Yes, that’s it. The parenting tip we can all celebrate: “Simplify, simplify, simplify,” is sage wisdom from visionary architect, Nader Khalili.
A Comforting To-Do List
Imagine your list beginning with “Simplify, simplify, simplify.” Repeating these words consistently brings order to any list of things to do. No matter what crowds the brain demanding a brilliant solution by noon; no matter how many errands are required before the evening traffic rush home, these 3 words always calm and clarify the next simple baby step to take.
Healthy Child’s 2011 calendar is chock full of ways to simplify and amplify your family’s wellbeing. Topics include: “Growing Your Own Food” in May, “Potty Training” in July, and how to enjoy a “Green Halloween” and giving “Green Gifts” for the holidays. These are just a few of their weekly Twitter party offerings. Healthy Child is also advocating for The Safe Chemical Act, creating new safer policies for our children in our legal system. (healthychild.org) Another great resource, Green Nest, offers this blog entry on “20 Great Green Tips for Lazy People.” Inspired and empowered people may also enjoy: http://blog.greennest.com/2010/12/01/20-great-green-tips-for-lazy-people/ (Ron & Lisa Beres’ Green Nest blog is here: www.HealthyHomeDreamTeam.com)
Creating a healthy business and governmental system that ensures chemicals are kept out of children’s products is in not yet in place. This would simplify all our lives. Healthy Legacy offers a “Toxic Free Kids Act” for parents to sign to establish policies that reflects parents’ intentions to protect their families’ health. (healthylegacy.org)
Healthy Children are Our Future
Here are a few tips for simplifying your life and reducing your family’s exposure to toxins:
- Eating a well-balanced diet, choosing fruits and vegetables in a range of colors to get the widest range of nourishing vitamins and minerals. Wash hands, don’t smoke, and go for organic foods. Choose farmer’s market free range, organic eggs fed non-grain feed whenever possible.
- Microwaves cause unhealthy changes in the molecular structure of foods, and impart plastic chemicals to the foods heated in the microwave, such as microwave popcorn.
- Cleaning your home with green cleaners is easy, and much less expensive than chemical cleaners, and just as effective.
- Shopping for greener products is simple. Choose baby-friendly paints, green cleaners, cookware, beauty products, and healthier products for your hair and skin as they are absorbed into the body.
- For a comprehensive database on cosmetics and children’s personal products, and a great one-page Safety Guide to Children’s Personal Care Products, click here: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/parentsguide/EWG_parentsguide.pdf
The Positive Possibilities Are Also Endless
Environmentalist and author Paul Hawken says, “Human beings need to create; we are born that way. Most of the damage being done is a result of misdirected creative impulses badly applied and greatly abetted by ignorance.” Our ignorance is dissolved when we think for ourselves and ask good questions. Paul Hawken asks, “How do we make a planet that truly welcomes every new being? How do we create a world where children do not suffer? If we take that as a starting point, then obvious answers arise.” Simplify, simplify, simplify.
Steve Hryniuk is the Associate Director of Digital at Ergobaby and Orbit Baby.
When not working this blog and building a better store website for Ergobaby, he’s enjoying life in Reno, Nevada.
