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As a health-conscious mom, I try to only buy natural, organic, and non-toxic items for our family. Do I fall short at times? Absolutely! But, I want our daughter to grow up aware of what’s she’s putting inside of her body, and of the environment around her! We only have one Earth to call home, so we really need to take care of it! I think as parents it’s so important to teach our children these things young so that their generation can be the change we need! Making the switch to a greener lifestyle can seem intimidating, but when you start small it’s very achievable!
*this post was sponsored by Avocado Green Mattress*
Toys: One major way we can help the environment is by eliminating plastics!! A simple way to work towards this goal, especially with your children, is by switching their plastic toys for wooden ones! We absolutely love our wooden puzzles, teethers, toys, and blocks! Yes, we’re guilty of having plastic toys we’ve been gifted, but I try to make a personal, conscious effort to only buy wooden ones. Bannor Toys make great wooden, natural, alternatives that are made here in the United States!
Water: how many of you reading right now, consistently drink out of plastic water bottles? Something so small causes such HUGE issues. Again, I’m totally guilty of drinking from plastic bottles on occasion, but now I carry a re-usable thermal bottle around! Buy a filtration system for your tap water, fill it up whenever needed, and boom! Not only are you helping our planet, you’re saving money in the long run! These are great bottles here
Bamboo: did you know bamboo is the fastest growing plant on the planet!? As soon as it’s harvested it starts to grow again, making it a great renewable source! A simple switch from plastic toothbrushes to natural bamboo ones are a great, easy way to go greener! We have these ones here
Clothing: this one is a bit harder because obviously, most people can’t afford to go buy their entire families new wardrobes all at once, BUT I’ve learned slowly switching things out makes it do-able! One of my favorite eco-friendly, natural, clothing companies is prAna! prAna offers sustainable, recycled, fair trade certified and hemp items. Not only that, but prAna prioritizes giving back to communities all over the world: read more about that here!! Their clothes are very comfy & cute too! Why is hemp better? You can click here for more info! I love how my prAna jeans fit, and my pull-over sweater! I feel even better because I know I’m helping make a change!! Use code APF17LL to save 15% on your order!
Your bedroom: I recently learned about how awful normal mattresses and pillows are for the environment, and for us in general. It’s actually quite scary the type of toxins that are in non-organic bedding!! Avocado Green Mattress makes non-toxic, eco-friendly mattresses and pillows that are better for your health and the planet!! They are made from natural and organic materials including 100% natural Dunlop latex (tree-tapped, similar to maple syrup), natural wool, and organic cotton. Avocado mattresses are handmade in California, which is awesome! So, WHY is going green in the bedroom important? We spend one-third of our lives in bed – it is a great place to take a huge step forward in “detoxing” your air and home. Avocado Green Mattress is a No petroleum-based polyurethane foam which breaks down easy, and it doesn’t have any memory foams to off-gas. They use zero chemical adhesives between the comfort layers to emit chemical odors and no chemical flame retardants that endanger your health. Avocado Mattress is proud how non-toxic their mattress is, and they openly disclose everything that goes into their mattresses. More info here.
Avocado Green Mattress and Pillows
Avocado mattresses provide critical support where you need it. They offer two levels of firmness – Standard, and Pillow-tops which are both breathable and sleep cool. They are INSANELY comfortable, I have been sleeping so much better! At Avocado, they are doing their part to help save the planet, and that’s a company I can stand behind! As members of 1% for the Planet, Avocado Mattress has committed to donating 1% of their revenues to vetted nonprofits in an effort to address the issues of climate change, healthy food systems, land management, water resources, pollution and wildlife diversity. If ALL of that hasn’t sold you on buying an Avocado Green Mattress……they also offer a risk-free 100-night trial (with free pickups!), a 25-year warranty, and free shipping anywhere in the USA! Use code Leahmc20 to save 20% off all pillows!
Some of my other favorite ways to start switching to a green lifestyle are these:
Eat smart. If you eat meat, add one-two meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store and it’s even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs. Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchase from local farmers.
Turn off your electronics. Your laptop or tablet may “go to sleep”, but it’s still using energy. Turn your electronics completely off at the end of the day
Stop reading the paper. Cancel your newspaper subscription ASAP and read the news online instead!!
Invest in cloth. Use cloth napkins instead of paper towels/ napkins at mealtimes
Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Try to switch your light bulbs to energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFLs) or LED bulbs. Though they may be a little more expensive, it’s worth it because they can last up to five times longer than regular light bulbs!!!
Recycle. Hopefully, everyone is already doing this one. When you’re able, recycle. Whether it’s paper products, plastics or upcycling old items, it’s important to think about which trash can be saved from a landfill!
Going Green or leaning towards natural? I would love for you to leave a comment and tell me the ways your family is living #GreenEverywhere!
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