So what are MMI’s? They are derived from milk and consist of products such as butteroil, whey, casein, and if you are lucky, powdered milk. Miss Tuffet would be rolling over in her grave if she knew how her precious whey was being used. Whey is a byproduct of cheese manufacturing; the liquid that remains after the milk has been curdled and strained. I’ll leave that for the spider thanks! Butteroil is 50% sugar. Casein is isolated milk protein. Most MMI’s are imported from Australia or New Zealand for a cheap cost as they are not considered “fresh milk” and are therefore not subject to the same import tax. In Canada, a food can be labeled as “Made in Canada” if 50% or more of the cost of product manufacturing takes place in Canada. What does this mean? Well, if you get your modified milk ingredients from New Zealand, your chocolate chips from the United States and your mint flavoring from China, but mix the ingredients into a frozen dessert in Canada and pour them into a Canadian made container, you can label it as a “Product of Canada”. For more information on “Made in Canada” products, check out the CBC Marketplace special.

How do they make frozen dessert taste creamy? They add various guar gums and carrageenan and other stuff to give the dessert its trademark creamy texture which, rather than being creamy, is more gummy.

The dual flush toilet came about as a result of consumers demanding water conserving toilets, but not at the expense of having to flush more than once for everything to go down the tube. The initial low flow toilets used a mere 6 liters of water (about one and a half gallons) per flush. Rudimentary designs by manufacturers simply swapped the standard 13 liter tank for a 6 liter tank, while leaving everything else the same. The problem with this design is that the pushing power of 13 liters is far greater than the pushing power of 6 liters, necessitating multiple flushes to do away with waste. Many municipalities enacted codes that made installation of these toilets mandatory in all new building projects. Most early model low flow toilets ended up using more water than their 13 liter brethren because it took 2-3 flushes to remove all traces of a bowel movement from the toilet.

A great man, an engineer, who suffered at the hands of these streaky 6 liter toilets knew there had to be a better way. He began a company called Veritec Consulting, whose soul purpose is to evaluate water loss in municipalities and work with government to find ways to conserve water. His company has rated over 700 different toilets using Maximum Performance testing (MaP). The potty mind in me finds the testing media interesting. Obviously, for safety and hygeine reasons, using real human feces for testing purposes was a no go, but Veritec came up with a suitable alternative after testing the average male and average female fecal output eating a regular diet: textured, extruded soy fake poo. Is there anythingt the soy bean can’t do? These tests resulted in the design of the dual flush toilets; many of which use suction rather than mere gravity to push the waste down.

Who makes these toilets and how much do they cost?

American Standard makes the FloWise ™ toilet that retails for $300 and up.

Toto makes several different models of dual flush toilets between $300 and $600 dollars.

Caroma, the pioneers of this technology carry an extensive line of dual flush toilets that vary wildly in cost.

The National Paint and Coatings Association (NPCA) recommends the following procedures to deal with proper latex paint disposal after the reduce, reuse, recycle options have been exhausted:

If there is about 1/2 an inch of paint left in the bottom of the container, remove the lid and let stand to dry in an area away from kids and pets. Once the paint in the can is totally dry, recycle the metal or plastic container, or if that isn’t possible, throw the can out in the garbage with the lid off. In our region of British Columbia, it is illegal to throw away any paint either down the drain or into landfills. It must be taken to a regional hazardous waste disposal organization. If there is more than 1/2 an inch in your can, the NPCA recommends finding a shallow container, filling it with shredded newspaper or kitty litter, and pouring the paint into this abosorbant container. Once it is dry, it can be thrown out (unless you live in my area - be sure to check the laws governing paint disposal in your area). Your brushes and roller should be washed in the sink totally away from any storm drains. I am a little confused about this rule; because it isn’t O.K. to dispose of wet paint down the drain or toilet, and yet brushes and rollers are filled with wet paint, and that waste water goes down the drain. I guess if it is in small enough amounts diluted with lots of water, it ok.

Alkyd or Oil based paints are much more difficult to deal with. Look online, or phone your local municipality to find out the specific rules in your area, but generally, oil based paints must be dealt with by experienced paint disposal people in centrally located stations in your particular region. For example, in BC, we have a Paint and Product Care program that has used paint drop off depots in 100 different locations across the province. In fact, it is becoming increasingly difficult to purchase oil paints for any purpose because latex technology is getting better and better; resulting in comparable products.

Many companies are making a low VOC/no VOC product alternatives. General Paint (Canadian company) has a product called Z-Coat; an interior latex paint that releases no VOC’s (Volitile Organic Compounds). Cloverdale Paints has an extensive line of low VOC paints. Sherwin Williams has their Harmony line of paints that have zero VOC’s. Pratt and Lambert have their Red Seal line that they advertise as a “green” product.

It is clear from the research about what you CANNOT do with leftover paint:

Do not pour it down the drain or toilet - it will end up polluting groundwater and/or ocean water.

Do not throw out the can with wet paint sealed inside. Firstly, alkyd/oil paints are flammable and who knows what delightful mixture your paint will be mixed with in the neighborhood garbage truck. Garbage men have enough to deal with without your paint cans causing fires in the back of the truck. Secondly, due to outgassing of wet paint, pressure builds up in the can; this can also lead to an explosion.

Do not throw out wet rollers and brushes for they can contaminate soil and ground water.

Be sure to check with your local laws as to proper disposal techniques, and remember, paint and related products are not the only ones with disposal restrictions. Have a look at some of your cleaning products: bleach, disinfectants, drain opener, spot and stain remover and toilet bowl cleanser all may require special waste precautions.

Check out Carnival of the Green for this article and others on clean living.

This study is unique for two reasons: firstly, the tests were done on normal human tissue samples, not on mice or rats, and secondly, these people were exposed to regular environmental levels of Bisphenol A, not artificially inflated levels. The tissue samples were taken from patients undergoing breast or abdominal surgery and exposed saturated with a Bisphenol A concentration that was realistic to everyday life; between 0.1 and 10 nanomolar.

As if we didn’t already have a reason to spurn this notorious chemical. Its estrogen mimicing effects have been linked to obesity and carcinogenic effects on developing fetuses. If you have plastic with a 3 or a 7 in the little triangle symbol, it has Bisphenol A. Luckily, it will become harder and harder to find because most manufacturers are voluntarily removing this chemical from their products.

Read the full press release on Eureka Alert.

Want to know more about Potentially Harmful Food Additives and Food Packaging Products?

Lead

In order to make the wicks more durable, candle makers have been using a lead or zinc core surrounded by cotton or other materials. When burned, this lead ends up in the air as particulate matter and settles on surrounding furniture. Lead is toxic to humans and there is a lawsuit pending against a retailer who sold a woman candles containing lead that subsequently produced lead poisoning in her family members. The lead concentration in her home, caused by burning candles with lead wicks was 27 times the safe allowable amount in her area. To avoid candles with lead wicks, gently scrape away a little bit of the top layer of wax at the base of the wick to look for metallic fibers. Unless the candle specifically states that it contains no lead, don’t buy or burn the candle. Zinc is used as a wick stablizer as well, but I was unable to find any specific health claims related to zinc; that is not to say that there aren’t any. Another way to check for a lead wick is to gently fan the fibers at the top of the wick and look for shiny metal mixed in. This also indicates and lead or zinc core. Another problem with burning candles containing lead, aside from the airborne particulate matter is the soot produced by the burning. If you are dusting your house and notice the cloth contains darker “dust” than normal, you may have soot build up. Whether you candles have lead or not, burning creates soot. When children put their hands in this dirty dust, then into their mouths, they are getting an even higher dose of lead and other burning byproducts.

Smoke Anyone?

The National Candle Association states that candles and other home products such as cooking oils  are “everyday household sources of soot are not considered a health concern.” According to the EPA, however, paraffin wax candles, when burned are known to release benzene and tolulene - cigarrette anyone? When I was a child, my parents used to burn dollar store candles in the house to “burn the smoke out of the air”. Although it made no appreciable difference to the amount of cigarrette smoke, it probably made the situation worse! The soot from burning candles causes financial hardships as well. Heating and air conditioning manufacturers are successfully fighting law suits over apparently “deffective” units because the build up of soot from candles caused the equipment failure. So who to believe? Well, obviously both parties have agendas, but I am going to side with the EPA on this one. But, keep in mind, it was the soot from all burning candles; not just paraffin candles.

Making Sense of Scents

Another addititive to watch out for, in paraffin, soy and other candles is artificial scent. People with allergies have known for years that articial scents found in insense, perfume, air fresheners and candles causes their asthma to spike, their nose and eyes to water and their sinuses to become irritated. Many of the scents used make therapeutic aromatherapy claims. There are some companies that use genuinely good quality essential oils when making their candles, but many (probably most) don’t, and furthermore, need not disclose the ingredients used to generate the “tranquility” or “sensual” aromas they give out. The smell generated to “improve” the odour in your home serves only to mask other smells with a more powerful chemical smell. In addition, many artificially scented candles have been shown to release volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), another significant health hazard. A happy alternative would be to purchase good quality essential oils and place a few drops into boiling water to infuse your house with a natural smell. The American Lung Association suggests avoiding scented and long burning candles.

Soy, Palm and Beeswax Candles: Are They Safer Alternatives?

Both soy and beeswax candles burn at a cooler, slower rate and, according to the sources that I could find, produce much less soot than paraffin wax candles. Soy candle drippings are easily cleaned up with soap and water. My understanding is that anything that can burn, can produce unused carbon particulate matter. Soy candles are no exception. My internet research turned up the same conclusion. Any websites that made the “soy” is less toxic claim have been websites that sell candles. Hardly unbiased. Most sources that I read that attempt an unbiased opinion based on science say there is no real difference between the soot produced from soy candles and the soot produced from paraffin candles. All candles will produce soot, and all will produce soot in greater quantities when the wick is too long, or the flame is disturbed away from its normal teardrop shape. A tangible benefit to beeswax and soy candles is they both come from a renewable resource; whereas paraffin comes from crude oil which is non renewable. Some sites I visited claimed soot from parafin candles is equivalent to burning diesel fuel in your home; while others say there is no difference. The great debate continues. Beeswax candles produce a natural “honey” scent without the addition of chemicals. These are what I opt for in my home.

Here is my conclusion, based on the research: all three kinds of candles produce soot which can clog air filters and deposit particulate matter into the indoor environment. Minimize the soot produced by trimming the wick to 1/4 inch, taking care to disturb the flame as little as possible. One of the biggest contributing ingredients to indoor air pollution in candles are their added fragrances. Most companies don’t divulge the exact ingredients that make up their special aromas. As I said above, I like beeswax candles because they naturally produce a honey scent when burned. I still feel uncomfortable burning paraffin candles in my house, simply because it is a non renewable, petroleum product (and the above claim that burning paraffin candles could be the same as burning diesel fuel). My research revealed no conclusive evidence on either side of the equation, but I will continue to burn only beeswax in my home… just in case.

Check out more tips for examining our impact on our planet at Cirque du Vert.

What is a Carbon Credit?

Quite simply, you pay money to account for each tonne of carbon dioxide; or one of the other 5 common environmental pollutants that you create. “You” can refer to individuals, corporations or political entities. So say, for example, that I generate 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, and each carbon credit costs $20 per tonne. I would have to pay $200 to be carbon neutral; meaning, that I am paying a fee for each tonne of greenhouse gases I produce and this fee contributes to products that either sequester carbon, or invest in green, renewable energy projects. To summarize, I produce 10 tonnes of carbon and I pay to have ten tonnes removed from our atmosphere.

Kyoto Protocol and Raising Awareness About Carbon Emissions

The Kyoto Protocol was initiated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and ratified (agreed to in principle) by 181 countries and the European Union as a whole, individual entity in 1997, and was put into effect in 2005. This protocol was proposed by the international community to address and reduce greenhouse gas emmissions that have led to global climate change. Member countries are placed into different categories; Annex I countries make up the industrialized nations. Annex II countries are developed countries that provide financial support to the developing countries. The Annex II grouping consists of countries that are members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. The third and final category makes up the developing nations, who have no limitations on greenhouse gas emissions as emissions are an essential byproduct to building a stable economy and raising their citizens out of poverty. Once these countries become “developed” they are then subject to the greenhouse caps that Annex I and II countries currently have. Many countries are both Annex I and II countries. The allowable emissions for member countries are between 6 and 8% less than their 1990 emission levels; meaning the limit is different for every member country; keeping in mind that developing nations are exempt from emission caps and are inelligible to sell carbon credits. It is up to each individual country to regulate their industrial outputs to meet the 1990 levels of emissions. Although the Kyoto meeting was one of many meetings that took place in the COP’s (Conference of Parties), it is the most well known because it is the conference that made countries legally liable for exceeding allowable greenhouse emissions. The Kyoto Accord is the teeth in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and is therefore synonymous with raising global awareness about climate change.

Who Produces Carbon Credits and How Are They Regulated?

Typically, companies who explore, produce and promote alternate energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal energy sell carbon credits. Other organizations with available carbon credits include companies that destroy carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases directly. Carbon dioxide sequestration is the process of converting CO2 gas into a solid form by chemical or physical means. For example, carbon dioxide combined with quick lime (calcium oxide) forms limestone that can be used in construction projects.

The Clean Development Mechanism is a governing set of rules set by the Kyoto Protocol to determine which companies and projects can generate carbon credits. This is necessary because anyone who sets up a company could promise that they were developing/using/investing in alternative energy sources, start selling carbon credits and make out like bandits while doing nothing to stop climate change. The CDM is not the only regulatory body to certify carbon credits, but they are the most well known. If you are purchasing a CDM certfied carbon credit, you know that you are investing in a company that has been thoroughly investigated and approved by the UN. The other carbon credit certification bodies include the Chicago Climate Exchange, the Western Climate Initiative, and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in the northeastern U.S. In addition, there are various standards bodies who set the carbon emission bar such as the Chicago Climate Exchange, the Voluntary Carbon Standard and the CDM Gold Standard (based on the Kyoto Protocol).

Key to the establishment of carbon credit generation is the concept of additionality. This principle is that a carbon credit isn’t truly environmentally beneficial unless the carbon credit producer would not have been able to reduce emissions or invest in researching renewable energy sources without the money given to them from carbon credits. This avoids giving money to organizations that would be doing the exact same business regardless of income from carbon credits. To summarize, the money your company earns from carbon credits must be put to additional greenhouse gas reducing initiatives. Who makes the decision about additionality? The CDM board has established a set of guidelnes by which they certify a company for selling carbon credits.

Who Buys Carbon Credits?

Countries for one; in order to comply with allowable emissions should they exceed their amount. For example, pretend that I am only allowed to produce 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide, but I produce 15 tonnes; I can buy 5 tonnes worth of carbon credits to bring my effective emission level back down to 10 tonnes.

Individuals and companies can also buy carbon credits, such as in my flight example. Certain eco friendly products also contribute part of the sale of their goods towards carbon credits, such as a $6 chocolate bar that I recently purchased; every x amount of dollars = x tonnes of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas. Typically, carbon credits sell between $1 and $30 per tonne.

Carbon Planet.com buys and sells carbon credits in three different incarnations. First, you can buy a subscription that charges your credit card a monthly rate for a certain amount of carbon credit. This rate can be established by them by looking at the average emissions made by a single person in your country and calculating an amount based on your age (how much carbon you have produced up until now and in the future). You can buy a one time package to offset a specific carbon expenditure such as a flight, or cross country drive, or you can pay for your entire life; all the carbon you have and will produce based on the average emissions per person in your country of residence. I would like to point out, that this isn’t an endorsement of their products, nor am I affiliated with them in any way, but they do provide a good description about the carbon credit currency.

A copy of this article as long as blogs in a similar vein, visit Forest, Ecosystem and Our Environment.

If you want to know more about Green Travel, check out Traveling the Green Way.

This article is also posted at the All Things Green Carnival,  The News Coverage,  Carnival of Improving Life,  All Things Eco Blog

Although many people throw out used bulbs; with the above in mind, we want to try to avoid breaking these bulbs. Sadly, many cities don’t have any special disposal instructions and these things are ending up in regular landfills to contaminate the surrounds with mercury.

I would like to summarize by saying that I am in no way a medical professional. I simply want to bring attention to the danger involved in the now ubiquitous compact fluorescent bulbs.

Are you interested in the latest news on eco products and practices? Check the All Things Eco Blog for this article and more like it.

Accompanying the description of these plants, in many cases, is a historical therapeudic use. Many plants that are considered poisonous can really be looked at as a double edged sword. The very toxins that ward us away from consumption have been harnessed to treat disease. I would like to point out that in no way, shape, or form am I advocating consumption of any of the plants below. I merely provide therapeutic uses for context and interest sake.

Zamia Furfuracea, a.k.a, the Cardboard Palm or Cardboard Cycad is a plant that looks like a cross between a fern and a palm tree. In warm climates, you often see it in planter boxes outside while in cooler climates, it makes a pretty houseplant; but don’t be fooled by its lovely appearance. The Cardboard Palm, when any part of this plant is ingested causes dehydration, paralysis, kidney and liver failure for which there is no known antidote. This effect is seen both in kids and pets.

Lilium longiflorum, a.k.a, Easter lilies as well as other varieties of lilies are extremely poisonous to cats. If you have a cat inclined to chew leaves, as many cats do, avoid having this one in your home or garden.

Nerium oleander, a.k.a., oleander is a flowering, fragrant shrub native to the Mediterranean region of the world, but has been imported to North America and is a popular shrub for dividing meridians on highways in the U.S. because deer will eating it. Every part of this plant is deadly poisonous to both children and pets. Adults will become very sick after ingesting a dose that would kill a child. This toxic plant causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, abnormal or racing heart and coma. Drying the plant doesn’t help, in fact the crushed seeds of the oleander are used to commit suicide in India. It was investigated for medical use by Pliny the Elder as a cure for snake bites and more recently is being used in many herbal supplements that make various health claims. This has drawn attention from the FDA who has issued warnings to people about oleander.

Cycas revoluta, a.k.a., the Sago Palm is very poisonous to animals and humans. According to the ASPCA, 50-75% of all pets who inject this plant will die. It causes gastrointestinal irritation and can lead to liver failure.

Aconitum, a.k.a., wolfsbane, monkshood, aconite, leopard’s bane or women’s bane is extremely poisonous. Symptoms of Aconitum poisoning include burning, tingling and numbness in the mouth as well as burning in the abdomen. Your heart rate drops very low, severe vomiting and muscle weakness occur. Post mortem studies reveal that the patient appears to have suffered from asphyxiation - due to poor blood circulation, low heart rate and therefore severely reduced ability of the blood to circulate oxygen. These symptoms are from ingesting the plant, but merely touching the leaves can produce cardiac effects for hours after contact. People suffering from poisoning by touch experience numbness and tingling starting at the fingers and extending up to the shoulder. Atropine is used as an antidote. As with many toxic plants, Aconitum has been used therapeutically historically; especially in Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ayurveda to counteract to much yang energy. The Chinese and Indians have a way of detoxifying the plant for medicinal use.

The Colchicum autumnale is a flower that closely resembles the common Crocus seen in gardens. Unlike some crocuses, it blooms in the autumn. Symptoms of Colchicine poisoning resemble those of arsenic poisoning including multisystem organ failure resulting from cellular mitochondria being unable to make energy in the form of ATP. In spite of its toxicity, it is approved as a treatment for gout; presumably in small, pharmacy controlled, dosages.

Convalleria, a.k.a., Lily of the Valley is fragrant and strongly poisonous plant that contains high concentrations of cardiac glycosides; drugs used therapeutically to increase cardiac output and create a regular heart beat. This plant’s toxins can be absorbed through the skin and as such, any handling with bare hands should be followed by immediate hand washing.

Cytisus, a.k.a., broom, when injested, depresses breathing and heart rate. It is a powerful vasoconstrictor (constricts blood vessels), diuretic (makes you pee) and emetic (makes you vomit). It is used therapeutically to treat heart conditions and fluid retention, but there is high variability in the concentration of medicinal elements; therefore, this plant, if ingested can cause death from respiratory depression.

Daphne is a fragrant shrub whose berries, bark and sap are potent poisons. A child can become very sick from ingesting a single berry. Symptoms include burning in the mouth, throat and abdomen, headaches, diarrhea, delirium, convulsions, coma and eventually death. The evergreen versions of this plant produce green flowers while the deciduous versions produce pink flowers.

Delphinium, a.k.a Larkspurs are toxic in all parts of the plant due to the presence of delphinine which can cause vomiting and eventually death. Cattle ranchers in the western U.S. lose cattle to larkspur poisoning. This plant has historically been used to treat lice and nits, asthma, dropsy and eye diseases.

Digitalis, a.k.a., foxglove is a common garden plant whose flowers, leaves, stems and roots are extremely poisonous. Even a small nibble from the upper part of the the foxglove stem can be fatal. Poisonings in children have occurred when they have taken a drink of water from a vase that formerly held foxglove. Symptoms of digitalis poisoning include nausea, vomiting, irregular heart rate (fast or slow), anorexia (loss of appetite), hallucinations, delirium, severe headache, visual disturbances and convulsions. It is used therapeutically to treat cardiac arhythmias in the form of digoxin or lanoxin.

Gloriosa superba, a.k.a., flame lily or fire lily are poisonous plants that have a similar effect to Colchicum autumnale; that is, multisystem organ failure. They are incredibly beautiful to look at and deadly to eat. Be sure to wash your hands after handling this plant because the Gloriosa superba can cause skin irritation.

Laburnum, a.k.a., Golden chain is a beautiful, yellow flowering shrub with cascading flowers. All parts of this plant are toxic and many children have been poisoned thinking that the seed pods were peas. The main poisonous element is cystisine. Symptoms of laburnum poisoning include sleepiness, vomiting, severe diarrhea, convulsive movements, foaming at the mouth, unequally dilated pupils and coma.

Lantana is an orange-yellow flowering plant that is toxic to the mucosa lining the body’s gastrointestinal tract. Many children and farm animals are poisoned each year from this plant and some have found it to be a skin irritant. Cattle are badly affected and can die within 3-4 days of ingestion.

Phytolacca, a.k.a., pokeweed is a plant that produces black berries. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, dyspnea, perspiration, spasms, tremors, watery and/or bloody diarrhea and in severe cases where many berries and possibly the root of the plant are eaten, respiratory paralysis leading to death.

Ricinis communis, a.k.a., the castor oil plant has been widely known for years as being very toxic, even fatal if as many as 3 raw castor beans are consumed by a small child. Raw Castor Oil beans were used in WW1as an instrument of torture to induce severe diarrhea, leading to dehydration and eventual death. Ricin, a powerful and potent poison. The amount equivalent in size to a grain of salt is lethal. Ricin is found in the seed coating of the castor oil plant.

Taxus is a genus of the Yew species. All parts of the plants are poisonous, but especially the seed inside the berry. In fact, chemotherapy drugs have been derived from this plant. Deer are especially susceptible; many are found dead from eating this plant in great quantities, so it is advisable not to use this plant in areas heavily populated by deer.

Veratrum are an incredibly toxic group of plants also known as false hellibores. Many chemotherapy agents are derived from these plants. If consumed, death from cardiac failure can result. Native Americans used juice from the roots of this plant to poison their arrow tips.

Here are more poisonous plants with their noted toxic effects:

Daffodil, hyacinth and narcissus bulbs - cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and are potentially fatal.

Dieffenbachia can cause intense burning and swelling of the mouth and tongue that could block off your airway.

Iris - Severe Digestive upset

Bleeding Heart - poisonous in large amounts

Rhubarb leaves - can cause fatal reactions starting from convulsions to coma to death.

Wisteria - digestive upset

Laurels, Rhododendrons and Azaleas - fatal - nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and coma

Jasmine - berries can be fatal; digestive upset and nervous symptoms.

Wild and Cultivated Cherries - stems and leaves can be fatal due to a cyanide chemical released

Elderberry - digestive upset

Moonseeds - look like wild grapes and can be fatal.

Mayapple - causes diarrhea

Mistletoe - fatal to both adults and children from eating the berries

Water Hemlock - fatal - nausea, vomiting convulsions, known as one of the most toxic plants in North America.

Buttercups - have liquids that irritate the digestive tract

Jimsom Weed or Thorn Apple - distorted sight, intense thirst, delirium, coma; can be fatal.

Are you a parent? Check out the Parents Helping Parents Blog at http://www.modernparent.org/2008/08/parents-helping-parents-carnival-fifth-edition/

The pancreas is both an exocrine and endocrine organ. Endocrine glands release hormones into the blood in order to cause an effect in some part of the body. For example, the pancreas releases insulin in response to high blood sugar and the adrenal glands that sit atop the kidney secrete adrenalin, the “fight or flight” hormone. Exocrine glands release enzymes through ducts and include mammary glands, salivary glands, sweat glands, and glands that secrete digestive enzymes into your stomach and intestine. A main difference is that the exocrine glands release fluids that will exit the body, either through the digestive tract, the skin, the nipple or the mouth, whereas endocrine glands are an internal messaging system.

Where is the pancreas? It is located behind the liver and mostly on the right hand side of your body.

What hormones and enzymes do the pancreas secrete and what roles do they play in the human body? The pancreas make two competing endocrine hormones that play an important role in diabetes, hypo and hyperglycemia. Hypo refers to a low level, “glyc” refers to glucose and “emia” always refers to blood. So hypoglycemia literally means low sugar in the blood. Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar. I think of hyper kids to remember an excess of something. Both hypo and hyper can be used to describe the state of many organs in the body. Hypo and hyperthyroidism, hypo and hypercalcemia (low or high blood calcium), hyperhidrosis (excess sweating).

The pancreas makes insulin, the hormone responsible for controlling the amount of glucose in the blood. If you eat a caramel apple, your blood will temporarily be high in glucose until the insulin facilitates metabolism. The pancreas also make glucagon (I think of glucose being gone from the blood to remember this). Glucagon is released when your blood sugar drops too low and stimulates your liver to convert stored glycogen to glucose for the blood to take to cells in your body. Remember that the glycogen was stored by the liver when our body produced insulin in response to eating a food high in sugar. Both of these hormones come from the endocrine part of the pancreas known as the islets of Langerhans. These islets are made up of alpha and beta cells. Alpha cells secrete glucagon and beta cells secrete insulin.

The exocrine structures in the pancreas are called Pancreatic acini. There are four digestive enzymes that are secreted from these acini into the digestive tract: pancreatic lipase helps in the digestion of fats (lipase stems from lipid and anything with “ase” at the end will be some sort of enzyme - that goes for the whole body). Specifically, pancreatic lipase emulsifies fat (a fancy word to describe making the fat globules smaller so that the fat can be taken up by the blood). Pancreatic amylase breaks down starch into sugar; starches are simply long chains of sugars. Trypsin breaks down proteins into peptide chains and Chymotrypsin breaks down peptide chains into amino acids.

Knowing all of this, you can see why having a problem with you pancreas can quickly become deadly. What can go wrong? Diabetes is a condition where insulin is either non existant or inadequate in supply. Type 1 diabetes, the beta cells in the pancreas have been destroyed and you are no longer able to make insulin. Daily injections of insulin are necessary to digest sugar and sugar intake must be monitored closely. Type 2 diabetes is a condition that usually develops later in life and is characterized by low insulin levels and high blood sugar. This disease develops as a result of both a genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors that contribute to the body building up a tolerance to insulin so that higher and higher levels are needed to maintain a normal blood sugar. Eventually the pancreas can’t keep up with demand and unless a significant change in lifestyle is made. Sometimes Type 2 diabetics will need to manage the disease with insulin injections.

Pancreatitis is literally an inflammation of the pancreas; the term “itis” refers to something that is inflammed. It can either be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis has a sudden onset and needs immediate medical intervention. It is most often caused by alcoholism and gallstones. Chronic pancreatitis is usually caused by long term alcohol abuse. A quarter of cases have no known cause.

Adenocarcinomas are the most common form of pancreatic cancer. They are neoplasms of the glandular tissue; the tissue responsible for secreting digestive enzymes. This is a particularly deadly form of cancer. Less than 5% of individuals are alive after 5 years and remission is extremely rare.

Cystic fibrosis, in addition to all of the other nasty effects it has on the body, causes cysts to form in the pancreas, resulting in permanent damage and painful, chronic inflammation.

There are other things that can go wrong with your pancreas; I have just touched on the main problems. I don’t want to contribute to hyperchondria!

Natracare provides a whole line of hygeine products from pads, tampons and panty liners to incontinence pads. Their tampons are made from 100% organic cotton with the option of biodegradable applicators or no applicators. Their pads are made from 95% biodegradable products and are compostable under the right conditions. The moisture barrier in their pads is made from plant cellulose. I haven’t tried this brand, but it is a reasonable price and widely available. They also have a line of nipple shields and post birth pads designed for extra comfort in an understandably sore region. For more information, check out Natracare.com.

Flushaway, an exciting new product line of pads and panty liners that are completely flushable. They have created a cousin to plastic called B-9b film that acts like plastic. They say this film was developed using nanotechnology. When they come in contact with water, they begin to break down and easily flush down the toilet. Once in the sewer system, they breakdown in 71 days. They are supposed to be available at Wal*Mart and KMart, but were not on the Wal*Mart Canada or KMart website. Upon further digging, I discovered that Consolodated Ecoprogress Technology is a Vancouver (my hometown), BC based company, but they have been recently acquired by a Hong Kong company called PayChest Inc. The Flushaway website is currently under construction.

Mooncup is manufactured by the same company that makes The Keeper. It is exactly the same save for what it is made from; a soft, flexible, silicone cup you insert into your vagina to collect menstral blood. The Keeper is made from natural rubber. It needs to be emptied once every 4 to 8 hours dependant upon your flow and comes in two sizes. Fit is determined by the condition of your pelvic floor muscles. One for women who have had a vaginal birth and one for women who have not. The Moon Cup and Keeper can be ordered online at Keeper.com

The Diva Cup is similar to the Mooncup. It was developed in Canada (a plus for me) and is made of silicone; a good alternative to women with latex allergies. The Diva Cup is available at Lunapads.com

Lunapads are 100% organic cotton, reusable cloth pads that come in a variety of funky patterns. Lunapanties are available especially for your period time and designed to be used with the Lunapads. They have extended their product line to some baby products, creams and essential oil blends. These pads were developed in Vancouver (a plus for me!), BC and are available individually or in kits online at Lunapads.com.

Gladrags are a product out of Portland, Oregon similar in concept to Lunapads. They carry a product that I had never seen or heard about before: sea sponge tampons. Exactly as you are probably envisioning, they are a tampon made entirely out of sea sponge and only sea sponge. It comes in one size and you can trim it to the size you need it. They are washable and reusable by following the instructions on the Gladrags website.

Seventh Generation makes environmentally friendly pantyliners, maxipads and tampons (and a whole host of other environmentally friendly products for the home). The pantiliners are not flushable, and go into the garbage, so they are not as good as a reusable pantyliner. The tampons are made from 100% unbleached, organic cotton.

With a wide variety of alternative feminine hygeine products available at a reasonable price, don’t you think we can get rid of the plastic pad in the plastic bag to be unearthed in a million years, with a record of both our DNA and wastefulness?

If you are interested in reading similar articles about how we can consume more responsibly, check out the All Things Eco Blog Carnival.