Creating a Greener Home for Your Babyby Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger 30 Jan 2007 09:52 PM Pregnancy is a time for thinking about the future. As you plan for your baby, you are thinking about the future and what life will be like for your child. Naturally, you want to do all you can to protect your baby and preserve our planet for your child and his children. You can do your part by making your home a "green" environment for your family. Toxicity in the environment and the dangers that toxic chemicals pose to people has gained more media attention recently. Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" has brought greater awareness to the toxins found in our environment. If you are pregnant, you may be concerned about toxins and how to protect your baby. There are several things you can do to reduce the toxins in your home. Consider the products you use to clean your home. Many of the products used in cleaning contain toxic chemicals. There are many green versions available that use vegetable extracts and other natural ingredients. These can be found in most grocery and discount stores. You can also make your own cleaning products at home with ingredients such as vinegar and lemon juice. Materials used in making toys for infants are coming under increased scrutiny. Plastics and phthalates can off gas chemicals for years after they are first manufactured. This is a larger concern for infants, who tend to put everything in their mouths. Look for wooden baby toys made with non toxic materials for your baby. Consider the materials used in your baby's clothing, bedding and other home furnishings. Man made materials often contain petroleum based chemicals that may or may not be safe. More mothers are choosing organic cotton or hemp for a greener alternative. These materials are natural and grown without pesticides. Your new baby may have you thinking about the future of our planet. We have spent the last century dumping an unprecedented number of chemicals into the water and air. This may have dire consequences for future generations on this planet. The problem may seem insurmountable, but it isn't. If each of us does a few small things to help preserve the environment, this can become a big thing. Some things you can do: * Conserve energy by turning down the thermostat a few degrees. Turn it down some more before you go to bed. * Install low flow toilets, shower heads and sink spigots to conserve water. * Use less gas by choosing a fuel efficient or hybrid vehicle for your next purchase. * Recycle as much as you can, including household garbage and items that you don't need. Donate old clothing, toys and household items rather than throwing them away. * Reduce the amount of garbage created in your home by purchasing items that use less packaging, recycling and composting organic waste. * Plant a tree in honor of the baby. * Grow a vegetable garden for food and to make your own baby food. * Teach your child to love and care for our planet. The earth belongs to them, so we need to teach them to preserve it. Related Articles: Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy Home Health Hazards in Pregnancy Is Hair Color Safe During Pregnancy? Learn more about Pattie Hughes  Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. Relevantpregnancy tags User Comments  Sara Denomme (1063) 30 Jan 2007 09:42 PMI'm glad you mentioned An Inconvenient Truth - that movie/documentary is so inspiring! I wanted to run around telling any one I saw to see it LOL Community Tags environment, healthy pregnancy, toxic chemicals Discuss this article
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