend an Echinacea containing product to my clients at the first sign of upper respiratory symptoms and only for a limited time. Five to seven days is about max. The product I recommend also has other herbs that have clinically shown to also work on the flu and contains zinc, a mineral that has been shown to cut the duration of colds by half if a sufficient dose is available in the zinc lozenge AND if taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms. (3)

If you want to know what I recommend, e-mail me so I can be of best service to you. I want the best fit for you.

(1) Turner, R.B, et al. NEJM, 353(July 28):341-348.
(2) Barrett, et al. AIM, Volume 137 Issue 12, Dec. 2002
(3) Prasad, et al. AIM, Volume 133 Issue 4, Aug. 2000

About Buta Full Life- the company

2005-11-12T18:30:00.001-05:00

When I started this venture six years ago, it was important to me to build a business that would support me in all areas of my life in a professional manner. I have a rich professional and academic background and I’m educated over a wide range of topics including science, math, psychology, literature, music, foreign language, business, management, religion, health and wellness –kind of a “Renaissance woman”. The truth is, I just love to learn and I’m fascinated by the world around me. I also wanted to do something meaningful without the headaches and limitations of a 9-5 because I am also a Mom. I was determined to make my life beautiful!

So, here’s what I’m doing. I market a wide range of products for good health and gentle living on this earth directly to people who, like me, are smart about their health and the products they use, passionate about environment, and committed to doing what they need to do to get the results they want to live healthy, dynamic lives. Right now, I am particularly focused on actions we can take to reduce our personal impact on the environment. I'm absolutely passionate about what's in us, on us, or around us becomes part of us. Making small changes made big differences in my life- and that's why I do what I do.

Before I was using these products, I was constantly sick. I was overweight, infertile, exhausted. and, of course, completely stressed out. Now, seven years later, I enjoy great health, have a beautiful daughter and the energy to run a business, work out each morning, cook fresh every day, and serve in my community. With this business I have a toolbox at my fingertips so I can not only create the good health and financial security I want for my family, I can also help others to do the same thing I have grown so much in this process ~ I am now the happiest working person I know! It truly is a Buta Full Life!

Anyway, if you know anyone, like me, who is looking for a professional way to generate an additional income stream, or passionate environmentalists looking for easy realistic solutions for their family ‘s better health and environment, or even would like to know more yourself, just give me a call at 617-504-4971. We'll talk for about 10 minutes to see if we're a good fit.

Have a fabulous day!