Seven ways to create a natural home…
A natural home is a healthier home – for you, your family and your little nature warriors. But how do you say no to the chemical overload we have unconsciously become accustomed to?
From skincare products to fast fashion clothing, the produce you buy to the $5 toys you purchase at the chain store, each is laced with chemicals that we absorb into our bodies through our skin. It’s not hard to see why either considering skin is our body’s largest organ.
Living more organically is a lifetime process in many ways, so don’t expect to change your life completely overnight. There are many “earth friendly” and “green” products that do exist, which can be easy to introduce slowly into your home without ridding yourself of all your belongings. Start with small simple changes and build upon them gradually. Grow your own herbs, make your own cleaning spray or discover what it means to shop small and support local…
Here are seven simple steps you can take:
Eat
Taste real flavours, enjoy the season, protect the environment, but more importantly, nourish you and your family by discovering your local farmers’ market. You can meet the farmer who grows your food and know the produce you buy is guaranteed to be both fresh and tasty too. Buying seasonal produce will also reconnect you with the cycles of nature in your region and you’ll look forward to each season’s produce. Keep in mind that not everything at a market is organic, so make sure you say “Hi” and have a chat with the farmer to learn where it comes from.
No local farmers’ market in your area? Consider ordering a Fruit & Vegetable box that can be delivered to your door.
Support Local
You may be limited by your location, but always try to buy locally before shopping mainstream. Each dollar you spend with an independent business returns three times more money to your local economy than one spent at a chain. Besides wouldn’t you rather buy a product knowing who made it? Plus you’re helping the environment too. An independent business typically consumes less and is located closer to customers meaning less traffic and air pollution.
Create
So we know that more and more organic restaurants are popping up — here, there and everywhere — but you can never be certain where the ingredients have come from unless you shop and plate them up yourself. We’re not saying to avoid eating out entirely, but perhaps it’s time to create memories with your nature warriors and cook up a storm in the kitchen. Besides teaching kids how to cook has huge benefits.
Grow
It’s never too late to get your hands dirty and grow your own organic garden. Not only will it save you a little money, but it’s a wonderful way to teach your nature warriors that “dirt don’t hurt”. Showing children where food actually comes from will help them develop a sense of appreciation for the Earth. From sowing to reaping your [small] organic crop, you and them will understand the power of dirt and how important it is to protect it from pesticides and unnecessary waste. Starting a small compost with your food scraps is also a great way to recycle and reduce your contribution to landfill.
There will always be creepy crawlies in your garden but if they do become a pest, keep them out of your vege garden the natural way and make your own chemical-free pesticides. Hint: A mix of water, chilli and garlic will ensure they keep a wide berth.
Even if you don’t have room for a garden or you live in an apartment, growing your own is still possible even if it’s a few herbs on your kitchen windowsill or joining a community garden project in your area. Our Urban Gardening has all the inspiration you need to create an apartment garden including growing vegetable scraps without dirt.
Clean
When choosing to clean more organically, consider making your own cleaning supplies. There are several chemical free ingredients that can be found in your home that make great cleaning supplies while saving you a few dollars too. It’s not just about the environment though when it comes to cleaning. Keep in mind any allergies or asthma in the family too. While these allergen and chemical-free products may be slightly more expensive to buy initially, the long-term health savings for your family may be more than you think.
Design
Breathing is the first and last thing we do on this earth, so why not begin by improving the air quality around your home. Consider introducing these plants to help reduce harmful compounds in the air. Place one in your little one’s room, home office, living room and kitchen just to start. You can also bring the outdoors into your bedrooms with sheets and bedding adorned with nature, and allow for natural sunlight to filter in where possible.
Wear
Fast fashion is a big issue with many people buying cheap, non-organic clothes without understanding the impact it all has on the environment. But investing in a few staple organic cotton pieces for your little one and even the family will go a long way. Just ask Madhu from Tiny Twig who says, “Organic cotton isn’t just beneficial to the environment but those who wear it, especially for the people who are involved in the whole supply chain – from the farmer to the end product. Everyone benefits from the organic manufacturing process.”
So whether it’s small steps you take or a huge spring clean, living a natural lifestyle is a process but always achievable. You don’t have to overhaul everything as this can become overwhelming. One little change can make all the difference. And that’s all it takes.