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by Shannon LeMintier

Ever noticed how children have an obsessive need to chew on anything and everything as a way of exploring life and breaking in those new pearly whites? Worried about germs and bacteria as your little one gums and gnaws? “It will make her immune system stronger” pipes my not-so germ phobic husband. But I worry a step further about the chemicals she may be ingesting that could potentially damage her development. Potential interference with her hormone system, behavioral effects, early onset of puberty, fetal development, various cancers…all from a cute rubber ducky or sippy cup?!

It is being debated politically and scientifically as to whether or not phthalates and bisphenol-A cause the above mentioned physical conditions (and more, for that matter) and should be removed from plastics. (more…)

(Green School Lunches – Part 2)
by Liesl Bradner

So, now you’ve discovered just how unhealthy cafeteria food is at your child’s school, and if you don’t have the option of organic lunch delivery or non-junk food vending machines, here are some suggestions on how to pack a healthier, greener lunch.

• Instead of sandwiches made with higher-fat processed lunch meats like bologna, give turkey, chicken, tuna-fish or egg salad a try.
• Use whole-grain or rye bread or whole wheat tortillas.
• For an entrée, whip up some plain pasta or homemade soup (bring in a thermos) or a green salad made with lots of colorful veggies and balsamic dressing (pick up some cute little containers to store the dressing in).
• For snacks, pack fruit (fresh or dried), pretzels, baked chips, trail mix, veggies and dip, raisins, nuts, seeds, granola bars, yogurt or cheese sticks (more…)

(Green School Lunches - Part 1)

by Liesl Bradner

Green cafeteria food - in the past this usually meant mystery meat surprise was on the menu. But no jokes about it - school cafeterias need to be greener in the organic, healthy and preservative-free way.

Despite the push of recent school-nutrition legislation such as “The Farm Ranch Equity Stewardship and Health Fresh Act of 2007,” which aims to make healthy, local foods available for children, nine out of 10 U.S. schools “a la carte programs” do not meet the U.S. government’s nutritional recommendations, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Busy parents are left high and dry and forced to have their children choose between low-grade, processed or sugar-laden junk food at school. Typical menu items offered to students consist of high-fat foods like pizza, fries, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, macaroni and cheese, and chicken nuggets. Not only are they not very appetizing but are made with highly processed, unpronounceable ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and artificial sweeteners. (more…)

by Michelle Bexelius

Going to school is the most exciting thing to do as the new kid on the block. There are so many new things to discover and learn, but I’ve noticed that so many things can be improved to strengthen their experience.

The first thing I noticed as a parent of a kindergartener touring schools is the lack of fresh air and circulation in the classrooms. There are enough germs going on between buddies. Wouldn’t it be nice to open the windows or better yet, use an air filter to also rid the place from bacteria and dust. Who wants to bring that home anyway? This is especially important in the presence of art materials such as glues and paints as the little guys create their masterpieces.

Each year school supplies get replenished after hours of use, spilling, knocking over, etc, but one thing I would like to see is that schools start using more non toxic ingredients for the little hands that touch them. (more…)

by Michelle Bexelius

Setting up a baby nursery

Having a baby can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There is so much to learn about bringing a newborn into the world such as what crib to buy, what mattress, what bottles, clothes, toys, etc. We all want to make their environment safe, welcoming and healthy.

Babies spend 60% of their lives sleeping their first year, so it’s important to make sure their space is set up to allow them to grow up without toxins. Here are a few practical yet important things you can do to ensure the safety of your baby’s space. It’s a place to start.

As an eco-consultant and co-owner of Green This Life, I am asked to come in to people’s homes and access their exposure to toxins in their home, and I recommend ways for people to make their living spaces better for their health and the planet. Today, I went to a home where a woman was preparing for her son’s arrival and had some questions about setting up his nursery. She had lots of questions and was concerned with creating a healthy yet stylish environment for her little guy. Since a large percentage of our eco-consultations are for families with children, I had lots of ideas for her. (more…)