Yes, that’s right, just having a freaky read of the Environmental Working Group’s annual sunscreen report. That one sentence basically distills my concerns about sunscreen into one neat statement. This is essentially the choice we all have when deciding what to slather on our little ones this summer to keep them “safe” from the sun.

Just about all of today’s commercial sunscreens seem to contain Oxybenzone, a harmful, penetrating chemical and possible hormone disruptor. Even the “safer” “natural” sunscreens contain Titanium Dioxide, which is still a carcinogen if inhaled, and can penetrate the bloodstream, crossing the placenta in expectant mothers. Overall, I look for ones that are ideally Canadian-made such as NewCo or Heiko, which also only use Zinc Oxide as its active ingredient. Other good brands are Badger or Thinkbaby (if you can find it!).

Now, personally, I have purchased sunscreen for my son. I use it when we will be exposed for a long time in bright open sun (a day at the beach, summer street festivals, etc.) But generally, I think the Zinc ones feel kind of gooey and slimy to the touch, and leave a whitish film all over (yes, including the car seats on a sweaty hot day!) Basically, I don’t use it unless absolutely necessary. It’s amazing how many parents just automatically cover their kids in sunscreen the second they’re going to go outside. Sunscreens actually inhibit Vitamin D production in the body, and essential function for health, bone development and growth – especially in growing kids!

Other great ways to protect your kids from excess sun exposure include wearing very light but long-sleeved t-shirts, sun hats, and other protective apparel. Keep trips to the park for later in the day when the sun isn’t as hot, and try to find a shady park such as Dufferin Grove or parts of High Park. (West-end Toronto parents who have been to the playground at Trinity Bellwoods at high noon probably know what I mean when I say it’s like being an ant under a magnifying glass!) Shade your strollers, shade your wagons – there are great options that come equipped with them already!

Finally, a lot of parents, when shopping at my store, express their concerns to me that the cost of the healthier zinc sunscreens cost a fortune ($20.00 is the lowest retail-priced one we carry at Sunshine). It’s true; the least-chemically harmful ones do cost a lot of money. But when the cheap Coppertones, Ombrelles and Hawaiian Tropics could contribute to ill health in our children, isn’t it worth the extra money to get the better stuff? Again, the best way to look at it is to just not use it as frequently. Take other steps like protective clothing and gear and use it only when it’s truly blazing hot and there is no shade for hours. Doing this will ensure that that one tube of the good stuff gets you through the entire summer, and possibly hold up for your Winter Escape vacation in Cuba months later.

In this blog, I’ll try to share the typical challenges sticking to this lifestyle can sometimes present, plus easy, low cost and no-fuss ways to enjoy living (I loathe this term) “greener.”

For our part, it’s the simple things. We use our bikes (with a trailer for Owen and any small cargo) to get around the city. We use car-sharing instead of owning a car. We watch our energy consumption closely, and don’t waste much water. We don’t buy things that come in a lot of plastic, and almost all of our clothes, furniture and toys are second-hand (thank you “vintage” for still being cool). We are super vigilant about chemical-free cleaning in the home, and chemical-free personal care products. This one change can drastically reduce toxic elements being absorbed by our bodies and making their way into our environment. And especially, we choose foods that are actually good for us and not harmful to the environment or our health. Organic and sustainable, or at least not heavily processed and over packaged. Ideally, they are usually grown and produced close to where we live. We think these solutions are achievable for everyone, so much so that we have opened up our little store to help our immediate community have access to these things at the most basic, local level.

Look, we also like to have a great time, and I’m pretty sure the beer, wine and spirits we like to pair with our sustainable dinners constitute not living perfectly healthy. We are also tired, hardworking parents who need to grab take-out, and take easy shortcuts a lot, but we definitely do what we can!

I am so excited to blog on Oh Baby! Magazine about this and hope you will enjoy reading my blog from time to time! Thanks!