Category: Green Living

Pesticides Linked to ADHD

March 7th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

A study published in the journal Pediatrics has linked the level of pesticides consumed in foods to doubling the risk of developing ADHD in children.

Researchers used data collected from almost 1,140 children participating in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,” including pesticide by-products found in urine. They found that in that group, 119 children met the criteria for ADHD.

Children with substantially higher levels of a breakdown product of neurotoxic organophosphate pesticides were twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. The researchers concluded that parents should buy organic food for their kids. Many other researchers stress the importance of women eating organic at least 6 months before conception, and throughout pregnancy, too.

According to Environmental Working Group (EWG), these are the top 10 foods that you should buy as organic, because they contain the highest levels of pesticides: Continue reading “Pesticides Linked to ADHD”

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Whole Foods Backs Down to GMO Giant Monsanto

February 6th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

After 12 years of fighting this biotech giant, Whole Foods has backed down from trying to stop Monsanto genetically engineered (GE, or GMO) crops from contaminating the nation’s 25,000 organic farms and ranches, saying that GMOs and organic plants have to coexist in this world. Biotechnology is big business. The mother of agricultural technology, Monsanto reported sales of approximately 10.5 billion dollars in 2010. They make Roundup, the name given to the herbicide glyphosate, the most used herbicide on the planet. They also make genetically modified seeds that can tolerate very high doses of Roundup.

Genetically modified seeds or foods are made from genetically modified organisms, commonly known as GMOs. These GMOs have had changes made to their DNA by genetic engineering. The FDA does not regulate GMOs and Monsanto will try to convince you that GMOs are safe and that they are helping stop hunger by providing the capability to grow foods that are hardier and stronger.

However, here are eight reasons according to organicauthority.com why genetically modified organisms are bad:  Continue reading “Whole Foods Backs Down to GMO Giant Monsanto”

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Beautiful New Reusable Shopping Bags at Village Green

January 11th, 2012 by Village Green Admin

IMG 0123aMotivated by the new 5-cent bag tax in Montgomery County (Maryland), as well as our desire to take an environmentally friendly step toward helping our world become a healthier, more sustainable place, Village Green now has two sizes of reusable shopping bags our customers can purchase in the store. Our bags are made of 80% recycled cotton and 20% recycled bottles. The fabric feels great to the touch, and these are comfortable bags that you’ll love to carry. We are proud to say that hey were made in the U.S. by Enviro-Tote, a family-owned “company with a conscience.” Our medium-size bag is selling for $4.95 and the large, over-the-shoulder bag is $5.95.

If you’re curious about the fabric content (we were!), Enviro-Tote has this to say about their recycled cotton bag: “This bag is made from 80% Ecotec™ – a blended cotton yarn produced from the excess fabric of newly made clothing – and 20% Bottle Bag™ material – material made from 100% recycled soda bottles. This unique manufacturing process saves land, energy and water. For the best performance available, 20% of this bag contains 100% recycled soda bottle material.”

We hope our customers like these bags as much as we do!

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Houseplants: Nature’s Air Purifiers

December 19th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

peace lilyA friend gave me a potted English ivy plant years ago as a gift, and it has been the gift that keeps on giving. A houseplant is a perfect gift for someone who has everything, and it can even help improve health.

Plenty of studies have shown that everyday houseplants act as air purifiers. In the 1980’s, NASA studied the air cleaning properties of plants and found that certain plants were incredibly effective at reducing airborne toxins like benzene, TCE (trichloroethylene) and formaldehyde. Since then, many more studies have shown that plants are also great at neutralizing carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, as well toluene, octane and terpene (all toxic to humans).

Plants have also been shown to reduce stress and blood pressure. So if you sit at a desk all day, you may want to have a little greenery in sight.

Since many Americans, especially during the winter months, spend most time indoors, a pretty plant that cleanses the air and offers stress reduction, is a perfect gift. My favorite is the peace lily, pictured above. It is hardy and beautiful and is especially effective for benzene, formaldehyde and TCE. If you are looking for an effective, easy-to-maintain plant, the common ivy takes care of benzene, formaldehyde and TCE, as well as toluene, octane and terpene. Spider plants can neutralize carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

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New 5-Cent Bag Ordinance Starts January 1 – Montgomery County, MD

December 14th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

Just a reminder that starting January 1, Montgomery County’s 5-cent bag ordinance begins. The tax will apply to paper and plastic bags at most retail stores. One exception is pharmacy bags holding prescription drugs.  The goal is to reduce waste and encourage recycling!

We encourage you to bring your reusable shopping bags when you visit the store!

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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Other Contributors

Caroline Blazovsky
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Jared Rice
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Steve Stillwater
Farzin Farid
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James Brodsky, MD
Christine M. Gonzales
Beth Ritchie
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