I don’t know how the debate over Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles will turn out. In addition to manufactures that use BPA to harden the plastic in their baby bottles, the FDA, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), and Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology all believe there are no short or long term health risks associated with BPA in polycarbonate baby bottles (this makes me feel better since we used Avent bottles with our two boys). In 2007 the EFSA even increased the acceptable level of BPA in consumer products based on additional studies.

The government pushing for the discontinuation of Bisphenol A (BPA) is Canada. Canada agrees that BPA in Baby Bottles “is below levels that pose a risk”, however they feel the levels are close enough where effects could occur, and they want to reduce chances of further exposure. As a result it is Canada’s “intention to ban the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles.”

I’ve used (and still do) polycarbonate water bottles (that contain BPA) for several years. I started drinking more water, less soda, and I wanted bottle that wouldn’t create the waste of “disposable” water bottles. I’m confident the net gain from the thousands of gallons of water consumed, outweighs the possible negative impact from BPA, and for the time being I will continue to use polycarbonate bottles.

But when it comes to my new baby girl, I’m more cautious. As new parents you have enough on your mind; the last thing keeping you up at night should be worrying if your baby bottles are safe. As a result, like Canada, 3LUXE has gone BPA Free with Baby Bottles. We went back to the beginning with our research of the baby bottle category, starting from scratch and immediately eliminated any options containing BPA. We have three new “Best Of” selections that are all BPA Free Bottles . Hopefully this will help you get a little more sleep at night.

All the best,
Bill

Anyone who has a garden has thought about composting. But for many of us it’s a little too much work, especially when it -3° here in Minnesota. Today Daily Candy featured the NatureMill PLUS. A convenient, indoor, odorless, under the sink composter. Put in your trash, leftovers, apple cores etc. and the NatureMill PLUS does the rest. You put in up to 60 pounds of waste, and approximately every 2 weeks an indicator light comes on signaling you to remove a tray of concentrated compost fertilizer. Food for your garden and great for the environment. The NatureMill Plus only costs about $0.50/month to operate and will divert over two tons of waste from landfills over its life.

All the best,
Bill

When I think “Best Of” Stores, names like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., Cartier come to mind. Kohl’s? Not so much. They have good deals and carry some nice brands, but the overall shopping experience leaves room for improvement.

But Kohl’s is doing something that deserves recognition. Kohl’s is adding solar electric systems to the rooftops of 63 stores in CA, when complete they will be generating 35-million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable energy annually.

It’s great to see a big box retailer step up and put together an initiative that will truly help the environment.

All the best,
Bill