The other day I taught a class at the hospital called “Go Baby Green.” Its goal is to raise awareness about chemical exposures in the home.

So there I was the day before in my kitchen whipping up my natural “homemade” products, creating alternatives for new parents to explore to help them 1) see how easy it is to make their own products in cleaning their homes, and caring for their babies, and 2) to expand their thinking, reasoning, and stimulate an interest in creating a healthier lifestyle for them and their families.

Now, I knew, and know this is a tall order because we like our comfort products, with all the “bells and whistles” (scent, lather, texture, shinny, softening, quick drying, quick removal, etc.) regardless if they cause our underarms to burn, our hair to fall out, cause allergies, asthma, even some cancers.

And, we don’t like change either. We hold on to the familiar – products, lifestyle, relationships, careers ….

So. I was in my kitchen “mini lab” quite proud of the concoctions I made to show my class. I packed them in my green travel “lab” cooler and was set for my class.

The next day I set up my class room and pleased with my display, waited for my “students” to arrive. In walked 3 expectant, very pregnant moms and their partners, and a mom who had a couple of little ones at home.

The class begins ..

I begin my discussion after the introductions. “One area of concern is the use of personal products that contain butane. These are found in antiperspirants, air fresheners, paints…. Butane, also called a hydrocarbon, can cause chemical frostbite and is a product extremely dangerous around children …” I continue, “Cosmetics, home cleaning products, and medications are the three top categories that cause the most of chemical exposures with children, and 90% of all chemical exposures happen in the home…”

“Excuse me” says a dad, “Deodorant? What do we use instead?” he asked (with an unspoken gasp).

Now, he appeared a little unsettled. I empathized with him as he quietly wrestled with the idea of switching brands and trying to fathom the idea of tossing Old Spice in the trash.  The ladies looked around at each other and I could just see the internal panic of substituting their beloved beauty products in the name of safety and health. I mean, how boring IS that!

“Well” I said, “What I use is a 50/50 mixture of corn starch and baking soda.”

Then, I got the “look”. Yep, you know the one – YOUR CRAZY – look.

Believe me, I thought the same thing when I started on this path to turn my home and personal care upside down in the name of healthier living (it’s not a 100% either – trust me).  But I am happy with my underarm deodorant. Once I made and used it, experienced how it works for me I was relieved knowing I was no longer setting my armpits on “fire”.

So my class ended on a positive note.  They said thank you very much for the information and off they went with a list of resources in hand. I was happy that the seed of awareness had been planted – that’s the best I can do. Maybe on some small level they’ll ease into changing their products at home – or at least start reading product labels. It is the way of our future.

Changing your life to a “greener” one just requires a change in thinking. It’s becoming aware and opening your mind to new ways of living.  Just like personal development and changing the way you think about yourself, the green movement does the same for living a healthier life, healing the earth, and creating healthier environments for you and your kids.

Tips:

• Read product labels. This is the big one and the one that will help you the most. Purchase from companies that list all their ingredients on the product. No list? Avoid it. This has to do with company transparency. If a company is unwilling to share common information, then what are they hiding? Would you rather ignore it?
• Purchase products that list what’s NOT in the product. For example,  “no chlorine,” “no parabens,” “no phosphates,”etc.
• Don’t believe terms like “all natural,” “organic”. These are “greenwashing” terms meaning the company is not telling the truth about what’s in the product. It’s counting on you to be gullible and trusting. Nope, leave it on the shelf.

Check my links list for great resources and get the free report on “The Seven Sins of “Greenwashing” to raise your awareness even more.

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