Happy Friday! Today I'm excited to featurea widely published writer, mom, activist and world traveler.
Beth Shea, founder and author of the popular blogPetite Planet is here! While researching green design for children to feature at Design to die for, and I found her site to be one of the better, more comprehensive sites in the blogging world. Beth says that people often equate “going green” with complex overhauls and expensive purchases—but living a healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle is truly about simplifying your surroundings and household routine.
Here are Beth's top five tips for new parents who want to go green:
1) Keep chemicals out of your baby’s feeding routine and out of your household cleaning regimen. The greenest, healthiest choice when it comes to feeding your newborn is to breastfeed, but if nursing is not a possibility, opt for BPA-free baby bottles with silicone nipples and organic formula that is not exposed to BPA in its packaging. As baby grows, make sure everything from his spoons, forks and bowls to his sippy cups are non-toxic. Use all natural cleaners when tidying the household. If you don’t want to make your own cleaners from pure and simple ingredients, opt for chemical-free, non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaners from brands like Seventh Generation and Method.
2) Use cloth diapers and reusable baby wipes. Cloth diapering has become more convenient with the introduction of gDiapers, which contain flushable inserts. There are also countless reusable baby wipe options on the market which do not contain harsh irritants that may adversely affect baby’s delicate skin. Keeping disposable diapers out of landfills is a giant step toward going green.
3) Buy wooden, non-toxic, handmade toys over plastic toys, and get creative with playtime. A baby’s favorite pastime is interacting with his parents—so there’s no need to go crazy with unnecessary gear. Engage your baby with reading, singing, dancing, peek-a-boo … there is no better educator or stimulator than a parent who is attuned to her child. When you do purchase toys, shop with care. Select toys that are responsibly crafted, as babies put everything into their mouths! You want to assure that toys are pure and safe.
4) Make bath time squeaky clean. Everything from your baby’s shampoo, body wash and lotions, to his bath toys and even the bath tub itself should be chemical-free. There is an abundance of non-toxic baby body care products on the market, and phthalate-free, BPA-free, PVC-free bath toys are becoming increasingly available. A great new BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free bath tub also recently hit the market—the foldable Flexibath!
5) Remove your shoes at the door. Babies and children spend most of their time crawling and playing on the floor, and removing your shoes before walking into your house will drastically eradicate the amount of lead, pesticides, germs and pollutants that are tracked into your home on your shoes. Keep a basket of clean, cozy socks and slippers at the door for guests, and invest in an indoor pair of slippers yourself. This super easy change will improve the health of your entire family and the cleanliness of your home.
Beth is a big fan of whimsical designs that inspire a child's imagination and encourage his inherent creativity and zest for life. Check out five of her favorite green designs!
My favorite green designs are typically those parents make for their children—as is the case with this inspired “La Roulotte” playhouse by Mikodesign. No one knows what your children will love better than you, so creating their toys and play spaces with your own two hands is a sacred gift you can bestow on them—and it leaves a lighter footprint on the earth.
I think a child’s bedroom should be a magical place which transports them straight into dreamland. This amazing wooden loft bed, the
My all time favorite green toy is Mama K’s Aromatic Play Clay. I love that it is 100 percent natural, organic, gluten-free, handmade by a green mama, and infused with organic essential oils for aromatherapy during playtime, My daughter and I have play clay sessions almost daily. We love to giggle, bond and chat as we make limitless creations from play food to funny animals.
Please check out Beth at her blog Petite Planet and decide today what you can do to go green!
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