10 Things Moms Can Do To Reduce Environmental Impact AND Have Healthier Kids

1. Stop using Lysol or air fresheners of any kind - Whether it's diaper duty or stinky gym shoes, moms use a lot of air freshening sprays to make their homes livable. Think about the harsh chemicals and the aerosol cans used for conventional air fresheners. Think of how much of this indoor (and potentially outdoor) air pollution could be eliminated if every mom in America used natural air fresheners! There are some that you can mix yourself at home, and there are others that you can buy that are much more effective (if you run a day care or have multiple stinkers). Either way, you'll breathe easier and reduce allergens and toxins in the air!

2. Eat more raw foods - Simply put, if you cook less, you'll use less energy. You will also retain more vitamins and nutrients in the food you and your children eat. Buying local produce may also save on emissions because the food has a shorter distance to travel to get to your table. It's healthier for family and the environment!

3. Use biodegradable, concentrated, plant-based cleaners - Yes, you can get all three in one! You may have seen some recipes for homemade cleaners, but your house will probably hold a lingering vinegar smell if you use those - NOT kid friendly. You have probably seen some concentrated cleaning products and detergents, in grocery stores, but very few of them are made from plant derived products or are biodegradable. So, concentrated versions of harmful or harsh solvents are still not truly green, although they are a bit better because you use less of them. However, you can get the best of all three, you just have to know where to look. They are also safer to use around children because of the reduced risk of poisoning.

4. Only wash full loads and air dry clothes - Use less energy, water, and solvents (detergent) this way! How cool is that? It takes less energy to wash fewer loads and no energy to air dry at all. If you are using the kind of detergent mentioned in tip number 3, using even less of THAT is about as green as it gets. This also protects your children's skin, using less detergents less often.

5. Dress children in layers - The bulk of your energy bill is NOT going to lighting, but to heating and cooling. So, dressing your children in layers keeps those costs low by allowing kids to bundle up or strip down as needed. You use less heating power in the winter and less cooling power in the summer if you simply teach your children to dress appropriately for the weather. Being able to control their personal body temperature can also help cut down on colds; in layers, kids don't ever have to be too hot or too cold in their clothes.

6. More crafts, less toys - Most children have more toys than they actually play with, and you probably throw away more plastics and paper than they need to. Smaller children enjoy arts and crafts, and there are lots of fun and functional things you can make from recyclables. You can also control the paints that you use, guaranteeing that there will be no lead!

7. Don't use CFL bulbs - Despite what you have been hearing about the benefits of CFL bulbs, the risks are great, especially for moms with young children. Why? Light bulbs break. All the time. ESPECIALLY around kids. Do you want a light bulb with poisonous mercury in it breaking because your son refuses to stop throwing the football in the house? Do you know how much it costs to have the proper specialists clean up a mercury spill? Click here to read more about why the savings are not worth the risks with CFLs, especially for parents with small children.

8. Spend more time at home - The more time you spend doing things at home, the less gas you burn driving around town. However, besides less emissions, you also reduce your risk for food poisoning at restaurants, colds and influenza, and other dangers that come with being out and about. You don't have to be a hermit, but spending more time at home is healthier for mind, body, soul, and planet. It gives you more control over what influences your children, and it saves you money, too! All around great option for family friendly living.

9. Properly dispose of grease oil waste BEFORE washing dishes - When you cook meat, oil can be both a primer and a byproduct. Most people either pour grease down the toilet (yuck) or down the kitchen sink. Neither method is good for your plumbing or the water supply. The best way to dispose of grease and oil is to solidify them as much as possible, and then throw the solid materials in the trash. Click here to learn more about how to properly dispose of grease and oils in the home.

10. Get a green home business - Besides providing your family with products or services that help to reduce your own environmental impact, it gives you a platform for encouraging others to go green(er) without sounding preachy. Plus, it recycles your dollars in the green community. Oh yeah, and it makes you money! More to spend on renewable energy or disposable dishes and flatware made of corn, or whatever your green little heart desires. If you're average, you can at least get your own stuff for free. If you're really good at it, it could replace your current income. Sweet.

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If you would like more information on how to start your own green business, click here and get started today!

Want to meet and greet the author? Just want to know more about going green? Shoot me an email at icjackson1913 (at) gmail.com and I'll help you in any way that I can!

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