We have been on our going green journey for about 2 years now, and it truly is a learning process! I was already using cloth diapers as a means to reduce waste and the chemicals that can be found in disposable diapers and was slowly switching to re-usable products, but the real awareness of ingredients began shortly after my husband’s cancer diagnosis. I always had negative reactions to harsh chemical cleaners where I would feel short of breath, get itchy, and sometimes get a rash, but I was under the incorrect assumption that it had to smell strong and contain harsh chemicals to actually “do the job.” Wow, have I learned A LOT since then! Plus with having 3 special needs children as well the last thing we need are more harsh chemicals and harmful ingredients. I am now more aware of ingredients in not only our household cleaners but everything around the home including what we eat! Not only do I not have reactions, but I don’t feel sick and rundown all the time anymore, which blows that whole idea of you need harsh chemicals to “do the job” right out of the water! 😉 I look for ingredients that are plant-based, natural, and organic, BUT I am also aware that anyone can put “natural” or even “organic” on their labels. Unfortunately it’s not as easy as just looking for key words. My best advice is ALWAYS read the labels, shop from stores (including online) you trust that specialize in natural products, and when in doubt – research! That’s why I love to share what I’ve learned in hopes of helping others on their own personal journeys and love to share resources that have been valuable to me along the way as well!
Healthy C
hild Healthy World has been a great resource for our family! Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Healthy Child Healthy World began in 1992 after five-year-old Colette Chuda died of a rare form of non-hereditary cancer linked to environmental factors. Playing a leadership role in one of the most important public health and environmental movements of the 21st century, Healthy Child Healthy World today ignites the movement that empowers parents to protect children from harmful chemicals. Healthy Child Healthy World is a national, nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.
For the past two decades Healthy Child Healthy World has been the nation’s leading organization of its kind. They:
- Expand awareness of unnecessary toxic risks to children’s health;
- Encourage easy actions and responsible lifestyle choices;
- Advocate for corporate policies and government legislation that protect children from environmental health risks; and,
- Engage communities to take collective actions to create a healthier world.
They have encouraged me to learn more and become the best advocate for our household by just becoming more aware and making better choices! Their tips, education, etc. is awesome, and I’m so grateful to have found them!
Nordic Naturals, recognizing the issue of our children being exposed to more chemicals than ever – with new ones being introduced each day – is teaming up with Healthy Child Healthy World in a Back to School Promotion to raise awareness about this important issue! Based in Watsonville, CA, Nordic Naturals is committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils to help provide the essentials of an extraordinary life. Distributing to more than 35 countries, Nordic Naturals offers over 150 products in a variety of flavors and formulations, all in line with leading standards for safety, efficacy and sustainability. By providing omega oil supplements for adults, kids, athletes and pets, Nordic Naturals helps everyone do more of what they love.
Here’s just one way that Nordic Naturals plans to help: Their Special Back to School Promotion To raise awareness about this important issue, Nordic Naturals will donate a portion of proceeds from selected Nordic Naturals children’s products to Healthy Child Healthy World during its Back-to-School promotion, which will run from August 1st through October 31st. One dollar of every bottle sold of the following products will be donated to Healthy Child Healthy World:
- Nordic Berries™ – chewy, sweet-and-sour multivitamins provide 100% of the daily value of the most essential nutrients
- Nordic Omega-3 Gummies™ – easy-to-chew, omega-3 tangerine treats for ages 2+
- Children’s DHA™ – chewable, strawberry-flavored omega-3s support brain and visual function for ages 3+
- Baby’s DHA – omega-3s for babies 5-35 lbs. with a measured dropper for easy addition to formula or food
How great is that?! We know how important vitamins are, particularly the Omega-3 for our special needs children, and by purchasing a bottle you also are helping Healthy Child Healthy World!
Great story. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said “do your research”. I think it’s important to know as much as possible, and try everything that makes sense. Good luck to you and your family on your journey 🙂
-Jamaise @ Wishing Penny
I think healthy living is the way to go. I used to have a garden when I could, but now I grow (organic of course) cherries, blueberries, plums, pears and figs.