Your Guide To Green

You may not know it, but lurking behind the happy colors and cute images in your kids rooms are toxic avengers doing their dirty deeds. That just painted smell. That new carpet odor. They're signals that chemicals are invading your space. This is especially important in the spaces our children occupy because their smaller bodies can't fend off pollutants the way an adult body can.

Here's how to create a healthy space for your children that's still as adorable as you want it to be.

Start with the paint. Remember, don't just choose the color, choose the ingredients. Look for labels that say zero-VOC. VOC's are the chemicals that give paint that "just painted" smell.

The good news is there are plenty of beautiful choices in non-toxic paint. They're durable, easy to work with and don't pollute our inner air environment. Check out www.healthylivingpaint.com . They offer beautiful non-toxic paints, finishes, floor coverings, safe cleaning products and more.

Thinking of wallpaper? Maybe you shouldn't. Most conventional wall coverings are vinyl based which means petroleum based. Instead, grab a friend and faux finish a wall or two. Paint the ceiling sky blue and puff on big white clouds. Put a couple of trellis supports next to each other, paint them white than layer with different fun colors. You can download a free how-to guide at healthylivingpaints.com

Now that the walls are covered, let's go to the floor. Scientific American Magazine reported that a baby crawling on conventional carpet inhales the equivalent of 4 cigarettes a day. Happily there are great natural choices. Cork tiles, bamboo, slate, tiles and more. Not only are they safer, they're easier to clean and therefore more sanitary. Add a wool throw rug or natural carpet such as coir and you've created a décor rich safe haven. Lots of stores and catalogs carry them.

Your baby's mattress, mattress pad, crib bumper pads and pillows should be natural and chemical free. Think of how much time kids spend in their rooms and in bed. It's getting much easier to find natural products as more and more people recognize the related health and environmental advantages. As a result, mainstream stores like Target are bringing in natural products.

And last, but not least let me make a "stink" about air fresheners. That "Rainy Valley" or "Spring Flower" description couldn't be further from the truth, they're chemical-laden and unhealthy to be around. Instead of spring flower on a bottle, how bout spring flowers in a vase or flowerpot. They not only add some color and beauty, they help bring some nature inside.

There's nothing more important than keeping our children healthy. Creating a safe and healthy inner environment for you and your entire family is one of the easiest and most controllable things you can do.