Out of boredom and curiosity, I visited a toy recall site when my baby girl was just a few months old. I was perusing the various toys non-chalantly, when This Baby Einstein blue soft block with a snorkeling turtle caught my eye. That toy was sitting on my shelf in the next room. Here, in front of my face on the screen, that same toy was being recalled for lead. I felt sick, Baby Einstein had broken faith with me, and I got suddenly overwhelmingly paranoid about everything that was within Cadence's reach. It was hard to get my mind around it-- I couldn't believe that people would still put lead in things these days, not to mention baby toys.
I sat in front of the computer for the next week being schooled in the ways of keeping Cadi safe. All of this information on plastic baby bottles, household cleaners, vaccinations, toys, pesticides, baby food, disposable diapers, soaps and lotions and countless other health hazards were assaulting my sense of well-being. Then one article (wish I could remember which one) mentioned that it is easy to get overwhelmed by the immensity of it all, but just cutting back on harmful chemicals by 10% is a big step, and one to be applauded. I calmed down, went to the kitchen, and put all of our regular household cleaners out of reach. Vinegar would be my new best friend.
It turns out that though the first model number of the recalled toy matched mine, it was not made in the same area that was effected. Still, that toy sparked an awareness that I am ever so thankful for. This is pretty much the starting place for Rosebud Organics.
3 comments:
Hey Jess,
I just checked out your Etsy shop, and I love the Mom Rocks onesie (and everything else for that matter)! If I end up having a baby in my home, I will definitely commission a onesie :)
I, too, often get overwhelmed by chemicals, but I'm learning to take it one step at a time. Like you said, a little bit is better than nothing and the best solutions are often simple (vinegar).
Part of the issue with the chemicals is that it tends to be so much more expensive to go the "green" route (BornFree bottles versus Playtex). I wonder if it's truly worth it, and it's hard not to buy more stuff under the guise of making less of an environmental/physiological impact. Speaking of buying stuff, have you seen gDiapers (gDiapers.com)? They seem to be a "doable" alternative to cloth and disposable (and they're stinkin' adorable).
All that to say: Yay you blogged, and I love what you had to say!
Cheers!
P.S. Of course cloth diapering and nursing are the most economical, but only one of those options is available to me as a foster mom ;)
Hey Sherry, I hear you on the whole expensiveness of being "green." Thankfully, there are some ways that it is also cheaper (cloth diapers, growing a garden, walking, cleaning with vinegar, etc.). Maybe it will all even out! :)
You inspired me to blog on baby bottles, check it out when you get a sec.
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