Bona Fide Green Goods

What’s to not like? An engineer-turned-homeschooling mom takes reclaimed yarn and around-the-house obsolete items, and knits whimsical, artsy and still very practical purses and bags.  The perfect story.

Locally Made Hand Knit Bags

Meet Colleen Ritchie, the artist behind these unique beauties. In every bag there is a lot of love and care, and some hot knitting going on. Colleen double, triple and even quadruple knits so the bags remain tight. (No pens poking through.) She tries to create themes for each bag, either literal or visual, and manages to create cell phone pockets and secret compartments inside and out. Each bag has hours of loving labor, some where between 30-50 hours.

Bona Fide is proud to have these one-of-a-kind creations for sale. Connecting with local manufactures is important to us.  We are delighted to introduce you to Fingerprint Knit Bags.

As winter approaches, the indoor air quality (IAQ) in homes  generally worsens. As home owners make efforts to minimize air leakage and make their castles more efficient, the ability to get a fresh air exchange decreases. Studies show that organic pollutants can be 2 – 5 times higher inside homes. But there are some things you can do to improve your IAQ this winter:

1 – Install the best filters you can on your heating system or air exchange system, typically HEPA filters; change frequently and don’t skimp.

2 – Clean regularly preferably with a central vac; use a wet mop instead of a dry mop or broom.

3 – Use your exhaust fans when cooking or showering.

4 – Use green cleaning products that do not emit chemicals; vinegar and baking soda get most things clean.

5 – Minimize new furniture, paint, and carpets with VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Winter is not the time to do a home renovation.

6 – Open the windows once in awhile; outdoor air is cleaner than indoor air!

7 – Burn only clean burning candles like 100% beeswax or 100% soy; both without artificial fragrance (there is no such thing as pure essential oil in lilac!) Inhaling fumes from burning paraffin candles is the equivalent of inhaling diesel fumes.

8 – Avoid using artificial fragrances found in room sprays, plug-ins, air wicks, diffusers, dryer sheets, cleaning products, and perfumes as they release phthalates into the air.

9 – Avoid smoke from wood stoves and fire places.

10 – Have your home tested for radon.

11 – Leave your shoes at the door to keep dirt and germs out.

12 – Fill your home with house plants to help clean the air.

In the last couple of months, BPA has made several notable headlines. What’s notable about them is that at least two of the articles have conclusions that are about as opposite as you can get with regard to the safety of this controversial chemical – at least on the surface. Let’s take a look below the surface and find out why these reports are in such contrast.

For a quick review, BPA (Bisphenol-A) is a synthetic petroleum-based organic compound usually used in making plastics and usually added to make plastics harder. It is also used in many other applications such as in the linings of aluminum water bottles and cans, cash register receipts, and dental sealants. BPA mimics the human estrogen hormone and can act like our own once inside us.

The controversy about BPA is its safety once it is inside us. BPA not only can supersede our own estrogen but can, at higher levels, seem to be too much of a good thing causing enhanced estrogen activity linked to breast cancer, early puberty, and altered baby boy anatomy. Science has convincing animal evidence of the perils of BPA. Since we can’t do experiments on humans, the evidence for determining human safety levels becomes more difficult. The question becomes: at what level does BPA become not safe for human exposure as measured by the amount of BPA in the body? At least that is one way to look at safety.  Of course the industry’s position is that it is safe, even at all levels. After all, there are no immediate life threatening effects, which is how toxicologists typically analyze the safety of chemicals.

This summer, a government funded study concluded that BPA was  not detected in the blood for 24 hours after “high” dietary exposure to BPA. Reporting articles used the opportunity to cast doubt on the threat of BPA. The chemical and canned food industry lauded the research with a “We told you so.”

A university based research article observed two events when breast tissue cells were exposed to BPA. The first was that high-risk non-cancerous breast cells turned cancerous when exposed to BPA. The other event occurred when breast cancer cells were exposed to BPA and then introduced to the cancer killing drug Tamoxifen; the Tamoxifen (the most commonly used breast cancer drug) appeared to be blocked by the BPA and not able to work effectively. The level of BPA exposure was consistent with what is typically found in human blood. These BPA levels seemed to “flip a swtich” turning regular breast cells cancerous.

These are two very different studies. The first draws conclusions (despite four glaring flaws) and the second presents the evidence.

The government study by Teeguarden was his first research on BPA which may explain some of the oversight. The first major concern is that the researchers did not measure the amount of BPA actually ingested by the participants. They fed participants three cans of food during the day. Studies show that the amount of BPA in canned foods varies greatly based on many factors such as the original can manufacturer, the type of lining, the type of food and length of time in the can, and heat exposure. What they measured instead was the BPA in the urine and claimed that urine output was representative of BPA input.  This assumption has raised eye brows even among non-scientists – it’s so egregious.

The second is that participants were asked to drink 3.5 liters of water during the day which for many people is a lot of fluid.  Drinking excessive water may cause excessive BPA urine output but the possibility of dilution was not discussed.

The third error was concluding that there was no BPA in the blood when the level of detection used  was only parts per billion. BPA research conducted by leading scientists often use parts per trillion for detecting BPA and note estrogen changes at this lower level. After all, our own hormones function in parts per trillion. That’s like saying there are no boulders in the field and then concluding there are  no stones, but you didn’t bother to count all the rocks.  Drawing the conclusion that there was no BPA in the blood using a limited level of detection (LOD) is irresponsible science at best.

The fourth concern is the gross over-all conclusion that BPA is effectively excreted by urine, undetected in the blood and therefore poses no risk, AND that previous studies were flawed; this is arrogance at best and not very ethically scientific. Omitted from discussion was the fact that BPA is actually excreted more in the feces than in the urine. Also omitted from discussion was the fact that BPA has been found to be stored in muscles, bones, mammary glands but most notably in fat where the concern is metabolic syndrome (diabetes) and  estrogenetic changes. A recent study found that sweat had plenty of BPA in it despite the blood showing undetectable levels using parts per billion as the LOD. The BPA in the sweat mostly originates from fat cells.

So one study declared that BPA is safe because it was not detected in the blood and was effectively excreted in the urine. The other study shows BPA turning non-cancer cells into cancer and BPA interfering with the ability for the most common breast cancer drug to work effectively. Both of these studies can not be right. Most of the studies that minimize the affects of BPA are supported by the chemical and can industries. Most of the studies that raise concern for BPA are from scientists at universities. Given the four glaring whoopsies in the first study, it is shocking that it even made it to print. It is disappointing to see the confusion extended to the point where, given the second study, lives could be at stake.

So far six states have banned BPA to some degree, mostly for infant and children products, based on the overwhelming science. If something smells like smoke, the prudent thing to do is investigate it to the point where you are satisfied for your safety. Most people don’t simply ignore it or blow it off as no big deal. Why should this be any different?

Learning how to compost is not rocket science. Compost, or the act of decomposition, will happen with or without your help, it’s just a matter of time. Humans have been formally composting for a couple thousand years; so why all the apprehension and fuss today?

First, why compost? The two basic reasons are: to create your own free amazing soil amendment, and to avoid greenhouse gas pollution by keeping food and yard waste out of the landfill.

If you want to get involved in composting, here are a few things you should know. Firstly, four things are necessary for composting – carbon, nitrogen, air, and water. The idea is to create an optimal environment so all the critters can work their fastest. Paying some extra attention to this ideal environment will keep these critters happy and expedite the process, but either way…compost happens.

Compost Bumper Sticker

For optimal composting, the pile should be between 3x3x3 feet by 5x5x5 feet – any larger and air can’t get to the middle so the critters can breathe, any smaller and the heat-loving critters cannot heat up the pile. The ideal temperature should be between 90 and 140 degrees. If you are looking to kill pathogens and destroy seeds, the temperature should exceed 140 degrees. This temperature won’t happen in winter, but go ahead and keep adding to your pile and it will kick off again in springtime!

The compost container can be anything including: a plain plastic bin with a locking lid, an open slatted box, a self contained tumbler, or even a hole in the ground. It doesn’t have to be a spaceship!

Aeration, or stirring or flipping your pile, speeds things up by providing oxygen to the critters and moving the middle to the outside and the outside to the middle. This allows the heat loving critters to do their thing in the middle of the pile where it is the hottest. Also, a moist pile is ideal since critters get thirsty too. Aim for a pile that is not too dry, not too wet – think damp sponge.

So what can go into your compost bin? Just about any plant based material, which includes paper and cardboard since they are made from trees! Dairy, fats, meat, and bones should be omitted mostly due to the unwanted flies and wildlife they attract and the heat needed to break them down. The smaller the size of items you add to your pile, the faster it will turn into compost. So, chop up that watermelon rind!

Getting the ideal carbon to nitrogen ratio seems the most daunting to newbies. Also called browns (carbon) and greens (nitrogen), the basic rule is half and half by volume, or more browns than greens. Too many greens creates the “garbage” odor, and too many browns will slow the process down. Some people layer their browns and greens, but it really isn’t necessary since everything is mixed up with aeration. You would be surprised by the huge variety of “things” that can be composted. A search online will give you lists of well over 100 things you can compost.

To help start the compost, all you need is a couple handfuls of dirt thrown on the pile. No need to buy fancy “starters”, as Mother Nature provides all the billions of microbes necessary for a compost pile with just a handful of good soil. Plus. the necessary organisms find their way to the compost pile through the ground.

If you create ideal conditions for your compost pile, you will have finished compost or “black gold” within two to four weeks. At some point you should stop adding to your pile if you want a uniformed finished product, so you might have to create another pile or a temporary holding place for your other kitchen scraps.

No matter what your goals are for composting – quick soil amendment or keeping household waste lean and mean – these basics will get you well on your way. Composting is kind of magical when you really think about it. It’s even better than rocket science, so have some fun!

The Original Lunar Phase Calendar for 2012 showing the moon phases for the year is now available.  The original company who makes these beauties is actual called The Original Lunar Phase which makes for some fun word play. They have been producing these calendars for over 20 years, which probably qualifies them as original.

Always changing with the times and trying to keep up with their sustainable mission, the company now uses a source which uses wind power to produce the product. Not only that, the paper is still 100% post-consumer but is thicker with an interesting texture. Instead of soy inks, more low-impact vegetable inks are now used. What a great example of always looking to do better.

Lunar Phase Calendar

The lunar phase poster 2012 is an accurate wall chart of the waxing and waning cycles of the moon throughout the year. The entire artwork is beautifully hand-drawn each year. So beautiful in fact, it can stay up for many years to come. Each year the artists make a little tweak in the graphics which makes it fun for long time collectors to find. Adds to the fun of it for sure.

Even if you are not into planting by the moon or engaging in any activities which consider the lunar phases (and there are lots), the calendar is still a work of art worthy of any wall.

And one more very important aspect – they’re local to boot. Right up north of Concord, in Tilton, NH.

When’s the next full moon?

Ta-da! Someone finally produced one (actually two). A non-plastic, food safe, stainless steel leak proof container is now available – the LunchBots Rounds.

LunchBots Rounds

While there have been good small containers around for a few years, they are not leak proof which restricts the kinds of foods you can put in it, like yogurt. Customers have been frustrated that there were no non-plastic options on the market, until now.

The leak proof seal is food grade silicone, not plastic. The container is high quality stainless steel, responsibly made in China. (Pretty much all stainless steel is now made in Asia, mostly China.)

Two containers come nested together, 16 ounces and 8 ounces. LunchBots Rounds are the perfect containers for the perfect solution. And they are flying off the shelves!

Sporks are one of those utensils that elicit a giggle when most customers see them. A spork is a blend of a fork and a spoon. In this case, the fork is at one end and the spoon is at the other end.

Bamboo Spork

Bona Fide’s organic bamboo sporks by Bambu are small, but big enough to get the job done. The well designed spork is sturdy enough to be reusable (for a long,  long time) yet disposable (easily composted) in the event you accidentally loose it.

Hiking and camping is an ideal situation when a spork comes in handy. Keeping a spork in your car or purse is also handy when you want to avoid using plastic. Now that it is back to school season, a spork fits nicely into any lunch container.

Sporks are reasonably priced so if you happen to lose it, it won’t break the bank. They are also a big seller during the holiday times and make great stocking stuffers.

Besides, what other utensil puts a smile on your face?

There is a new addition to our already large selection of wooden clothes drying racks – the new Grande Capital. The ever popular Capital with its minimal footprint and ability to fold for easy storage was beefed up a bit by adding 8 more rungs.  So instead of 11 rungs, it now boasts 19 rungs and 56 feet of drying space, which is nearly as big as our largest rack.

Grande Capital

This new and exclusive wooden drying rack might not be for everyone since the rungs are placed closer together than most racks. However, if you are looking for a rack that will hold a large load of laundry using a minimal amount of floor space, the Grande Capital is for you.

This wooden drying rack can be found in-store only for the moment at the Concord, NH location. If you would like to order from our large online selection, please see our website.

There seems to be a cleaner or disinfectant for everything. There’s a cleaner for tile, grout, windows, metal door knobs, sinks, stoves, ovens, showers, faucets, plants, computers and now, toothbrushes.

Come to think of it, there probably are a lot of germs left over on a toothbrush after you use, after all, it is coming from your mouth. Maybe that’s why you aren’t suppose to share toothbrushes. But it is your mouth and I don’t think you are getting sick from your own mouth.

One company (selling toothbrush fighting stuff) claims to have had a toothbrush independently analyzed (we know how that goes!) They claim to have found 31,000,000 germs on a single toothbrush. That may sound like a lot, but there are probably billions of bacteria just in your mouth.  And who says these are bad anyway? Maybe if you have an active case of thrush or something, but by and large, the mouth seems to be a fairly self policing kind of system.

If you were to analyze anything, you would find thousands, maybe millions of bacteria anyway. Let’s remember, not all bacteria and germs are bad. Sure there are the bad guys, but nature does a fairly good job of keeping the balance. It is humans who mess it up with all the anti-bacterial cleaners, creating super-bugs. So let’s not go there.

So back to the tooth brush. Delta Dental offers some good simple advice which I think most people do already. If you do want a truly natural way of beating down a few germs without using even one chemical, try… the sun.

Yes, that’s right, the sun. The good ole UV light is a killer (think DNA damage causing skin cancer). In fact, sterilizing by UV light is big business. You can leave your toothbrush by a sunny window and the sun will do its thing.

Ok, maybe there isn’t exactly any science to this, but sometimes common sense makes sense. Otherwise, just keep doing what you are doing – most important is to just rinse the old toothbrush really well.

What does one do when you don’t have much land, live in the City of Concord, New Hampshire, and want to do some organic gardening? Why you join the Capital City Organic Gardeners of course.

From the recent wave of organic backyard gardening and the grow-your-own movement, blossomed (sorry, had to do it) the CCOG for comradery and the sharing of joys and trials of organic gardening. Some determined enthusiasts organized a group of dedicated wannabe city farmers who meet monthly and mostly discuss the hottest OG topics, and have a little fun too. They have also developed a wonderful blog with an extensive list of resources and links.

Check this out:  The Capital City Gardeners of Concord, NH

Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month. Check the CCOGNH blog for times and locations.

Who says there’s nothing fun to do in Concord?