Safer Summer Essentials: Your Guide to a Non-Toxic Season

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Summertime, and the livin’ is easy… but you may still have to contend with bugs, sun, and dehydration. Before you buy your summer-season must-haves, consider these safer options to your typical purchases.

Bug Spray

I’ll spare you the photos of what my son looks like when he gets a bug bite, so let’s suffice it to say that I know my prevention methods. And no, they don’t involve DEET or other toxic chemicals. One of my favorites insect repellants is All Terrain Herbal Armor Insect-Repellant Spray, available in a pump or their new “Bag-on-Valve” spray (pictured). With oils of soybean, cedar, citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, and geranium in over 25% concentration, not only will you stay invisible to those biting menaces, but you’ll smell like the woods from which they originate–without the toxic fumes. All Terrain’s product is certified GMO-free, and proven 100% effective.

In the event of a bite, try TruKid Hero Stick for itch relief, if you want to avoid a cortisone cream.

Sunburn Relief

There’s nothing quite like the cooling relief of aloe vera gel on searing-hot skin. But why subject your already-sensitive skin to chemical numbing agents, artificial preservatives, and dyes found in the “green stuff” you get at the drugstore? I like Aubrey Organics 100% Pure Aloe Vera, which is certified organic, made with 100% pure aloe vera juice, grapefruit extract, and vitamin E. Keep in in the freezer for when a burn arises.

Sunscreen

I’ve already made my top picks for natural, safe sunscreens this summer, but why not highlight one more? Goddess Garden was started by a Colorado mama who didn’t want junk on her daughter’s skin. And she lived up to the promise: Goddess Garden contains safe ingredients and comes in a variety of formulas: Adult, Kid, and Baby. Their Natural Sunscreen comes in cream versions, and, while I’m not a total fan of spray sunscreens, a non-aerosol, continuous spray version that sprays like a lotion; I really like it!

Popsicles!

You’re probably already aware that making your own popsicles is probably one of the easiest forms of food prep there is, not to mention is a cost-effective way to ensure your kids’ summertime treats aren’t laden with artificial colors and high-fructose corn syrup. But did you ever think about the plastics used to make most popsicle molds? If you’re avoiding BPA and plastic in your kitchen, then why choose popsicle molds that may carry hormone disrupting chemicals? Instead, you might consider stainless steel popsicle molds or, my favorite, mess-free silicone molds (pictured). Stay tuned for a list of my favorite popsicle recipes!
 

Pools & Other Inflatables

Oh, the memories. Part of my summertime childhood remembrance is the smell of a brand-new inner tube or raft for our pool. The smell of the vinyl just meant FUN, right? Now I know better. That scent is from cancer-causing chemicals used to make the PVC used in inflatable pools, water wings, innertubes, rafts, and other pool toys. To avoid PVC, buy your kiddo a hard-sided or moulded plastic pool. LEARN MORE about PVC, inflatables, & other options at The Soft Landing.

Other considerations: Do you know the dangers associated with garden hoses? While it’s hard to find a truly “safe” garden hose, there are some steps you can take to avoid toxins in your garden and body. READ MORE at Green Talk.
 
Pool photo credit: thorinside via photopin cc