One of the many things I disliked about giving birth in a hospital were the truly toxic products they had to use on my newborn - wipes, creams and the like I would never, ever have in my own home. (Looong story why I was there in the first place, and not in a birthing center.) I have yet to be able to figure out why hospitals -- and the health care industry in general -- have not jumped on the green bandwagon. You're a captive audience there -- elated, healing, exhausted, and learning how to nurse. Educate and send parents home with the basic info on how to create greener spaces at home - after birth, during pregnancies, and at pediatrician appointments -- and hospitals and health care companies alike are likely to have to take less care with the tots in the long run. Tom Daschle are you listening?
Which is why I was thrilled and delighted that an article about a new program to help makes homes
toxic-free at Overlook Hospital in Summit, a regular ol'
central New Jersey town (!) came over the Children's
Environmental Health Network Community Listserv. The innovative
program is called Go Baby Green,
and will be offered in two classes, one this February, one this
March. It's for anyone - new parents, parents-to-be, and/or
caregivers who want to learn how to keep their homes
"environmentally safe for youngsters." I've been
involved in giving this kind of talk to exactly that audience but
being held at a hospital will give the weight so many un-green
types seem to need.
More from the article: "Many chemicals or chemical additives
found in homes can also be linked to medical conditions such as
allergies, asthma, respiratory illnesses and cancers, according to
the hospital. Many of the chemicals can also be found in baby
bottles, diapers, baby mattresses, linens, clothing, toys and more.
But there are some small changes that parents and caregivers can
make at home to keep it nontoxic. Participants in the
hospital's upcoming classes will
learn about product choices that fit their lifestyle while
enhancing one's
health."
Amen.
The class will cover breathing differences between infants,
children and adults, diaper alternatives, chemicals to avoid in
cleaning products (I wonder if they're one of the hospitals now
switching to green products - as sure of an example of how germs
can be killed without using bleach as there ever was!), natural air
fresheners, and resources for alternative cleaning and baby care
products.
I have only one question, one I've had for a while: how to
expand this and expand this until "green class" is as
ubiquitous as "birthing class" among the pregnant? Maybe
even mandatory? Hey, Mr. Daschle, what about making this part of
Obama's green job corps? I'm ready to teach!
posted by Alexandra
Related links from the Daily Green:
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Most Recent Toxic Toy Recalls
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The Dirty Dozen: 12 Toxic Foods to Eat Organic
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Take the Quiz: How Green Do You Want to Be?
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DIY Organic Baby Food
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