30Jan 2019 by Angela Cummings

Reference: Toluene (chemical)

Reference Document (study or article)
Source name: Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) Reference type:  Toxic Substances Portal Date of study or article: Accessed January 28, 2019. Last updated March 3, 2011. Summary: Toluene affects the immune and nervous system – two of the body’s organ systems. It is a chemical in the volatile organic chemical (VOC) family of chemicals. It’s a clear, colorless liquid that occurs naturally in crude oil and the tolu tree. Further, it is produced during the process of making gasoline and other products from crude oil and coal. It can be found in paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives, rubber, and in printing, and leather tanning processes. Notable quotes: Link to reference material: ATSDR Toxic Substances Portal - Toluene
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23Jan 2019 by Angela Cummings
Why is Synthetic Clothing Material Harmful to Your Health?

Why is Synthetic Clothing Material Harmful to Your Health?

Blog, Clothes & Textiles
Did you know that synthetic clothing material is made of chemicals that may be harmful to your health? These clothes are made of plastic – the same plastic that may be causing health conditions such as cancer, obesity, and hormone disruption – even at levels the Food and Drug Administration say are safe.   In this article, we’ll explain what synthetic clothing is, why it can be harmful to health, and how to know if your clothes are made of synthetic material. What Are Synthetic Clothes? Simply put, synthetic clothes are clothes made of material created from oil byproducts and man-made chemicals. What is an oil byproduct? You know how crude oil is pumped from the ground, right? It’s that thick black oil that we’ve seen on TV when there…
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09Jan 2019 by Angela Cummings
What is Organic Clothing?

What is Organic Clothing?

Blog, Clothes & Textiles
Organic clothing, like so many other “nontoxic” topics, can be difficult to understand. You’d think that the only criteria would be that the clothing is made of natural materials. But, not all natural materials meet the organic clothing criteria. In this article, we’ll answer the question “What is organic clothing?” and discuss the difference between natural and organic clothing. What is the difference between natural and organic clothing? Natural clothing Natural clothing is made of materials found in nature. Except it doesn’t include clothing made of oil, oil byproducts, and other materials found on our planet, naturally. This can be confusing. Think of it this way: if the clothing can be made solely of material that is a living organism such as a plant or animal, then it’s a natural…
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20Dec 2018 by Angela Cummings
5 Ways Food Affects Immune System Health (during the holidays)

5 Ways Food Affects Immune System Health (during the holidays)

Blog, Food, Health
Are your holidays filled with jolly parties, delicious food, and adult drinks? We have so much fun when we’re feeling good! But the strain on our digestive system can cause our immune systems to dysfunction, leading to illness. Learn how food can affect immune system health. 5 Ways Food Affects the Immune System & Health 1.Slow digestion. If eating too late at night, too close to bed time, can slow digestive system down and lead to a sleepless night (and heartburn!). Lack of sleep can cause inflammation that burdens the immune system, and could lead to illness. 2. Leaky gut.  Overeating processed food during the holidays is almost a given. The holiday season is filled with parties, food, get-togethers, and food… and then more food. When we overeat processed food, our…
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14Dec 2018 by Angela Cummings
12 Affordable Nontoxic Gifts to Give This Holiday (Under $25!)

12 Affordable Nontoxic Gifts to Give This Holiday (Under $25!)

Blog, Gift Guide
Do you want to buy healthier gifts, that don’t break the bank? Check out these 12 ideas for affordable nontoxic gifts under $25 that you can give to loved ones, friends, or co-workers. 12 Affordable Nontoxic Gifts (for under $25!) 1.Socks for Sensitive Skin. Every year our toes end up naked,poking through the holes in our socks.  Warm socks (thick and comfy) are a special treat for the feet. What could be more useful than a pair of thick, organic cotton socks that are free of toxic dyes and finishes? Everyone should have a pair! The gift you’ll really be giving: Clothing that doesn’t off-gas toxic chemicals (which we end up breathing in) Warm feetSupport for organic clothing companies Where to find: Maggie’s Organics, Organic Cotton Crew Sock – Allergy,…
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22Nov 2018 by Angela Cummings
7 Black Friday Deals (from Healthier Retailers)

7 Black Friday Deals (from Healthier Retailers)

Blog
Want to save money while buying organic, chemical-free products? Clothes, bedding, furniture, food, vitamins, and building materials that are organic and/or chemical-free can be more expensive than standard products made of toxic chemicals. This year, Black Friday deals are being offered by retailers in the healthy products community! Check out the list of health conscious retailers offering Black Friday deals this weekend. Which Health-Conscious Retailers are Offering Black Friday Sales? Coyuchi Get $50 off when you spend $250 + free shipping Good Harvest Market (for those close to Waukesha, WI) 25% off select produce, meat, seafood, and café items Green Design Center 12% off any product on their website 20% off Savvy Rest Organic Latex Mattresses Indigenous Buy one get one ½ off (sweaters, tops, outerwear, ponchos) Maggie’s Organics 25%…
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22Nov 2018 by Angela Cummings
Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

Blog
At this time last year, I was just starting to write my first book.  “Organic Lifestyle Made Easy, How to create a chemical-free household one step at a time,” was only two chapters long and just starting to take shape. It seems like a life time ago. Do you have moments like that? While we’re busy focused on the day-to-day, were creating and influencing our future. What we do today affects our lives tomorrow – our health, happiness, opportunities.   But it’s also important to reflect every now and again. Looking back on significant milestones allows us to see how much we’ve grown. How much we’ve achieved along the way. It gives us perspective to see how small changes and accomplishments over time can make such a big difference. Pause…
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15Nov 2018 by Angela Cummings
What easy, strategic ways can I live chemical free (and boost energy)?

What easy, strategic ways can I live chemical free (and boost energy)?

Blog, Health
Want more energy? Heck ya! Who doesn’t? Fatigue and low energy levels can be frustrating, preventing us from living our fullest lives. It’s even more noticeable this time of year when our calendars are filled with family gatherings and holiday activities. These activities can lead to exposure to chemicals linked to hormone disruption. Boost your energy level with a non toxic lifestyle, by following the simple tips below. How is energy level related to chemical free living? Our energy levels are dependent upon a well-functioning hormone system. When we are exposed to chemicals that are thyroid and hormone disruptors, it can affect our energy levels. Hormone System: What is the Endocrine System The hormone system is called the endocrine system. Here’s the scoop on the endocrine and its daily responsibilities:…
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08Nov 2018 by Angela Cummings
Official Launch of Live Life!

Official Launch of Live Life!

Blog, News
Hey friends! I’m writing today with exciting news!  After a few months of reflection, planning and creativity (thanks to my graphic designer Ann-marie Verbrugge) we’re rolling out a new company name, new logo and new website! New Name: Live Life, LLC It’s more reflective of what we do, providing the best, most chemical-free solutions so that you can live life! Here’s how: We’ve already sorted through conflicting information for you, saving time (so you can spend time with family, friends, and others!)We debunk misleading marketing, save you money wasted on toxic products advertised as healthy (so you can spend money doing fun things!)We help you feeling better, saving you time spent feeling “under the weather”, swollen and sick (so you can feel happier and enjoy life more!). Occupant Wellness, LLC…
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01Nov 2018 by Angela Cummings
10 Ways Food is Healthier from Organic CSAs (& How to Sign Up Now)

10 Ways Food is Healthier from Organic CSAs (& How to Sign Up Now)

Blog, Food
November is the time to start watching for organic CSA (community supported agriculture) membership sign-up!  It only happens once a year. Organic CSAs are a great way to choose organic, chemical-free, annnnnd fresh foods. Read on to learn other great health benefits and how to sign up for an organic CSA. 10 Ways Organic CSA Food is Healthier By choosing a certified organic CSA, you’re choosing food that is free from chemicals in plastic packaging, growing (including non-GMO seeds and pesticides), and production. Here are 10 ways organic CSA foods are healthier! Freshest of fresh. Picked from the ground, rinsed off, and placed into your CSA box for pick up. That’s almost as fresh as you can get. Mold minimized. Eating fresh food can minimize exposure to molded foods. As…
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