This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tom’s of Maine for IZEA. All opinions are 100% of Daily Mom.
If you desire a more natural lifestyle for your family, a good place to start is to change the way you shop. When you sit your kids in the shopping cart at your favorite super store like Target, you can make more natural choices for everything on your list. Earth Day (April 22, 2016) is just around the corner so this is the perfect time to make some changes for your family and the planet. We have some great tips to keep in mind if you want to shop more naturally.
Groceries
There are two ways to shop more naturally when you hit the grocery aisles. Buy organic and buy whole foods. Organic foods are more natural because they do not contain unnatural chemicals and pesticides. We have more information about eating organic and tips on eating organic on a budget here. Besides choosing organic foods, you can also shop for more natural groceries by skipping the processed foods and buying whole foods. A good rule is to shop only the outer aisle of a grocery store if possible. Skip the boxed junk and buy whole ingredients that you prepare yourself. By skipping processed foods you will cut down on the amount of sugar and sodium in your diet. You will also cut out preservatives. Shopping more naturally in the grocery aisles will be better for the planet and better for the health of your family.
Kitchenware
One sure fire and simple way to shop more naturally for products in your kitchen is to kick the nasty chemicals in plastic and choose items made from glass, steel and food safe silicone. Many plastics contain bisphenol A (BPA) and there are potential health risks associated with this chemical. Avoid the potential risk and purchase glass food storage for your leftovers. For your kid’s lunch, try packing it in a steel bento box. Silicone is also BPA free. A glass water bottle with a silicone wrap is safe and your water won’t have a plastic taste in it. Definitely add one of those to your next shopping list. Besides the obvious benefit of avoiding a potentially harmful chemical, you food will taste better without the taste that plastic can leave behind on food or drink.
Personal Care
When purchasing items for personal care, look for items that do not contain artificial dyes, fragrances, flavors and preservatives. You should also choose items that are never tested on animals. One of our favorite brands for personal care at Daily Mom is Tom’s of Maine. If you shop at Target, you are in luck because Tom’s of Maine is part of a special line that is exclusive to Target as part of their Made to Matter Initiative. Any of the products from this line will help you on your quest to shop more naturally. The Target Made to Matter products were all chosen because they are innovative and created with a purpose. Tom’s of Maine has always worked for a purpose. For over 45 years, Tom’s of Maine has been working to improve communities and our entire planet. Tom’s of Maine is an innovator in the market of socially conscious companies. They cared about what kind of product they produced and its impact on consumers and the world long before it was popular to do so. We love that we can trust our families personal care to Tom’s of Maine.
One of the item’s available from Tom’s of Maine, exclusively at Target is the Men’s North Woods Naturally Dry Antiperspirant. This antiperspirant offers 48 hours of wetness and odor protection. You can feel good about this product knowing that it is non-irritating, made with natural fragrance and recycled aluminum for a lower carbon footprint. So celebrate Earth Day with a purchase of a Tom’s of Maine product from Target’s Made to Matter line like this Naturally Dry North Woods Antiperspirant, Wicked Cool! deodorant, or Luminous White toothpaste. Check out this cartwheel offer to get 10% off.
Cleaning Products
Throw some new cleaning products into your cart and go natural here too. Did you know that you don’t need bottles of toxic and poisonous chemicals to have a clean home? In fact, if you shop for natural cleaning products, you house will be just as clean but it will be much safer and healthier for everyone in your home, especially young children and pets. Look for products that use plant based cleaners. You can even make your own cleaners with vinegar that are powerful and inexpensive. Here is a step by step guide for making a homemade garbage disposal cleaner that is vinegar based. You can also make your own fabric refresher that is non-toxic and you can clean all over your home using essential oils. Give natural cleaning products a try next time you’re shopping and we bet you won’t go back to the toxic stuff.
This Earth Day, give natural a try. Make a few small changes and you will make a big difference in you life, the lives of those you share your home with and in the world as a whole. Everyone in your home will benefit from your safe and healthy natural choices and when you shop from eco-conscious companies like Tom’s of Maine, you are benefitting the environment as well. So, what are you waiting for? Give shopping more naturally a try!
Photo Credits: Kristen, Rubbermaid, rick, Ryan Harvey
Sources: Pots, Pans, and Plastics: A Shopper’s Guide to Food Safety
