Talk of “going green” has become increasingly popular of late and how it impacts our planet is something we are all starting to really think about.
Talk of “going green” has become increasingly popular of late and how it impacts our planet is something we are all starting to really think about. It is something our children are learning in schools and something we should all be making a change towards.
Going green means making life-sustaining and life-improving choices for our bodies, our homes and our world. It means living in a way that promotes vitality and sustainability.
From using re-usable bags to saying no to chemical products, people are trying to come up with new and impactful ways that they can go green. There are lots of little things we can do in our homes to play a small part in reducing landfill waste, cleaning the air, and preserving the natural landscape.
But we double our efforts when we get our kids involved, helping them understand why it is so important to live a more sustainable living. When they get it, it'll be second nature when they're adults—and that much easier to pass it down to their children.
If you have already made changes to “go green” you may have come across a brand call Dr. Bronner's, a family business that makes organic, multi-purpose soaps. They have 150 years’ experience and five generations of family soap making.
Their products are not only organic, but they are also Fairtrade with seven percent of revenue going to charitable causes. Their soaps are biodegradable and their bottles are made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.
Speaking to Family Friendly HQ, Lisa Bronner, the granddaughter of founder Dr. Emanuel Bronner, let us know some of her best tips on making your home that little bit greener.
What makes Dr. Bronner's products “green”?
“Everything is close to nature," Lisa explains. "The oils we use come straight from the plants. Our products are Certified organic under the food standards board.”
There was no organic products standards board so Dr. Bronner's products are certified organic under the food standards board. Meaning, although not advised, you could literally eat them. It also means you can use their soap in a spray bottle to clean fruit and veg before eating.
How can parents go green?
Lisa’s best advice is “one step at a time.” She advises: “Pick one area at a time, food or personal care and when that becomes your normal chose another area”.
Top 3 products if you are just starting to “go green”?
1. Pure Castile Liquid Soap in Lavender
Their pure-castille soap offers an 18 in 1 uses. Saving money and the environment all in one. With the pure-castille soap you can clean laundry, dishes, make an all-purpose spray, windows, mopping and personal care- using it from head to toe.
2. Organic Hand Sanitiser
An essential tool when you’re a mum! Again because these products are organic food standard if you apply sanitiser to your little one's hands it is completely safe for them to pop their hands straight into their mouth. As they often do.
3. Organic Magic Balm
Another essential Lisa thinks should be in every mum's handbag. “It can be used on all chapped skin. Excema, psoriasis any dry skin. The nappy area, hands, lips etc. And because there are no essentials oils in it, it can be used on cuts and grazes with no sting.”
Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. Making one small change at a tiny will make a huge difference over a lifetime. And, don’t give up!
Laura Doyle, Mum of 4. Kyle 9, Noa Belle 4, Briar 2 and Milla 12 months. Breastfeeder, co-sleeper, coffee drinker. Staying positive and inspired by the chaos of it all. Follow her on Instagram.
