Yes, I actually said “summer” – eeeks. I hope I didn’t just jinx us all. The weather around here has been that of a cold March – like everyday. I have to remind myself that, with all the storms comes very happy flowers, trees and my garden! I have been watching and waiting for each baby plant to start growing and my flowers to begin to come ALIVE…and what better way than a good, natural rainfall to assist with that? Besides, it just means less water use – no watering needed here!
I am keeping my fingers crossed that the Weather Channel is accurate in predicting some warm sunny weather coming this weekend – and with the warm sunny days comes barefoot children, rolling and playing wildly outdoors. I love that they can get outside and enjoy the fresh air and nature…but then I also begin to think about ways I can change or steps I can take to ensure their “outside playground” is safe and healthy!
Here are 5 MUSTS to keep things healthier around the outside of your home!
1. Do not spray your lawn. Healthy Child Healthy World has a great post “How Do I Let My Lawn Go Au Naturale” with several awesome tips in keeping a beautiful lawn that’s roll-in-the-grass-ready!
2. Live Green Mom has a wonderful post on keeping your sandbox from being a toxic bowl of ick. It’s a good read, trust me on that! “Is Your Sandbox Toxic”
3. You don’t want to miss Safe Mama’s rundown on Safer Sunscreens!
4. Plant a garden! That’s right – a garden that YOU really CAN do! If I can grow a garden, truly it must mean that you can. It doesn’t have to be huge or expensive but rather, one that is manageable to your lifestyle and consists of your favorites! We have tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and gobs of herbs. We have limited space but have managed to find a small area that we can use in our backyard! If you really don’t have room, try doing a container garden with “Easy Container Gardens” from Real Simple.
5. Read labels! Check out labels on everything from the foods you are eating to the list on the back of anything and everything that you are applying to your skin and that of your family. The EWG Cosmetics Safety Database is a wonderful resource to find out how your products rank in safety!
It takes a small effort in creating a healthy home with very large payoffs. We can choose healthier products and foods and feel at peace knowing our family is much safer enjoying the summer in a non-toxic outdoor area!
Image Credit:
http://www.ccctucson.org/information.asp?TopicID=80
Great list guys – I’ll be tweeting this!