Growing Up Green: Baby and Child Care, by Dierdre Imus, is the second in a series from this Green Guru.
Guiding people towards a healthier and more eco-friendly lifestyle is more than a job for Imus, it is a calling. Her passion shines in each passage of the book.
Imus takes the reader from birth through schooling, discussing the perils of reckless consumption for the body, mind, soul, and planet. Every chapter is packed full of studies, statistics, and suggestions, presented in a clear and readable style.
The fervor can be both inspiring and overwhelming. The catalog of horrors is a wake-up call to how we are poisoning the environment and the effects it can have on our children. Detailed information follows about what we can do, in our own homes, to reduce this impact. Given the depth of the book, I would have enjoyed an index. However, there are several useful appendices of resources.
Everything is viewed through the lens of the toxicity levels in our environment. The equation of genetics and environment is complex, and I am wary about blanket declarations as to exactly how much blame can be assigned to environmental pollution and the burden that places on parents–especially those who have children who are ill.
When discussing breastfeeding, a lot of weight is given to the idea that toxins in the mother’s body could be harmful to the baby. While this is certainly something worth exploring, even the quoted experts still seem to come down on the side of breastfeeding when possible for mom. Imus also advocates avoiding all fish (not just the species with the highest levels of mercury) and dairy at all times. These are moments when she seems to toss out the baby with the polluted bathwater.
Most of the time, however, Imus recognizes the balance ordinary parents must achieve with their limited resources. She includes a list of the worst pesticide offenders so you can prioritize your organic purchases if a 100% solution is not possible. Tips for speaking with pediatricians and an alternative schedule for vaccinations is suggested so parents can weigh their options. You’ll also find plenty of safe and effective homemade household cleansers, pampering pick-me ups, delicious recipes, and homeopathic remedies to keep your family healthy.
I especially enjoyed her final chapter, which highlights changes you can work on outside the home. Community efforts to clean up the natural environment, schools, and public buildings can go a long way towards building civic pride and promoting health.
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