Created by an act of Congress in 1971, the President's Cancer Panel is charged with monitoring the National Cancer Program and reports directly to the President in a report every year. This year the 240-page report was primarily focused on the environmental causes of cancer.

The two-member panel is comprised of LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. and Margaret L. Kripke, Ph.D, both were appointed by former President George W. Bush during his tenure.

The report opens with "Dear Mr. President, Though overall cancer incidence and mortality have continued to decline in recent years, the disease continues to devastate the lives of far too many Americans. In 2009 alone, approximately 1.5 million American men, women, and children were diagnosed with cancer, and 562,000 died from the disease. With the growing body of evidence linking environmental exposures to cancer, the public is becoming increasingly aware of the unacceptable burden of cancer resulting from environmental and occupational exposures that could have been prevented through appropriate national action."

The panel also states that "the true burden of environmentally induced cancers has been grossly underestimated" and strongly urged action to reduce people's widespread exposure to carcinogens. The in depth report deals specifically with contaminants related to Industrial and Manufacturing Sources, Agricultural sources, exposures related to Modern Lifestyles, hazards from Medical Sources, hazards from Military Sources and hazards from Natural Sources.

According to an article in the New York Times, the report blames "weak laws, lax enforcement and fragmented authority, as well as the existing regulatory presumption that chemicals are safe unless strong evidence emerges to the contrary."

In its overview the report strongly urges President Obama: "to use the power of your office to remove the carcinogens and other toxins from our food, water, and air that needlessly increase health care costs, cripple our nation's productivity, and devastate American lives."

This is a watershed, consciousness raising report with gravitas, that will not only inform the public but will also, no doubt, cause a great hue and cry from the commercial and industrial sector. It's about time.

(Photo credit:chego101)

That fresh, clean smell really isn't actually very fresh or clean at all. We've talked here before about the dangers lurking behind the word "fragrance" on cleaners, candles and cosmetics (some 3,163 potentially toxic ingredients, that's what). But what about perfume? Surely a product designed to convey a crisp, clear note of fragrance must be pure? Think again: Perfumes are typically chock full of carcinogens, synthetics, formaldehyde, and urine and sex hormones (both animal and human). Truly, if you're not disgusted yet, you have stronger stomachs than we do.

Finding healthy, eco-friendly perfumes isn't easy by any means, but the options are slowly growing. "Organic perfume" is no longer synonymous with hippie-dippy patchouli, overplayed lavender or cookie-sweet vanilla. Breathe deeply, my friends, because Super Eco has sniffed out a selection of organic and eco-friendly perfumes.

• Lavanila Laboratories Ok, despite the fact that we did mention no more vanilla (since we're all sick of smelling like freshly baked sugar cookies), we have to lead off with this spectacular example of vanilla goodness: Lavanila. Their growing line of natural fragrance products includes blends with coconut, grapefruit, lavender and passion fruit. Still sound suspiciously crunchy granola? It's sold at Sephora—that many mainstream consumers can't be wrong.
• Wholearth Perfume No. 4 Yes, it's USDA-certified organic fragrance, and the notes of orange, lavender and vanilla are heavenly. We fell in love with the bottle.
• Tsi-La Organics You'll find no synthetics or preservatives in this eco-friendly perfume collection, created by two sisters-in-law with a penchant for green living.
• L'Occitane en Provence With pure lavender extracts from Provence in France, this is sweet—and certified organic.
• Acorelle Lotus Bambou A little spicy, a little different ... Organic eau de parfum with notes like spearmint, tarragon. 

(Photo credit:Whole Earth Beauty)

While other retailers are scrambling to do the right thing with unsold inventory, American Apparel is doing the right thing by a good product gone bad. AA employees were concerned when directed earlier this week not only to pull their new nail polish line from the shelves, but not to ship it back because it was considered "hazardous." Considering the polishes were highly touted as eco-friendly (free of DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde) when they were introduced a few weeks ago, what could have gone so wrong?

As it turns out, the issue was a simple packaging misfire. American Apparel told Jezebel.com that breaking bottles were the culprit. The family-owned American business the company chose to make the new product suffered a first-run manufacturing glitch. Not only is a second run already in the works, but American Apparel is offering two new bottles or a $10 gift card to customers who return an original-run unit or receipt.

Here's the part that rings so beautifully to our ears here at Super Eco: "On another note, one thing we're taking very seriously is the disposal of the bottles we had in the stores," American Apparel told Jezebel. "Even though our polish was DBP-, toluene- and formaldehyde-free, we don't want our stores just tossing it in the trash. We're using our internal shipping and distribution line to arrange a pickup and removal of the polish to make sure it gets done right."

Disposal done right. Score one for American Apparel (and your healthy manicure).

(Photo credit:AmericanApparel.net)

If you've spent any time browsing this month's popular bedding and whites sales, you've probably noticed an appalling absence of non-toxic waterproof mattress pads. The prospect of spending your nights curled up on the toxic ingredients in the plastics of many inexpensive pads plus fire retardant coatings and formaldehyde on fabrics is not a restful one. It's not too difficult to find organic cotton pads these days—but add a need for waterproof protection into the equation, and you've got either toxic choices that are all wet or pricey alternatives that leave your wallet bone dry.

So what are your options?

1. Wool An organic wool mattress pad is a wonderful thing. Breathable, 100% natural, frequently machine washable and dryable—but expect a hefty pricetag.
2. Organic cotton It's a great choice of fabrics—but unless something else is added to it, unfortunately not waterproof.
3. Vinyl/polyvinyl chloride One of the most toxic plastics in use today, vinyl poses numerous health and environmental concerns. Chemical additives including as phthalates create an offgassing nightmare. Please don't buy a mattress pad that includes vinyl.
4. Polyurethane Ewww, what's that smell? It's your polyurethane liner offgassing. Take a pass on this one, too.
   
5. Polyethylene Polyethylene and polylaminate layers in mattress pads are generally a safe, non-toxic choice. 

In the end, our favorite selection is probably Naturepedic's organic waterproof pad. It's breathable, washable, contains no phthalates, vinyl or latex and is GREENGUARD certified. If that's still out of your price range, review other options at Allergy Buyers Club Shopping.

(Photo credit:www.butkaj.com, flickr)

Does your needle peg the red zone when you're conscientiously checking a product's ingredient list only to run smack dab into ingredients masked by such descriptors as "inert ingredients," "proprietary," "unique" or "special"? Just how "special" does a chemical have to be to dodge product labeling requirements, anyway? In yet another step forward for consumers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking to nudge manufacturers into greater disclosure of inert ingredients. Current law requires only that manufacturers disclose specifics on inert ingredients, including toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, bisphenol A (BPA), toluene and benzene, to the EPA. Public disclosure, the EPA believes, may help discourage them from using toxic ingredients in the first place.

“Consumers deserve to know the identities of ingredients in pesticide formulations, including inert ingredients,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. “Disclosing inert ingredients in pesticide products, especially those considered to be hazardous, will empower consumers and pesticide users to make more informed choices.”

The transparent approach is a new direction for the EPA, which has stonewalled requests for complete ingredient listings for 11 years. The policy of requiring reporting only to the EPA was implemented more than 30 years ago in order to protect trade secrets. But critics—including the Obama administration—say the secrecy has grown out of control, making it impossible for regulators to control potential dangers or for consumers to know which toxic substances they might be exposed to. "Under the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act, manufacturers must report to the federal government new chemicals they intend to market," notes a report in The Washington Post. "But the law exempts from public disclosure any information that could harm their bottom line. Government officials, scientists and environmental groups say that manufacturers have exploited weaknesses in the law to claim secrecy for an ever-increasing number of chemicals. In the past several years, 95 percent of the notices for new chemicals sent to the government requested some secrecy, according to the Government Accountability Office. About 700 chemicals are introduced annually."

Read more about the breath of transparency and action blasting through today's EPA (it's a long list—hooray!):

• EPA effectiveness on the upswing?
• EPA maps the year in enforcement
• EPA breathes science into air quality standards
• EPA takes a stand on greenhouse gases
• EPA pesticide screening finally set to go
• EPA calls greenhouse gases harmful
• EPA tests permeable pavement
• EPA thinks twice about recycled tire playground surfaces
• EPA lists top 50 clean energy chuggers

(Photo credit:AMANITO, flickr)

If you pine for the polish of polished fingernails but balk at soaking and painting your hands in toxic chemicals, we've got alternatives for you. Alternatives to what? To chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and petroleum ingredients, which pose health hazards and work against your careful manicure by leeching moisture from your skin.There's a way to do natural nails—and there are good reasons why to avoid the uglier variety of polishes and products.

According to Priti (creators of natural luxury nail polishes), toluene causes rapid, shallow breathing; chemical pneumonia; blurred vision; dry, cracked skin; and drowsiness. It may also cause an exaggerated feeling of well-being, headache, staggering tremors, and convulsions. Formaldehyde increases airway resistance when inhaled and is a strong contact allergen. Acute and chronic dermatitis was once a common complaint in the beauty parlor industry because of using formaldehyde in fingernail finishes. Dibutyl phthalates are linked to reproduction system problems and underdeveloped genitals in newborn boys.

Convinced? Let's look back at those greener alternatives. Your first choice is between natural and mainstream alternatives. That's right: you can actually find mainstream brands that don't contain all this hazardous nonsense. A growing number of natural brands specialize in non-toxic polishes, but you may pay a premium for these brands. With careful shopping, you need look no further than your drugstore's shelves for safe choices from mainstream brands like l'Oréal.

Ultimately, your best move is to look up manicure contenders on EWG's Skin Deep cosmetic safety database. Here are some of our natural favorites:

• Go Natural
• Priti
• Acquarella

And from the drug store:

• Revlon Liquid Quick Dry
• L'Oréal Pro Quick Dry
• Revlon Extra Life No Chip Nail Top Coat
• CoverGirl Continuous Color Nail Polish (Clear)
• Revlon Professional Double Twist Base & Top Coat

(Photo credit:CathyK, SXC)

Since you're here online reading Super Eco, it's a good bet that you're at least somewhat of a techie. It's not like there's much of a chance anymore not to be ... Laptops are ubiquitous—and so, unfortunately, are the toxic neoprene sleeves that cushion so many. I admit it: I covet one. They're hip. They're functional. And sadly, they're highly allergenic.

Neoprene holds the dubious honor of being the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2009 Allergen of the Year. The culprit: mixed dialkyl thioureas, an additive found in a surprisingly wide range of products, including neoprene synthetic rubber products such as computer mouse pads, shoes, athletic braces and wetsuits. What happens when someone becomes suddenly sensitized to neoprene is not pretty. Reactions range from redness to blistering. Avoiding neoprene products is often the only possible solution, because avoiding contact can be so difficult. For instance, you can't count on socks to shield you from contact with neoprene in athletic shoes because sweat actually increases the rate at which the allergen leaches out of the shoe and onto your skin. Frustrating indeed.

Here's a healthier, greener solution: a Neogreene laptop cover from GreenSmart. Here's GreenSmart's description of Neogreene:

Do you love the feel of neoprene, squishy and smooth with a little bit of stretch? That is what neogreene is, without any of the toxins. Ever smell neoprene? It stinks like chemicals, right? That is the VOCs (like paint) from the solvents used to glue the fabrics to the synthetic rubber. The 1930s technology that created polychloroprene (the generic term) made for a material that was almost impervious to other aggressive chemicals. That makes it wonderful for industrial applications like gaskets. But it meant only the most aggressive of glues could hold a textile to the exterior. These solvent adhesives contain all kinds of potentially harmful chemicals depending on the supplier; from toluene to formaldehyde.

GreenSmart has abandoned the chloroprene chemistry of neoprene entirely and developed a material with all the attributes without the hazards, We call it neogreene. It is water-based chemistry that allows for water based adhesives that still provides the squishy and smooth material with a little bit of stretch. Specific to all neoprene, neogreene uses 25% less electricity and 25% less petroleum to produce. And the stink? With neogreene, that is gone for good.

GreenSmart also offers Neogreene bottle covers.

(Photo credit:GreenSmart)

Living a more sustainable lifestyle gets tricky when it's perceived as "different" or "special." Maybe we're just grouchy lately, but we don't like to feel that we have to go out of the way to satisfy everyday needs like safe, organic food—or eco-friendly furniture for our homes. But let's face it: a lot of so-called green furniture is just plain weird. Even when it's not outlandishly bizarre, the design is often so niche (like furniture made from recycled skateboards) that it doesn't fit into most people's décor. And then there's the whole cost issue ... Whew, pricey!

We're here to tell you, eco-friendly décor is within your reach. It's not quite as easy as walking into Ikea and waltzing out with the latest room-in-a-box—but almost. Green Your Décor has assembled their own version of the Green Room in a Box, a sustainable living room for under $1,500. Admittedly, not every single one of the author's choices are 100% green to the core, but they're certainly a vast improvement over the usual offgassing nests of VOCs, formaldehyde and other toxins.

More ways to make decorating (or redecorating) your home both green and affordable:

• What makes upholstered furniture green or not green?
• Don't buy new if you don't have to. Reupholster and restore your furniture, instead.
• Sustainable décor doesn't have to be drab. Inject color and style into your life!
• You can even find bright, sassy bedding for girls in organic choices.
• Don't forget the walls. Eco-friendly paints allow you to paint safely. You can even find greener wallpaper options.

(Photo credit:yearofthebird, flickr)

Despite good intentions, many of us find it difficult to find time for ourselves.  If you're anything like me, you find it difficult to institute stress-reducing changes over the long hall. Yoga? I have a groovy new purple yoga mat. Looks great in my closet. I went to yoga—once. Taking breaks from the computer? Not a success—I still find myself taking a shower at 2 or 3 and eating "lunch" at 4. Since stress relief and taking time for myself is my one and only New Year's Resolution I did a bit of research. Here's what I came up with.

First, make your home your sanctuary. Your "soft place to fall" as Dr. Phil likes to say. Stress is among the leading causes of health problems so your home should help eliminate stress and making it a place of inspiration and calm is important. Lots of detoxifying plants, inspirational books, soy candles, and comfortable seating can set the tone for a green relaxing environment.

Plants are hugely important to creating a stress free environment. They clean the air we breathe inside our homes. They absorb air pollutants by helping to remove formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia and other chemicals left behind by cleaning products, paints, and varnishes. A minimum of two plants per 100 square feet of space in an average home is recommended—but you can't go wrong with more.

Eco-friendly candles made of pure beeswax or soy are the healthiest environmental candles. They do not use paraffin (as traditional candles do), which is a petroleum product which is not a renewable resource and causes pollution in its production.

Finally, enjoy some eco-friendly inspirational books. Many publishers are using recycled paper which means you can be environmentally inspired. You can also go digital, cutting out paper altogether by using a media library such as Digital Media Library or Amazon.com's Kindle Books.

Now, I'm off to practice what I preach. Right after I do these 23 other things on my to-do list... but definitely by January 1st!

(Photo credit:The Spiral Tree)

Thanks to Karen Murphy's formaldehyde 411 on the tubful of kid shampoos exposed on today’s “toxic tears” list, I have a stinging new crop of toxicant bath time fears ... just in time for my brood’s bath night. In the next four hours—no later—mama needs some safe suds to scrub the kids down with. Which bubbles can I trust? Which ones ban the bad stuff, like carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane and the other f-word?

Don’t burst my bubble, Whole Foods! Here comes a mom on a mission ... with a non-toxic (no parabens, no sulfates, no nasties) shopping list that goes something like this:

• Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Bubble Bath ($9)—Bonus!—I already have this soothing organic soak in my medicine cabinet. Baby your “baby bee” with Burt’s non-drying, truly tear-free and sodium lauryl sulfate-free coconut and sunflower oil mild cleansing gel. Of course it’s phthalate- and paraben-free.
• Deep Steep Honey Bubble Bath ($19.50). Purified water, organic aloe, herbs, lavender, chamomile, barley grass and Vitamins E and B5, and little more will come into contact with your kiddo's sensitive skin. Don’t forget to recycle the bottle.
• LUSH Blue Skies Bubble Bar ($11). I’ve sung the bubbly praises of LUSH organic, vegan, cruelty-free bath bombs before and so have my lil' chitlins. You will too when your kid giggles at the sight of a (naturally) candy-colored botanical ball magically changing their bath water Violet Beauregarde blue … thankfully not their bodies. Or, help your little one make his own au naturale bath bomb.
• California Baby Super Sensitive Bath ($12). This is the best choice if your kid has allergies. The gentle, no tears (for real), non-toxic, super bubbly formula contains no nut oils, gluten, soy, oat or dairy ingredients, nor synthetic additives. It comes with a funky bubble wand your kids will love.

... and exhale. Soon, I'll feel squeaky clean knowing I’ve bathed my babes in bubbles that will leave them feeling fresh, clean and not a (potentially poisonous) thing more. Will you?

(Photo credit:jaaron, flickr)