Simple Steps to Green Living

Creating a greener household not only helps the Earth and environment, but it also protects you and your children, including unborn babies, from harmful chemicals and pollutants. Taking small steps like using fewer chemicals, eating organically and recycling can lead to positive effects in the future.

Teaching children about the importance of environmentalism and living an eco-friendly lifestyle at a young age will help to install a new generation with respect of the environment, creating an overall healthier future for Earth.

Children often really enjoy the simple task of placing a plastic bottle in the appropriate recycling container. My daughter, Kaila, asks me “first or second?” when she has an article of trash to be disposed of and is deciding whether to place it in the trash or the recycling can.

Going green doesn’t mean you have to change your entire way of living, and some small steps can make a big difference.

Eat healthy: I’ve written about my continual quest to eat organically whenever possible, and Kaila can even spot the signature organic labeling on food we buy from the supermarket. Eating organics allows you to avoid added hormones, antibiotics, pesticides and genetically modified foods. My children will have the benefit of eating a majority of organics from the beginning of life starting with their baby foods.

Avoid pesticides and other toxins: Pesticides are poisons. Avoid them in and outside of your home. Use non-toxic products. Cleaners, cosmetics, personal care products and even furniture can contain toxic ingredients. What I have done is to slowly integrate non-toxic products to replace the ones I had been using. There are many kinds of natural products that are often organic and some are animal cruelty-free. Most of these products work the same or even better than the chemical-laden ones. You can also use good old baking soda to clean.

Use less plastic and recycle: Now days it’s very hard to totally eliminate plastic products from your home. Recycle plastic whenever possible, and never heat or microwave plastic.

Locally, you can visit the following recycling centers to drop off your plastics and other recyclables:

• Tomra Recycling, 101 W. Los Angeles Ave., Moorpark (behind Ralphs). 1-800-266-2453.
• Simi Valley Recycling Center, 400 W. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. 805-527-4033.

Also, you can recycle your used motor oil and receive 10¢ per quart (20¢ per gallon) for uncontaminated used motor oil. Dispose of your clean, used motor oil legally and for free at one of these certified used oil centers in Moorpark:

• AutoZone, 541 W. Los Angeles Ave.
529-1080.
• Jiffy Lube, 797 W. Los Angeles Ave. 523-1100. Used oil filters are accepted at Jiffy Lube as well.

Also, free, 15-quart oil-collection containers are available at City Hall for Moorpark residents who change their own motor oil. Call 805-517-6247 for more information.

It doesn’t need to be Earth Day in order to start living greener and teaching your children how to be eco-friendly.