The Center of Education for Children’s Health and the Environment

1) Start a replacement policy for your cosmetic, personal care and cleaning products. When your current products are getting low replace them with safer alternatives. If you are not sure how to find safer products contact your local Affiliate Educator for more information.

2) Start buying organic fruit and veggies where possible. This is especially important for children as they are much more vulnerable to toxic exposures. Local farmers markets are often the most economical way to get fresh organic produce. If you are worried about the cost, cut down on processed foods and bulk up on veggies, it’s cheaper and your body will love you for it! Organic farming uses less water than conventional farming and none of the pesticides that not only poison our food but also contaminate our soil and waterways. Nutritionally organic fruit and veggies are significantly higher in antioxidants and some nutrients.

3) Get rid of the plastic! Whenever you have an option to use alternatives to plastic; do so. This includes bags, toys, and utensils, drinking containers, baby bottles, sippy cups and especially food storage items.

4) Buy recycled products when possible, from toilet paper and serviettes to converting your office to use 100% recycled paper, it all helps.

5) Buy sustainable, organic cotton and hemp clothing when possible. There are more and more companies making this a viable option. For online stores that sell organic baby clothes, blankets, crib pads go to www.ceche.net and look under “CECHE Recommends”.

6) Get rid of those air fresheners and plug in candles! Many of them are neurotoxins and contain formaldehyde.

7) Recycle whenever you can! This includes everything from baby clothes to furniture to wrapping paper.