Is 2010 the year of lead?

The United States and Canada have seen an increased number of lead-related and cadmium-related recalls and safety alerts. Since we began ConsumerBell in May, we’ve already reported on Daiso coin purses, Wilton’s Tiaras, jewelry in doctor’s offices, Target Cherokee belts, McDonalds Shrek drinking glasses, Walmart Miley Cyrus jewelry and Claire’s bracelets.

We haven’t even touched on Canadian recalls.

The Vancouver Sun reports since the beginning of the year, 20 different children’s jewelry pieces have been recalled in Canada for high levels of lead.

All too often, the high levels of lead, completely exceed the allowable national level. In one instance in Canada, bracelets from a popular establishment in Canada, the Garage, were found to be made of 87-90% of lead – exceeding the national limit of .006 so much you wonder what else is actually safe to put on your children, as well as in them.

Last month we reported on the startling findings by the Environmental Law Foundation on fruit juice and snacks sold in California. 125 of 146 products tested, or 85%, were found to have dangerously high levels of lead. Brands that were included? Safeway and Walgreens, but also “healthier alternatives” like Trader Joes and Santa Cruz Organics. And you can’t forget the countless cases of moldy products – including the Capri Sun issue.

Between lead, cadmium, mold…is anything safe to consume or wear anymore? How can we keep our children – and ourselves – safe, eat healthy, stay healthy, and NOT break the bank?

Has the Age of Convenience forced us into using products that are inherently bad for us?

I propose a return to simpler times.

First: don’t buy $1.50 bracelets for your children to wear. The cheaper it is, the cheaper it must have been to produce. Remember – quality – not quantity – is what we should be looking for. If your children are old enough, let them design their own jewelry with supervision. Encourage their creativity.

Since we reported about the 85% of juices found contaminated with lead, I haven’t purchased any juice in stores. I’ve always shopped local, but have made a more concentrated effort to pump more money back into my local farmers’ hands than Safeway or Albertsons. Those vegetables offered year-round? There’s a reason some are only in-season for a couple of weeks, like asparagus.

When you can find tomatoes in December, they were grown in Central America – and sprayed with pesticides so they’ll make the 2,000 mile journey to your Safeway store. Buy in-season, or don’t buy at all.

In Seattle, we’re blessed with hundreds of local vendors and farmers markets. Start with just $20 per week and begin frequenting your local farmers market. Buy directly from the farmers. Talk to them about their produce. The majority don’t use pesticides and most tout organic farming.

Or even better – grow your own. Check out a gardening book from the library and learn how to grow your own food and herbs. You’ll know EXACTLY what goes into it – and ultimately, what goes into your children’s bellies.

I had the best strawberries of my life yesterday. They weren’t bought at Safeway, Albertsons, or even Costco. They were bought from a local farming family that’s grown on land east of Seattle, tucked up against the mountains for 20 years. They were plump, ripe, juicy – and tasted like candy. And they were only $1.99 for a pint.

The age of convenience has created a monster. We want things faster than ever before and we want them cheap. Until consumers force companies to make better choices and produce better materials that are safe to handle and consume, we need to start changing the way we live within our own communities. Vote with your wallet and support companies that promote safe and healthy living.

And I promise you – those strawberries you buy from Farmer Mike? They’ll be the best you’ve ever had.