Winnipeg Free Press
Are your kids' snacks full of fruit or sugar?
By: Sarah Schmidt
Postmedia News - Many fruit snacks on the market contain a lot of sugar and not much fruit.
OTTAWA -- If your children won't peel an orange, maybe a picture of one on the front of "RealFruit Minis" pre-packaged snacks will appeal to them.
If rinsing real berries is too tedious, their image on a packet of "Fruit By the Foot" might get the kids eating.
And if depictions of fresh fruit don't catch the youngsters' eyes, perhaps Dora the Explorer, featured on the cover of Betty Crocker's "fruit-flavoured snacks," will do the trick.
The problem? There's no orange puree in those "RealFruit Minis." Sugar is the top ingredient in "Fruit By the Foot," which contains no berries. Corn syrup and sugar are the lead ingredients in each mini Dora.
These products are part of a growing market of prepackaged fruit snacks, their manufacturers jockeying for the attention of on-the-go parents who want their children to get enough daily servings of fruits. Some snacks rely on images of fresh fruit to draw in shoppers; others use cartoon characters.
And in an increasingly crowded market, most feature the word "fruit" on the front of their packages, usually incorporated into the product name. All a company has to do is make sure fruit puree makes up more than two per cent of the total product, and that's enough for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Purees are highly processed, allowing for a long shelf life but can be stripped of fibre, many vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients.
Are these snacks providing the nutrition they seem to suggest? Are parents getting what they think they're paying for?
There's no comparing fresh fruit with these snacks, says Rena Mendelson, a professor of nutrition at Ryerson University.
"You can replace the vitamins but you can't replace other attributes, like vital chemicals. So there's a big trade-off parents are making for convenience, both for attributes and also the habit-forming nature of eating fruits and vegetables," she said.
What it boils down to in this ever-expanding market, driven by entrenched brands increasing their number of offerings, is the "convenience factor," says Shannon Brown, an analyst at the consumer market research firm Packaged Facts.
"It's an easy little single size of fruit snacks. It's much easier to toss that into your kid's lunch box than cut up an apple, wrap it up, make sure there's a way to keep it cold," said Brown, who authored a recent report on snack products for her firm.
If parents do opt for these prepackaged snacks, it's best to read the fine print of the ingredients on the back of the packaging before making the purchase, says Mendelson.
Brown adds, "There's the fruit snacks made of actual pieces of fruit and there are these so-called fruit-flavoured snacks that are typically for children that are more candy than actual fruit. From the front of package, it's hard to distinguish."
Sugar is the lead ingredient in General Mills' "Fruit Gushers," which contain more than 20 ingredients. Rounding off the top five are concentrated pear puree, corn syrup, modified corn starch and fructose.
Dare's "RealFruit Minis," shaped like "wild kingdom" animals, contain "30 per cent fruit juices from concentrate and fruit puree," according to the front of the package. "Fruit juices from concentrate" is the top ingredient, and there is more glucose, sugar, and glucose-fructose than fruit purees in the mini animals resembling gummy bears.
Dare spokeswoman Kathy Khamis said there is a greater proportion of fruit juices from concentrate than purees, as shown in the claim and the ingredient list, but the company won't provide the breakdown. Calling the information proprietary, Khamis said the company follows the CFIA rule requiring an ingredient make up greater than two per cent of product for it to be highlighted.
Some companies competing for a share of the fruit snack market are hitting back, calling their competitors' products "fruit impostors."
Sun-Rype Products Ltd., based in Kelowna, B.C., doesn't have any trouble meeting the two-per-cent benchmark for its "Fruit To Go" strips. The ingredient list for its "100 per cent fruit snack" is simple: various fruit puree concentrates, various fruit juice concentrates, citrus pectin and natural flavour.
To fight against being lumped into the same category as fruit-flavoured snacks with sugar as a primary ingredient, the company promotes a website called findoutnow.ca on its packages.
The site asks, "If your fruit snack isn't 100 per cent fruit, what is it?"
Gelatin, hydrogenated and modified oils, sodium benzoate, tartrazine, sodium citrate, sulphites, methyl paraben and dextrose, also known as glucose or corn sugar, are among the ingredients listed that SunRype notes it isn't using.
Meanwhile, General Mills is facing a class action suited filed recently in California by a consumer advocacy group.
The Washington-based Center for Science in the Public Interest, which has an office in Ottawa, is accusing the company of presenting its Fruit Gushers, Fruit-O-Long, Fruit By the Foot and Fruit Roll-Ups as "healthful and nutritious" when they are "little better than giving candy to children," according to the complaint filed in court.
-- Postmedia News
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 31, 2012 A17
A few Friday's ago, numerous tornadoes carved a swath of devastating destruction across four states in the south and Midwest. The death toll rose to 39, with dozens more injured. Stephanie Decker lost both her legs while protecting her children as a tornado flattened their home. “I assumed I was safe and I heard the roar like a train, and I heard it behind me, and I knew it was coming,” she later recalled.
For families across the United States, tornadoes and severe storms throughout the spring months can pose a serious threat. But a few simple steps can help individuals to stay equipped for natural disasters. Is your family prepared? Glance through this short checklist for practical tips and resources to build a disaster preparedness kit, learn more about tornado safety, and stay up to date on the best course of action when a storm strikes near you.
1. Get Informed
Take some time to think through your family's disaster preparedness plan. Ready.gov offers numerous resources to help families prepare for tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. The site has published a comprehensive manual detailing how to get prepared – and stay safe – in an emergency situation. “You may need to survive on your own after a disaster,” according to Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness. That's why the 204-page guide exists. “The focus of the content is on how to develop, practice, and maintain emergency plans that reflect what must be done before, during, and after a disaster to protect people and their property,” according to Ready.gov. “Also included is information on how to assemble a disaster supplies kit that contains the food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity for individuals and their families to survive following a disaster in the event they must rely on their own resources.”
2. Make a Plan
Don't wait until disaster strikes to come up with a plan of action. Sit down with your family, and discuss designating a storm shelter and fire escape route, as well as how to handle family communication after a disaster. Make sure that insurance policies and other important records are in a safe place. Plan for shutting off utilities after a disaster, if necessary, and handling pet care if you have animals. Find a time for family members to learn first aid and CPR, and keep certifications up to date.
3. Build a Disaster Preparation Kit
Think ahead by assembling a disaster preparation kit. Ready.gov suggests that families set aside three day's worth of food and water. (Bottled water is the best option for long-term water storage.) When it comes to food, Are You Ready suggests avoiding foods that will make you thirsty. “Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content. Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation.”
In addition to a three-day supply of food and water, Ready.gov recommends that families obtain a portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit and manual, sanitation and hygiene items, matches, a whistle, extra clothing, kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener, copies of credit and identification cards, cash and coins, special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries, items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
4. Designate a Safe Shelter
“Although severe tornadoes are more common in the Plains States, tornadoes have been reported in every state,” according to the American Red Cross. That's why experts recommend that families designate a tornado and severe storm shelter. The Red Cross says that the safest shelter is an underground basement, but if no underground shelter is available, “a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative.” It is important to note, however, that no room – even an interior room – in a mobile home is safe during a tornado. In fact, the Red Cross says that if you have access to a sturdy building or even a vehicle, “abandon your mobile home immediately.”
Designate a shelter for your family, and make sure that every member of your family knows exactly where to go during a severe storm or tornado. If you are caught outdoors and cannot get to a sturdy shelter or basement in time, a recent study suggests that your vehicle is the best place to be. “Get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive at right angles to the storm movement and out of the path [of the storm],” according to the Red Cross.
5. Stay Alert
March is Red Cross Month, and it's the perfect time to make sure that your family is prepared for any emergency. “We’re approaching the anniversary of the April 2011 tornadoes that devastated our state,” says Mie Lucas, Emergency Services Director for the American Red Cross in Augusta, Georgia. “While we hope that shelters won’t be necessary this season, the Red Cross continues to test and improve our shelter plans in preparation for the next big disaster so we that can provide the highest level of service in our communities.”
After making a disaster plan, building a preparation kit, and designating a shelter, be sure that your family implements strong awareness strategies, such as paying attention to weather reports, ensuring that fire alarms are working, and remaining alert and vigilant in case of an emergency. Lucas says it is vital for families across the country to implement a safety strategy. “During Red Cross Month, we’re urging families to join us in taking steps to prepare for spring disasters by making a plan, building a kit of supplies, and being informed,” she says.
Kristin Wright is a contributing writer at Crosswalk.com, where she covers topics related to human rights, international travel, social justice, women's issues, religious freedom, and refugee resettlement. For further articles, visit her website at kristinbutler.net or email [email protected].
Actual Publication date: March 8, 2012
Daylight saving time starts Sunday, March 11th at 2 a.m.
The weekend most Canadians spring forward one hour is also the ideal time to tackle seasonal safety projects. A lot of the routine maintenance on your home and car should be done twice a year, so what better time to start checking items off your "to-do" list?
Around the house
In your car
If you don't change your tires seasonally, check your tire pressure and treads. If your tire pressure is off you'll notice irregular and uneven wear on your treads, reduced vehicle handling or decreased gas mileage.
Share this information with your colleagues, friends & family TODAY!
On a beautiful Thursday morning our Winnipeg ECO Edge team headed out to the Council of School Leaders Conference @ Polo Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This will officially be the first time that they will have the opportunity to publicly display ECO Edge Fruit Snacks alongside the famous X-TRECO. Check out the display below.
For more information on The ECO Edge check out our website @ www.theecoedge.com or visit our Facebook page here! All the best as you work those chills away. Be safe and have fun!
Share this information with your colleagues, friends & family TODAY!
THE ECO EDGE WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU SOME HELPFUL TIPS FOR STAYING WARM IN COLD WEATHER!
For more information on The ECO Edge check out our website @ www.theecoedge.com or visit our Facebook page here! All the best as you work those chills away. Be safe and have fun!
Share this information with your colleagues, friends & family TODAY!
There is no better time than Christmas time to provide people in your community with a “One Stop Christmas Shop”. What better way than offering them great products that work with the environment all while assisting & supporting your organization.
How to raise EXTRA $$ @ YOUR Christmas Fair / Bazaar
You already have parents and communities members coming to your Christmas event and they are bound to have a really good time! Not only will they have fun but they could pick up some really great products that work with the environment while assisting you in raising additional funds. How?
Sell ECO Edge products at a table! All you have to do is contact us and place a fundraising order of whatever ECO Edge product you desire. 50% profit sounds great right!
a. What better way to fill the stockings with X-TRECO (use to clean laptop screens, vehicles, windows, mirrors, etc.).
b. Purchase for $2.50 | Sell for $5 | Earn $2.50 profit!
2. Family Activity Organizer (FAO)
a. There is no better central family organizer to know the who, what, where and how!
b. Purchase for $5 | Sell between $10 - $12 | Earn between $5 - $7 profit!
Both products are family affordable, eco-friendly and useful to have around the house!
The ECO Edge is all about supporting initiatives that encourage recycling, reducing and reusing. That is exactly what Earth Day Canada is doing in their 2011 Upcycling Challenge. Read their most recent announcement below.
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The word mark “Earth Day” and the Earth Day logo are registered trademarks of Earth Day Canada (1991) Inc. Charitable registration # 13195 1378RR0001. Use of either of these trademarks for mercantile, promotional and communication purpose is strictly forbidden without the written approval of Earth Day Canada. |
Your participation not only earns you some great prizes but also allows others to learn from your creativity. Together we can all make a difference in maintaining and preserving our surrounding environment.
For more information on The ECO Edge do not hesitate to visit our site here. If you would like to contact The ECO Edge you can do so here or feel free to contact a representative in your area.
At The ECO Edge, we believe that the Partnership & Experience is Everything!
It sounds like the FAMILY ACTIVITY ORGANIZER from TheECO Edge found a place in the Ministry of Education's Plan!
For more tips and information on child development, the B.C. school curriculum, graduation planning and career advice, visit the AchieveBC website at www.achievebc.ca.
Standard fridge, desk, counter top or wall hanging Family Activity Organizer!
Tear away pad, 14" x 21"
16 months: September 2011 to December 2012
Made out of 100% recycled paper!
100% printed and assembled in Canada
For more information do not hesitate to contact us or view support in your area.
At The ECO Edge, we believe that the Partnership & Experience is Everything!
Have you recently looked at the ingredients inside your glass cleaners and know what that means for you and your families health nevermind the negative effects on the environment?
Commercial glass cleaners usually contain ammonia, alcohol, butyl cellosolve, detergents, silicone, waxes, formaldehyde, and lots of water. More so than any other cleaner, when you buy a glass cleaner, you are paying a premium price for mostly just plain water.
What harm can they do?
Most glass cleaners contain just a trace of ammonia. That ammonia generally is not appreciated by our respiratory tract. If you have children, elderly, or even someone in your house with mild respiratory problems, such as asthma or bronchitis, you should at all cost avoid ammonia. Why is it so harmful? When we are cleaning glass surfaces we tend to put a little more elbow grease into it. We lean right into it, breathe deeply while vigorously wiping the surface. Meanwhile we just sprayed a fine mist of the detergents and other chemicals which are not just on the surface but also making there way into our body. Ammonia is a poison when ingested and is particularly dangerous when combined with other cleaners that contain bleach, thus creating toxic chloramine gas.
Do we really need to purchase commercial glass cleaners?
No we don't. Lets stop making life more complicated than it is! Products like X-TRECO, a natural 100% spot & streak free cleaning cloth, exist to keep your family safe while maintaining simple cleaning. Not only does X-TRECO exceed at cleaning spot & streak free, it is durable, washable (reuseable) and biodegradable! On top of that people with special needs fold and package X-TRECO. What a great way to give back to society while doing your part for the environment and your families health!
Where can you purchase X-TRECO?
X-TRECO can be purchased at www.theecoedge.com by
How about earning 50% profit while sharing X-TRECO with your community? Fundraising is another great way to spread the word about X-TRECO while earning money for a great cause. This can be done at your local school, church, sports team or organization anywhere in North America. Click here to set up an account and order X-TRECO for fundraising today!
BONUS: Generally people that purchase X-TRECO through a local fundraiser want more once they have tried it themselves. For your fundraiser this means that you can continue to earn great profits throughout the year!
For more information do not hesitate to contact us or view support in your area.
Marketing and Advertising is a powerful mean of selling us on glamour, new and improved products. If it’s seen in Hollywood it tends to be you or your neighbour will have it. How about after that phase of fashion, then where does that product end up? How can we become more giving and resourceful all at the same time?
Here’s a list of ways that we can honour the reuse in our three part action for the environment and our natural resources:
· You know that you are going to purchase certain items annually. Look for products (like the Family Activity Organizer) which are made out of recycled materials.
This is just some of the tips to encourage reusing what you have and purchasing reusable products rather than products that effect the growth of our environment. Once again, get creative for the preservation of our environment and take up your responsibility in caring for our natural resources. YOU CAN DO IT!
Has it ever fazed you that we don’t live simple lives? Here is why...
How can we battle over spending and REDUCE today?
1. Whenever possible, replace disposable products with reusable ones
a. Coffee filters, furnace or air conditioner filters, razor blades, food storage, batteries, printer ink cartridges, etc.
2. Buy used products whenever possible. Where?
a. Your local thrift stores, Craigslist / Kijiji / Ebay / Amazon (refurbished products), newspaper ads, used furniture stores, consignment or pawn shops
3. If you need something temporarily, borrow it from your friend or neighbour.
4. Share with your friends items like books, magazines, movies, games, etc.
5. Avoid purchasing packaged items for single use; instead buy bulk.
6. Buy what you need.
7. When shopping, bring reusable bags. Only purchasing a few items and forgot your reusable bags? Skip the shopping bag and carry the few items by hand.
8. Purchasing locally grown produce means lower associated pollution cost from transportation.
9. Rake your leaves instead of blowing. Your ears and your neighbours will thank you and you will reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
10. Encourage carpooling!
11. Fix the leaky hose and dripping nozzle. It will keep your shoes dry and save water!
12. Install water saving showerheads.
13. Don’t run the water when you brush your teeth, shave, wash dishes, or clean vegetables.
The list could go on. Get creative and think outside the box in your every day routine. At the end of the day, each one of us has to take action in working with the environment, in utilizing our natural resources and focusing on reducing, reusing, recycling as three in one.
Psst! Word out there is that the mosquitoes are coming your way :[ Want to try some household products that we have in our homes to get rid of those pesky insects?
Summer Time is here along with some little irritations. Now is the time to stock up on products that can relieve sunburns, insect bites, rashes, cuts and scrapes. Here are some ECO tips that will cure those irritations:
Sunburns and other Minor Burns
Cuts and Scrapes
The ECO Edge has a blog where we post information including everyday useful eco facts & tips, promo codes and exclusive offers. Subscribe to our blog today @ http://www.theecoedge.com/blog.php.
Learn more about The ECO Edge, our products - X-TRECO & Family Activity Organizer @ www.theecoedge.com.
The ECO Edge
www.theecoedge.com
Yes, it is official! We have just recently published a NEW fundraising video for you to view at your leisure.
Click on the following link http://www.youtube.com/user/ECOEdge11?feature=mhsn to view the fundraising video alongside the X-TRECO video at anytime.
Enjoy,
Spring Time :) What a wonderful refreshing time to get outside and start cleaning up.
But first of all we have an apology to make for one of last months' tips. As we are promoting chemical free products we let one tip slip through concerning stains on porcelain tubs, sinks and tiles. It involved using bleach which it totally not chemical free. A substitute for cleaning porcelain or ceramic surfaces is powdered laundry detergent.
Ready to get started? Here's some helpful ECO TIPS:
Cleaning your garage?
The fight against grime is a battle we face every day.There are many cleaning products out there but they are expensive, are toxic, and can harm our environment. Use X-TRECO the new world wide patented eco-friendly cleaning cloth for all your day-to-day cleaning. All you need to do is wet it, wring it, and wipe it. It is not only effective but safer for you and better for your planet if you do not use chemical cleaners. Do not underestimate the power of nature’s most effective cleaner ~ elbow grease.
For some of those tough, hard to clean spots in bathrooms here are some remarkable common household products that we have in our homes that we can use:
Let us all get eco-friendly and clean chemical free!
Visit our website today to learn more about fundraising with X-TRECO.
The ECO Edge
www.theecoedge.com
Stay in touch with The ECO Edge and immediately find out about new events and products, receive exclusive offers and promo codes when you become a member of our Facebook page.
Click here to view The ECO Edge on Facebook and become a member TODAY!
You’ve done it? Good, now you will be notified on your Facebook homepage of wall posts and receive exclusive offers and promo codes directly to your email from The ECO Edge throughout the year.
If you haven’t done it yet do it right away so that you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.
Did you know that March 10th is annual Bottled Water-Free Day? Here are some straight facts regarding Canada's consumption and use of bottled water:
Some questions to think about:
Take some time to consider all of the above points. How do you feel about bottled water? Should every day be bottle water-free day?
The above points, in addition to comments by The ECO Edge were taken from an article that was written by Daniela Syrovy on March 9, 2011. The full article can be found here.
We are ALL obsessed that our homes are to be free of bacteria, but the truth is that fingerprints, dust, spills and specks will continue to appear. A little warm water and a good strong wipe with a cloth called X-TRECO are sufficient for most cleaning tasks. It is not only plenty effective, but safer for you and better for your planet if you do not use all those household cleaning chemicals.
Do not underestimate the power of nature’s most effective cleaner ~ elbow grease. Here are some suggested natural cleaning solutions for your home:
We wish you a happy, healthy and green 2011! The ECO Edge Co.
Are you looking to purchase a product this Christmas that is environmentally friendly and unique? Let us give you a list of people that would be 100% pleased with receiving X-TRECO, the revolutionary cleaning cloth that cleans any surface 100% streak free with just water:
1. Parents - Cleaning streak free without chemicals is already a huge deal however saving time and money is just what they want to hear going through the holidays!
2. Relatives - You need a simple present that is affordable and is actualy useful for near and far relatives. Personalize X-TRECO with your Christmas wishes and save on shipping (X-TRECO is light!).
3. Your Company or School Custodian - You always see them around and maybe even give them a nice "hello" or a friendly wave. Why not pass on X-TRECO which can change the way they clean the space you work in, this time chemical free!
4. A co-worker - You are already purchasing big gifts for close family and friends yet still want to buy something useful for your friends at work. Why not X-TRECO? It's affordable, safe, envrionmentally friendly, biodegradeable, useful and valuable.
5. YOU - X-TRECO leaves such lasting wonderful streak free surfaces that you need while you have your family over during Christmas. Just one wipe and you'll have ANY surface sparkling! You don't need extra work over the holidays and we know your busy, so make the switch and save time with X-TRECO TODAY!
PSST...type in the following promo code when ordering and save 10% on shipping!: XMAS10
Why should we get into the habit of turning our computers off when we leave work?
Did you know...
America could...
IF every American turned off their computer(s) for one day!
This is a statement that all Canadians should take serious. When you leave work how many computers do you still see up and running in your office? In your next meeting or office discussion suggest that all computers are shut off at the end of each work day and especially before the weekend. Not only is it easy to implement and takes very little time but it could result in a huge positive impact.
Information retrieved from this article by Planet Green.
It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the official launch of our new website, www.theecoedge.com. We would like to express our thanks to the crew at Plinka Design for their patience throughout the design and building stages, their continued dedication, support and professionalism.
For all your graphic and web needs visit Plinka Design at http://plinkadesign.com/.
Enjoy the new ECO Edge site and if necessary do not hesitate to contact us for more information.