To some, Earth Day (April 22nd) is just another token holiday on our calendar. To others, Earth Day makes us reflect as we barrel down the highway in our SUV, chomping on a Big Mac, then flinging the wrapper out the window. This year, I've decided to take it one step further. I'm attempting to educate people so that planet & people-friendly choices can be made.
As a mother of two young children, I have become much more motivated to "go green". We all take for granted the convenience items that have become part and parcel of our daily lives. Did I ever stop to think, however, that those Pampers Swaddlers and lavender-scented wipes I use on my babies' precious bottoms contain chlorine? You see, once upon a time, chlorine was used as a poisonous gas...to kill people...in WWI. Today, we're using it to clean people. Odd, isn't it? And, don't get me started on all the toxins in our homes: synthetic pesticides, formaldehyde, fertilizers, growth hormones, volatile organic compounds...want me to go on? Didn't think so. So what can we do about it?
CLEAN GREEN
Years and years ago, my grandmother and mother would clean exclusively with white vinegar. I can still remember that distinct smell on Friday nights...also known as cleaning night... or, as I jokingly referred to it, salad night! They had the right idea, though. They used all-natural products to clean our home, thereby reducing our exposure to any harmful toxins. Nowadays, our cleaning baskets are stockpiled with Lysol, Vim, Comet, etc. I have opted out of mass-market cleaners. One major reason for this decision is the fact that I am very uncomfortable with a government that doesn't regulate the safety of chemicals used in the products that line the shelves at Fortinos. Vinegar, lemon & baking soda suit me just fine (and they're a lot easier on the pocketbook!). Oh, I do use dish soap, but it's non toxic: Nature Clean or Method.
BUY GREEN
I've made a conscious decision to buy organic (when possible & necessary), or I make the effort to buy local. If it has skin on it when I eat it, it's organic: apples, pears, grapes, potatoes, etc. My kids loooooove grapes, apples & strawberries, so why in the world would I want to fill my adorable, little munchkins with pesticides? Whenever possible, however, I buy locally. First off, the apples at Pine Farms in King City taste much better than any other apple I've ever eaten. Plus, by supporting local farmers, I am aiding in the protection of green space, helping to sustain viable farming communities, and I provide more sound nutrition for my family.
BE GREEN
Anytime I breathe in, I'm filling my lungs & body with chemicals...why add to it? I've made a conscious effort to use all-natural products with regard to personal-hygiene as well. Yup, we're all sulphate and paraben-free. The children smell of Gaia bath products or Burt's Bees. And the old folks? We use Jason products, Kiss My Face, or Avalon Organics. We've never smelled better!!! Plus, I take comfort in knowing that I am not slathering myself & my children with unnecessary chemicals. It's a win-win situation.
Please don't misinterpret my message here. I am by no means telling you to ride around on a trike, wear negative heel earth shoes, eat tofu & spelt all day... Heck, I drive around in a Ford Explorer (though I walk when possible, or use the Corolla if I'm on my own). My message is one of making a collective difference. If we collectively make a few good, sound choices, we can actually make a huge difference in our health and the health of our planet. On Earth Day (April 22nd), turn lights off when you leave the room...switch to compact flourescent bulbs...turn off the tap when brushing your teeth...pick up your trash...start small, but make a big impact.
Happy Earth Day, everyone!
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