In the mother baby support groups that I work with, many parents are educating themselves and taking action to reduce the amount of toxins their families are exposed to.  Several of them are making their own organic baby food.   Others are using cloth diapers and being mindful of the toys and plastics they bring into their homes.  I hear them talk about the many local stores and agencies dedicated to educating and supporting parent's efforts to be healthier.

Recently, I learned about the Healthy Family program which is sponsored by the Oregon Environmental Council.  I went to their website www.oeconline.org/our-work/kidshealth/tinyfootprints and found a vast amount of information regarding ways to create a healthier environment for children, babies and their families.  The site provides useful tips for the home, yard, nursery, schools, work place and more.  

For those of you who need to give a baby shower for someone check out the Tiny Footprints Baby Shower Kit on the OEC site.  It will provide you with all the information needed to create a fun, eco-friendly  baby shower.  There are also great ideas for the gift registry.  All of which help the expectant mother create a safe earth friendly nursery for her new baby

Another topic on the site that many of you have heard about but, I think is worth mentioning again, addresses the toxin Bisphenol A (BPA) in some plastics that shouldn't be used because even in low doses the chemical has been linked to an increase of cancer and other illnesses.  BPA has been found in many plastic products including baby bottles, formula cans, sippy cups and reusable water bottles.  The way to tell if a plastic product contains BPA is to look at the bottom of the item and if you see  a #3, #6 or #7 (except when the product is bio-based) it is considered unsafe and should be put in the recycling bin.

Other great features of the OEC site include the Healthy Family information, Healthy Kids Campaign and the Healthy Kids Pledge.  If you are interested in less toxic exposure and more earth friendly, healthy choices for your family, I encourage you to start with the information on this site.