One of the first things new
parents do in anticipation of their little one is to frantically clean.
In our haste to create home we often
forget how harmful cleaners can be to our babies and our environment.
These cleaners may get the job done but at what cost?
Some cleaning agents emit fumes that can be harmful to a baby's lungs, eyes,
and nose. If used periodically the accumulated
effect can open the door to future health problems. Other
cleaning agents are corrosive. They can irritate and harm our skin; so just
think about what those same chemicals can do to your baby’s delicate
skin. Then why do we purchase these cleaners? Simply, because they have
been skillfully marketed to us over many years, with
no mention of their harmful effects. Our parents did it and some of us are
still doing it. Here’s the good news, it’s easy to
turn the page, and say goodbye to those harmful cleaners. If you won’t do
it for you then do it for your baby.
Parent's can
start by avoiding extra strength cleaners. Extra strength cleaners contain many
corrosive chemicals that can leave behind harmful
residues. These residues can get on your baby’s hands, in their food, on
their toys or pacifiers, and a host of other places (if
they touch a surface where a chemical was used).
So the
question is what should you use? Luckily for you I have the answer.
Use mild cleaners like
unscented detergents and unscented general purpose soaps, organic cleaners many of which you can create (For example: club
soda, baking soda & salt can clean ovens, lemon juice and water can clean
kitchen cabinets, white vinegar and hot water can
clean floors, etc.) or purchase pre-packaged organic cleaners
that are created with the health of your family and environment
in mind. With a little effort you can green up your clean up in no time!
Leave
Those Pesky Pesticides Alone
Pesticides are chemicals
that prevent or destroy unwanted pests such as insects, rodents, and
fungi. If you notice the previous sentence what
should strike you is the word destroy. Now do we really want any
chemicals in our home whose main purpose is to destroy?
I don't think so. Babies are more vulnerable to pesticides than adults
because their bodies are just getting used to developing
defenses against toxicants. Early exposure to chemical based pesticides
can result in a permanent change of a baby's biology
and brain function. Various central nervous system functions can be adversely
effected with constant exposure.
So now
you want to know how to protect your baby, maintain that fabulous garden and
avoid pests? Good question!
· If you
use pesticides on your lawn and they are in your garden products as well, the
likelihood of you tracking the pesticides into your home is
great because chemicals on lawns and in soil can be tracked indoors. An easy
way to avoid this problem is to leave your
shoes at the door. It’s simple and effective, my favorite combination.
· Steer
clear of residential pesticides (bombs, fogs, and sprays) in favor of lower
toxic pesticides (bait stations,
gels, and sticky traps).
· Throw
away any old pesticides that contain Diazinon (an insecticide formerly used to control ants, fleas, cockroaches and
silverfish in residential, non-food buildings) and Chlorpyrifos (a.k.a.
Dursban, a home and garden used insecticide). These pesticides have been shown to have a harmful effect on the nervous system
and the effect is more pronounced in
children.
· Plug up
cracks and holes so that pests can't get in. For small holes use caulk.
For larger holes use copper mesh or
steel wool.
· Here’s a
no-brainer, clean up! Make sure your home is free of food crumbs that have
spilled onto floors and counters. If
I wasn’t clear before, I’ll say it again use organic cleaners
to get the job done.
Ventilate
Your Home
Let some fresh air in and
the bad air out. By bad air I mean the air that is filled with all those
stagnant chemical fumes from gas appliances, air
fresheners, incense, candles, insect sprays, etc. If these fumes are not let
out then they attach themselves to the dust
particles of the furniture and upholstery in your home. Airing out your
home dilutes the chemical fumes that have been left.
Cost
We know that going organic
can be a bit expensive. We suggest making your own organic cleaners
or buying in bulk to cut down on cost. You do not
have to go completely organic but at least try and include some organic items
in your household. There are many organic products on
the market from baby food to nursery mattresses. Find what you like and try
it. There's no harm in exposing your family to
healthy and safer living choices. This is one of the few times in
your life when a little green goes a long way.
Tips In a
Nutshell
Avoid
harmful cleaners.
Use mild
or organic cleaners.
Don’t use
pesticides that contain Diazinon or Chlorpyrifos.
To avoid
tracking pesticides in the house leave your shoes at the door.
Make sure you ventilate your home often.
Click Here for Eco-Friendly
Baby Nursery Tips or go to our Organic Baby Blog.
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