All Natural Mommies

Archive for the ‘Natural Parenting’ Category

The Calgary Herald recently reported on a study, funded by the Environment and Plastics Industry Council, which concluded that reusable grocery bags are a public health risk.  Several used bags, 23 in fact, and two bags that were 2 and 3 years old, tested positive for such things as bacteria, yeast, and mold.  Of course, the single use plastic bags tested showed no signs of contaminates.  Nor did the new, unused reusable bags. 

So, what should we take away from this?  The plastic industry does not want consumers to turn away from plastic bags!  Many stores are encouraging the use of reusable bags.  Some municipalities are even banning the use of plastic bags.  The plastic industry stands to lose quite a lot if there is a widespread ban of their bags. 

This study plays on the fears of our germaphobic society.  Don’t stop using your reusable bags because of this.  But do revisit your cleaning process. 

Are your bags washed regularly?  I’ve looked through all of my reusable bags.  None contain washing instructions, except the insulated ones.  Still, I think it’s only common sense that since these bags come into close contact with yor family’s food, they should be washed regularly.  I machine wash and hang dry my bags once a month.  If food spills in one or it gets yucky somehow, it goes right into the laundry basket. 

 What about meats?   I usually have my meats wrapped in a regular plastic bag before being placed into my insulated reusable bag.  In this case, I think it’s more important to avoid contamination than to save that one plastic bag from use.  I package meats seperately from all other groceries.  And wipe out the insulated bags after each use. 

Reusable bags do not need to be a health hazard.  With a little bit of common sense, reusable bags can last a long time and provide your family with a healthy alternative to plastic bags. 

The current newsletter from Mothering talks about Authentic Parenting, a term I’ve heard a lot lately in natural parenting circles.  But what exactly does it mean?  The first definition in Webster’s for authentic is “not false or copied; genuine; real” 

By this definition, authentic parenting would be real and genuine parenting.  Raising your children with your own genuine ideals and beliefs.  Staying true to yourself and your family regardless of what other families are doing.  I think this is very much in line with what we are trying to do as “Natural Parents.”  We may use cloth diapers even though our in-laws say it’s insane.  Or breastfeed our young longer than the social norm.  Who hasn’t gotten side-long looks from the other moms at the playground when it’s mentioned that your children are not vaccinated?  Yet, we don’t give in!  We don’t change because of social pressure.  That is staying authentic and teaching our children the power of staying true to themselves. 

These things may not fit into another family’s idea of authentic parenting.   And that’s okay.  Differences of opinion are an opportunity for discussion – not lecturing, but open communication. 

What do you think?  What does authentic parenting mean to you and your family? 

Huggies is offering organic disposable diapers for the parents out there who don’t want those harmful chemicals on their kids cheeks. Additionally, the diapers are made from organic cotton, are hypoallergenic and provide a gentle kick of aloe. 

Although these new diapers don’t solve our landfill problem, they are a great alternative for moms that want organic and natural, but can’t do cloth for whatever reason. 

GET A FREE SAMPLE HERE:

http://www.huggiespureandnatural.com/FreeSample.aspx

(oh, you only get three free sample diapers, so I recommend using your family and friends to get some more to really try them out – I am sure they won’t mind if you pick up some diapers when you are over for a visit)