The health and safety of children is such a hot topic, and with good reason. There truly is nothing more important to me, and I’m always on a quest for more information. Not only that, but I’m a statistics junky and want to know strategies to keep my littles healthy and thriving. Prior to last week, I had heard of Seventh Generation and Healthy Child Healthy World, but I didn’t fully understand just how important of a role that they play in informing the public and providing products that really encourage smarter and healthier lifestyle choices.
“I participated in this program on behalf of Seventh Generation and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.”
Several years ago, I hosted a Healthy Baby Home Party and was pleased to see that this program is still around and even better than before!
Healthy Child Healthy World: The Facts
Here is a little information to get you started with knowing what Healthy Child Healthy World is all about.
• There are more than 80,000 chemicals registered for use in the U.S. Comprehensive pre-market safety testing of these chemicals is not required under any federal law.
• The primary U.S. law that regulates chemicals in every day products hasn’t been updated in more than 35 years.
• In the European Union (EU), 1,328 chemicals have been banned for use in personal care products. In the U.S., only 11 chemicals have been banned or restricted by the FDA.
• Cancer is now the leading cause of child-related death in the U.S., exceeded only by injury.
Throughout childhood, kids are continuously exposed. Children are exposed to chemicals in utero and in then in breast milk and from pesticides and chemicals in foods they eat. Toys have been recalled in droves thanks to high amounts of lead. In a study of 10 face paints, ALL 10 tested positive for lead!
It’s a scary thought knowing how easily contact with harmful chemicals is in today’s world.
Knowledge Is Power
As parents, we do so much to ensure the health and safety of our kids. Car seats, bike helmets, and door knob covers are a few that we use around my household. The Healthy Baby Home Party kit had tons of practical advice.
Here are some tips to make your home healthier for yourself and your children:
- When possible, use alternatives to plastic like glass, lead-free ceramic and stainless steel for dishes and glassware. This helps limit exposure tot he toxic chemicals that many plastics are made with, which can be absorbed by your food and beverages.
- Consider asking guests to remove their shoes before entering your home or place welcome mats around doors to encourage them to wipe their shoes. (Make sure to clean mats regularly!) Roughly 70% of household dust, pests, pollutants and dirt (which often contains lead and chemicals) are tracked indoors on the bottom of shoes.
- When purchasing produce, go organic! Focus on swapping out “The Dirty Dozen” – foods that contain the most pesticide residue. These includes apples, celery, sweet bell peppers, peaches, strawberries, nectarines (imported), lettuce, grapes, spinach, cucumbers, blueberries (domestic), and potatoes. Wash all fruits and veggies with a mild soap and water before eating or use a food wash.
- Use more natural cleaners that are made with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients and formulated to be non-toxic. Look for those that don’t create harsh fumes or emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from solvent-based ingredients.
- Watch out and avoid BPAs. BPA (Bisphenol-A) can be hiding the cans and bottles that you normally use for convenience foods and water. Look for brands that do not use these harmful hormone disruptors!
For dozens of other tips and to download free e-books and guides, check out Healthychild.org.
Seventh Generation Steps It Up
We’ve used Seventh Generation products for a few years now. They used to be hard to find,and I would have to head to the health food store to find more sustainable, healthy options for my family. Seventh Generation can now be found at Target, and I have even found many of their products at Walgreens and Albertsons.
They use plant derivatives to help disinfect and clean in their household cleaning supplies. Their diapers are unbleached and gentler on the earth. The skin care products are free of harsh chemicals since they realize that the substances you put on your body are quickly found in your blood stream.
According to Seventh Generation, all chemicals are guilty until proven innocent. You can read more about their part in the effort to strengthen and pass the Toxic Chemical Safety Improvement Act and you can do your part in urging your Senators to take action to protect families.
Seventh Generation Twitter Party!
Please join me at the Seventh Generation Twitter Party this Thursday, November 14th at 1:00PM Eastern for a fun, informative time to discuss all-natural baby product options! We’ll also talk about the Healthy Baby Home Party which give moms an interesting and engaging way to educate friends and family on topics like creating a healthy environment for the next generation.
The hashtag we’ll be using during the party is #HealthyBabyHome and, of course, there will be PRIZES! Join the party to win a month’s supply of baby diapers and wipes. There will also be prizes for five lucky winners, all chosen randomly from the U.S. participants who answer the Twitter party trivia questions correctly.
A huge thank you to our Twitter Party Hosts: @TheMotherhood, @TheMotherhood25, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann.
Which Products Do You Need to Make Safer In Your House?
Do you need a safer carpet cleaner, kitchen spray, dishwashing detergent, laundry soap, or maybe facial cleanser? Have you tried Seventh Generation before?
Find Seventh Generation at Target nationwide and do yourself, your kids, and the world a favor.
