Trees and Tots Blog
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Candles have went from being made out of natural materials like beeswax hundreds of years ago to being made out of synthetic materials and now we are using natural materials again. The synthetic materials that candles were made out of were tallow which is animal fat. This slowly transitioned into candles made out of paraffin which is the sludge that is left in the bottom of crude oil barrels. The dark toxin filled paraffin is then bleached with more chemicals to lighten the colour of the candle. Another toxic irritant added to these candles were the synthetic fragrances to cover up their terrible crude oil smell. The lead wicks used to burn in the candles also contributed to dispersing chemicals into the air while burning. When this type of candle burns it puts very harmful poisonous fumes and carcinogens in the air that coat the walls, furnishings and our lungs. Doesn’t sound like such a good product to have in your home or to set a romantic mood!We have come to our senses and are now going back to using pure beeswax candles to burn in our homes. After realizing what we were burning and the harm it was causing to out health; we are headed back to the basics and good old nature. When looking at candles advertised as beeswax candles, be aware of the percentage of beeswax in the candle and if there are any other ingredients in the candle that you are not aware of. For a candle to be legally labeled “pure beeswax” it only has to be 51% beeswax. The 49% remaining could be made of paraffin or any other unknown matter you do no wish to have in a candle. Look for only 100% pure beeswax candles to get the best quality candle to benefit your health and home. The wick should be 100% cotton and lead free also to be safe to burn toxin free.The benefits of burning 100% pure beeswax candles are vast. These candles are made of pure and simple beeswax that produces negative ions which work like nature’s vacuum and cleans the air of dust, bacteria, viruses, mold and pollutants. This amazing characteristic is only found in 100% pure beeswax candles. People who suffer from severe allergies have found that burning these candles, especially before going to bed helped them sleep much more restful. Pure beeswax candles burn very clean and even purifies the air while giving off an amiable soft glow. They are long lasting with the most beautiful sweet aroma of warm honey filling the room while they burn. 100% pure beeswax candles draw in contaminants from the air and neutralize various pollutants. These magnificent candles not only bear great health benefits but produce a halo around the flame that vibrates producing a calm and relaxing effect. These beautiful decorative candles make an angelic accent to any home décor. Trees and Tots carries a variety of ornamental 100% pure beeswax candles made with only organic Alberta beeswax, with cotton wicks and hand poured in British Columbia Canada.
Trees and Tots Admin.
COMPOST! The Natural Way To Recycle
Composting is Nature's way of recycling. Composting decomposes and transforms organic material into a soil-like product called humus (pronounced “hue-mous”). Food scraps, leaves and yard trimmings, paper, wood, manures, and the remains of agricultural crops are excellent organic materials which can be composted.
Composting is an important way to recycle -- both at home and at work, where organic material is used and waste is created. It is estimated that about 50 percent of the total waste stream could be composted! Composting not only helps to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, it produces a valuable soil amendment which can improve the texture and fertility of the soil.
The composting process uses micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi to break down the organic materials. For the process to work best, it is important that the micro-organisms have a continuous supply of food (i.e. organics), water and oxygen. As well, managing the temperature of the composting material is important to make the process work.
It is also important to give the micro-organisms a “balanced diet”. Although most organic materials provide all of the nutrients for the micro-organisms to grow, they grow best with certain levels of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). Paper, leaves and wood are high in carbon while grass clippings and vegetable scraps are high in nitrogen. Combining the correct “mix” of carbon and nitrogen materials in the composting “recipe” helps to get the best results.
While Composting occurs naturally, the process can happen faster with the help of different systems... each designed to manage various types and quantities of organic material.
Backyard, on-site, and centralized composting systems are being set up across Canada to recycle our organics. With these systems, each of us has the ability to contribute to waste diversion and the creation of a valuable soil amendment.
The Systems
Backyard Composting
This involves the set up and ongoing management of a composting unit at home. A backyard composter is a simple way for each of us to manage the organic wastes which we generate. To get the best results, it is important to make sure that the right types and amounts of organics are used and that the composting process is properly maintained. Backyard composting experts are available, through your local municipality, to help explain the process and provide helpful suggestions. Whether with the use of a “build your own” unit or a commercial model, home composting avoids collection costs and creates an excellent soil conditioner for home gardening and landscaping.
On-Site Composting
This is the on-site management of organic waste generated by a group of people, such as in an apartment complex, office building or hospital. On-site composting avoids the costs associated with the transportation of organics. As with other systems, the establishment of efficient and effective collection as well as the maintenance of the composter are important to ensure that the process runs effectively.
Centralized Composting
This involves the collection and transportation of large amounts of organic materials to a special facility where it is prepared and processed into compost. These facilities can compost most of the organic wastes generated in a community. They are designed to manage large volumes of a wide range of organic materials. Restaurants, grocery stores, and residential communities are recycling their organics with the help of centralized composting. Collection methods, processing requirements and the end use for the finished compost are all taken into account in the facility's design. The separation of organic materials from other recyclables and wastes will minimize contamination. As well, the ongoing implementation of good operating procedures ensures the production of high-quality compost.
The Bottom Line
When the composting process is complete, regardless of the system used, the finished product is a valuable soil amendment. Rich in organic matter, finished compost can help improve soil texture and fertility. It has many applications including home gardening, landscaping, use in potting soil for the horticultural industry and in agriculture. Composting truly is Nature's way of recycling!
Composting Council of Canada It is a great activity that is fun, easy and can involve the whole family!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27lFfm23Ew4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq3yfKCC9ok
Trees and Tots Spring NewsletterOur newsletter is out and filled with insightful information to consider for Spring with the warm weather coming. Topics discussed are safe play sand, helmets, sunscreen, delicious snacks and some of our featured Spring products. Here is the link to read the full newsletter and also take advantage of our ONE DAY EARTH DAY SPECIAL! http://www.treesandtots.com/articles.asp?id=157Thanks!Be Green and Be Healthy!
Planet Earth is a great TV series on Discovery Channel and DVD movies that are well made; which help us understand and learn how to protect the planet we live on. They have the latest news on extreme weather, climate change and other earthly happenings. The creators are people who are dedicated to protecting the planet and its inhabitants. The pictures and camera work is stunning and just breath taking.
Our planet is really a miraculous, beautiful place and we are so fortunate to live on it. Now we need to work together and all do our part to keep it's beauty and land prosperous.http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/planet-earth/planet-earth.html
http://thesecret.tv/planet-earth/ a wonderful video of Earth's beauty
Air fresheners are just harmful chemicals in a can, bottle, jar or candle. They are very strong and dangerous to breathe. Do our homes really smell that bad that we need to mask their odour? I think a naturally clean home spells wonderful. Keep the house clean, open up the windows and don't spary anything is your best success for a great smelling home. If you must have a scented home; use the real thing. A bouquet of flowers on the table or warm up some honey in a bowl. You could also make a homeade pie; that always smells great.
Don't we all agree that the best smell in the world is a newborn baby? Do you know why?
They smell so absolutely wonderful because there are no chemicals or anything atificial on them at all. They are pure and natural! The best smell is nothing at all!
Save your money and just open up your windows. You will feel better too.
Take care!
