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December 13, 2007
Skip the diamonds: A parent's wishlist
The following is a guest post from EWG Senior Analyst Sonya Lunder.
As working parent, sometimes the only "news" I have the energy for is the style section of The New York Times. And I couldn't help but notice an article recently suggesting that, as the mother of a 2 year-old, I might be over-due to receive a stylish and expensive gift for giving birth. Diamonds, perhaps?
The exhaustion of parenting a toddler has dimmed many memories of what the Times has singled out as the defining moment of motherhood, but in the subsequent months I came to understand the true weight of this tremendous commitment. Nursing my son and marveling that up to that point, every cell in his body had come from me, cast a new light on my food choices and the products that littered our home. The results of baby's first lead test, showing the fingerprint of industrial society within his tiny toddling self.
Parents deserve a safe, healthy world to bring their children into; they deserve clean water, access to health care, and to know that their children's playthings are safe. They also deserve a world free from unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals. I'm not so sure about "push presents," but if you want to honor parents (including you own) and their tireless efforts to protect us, how about supporting efforts for a more just and healthy world?
I indulged myself with a little wishlist -- for myself, my family and the planet. Universal health care perhaps? Or clean and safe drinking water? Flying home from my in-laws with a suitcase full of toys that don't threaten my son's growing body and brain development?
Or how about a bag full of goodies to help reduce your favorite family's exposure to toxic chemicals? EWG's Pollution Solutions gift bag provides the opportunity to ease a parent's mind while making a donation to an organization that works tirelessly to protect children and parents alike. The organic cotton bag is printed with the Pesticide Guide and stuffed with useful information, a stainless steel water bottle, an 8-inch cast iron pan, and a bar of organic chocolate for relaxing after the kids go to bed.
We all do our part in different ways; I'm lucky enough to spend my days working at EWG where I research kids exposure to harmful chemicals and products that may threaten their health. Your donation will help us protect your health and the environment with targeted research and policy change. Make your donation by the end of Friday, December 14th to receive your gift bag in time for Christmas!