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michele_partidge

Hello! My name is Michele Partridge.
I'm a full time mom and entrepreneur. My goal in life is to raise happy, healthy kids and to do what I can to save our beautiful planet. I feel very fortunate to live in Ocean Park as we have one of the best environments to raise kids. When I'm not being a mom, I'm an Independent Sales Consultant for Norwex Enviro Products. In January I'm launching a blog called "Green Kick" that will be full of daily tips on how to live a greener, healthier lifestyle that's affordable and will save you money, your families health and the environment. I look forward to sharing those tips on this website every month.

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Why Canadians need to be leery of U.S. “cheap dairy and meat”.  
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I know this article will be a hot topic as many Canadian run to the border to purchase cheap milk, cheese and meat. Yes, it’s important to save money, but at what cost to our families health? It’s so important to READ THE LABELS before you purchase any product. It’s completely “BUYER BEWARE” out there, especially in the U.S. The U.S. standards are not the same as Canadian food standards. Thankfully Canada has stricter rules and regulations and won’t allow certain growth hormones in products like milk, cheese and meat. But the U.S. DOES allow these growth hormones as they have more mouths to feed. That’s just my take on it.

Here’s some info on U.S. MILK: cows

Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST) is a synthetic version of the Bovine Somatotropin (BST) hormone found in cattle. The hormone is used by many commercial dairies to increase milk production. It’s been marketed under a number of names, but most consumers know it as rBST or BST. The use of rBST has met with some controversy from a variety of fronts, including the animal rights movement and some commercial dairy farmers. As a result, dairies that produce milk products without the use of rBST have begun indicating this on their labels.

Though rBST has been banned in several countries, the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States has determined it to be safe to consume. In the US, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) determined that because rBST is a species-specific growth hormone, milk from rBST treated cows is identical to that of cows not injected with the hormone. As a result, rBST treated milk was approved for commercial sale.

Aside from the health-related controversy, some dairies are taking a more consumer-driven angle and marketing their milk production as “natural” and “humane” in order to grow a stronger, more loyal customer base — much in the same way as the egg market with “free range” and “organically-fed” chickens. These dairies figure that consumers can decide whether or not they want to consume rBST. The use of the rBST-free label has been bitterly fought by both pharmaceutical companies and mostly large-scale dairies, who would prefer that the label not be used at all. Some of them feel that the rBST-free label unnecessarily instills fear in consumers.

Growth hormones are not permitted in Canadian milk. Milk is tested for residues to ensure compliance.

MEAT: 

In beef cattle, U.S. producers administer a variety of steroid hormones — including natural and synthetic versions of estrogen and testosterone — to make animals grow faster, convert their food into muscle more efficiently and make their meat leaner. Usage data isn’t publicly available, but  hormones are more commonly given to beef cattle than dairy cattle.

Advocates fear that residues of added hormones in meat could disrupt normal hormone function in humans, especially developing children, potentially increasing the risk of problems such as reproductive abnormalities.

Many nations, including those in the European Union and Canada, have banned the use of rBST in their cattle. The European Union is more inclined to ban any use of hormones in their food supply, suggesting that they would prefer that consumers eat more naturally produced foods.

rBST was reviewed by Health Canada in the 1990′s. Although it was determined that it did not pose a health risk to humans, there were animal health concerns, and therefore it was never approved for sale in Canada. 

Many advocates against the use of rBST point to this ban, suggesting that the United States should follow suit and disallow the use of the controversial hormone. But they haven’t yet.

If you still want to purchase food in the U.S. look for these options: 

  • Look for organic options. U.S. Department of Agriculture standards for products labeled “organic” require that animals not be treated with either growth hormones or antibiotics; products bearing a “USDA Organic” seal are in compliance with these rules.

  • On non-organic foods, look for the right words. Check the packaging or label for “no added hormones” or “from cows not treated with rBGH.” Don’t assume that other wholesome-sounding terms, such as “natural” or “free range,” mean that the food comes from animals that weren’t given growth hormones.

I found this info on the internet and I know it’s hard to know what is the truth and not. But this info was taken from reputable websites and government websites. If this info is incorrect, I’d love to know about it. 

I hope this blog has given you some “food for thought” about running to the U.S. for cheap food. If even a small amount of this info is true, it’s just not worth the risk. 

For more info on green cleaning, please visit my website www.michelepartridge.norwex.biz or visit my new blog www.greenkick.ca. You can also email me for more info.


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ReCycling Centres in White Rock


Michele gave us such a comprehensive list that we thought we'd leave it up premanently for your easy access! click here to view the list ...

1. BIG ITEM REMOVAL (FREE)- The City of Surrey will pick up 3 large items including appliances, mattresses and furniture for free. Tel: 604-635-5478
2. APPLIANCE DROP OFF (FREE)- Unplugged, the Small Appliance Recycling Program gives British Columbians a new and convenient recycling option for these products. As of October 1st, recycle your old and broken small appliances at one of over 100 Unplugged recycling drop-off locations across the province. Introduced by the Canadian Electrical Stewardship Association (CESA), Unplugged is the first small appliance recycling program of its kind in Canada and the only government-approved small appliance recycling program in B.C. It accepts more than 120 small appliances, ranging in size from toasters and electric toothbrushes to countertop microwaves and vacuum cleaners. www.productcare.org/Small-Appliances
3. HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL (FREE) - Household hazardous waste can be found around your home and these have the symbols danger, warning, or caution on the product. These products can be toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive and are harmful to humans, animals or the environment if not handled properly. They should not be put in the garbage or poured into a drain and they should be stored well away from children. Take them to a Product Care depot for safe disposal. For your nearest depot call the BC Recycling Hotline at 604-732-9253 or visit www.productcare.org. There is no charge to drop off leftovers that are accepted by the program.
4. PAINT, FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS, PESTICIDES – (FREE) http://www.productcare.org/BC-Depots
5. FLOURESCENT LIGHTS – (FREE) Light Recycle is a recycling program for residential use fluorescent lights and tubes. BC residents can drop off their burnt-out fluorescent lights and tubes at over 195 Light Recycle drop-off locations for recycling. www.productcare.org/lights
6. BEVERAGES, ELECTRONICS, MILK CARTONS – (FREE) http://www.return-it.ca/
7. CAR & BIKE TIRE RECYCLING - Will pick up and drop off locations. (SOME SMALL FEES) www.tirestewardshipbc.ca
8. COMPUTERS – (FREE) – bring them your computer equipment. They refurbish computers and donate to non-profit organizations. www.freegeekvancouver.org
9. COMPUTERS – (FREE) Will pick up and you can drop off. www.era.ca/index.php
10. COMPUTERS - COMPUTERS FOR SCHOOLS BC – (FREE) Will pick up or drop off. www.cfsbc.ca/contact.html
11. GREAT WEBSITE FOR LOCAL RECYCLING: Recycling Council of B.C. www.rcbc.ca
12. (FOR A FEE) JUNK REMOVAL - Recycle It Junk Removal - Tel: 604-587-5865 www.recycleitcanada.ca They will remove furniture, applicances, electronics, construction, home & yard clean ups etc

For clothes, small house hold items and toys you don't want anymore, DONATE THEM:
1. Canadian Diabetes Assn. www.diabetes.ca - They call pick up your items for free.Clothesline at 1-800-505-5525.
2. Union Gospel Mission www.ugm.ca/services/thriftstore - Drop off.
3. Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver - www.bigbrothersvancouver.com/getinvolved/give-clothing/ - Call for pick up 604.526.2447 or email pickup@renewcrew.com or you can drop off.
4. BC SPCA - Drop off at one of their locations. www.spca.bc.ca/about/locations/thrift-stores
5. Surrey Fire Fighters Assn. - Drop off at one of their locations. www.surreyfirefighters.com/site/charities/thrift-store/
6. Clothes on Wheels - Drop off at their Surrey location. www. clothesonwheels.org/give-clothing/ they provide clothes and food to those in need.
7. Toy Traders - www.toytraders.ca/store/tradeinformation.aspx - Bring in your gently used toys and get "Trader Bucks" to buy more toys.
8. Value Village - www.valuevillage.com/where-to-donate.aspx - Drop off at one of their locations.
garage sale 9. Surrey Hospice Society -www.surreyhospice.com/acceptable-items - Drop off.
or you can SELL YOUR ITEMS:
1. Have a Yard Sale.
2. Sell at www.ebay.ca
3. Sell at www.craigslist.com
4. Post your items on Facebook.
5. Email out pictures to your friends.


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norwex products

Michele Partridge
Norwex Products
greenkicksouthsurrey@gmail.com
green cleaning and more......

recycle it junk removalRecycle It
Earth Friendly Junk Removal
604-587-5865

Special Earth Day NEWS  Read more...

Happy Earth Day everyone! My name is Jason Watson and I'm thrilled to celebrate Earth Day with you and so many other like-minded people here in my hometown of White Rock.
As President of Recycle It Canada - a Canadian owned and operated junk removal and recycling company - Earth Day is something to get excited about. In fact, it's the reason I jump out of bed each morning, eager to send my fleet of little blue recycling trucks out into the world. It's the reason I tell everyone I meet throughout the day that "EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY."
It's amazing to think that on April 22nd, more than 6 million Canadians will join forces with approximately one billion people in over 170 countries to celebrate Earth Day. Those numbers are absolutely staggering. With so many people raising their voice to advocate for a clean and healthy planet, governments and large corporations are hearing our message loud and clear and changes are being made.
Think about this: Several years ago, the simple act of recycling a soda pop can, for example, took some careful planning. Now, wherever there is a garbage can, you can find a separate container for glass and cans. That's because of Earth Day and people like you are demanding recycling solutions. Take for example our own provincial government. Last year the provincial Grits passed legislation that made it illegal to dump old mattresses at our provincial landfills. It doesn't sound like much on the surface, but that one act made a significant impact on the environment. Now old mattresses are being diverted from landfills, and instead of being dumped or burned, they're dutifully stripped down to the bare bones. All the wood, metals and stuffing from the old mattresses are recycled according to industry best practices. And that's great news for everyone.
We can all look forward to continued corporate and government initiatives to help encourage the proper recycling of many other household items. Today it's much easier to recycle old fridges, large appliances, electronics, and old hot water heaters, than it has been in the past. As a company we've been doing all the right things for the environment long before they were passed into law.
At RECYCLE IT we are proud to lead the charge. With our extreme commitment to the environment we've helped to transform the junk removal industry into a junk recycling industry. We can proudly say that we are now able to recycle more than 80 percent of the loads we pick up. In case you were keeping score - that leads the industry by at least 20 percent. We all deserve a pat on the back for our collective efforts to help save the planet.

Celebrating Earth Day is just one way we can acknowledge the hard work all of us have done over the years to spread the message of REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE. Our efforts are making a huge difference in the world today. And that deserves a celebration. Look for one of our blue RECYCLE IT trucks parked in White Rock on Earth Day. If you stop by and book a job with us on Earth Day - or call one of our super friendly call center staffers - we will gladly donate all proceeds to an Earth Day Charity.
HAPPY EARTH DAY EVERYONE! - Jason Watson President of RECYCLE-IT

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Natural Products
604-535-0650

Organic Connections Cafe
Organic Food
778 294 8885

Green Source Organics
991 Stayte Road
604-538-1991
Organic Teas and Coffee

Lifetime Organics
102-2099 152 St
604-541-0933

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