As we near the end of 2008 and Babyminding’s first complete, calendar year (launched in October 2007), I’m feeling a bit nostalgic and would like to take a moment to reflect back on what I feel are the most important topics for 2008 in terms of child health and green parenting, highlight the best of Babyminding’s posts, and include some of my favorite “mommy” moments in 2008. I also encourage you all to provide me with feedback on what you would like to see more of in 2009, using the comments section. Thank you for reading!!
2008 Green Parenting Topics
Bisphenol-A (BPA) BPA found in some plastics was in the news quite a bit this year, and in my opinion marked a historical moment for parents everywhere! The safety of BPA was not only questioned, but huge retailers like Wal-mart and Toys R Us went as far as pulling baby products made with BPA off of the shelves. In addition, Canada passed legislation prohibiting the use of BPA in baby bottles and infant formula cans. It shows that if we all work together for a common good, positive results will follow!
Lead in Toys & China We could fill a stadium with the amount of toys that were recalled this year due to lead. These findings raised important issues related to the competence of the US Product Safety Commission and called into question the safety standards currently in place. While we have yet to see any real progress here, it seems inevitable that changes be implemented to ensure the safety of our children. And the fact that most of these recalled Toys were made in China, helps us to narrow the target a bit and make better consumer choices. HealthyToys.org also expanded their searchable database to include safety ratings of many popular toys. The Kid Safe Chemical Act was also introduced to Congress this year.
Climate Security Act: This bill was introduced to Congress in June and is a path to progress in ensuring that we leave a better world for our children and future generations. Investing in clean energy alternatives can recharge America’s economy and lay the foundation for a stronger economic future. It will create jobs here at home, save families and businesses money, and make America more energy independent.
Artificial Food Additives: The Center for Science in the Public Interest is requesting that the Food and Drug Administration ban artificial food dyes added to many foods due to the fact that they may be linked to attention and behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, ADD and ADHD in sensitive children. The FDA has yet to comment on this petition, but hopefully it will lead to a ban or at the very least better labeling of foods containing these artificial substances.
Top Twelve Posts of 2008
Healthy Green Pest Control and Lawn Care Methods
School Lunches – What are Your Children Really Eating?
Natural Alternatives to the Overmedicated Child
The Toxic Politics Behind Our Food
How to Tell a Child What Happens When You Die/In Memoriam
Nature vs. Nintendo: Kids and the Outdoors
Surviving Cold & Flu Season with Kids
A Lesson in Materialism – How Not to Spoil a Child
Memorable Mommy Moments in 2008
Watching Laurel’s first steps, Britton’s early attempts to draw stick people, the girls running to the door when daddy gets home from work, planting Laurel’s birthday garden, Britton’s first flowergirl gig (I’m hoping more will follow, she was perfect!), fingerpainting, play-doughing, learning to live a greener lifestyle, Britton understanding the loss of “habitats” and crying when she witnessed trees cut down for yet another restaurant that we don’t need, breastfeeding Laurel for her first year, kisses, pile-ups on mommy, laughter, family snuggle time, playing outside, leaf hunts, bug hunts, swinging, playgrounds, lots of hugs, and best of all…we get to do it all again and more in 2009!
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