The Ninety Ninth Monkey Recommends Safe Summer Fun!

When it comes to enjoying sunshine and the outdoors in nature, we must realize that at times we need some protection from sunburns and pesty biting insects. As consumers we are bombarded with an array of various products in sunscreens and bug repellents. Unfortunately many contain toxic and carcinogenic chemicals such as deet (N,N-diethyl-m toluamide, and N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) in bug repellents and Avo/oxybenzones, Paba, Padimate O, Octocrylene(to name a few) in sunscreens. Yes they go on nicely and work well but at a cost of absorbing truly unhealthy toxic chemicals. But there are other options such as bug repellents made from essential plant oils(citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, catnip, cedarwood, neem etc.) Sunscreens with the active ingredient, zinc oxide with moisturizing natural plant oils are safer and cleaner. And then there are many broad brimmed hats that work simply and efficiently in the sun. Remember that our skin is our largest organ and that toxins can be easily absorbed through our skin directly into our bloodstream without the first aid of our liver to detoxify. Also be extremely cautious with young children as their immune systems are still developing and the load of unnecessary chemicals can have many adverse affects on their well being. Remember that the sunshine also provides the most natural source of Vitamin D. Barb at The Ninety Ninth Monkey says to enjoy your summer and nature and with these tips you can do it in a healthier way. The Ninety Ninth Monkey offers the following brands: Badger, Green Beaver, Thinkbaby/Livestrong, Original Sprout. 51 Baldwin Street, unit #1, Brooklin 905-620-0399 www.theninetyninthmonkey.com

If Mother Nature Wore Clothes.......

We at The Ninety Ninth Monkey believe that the best way to dry clothes is on a line outdoors in the sun. However our life styles, where we live, and the weather often prohibit people from using the most natural and efficient means. But when we decide to use the dryer, we must realize that dryer sheets with artificial fragrances and fabric softeners contain many carcinogenic and toxic chemicals such as acetaldehyde, benzene and acetone. “‘Fabric softeners contain ammonium compounds which release formaldehyde” and this is one of many chemicals dispersed into the atmosphere from the dryer vent. In order to reduce static, the sheets “work by leaving a residue on fabric that never completely comes out” and this clings against our skin for many hours as we wear our clothes. On a rainy day or when outdoor sunshine drying isn’t an option and you need softeners or anti-cling products, The Ninety Ninth Monkey suggests PVC free dryer balls, reusable dryer sheets and natural fragrances from essential oils. Check out www.nelliesallnatural.com , www.nurturedsewnaturally.com and www.staticeliminator.ca

The Diapering Dilemma!

When a baby arrives, parents must make a decision about their diaperings choices. The market is flooded with numerous brands but the biggest choice is whether to use re-usable diapers(cloth) or disposables. Today's society, filled with busy schedules from work and extra curricular activities to commitments to other children, makes disposables a convenient solution. However disposable diapers add immensely to landfill sites (in Canada, 4 million diapers per day), take hundreds of years to decompose, use toxic chemicals in manufacturing and some babies bottoms develop rashes and sores in reaction to the synthetic absorbancy material. And it is more economical to use cloth diapers; " it will cost you upwards of $1500 to use throwaway diapers" from birth to when the child is toilet trained. Instead for cloth diapering "you could spend as little as $600." And furthermore you are already diaper-equipped for any further babies. I commend all parents who use re-usable diapers. For those who use disposables, perhaps using cloth diapers on the weekends or those days/nights that you are not so busy could be a beginning. For first time parents, time is often required to tranistion into cloth diapers until the baby grows a little and parents grow to be more comfortable with their little bundle. When choosing disposables try to use ones that are chlorine-free, fragrance free and fully biodegradable/compostable. Whichever you chose, always consider your baby's health first. Remember what's healthy for your baby is also healthy for the planet. A few different brands to check out are AppleCheeks at www.applecheeks.com, Bummis at www.bummis.com, gDiapers at gdiapers.com, SoftBums at softbums.com and Funky Fluff at funkyfluff.com. These are available at The Ninety Ninth Monkey.

Are we Denying Info about the dangers in fluoride?

I have always recognized that fluoride is a toxin to our bodies. But this talk by Professor Connett explains and verifies many misconceptions floating out there about the pros and cons of fluoride. The fact that fluoride is absorbed by our bones, thyroid gland and highly absorbed into the pineal gland is scary! The proponents of fluoride do acknowledge that it is beneficial to teeth from the outside, not the inside out. Because young children do swallow toothpaste, I highly recommend the use of fluoride free toothpaste for infants to children. I do not think it is necessary for adults as well. Listen to Professor Paul Connett's talk and make up your own mind.
Copy and paste the below site and get informed.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/01/08/warning-fluoride-in-your-water-will-lower-your-childs-iq.aspx

A Wellness Event - Saturday,November 6, 2010

"Out on a Limb" is a wonderful wellness event in support of Nova's Ark, a registered charity organization that builds beautiful friendships between special needs children, youth volunteers and gentle animals. Located in Brooklin, Nova's Ark hopes to build a year round facility creating a place for these relationships to grow and benefit everyone. On Harvest Fest in Brooklin, Mary Anne came out with her exotic animals and youth volunteers. It was beautiful to see how proud, happy and content the group was. They were beaming with pride!

WHERE SPECIAL IS WELCOME
presents Out on a Limb
Saturday, November 6, 2010
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Go OUT ON A LIMB and try something new. Choose as many as
four experiences from 36 exciting workshops, including Drumming,
Cake Decorating, Jewelry Making, Pilates, Zumba, Healing through Play,
Sushi Making, Yoga, Meditation, Cooking Classes, Creative Writing
and many more.
Take in a lively and informative presentation from a Naturopath,
a Nutritionist, a Gardener, a Personal Organizer or a
Motivational Speaker.
Enjoy a 20-min. session of Reiki, Massage or Refl exology for just $15.00.
Order your delicious organic, brown bag lunch in advance for $8.00
or drop in to our Tea Room for an organic and/or gluten-free scones
with coffee or tea for just $3.00.
STAY ALL DAY! Bid on fantastic items in the Out on a Limb
Silent Auction. Visit our vendors and get your passport stamped for the
chance to win fantastic prizes. Take a meditative journey through the Labyrinth
in the Library. Meet Mary-Ann Nova and her incredible volunteers - human
and animal - and learn more about Nova’s Ark.
Tickets are $50 for two workshops and $25 for each additional session.
Pre-register for the full day (four sessions) by October 11
and get your brown bag lunch free.
For more information and to
register, visit www.novasark.ca
NOVA’S ARK
Building acceptance through understanding to make a
better future for people of all ages and abilities.

Come out and have a wonderful day and support a compassionate organization in its endeavors to keep helping others.

David Suzuki - Global Day of Action

Today October 24th is a day we all should take action to notify our political leaders to be positively active in the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen this December. Please send your message by going to http://davidsuzuki.kintera.org/climatesummit/ . I became a biological grandmother on the 22nd of October and my wishes for all my grandchildren is that they have a "clean air, water and food" planet to live on. Make your voice be heard on this day of Global Action. For more info about our environment, go to www.davidsuzuki.org.

The Diaper Decision

Upon the arrival of a baby, parents are faced with a choice.....whether to use re-usable diapers or disposables. As the baby grows, that question persists until the child is toilet trained.
Today's society, filled with busy schedules from work and extra curricular activities to commitments to other children, makes disposables a convenient solution.
We know that disposable diapers add immensely to landfill sites, take hundred of years to decompose, use toxic chemicals in manufacturing and some babies bottoms develop rashes and sores in reaction to the synthetic absorbancy material. We also know that it is more economical to use cloth diapers, is better for the environment and is healthier for our babies. Upon examination, like all things in life there is a trade off. For every choice we make there is a reactionary consequence.
I commend all parents who use re-usable diapers. For those who use disposables, perhaps using cloth diapers on the weekends or those days/nights that you are not so busy could be a beginning. Trying a small step reduces the pile of disposable diapers that end up in the landfill site.
The Ninety Ninth Monkey carries AppleCheek Diapers to promote reusability. The outer covers come in many adorable colours with a multitude of snaps to create a perfect fit. Although there are many companies that make re-usable diapers, I chose AppleCheeks because they are Canadian made and use hemp or bamboo as their inserts. Bamboo and hemp are sustainable and eco-friendly plants and are naturally anti-microbial....perfect place for baby's bottom! Look them up at http://www.applecheeks.com/.
The Ninety Ninth Monkey also carries the g-Diaper as an alternative form of disposables. They consist of an outer washable cover with inserts that are flusable or compostable and are plastic free. They function between the completely reusable diapers and disposable diapers. For parents who use cloth diapers, they offer convenience on those occasional outings/holidays. For parents who simply do not want to use cloth re-usables, the g-Diaper is easier on the planet. Look them up at http://www.gdiapers.com/.
Whichever you chose, always consider your baby's health first. Remember what's healthy for your baby is also healthy for the planet.