Dressing newborn babies is a fine art. Getting tiny flailing limbs to shimmy down a long sleeve. Easing a floppy little head through a neck hole. Keeping their infinitesimal socks from falling off their feet. Just when you get it figured out, new tests begin; including the mastery of stain removal and the miraculous feat of keeping a toddler clothed at all. No matter which skill you are perfecting, you will always need to know how to select the safest fabrics.

Many new parents assume that cotton is the best fabric for their baby’s clothes and bedding because it’s a natural fiber, but conventionally grown cotton is one of the most pesticide intensive crops grown in the US. After the cotton is picked and milled into fabric, a soup of chemicals that are known to harm human health are used to dye and finish the fabric. Chemicals like formaldehyde and urea resins are used to increase stain resistance, wrinkle-proofing, and even disinfecting. Most “finishing” chemicals contain volatile organic compounds that are often sensitizers and suspected carcinogens. Often, the clippings from fabric mills are so loaded with chemicals they are handled like toxic waste, while the products made from these materials are considered safe to bring into our homes.

Now take a deep breath and relax – your baby is okay. There are safer options and solutions other than immediately ripping the onesie off your baby. Residues on baby clothing and bedding are minimal and have only been shown to cause contact dermatitis (generally in people with sensitive skin). Still, we really don’t know what long term health impacts may arise from the subtle, but constant exposure to chemicals in clothing and bedding.

Luckily, we don’t have to wait to find out. We can select safer fabrics today:

Organic Cotton: Perhaps the most obvious choice is organic cotton, grown without the use of pesticides. Look for options that are not only grown organically, but are also untreated (i.e. they are finished and dyed using natural, non-toxic processes). You can also look for organic, untreated wool which is naturally fire-resistant and a good choice for children’s sleepwear.

Bamboo: Another fabric increasing in popularity is made from bamboo, which has a natural softness and sheen similar to silk or cashmere. Bamboo is completely biodegradable and can be grown without pesticides or chemicals. Look for fabrics certified by Oeko-Tex which ensures that fabric made from bamboo fibers is chemical-free.

Hemp: Surprising to some, hemp is another option and is naturally pest resistant so requires few, if any, of the pesticides used on conventional cotton. Still, there’s no certification process, so you can’t be sure that the hemp has been grown pesticide-free.

More options: Other choices include linen, soy, inego (corn-based), and even recycled plastic (which Patagonia has been using in their fleece for quite some time). Given the textile industry’s penchant for pollution and people’s growing concern over the health of the planet, new eco-fabrics are popping up everywhere. You just need to do a little research.

While the availability of safer fabrics is increasing, you may find that your baby budget needs to increase in order to purchase them. Unfortunately, green garments typically are more expensive than their conventional counterparts. For example, a conventional cotton onesie costs about $2; an organic cotton onesie is about $15-$20 (although through some persistent hunting I did find some for $5); and a bamboo onesie will cost you about $20 – $25.

The good news: Eco-fabrics, in addition to being safer for your baby and the planet, are also more durable, meaning they’ll last longer (if you master stain removal). Still, babies grow out of clothes extremely fast, so what good is durability? Hold on to them for potential siblings, trade with friends and family, sell them at consignment shops or on-line. They are beautiful, high-quality garments meant to last, and healthier for the planet, which our children will inherit.

If you can’t afford organic, natural fibers, don’t fret. The big rule is to always wash all fabrics, stuffed toys, linens before they come in contact with your little one – preferably in a non-toxic laundry soap. Also, the greenest option is also the cheapest option: buy second hand. Gently used clothing has typically been washed enough times already to eliminate any fears of chemical residues. So don your green-halo and hit the thrift stores, Craigslist, Freecycle, or Ebay. With the money you save, treat your baby to a luxurious untreated, organic cotton blanket that he’ll use for years.

You can start your eco-layette today by visiting the following sites: CottonMonkey.com, Babysoyusa.com, Bamboosa.com, Ecowise.com, Greenbabies.com, Kee-ka.com, KidBean.com, Nuiorganics.com, Positively-organic.com, Purebeginnings.com, Sagecreeknaturals.com, Speesees.com, Underthenile.com.

^{Sources:
Waste Couture: Environmental Impact of the Clothing Industry
Health and Environmental Impacts in Finishing Industry (RTF)
Chemicals and Textiles
Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Children}

By now it should be quite clear that what’s best for the planet is also what’s best for our health. Polluted air, water, and soil eventually lead to polluted people because, like every other creature on this big blue globe, we depend on air, water, and soil for survival. Unfortunately, we’ve hit a point of planetary overload. Now, every corner of the Earth is contaminated to some degree and every single person carries a personal body burden of industrial chemicals, most of which didn’t exist two generations ago. Worst of all, babies born today have over 200 toxic pollutants pulsing through their delicate, tiny bodies.

What is this doing to our health? We don’t know for certain, but strong scientific evidence tells us many diseases and disabilities have direct links to contaminants in our environment. In fact, our children may be the first generation in two centuries to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. This is largely due to the obesity epidemic, which is increasingly tied to our daily exposure to chemicals.

Many people start living a more conscious, greener life after they become parents. They try to reduce exposure to risky chemicals and buy safer alternatives, even if it costs 15 cents more. I see that extra cost as an investment in my child’s “health savings account.” The obvious fragility of your offspring triggers an uncontrollable need to be the protector, and to ensure a decent planet for their future. But in reality, if you wait until you first hear the heart beat or hold your tiny newborn child, then you’ve missed a critical period of protection. Family planning in a polluted world means becoming eco-conscious and detoxifying your life long before you start getting re-”productive”.

Human Development 101

Since most of us forget the lessons of our high school health class roughly three and a half minutes after it’s over, here’s a mini refresher:

Human reproduction is a delicate and startlingly quick process. Most women don’t even know they’re pregnant until they have been for a month or so, but during that short period a baby is going through some of the most dramatic changes of his or her life. In just a few short weeks, even though the developing baby is still tiny, it has a heartbeat and the nervous system, stomach, lungs, liver, and pancreas have all started to form.

Because so much is happening so quickly, these first weeks are a particularly vulnerable period in human growth; the most hazardous period in your life. Each development relies on precise, successful development in the previous stage. If an environmental factor, such as a chemical contaminant in the mother’s body, interferes with growth during a critical period of development, the child may be permanently affected. All this responsibility, and you probably don’t even know you’re pregnant yet.

What Can You Do?

Since nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended, living an eco-conscious, healthy lifestyle may be the best thing you can do to prepare your body for having children, planned or not. This goes for the gentlemen too – toxins are known to affect the health and mobility of sperm. Start now to prevent birth defects or other unintended long-term ailments and consequences in the future. Give yourself at least three months to detoxify your body before you begin trying to have a baby.

Remember, no matter when you start, use Healthy Child Healthy World’s 5 Easy Steps to make the biggest impact in the shortest amount of time. And if you are pregnant now, I strongly encourage you to start today. The little happy faces in your near future will thank you.

We live in a world vastly different from the one our grandparents grew up in, and I’m not referring to cell phones and air travel. The world we live in, especially our homes, is filled with industrial chemicals, most of which did not exist fifty years ago. Over 80,000 are registered for use in commercial products in the United States, and hundreds of new ones are introduced every year. Shockingly, many reach the marketplace and our dinner plates with little or no safety testing. These chemicals are used in everyday items such as foods, shampoos, toys, furniture, carpeting, air fresheners, electronics, cleaners, and lawn care products, just to name a few.

The effects of most of these chemicals on human health are unknown. Yet, a growing body of research is discovering that many of these chemicals we are regularly exposed to from everyday products are directly linked to chronic health conditions that are rising to epidemic levels; like asthma, reproductive disorders, cancer, allergies, learning and behavior disorders, allergies, obesity, and more. Like I said, a world vastly different than your Grandma and Grandpa.

Luckily, the more we learn, the more we find that there are many easy ways to reduce our exposure to chemicals and protect our health, especially for our children.

5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Manage Pests Safely. Exposure to common lawn care and indoor pesticides is linked to a range of health problems, including asthma, hyperactivity and behavior problems, cancer, learning disabilities, reproductive disorders, and compromised brain development. Use non-toxic or least toxic pest remedies like using soapy water to kill ants or boiling water to kill weeds. Prevent pests through good sanitation and food storage habits. Visit BeyondPesticides.org for details on the potential health impacts of pesticides and non-toxic remedies for almost every pest problem.

Step 2: Use Non-Toxic Products. We bring home a wide variety of products that contain potentially harmful toxicants. Cleaners are an obvious one; they often have warning labels on them because of their toxic make-up. You may be more surprised that body care items and even home furnishings can contain harmful chemicals like phthalates and formaldehyde. Buy cleaners that don’t contain harsh chemicals or fumes or make your own. When selecting body care products, avoid parabens, synthetic fragrances, and sodium lauryl or laureth sulfates. Visit CosmeticsDatabase.com for detailed information about the ingredients of personal care products and to find safer alternatives. Opt for solid woods instead of pressed. Overall, trust your nose. If something has a chemically, perfume-y, or “new” smell, it likely contains volatile organic chemicals that can potentially have health impacts.

Step 3: Clean Up Indoor Air. Did you know that people in America spend 90 percent of their time indoors? It might seem safer and cleaner, but indoor air pollution is typically 2-5 times worse than outdoor air. Common indoor air pollutants include formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, secondhand smoke, asbestos, lead, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Not to worry, it’s easy to reduce the risk. Start by replacing products that contribute to the problem, then try some other simple steps. Ventilate your home by opening windows. Regularly change the filters in your air conditioning and heating units. Naturally cleanse air with indoor plants. Vacuum weekly using a HEPA filtered vacuum.

Step 4: Eat Healthy. Opt for organic foods as much as possible to reduce your exposure to pesticides, hormones, and genetically modified organisms. Select fresh, dried, or frozen foods as most cans are lined with a resin containing bisphenol-A. Make foods from scratch when you can to avoid synthetic additives and preservatives.

Step 5: Be Wise with Plastics. Plastics are affordable and convenient, but we are increasingly finding that a hidden cost may be our health. Some plastics leach harmful chemicals, especially when they comes in contact with oily or fatty foods, during heating and microwaving, as a result of harsh cleaners, and when exposed to excessive moisture. Luckily, we can make safer choices. Avoid using plastic in the microwave or with warm foods and beverages. Avoid PVC/vinyl (#3), Polystyrene/styrofoam (#6), and polycarbonate/PC (#7). Choose safer plastics or opt for natural materials like glass, steel, solid wood, or cotton.

Learn more at Healthy Child Healthy World: 5 Easy Steps.

You may be buying healthy foods like whole grains, organic veggies and milk, and even local honey, but now it’s time to consider the “health” of your kitchen. Your cabinets and refrigerator can be just as safe, green, and nontoxic as the food and products you put in them. And in addition to being better for your family’s well-being, a healthy kitchen saves money and helps the planet, too. So, whether you’re ready for a floor-to-ceiling renovation or just looking for a little facelift, here are some tips for making it healthier, greener, and easier on your bank account. 

SAFER STORAGE AND SMARTER SURFACES 

Cabinets Household cabinets are often made from particleboard, tiny wood shavings pressed together using a resin that off-gasses formaldehyde, sometimes giving off that “new cabinet” smell. Formaldehyde (even at low levels) causes eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation and the Department of Health and Human Services suspects it to be a carcinogen. Instead, spend a bit more for a solid wood material (wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FCS), which regulates against mass deforestation, or bamboo is best) not fortified with chemicals. Paint or stain in no- or low-VOC options – it’s safer and healthier.

Counter Tops Inexpensive counter tops are usually made from plastic laminates and resins, which are very hard and not at all toxic. But they frequently have particle-board backing, which (you guessed it) emits fumes. High-quality stones like marble, slate, limestone, and sandstone may seem expensive, but are a sounder long-term investment. If you choose a granite counter top, make sure to have it tested for radon – the uranium base is sometimes radioactive and can release radon gas as it decays. Another perhaps less expensive option is to leave your existing counter tops in place and tile over them.

WHAT LIES BENEATH (OUR TOES)

Hardwood Hardwood floors are easy to love: aesthetically pleasing, a cinch to clean, and kind to those with allergies or chemical sensitivities. The most earth-friendly wood is FCS-certified. Reclaimed flooring is a beautiful option too—salvaged from another site and installed in your home. Your “reuse” story will be just as beautiful as the historical patina.

Bamboo The king of sustainable materials, bamboo is durable, inexpensive, normally pesticide-free, and a rapidly renewing natural resource. It takes only four years from planting to harvest bamboo!

Cork Made from the Mediterranean cork oak, this hypoallergenic material can be cut repeatedly from very old trees. Its natural texture has small pockets of air, making it almost bouncy to the foot and easy on adventurous kids.

Tile Made from ceramic, stone, or recycled glass, tile is virtually free of potent chemicals like volatile organic compounds and is highly durable and easy to clean. Be mindful of the adhesives, especially grout sealer, when installing. Such substances are made of solvents, such as petroleum and toluene that can affect your nervous system and cause irritation. Use mortar and grout as a nontoxic alternative.

PURIFY THE AIR MOTHER NATURE’S WAY

Install Skylights For a bigger renovation, skylights offer benefits like natural light, passive-solar-heat gain, and natural indoor ventilation. They reduce energy costs, freshen your home naturally, and are very eco-chic. And being able to stargaze while washing dishes is a very cool bonus.

Grow Houseplants In the kitchen, leafy greens usually end up in a salad. Incorporating a few plants into your decor will purify the air and bring a bit of nature inside. Houseplants consume carbon and emit oxygen, refreshing the room’s air constantly. Pick up a copy of my book, Healthy Child Healthy World, for a complete list of purifying plants you can find easily at your local nursery.

SAVE ENERGY AND REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances Energy Star Products have earned a star rating for energy efficiency – the more stars, the better. Updating your refrigerator, dishwasher, or cooking appliances means you’ll decrease your water and utility bills, and reduce your home’s energy drain. You can recycle your old appliances with the expertise of Earth 911.

Unplug, Unplug, Unplug Not using that blender as much as you thought Unplug it! Appliances continue to draw energy even when on standby or not in use, so unplugging them can really be a savings, especially that mobile-phone charger.

Make the Switch to CFLs Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs, or CFLs, are the ultra-efficient, swirly version of their standard incandescent counterparts. They use 75 percent less energy than regular bulbs, thus saving an average household electrical budget between $12 and $20 a month. Recycle them at designated centers, but exercise caution – they contain small amounts of mercury.

As seen in Cookie Magazine.

Especially during pregnancy, it’s usually best to keep it simple, healthy, and pure. Here’s our simple approach – with help from the ABC’s – to plan a baby shower that celebrates the life and health of the baby, as well as the Earth she’ll be living on.

Ask everyone to forgo fragrance. Avoid exposure to phthalates by making it clear in your invitations that this event is scent-free.

Buy eco-friendly decorations. Use potted plants, artfully arranged twigs, rocks and shells or even crystal bowls filled with seasonal fruit (a la Martha Stewart) for lovely, natural decorations.

Clean up using eco-friendly supplies. Look for natural products or use kitchen ingredients like baking soda and vinegar.

Dish up food on compostable or reusable dishware. Use your good china to really make the day feel special (and reduce an enormous amount of waste). Or go second best by using eco-friendly disposables. Check out the Biodegradable Store, EarthShell, or Royal Chinet.

E-vite your guests. Using email invitations (like evite.com) is a great way to quickly get the word out and track RSVPs. It’s also better for the environment (no paper, no waste, no fuel emissions from sending invites, etc).

Find the most natural setting. If you can have it outside, great! If not, at least choose a venue that will respect your green ideas.

Get your green game on. Choose waste-free games and provide green prizes like natural personal care products or soy candles.

Have a good time. This goes without saying, but really – after all this planning – just enjoy yourself during the party.

Inform your guests that this is a green shower. Make sure your requests are clear, so none of your guests feel awkward from missing the memo.

Judge not. Make sure that no matter what shade of green a guest is, she feels welcome and appreciated.

Know your guests. Some may take a little more cajoling to make the green jump.

Look for local. Whether it’s food or flowers, try to find all of the products you need from local vendors.

Make it a learning experience. You’ve taken all this time to make it green, share your newfound knowledge with your guests.

Need help? Ask! Hosting a green baby shower can take a lot of preparation. Have a team to help.

Opt for organic. Look for foods and beverages with the USDA Certified Organic seal.

Plan far in advance. Coordinating any type of party takes time. When you’re trying to make it as healthy and green as possible, you should start even earlier.

Quench your thirst with pure beverages. Keep mom and all her adoring guests healthily hydrated with filtered water (not bottled). Have a pitcher and plenty of glassware available.

Register for green gifts. Make it easy for your guests to find the perfect green gift by having the mom-to-be register at on-line stores such as Maple Grace, Our Green House, or Better for Babies.

Strive for zero-waste. Use dishware instead of disposables. Look for products and packaging that are recyclable or compostable.

Try not to get neurotic. Do what you can and let go of what you can’t.

Unwrap. Encourage guests to rethink wrapping. Use a baby blanket, a pretty silk scarf, or a recycled paper gift bag.

Ventilate. Keep fresh air flowing by opening a window (even just a crack, for a few minutes if it’s winter.)

Write eco-friendly thank yous. Use e-cards to send your thank yous. Some services will even allow you to embed a video. (Your guests would love to see your new baby!)

eXamine gifts. I know you’re never supposed to look a gift horse in the mouth, but after your guests leave, decide which gifts are keepers. Just because your Aunt Mary gave you a bottle of expensive baby lotion (with risky chemical ingredients) doesn’t mean you should slather your new baby in it for sentiment’s sake.

Yank some plugs. (Hey, there aren’t many verbs that start with “y”.) Save some energy by unplugging unnecessary electronics and appliances.

Zip your memories. Have everyone email you their images and video and then zip them into a file to send to everyone else. You’ll save the memories of the day and save paper and chemicals by allowing everyone to only print what they love.

At a recent speaking engagement, a mother ran up to me.  Excited and nearly tackling me, she announced, “I just have to tell you, I read Healthy Child’s new book, and honestly, your advice helped me save my son’s life!”  Her son, only 18-months-old, had constantly battled asthma. Simple tips from Healthy Child Healthy World had eased his breathing and her worries. As her beautiful toddler sheepishly smiled at me from her arms, his grateful mother asked:

“Is there anything I can do to help you?” The answer is always yes.

Right now, you can help, too. By leaving a comment right here in support of our work.

The (Unfortunate) Reality: More children than ever are being diagnosed with cancer, learning disabilities, asthma, autism, obesity and allergies. They are at risk from harmful chemicals everyday. We all must work to prevent the increase of childhood disease and illness.

The (Fortunate) Reality: Healthy Child exists to ensure all children many healthy days, to give the most vulnerable a voice, and to empower everyone who cares for children’s health and development with needed information.

From our award winning website to our book and printable pocket guides to our Health eHome program in collaboration with WebMD to our advocacy work with health professionals and parent groups across the country – we make the most critical advice and credible health strategies accessible to all.  Healthy Child Healthy World is igniting a movement that protects children by creating cleaner, greener, safer environments for all children to flourish.

The Hope: We hope you understand the importance of our work and our voice, and hear us when we say, we need you now.

Please leave a comment supporting our work and then visit us http://healthychild.org/get-involved/newsletter/ and join the movement.

A baby’s first bites of solid foods are thoroughly entertaining to watch. New flavors and textures provoke faces that are both adorable and incredibly funny. What’s not so funny is that in some instances, there are invisible contaminants, fillers, and unhealthy ingredients hiding in those tiny spoonfuls of food. And if your baby is eating non-organic food, he’s also eating pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and synthetic preservatives and additives.

While traces of contaminants are tiny, they build up quickly in a child’s diet as children eat more food pound for pound than adults. In fact, children one through five years of age eat three to four (or more) times as much food per pound of body weight as an average American adult. In addition, their developing bodies are more vulnerable and less able to detoxify.

Because there is a growing body of evidence showing these toxins can impair child health and development, common sense compels us to minimize exposure whenever possible. Especially during pregnancy and infancy when their bodies are most vulnerable, we need to take precautionary action – a “better safe than sorry” approach and choose an organic diet for our little ones. Not only does an organic diet reduce exposure to contaminants and synthetic additives, some studies also show that organic foods are healthier and have more antioxidants and added nutrition.

There are a variety of options and many opportunities to take toxins off the menu. Here are some easy ideas for feeding your baby an organic, safe and healthy diet:

1. Store bought. With the growing interest in organic foods, there is also an increase in availability of pre-made organic baby foods. Some are on the shelf right next to their conventional counterparts and other can be found in the refrigerated or frozen food sections. Look for names like Plum Organics, Happy Baby, Homemade Baby, Tasty Baby, or Sprout Baby Food.

2. Delivered. Referred to as “baby food catering”, home delivery services are the pinnacle of convenience. Service providers include Bohemian Baby and Pomme Bebe.

3. Homemade. Not nearly as intimidating as it sounds, homemade baby food is the freshest and most inexpensive option (with the added benefit of having the least impact on the environment). My wife makes all of our son’s food and has been super charged with how easy and enjoyable it’s been. She uses fruits and veggies with a variety of colors and tastes then adds in probiotics and flax seed oil for additional nutritional benefit.

To make your own, pick one time a week to cook and puree selected foods and then freeze in an ice cube tray for handy serving sizes. WholesomeBabyFood.com offers age appropriate recipes, as well as tips for cooking and storing food. You can also get a handy, portable food grinder and freezer storage trays at Fresh Baby. Find local, organic food in your neighborhood using the Eat Well Guide, which lists not only grocery stores, but also co-ops, farmer’s markets, and CSAs (where you buy a share of food from a local farm).

Organic on a Budget: For many parents, buying all organic all the time is a financial impossibility, so keep this in mind: certain foods have higher levels of chemical residues including meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy, as well as apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach, and strawberries – so focus on getting the organic versions of these items. Some foods typically have very low levels of residues and are okay to purchase conventionally grown, including avocados, frozen sweet corn, pineapples, mangoes, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, kiwis, bananas, cabbage, broccoli, and eggplant.

You can also invest selectively. We have committed to trying to feed our son 100% organic for at least his first year (yes, I said “trying,” no one’s perfect). When they get older, choose the foods they eat the most of. If they eat a ton of apples, make sure you’re buying them organic even if you can’t buy everything organic. Overall, just do the best you can and concentrate on consistently providing a healthy, fresh, well-balanced diet for baby and family. Bon Appetit!

^{Sources: • Consumer Reports. Better for Baby? Our analysis finds organic food is safer for children. January 2006. • Landrigan, P. et al. Children’s Health and the Environment: A New Agenda for Prevention Research. Environmental Health Perspectives. June 1998, 106, 3, 787-794. • Virginia Worthington. Nutritional Quality of Organic Versus Conventional Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. April 1, 2001, 7(2): 161-173. • Lombardi-Boccia, G. et al. Nutrients and Antioxidant Molecules in Yellow Plums from Conventional and Organic Productions: A Comparative Study. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2004, 52, 90-94. • Asami, D. et al. Comparison of the Total Phenolic and Ascorbic Acid Content of Freeze-Dried and Air-Dried Marionberry, Strawberry, and Corn Grown Using Conventional, Organic, and Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2003, 51, 1237-1241.}

I recently spoke with Julia Wasson of Blue Planet Green Living and she asked me what I think are the five most important things we can do to save the planet.

Saving the planet – let’s just say, protecting the planet. I’d like to frame this whole thing as protecting the planet instead of saving the earth. The planet doesn’t need to be saved. The planet will be around a lot longer than we will.

1. Really, we need to save ourselves and save our existence and our civilization as we know it. I believe that it’s a humankind challenge in how we accept and interact with each other. Certainly, love and respect and the ability to listen and be collaborative is part of that process. I think we could learn to love ourselves, our families, and each other a little bit more and judge less. I think if you embrace the fact that we’re all trying our best and really take that critical nature out of it, we would be less entrenched in our own opinions and more willing to listen and be collaborative.
2. We certainly all could eat less meat and rely less on land animals as food sources. There’s no question about it that the amount of resource intensity required by meat and dairy production and the amount of land source degradation happen because of eating animals. And so, I would embrace the fact that we could protect the planet more if we all ate less meat. I’ve been doing this as a vegetarian for almost 15 years now.
3. We should use less toxic products in our daily lives, from our cleaners to our beauty care products to the mattresses and furniture we build. We need to be aware of the chemicals that exist in each one of those and understand that you don’t have to live a chemically laden life. Reducing the amount of chemicals is more beneficial for the planet, for our waterways, and for land, our children’s future, and also our own health.
4. Another thing we should think about is the “buying cycle,” and put some intentional thinking around this. Every day, I realize that less really is more. Truly, I need less to have a fulfilled and happy life. Just buying less would be very anti-capitalistic and anti-consumptive, but the planet would breathe a big “Ahhh” of relief. Being less consumptive is a powerful thing. You’re requiring less, you’re demanding less of the earth. And you’re reducing your impact on the planet, something that I think about. Certainly, it’s a challenge of mine. I always can do better at it, but it’s an intention of mine, and I do a little better every day.
5. The last thing is being grateful. I don’t think, as a culture, as a species, we’re grateful enough. Grateful for the moments that we have. Grateful for the people that are in our lives. And grateful for the resources that we have and the ease of the life that we have. I try to be very intentional every day when I wake up in the morning. I try to think of those things that I’m most grateful for, and I try to think of something new every day. Being more grateful is a way to recognize the magnitude and the importance of where we are and our lives. And embracing the fact that we have a limited time here and we should make the most of it for our children, for the people who are around us, and for the planet.

After a long, cold winter, parents everywhere throw open the windows, soaking in the sunshine and spring temperatures, and utter the most thrilling four words in the parent lexicon: “Go outside and play!”

As you release your children out into nature (and out of your hair for an hour or two), bear in mind these few tips about keeping them safe and healthy as they tumble down grassy hills, bury themselves in sand, and get good and dirty!

Swim in clear waters. Beaches are a favorite summer destination, but the water at them can be polluted with chemicals, fecal matter, or other contaminants.

• Look for the cleanest beaches. Pick a beach that is tested regularly for cleanliness and that notifies you when it is unsafe to go in the water. The Natural Resources Defense Council rates the top 100 beaches, but for smaller beaches you’ll need to do some hunting. Contact your local or state environmental protection office or public health agency. Oftentimes you can do an on-line search of your favorite beach’s name with the words “water quality” to find information
• Wait at least 24 hours after a heavy rainfall before swimming. Heavy rains can stir up polluted sediment and cause sewage systems to overflow into storm drains.
• If possible, choose beaches that are away from urban areas or that have good water circulation.
• Avoid swimming near storm drains.
• Check out the surrounding environment. What’s adjacent to the water? Farmland or golf courses could mean high levels of pesticides are running off into the water. If there’s an industrial facility upstream, you could be swimming in their effluent.
• Avoid getting water in your mouth.

Keep the bugs from bugging you. Nothing spoils a day outdoors like bug bites. And, some bugs can leave more than just an itchy red spot. Parents need to be aware of the risks of Lyme Disease, West Nile virus, and other infectious diseases – while also being aware of the risks of chemical repellents like DEET and permethrin.

• Keep as much skin covered as possible by wearing lightweight fabrics.
• Go indoors at dusk when mosquitoes come out to play.
• Use the safest, least toxic repellent for your situation and read the label carefully. Wash off skin and change clothes after returning indoors.

Breathe easy. For millions of children with asthma or allergies, air quality is nothing to sneeze at. And, for every child’s developing lungs, you should schedule outdoor playtime at times when the air is clearest.

• Check ozone and air particulate levels at airnow.gov. You can also sign up for email alerts by entering your zip code.
• Relax during peak heat. During the late afternoons of the hottest days are typically when air quality is worst. Avoid heavy exercise or anything that causes heavy breathing.
• Warmer weather also means seasonal allergies. Check your local pollen levels at Pollen.com.

Keep off the Grass. Okay, not entirely, but be aware of yards and parks that may have recently been sprayed. Every year 90 million pounds of pesticides are showered on American lawns (between 7-10 times more pesticides than on food crops). The result is an immediately green lawn, but also long-term pollution of air, water and unknown potential impact on the health of our families.

• Watch for signs. Most public spaces are required to post signage when they have sprayed pesticides, but private lots and homeowners are not always so communicative. Find out from your local Park and Rec when and what they spray (and encourage them to switch to IPM – to save money and protect health and the environment). When you’re on walks, keep kids on the sidewalk.
• Kick off your shoes. When you get home, leave potential pesticide residue, lead dust, and dirt at the door by having everyone remove their shoes. If you can’t keep the shoes from crossing the threshold, have a straw mat and encourage everyone to do a thorough wiping.

This post originally appeared online at Cookie Magazine.

People spend about 90% of their time indoors where air quality can be 2-5 times worse than outside. If your home is like most, the indoor air is polluted with dust mites, allergens, formaldehyde, volatile organic chemicals, phthalates, and a large number of other chemicals from the pesticides, cleaners, personal care products, electronics, and furniture you bring into your home. Makes you want to hold your breath, but there are simpler ways to clear the air. Here’s a whole alphabet of easy steps.

Avoid pesticides. Find safer solutions at BeyondPesticides.org.

Buy natural personal care products (especially avoiding those with fragrance listed in the ingredients). Visit CosmeticsDatabase.com to find the healthiest options.

Clean without chemicals. Find homemade recipes and safer products at HealthyChild.org.

Dust often. Use a rag moistened with water or a microfiber cloth (especially windowsills and door jambs if your house was built before 1978 and televisions and electronics which can release toxic flame retardants.)

Eliminate wall-to-wall carpeting if at all possible and replace with washable rugs. Carpets are virtual magnets for allergens and other contaminants.

Forgo fragrances and artificial air fresheners. Some just cover odors and others actually numb your nose so you can’t smell the offending smell.

Grow plants, which act as natural air purifiers. The most effective ones, based on studies by NASA scientists, include heartleaf philodendron, elephant ear philodendron, English ivy, spider plant, Warneck dracaena, weeping fig, golden pothos, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, and bamboo or reed palm.

Hang dry-cleaned clothes outside or in a well-ventilated area before bringing them inside.

Install a carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas that can cause flu-like symptoms, respiratory problems, and even death. Learn more at www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html.

Just say no to pressed woods and particleboard. These types of wood are often glued together using formaldehyde resins.

Keep your ducts clean. Annually (especially before any season that requires you to keep your home closed up), hire someone to come in and vacuum out your ductwork.

Leave shoes at the door. Lead dust, pesticides, gasoline and more can be tracked inside on the bottom of your shoes.

Maintain a healthy level of humidity. Aim for levels of 30-50%, using a moisture detector (hygrometer). Air that’s too humid promotes mold growth. Air that’s too dry makes you more susceptible to illness.

Neutralize odors with white vinegar. Put four parts water and one part vinegar in a spray bottle. Use in trash cans, the refrigerator, or other areas with odors. Vinegar will naturally deodorize and within a few minutes, the vinegar smell will dissipate as well.

Open windows to let polluted air out and fresh air in. Even just a few minutes a day can noticeably improve your indoor air.

Paint using low or no-VOC options.

Quit smoking. At the very least, take it outside.

Repair leaky plumbing to avoid mold growth.

Sprinkle baking soda on rugs and carpets before vacuuming to naturally absorb odors.

Test for radon. Radon is another invisible, odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Visit www.epa.gov/radon/ to learn how to protect your family.

Use an exhaust fan (or open a window) when bathing and cooking to keep humidity levels down.

Vacuum at least twice a week with a HEPA filtered vacuum.

Wash new clothes, bedding and drapes twice before using.

eXamine combustion appliances annually. Gas stoves, heaters, and other appliances that burn fuel should be checked regularly by a professional to ensure they are burning correctly and not releasing too many contaminants into your air.

Your nose knows. If something smells “new” or perfume-y, it is likely releasing chemicals.

Zzzzzz. Sleep peacefully knowing you’re whole family is breathing easier.