Interview With Green Mum Amy Gregg

 

It feels like ages since we’ve been trying to catch up with green blogger and busy mum of 4 and 6 year old boys, Amy Gregg. We finally did catch up with her, and she was glad to share her green parenting experiences with us. Amy edits the Mom Go Green blog and she’s determined to live a greener lifestyle for the health of her family and the planet. Here’s what she had to say about green parenting:

1. How did u come to be a green mum?

After my second child was bron I started hearing more about dangerous toxins and chemicals (like BPA and phtalates). I would research the things I heard and was amazed that the outrageous facts I was learning were not common knowledge to mothers everywhere. I had an ongoing list of questions that I would research when I got a chance. I started my blog to share my experience with others, and hopefully save other moms some of the research time.

2. Did you face any challenges along the way?

I wouldn’t say I faced many challenges. I think my curiosity was ramping up at the same time many great resources (like Environmental Working Group) were expanding and improving the amount of information available.

3. What did you carry in your green baby bag? 

With my first child, I wasn’t very green. I just didn’t know much about the products I was using and the hazards they may pose. We are past diapers now, but if I had to fill up a bag of supplies I would look to brands like Weleda and California Baby. For hand sanitizer I love the line from Clean Well.

4. Did you use cloth or disposable nappies?

I used traditional disposables! This was before choices like g diapers were around. Now I would say if one wants to use disposables, to at least use chlorine free diapers (like Seventh Generation).

5. Any advice for mums considering cloth nappies?

Find local families that have been happy with their cloth diaper system get their advice. There may be local diaper companies or methods that works best.

6. Is breastfeeding overrated?

Not at all! Breastfeeding is really important and wonderful. That said, it doesn’t always work out. I don’t think women should feel guilty about not being able to breastfeed. My first baby wasn’t able to breastfeed and a friend gave me some wonderful advice: it’s about the meal, not the menu. Of course I didn’t know about the BPA in formula cans and also used the worst plastic bottles available. So if you cannot breastfeed, I’d suggest trying glass bottles and using the safest form of formula. You can even make your own (following Nourishing Traditions).

7. What’s the most important first step for a mum who’s going green?

Do a little bit, as often as you can. Choose the improvements that are logical to your lifestyle and that are easy changes. Going green should be fun and pleasurable, not feel like depravation and torture.

8. Any advice for mums considering going green?

I think moms who are informed about choices regarding their family’s health and well-being will find that going green is a no-brainer. It isn’t about being a tree-hugger. It is about being knowledgeable about what is being sold to you and choosing wisely.

9. What’s your favourite green book?

I tend to refer to Clean and Green: The Complete Guide to Non-Toxic and Environmentally Safe Housekeeping by Annie Berthold-Bond a lot for information on how to use natural products to care for our home.

10. What’s your favourite green mom resource?

Other than www.momgogreen.com? I also love to read these websites:
http://www.enviromom.com/
http://www.ewg.org/
http://www.watoxics.org/

11. What’s your favourite green baby toy?

I like really natural, simple toys. For a small infant I like safe wooden teethers. www.novanatural.com has many wonderful, natural toys products  for children.

12. What’s Your Favorite Baby Product?

California Baby Calendula Cream is amazing for babies, kids and moms, too! http://www.californiababy.com/calendula-cream-2-oz.html

13. What’s your favourite green baby store?

www.novanatural.com has excellent natural toys and gear

we actually shop a lot at our local natural market and whole foods, which has excellent baby bodycare products.

 http://www.giggle.com/ has baby gear that is modern and non-toxic

14. Anything else you want to say about being a green mum or raising a green baby?

I think the more you do it, the more it becomes second nature. Every mom wants to do the best she can. I think being well informed and making decisions that work for your family is very empowering.

15. What do you enjoy most about running a green mum blog?

I am glad to learn all the information that I research and am happy to share it. Hearing ideas and suggestions from other green moms when I am looking for help has been really great. I have learned so much from people leaving comments on my site!

 

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