Indianapolis Children's Museum Haunted House

Today my family visited the Indianapolis Children's Museum for the annual Haunted House. My two older children enjoyed the frightening hours while my younger son played in the science area. The Indianapolis Children's Museum is one of the largest museums in the U.S. We have had the opportunity to visit children's museums in Washington DC, Houston, Ann Arbor and although we enjoyed them all, Indianapolis is just amazing! There are 5 exciting levels and my children never get tired of any of them. The dinosaur exhibit is really amazing and you can even watch scientists as they work on discovered dinosaur bones. The horse carousel is one of our favorites and a new exhibit with young children who have made a difference is very inspiring for children and adults of all ages.

Some of the Associates were in costume and I began talking to several about the museums Green Initative. Recyling bins are available for guests throughout the museum and the Associates told me they have also implemented recyling programs for the staff and all areas are cleaned with safe non-toxic cleaning products. I appreciate the Indianpolis Children's Museum setting this example for green living and our family will appreciate the recyling opportunities and I hope other venues follow.

Green Cleaning Company - 1 Year Anniversary

I want to share that As You Wish Cleaning Company (AYW) is celebrating their 1 Year Anniversary of Going Green on October 1st. One year ago they became one of the first companies in the Indianapolis area to "Go Green" with non-toxic cleaning products. The switch was very personal for owner, Shyla Grattenthaler. After experiencing health complications which were directly linked to the toxic chemicals in traditional cleaning products, Shyla began to replace her traditional products at home with safe non-toxic products, choosing Shaklee products because of their long history. It was a natural progression to make that switch in her business, As You Wish Cleaning. If you are in the Indianapolis area, I encourage you to look at the AYW website: www.aywcleaning.com to learn more about the company and consider their service for your family. You will also receive a special discount for trying AYW during the Fall and holiday season.

International Clean Up Day

September is international coastal clean up month and on September 20th, 2008 beach lovers and scuba divers all over the world will be cleaning up trash from in and around our waters. Whether you enjoy the views from down under or find yourself with land legs, we can all agree that keeping the water safe for our children and protecting the wild life are important goals.

To learn more about the opportunities in your area, go to www.projectaware.org

White River Clean Up

Yesterday marked the yearly tradition of the White River Clean Up. An event where local Scouts, church groups, families and individuals come together to clean up a 75 mile stretch of the White River from Randolfph to Marion County. You can find out more about this annual event and other projects and news during the year at www.friendsofwhiteriver.org . My daughter has participated in the clean up for the past few years. I think it is a great way to learn first hand about clean water ways and participate in a community event to make them safe and clean.

FDA Finds Lead in Women's and Children's Vitamins

Today The Daily Green reported that recent testing by the FDA found trace amounts of lead in women's and children's vitamins. Lead is very hazardous to pregnant women, fetuses and children (particularly to those developing under the age of 6). Lead is known to cause brain damage, learning disabilities and limited IQ.

The FDA vitamin research covered 324 multi-vitamin products and only 4 were lead-free. However, I find it interesting that the article states the FDA does not consider any of these products unsafe. The government just enacted legislation banning lead in children/infant toys and products, yet they are allowing varying amounts of lead in vitamins that we eat... this just doesn't make any sense.

Some of the vitamins listed included: My First Flintstones (Tablet/Capsule), Flintstones Plus Immunity Support (Tablet/Capsule), GNC Mega Teen (Tablet/Capsule), Nature's Sunshine Nature's Prenatal (Tablet/Capsule), Viactiv Multivitamin Milk Chocolate (Candy-like) and more. Click here for the complete listing and details.

I try to make healthy choices for my family including organic food as much as possible, whole grains in our diet, less refined sugars and natural, safe, non-toxic women's and children's vitamins. Unfortunately our children can be harmed from unseen hazards as much or more than the traditional things we work so hard to protect them from. In my opinion, there isn't a safe level of lead in any product - especially one used by children.

Local Farmer's Markets

My Niece has been in town for the weekend and I have been showing her some local flavor. Friday night we went to the Organic Farmer's Market at Trader's Point Creamery. We picked up some home-made salsa, flat green and yellow beans, tomatoes and cucumbers from various vendors. Then, my niece selected two wines from New Day Meadery, a local Meadery in Elwood. I purchased one of their dry wines (red raspberry I believe) a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Then yesterday we went to the Noblesville Farmer's Market for local corn, peaches and more tomatoes to make our own salsa. I learned that heirloom tomatoes do not last as long as other varieties (I left a few out last night and they had to be used today before they went bad). I love this time of year when there is so much to choose from at the local markets. I also appreciate the effort by the Noblesville market to require all vendors to grow at least 50% of what they sell. It has become a weekend tradition for my family and we enjoy supporting our favorite local growers and appreciate their efforts to be environmentally friendly and organic. It is a win-win for everyone.

We had a great weekend and enjoyed the local flavor of both the town and local food.

Bush Signs Product Safety Bill

Yesterday President Bush signed product safety reform legislation into law. This is a major win for parents and families across the country as it will require comprehensive changes in manufacturing practices - requiring that toys and infant products are tested for safety before they are sold to consumers.

The Consumer Reports blog announced yesterday that the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is the most significant change to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) since it was created in the 1970's. The groundbreaking law will ban lead and phthalates in toys, require the CPSC to set up a consumer product safety database and give the CPSC the resources to protect consumers and go after those in violation of the law.

Over the last several years of recalls and recent consumer concern over phthalates, consumer advocacy groups have been keeping the safety of children in the public eye. Thank you to everyone involved in pushing this legislation and to Congress for putting children first.