Awhile back friend Sara Jane said her carpet cleaner "smells like cancer." I just kind of laughed, but the more I think about it, the more I agree. I keep hearing about harmful chemicals in baby products such as bottles and baby wash, and it really bothers me that these things aren't more carefully regulated. I know I can't completely eliminate plastics and soap from our everyday lives, so I got online to learn more about more practical ways to reduce my kids' exposure to chemicals that may cause cancer and infertility. These are some of the things I'll be changing at our house (By the way, these are more a reminder to me, than a suggestion to you!):
- Avoid eating out of plastics labeled with #s 3, 6, & 7. Look for products with #s 1, 2, & 5 instead. I've been tossing my old sippy cups and looking through the tupperware cabinet for offending items. "Okay" sippy cups include: Avent Magic Cup, 1st Years Take n' Toss, and Playtex Sipster.
- For some reason, we always run out of spoons before lunch time at our house, so I finally bought a bunch a plastic spoons to supplement the real silverware. As soon as I can find another set of silverware, I'm chucking the plastic ones.
- No more heating up food in plastic containers in the microwave.
- No more plastic wrap in the microwave---I'll use paper towels instead.
- Look for baby food in glass jars instead of plastic ones.
- Let my kids soak in warm water at bath time and call it good. I'll use the soap occasionally when they really need it. I know it sounds gross, but it's not like they are teenagers with BO. This is a tough one for me because I really love using Johnson's Bedtime Bath and baby lotion.
- On a side note, despite the stories in the news last week, I will still immunize my kids on schedule. However, I'll probably still freak out about it every time, and I won't allow them to have shots when they are sick or have a fever.
- Another side note, apparently you are supposed to take folic acid for an entire year prior to pregnancy. Might as well just take a multi vitamin every day and call it good.
Anyway, I'm probably a bit paranoid. But I figure better safe than sorry, and these are pretty easy changes to make. Let me know if you have any other tips to share.
5 comments:
You go girl. Get down with your nature stuff. I have been making an effort not to microwave anything in plastic. Now the take and toss sippy is bugging me. I guess I will have to get some others. And I just bought a bunch too! LOL
UGH I thought you wrote that the take and toss sippy was not okay. FETCH. I went and bought new ones last night.. this is what happens when you make decisions when sick. Also if your boys start to get smelly from no soap.. i will let ya know. :)
I read an article last summer about chemicals in health and beauty products. Go to cosmeticsdatabase.com to do a search on the ingredients in your products. It's hard to find a balance between health and economics, but I have at least started buying products that are fragrance free (not just unscented).
visit www.thesoftlanding.com for non-toxic baby feeding gear. Its a good resource.
Ok tree-hugger, if your kids aren't dirty, don't give them a bath and save some water! This list makes me chuckle and I have to give you a hard time! Honestly, if it weren't for you and SJ, I would be clueless!
Post a Comment