Annie's Green Living Monthly Column brought to you by Maid Brigade

Helping Others Live A Greener, Healthier Life

August 2010

Last year, my husband and I were asked to be part of a new reality TV series called Breakthrough with Tony Robbins. Robbins chose six families, all with different struggles in their lives, and helped them overcome tough obstacles to get back on the right track. The show recently aired two of its six series.

What Chemicals are in Your Cosmetics?

July 2010

Did you ever try to read the ingredients on the back of a bottle of shaving cream or face wash? You probably read things like, "propylene glycol, quaternary ammonium compound, or nonylphenols." What the label didn't tell you is that these ingredients are all known to be hazardous chemicals, in some cases causing bronchial asthma, gastritis, skin irritation, and even death.

Green Ways to Prevent Mold, Mildew, and Bugs

June 2010

The hot weather has finally arrived, which means summer is almost here. Summer brings lots of good times and family fun, but it also brings heat, humidity, mold, mildew and bugs!

Throughout the month of June, Maid Brigade will be discussing non-toxic ways to prevent and remove mold and mildew in and outside the home, plus offer green cleaning tips on keeping your home "mildew-free." For those interested in a "bug-free" summer, we will also be discussing different kinds of natural insect pest control. Log on to blog.maidbrigade.com for more information.

Make this summer a happy, healthy, and "green" summer for you and your family!

Spring Cleaning For Allergy Sufferers

May 2010

In a recent survey by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, about 20 percent of the U.S. population suffer from allergies and asthma, and their conditions are exacerbated by the tiny dry particles floating around our homes. The natural response to this is to keep our homes sparkling clean, but unfortunately some of the products we use to rid our home of allergens contain irritating ingredients themselves.

Do You Know What Chemicals Are In Your Cleaners?

April 2010

When it comes to household cleaners, consumers have little or no information about the chemicals contained in these products and there is no legal requirement for full ingredient labeling. Don't you have a right to know what is inside the cleaners you use in your home and around your families?

Introducing Marie

March 2010

As Maid Brigade’s new Consumer Health Advocate, I believe that “green” living is such an important step in healthy living. I feel there are still so many people that are confused with what is “green and healthy” for their families and the environment and what is not, especially when it comes to green products and green cleaning. I can understand how doing research on this topic can be very time consuming, so through my role as Consumer Health Advocate, I plan to do the research and keep our readers informed about proper green cleaning and how this way of life is healthier for our families. This way you can focus your time on more important things in life.

Go With Chemical-Free Cleaning in 2010!

February 2010

There are many easy (requiring no work), unexpected and ground breaking, as well as new yet routine ways to go with chemical-free cleaning in 2010. What do I mean by chemical-free? Easy, smart ways to get the job done without chemical products –even natural ones-- and how.

2009 Holiday Crisis Cleaning Tips

December 2009

The holidays tend to present more emergency cleaning challenges than other times of year. This month Annie shares her helpful green cleaning tips to ease your stress this holiday season!

Five Safer, Green Ways to Kill Germs

October 2009

With fears of Swine Flu (H1N1 Flu) running rampant, most people are looking into how to kill germs. What to use that is safe and healthy but will work?

Well and Warm in Bed

September 2009

Here in upstate New York, the air has a slight touch of fall, just enough to hint at the frigid winter months ahead and to put stacking firewood on my list of chores. As I found myself reaching for that sweater for the third time this week, I started thinking about some of the pleasures of winter: Steaming hot chai, reading on the couch in front of the woodstove with the dogs at my feet, and my pure wool comforter keeping me warm at night.

Home Office Haven

August 2009

Working out of a home office has been a godsend for me, especially when my daughter was growing up. I was here on snow days, when she was sick, and when she got off the bus. I’ve also been able to drop a commute, work in my PJs, and work in an indoor air quality haven—important for me because I am chemically sensitive, but something I wish was common for offices everywhere.

All About Bamboo

July 2009

What is it about bamboo? If you haven’t already, get a feel for the “hand” of bamboo fabric by reaching out and touching it. (You can feel bamboo towels at Bed Bath & Beyond and bamboo sheets at Target, bamboo is now that mainstream.) You’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven. It is soft, inviting, restful. Even the bamboo floor I had installed in one room feels soft against my bare feet, even though it is in fact a very hard wood. There seems to be a compelling energy about it that you feel when you touch it.

Naturally Pest Free Gardens

June 2009

They say that spring moves up the coast 15 miles a day. Sadly, this beautiful time of change is also heralded by the drift of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides from commercial and private spraying.

Pure Pet Care

May 2009

While brushing my dog Sammy today, I was mulling over the fact that I don’t brush either of my dogs enough, and I probably wouldn’t have been brushing Sammy if he wasn’t shedding so badly that black hair was lying in clumps all over the house every few days. But part way through being hard on myself I thought, but wait, I give them a life free of pesticides and other poisons, and the healthiest, most natural food available. That is a gift to them. What follows is what I do in this way.

Clean the Air with Spring Cleaning

April 2009

Spring cleaning goes above and beyond normal weekly or bi-weekly cleaning routines. While there are many tried-and-true techniques for top-to-bottom cleaning that have stood the test of time and come down through the ages, spring cleaning offers a great opportunity to consider implementing contemporary cleaning products and methods.

Greening for the Generations

March 2009

How family traditions help to foster a green lifestyle for our children and generations to come.

Home Safe Home: Ten Toxic Targets

February 2009

It can be overwhelming to detoxify your home, but if you have young children and are of childbearing age, it will most likely be an anxiety-provoking priority of yours. Where to start? What to do? What to believe? I recommend you pay attention to these Top Ten Toxic Targets in your home.

Easy Tips for Going Green

January 2009

Here are a few simple tips that anyone can implement to make their home greener and healthier in 2009!

10 Green Trends and Choices for 2009

December 2008

My friend and colleague Carl Frankel wrote a nice blog recently about the economic collapse, and he ends with, “Here's what I keep asking myself: would I exchange increased financial insecurity, and even some personal hardship, for a world rescued from eco-collapse? And of course the answer is, in a heartbeat, yes.” I spoke to him on the phone and he elaborated, saying

Green Pioneers: One Person CAN Make a Difference

November 2008

Some of the most powerful and impressive green movements were started by one individual with a visionary inspiration. Here we feature several pioneers of the green movement.

Natural Nails for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 2008

Plastics have snuck up on us in the most unexpected places, including our bodies. Who knew that the ingredient to make plastic soft , known as phthalates, are found in perfume oil solvents and the resulting fragrance, paper coatings, adhesives, printing inks, air fresheners, and nail polish? We might have thought to look at our plastic food packages, but air fresheners? Nail polish?

Ways to Enjoy the Abundant Harvest

September 2008

A simple September meal of farmers’ market fare including sweet and juicy heirloom tomatoes, grilled sweet corn and miraculous peaches is a highlight to savor through all the eating experiences of the year. There seems to be a joyful resonance in the sweetness that is transmitted to us, that we can taste. At the very least, our taste buds sing and we revel in the show-stopping flavors.

Five Steps to A Chemical Free School

August 2008

When we think about what it takes to raise a child to become a healthy adult, many things come to mind - including love, nourishment and a good education. However even the most loving parent might not think of establishing a sanctuary for their children to protect them from toxic chemicals that can interfere with the natural growth of their central nervous and endocrine systems, and other aspects of their body’s development.

Hosting a Green Summer Barbecue

July 2008

To me, eco-friendly to me is synonymous with people-friendly, so when I think of hosting a green barbeque the first thing I think of is providing a happy and healthy atmosphere. To me that means clean, fresh air, free from bugs; vibrant food; colorful flowers; pure, refreshing drinks; and the ability to adapt and adjust to the weather for everyone’s comfort.

Holiday Crisis Cleaning Tips

December 2007

The holidays tend to present more emergency cleaning challenges than other times of year. This month Annie shares her helpful green cleaning tips to ease your stress this holiday season!