NonToxic Dad News: Oct. 19, 2023

Welcome to another edition of Non-toxic Weekly. Our social media discussions brought to light the potential link between common plastic additives and neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasizing the need for awareness of the chemicals we encounter daily. We also explored the hidden toxic aspects of fast fashion and discussed the importance of maintaining mold-free homes for better health. Be sure to also check out our blog for this week where we decode the mysteries of pet food additives like ethoxyquin and explore the flame retardant debate in child car seats.

Amidst our busy schedules, many of us might have overlooked a crucial detail concerning our extended family members—our pets. If you have some furry family members or are considering adding one to your brood, you’ll want to know about this thing called ethoxyquin.

As parents and caregivers, we’ve got a million things to think about, and a child’s car seat safety is always at the top of that list. Recently, I dove deep into the world of child’s car seats, and man, it’s more than just picking cool designs and easy buckle systems. So, I thought I’d share my findings and insights with you. Hopefully, it makes your choices a tad bit easier!

One reader asks: “How do I get my family on board with living a more non-toxic lifestyle?”

Getting your family on board with non-toxic living may require some patience and effective communication. Here are some steps to help you encourage your family to embrace a non-toxic lifestyle:

1. Educate Yourself: Before approaching your family, educate yourself about the benefits of non-toxic living and the potential risks associated with toxic substances. Being well-informed will help you present a convincing case.

2. Share Information: Share what you've learned with your family. Present the information in a non-confrontational and non-judgmental way. Focus on the health benefits and safety aspects of non-toxic living.

3. Lead by Example: Be the change you want to see. Start incorporating non-toxic products and practices into your own life, and let your family see the positive effects on your health and well-being.

4. Involve Them in Decision-Making: Include your family in decisions related to non-toxic living. Discuss together the changes you want to make and the reasons behind them. Encourage family members to voice their concerns and opinions.

5. Start Small: Transitioning to a non-toxic lifestyle can be overwhelming, so start with small, manageable changes. For example, switch to non-toxic cleaning products or choose organic food options when possible.

6. Provide Alternatives: Offer non-toxic alternatives to products your family currently uses. Show them that non-toxic options can be just as effective and convenient.

7. Cook and Eat Together: If you're focusing on non-toxic eating, involve your family in meal planning and preparation. Try new recipes together that use whole, organic ingredients.

8. Avoid Pressure: Avoid pressuring your family into making changes they're not comfortable with. Give them time to adjust, and be patient if they are resistant initially.

9. Highlight Cost Savings: Explain that non-toxic living can lead to cost savings in the long run. For example, making homemade cleaning products can be more economical than buying commercial ones.

10. Encourage Open Dialogue: Keep the lines of communication open. Encourage your family to share any concerns or questions they may have about non-toxic living. Address their concerns with facts and information.

11. Set Realistic Goals: Understand that your family may not adopt a completely non-toxic lifestyle overnight. Set realistic goals and make gradual changes over time.

12. Celebrate Successes: When your family successfully makes a non-toxic switch, celebrate it as a collective achievement. Acknowledge the positive impact these changes have on everyone's health and the environment.

Remember that change takes time, and it's essential to be patient and understanding. By being respectful of your family's needs and concerns and by providing information and alternatives, you can increase the likelihood of your family embracing a non-toxic lifestyle over time.

Do you have a question you would like to ask our team? If so, send them over to [email protected].

Make the Healthy Choice Today! Switch to Fluoride-Free Toothpaste 🦷

Ditch the chemicals and embrace a natural smile! Discover the benefits of fluoride-free toothpaste and get started with our easy homemade toothpaste recipes:

🌟 Homemade Fluoride-Free Toothpaste Recipe 🌟

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

• 2 tablespoons of baking soda

• 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil (for flavor)

• A pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the baking soda and coconut oil until you achieve a smooth paste-like consistency.

2. Add your chosen essential oil for a refreshing flavor and mix well.

3. Store your homemade fluoride-free toothpaste in a clean, airtight container.

✨ Say goodbye to fluoride and hello to a natural, toxin-free smile! ✨

We hope that you found the information and updates provided to be valuable and informative. As always, we appreciate your continued support and engagement. We look forward to keeping you updated in our future newsletters. Stay tuned for more exciting news and updates from us.