Heroes and How to Proceed

I've hesitated posting about this, because frankly, I'm speechless. I was incredibly fortunate to be near a conference for midwives that hosted Sandra Steingraber a few weeks ago. It was so amazing to hear her speak and meet her afterward. She is truly a warrior, doing the hard work of deciphering and then sharing news that is hard to hear. Her gifts are many, but one that sets her work apart from the rest is her ability to present science in a way that is poetic. Those of us who have to work hard to digest the science are relieved that her books have a poetry that makes the science palatable.

I hope you will check out the updated version of her book, Living Downstream as well as the documentary film just released based on the film. Her story is intriguing and her continued work in this area courageous. What I learned from her has changed my life for the better and undoubtedly that of my child.

With this amazing experience comes the question of how to proceed. I feel a true responsibility to share information about everyday toxic exposure with mothers especially. It is a difficult topic that many do not want to hear. And I don't blame them. Much would be easier if I knew less than I know. But I've come to know it for a reason. So how do I move forward? How do I reach those women planning to become pregnant, at least planting a seed of what they may want to be aware of as they embark on the incredible journey towards parenthood?

All Stainless Steel Bottles NOT Alike

Just when you thought you had your bases covered, new information comes to light. It has been reported that SIGG water bottles until recently were coated with plastic. Really? When you know that your customers are paying a premium to buy your product in large part because you are trusted to make safe, reliable products and you decide its worth it to undermine that? What a big disappointment. Of course, it also reminds us that knock-off products may be the same.

EWG comes through again with information and action. Check out their letter to SIGG and request for a bottle exchange program posted on Huffington Post. Tree Hugger.com has an excellent article with information on other types of aluminum bottles and what were found with testing. SIGG reports that their bottles tested safe, meaning no BPA was found to leach. But what if the bottle is dented causing the plastic coating to open up? How long does it take for this coating to degrade? What if one uses this bottle for other types of liquids that react negatively with the coating causing it to break down?

Bottom line is that if I'm going to bother hauling around an aluminum bottle, it's to avoid having to drink out of a plastic one. Though SIGG stopped lining their bottles in 2008, for me it's damaged the brand name perhaps irreparably.

Other options for bottles that I understand are not coated with plastic:

Klean Kanteen

Green Bottle

Camelbak

The Water Geeks