Our Mommyhood

by Brook, Contributor, Baby & Sofia (@babyandsofia)

I have taken on the green movement in the same way that many women treat their full-time jobs.  I research to find the best eco-friendly products and do-it-yourself projects. I recycle.  I avoid chemicals and plastics. I shop at the co-op instead of the grocery store. I only serve organic food to my baby.

I could go on, but don’t worry, I won’t.  I know that going green is a very personal decision, and one that has different degrees of meaning for different individuals.  I have the time and resources to find the “greenest” route that I can for my family, and I know that not all moms do.

I also know that many women are interested in living a more eco-friendly lifestyle, so I have put together a list of ten easy ways to be eco-chic.  Being green is easier than ever, and I hope these simple tips will help to lead you to a more environmentally-friendly life.

1. Buy a water filter

Say sayonara to thousands of plastics bottles and their harmful chemical effects. If you love having water on the go, Wal-Mart and Target both sell an adorable, reusable BPA-free plastic to-go cup for grown-ups.

2. Say no to plastic

Boycott plastic shopping bags at the market. (Personally, I think they should be illegal!)  Most grocers sell durable, reusable shopping bags for 99 cents.  I especially love Trader Joe’s bags because they are made from recycled plastic bottles.  If you are looking for something a little more high fashion, you would love the shoppers from the eco-chic company, Make Love Not Trash.

3. No spend day

Institute a spending freeze at least one day each week. If you mindfully choose to not spend money one day every week, you will minimize impulse buys and cut back on gas consumption.  Your pocketbook will be happier, too.

4. Get a plant

Reduce indoor air pollution and purify your home naturally by keeping at least one green houseplant in each room.  Any green plant is great, but the best indoor plants for this purpose are:

~ Areca palm
~ Rubber plant
~ Peace lily
~ Australian sword fern
~ English ivy
~ Janet Craig dracaena
~ Boston fern
~ dwarf date palm
~ reed palm
~ weeping fig

5. DIY cleaner

Instead of using a harsh, chemical cleaner everyday, make your own non-toxic multi-purpose cleaner.  I swear by this solution and use it for everything, from my baby’s highchair to the bathroom sink:
Simply mix together the following ingredients and pour into a medium-sized spray bottle:
~1 1/2 cups water
~1/2 cup white vinegar
~1 teaspoon biodegradable dish soap
~3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
~splash of lemon juice

I love this cleaning solution so much, especially because there are no harsh chemical fumes for my baby to breathe in while I am cleaning up.

6. Used before new

When shopping for new books or toys for your little ones, stop at a consignment boutique before you go to Target or Wal-Mart.  My local boutique has a fabulous selection of books, toys and even clothes for babies and children, and they only carry items that are in great condition.  Not only will this save you money, but you are recycling in the truest sense of the word.  Added bonus: you can cut back on unnecessary waste generated from the excessive packaging that comes with most brand-new toys.

7. Give the gift of green

When I have a gift to give, I try to give a green gift. My favorites are the Silver Spiral Bowl from The Spiral Foundation, and Rich Rainforest Organic Gourmet Fudge, for sale at Organic Echo.

8. Unplug

Be mindful of energy consumption in your home.  One sneaky electricity consumer is your mobile phone charger. Unplug it when you are not using it.

9. Go local

Buy your produce locally. Your food will be much fresher and you’ll leave a smaller carbon footprint.  Farmers’ Markets and Co-ops not only have a fabulous selection of organic and locally-grown produce, but are way more fun than a trip to regular old grocery store.

10. DIY Beauty

If a mani/pedi is a must for you, like it is for me, don’t give it up. Instead, just bring your own nail polish.  OPI now uses a non-toxic formula, free of the toxic trio: toulene, formaldehyde, and Dibutyl Phthalate.  Or, if you are a do-it-yourself woman, give yourself an easy all-natural manicure:

1. File nails evenly, and follow with a thorough wash with warm water.
2. Soak fingertips in organic apple cider vinegar for 10-15 minutes.
3. Apply organic olive oil to entire nail bed and cuticle; massage to absorb and allow to dry.
4. Using a fine grade buffer, buff nails evenly, moving in one direction. (Not back and forth.)
5. If you prefer, apply non-toxic polish and allow to dry.
6. Moisturize hands with a fragrance free heavy hand cream.
7. Admire your gorgeous, all-natural manicured hands.

So these are my easy go-green tips!  What do you think?

What do you do to keep your home healthy and Earth-friendly?

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