Pregnancy: Going Green
Author: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
There are amazing things happening with your body. From tiny toes and fingers to vital organs, it is a miraculous reminder of life. It may also be a reminder of all the things in the environment that can impact you and your baby. It may be the right time to "go green" and change some of your habits that may not only affect your health today, but your baby's future tomorrow.
Eat organically – eat locally. There's no better time or reason. Eating organically will help the environment by supporting growing crops without pesticides or other chemicals. Visit local farmer's markets to buy local and reduce harmful emissions from vehicles used to truck foods from here to there. Both eating organically and locally will not only have you feeling good physically, but will be doing the environment good.
Reuse and recycle. Why buy all new maternity clothes? In a few months, these clothes will be bound for boxes to maybe (or maybe not) be used again. Check out second hand shops, online community bulletin boards, or swap items with friends and family. The earth and your pocketbook will thank you.
Walk when you can. Keeping fit will not only have you ready for the physical demands of labor and delivery, it's a great way to "go green."
Consider using technology (versus more paper – save a tree!) to share your pregnancy with your family and friends. Online blogs or simple emails will allow you to keep in touch and share your excitement without contributing more waste to landfills.
Finally, share your "go green" commitment with your family and friends. If you are having a shower, can guests be part of this effort? From invites sent via email (or tools such as Evite) to encouraging gifts to be welcomed in reusable shopping bags (versus wrapping paper), the little things you do in your pregnancy can make a big difference.
Go green.
Do it for you; do it for your baby, and do it for Mother Earth!
