I never like August much anymore because it is the month that I have to start planning for the school to take my son away from me again.
At home, I teach my son the importance of living healthy - both physically and environmentally. When I send him to school, sometimes he doesn't have much control over things. In his school, they don't have recycling bins in the lunch room for juice boxes, recyclable containers, plastic utensils, etc. (I'm going to work on that this year).
Here are a few suggestions -
~ Pack your child's lunch (since when is a large pretzel dipped in processed cheese a good lunch, anyway?). Use reusable containers, utensils, and drinking containers. Wash them at home. Oh, and no plastic bags.
~ Use a lunch box, not paper bags.
~ But non-toxic and recycled school supplies whenever possible.
~ Don't buy your child (or yourself) processed meals with a ton of packaging.
Small changes will make a huge difference.
August 5, 2009
July 25, 2009
Drive Thru? NOT!
Save your gas, reduce your CO2 output, and recycle - skip the drive thru and go inside. Order your meals " to go " and place the bags, napkins, and cups into your home recycling bin.
July 21, 2009
Replace the Bleach
The past few months we've had to clean our son's baseball pants almost every day. They are white, and boys love to be in the dirt.
What a mess!
I couldn't stand putting all that bleach on the clothes that would be on his skin. Not to mention the fumes!
I found a few alternatives.
1. Add 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to the wash.
2. Add 1/2 cup baking soda.
3. Pour on some white distilled vinegar before washing.
Try products without chemicals - they may surprise you.
What a mess!
I couldn't stand putting all that bleach on the clothes that would be on his skin. Not to mention the fumes!
I found a few alternatives.
1. Add 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to the wash.
2. Add 1/2 cup baking soda.
3. Pour on some white distilled vinegar before washing.
Try products without chemicals - they may surprise you.
July 20, 2009
July 17, 2009
No Lights!
When you leave a room, turn the lights off as you go - every time. Get any other members of your household to do the same. I loved hearing, " Mom, you left the light on." (Happened only once).
July 13, 2009
Indoor Plants
Improve your indoor air quality with plants instead of artificial, and often toxic, room fresheners.
July 7, 2009
July 4, 2009
Rediscover The Library
If you don't already have a library card, get one. Try borrowing books, books on tape, and videos instead of buying them.
July 1, 2009
Fireworks!
No doubt about it...fireworks are COOL! Even as I get older, I am still impressed by all the colors, the sounds, and the different shapes of the firework displays.
Now, we've all seen fireworks, but have you ever taken the time to think about the environmental impact they have? Or their safety? Many people are injured or killed every year from fireworks.
Try to stay safe by keeping a safe distance away. Not only will you reduce your risk of injury, it will help keep you safer from inhaling the toxic chemicals that will rain down on you from the fireworks.
How are they toxic, you ask? Many fireworks produce dust and smoke that contain various heavy metals, sulfur-coal compounds, and other nasty chemicals. Some chemicals, such as cadmium, lead, and potassium perchlorate can cause some respiratory and other health problems. Others, like barium, are poisonous and radioactive. NOT COOL!
These chemicals end up in our water supply and pollute the air we breathe for several days. Keep yourself and your loved ones a safe distance away if you like to watch the show.
How about trying a laser light show, biodegradable confetti, or other non-toxic displays of bright colors? A little research can go a long way.
Now, we've all seen fireworks, but have you ever taken the time to think about the environmental impact they have? Or their safety? Many people are injured or killed every year from fireworks.
Try to stay safe by keeping a safe distance away. Not only will you reduce your risk of injury, it will help keep you safer from inhaling the toxic chemicals that will rain down on you from the fireworks.
How are they toxic, you ask? Many fireworks produce dust and smoke that contain various heavy metals, sulfur-coal compounds, and other nasty chemicals. Some chemicals, such as cadmium, lead, and potassium perchlorate can cause some respiratory and other health problems. Others, like barium, are poisonous and radioactive. NOT COOL!
These chemicals end up in our water supply and pollute the air we breathe for several days. Keep yourself and your loved ones a safe distance away if you like to watch the show.
How about trying a laser light show, biodegradable confetti, or other non-toxic displays of bright colors? A little research can go a long way.
June 28, 2009
Clean Hair
The next time you need to buy a new bottle of shampoo or conditioner for your hair, take a close look at the ingredients used in it first.
You don't need to dump harmful chemicals on your head to have fabulous hair. Where do these nasty chemicals go after they come off your head? Down the drain and into the water supply.
The next time you are due for some new stuff, first check it out for nasties called parabens, which usually begin with the prefix methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, and isobutyl. These chemicals mess with hormone levels.
Look for natural or organic brands. Some stores have sections that only contain products that are natural or organic.
Check it out!
You don't need to dump harmful chemicals on your head to have fabulous hair. Where do these nasty chemicals go after they come off your head? Down the drain and into the water supply.
The next time you are due for some new stuff, first check it out for nasties called parabens, which usually begin with the prefix methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, and isobutyl. These chemicals mess with hormone levels.
Look for natural or organic brands. Some stores have sections that only contain products that are natural or organic.
Check it out!
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