Baby Steps To Going Green

I've always liked granola. But before my children were born, no one would have ever called me the earthy, crunchy type. I'll admit, I really didn't spend a whole lot of time thinking about the environment. Yet a few months into this mom thing, I was surprised to find myself paying a lot more attention to recycling, organic food and the thermostat.

Maybe it was seeing An Inconvenient Truth when my twins, Ian and Samantha were just learning to crawl...or moving to L.A. and noticing the air quality when I took them out for afternoon strolls....or discovering the vast and overwhelming array of produce at the grocery store. Whatever it was, I am sure that motherhood switched on an energy saving lightbulb in my head. Suddenly, I was much more conscious of my impact on the planet. (You won't find me composting in the backyard just yet.)

But where to begin?

Let's face it, new motherhood doesn't leave much time for doing much more than adjusting to your new role. Going green seemed aspirational. That's why I have been heartened by the growing number of resources that provide some easy ways for a Well Mom to get started.

For me, it's all about baby steps and bite-sized explanations. The new book, Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style by Christie Matheson not only fits the bill, it makes you feel super trendy at the same time. And what new mom, with her dark circles and spit-up stained wardrobe doesn't want to feel stylish?

The best part is that Matheson, a San Francisco writer, delivers her tips in a smart little guide that reads like you're chatting over herbal tea at some cool cafe.
She takes on everything from greener beauty routines (go polish-free when you get a mani-pedi) to eco-friendly gifts (don't just by "things," give the gift of time or pampering) to sustainable shopping tips (shop like a celebrity stylist and edit your closet before you splurge). More than anything, her message is that simplifying your life and refining your habits may actually make quite a difference in both your carbon footprint...and your stress level.

Matheson's list of classics that have always been green sums up her approach to being mindful of the earth (see below). You wouldn't necessarily associate linen napkins, your great-grandmother's wedding band or beauty sleep with environmentalism. But she makes the point that a big part of greening up our lives is about appreciating simple pleasures. That's a message any busy mom can get her arms around.

A Few Chic Things That Have Always Been Green:

- Going barefoot in a linen dress on the beach
- Beauty sleep
- Owning your own personal style instead of following every trend
- Eating lobster off the coast of Maine
- Your great-grandmother's wedding band
- A perfectly tailored, impeccably made wool coat
- Linen napkins
- Skinny-dipping
- A vintage Chanel jacket
- Giving thoughtful gifts you know the recipient will love
- An exquisite antique table
- A luxurious high-quality cashmere sweater
- Sharing oysters on Tomales Bay with a bottle of Grgich Hills Sauvignon Blanc
- Beautiful family heirlooms
- Keeping your clothes and furniture in perfect condition
- A table set with vintage white china lit by beeswax candles
- Moonlight (nothing's more flattering)
- Smiling
(List republished with permission from Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style by Christie Matheson,
Sourcebooks, Inc., Copyright 2008)

For more tips on motherhood and the pursuit of wellness in mind, body and spirit, please sign up for my weekly email at The Well Mom.

Comments

[BillCouzens]

Heather Congratulations on well mom...it is an excellent site and I eagerly look forward to well dad!

Please consider including editorial for next steps towards reducing those environmental exposures that are unnecessary and preventable environmental exposures linked to cancer.

Many cancer-causing environmental exposure are actually under our own noses as they often blend into the natural landscapes of our homes, schools and work.

Exposure that may include anything from some pesticides, lawn care, cleaning supplies and sadly even some toys, make up and soaps.

There is an opportunity with well mom to help shape families make smarter choices to reduce human health consequences.

When we work to reduce cancer we in turn often reduce other types of illness.

Our environment is the proverbial mirror to human health. Scientist will tell you that 70-80 percent of all cancer is linked to the environment (as opposed to heredity). Cancer is actually manufactured for the most part; it comes from outside the body.

This year in the United States every school day two classrooms of children or more accurately forty-six children will be diagnosed with cancer.

Not to hammer the numbers but Everyday more than 1,500 men, women and children die of cancer in the U.S.

Mothers in every neighborhood across America are hearing that they too have breast cancer.

Cancer must not be an expected stage of life.

It can be different. There can be less cancer. Thanks for your good work.

Bill Couzens Founder Lesscancer.org

[garbovatwins]

The time for baby steps has long past. Embrace each other and heal yourselves. Heal your world.