https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 11 Jul 2026 13:53:55 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1672772 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 11:25:35 +0000 aegie 1672772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am pretty adamant about buying dairy products organic including cheeses, milk, yogurts, butters, eggs, etc. My LO consumes so much dairy, I feel like when you factor in quantity, it will make a difference in the long run. I also try to buy as much fruit/veggies organic as possible, but I don't kill myself over it, I normally sho at Trader Joe's and our local grocery store has a pretty good selection of organic stuff. I try to get organic processed foods like hotdogs, but that's more because she LOVES hot dogs. Again ... its about the quantity she's consuming. I don't buy grass fed organic beef all the time. Sometimes. Same goes for chicken, although I'm more prone to buy organic chicken than beef. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1672643 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 10:39:54 +0000 littlebug 1672643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No. The only thing that I have gotten more conscious about is cleaning products. And I try to buy more "natural" stuff for D, like his lotions and bath stuff. But otherwise, no. In fact, I generally avoid buying organic just because it's so much more expensive. As someone else said, organic farmers still use pesticides, they're just ore natural, and they're not as effective. Also, they don't have to be inspected as frequently as conventional farmers. And I generally do not worry about GMOs at all. If we did away with GMOs, then there would be a lot of produce that we'd all have to stop eating. Heirloom tomatoes didn't just occur in nature - they were genetically modified to look/taste that way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1672641 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 10:39:22 +0000 Trailmix 1672641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I worry about it a lot! I've switched to almost exclusively local, organic, etc food and safe cleaning products, sun screen etc. But...I'm also paranoid and crazy :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1672635 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 10:35:52 +0000 sunny 1672635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I try to buy organic meats and dairy, but I won't make a special trip to Whole Foods for it. I do worry about excessive hormones in the meats that we consume. However, I realize that restaurants don't use organic meats so I know that we will always consume non-organic stuff and that is okay. </p> <p>We also try to buy organic fruits and veggies but only if they are available at the store we're shopping at. If Costco/TJ's doesn't have organic I don't sweat it and I'll just get the conventional one. </p> <p>I just switched to using more Method products (particularly in the kitchen), but I didn't dump all of our previous stuff because I still use it if a surface has touched raw meat. </p> <p>We are transitioning away from plastics to store our foods, but I don't really sweat it too much. I just don't put the plastics in the microwave or the dishwasher. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1672585 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 10:15:34 +0000 Boheme 1672585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm conscious of it, but its not always practical for us to spring for the natural/organic version, and in some instances, I'm not sure the natural/organic version matters. I do what I can and don't drive myself crazy. </p> <p>Food - We buy unprocessed food, but not necessarily organic. We grow some things, and use organic fertilizer (because its cheaper.) I keep chickens for eggs, but I don't feed them organic feed. We compost, because I can use it on my garden as free fertilizer. I utilize our farmers markets, but don't depend on them. I don't heat things in plastic, but we still have plastic in the house. </p> <p>Cleaners - I make most of our cleaners, but I will not budge on Tide for diapers, dish soap, toilet cleaner, or occasional bleach for shower mold removal. </p> <p>Sunscreen/bug repellent - I struck a balance with a middle of the road sunscreen. As for bugs, we try to reduce them by growing plants like citronella, lemon grass, etc but still use a bit of repellent. </p> <p>Personal products - We use natural deodorant. Natural toothpaste for DS, not for us. Dr Bronners soap. Regular shampoo/conditioner. I don't use perfume, but I buy what works in terms of cosmetics. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1672565 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 10:08:06 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 1672565@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: same.</p> <p>I use natural stuff for everyday (wiping down countertops) but heavy-duty cleanings for tough jobs like toilets and tubs.</p> <p>As far as food goes: I do either or and don't really think much about it.</p> <p>Products: I use anything and everything on myself. I try to be careful with LO because he has his dad's very sensitive skin. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1672534 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 09:57:28 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1672534@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I try to be health conscious and do as much as I can afford. We do filter our water with a high-quality filter that is supposed to filter out the majority of chemicals, medication run offs, chlorine, etc in the water supply. I notice a taste difference, we also have a shower filter too. Both were actually gifts from my parents! </p> <p>I buy Dr. Bronners soap for LO - all natural, and it's not expensive. We do use an organic sunscreen - though mostly because he is allergic to most sunscreens and this is the only brand I've found with a different active ingredient.</p> <p>We buy organic if we can - but mostly we just clean our food really well (soak produce in organic vinegar and filtered water for half an hour then rinse) so that we can save costs. Eating a lot of produce is expensive enough as it is - so we just reduce chemicals where we can to save the money on organic.</p> <p>But I still wear makeup and wear perfume - things with lots of chemicals.</p> <p>I do clean with natural products which puts me at ease since J likes to help clean, and he can get into the cupboard under the sink. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1672526 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 09:55:23 +0000 Greentea 1672526@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do my best to have organic local nontoxic, etc. We have lots of local organic family farms here, so we have lots of access to it and it is very supported by our community, which makes it easier as well.</p> <p>I also find organic products to have less junk in them and organic cotton clothing looks better, lasts longer- for instance my organic sheets last years compared with nonorganic- so it is often worth it to spend more on the quality... I actually save. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1672516 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 09:51:14 +0000 alohaorchid 1672516@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As far as produce goes I buy whatever looks best. Meat, I try to buy local. Everything else I'm meh on... I use whatever makeup, toiletries, etc. work best for me and I don't worry about it being natural. I clean our floors with a water/vinegar/essential oil mix in the steam mop because I'm worried about the dogs licking their paws after I clean. I use Lysol in the bathroom, and after cooking certain things like chicken. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1660059 Tue, 27 May 2014 10:57:02 +0000 hilsy85 1660059@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't really think about it very much. I'd rather buy local than organic, but if I can't buy local, I buy whatever looks best. and when it comes to cleaning, I only use "natural" products (like 7th generation) when it's something I use every day, like counter spray. But bring on the lysol for the toilet bowl! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1660041 Tue, 27 May 2014 10:52:18 +0000 sorrycharlie 1660041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>not really.. I do to an extent (try to avoid using strong chemicals while LO is awake/playing) but we def cant afford to buy all organic food, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1660034 Tue, 27 May 2014 10:50:28 +0000 NovBaby1112 1660034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>as far as food goes, I don't buy organic unless it's cheaper. for cleaning, I happen to like the smell of the more "natural" stuff anyways, so that is what I gravitate towards. bleach and chemicals give me headaches. i do like to use natural/organic stuff on LO like sunscreen, lotion, etc though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659903 Tue, 27 May 2014 10:02:35 +0000 Bookish 1659903@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Basically what @Smurfette: and @Alivoo01: said. I don't buy organic unless it's a better deal, I keep G out of areas that have been recently cleaned, etc. I understand the concerns, I just don't share most of them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659885 Tue, 27 May 2014 09:57:17 +0000 loveisstrange 1659885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Meh.</p> <p>That pretty much sums up how I feel. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659884 Tue, 27 May 2014 09:57:05 +0000 MrsSCB 1659884@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't worry about organic at all. Organic farmers use pesticides, too, just natural ones, which aren't necessarily better for you than synthetics. I do try to eat as unprocessed as possible, though!</p> <p>ETA: I read this recently and thought it was interesting: <a href="http://m.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/is-organic-better-for-your-health-a-look-at-milk-meat-eggs-produce-and-fish/2014/04/07/036c654e-a313-11e3-8466-d34c451760b9_story.html" rel="nofollow">http://m.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/is-organic-better-for-your-health-a-look-at-milk-meat-eggs-produce-and-fish/2014/04/07/036c654e-a313-11e3-8466-d34c451760b9_story.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659868 Tue, 27 May 2014 09:53:07 +0000 Smurfette 1659868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We don't buy organic. Can't afford to. I don't give most chemicals a thought. We try and buy natural ingredients when we can. Our cleaning lady provides the products and I don't know what they are. I do like that R isn't home when they are cleaning so she isn't breathing any fumes in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659850 Tue, 27 May 2014 09:49:07 +0000 Alivoo01 1659850@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm eh about it. I try not to expose them to DS. Like if I'm cleaning the bathroom, DS is in a different room and doesn't come into the bathroom till much later. I don't purposely purchase natural/organic stuff unless it's on sale or cheaper than the regular stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659822 Tue, 27 May 2014 09:41:08 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 1659822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't buy organic food, except for milk. I don't purchase many processed foods. </p> <p>I've never worried about getting natural makeup or cleaning supplies. The only thing I'd prefer to purchase is natural paint thinner because the regular stuff gives me a rash if it just brushes against my skin. DH says it doesn't work as well so he has to be the one to clean all the paintbrushes. </p> <p>I also buy glass storage containers so we aren't reheating food in plastic. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659811 Tue, 27 May 2014 09:36:25 +0000 Foodnerd81 1659811@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was thinking more about this in the shower (figures, right?) I remembered my biggest factor in deciding what to worry about or not is how much exposure there is-- like, soap, you put it on your skin and wash it off, so pretty minimal. Same for sink or toilet cleaners-- you touch it briefly, but you're not soaking in it. Lotions and sunscreens stay on your skin and are absorbed more, so I care more about that. Similarly, you literally soak in the tub, so if you have rinsed everything absolutely thoroughly (and I'm not good at cleaning tubs, so...) you are soaking in the cleaning product. </p> <p>And with food, if it's something she eats once in a while, whatever. If it's something she eats every day, like yogurt, I'll go organic. </p> <p>I do agree that buying local is even better, but that's not an option most of the year for me. Farmer's market starts back up in 2 weeks though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659799 Tue, 27 May 2014 09:31:28 +0000 looch 1659799@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I worry about the effects of chemicals on our drinking water supply. I try not to go too crazy, but I know I can only be so vigilant with our own use, then the rest of it, I have no control over. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659711 Tue, 27 May 2014 09:04:02 +0000 blackbird 1659711@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How much do you worry about getting natural/organic food, for you, and for your LO?<br /> -natural/unprocessed food, yes. organic, only some things. </p> <p>What about skin products, like sunscreen?<br /> -I have both kinds at home. Whatever works is what I'm going to use. I use a "not natural" clear L'oreal spray on her head. I'm not going to rub a cream on her scalp, ha. Probably none of my makeup or skincare stuff is very 'natural'. I don't care, I like what i have and it works and looks good on me. </p> <p>Cleaning products in your home?<br /> -Ain't nothing kills germs like 409 and bleach. I also have Method, which i like because it smells nice. </p> <p>I deal with chemicals and EPA regulations on a regular basis at work. I'm not going to drive myself crazy with it at home, too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659694 Tue, 27 May 2014 08:59:36 +0000 allison 1659694@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I became pregnant 2 years ago, I basically overhauled our cleaning products and my toiletries. We buy mostly organic produce and dairy. For me, it's just not worth the risk. I feel better using vinegar and baking soda to clean, and I feel better feeding my LO organic foods. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659688 Tue, 27 May 2014 08:57:53 +0000 Bao 1659688@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't worry about it much. We use more natural soaps and lotions since they were a recommendation of the pediatrician for our kiddos sensitive skin. We use regular bug spray like OFF and babyganics sunscreen, but not opposed to store brands. I sometimes feel even the more natural, chemical free things we use still aren't good enough in some peoples standards, it's not worth the exhaustion. We don't buy organic food, it's just not in our budget. We use method cleaning products and regular old Clorox wanda for toilets. I really just buy what I like and if it's more natural cool, if it's not, cool. My family was never picky about things and I'm still alive ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659686 Tue, 27 May 2014 08:57:31 +0000 Silva 1659686@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We buy local first, organic second for almost everything because we shop at a local co-op. But that is for environmental and social reasons, not fear of conventionally produced foods or GMOS. We practice organic gardening, but again- its for environmental reasons.</p> <p>We do tend to use natural skin care and cleaning products, but I don't stress about it- its just what we both grew up using and has continued. When we had a mold problem I busted out the heavy guns and just left some windows open. I don't heat food up in plastic containers, but I have no problem storing things in plastics, using plastic cups, etc. </p> <p>I live in an area where these choices are pretty common, so they are easy to make. We've certainly decided to prioritize these things in our spending, as well. </p> <p>As for sunscreen and bug spray (the hot topics on the boards lately) I'd rather my kid be slathered in DEET and sunscreen than sunburned and covered in ticks or mosquito bites from mosquitoes that could carry deadly diseases. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659674 Tue, 27 May 2014 08:53:14 +0000 Grace 1659674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't worry about it. Organic isn't the be-all and end-all of everything. I like to buy local instead and grow my own. Just tastes better. As far as chemicals, the only thing I've changed is to pay attention to where I use it. Since LO likes to pull up on the fridge and mouth it, I've stopped using the nice stainless-steel cleaner, for example. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659673 Tue, 27 May 2014 08:53:10 +0000 mediagirl 1659673@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't really worry about it much at all. I don't buy organic unless it's my only option and I have used generic brand spray sunscreen on my toddler. I just try to steer clear of HFCS and only heat things in glass or porcelain now. I use the same toilet cleaner my mom used when we were kids and use regular products for the windows and floors. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659672 Tue, 27 May 2014 08:53:08 +0000 Cherrybee 1659672@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: Oh god, I want a steam mop so much!!! :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659668 Tue, 27 May 2014 08:52:32 +0000 Cherrybee 1659668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In relation to food, I would say we are a 6/10. We buy organic, locally sourced produce from our local farm shop wherever possible but do buy some non-organic things from the supermarket, too. </p> <p>As far as cleaning chemicals go - I'm 0/10. I love bleach, I love oven cleaner - the fumier the better! Bring it on!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659660 Tue, 27 May 2014 08:50:10 +0000 lawbee11 1659660@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't worry about organic at all. We buy organic milk but I actually think it tastes better. </p> <p>I do worry more about chemicals now that we have a mobile LO. It's one of the reasons we bought a steam mop. But I don't stress about it too much (like I definitely don't think about it on a daily or even weekly basis). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-worry-about-natural-organic-chemicals#post-1659654 Tue, 27 May 2014 08:47:31 +0000 heartonastring 1659654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't stress out about it, but I do my best to limit K's exposure to chemicals. We eat organic as much as possible and there are some things that I will only buy organic (e.g. strawberries; dairy). We use natural cleaning products. I make a lot of my own natural skincare products and the rest we buy from the organics section. We do what we can, but I don't lose sleep over the fact that she doesn't eat organic at daycare or when we're out and about and have to grab something on the go. </p>