Welcome back to the GREEN SCENE, where progressive people, places and products aim to enlighten and empower us to live sustainably. Regardless of where our lifestyle is on the green continuum, each one us can and should take simple steps to improve the state of our local and global environment.

Greening your life is not something that can be done overnight or through a 12-step program. It’s a mindset leading into thoughtful actions or simple steps. My ongoing quest is eliminating as much plastic out of my life as possible. Some plastics are worse offenders when it comes to nasty chemicals so it makes sense to stop using them to serve and store food and beverages. Replace them with stainless steel or glass containers. When plastics are heated they emit even higher levels of chemicals which leach into food and beverages that are housed in those containers. That’s why plastic baby bottles are being recalled and water bottles are labeled BPA free. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in manufacturing polycarbonate plastic and it is a hormone-disruptive chemical linked to Down syndrome, early onset of puberty, obesity, hyperactivity, and breast and prostate cancer. Until recently all plastic baby bottles were made from polycarbonate plastic. Now the recall needs to be take to the next level and plastic reusable water bottles and large coolers should be created BPA free. Be a smart consumer and do your own personal inventory. Avoid #7 or “PC” plastic. Find out more at www.ewg.org/reports/bisphenola. My virtual one stop shop for healthy products like Sigg and Klean Kanteen, To-Go-Ware ® is www.reusablebags.com - of my favorite web stores in cyber space.

Wait! What about that cute rubber ducky every toddler wants to gnaw on? That’s right, another nasty chemical phthalate can be found in plastic wrap, cosmetics, shower curtains, perfumes and yes even a rubber ducky. The concern is that phthalates cause reproductive and developmental harm, organ damage, immune suppression, endocrine disruption and cancer. Search phthalates at www.sixwise.com and then take action by reducing your exposure to this widely used toxin.