Going green with the DH and kids?
November 30, 2009 by admin
Filed under Green Cleaning Tips
Living in a house with 4 young kids, my husband and I always try and set the right example for our young ones. This year, our kids being aged 8, down to 3, we decided to make some family resolutions, or goals if you will. We decided this weekend, since it will be bad weather to go anywhere, to take a few hours out of Saturday or Sunday and sort through everyones clothes, shoes and toys. Everything that is in good shape but will not be used in our house anymore for whatever reason will be given to the Salvation Army. We also decided to support a child from World Vision for $35.00 a month. And finally, we have decided to GO GREEN! I would like to start using eco-friendly cleaning products, and buying more organic foods. Of course we can’t be sure that anything these days is 100% organic but I figure I’m better off buying what they claim to be as ‘organic’ then what is sprayed with preservatives and various other chemicals. My question to you is, what kind of eco- friendly cleaning products should I use. Also, are their any other ideas/tips to share regarding the whole ‘going green’ theme with young children?
Much appreciated, happy new year!
Sounds like you are on the right track.
Rather than focusing on organic foods, I suggest you start with as many local foods as possible.
As for cleaning products, I think that would be a great thing for you and your kids to search online – there are lots of sites devoted to this.
http://www.google.ca/search?q=how+to+make+green+cleaning+products&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=xwl&q=old+fashioned+cleaning+products&btnG=Search&meta=
You could have great family time making up some of the recipes.
And tons of other resources (Google is our friend….)
http://www.google.ca/search?q=how+to+help+kids+go+green&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
I would tell you to use the typical ‘old’ style cleaning products…borax, vinegar, baking soda. They work amazingly well and are totally natural. And then for the going green ideas…try to buy locally instead of buying organic. Buying locally is more green than it is to buy something labelled as organic. Locally means meat from local areas, fresh produce whenever you can, less main stream stuff (brand names imported from all over the country). Use reusable shopping bags (a big thing), change your lightbulbs to CLF’s, and try to condense your errands to save on gas and fumes. They are all easy ways to include your children (have them help change the bulbs, explain how reusing bags saves plastic, and have them help look for local foods…explaining how when they don’t have to travel far, it uses less resourses)
References :
Sounds like you are on the right track.
Rather than focusing on organic foods, I suggest you start with as many local foods as possible.
As for cleaning products, I think that would be a great thing for you and your kids to search online – there are lots of sites devoted to this.
http://www.google.ca/search?q=how+to+make+green+cleaning+products&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=xwl&q=old+fashioned+cleaning+products&btnG=Search&meta=
You could have great family time making up some of the recipes.
And tons of other resources (Google is our friend….)
http://www.google.ca/search?q=how+to+help+kids+go+green&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
References :
I use Method cleaning products, they are very eco friendly and can be bought at most chains and shoppers drug mart. Try to teach young children about sustainable food sources and buying locally if not organic, are there any farmers markets around where you live? The importance of water (not letting taps run etc), turning off lights when leaving the room, play recycling games, wash out bottles and cans and then ‘dunk them’ in the right containers check out this site for some age specific ideas http://www.ivillage.com/green/family/0,,bmbzlqpb-2,00.html
References :
vinegar and baking soda are the two i can think of right now. and i think its really nice of you to donate to the salvation army. i have helped the salvation army for about 35 years and i can tell you what you give truly does go to the needy .
References :