FitSugar

Fittingly Green: BPA-Free Food Containers

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Ever since the BPA/Nalgene scare of 2008 - in which we learned that bisphenol A could cause all sorts of health problems - manufacturers have been churning out BPA-free plastic water bottles and baby products. Now, BPA-free food storage is also becoming easier to find.

Since we know that bringing your lunch to work is a healthy habit, make it even healthier by packing food in BPA-free plastic containers. I love these fittingly green food storage containers from Preserve made from 100 percent recycled plastic. Buy two square containers for $5.99, a large round one for $2.99, or the smaller version for $2.79. Rubbermaid also has an extensive collection of BPA-free containers to help you go green.

Did You Buy a BPA-Free Plastic Water Bottle?

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0700

When news about Nalgene bottles causing cancer broke, I ditched my old plastic bottle and bought a metal one. They're a lot heavier, though, and not the most ideal to take on hikes and walks. I just bought new BPA-free plastic water bottles for my hubby and me.

What about you . . .

Gear Review: Intak BPA Free Water Bottle

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0800

While I'm a fan of reusable bottles made by Sigg, Klean Kanteen, and Nalgene, they all requite two hands to open them, which can be annoying at times. If you can relate, then check out the Intak BPA Free Hydration Bottle with Meter ($11) made by Thermos.

To see how it works read more.

Unlike other water bottles, this one has a pop top. You just lower the metal ring to unlock it, and press the gray triangular button. The clear top pops off but remains attached since it's on a hinge. You can't loosen it - yay! It reveals a small opening that makes it easy to sip out of without pouring water all over your face. Once the top is locked, it's leak proof. I love the slender body that's easy to grip, and it holds 24 ounces of water. There's even a little rotating meter so you can monitor how much water you've had. One of the best features is that the black top unscrews so it's easy to clean the inside of the bottle. It's also dishwasher safe. If you're interested, this Intak bottle comes in green, blue, red, and purple and you can buy one directly from Thermos.

Campbell's Chicken Noodle BPA-Leaching Soup

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:23 -0800

It's uncertain how risky bisphenol A (BPA) is to humans, but I figure better safe than sorry. I threw out my potentially risky water bottles and containers but now a new study from Consumer Reports says there's BPA in my canned goods, too. Metal cans are often lined with plastic that contains BPA to protect the food.

The magazine tested 19 canned food products, finding levels of BPA in each product, including cans labeled "BPA free." The biggest culprits were Progresso Vegetable Soup, Campbell's Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup, and Annie's Home Grown Organic Cheesy Ravioli. Though the FDA has said in the past that BPA is safe in food contact materials, it's now revisiting the issue to see if BPA exposure limits should be revised.

If you are concerned about the effects of BPA, try limiting or cutting out canned goods from your diet. Also, look for foods packaged in glass, paper, or freezer bags.

Support Breast Cancer Awareness With Beyond Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:00:03 -0700

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Beyond Yoga, one of my favorite brands of fitness clothes, is offering some unique pink products. The company is donating 30 percent of the proceeds from the sale of these I Am Beyond . . . Hopeful water bottles ($36) and its Lift and Support Bra ($64) to the Women's Cancer Research Fund. Every sale will support research, education, and outreach for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of female cancers. A minimum of $4 will be donated for every water bottle sold, and a $10 donation will be made for every bra sold.

To hear more about these products and see some other photos, keep reading

Give Brand Bottled Water: Its Motto Is Drink Give. Do Good.

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:30:00 -0700

I'm not a huge user or supporter of bottled water since one bottle takes over 1,000 years to biodegrade in a landfill, and they leak toxic additives into the groundwater. So I'd much rather see everyone using reusable BPA-free, aluminum or stainless steel bottles. Sometimes you may not be able to use your own refillable bottle though, so if you have to purchase a bottle of water, think about buying Give brand.

Not only are the bottles biodegradable, but the water is bottled regionally and delivered to local stores, so that means reduced carbon footprint. And they're called Give for a reason. Depending on the bottle you purchase, you can choose which of the four charities ten cents of bottle's cost will go to support. To see which charities, read more.

Give Hope: To Women With Breast Cancer
Give Strength: To Fight Muscular Disorders
Give Love: To Our Environment
Give Life: To Children in Need

You can find Give water at Whole Foods and other health-food stores, Big Y, Price Chopper, Food Emporium, Scooter's Coffeehouse, and other stores. If you're going to spend $1 on water, it might as well be good for the planet and good for the people on it.

Biggest Headline of 2008: Nalgene and BPA

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:03:15 -0800

For fitness fanatics and nature lovers, owning a Nalgene water bottle was as essential as a sports bra - a must-have to stay hydrated and reduce your plastic footprint. For years it seemed like there was a Nalgene bottle next to every machine at the gym. Then the scare hit.

The chemical known as bisphenol A (BPA) used to make these polycarbonate bottles was found to possibly cause cancer, UTIs, and early puberty in preliminary animal studies. Other research showed that exposure to BPA was also linked to diabetes and heart disease. Women were worried because it was suspected to affect fertility and the development of babies.

Many people stopped using their Nalgenes immediately, replacing them with stainless steel (Klean Kanteen), aluminum (Sigg), or BPA-free water bottles. Folks who felt bad about adding to landfills found new uses for their bottles as lanterns.

So what did Nalgene do? To find out read more.

Even though Nalgene refuted that its products were harmful to humans, the company reacted quickly by designing a BPA-free water bottle. BPA is still found in some plastic baby bottles and the lining of cans, although many government agencies feel the risk is nothing to worry about. Many experts believe that the amount of BPA humans are exposed to is too small to cause any harm, and further evaluation is necessary.

I agree with Tufts professor and researcher Dr. Ana Soto, who says, "We cannot wait that long to discover whether this chemical is harming human reproduction and development." If there is even a slight chance BPA could negatively affect humans, why take the risk? Do you agree, or will you continue to use BPA products until scientists declare this chemical a definite risk?

Healthy Eating Tip: Freeze Leftovers Before Eating

FitSugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:00:00 -0700

You've just finished cooking a wonderful meal - grilled sesame chicken, roasted asparagus with sliced almonds, and mashed sweet potatoes and carrots. Before you sit down to eat, dish out an appropriate portion of each food for each person then immediately put the rest of the leftovers into BPA-free plastic storage containers, or ones made out of glass. Leaving leftovers on the counter or on your kitchen table while you eat is way too tempting. Popping them directly into the freezer can deter you from polishing off a second dinner soon after finishing your first.

6 Ways to Green Your Healthy Lifestyle

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 03:00:00 -0700

Today might be Earth Day, but to really make a change, we need to make every day about the environment. Here are six ideas to help you take care of the planet while taking care of yourself.

Reusable Water Bottles	Recycle Your Sneaks	Bag Your Suit
Recycle Your Yoga Mat	Use BPA-Free Tupperware	Avoid Processed Meat

How have you greened your workout, your diet, or your healthy lifestyle? Please share in the comments section below, and you might just inspire another Sugar user to make a change too. Happy Earth Day.

Sundance Goes Green With Reusable Water Bottles

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:04:55 -0800

Though most of us aren't lucky enough to attend the Sundance Film Festival, we've probably all been to events that hand out hundreds and hundreds of plastic water bottles. Last year, Sundance alone gave out 50,000 single-serve bottles, most of which just end up in landfills.

So for the 2009 festival, which kicks off this Thursday, Sundance is partnering with an organization called FilterForGood, which is devoted to reducing bottled-water waste. Instead of wasteful one-off containers, festivalgoers will get free reusable water bottles provided by Nalgene, which they can then refill at Brita-sponsored water stations.

I've had a reusable water bottle for a while now, but if you haven't gotten one yet, you can visit FilterForGood's site and make a pledge to switch. The site also sells FilterForGood-branded bottles that let you support the cause. Don't worry: They're BPA free!