Go Green for Baby

By Caitlin Grogan and Nicole Kwan

A healthier planet starts at home

Unless you’re in line to be the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, cleaning up the planet can seem like a task too big for one person—and hey, it is. But small steps can help. Whether you simply buy the right fresh food or use the right kind of diapers, here are five tips to make your household healthier and your family part of the solution.

Clear the Air
If you believe exhaust fumes and smog are the only air pollution you have to shield your child from, think again. “Indoor air is five to ten times more polluted than outdoor air,” says Christopher Gavigan, CEO and executive director of the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition. From chemicals in synthetic carpets to sealers on furniture, hidden threats can release doses of toxic gas into your home. Gavigan recommends using an air purifier to clean up the air inside (be sure to change its filter regularly). If you can’t get your hands on a purifier, try opening the window for 20 minutes a day to let in some fresh air.

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