When I discovered Betsy’s blog about “going green gradually”, it struck a cord. Not only does she have so many helpful articles, but she describes this lifestyle as a journey, even in her title. So true! No one has this all figured out. No matter where you are on the green spectrum, it’s all about taking another step.
I asked Betsy to share with us a little about her family and what got her started on this journey:
I am a SAHM to a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old. I was only as interested in being green as your average gal until I had kids. Not even pregnancy brought it to the forefront of my mind. But when my first baby sucked on my hair, I wondered, “What’s in my leave-in conditioner?” When he sucked on the floor, I wondered, “What’s in my cleaner?” When I started feeding him solid foods, I wondered, “How safe are pesticides for infants?” When I opened his disposable diaper on a sweltering day and felt a wave of heat come out I thought, “Maybe I’ll try cloth diapers after all.” So, really the birth of my first child was what really got me started.
I spent hours and hours on the computer researching safer, more natural options with my first baby on my lap. I had just left a job in policy research, so I was still in the research mode. And I was worried. And a bit obsessed. Eventually, I chilled out. But I started my blog a few years later because I wanted somewhere to dump all that information I’d accumulated in my head, and I figured that someone else might as well benefit from all the research I did.
Thanks, Betsy! Here are a few of her useful articles:
10 Easiest Ways to Reduce Toxins in Your Home
Quiz: Are Cloth Diapers for You?
Two Rules for Feeding Your Baby
I also asked Betsy what she’s working on these days as she continues to go green.
Right now I am trying my hardest to ditch non-stick for cast iron. I have wanted to to this for years and I finally bought the cast iron and hid my nonstick in the garage, but it’s been hard, especially since we love eggs at my house.
Ah, yes. We use the new non-stick Green Pans, since we were gifted them for Christmas. They’re working out well, but I’m sure that cast iron is even healthier. One thing you might hate to realize is that electric griddles and waffle makers are also non-stick. I’d love to find easy, healthy options for those too. But, one step at a time!
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Good for Betsy! This sounds so similar to what I’ve been working on for the past several years! I always emphasize the journey, baby steps are the key, otherwise it is too overwhelming! And cast iron is amazing…even with eggs, you just need to add olive oil before and after use…I am using my grandmother’s 100 year old cast iron skillet for everything and loving it way more than non-stick (no scratches)!!
Amber, I wonder if I should try to get one of the old cast iron pans at a flea market. I have a pre-seasoned one, and even though I’ve seasoned it several times and use oil and butter whenever I make eggs, I still get some sticking. From what I’ve read on line, the pre-seasoned pans never get the ultra-smooth mirror finish of the old timers. You are so lucky to have your grandma’s pan!
Thanks for featuring me, Rachel! I am familiar with your website and store, although I can’t spend too much time in the store because I love all the stuff you sell (carriers, toys, cloth diapers), but don’t have much to spend currently. Next time I need to make an eco-friendly purchase, I’ll stop by here first. I love to support mom stores!
I LOVE Betsy’s blog and am following after her – taking one Green step at a time
Ah, thanks, Betsy! I too try to shop with mom stores, especially on Etsy!