Environmental Working Group is definitely one of the best organizations to promote.  We spread the word about them in our Karma Kards with their Cosmetic Ingredients and Pesticides in Produce cards.

They are also sharing some of the best and most important tips you can do in your home for environmental health.  Please visit Healthy Home Tips for the extended versions.

Tip 1:  Know the ingredients in your personal care products.
Just because a label says “gentle” or “natural” doesn’t mean it’s kid- safe.  Look up your products on CosmeticsDatabase.com.  Read the ingredients and avoid triclosan, BHA, fragrance, and oxybenzone.

Tip 2:  Eat Organic & Fresh foods.
Opt for organic fruits and veggies, or use FoodNews.org to find conventionally grown produce with the least pesticides.  Choose milk and meat without added growth hormones.  Limit canned food and infant formula, as can linings contain bisphenol A (BPA).

Tip 3:  Avoid fire retardants.
Choose snug-fitting cotton pajamas for kids, and repair or replace worn out foam items.

Tip 4:  Pick plastics carefully.
Some plastics contain BPA, which is linked to cancer.  Avoid clear, hard plastics marked with a “7″ or “PC” and choose baby bottles made from glass.  Don’t microwave plastic containers.  Stay away from toys marked with a “3″ or “PVC.”  Give your baby a frozen washcloth instead of vinyl teethers.

Tip 5:  Wash those hands, but avoid Triclosan.
In addition to reducing illness, frequent hand washing will reduce kids’ exposure to chemicals.  Skip anti-bacterial soaps, since they can be bad for the environment, aren’t any better than soap and water, and can contain pesticides that are absorbed through the skin.

Tip 6:  Skip the non-stick, the dangers of teflon.
When overheated, non-stick cookware can emit toxic fumes.  Cook with cast iron or stainless steel and bake with oven-safe glass instead.

Tip 7:  Your Green Holiday Kitchen.
Get tips for a healthy kitchen this holiday season.

Tip 8:  Filter Your Tap Water.
Use a reverse osmosis system or carbon filter pitcher to reduce your family’s exposure to impurities in water, like chlorine and lead.  Don’t drink bottled water, which isn’t necessarily better.  Mix infant formula with fluoride-free water.

Tip 9:  Get rid of that (toxic) dust.
Kids spend lots of time on the floor, and household dust can contain contaminants like lead and fire retardants.  HEPA-filter vacuums capture the widest range of particles and get rid of allergens.  Leave your shoes at the door so you don’t bring more pollutants inside.

You see, I was right!  Just like I blogged with Take Your Shoes Off Upon Entering!!!

Not only is taking your shoes off at the door a good idea for environmental health, it’s just plain respectful too.  And as Feng Shui masters remind us, it keeps the energy of the outside world – outside!  Promote the health of your blessed home.

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