As a vegetarian, I eat a lot of beans. What’s more, I usually opt for the dried variety over canned to make my black bean soups, lentil salads, chickpea falafels, refried pintos, and other dishes. Yes, they take longer to cook, but since the canned variety’s liners contain BPA, I figure a few hours of extra stove time is more than worth it.

Now, it looks like I can have my beans and eat them, too, thanks to Eden Organic. Last month, the natural foods manufacturer received a “Green Packy Award” based on the responsible packaging guidelines for the organic industry in recognition of their BPA-free, organic bean cans. Instead of lining their cans with the harmful chemical, Eden coats their cans with oleoresin, a non-toxic mixture of oil and resin extracted from plants like balsam and fir. And although the safer lining is a bit more expensive than traditional BPA, I say it’s a small price to pay for convenience with a conscience.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Two years after the National Toxicology Program declared that bisphenol A poses health dangers, the FDA has followed suit. The department, which previously stated that BPA posed no risk to humans, now says exposure to the chemical is “of some concern” for infants and children and that additional research by the National Institute of Health is needed to learn more.

Countries like Canada and Japan have already taken steps to remove BPA from many consumer products, but the United States has lagged behind. While the FDA currently lacks the power to regulate BPA, their statement is a significant first step to keeping Americans safer and healthier. Hopefully, work by the NIH will convincingly demonstrate the dangers of the chemical, prompting Congress to place the FDA in a position to limit or ban BPA use by manufacturers.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Planning on baking a pumpkin pie as part of your family’s Thanksgiving spread? You might want to think about skipping the canned puree in favor of homemade. A recent Consumer Reports test found measurable levels of BPA in various canned foods, including those labeled “organic” and “BPA-free”. Yikes! What’s more, making your own puree from a fresh pumpkin uses less resources (there’s no factory processing involved)—so it’s better for the environment and your budget. (It might also be better for your sanity, since there’ll be no fighting over the last can of pumpkin puree at the grocery store!)

How to make the fresh stuff? It’s easy!

1. Cut your pie pumpkin in half, placing face-down on an oiled baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until a fork easily inserts into the pumpkin flesh.
2. Remove the pumpkin halves from the oven. When cool enough to handle, scoop out the stringy insides and seeds (but save the seeds for snacking!).
3. Scoop the pumpkin flesh into a large bowl—make sure to go all the way to the skin!
4. Transfer flesh to a blender or food processor, and puree until smooth. The puree will last in the fridge for 2-3 days, or in the freezer for months.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

SIGG reusable water bottles are safer than plastic ones because they don’t contain BPA-or so most eco-conscious consumers thought until the news broke last week stating otherwise. While in the past, SIGG has reported that its bottles present no detectable level of BPA, the company refused to answer whether or not bottle liners actually contain the toxin. So when the company recently announced that it’s new reusable bottles will be completely BPA-free, questions began to arise regarding the older bottles.

As it turns out, SIGG bottles manufactured before August 2008 contained a liner that housed trace amounts of BPA. In response to the controversy, SIGG CEO Steve Wasik explained that the company was being honest in its disclosure because the bottles didn’t actually leach the chemical. “I believe that the BPA conversation has changed dramatically in the last 12 months. Last year, the primary concern was that of BPA leaching from bottles. Since that time the dialogue has evolved such that now some people are concerned about the mere presence of BPA and some states are considering legislation,” he says.

SIGG is now offering its customers BPA-free replacement bottles, however, won’t be footing the bill for shipping costs. To learn more about the exchange, check out mysigg.com.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• EnviroMom made compost! What about you?
• Got an old cell phone you’re looking to get rid of? The Clothesline tells you how.
• If you live in Northern California, check out The Green Parent’s guide highlighting local, earth-friendly stores, markets, forums, and events.
• Tree Hugging Family compiles a great list of eco education websites for kids and teens.
• More news on the dangers of BPA, courtesy of The Smart Mama.