Saturday, May 25, 2013
10 Things Moms Can Do To Reduce Environmental Impact AND Have Healthier Kids ... Must read for all moms n dads too :)
Posted by
Green Yatra
at
6:45 PM
1. Stop
using Lysol or air fresheners of any kind -
Whether it's diaper duty or stinky gym shoes, moms use a lot of air freshening
sprays to make their homes livable. Think about the harsh chemicals and the
aerosol cans used for conventional air fresheners. Think of how much of this
indoor (and potentially outdoor) air pollution could be eliminated if every mom
in America used natural air fresheners! There are some that you can mix
yourself at home, and there are others that you can buy that are much more
effective (if you run a day care or have multiple stinkers). Either way, you'll
breathe easier and reduce allergens and toxins in the air!
2. Eat
more raw foods - Simply put, if you cook less, you'll use less energy.
You will also retain more vitamins and nutrients in the food you and your
children eat. Buying local produce may also save on emissions because the food
has a shorter distance to travel to get to your table. It's healthier for
family and the environment!
3. Use
biodegradable, concentrated, plant-based cleaners -
Yes, you can get all three in one! You may have seen some recipes for homemade
cleaners, but your house will probably hold a lingering vinegar smell if you
use those - NOT kid friendly. You have probably seen some concentrated cleaning
products and detergents, in grocery stores, but very few of them are made
from plant derived products or are biodegradable. So, concentrated versions of
harmful or harsh solvents are still not truly green, although they are a bit
better because you use less of them. However, you can get the best of all
three, you just have to know where to look. They are also safer to use
around children because of the reduced risk of poisoning.
4. Only
wash full loads and air dry clothes - Use less energy,
water, and solvents (detergent) this way! How cool is that? It takes less
energy to wash fewer loads and no energy to air dry at all. If you are using
the kind of detergent mentioned in tip number 3, using even less of THAT is
about as green as it gets. This also protects your children's skin, using
less detergents less often.
5.
Dress children in layers - The bulk of your
energy bill is NOT going to lighting, but to heating and cooling. So, dressing
your children in layers keeps those costs low by allowing kids to bundle up or
strip down as needed. You use less heating power in the winter and less cooling
power in the summer if you simply teach your children to dress appropriately
for the weather. Being able to control their personal body temperature can also
help cut down on colds; in layers, kids don't ever have to be too hot or too
cold in their clothes.
6. More
crafts, less toys - Most children have more toys than they actually play
with, and you probably throw away more plastics and paper than they need to.
Smaller children enjoy arts and crafts, and there are lots of fun and
functional things you can make from recyclables. You can also control the
paints that you use, guaranteeing that there will be no lead!
7.
Don't use CFL bulbs - Despite what you have
been hearing about the benefits of CFL bulbs, the risks are great, especially
for moms with young children. Why? Light bulbs break. All the time. ESPECIALLY
around kids. Do you want a light bulb with poisonous mercury in it breaking
because your son refuses to stop throwing the football in the house? Do you know
how much it costs to have the proper specialists clean up a mercury
spill? Click here to read more about why the savings are not worth the
risks with CFLs, especially for parents with small children.
8.
Spend more time at home - The more time you spend doing
things at home, the less gas you burn driving around town. However, besides
less emissions, you also reduce your risk for food poisoning at restaurants,
colds and influenza, and other dangers that come with being out and about. You
don't have to be a hermit, but spending more time at home is healthier for
mind, body, soul, and planet. It gives you more control over what influences
your children, and it saves you money, too! All around great option for family
friendly living.
9.
Properly dispose of grease oil waste BEFORE washing dishes -
When you cook meat, oil can be both a primer and a byproduct. Most people
either pour grease down the toilet (yuck) or down the kitchen sink. Neither
method is good for your plumbing or the water supply. The best way to dispose
of grease and oil is to solidify them as much as possible, and then throw the
solid materials in the trash. Click here to learn more about how to
properly dispose of grease and oils in the home.
10. Get
a green home business - Besides providing your
family with products or services that help to reduce your own environmental
impact, it gives you a platform for encouraging others to go green(er) without
sounding preachy. Plus, it recycles your dollars in the green community. Oh
yeah, and it makes you money! More to spend on renewable energy or disposable
dishes and flatware made of corn, or whatever your green little heart desires.
If you're average, you can at least get your own stuff for free. If you're
really good at it, it could replace your current income. Sweet.
**Want
to take your green business to the next level? Use a a green
printingcompany to produce all of the materials that meet
the printing needs of thebusiness.**
**Moving
soon, or doing some spring cleaning in the UK? Consider a house
clearance service that recycles the waste materials after they clean!*
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