Wondering Whether or Not to Give your Son or Daughter Gardasil? What You Should Know about The Gardasil Vaccine for HPV

Meet the faces of Gardasil

I have been getting a lot of questions from my girlfriends about my thoughts on giving the Gardasil vaccine to their daughters and sons.  My friends know what happened to my dad, but they also know all of my kids have been vaccinated with many of the recommended vaccines.  Still, when it comes to Gardasil, my daughters will not be getting the vaccine.  When I tell my friends my decision (one which until recently has been balked at by their father) they inevitably have a million questions. I started thinking that there most certainly must be a lot of my online friends and other parents who are out there wondering whether or not you should give your son or daughter Gardasil?

It certainly is a personal decision; although states have tried and succeeded to make it mandatory, thankfully consumers and legislators are working to block those efforts. Still, how can you make a decision about Gardasil without all of the facts.  Are you just suppossed to give your child yet another vaccine without getting the informed on the facts?  Uh, yea, well, no right? There are some things you should know about Gardasil before deciding to give it or not give it to your children.  The following vids will help you become more informed before you make your decision.

Brian Deer has Selective Hearing. How is Yours When it Comes to Andrew Wakefield, Vaccines and The Supreme Court? It's Time to Dig in and Stay Informed!

I posted a bit earlier this week on Dr. Andrew Wakefield and how he was misrepresented by Brian Deer in the BMJ article.  I found the following video today and was totally riveted to the screen and had to share.  It's about information right?

Just How Green is Your Bottled Water? Where Does it Come From? Is it Pure or Contaminated? EWG Bottled Water Scorecard...How does Your Brand Rate?

Download the Full Report PDF

I make no secret of the fact that I HATE bottled water.  I mean where does it come from and is it really pure or is it contaminated?  Now it wouldn't be so bad if everyone knew what the greenest brands to buy and made it a habit to toss all  their water bottles into the recycling bin, but that just doesn't always happen.  Folks are on the run when they are drinking their bottled water and there just aren't enough public recycling options.  So into the trash they go, making a final stop in our landfills, waterways and oceans. 

Calling all Guys! It's Time to Go Green and Get Hot with Hemp!

I am putting a call out to all green guys, and not yet so green guys, everywhere cuz it's time to chill with hemp!  Hemp isn't just for hippies anymore!  Look guys, you wear it, not smoke it!  Hemp is one of the most natural and sustainable resources and I know how it can make you look like one hot green guy!

When will Your Toxic Body Burden Become too Heavy?

A vaccine took away my chance to have one last dance with my dad

I sit here today at my keyboard with tears streaming down my face, overcome with emotion. Memories and sadness are flooding my mind.  I am caught down so deeply in the sensation of great loss that has come to my father, myself and the rest of my family from one Hepatitis-B vaccination.  You see people, it is not just the MMR vaccine that we have to beware of, it is all of the vaccines.  But don't stop there, look at your personal care products, your cleaning supplies and even that stick free pan that you made your breakfast on this morning.  We are being bombarded with chemicals.  When will you find out it is too much for your body to handle.  When will your children have taken so much that they cannot bear the burden any longer?  When will your toxic body burden become too heavy?  Is it with the MMR shot when still a toddler or will it be with a Hep-B shot when you are in your 50's?  When?  Maybe never.

Documents Prove Dr. Andrew Wakefield Innocent of Misleading Public on Autism Findings. British Medical Journal and Reporter Brian Deer Published False Accusations?

(NaturalNews) New documents have emerged that clear Dr Andrew Wakefield of the allegations of fraud recently made by the British Medical Journal and its reporter Brian Deer. This new evidence "completely negates the allegations that I committed scientific fraud. Brian Deer and Dr. Godlee of the British Medical Journal (BMJ) knew or should have known about the facts set out below before publishing their false allegations," says Dr Andrew Wakefield (see sources, below).

Just How Safe are Pesticides Anyway? That Green Lawn and Pest Free Home Come at a Cost to Your Health and our Environmental Health. Why you Need Natural and Organic Pest Control

Just how safe are pesticides anyway?  Have you ever wondered?  I know I have a huge concern about how pesticides affect our health and our environmental health.  Well three new studies are making it clear to consumers that we need to get more information on natural and organic pest control.  That green lawn you are so proud of and that pest free home you need may come at a cost to your health and our environmental health.

Why 41% of Americans will be Diagnosed with Cancer at Some Time in their Lives and What You Can do About it. Latest Report from the President's Cancer Panel

A report by the President’s Cancer Panel, Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can Do Now was published in April 2010 This latest annual report, for 2008–2009, was written by Suzanne H. Reuben for the cancer panel and published by the National Cancer Institute.

Why will 41%  of Americans will be Diagnosed with Cancer at Some Time in their Lives?  Check out these Highlights from a new report on the Environmental Causes of Cancer

• A growing body of research documents a myriad of established and suspected environmental factors linked to genetic, immune, and endocrine [hormonal] dysfunction that can lead to cancer and other diseases.
• Air emissions from vehicles, particularly from burning diesel fuel, are responsible for about 30 percent of cancer resulting from air pollution. “Diesel engine exhaust from school buses is of special concern because many children are exposed to it on a daily basis,” the report says.

Update - Portland City Council Shelves Non-Emergency Perfume Ban Until Next Meeting...Tell Us this no Laughing Matter

It seems the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)  actually governs these smelly issues

So a bit of an update from the post I did this week on Portland banning perfume and personal care scents.

So as far as I can tell, item #168 on the Portland City Agenda to Establish a City policy discouraging employee use of personal scented products in the workplace has been seriously (Council Members reminded us that this is not a laughing matter) discussed, agreed upon and shelved until the next meeting for a vote of approval.  Hayden-Jay (my most fabulous 5 year old) and I were in the middle of an intense workout (she was showing me her new moves) when I heard the item called for discussion. 

Bob Marley Sends Us Some Green from Beyond

A portion of proceeds from sales of the Eco-headphones and audio accessories will go to 1Love.org, an organization formed with the Marley family that supports “charities that empower people to take action for sustainable and responsible living.”

I have been a Bob Marley fan for decades.  God I am old.  His Reggae music always transports me to a place of peace and tranquility whenever I need it.  Throughout college, and now with a busy household to run, his music has always provided a mini escape from the stress of every day living.  Now word comes that The House of Marley, a company that includes Marley's daughter and other family members, is helping the legendary Bob Marley send green from the grave.

Booty Call for Green Action! Tell your Senators to Co-sponsor the Protecting Pregnant Women and Children from Hexavalent Chromium Act of 2011 TODAY!

Tell your senators to co-sponsor the Protecting Pregnant Women and Children from Hexavalent Chromium Act of 2011 TODAY

EWG's (Environmental Working Group) research has found pollution from cancer-causing chromium-6 in drinking water in 31 of 35 cities. As a direct result of this research, Senators Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., have introduced Senate Bill 79, the Protecting Pregnant Women and Children from Hexavalent Chromium Act of 2011.

Portland Goes Green...Set to Ban Wearing Perfume, Cologne and Scented Personal Care Products in City Hall

Employees at Portland City Hall may soon get an update to their employee handbook...NO MORE STINKY PERFUME!  Watch the action LIVE!

It seems that Portland City Hall is considering going green; or at least going greener as they work to create higher indoor air quality for employees.  It seems that during a December 2010 discussion with city employees and union leaders about banning personal care scents in Portland's City Hall, the idea was so well received that the city is taking action.  On Wednesday, the City Council will discuss amending its human resources rules to discourage employees from using personal scented products in the workplace where the “sole purpose is to emit a fragrance such as perfume, aftershave and cologne and to avoid the use of strongly scented powder, deodorant and other personal hygiene products.”

If you think this is wacked, watch this...

Every Green Mom's Prayer Answered for a Quick, Easy and Artificial Free Organic Hot Cocoa Mix to Give their Little Ones. Equal Exchange Organic Hot Cocoa Mix ...Yumminess for your Heart and Tummy

Environmental Booty and our partner, Herbtrader , have answered every green mom's prayer for a quick, easy and artificial free organic hot cocoa mix to give their little ones.  Our delicious fairly traded organic hot cocoa has a rich chocolatey flavor that both kids and adults will love. Equal Exchange Organic Hot Cocoa mix is super easy to make with hot water because the milk is in the mix!  I still like to use milk in mine though to make it creamy and an even healthier treat.

Who are the Top 10 Eco-Friendly Celebs with the REAL Green Cred? Our List May Surprise You

Halle Berry visits the Shaster Foundation’s Indlovu Project, a squatter community turned Eco-village

Green is “in” these days and many entertainers are rushing to show just how Eco-friendly they really are. However, who are the celebs with the real green cred? The following is our list of the top 10 Eco-friendly stars:

How do Green Girls Protect Themselves? With Hot Lips of Course!

Green girls, get HOT LIPS and get protected!

A friend of mine turned me on to a great and inexpensive (just $8.99) way to protect myself and I had to share with all of my green girlfriends.  Okay so you don't have to be a greenie to love this stuff but it is pretty cool that it is totally non-toxic right?  Of course I would have no worry spraying something toxic on a dude who is about to attack me, but still, I don't want to breathe any of it into my body right?

So the idea with the Hot Lips is that is looks like a lipstick holder but it is really a compact size pepper spray.  Totally non-toxic but totally effective at dropping any attacker in their tracks.  It is easy to keep in your purse  or you can take it on your daily run.  A bit of advice though, if you have a little one at home like I do, be sure to explain that it is NOT lipstick but a way for mommy to protect herself!  You don't want any little ones getting their hands on this!  

P.S.- I am really glad that you stopped by our Environmental Booty Blog and I hope you have learned or shared a thing or two.  I hope that , now that you've found us,  you won't lose us!  You can join our green living online community, subscribe to our posts,  download our community toolbar or Tweet with me on Twitter to stay in touch!  - Shane :)

Our Vaccine Nation...Want the Full Story? Doctors, Nurses and Scientists Report on Protecting Your Child and Yourself

"This report is an absolute must-read for parents everywhere. It contains the facts about vaccines, children and immune health that the vaccine manufacturers and government health authorities don't want circulated. Whether or not you choose to vaccinate yourself or your children, you owe it to yourself to hear both side of the story before making a decision, and this report tells you the side of the story your doctor was never taught in medical school."-Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com 

Here's some of what you'll find in this eye-opening report from the International Medical Council on Vaccination (www.VaccinationCouncil.org)

Wanna Laugh? Watch Stephen Colbert and Yum Brand's Taco Bell Fight Back Against "False Statements" about Beef

I had to laugh when I heard how Stephen Colbert and Yum Brands are working it to fight the allegations that Taco Bell's beef is not real meat.  I must say I am partial to Mr. Colbert's take on things. 

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
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www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog Video Archive

The Best of the Colbert Report

Despite Assurances from US Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, Experts Warn GM Alfalfa WILL Contaminate Organic and Traditional Crops

I just picked up a story from the AP that just makes me kind of sick.

So last week genetically modified (GM) Alfalfa  was, through much resistance from consumers and organic farming associations,  finally approved.  Wow, big surprise that was since this just follows the pattern of our government to support big business like Monsanto, instead of supporting consumers.  First GM corn, then GM Soybeans and now alfalfa.  Why should you care?

Looking for a Source for Organic and Natural Products? Meet Frontier Natural Products

Frontier Natural Products Co-op – Your Source for Organic and Natural Products

P.S.- I am really glad that you stopped by our Environmental Booty Blog and I hope you have learned or shared a thing or two. I hope that , now that you've found us, you won't lose us! You can join our green living online community, subscribe to our posts, download our community toolbar or Tweet with me on Twitter to stay in touch! - Shane :)

How Top Green Celebrities Live their Eco-friendly Lives to the Fullest

Cute, bubbly and as green as Kermit.  Diaz was one of the first celebs to go green  on the road as she purchased a Prius early on.

1. Brad Pitt  - Mr Brangelina has quite a few green credentials under his belt...right?  After Hurricane Katrina, Brad showed his commitment to people and planet through helping to rebuild New Orleans.  Using green technologies and materials, Pitt's  Make It Right Foundation is building 150 houses in the decimated 9th Ward.   In March 2009, Pitt even met with President Obama to discuss federally funding green housing projects.  Plus, you may not know that he is the voice of PBS’s e2 series on environmentally sound design. 

Super Bowl Fans, Are You Ready for Some Green Football? The Green Bay Packers aren't the Only Green You will See at this Year's Super Bowl

The countdown is on for Super Bowl XLV!

All eyes will be on Cowboys Stadium when the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Green Bay Packers this year in Super Bowl XLV.  Super Bowl fans, are you ready for some green football?  You better be cuz The Green Bay Packers aren't the only green you will see at this year's Super Bowl battle.  On a list compiled by SunRun, a national home solar company, the $1.2 billion Cowboy's Stadium, where this year's game will be held, actually ranks in the top five for Eco-friendly, green stadiums.

Recently I told you about the "greenness" of my local Amway Arena, home of my Orlando Magic.  Now SunRun has ranked football stadiums according to the depth and breadth of green initiatives and of course they took into account the stadium's use of solar energy.

Find out just how green your team is.  Take a look to see where they rank in this list of the top 10 green stadiums. 

National Institute for Health and Welfare Links Swine Flu Vaccine Pandemrix in Kids 4-19 to Narcolepsy

Finnish health researchers say they have found an increased risk of narcolepsy among young people who have been given the swine flu vaccine Pandemrix

I wanted to give you the update on the post I wrote this week about the Swine Flu vaccine (Pandemrix) and narcolepsy in children.  Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally.  This vaccine has been used in at least 30.8 million Europeans.   The report I told you about from the National Institute for Health and Welfare is available and I think it is important to give you the highlights.  To be clear, The National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is a research and development institute under the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and not some conspiracy organization. 

The highlights are as follows and the entire release can be read on the National Institute for Health and Welfare's site. 

New Report Details Cancer-Causing Chemical in Water Supply from Coal Ash while TVA Learns a Lesson from Coal Ash Disaster and Makes the Change to Cleaner Energy

Coal ash waste contains hexavalent chromium so I say, "Good Job!" to the TVA for their move to cleaner energy to power almost half a million homes!

Just weeks after recent headlines about hexavalent chromium, a cancer-causing toxic chemical, contaminating drinking water systems around the U.S., a new report shows that there are tons of leaking coal ash sites across the country which are additional documented sites for such contamination. Power plants already dump more than 10 million pounds of chromium and chromium compounds into mostly unlined or inadequately lined coal ash landfills, ponds and fill sites each year.  The electric power industry is the largest single source of chromium and chromium compounds released to the environment.   Remember the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) coal ash disaster?  Now there was a leak huh?