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The Making of a Green Mom
Emily Lynne Ion
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
How did I come to be a “green” mom and what led me to all of these eco-issues? It’s been a process but the "light bulb" came on one day as I was watching Oprah, in April of 2007. Sloan and Roger Barnett (Chairman of Shaklee Cleaning Products) were talking about their son and his environmentally induced asthma. I was captivated by their story and how products I clean with could be so dangerous.
This is when the light bulb went on and I realized something I had always known, but never admitted: The products I sprayed on the windows were toxic to the environment, my children’s health, and me. Why else would I get a headache every time I cleaned? And why else would I bother to rinse the bathtub out 10 times after I cleaned so the kids could bathe? I had this idea that the only way to clean was the toxic way. I believed what the marketing told me, to kill 99% of all germs and to sanitize everything. I fell for the gimmicks and thought these products would clean quickly, leaving me more free time with the kids.
This is how it began for me. Since then I’ve been on a mad spiral of doing everything and anything to avoid toxic products in my home environment, because what I use in my home environment affects the whole environment. I started trying natural cleaners and eventually chose Shaklee for my family and home. I now feel safe cleaning and spraying the floors and windows. Even better, my kids can help clean and I don’t get a headache anymore.
From the day the light bulb went on, everything has changed. My family and I are in the process of learning everyday how to be some shade of green. I’m more conscious of the foods we eat, the personal care products I use, the plastics, toys, clothing, etc that I buy. It’s an on-going process because there is so much re-education. I learn something new everyday, like how to use cloth diapers, for example. It’s challenging, but starting someplace and making an effort counts. Just by remembering my reusable shopping bags, not driving one day, or having my son go around the house and turn the lights off, I’m doing something. Everything counts and it all adds up!
Sommer Poquette, founder of GreenandCleanMom.org, is a mother of two young children, an early childhood education professional, a writer, Zonta Club Member, humanitarian, green entrepreneur and advocate.
Posted by Sarapage Bauguss on 10/01 at 10:16 AM
My story is so similar to yours! I love to read about other moms that are passionate about green cleaning like me. I looked into Shaklee, but they weren’t completely forthcoming about their ingredients. So I started my own company making safe, organic cleaning products. They are so safe, that most of them are edible. Here is my website; www.babygirlproducts.com. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Posted by Lori on 10/01 at 10:58 AM
I am in the same boat as you Emily and Sarah. I have been recycling everything I could for years, but just in the last 12 months realized the importance of using re-usable shopping bags, using non-toxic cleaning products, walking more, and talking to my kids about doing their part to help our environment. I am convinced now that every little bit helps!
I recently started my own website to promote a healthy attitude about going green and to provide earth-friendly products to those who would like to make a change. I am still in the process of adding products I feel are worthwhile, but will have everything up within the next week.
Emily and Sarah….keep up the good work! My web address is www.OurGreenEarthProducts.com if you’d like to check it out.
Posted by Sarah on 09/29 at 07:45 AM
I feel the same way. Though I find that the re-education of my family is harder than eliminating toxins from my home! Imagine having to convince someone to give up what is making them sick!!! But it seems most people are in that boat. As a society we’re addicted to chemicals. We’d rather get cancer than have to re-apply our all-natural deodorant. I just started working with a company that runs environmental fundraisers for schools and community groups. The best thing about this fundraiser (other than helping schools raise funds for education) is that it brings the products to you. There’s no more excuses when the answers sitting right in front of you. Check out greenstudents.ca. And good luck bringing your life, and household, back to basics.