LilSugar

The Dad Behind the Bottle: Ron Vigdor of BornFree Interview

LilSugar — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:02:57 PDT

Ron Vigdor's two sons were already out of diapers when he created BornFree bottles, but he wanted to give fellow parents a safe way to feed their babies. The real estate and high-tech entrepreneur "saw a way to do good and have a viable business" after watching an early 2006 news report about toxins. His company put the first Bisphenol-A-free bottle on the market. When the BPA scare made headlines, the product flew off the shelves while those of long-trusted and bigger baby brands collected dust. Vigdor won't disclose the exact number of units he sells annually but says it is in the millions. And, despite relatively new BPA-free competition, Vigdor says BornFree remains the leading manufacturer of toxin-free bottles. We recently had the chance to chat about his current and future environmental endeavors.

LilSugar: How do you feel about being attributed with raising awareness about BPA?
Ron Vigdor: First of all, I want to acknowledge the scientific community because I am not in any way related to them. I think that BornFree has been blessed with phenomenal media and phenomenal awareness to be able to elevate it to be known as the safe or toxic-free feeding system.

LS: You had perfect timing because your bottles were online and at Whole Foods before the BPA chaos?
RV: We were online first, but I think that Whole Foods recognized (the need for) BPA-free and gave moms and dads an alternative, which made them just as much of a pioneer as I was. They were the first retailers to carry it (the bottles).

To see what Vigdor had to say about expanding his brand,

read more. LS: As far as BPA, scientists are finding it in everything. Are you going to expand your line to include plates, utensils, etc? Do you have any plans to broaden the scope of your business? RV: BornFree is in transition to become a lifestyle company where it would be just as much for babies, toddlers, and teens as adults. There's a huge void out there with BPA-free products. Whether it would be the lining of cans we buy in the grocery store to reusable bottles. All kinds of products today contain not only BPA or phthalates - there are so many other chemicals and toxins out there - that are not even being spoken about right now and BornFree is transitioning itself to become more of a lifestyle company. LS: As far as toxin awareness, America is late compared with what's going on in Europe. Are you trying to speed up that process here? RV: 100 percent. Actually, I believe (we will) catch up to Europe before Europe is ready for us to catch up to it.

More About Plastic Water Bottles

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:00:00 PDT

I don't know about you, but those warnings about the BPA in plastic water bottles possibly causing cancer and urinary tract problems really didn't sit well with me. So my old Nalgene is now a lantern, and I now use my Sigg or Klean Kanteen bottle instead. I'm really glad I've made the switch since a new study has linked BPA to even more health risks. This is just a preliminary study, but it shows that the BPA used in plastic water bottles, baby bottles, and the lining of some cans could possibly also cause heart disease and diabetes. This chemical has been used in these types of products for years, but recent studies with animals suggest that it can also affect hormones, fertility, and can cause developmental problems in the brain.

In this recent study, researchers examined results of a survey of 1,455 American adults who gave urine samples in 2003-04. Each person reported what health problems they were experiencing, if any. Of all the samples, 90 percent had detectable BPA in their urine. Those with the most BPA also suffered from heart disease and diabetes. Coincidence? It seems further testing needs to be conducted to see if there really is a connection between BPA use and health issues. I'm still not taking any chances though. What about you?

Source

BPA Under Fire in Canada

babysugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:01:36 PDT

Thought you had your fill of Bisphenol A (BPA) news this month? Well, there's more.

While the Food and Drug Administration tries to justify reasons to keep BPA bottles on the shelves of American stores, the Canadian government is restricting the use of the controversial plastics. Our friends up North are planning to ban baby bottles manufactured with plastic that contains BPA.

To see what is being done on the home front,

read more. In America, there is an internal debate going on between the United States National Toxicology Program and the American Chemical Council. According to an article in the New York Times:

The United States National Toxicology Program [...] raised concerns about the potential “neural and behavioral” effects of BPA on all humans, but especially on fetuses, infants and young children.

The American Chemical Council, which represents about 85 percent of the chemical industry, insists that products made with the widely used plastic have been proved safe, including for young children. The Food and Drug Administration currently agrees.

Fortunately, we don't have to sit around and wait for our government to fight the battle for us. Oddly enough, distributors who could profit from the hard plastic products are the ones pulling them from stock. In the meantime, let's hope that Uncle Sam can find the truth and pass it on to the consumers. I'm playing it safe with BPA free products and using my old Nalgene bottle for a lantern. Do you think we should have legislation banning the use of #7 plastics in the United States? Source

Nalgene Making Changes

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:00:00 PDT

Recently I wrote to just say no to Nalgene hard plastic water bottles, since they contain bisphenol A (BPA), which leaches into your water and can possibly cause all kinds of health problems. Nalgene has heard our cries. They just announced that they will start making their bottles without the controversial BPA. Of course, government scientists are only slightly concerned, and feel that there are no known risks to human health, but Nalgene isn't taking any chances. They decided to make the switch in response to consumer demand.

It will take several months for Nalgene to ditch the BPA from their "Outdoor" line of polycarbonate water bottles. Just so you know, they do make other reusable bottles that don't contain this questionable chemical. Look for their newly unveiled Everyday line. They're made out of Tritan copolyester, which is dishwasher safe and BPA free. Of course, if you have old Nalgene bottles, I'd think of some creative ways to reuse them – piggy bank?

Just Say No to Nalgene?

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:00:00 PDT

The future may no longer be in plastics.

Another study linked the chemical bisphenol A, used to make hard, shatter proof plastics, to precancerous tumors, urinary tract problems and early puberty. The study was performed on rats that were fed or injected with small amounts of the chemical, and although the results are preliminary the group of scientists involved in the study said that possible effects on humans "cannot be dismissed." The National Toxicology Program, who headed the study, is comprised of scientists from many formidable national agencies: the Center for Disease Control, US Food and Drug Administrations, and the US Institutes of Health. Agencies not likely to be ignored considering that this study echoes findings made late last summer by the National Institute of Health.

Bisphenol A is ubiquitous and found in Nalgene bottles, that say polycarbonate (#7 on the bottom) as well as clear plastic baby bottles. It is also used as a liner for cans. Since this questionable chemical can leach into water or food that comes in contact with the hard plastic, many Canadian retailers have pulled products, like Nalgene bottles from their shelves. Once popular only with backpackers, Nalgene bottles have found a niche as reusable water bottle for thirsty folks working on decreasing their carbon and plastic footprint. There are other options like SIGG bottles, made from aluminum; they're lightweight, durable, and cute.

So say "No" to Nalgene and other polycarbonate plastics. I've made the switch and given up my lovely orange Nalgene bottle that I have used for years. What about you? Share the details in the comments section below.

Source

Baby Wellness: Steering Clear of Certain Plastics

babysugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:00:35 PDT

On the Today Show, Matt Lauer sat down with Dr. Leo Trasande from the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine to discuss which plastic bottles families should avoid.

While many bottles are okay to drink from on a one–time basis, others containing bisphenol A can be harmful as they leach chemicals that can affect hormones and reproductive organs in the consumer.

To watch the clip to see which plastic bottles are labeled as dangerous,

read more. I had to toss a few items from my babe's supply after watching this report.

Ecotot: Green to Grow

babysugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:00:33 PST

If your baby is hitting the bottle, you might want to check out the line from Green to Grow. The Bisphenol A and phthalates free containers were created by parents who wanted to give their child a better drinking alternative than hormone interrupting polycarbonate plastics.

To learn more about Green to Grow,

read more. Lucky for the consumers, they didn't have to sacrifice looks for comfort. The eco–friendly bottles are actually charming as each one has a lil sprightly fruit friend grinning. At $7 – $10 a pop, they may make your wallet thinner but you'll smile wider knowing your babe is safely sipping. An added bonus: In addition to safeguarding their children from harmful toxins, Green to Grow is dedicated to preserving the environment by using 100 percent recycled paper and soy inks in all of their packaging and printed corporate materials.

Green to Grow Bottle ($7)	Green to Grow Bottle ($8)
Green to Grow Bottle ($10)	Green to Grow Bottle ($11)

Lil Tip: Texting Your Way To Bisphenol A Free Baby Products

babysugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 06:00:24 PST

Have you ever been at the store poised to buy a slew of bottles for babe when you suddenly wonder, "Are these Bisphenol A free?" While you can ask the clerk for information, you may not have faith in their response.

If that's the case, just pull out your cell phone and text "zrecs" and the company name to 69866. They will shoot back a BPA report for you right away.

To see how it works,

read more. For example, if you want to know if the Boon Snack Ball has BPA in it, you would text "zrecs boon" to 69866. The response you get will look like this: "Reported BPA–Free: Fluid, Benders, Modware, Catch Bowl, Groovy, Snack Ball. W/BPA: Squirt." You can also check out the Z Recommends Z Report on BPA where the directory format lists over 45 U.S. brands and provides an analysis of all bottles, cups, breast pumps, pacifiers, utensils, and tableware.

EcoTot: Babylife wee•go Bottles

babysugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:00:36 PST

There have been numerous BPA reports out in the past year, making a lot of concerned moms feel that glass bottles are preferable to plastic. Unfortunately, glass can break, which isn't the best for baby. That's why we love these cute wee•go bottles from Babylife ($18). The glass bottles have protective sleeves that can help keep the bottle from breaking. The sleeves are non–toxic and free of plastics.

And, you don't have to worry about pulling this sucker off the bottle. Both the bottle and the sleeve can be boiled and put in the dishwasher. The bottle comes with a non–toxic latex–free silicone nipple. While the product is not plastic free, the few plastic parts (the ring, plug and cap) are polycarbonate free and are food grade, FDA approved and recyclable.

The sleeves also make it easier for your babe to grasp the bottle. So toast your lil one to style and safety.

Lip Tip: Safe Sippy Cup

LilSugar — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 04:00:00 PST

Plastic, kids cups are a thing of the past for parents worried about the rise in Bisphenol A and other chemical warnings. Now it's all about stainless steel, and the Safe Sippy has cornered the market. The $15 non-leaching, 11-oz. cup is selling off the shelves. The insulated, dishwasher-safe Kid Basix cup features removable handles, a straw-shaped spout and no-leak valves.