By: Michellene Lagdameo
Mamas raising millennial kids and babies know that today’s modern lifestyle can be hectic, toxic, and just plain stressful! It’s true that advancements in technology have made our lives safer and easier, it can also be said that relying too much on what’s more convenient or readily available can take a toll on our family life—everything is so new, we are still only learning now the negative effects these new ideas can have on our health and well-being.
It’s a double-edged sword, to be sure, and some mamas might be considering taking the leap into a more natural, “green” lifestyle to reset the balance. Here are some tips and ideas to try.
1. Clean out your kitchen
Swap out dangerous chemical cleaning agents for more natural cleaners that won’t pose a risk to your children, pets, and to the environment.
2. Go for glass
Lessen your dependence on plastic containers. Invest in glass jars and food savers that are safer, and more cost-effective in the long run.
3. Say bye to plastic bags
Eco bags are ubiquitous and cute, too! Always have a few handy in your purse for those sudden trips to the grocery and slowly wean yourself off of plastic grocery bags.
4. Snack smarter
Try to lessen adding processed foods to your kids’ baon. You can spend a Sunday baking or cooking awesome, made-with-love snacks and pastries for the week, and you can be sure of the ingredients.
5. Ease into essential oils
Many moms swear by essential oils as cure-alls. Of course, this doesn’t replace proper medical care and doctor’s advice, but there’s no harm in trying essential oils as remedies for minor health concerns, especially if it means slowly weaning off chemical medications.
6. Play outside
Luckily, there are a lot of safe spaces in the Metro for your little ones to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine—that sure beats any app they can find on the iPad!
7. Unplug at home
It’s easy to forever be on your phones or hooked on to the TV. Kick it old-school with board games, card games, or storytelling and puppet shows your kids are sure to enjoy.
8. Make cooking fun again
Home-cooked meals are healthier, and cheaper in the long run. While some nights ordering in for fast food is simply the more convenient thing to do, aim to serve more healthy, homemade meals. In a rut? Learn new recipes or different cuisines to make cooking enjoyable for mama, too.
9. Walk the talk
If it’s safe and not too hot out, try walking outdoors more! Our kids seem to equate walking with malling, which is a shame—there’s much fun to be had walking around the village or around parks. It’s healthy exercise and you save gas, too. Don’t forget the insect repellant, though.
10. Cut out chemicals in toiletries
There are so many organic and homemade soaps, shampoos, and even diaper rash creams available in the market already. Sticking to clean and natural ingredients lessens risks of skin irritations and allergies, plus it’s good for baby and mama both!
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Mich Lagdameo is a mom to a precocious 1-year-old. She is a writer and editor by trade and calling, and she lives for books, leisurely grocery trips, cups of good coffee, long drives with her husband, and the Food Network. Her days are punctuated by the sound of her computer keys and her daughter banging into things.
