Why go “Green”?
May 5, 2008
Call it maternal instinct, but I’m sure we can all relate when we hear those stories of mothers lifting cars to get to their children. Donating organs the drop of a hat. Undergoing painful and challenging procedures just to conceive a child. So it is no wonder that once that child arrives our world changes. It is no longer about us anymore, but about them. In some ways, it is such a relief to no longer be the center of your own universe. At the same time, it is scary becoming a parent because all you want is to provide the best and protect them from all harm.
While this is not always possible, I think we can agree that we do our best. That is why going “Green” (or Greener) is such a fantastic gift to give to our children.
In my favorite Green-Mama-Guide “Green Babies, Sage Mom’s” Dr. Harvey Karp, author of “The Happiest Baby on the Block” (the video is a must for new parents) makes some great points, which is summed up as: Parenthood is a great club with great benefits. However, there are dues for membership. Our grandparents, and their parents invested a lot to make this country great with highways, airports, buildings etc. Now, as parents it is our turn to pay-it-forward and reciprocate that gift to our own children, by giving them a safe and healthy environment to thrive in.
To me, that says it is not about “being Green” it is just about being an aware and concerned parent. The only way we can do that is through education and advocacy.
“But we all turned out O.K.”
Is that the statement of the century or what? Yes, we did turn out O.K…or did we? The problem with the chemicals of concern today are the same as chemicals in the past such as asbestos, and lead based paint to name a few. It takes time and extensive research to know the true effects of these substances over time. The chemicals of most concern right now such as BPA’s, Phthalates and PVC are potentially linked to:
* Breast Cancer
* Prostate Cancer
* Hormonal Disturbances
* Damage to the Testes and Liver
* Birth Defects
* Learning Disabilities
We know that some or all of these diseases are on the rise, however they usually do not show up until later in life, so it is hard know what and where the effects are coming from.
Consider this:
In the 1950’s chemicals were the world’s saving grace. Saving us from famine, building our structures and we thought that our bodies could handle unlimited exposure. However as we all know, come to find out some of those “great” chemicals turned out to be toxic and as a result there was a lot of law-suits, illness and heartache.
That being said, we are so lucky to live in an era where research and science can not only tell us which substances are most likely to adversely affect our health, but we have alternatives as well.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying to put yourself and your family in a bubble, I’m just saying control the controllables such as the foods you eat, the cosmetics you use, the eating and feeding utensils you buy and the products you use to clean your home. I truly believe that if we educate ourselves and advocate for safer, healthier environments we can make drastic changes in our own lives and in our communities.
I hope that this website can be a resource for you and your community. If you ever have any questions, concerns or topics that you would like addressed PLEASE pass those my way. In the meantime, thank you for your support and for visiting www.pregnancyandbabyinformation.com and our advertisers.
Molly Ursini
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