When our son was born nine years ago the last thing on our mind was preparing an eco-friendly home. We were simply concerned with getting him home safe and making sure the environment he came back to was clean, warm, and full of love. Some years later it occurred to us that we could do a little bit more to raise our son in an environmentally conscious way, and so the research began. We found plenty of small things to do around our home that were beneficial to his health and the environment. If you apply these easy tips and ideas you can have an eco-friendly home for your baby too.
Beware of Harmful Cleaners
One of the first things new parents do in anticipation of their little one is to frantically clean. In our haste to createhome we often forget how harmful cleaners can be to our babies and our environment. These cleaners may get the job done but at what cost? Some cleaning agents emit fumes that can be harmful to a baby's lungs, eyes, and nose. If used periodically the accumulated effect can open the door to future health problems. Other cleaning agents are corrosive. They can irritate and harm our skin; so just think about what those same chemicals can do to your babys delicate skin. Then why do we purchase these cleaners? Simply, because they have been skillfully marketed to us over many years, with no mention of their harmful effects. Our parents did it and some of us are still doing it. Heres the good news, its easy to turn the page, and say goodbye to those harmful cleaners. If you wont do it for you then do it for your baby.
Parent's can start by avoiding extra strength cleaners. Extra strength cleaners contain many corrosive chemicals that can leave behind harmful residues. These residues can get on your babys hands, in their food, on their toys or pacifiers, and a host of other places (if they touch a surface where a chemical was used).
So the question is what should you use? Luckily for you I have the answer.
Use mild cleaners like unscented detergents and unscented general purpose soaps, organic cleaners many of which you can create (For example: club soda, baking soda & salt can clean ovens, lemon juice and water can clean kitchen cabinets, white vinegar and hot water can clean floors, etc.) or purchase pre-packaged organic cleaners that are created with the health of your family and environment in mind. With a little effort you can green up your clean up in no time!
Leave Those Pesky Pesticides Alone
Pesticides are chemicals that prevent or destroy unwanted pests such as insects, rodents, and fungi. If you notice the previous sentence what should strike you is the word destroy. Now do we really want any chemicals in our home whose main purpose is to destroy? I don't think so. Babies are more vulnerable to pesticides than adults because their bodies are just getting used to developing defenses against toxicants. Early exposure to chemical based pesticides can result in a permanent change of a baby's biology and brain function. Various central nervous system functions can be adversely effected with constant exposure.
So now you want to know how to protect your baby, maintain that fabulous garden and avoid pests? Good question!
If you use pesticides on your lawn and they are in your garden products as well, the likelihood of you tracking the pesticides into your home is great because chemicals on lawns and in soil can be tracked indoors. An easy way to avoid this problem is to leave your shoes at the door. Its simple and effective, my favorite combination.
Steer clear of residential pesticides (bombs, fogs, and sprays) in favor of lower toxic pesticides (bait stations, gels, and sticky traps).
Throw away any old pesticides that contain Diazinon (an insecticide formerly used to control ants, fleas, cockroaches and silverfish in residential, non-food buildings) and Chlorpyrifos (a.k.a. Dursban, a home and garden used insecticide). These pesticides have been shown to have a harmful effect on the nervous system and the effect is more pronounced in children.
Plug up cracks and holes so that pests can't get in. For small holes use caulk. For larger holes use copper mesh or steel wool.
Heres a no-brainer, clean up! Make sure your home is free of food crumbs that have spilled onto floors and counters. If I wasnt clear before, Ill say it again use organic cleaners to get the job done.
Ventilate Your Home
Let some fresh air in and the bad air out. By bad air I mean the air that is filled with all those stagnant chemical fumes from gas appliances, air fresheners, incense, candles, insect sprays, etc. If these fumes are not let out then they attach themselves to the dust particles of the furniture and upholstery in your home. Airing out your home dilutes the chemical fumes that have been left.
Cost
We know that going organic can be a bit expensive. We suggest making your own organic cleaners or buying in bulk to cut down on cost. You do not have to go completely organic but at least try and include some organic items in your household. There are many organic products on the market from baby food to nursery mattresses. Find what you like and try it. There's no harm in exposing your family to healthy and safer living choices. This is one of the few times in your life when a little green goes a long way.
Tips In a Nutshell
Avoid harmful cleaners.
Use mild or organic cleaners.
Dont use pesticides that contain Diazinon or Chlorpyrifos.
To avoid tracking pesticides in the house leave your shoes at the door.
Make sure you ventilate your home often.
Beware of Harmful Cleaners
One of the first things new parents do in anticipation of their little one is to frantically clean. In our haste to createhome we often forget how harmful cleaners can be to our babies and our environment. These cleaners may get the job done but at what cost? Some cleaning agents emit fumes that can be harmful to a baby's lungs, eyes, and nose. If used periodically the accumulated effect can open the door to future health problems. Other cleaning agents are corrosive. They can irritate and harm our skin; so just think about what those same chemicals can do to your babys delicate skin. Then why do we purchase these cleaners? Simply, because they have been skillfully marketed to us over many years, with no mention of their harmful effects. Our parents did it and some of us are still doing it. Heres the good news, its easy to turn the page, and say goodbye to those harmful cleaners. If you wont do it for you then do it for your baby.
Parent's can start by avoiding extra strength cleaners. Extra strength cleaners contain many corrosive chemicals that can leave behind harmful residues. These residues can get on your babys hands, in their food, on their toys or pacifiers, and a host of other places (if they touch a surface where a chemical was used).
So the question is what should you use? Luckily for you I have the answer.
Use mild cleaners like unscented detergents and unscented general purpose soaps, organic cleaners many of which you can create (For example: club soda, baking soda & salt can clean ovens, lemon juice and water can clean kitchen cabinets, white vinegar and hot water can clean floors, etc.) or purchase pre-packaged organic cleaners that are created with the health of your family and environment in mind. With a little effort you can green up your clean up in no time!
Leave Those Pesky Pesticides Alone
Pesticides are chemicals that prevent or destroy unwanted pests such as insects, rodents, and fungi. If you notice the previous sentence what should strike you is the word destroy. Now do we really want any chemicals in our home whose main purpose is to destroy? I don't think so. Babies are more vulnerable to pesticides than adults because their bodies are just getting used to developing defenses against toxicants. Early exposure to chemical based pesticides can result in a permanent change of a baby's biology and brain function. Various central nervous system functions can be adversely effected with constant exposure.
So now you want to know how to protect your baby, maintain that fabulous garden and avoid pests? Good question!
If you use pesticides on your lawn and they are in your garden products as well, the likelihood of you tracking the pesticides into your home is great because chemicals on lawns and in soil can be tracked indoors. An easy way to avoid this problem is to leave your shoes at the door. Its simple and effective, my favorite combination.
Steer clear of residential pesticides (bombs, fogs, and sprays) in favor of lower toxic pesticides (bait stations, gels, and sticky traps).
Throw away any old pesticides that contain Diazinon (an insecticide formerly used to control ants, fleas, cockroaches and silverfish in residential, non-food buildings) and Chlorpyrifos (a.k.a. Dursban, a home and garden used insecticide). These pesticides have been shown to have a harmful effect on the nervous system and the effect is more pronounced in children.
Plug up cracks and holes so that pests can't get in. For small holes use caulk. For larger holes use copper mesh or steel wool.
Heres a no-brainer, clean up! Make sure your home is free of food crumbs that have spilled onto floors and counters. If I wasnt clear before, Ill say it again use organic cleaners to get the job done.
Ventilate Your Home
Let some fresh air in and the bad air out. By bad air I mean the air that is filled with all those stagnant chemical fumes from gas appliances, air fresheners, incense, candles, insect sprays, etc. If these fumes are not let out then they attach themselves to the dust particles of the furniture and upholstery in your home. Airing out your home dilutes the chemical fumes that have been left.
Cost
We know that going organic can be a bit expensive. We suggest making your own organic cleaners or buying in bulk to cut down on cost. You do not have to go completely organic but at least try and include some organic items in your household. There are many organic products on the market from baby food to nursery mattresses. Find what you like and try it. There's no harm in exposing your family to healthy and safer living choices. This is one of the few times in your life when a little green goes a long way.
Tips In a Nutshell
Avoid harmful cleaners.
Use mild or organic cleaners.
Dont use pesticides that contain Diazinon or Chlorpyrifos.
To avoid tracking pesticides in the house leave your shoes at the door.
Make sure you ventilate your home often.