Health Talk Today

Living Green

Plastic Bags

Jan 15th, 2009
by Marilyn.
3 comments

I’m trying hard to live green, but it’s not easy. I bought green, reusable bags to tote purchases home from the store. It’s becoming a habit to remember to take them into the store. But, I also have to remember to get them back to the car after I’ve used them.

It’s almost impossible to completely get away from plastic bags. The cashiers and baggers automatically start packing orders into their plastic bags. I can’t remember the last time I heard “paper or plastic.” They just put a couple items into each plastic bag. They can’t fill the bags because they tear too easy. So, if I don’t stop them, I end up taking home several bags. Then, I’m compelled to reuse or recycle.

I no longer use a plastic produce bag for each fruit and vegetable that I buy. I keep one of my cloth bags open in the cart and add tomatoes, apples, cucumbers and all the loose items into my bag. Then, at the check out, I set my bag on the counter and give the cashier an empty bag to transfer to as she rings up each item. So far, it’s working well.

Marilyn Kvasnok

It’s Time to Take Control

Oct 3rd, 2008
by Marilyn.
1 comment

To this day, I have trouble throwing things away. Maybe I’ll wear it again – just to work in the yard. Maybe it has just one more use before it falls apart. Maybe someone else can use it. What is it? It’s everything in my possession.

My parents were always conservative. They taught me well. I remember mom carefully washing aluminum foil, then gently folding it so she could use it again. Clothes were handed down. Paper written on one side was recycled as shopping lists and note paper. Dad saved scraps of wood and other construction material to use later. I remember him pounding old nails to straighten them so he could use them again. My family was green long before it was popular. We just didn’t know it.

So, here I am, after years of being very conservative. What do I have to show for it? Closets and drawers FULL of stuff. It’s time to change my relationship with my stuff. When a friend was moving out of state, she threw out tons of stuff and had garage sales to sell the better things. I asked how she could part with all of it. Her answer was so profound, her words still ring in my ears. “I can give away the things I like, because I’m keeping the things I love.”

So, now it’s my turn. I’m cleaning with a new attitude. I’m going to throw out everything that’s worn out and broken. I’ll donate to my favorite charity. I’ll sell and give away some things. And . . . I’ll keep the things I love.

I’ll be thinking about all the time I’ll have when I’m not in the middle of all the clutter and memories. And, in the end, it’s time that is our most precious resource. It can’t be saved. It must be spent wisely. I’m committed to making every day worth the time it’s costing me.

For a new view on time, check out the Life Expectancy Calculator by Peter Russell.

Marilyn Kvasnok

No More Wire Hangers

Sep 18th, 2008
by Marilyn.
1 comment

There was an old joke about never being able to find a “church key.” That was an old bottle opener for pop or beer bottles. Where could they be? At night, they sneaked into the closet and turned into hangers.

I always used to have tons of extra wire hangers. They came from the dry cleaners. I haven’t been to a dry cleaner in years. I no longer want to subject myself to the chemicals, but that’s another story. Now, there’s a solution to a closet full of wire hangers.

The video is an NBC Nightly News “America Goes Green” story with Brian Williams.

Marilyn Kvasnok

What Does It Mean To Be Green?

Aug 19th, 2008
by Marilyn.
No comments yet


Kermit the Frog used to sing “It isn’t easy being green.” But, he was singing from a very personal viewpoint. Today, everyone is talking about being green. But, what does it mean. Probably, different things to different people.

For every product you use around the house, there’s a green substitute. I’m finding products that work as well – or better – than my old Clorox, Pinesol and Tide. Every time I find a non-toxic cleaner, I take another step toward “living green.” I’m not only feeling better about doing the right thing for my family and the planet, I’m really feeling better! I didn’t even realize how those old cleaners were affecting me – itchy, stuffed up, sneezing and sometimes worse. And who knows what the long term effects will be? I’m no longer willing to be part of that test group.


Green Goes with Everything by Sloan Barnett is a common sense approach to making these changes.

Sloan is a Today Show contributor, the Green Editor for KNTV in San Francisco, a wife and mother. When her young son was developing asthma, she found the cause to be the cleaners she was using. Watch the video below to hear Sloan’s story . . .

Marilyn Kvasnok

Shaklee Distributor’s Products Receive PTPA Media Inc. Seal of Approval

Aug 8th, 2008
by Marilyn.
No comments yet


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marilyn Kvasnok

A leading wellness company’s Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate and Dish Wash Concentrates have won the PTPA Media Inc. Seal of Approval

Toronto, July 16th, 2008: Marilyn Kvasnok announces that the wellness company she represents has been awarded the influential PTPA Media Inc’s Seal of Approval for excellence in parenting products.

PTPA Media Inc. (Parent Tested Parent Approved) has announced the winners of the 2008 Summer Product Call for the best in parenting products. The products have been awarded the PTPA Media Inc.’s Seal of Approval in many categories ranging from baby monitors, baby slings, safety gear, bedding and the most recent addition of a Green category.

Being honored with an award from PTPA Media Inc. is a huge achievement for a product geared to babies, children and parents. ”We are thrilled to be recognized by PTPA for our environmentally friendly household cleaning line,” said Roger Barnett, Chairman and CEO, “This latest award is a testament to our company’s dedication to creating products that are always safe, always work and always green.”

The Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate, the Dish Wash Concentrate and the Automatic Dish Wash Concentrate were among many entries competing to win the PTPA Media Seal of Approval for Summer 2008. PTPA Media’s mission is to discover and appraise new products designed for children and families. Companies throughout North America submitted samples of their parenting products and they were matched with PTPA Media’s large database of parents. The products were tested by savvy parenting reviewers, and professionals and the results were compiled for PTPA Media Inc.’s review committee for the final decision. The winners of the prestigious Seal of Approval from PTPA Media are selected based on value, functionality, quality and appeal of the product.

“We are excited to announce the winners of the PTPA Media Inc. product call for Summer 2008,” said Kathryne May, a Director at PTPA Media Inc. “It’s a win-win situation for the consumer as well as the manufacturer. Parents who are shopping for products for their families can look for our Seal of Approval and know that these products have been tried and tested by parents for parents.”

“I am so proud that the organic super cleaning concentrate and the Dish Wash Concentrates have received the PTPA Media Award, especially since the company has created one of the original environmentally-friendly cleaners in 1960. I really believe in the company’s household cleaning line, because it offers non-toxic and natural cleaning choices that are safe for your family and the earth,” said Marilyn Kvasnok, Shaklee Independent Distributor.

About the company
For 50 years, this company has been a leading provider of premium quality, natural nutrition, and personal care products, environmentally-friendly household products, and state-of-the-art air and water treatment systems. In 2000, the company became the first company in the world to be Climate Neutral™ certified to totally offset its CO2 emissions, resulting in a net zero impact on the environment. With a robust product portfolio, including more than 50 patents and patents pending worldwide, the company has more than 750,000 Members and Distributors worldwide and operates in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and soon, in China. For more information about the company, click here.

About PTPA Media Inc.
PTPA Media Inc. (Parent Tested, Parent Approved) provides an objective means to discover, appraise and promote new products designed to enrich family living. Products range from baby clothing, toys and accessories to parent-centric creations that enhance day to day life. Our mission is to marry innovative companies with discerning consumers. We provide reliable and relevant information to both parties with the intent of improving the consumer access to exciting quality products. Visit ptpamedia.com for more information.

NOTE: The company and product names have been removed to comply with the company’s current Internet guidelines.

Marilyn Kvasnok

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