Green as in new, and as in respecting the planet.
Probably about two years ago, maybe longer, I was made aware of parabens and phthalates in make-up and lotions. I checked out an audio book from the library by Dr. Daniel Amen who talked at length about hormones, things we put into and onto our bodies, like parabens and phthalates. Both are known to cause cancer. I read the ingredients of all of my lotions and was bummed to find out all contained at least one of the chemicals. Parabens are preservatives and phthalates are commonly used in products with scents. My initial thought was to throw all the lotions away, but then I thought how wasteful that would be since I have so many. I'm slowly using them all up, and will start fresh with naturally made lotions from places like Green Oaks Apothecary, Mum Mum's or Lush. There are some things made at places like these for babies, too, but I'm not 100% comfortable using them without asking her pediatrician. Aveeno, Yes to...(carrots, blueberries, grapefruit, tomato), and Burt's Bees are great natural products, too, that can be found almost anywhere. This may be backwards, but I am comfortable using these commercially made products on baby because they meet certain guidelines.
Probably about two years ago, maybe longer, I was made aware of parabens and phthalates in make-up and lotions. I checked out an audio book from the library by Dr. Daniel Amen who talked at length about hormones, things we put into and onto our bodies, like parabens and phthalates. Both are known to cause cancer. I read the ingredients of all of my lotions and was bummed to find out all contained at least one of the chemicals. Parabens are preservatives and phthalates are commonly used in products with scents. My initial thought was to throw all the lotions away, but then I thought how wasteful that would be since I have so many. I'm slowly using them all up, and will start fresh with naturally made lotions from places like Green Oaks Apothecary, Mum Mum's or Lush. There are some things made at places like these for babies, too, but I'm not 100% comfortable using them without asking her pediatrician. Aveeno, Yes to...(carrots, blueberries, grapefruit, tomato), and Burt's Bees are great natural products, too, that can be found almost anywhere. This may be backwards, but I am comfortable using these commercially made products on baby because they meet certain guidelines.
Organic food is something that's interested me for a while, too. Unfortunately, claiming something is orgnaic is no guarantee it really is certified (from a grocery store standpoint) so buying from farmer's markets is the next best thing at this time. Fiance' and I are both interested in learning more about growing our own veggies and having somewhat of a mini-farm with chickens, etc. (one day) but without feeling exhausted from keeping up with that, and our regular jobs that pay the bills. Organic clothing, like Burt's Baby Bee, interests me, as well, but I haven't really had any experience with any of it. I'm assuming natural dyes are used and hope it's not all made in China or in a sweatshop. Anyone know if it's really worth it?
Biodegradable diapers seem like a good idea, but I've read that sometimes just because something's labeled as biodegradable, it isn't always true. There is an easy and organic way to make your own baby wipes that are not only good for baby's skin, but are so simple, they don't cause any environmental harm - thanks sis-in-law for the idea! I was considering trying cloth diapers, but fiance' said, 'no way'. Some friends said they'd find other ways to be green.
I'm still researching toys for baby. I'm not a fan of things that are cheap plastic, noisy contraptions that are made in China (yes, that's a big general swath); but I am a big promoter of 'imagination time'. Toys that are simple, that inspire her, don't overwhelm/overstimulate her, like some of the ones I've seen available through Little Pnuts or Citrus Lane. Toy cell phones make me batty, but I'm not sure why. We grew up with play phones and that didn't make me any more of a phone talker (I'm not a big phone talker). Plus, she sees both of us play on our phones, so it's inevitable she'll want to be like Mommy and Daddy and have her own.
When she's a little older and can stand on her own, I hope to do yoga together. I've done yoga for several years off and on, and I'm making a point to get back into it full-time again (see future post on anxiety). Other activities like bike riding, exploring outside, going to the park ranger talks at nature centers and state parks (I loved the one at Fort Pickens in Florida when I was a kid) will likely foster a respect for nature, which her dad and I both have.
Anyway, just parenting thoughts and ideals for nurturing our sweet bebe' who already seems to really like spending time on the patio looking at trees and listening to birds - thanks to TAG (my dad) for introducing her to that!
I'm still researching toys for baby. I'm not a fan of things that are cheap plastic, noisy contraptions that are made in China (yes, that's a big general swath); but I am a big promoter of 'imagination time'. Toys that are simple, that inspire her, don't overwhelm/overstimulate her, like some of the ones I've seen available through Little Pnuts or Citrus Lane. Toy cell phones make me batty, but I'm not sure why. We grew up with play phones and that didn't make me any more of a phone talker (I'm not a big phone talker). Plus, she sees both of us play on our phones, so it's inevitable she'll want to be like Mommy and Daddy and have her own.
When she's a little older and can stand on her own, I hope to do yoga together. I've done yoga for several years off and on, and I'm making a point to get back into it full-time again (see future post on anxiety). Other activities like bike riding, exploring outside, going to the park ranger talks at nature centers and state parks (I loved the one at Fort Pickens in Florida when I was a kid) will likely foster a respect for nature, which her dad and I both have.
Anyway, just parenting thoughts and ideals for nurturing our sweet bebe' who already seems to really like spending time on the patio looking at trees and listening to birds - thanks to TAG (my dad) for introducing her to that!
