Clean Green

If you're like me, cleaning the microwave is a task you just don't relish. Scrubbing all these stuck-on food bits and splatters. Blech. There are many cleaning agents out there (green and not-so-green) but this has got to be the greenest, easiest and cheapest tip I've come across, courtesy of my grand-maman.

Slice up half a lemon and put the slices in a cup of water (squeeze a bit lemon juice in the water first). Microwave for a few minutes, until the water is boiling. Let it stand in the microwave for a few more minutes while the steam softens up the baked on bits. Remove carefully and wipe the interior of your microwave with a damp cloth. It's magic I tell you, and it smells delicious to boot.

The Never-Greens

Maybe you know them? They are the neighbors who drive their gas-guzzling, carbon dioxide-emitting SUV to the polling station even though it is only 500 meters away. I wonder if they voted for Harper?

Recycle Your Old Computer

If you have an old computer that needs recycling and you're in the GTA area, here's something for you next weekend:

What:

Free computer recycling drop-off day at the Dell
Canada headquarters in Toronto where residents of the Greater Toronto
Area can drop off any make or model of computers, laptops, monitors,
printers as well as peripheral devices including computer speakers and
mice to be recycled free-of-charge. Only computer-related equipment will
be collected at this event. This is a safe and secure way to recycle
electronics.

When:

Saturday, October 18, 2008
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where:

155 Gordon Baker Road (Highway 404 and Finch), North York, ON
M2H 3N5

Examples of materials accepted: Computers, CPUs, computer parts -
cables, hard drives, memory keys, computer peripherals - keyboards,
mice, monitors, laptop computers, printers, fax machines, servers and
ink/toner cartridges

Examples of materials NOT accepted: Wood console televisions, video
games, game controllers, DVDs, CDs or VHS/BETA video tapes, DVD & VHS
Players, CD Players or stereo equipment, cash registers and adding
machines


Ooooh, we have a few computers that need to be recycled. Too bad we're in Ottawa. There really should be more of these drop-off! Thanks to John at the CGI Group for the heads up.

On Hiatus

From October 10-20, 2008, ecomama.ca is going on hiatus! You may still place your order online (or by fax or phone). We will start filling and shipping orders again on October 21.

Ciao for now!

Diva Cup Policy Changes

We've recently posted some Diva Cup policy changes on our web site and sent around a notice to our subscribers to that effect. Some of these changes have generate quite alot of feedback and questions which we've been fielding. We've received a further update from Diva Cup which we thought would be important to pass along as well. Here it is, from the email we received yesterday:

Background on menstrual cup regulations



On the surface, Diva International's decisions to discontinue their return policy and to suggest that users replace their cup annually may seem like simple business decisions. They are in fact the result of DivaCup's commitment to adhere to a multiple of international health regulations. We'd like to provide you with appropriate background information so that you are better able to support customer awareness and questions should they arise. Due to the intimate nature of internal menstrual products, including menstrual cups and tampons, they are regulated as medical devices by Health Canada, the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and comparable health and consumer safety regulatory bodies in almost every country in the world. Health Canada additionally requires all companies that manufacture medical devices, including menstrual cups, to adhere to the ISO (International Standards Organization), a set of standards different and independent from government regulations.



The lifespan of menstrual cups



There has been, and is, erroneous information on other company's websites and consumer blogs indicating that menstrual cups can be used for up to 10 years. Diva International has never made this claim about its products, but it is often falsely attributed it to them. In the past (in relation to another company) Health Canada has indicated that menstrual cups should be replaced annually. Due to this directive and the intimate nature of the product, Diva International now suggests that menstrual cups be replaced annually, and that silicone menstrual cups should also be replaced if the silicone has been compromised because of improper cleaning, cleaning with harsh products, or for any other reason that could affect the cup or the health of the user. Realizing that usage will vary from woman to woman, Diva International is in ongoing discussions with Health Canada and the FDA about the lifespan issue for clarification, and will post new information on their website as they receive it. For now, they are fulfilling their regulatory and ethical obligation to the consumer to provide the best, most up-to-date information they have concerning correct usage of the cup. By complying and making this statement, the customer is informed; but it is ultimately the customer's choice as to when to replace her menstrual cup.



The return policy



Due to the intimate nature of the DivaCup, as well as national, state/provincial, local health, postal, government and ISO regulations pertaining to handling used intimate products, returns will only be accepted for the reason of manufacturer's defect and they will be handled directly through Diva International. Diva International takes pride in the fact that, over the years, they have been providing women one-on-one usage troubleshooting and assistance. The majority of usage issues are usually resolved after a little assistance and practice.

We hope this provides a more thorough explanation of the parameters and reasons for the new policies.





Please do not hesitate to refer to Diva International's FAQ.