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Recently I was contacted by this lovely lady from FingerPrint publishing, Megha, who asked me if I would like to read a copy of a very interesting book titled
Green Mama By Manda Aufochs Gillespie, which focuses on various easy to incorporate and simple lifestyle choices that we can make as individuals, that will not only teach our kids how to live a more balanced natural life, but also create a greener world. The book aims at mixing the various teachings of science in our everyday lives while also combining it with the age old wisdom and teachings of grandma.
Quite an interesting concept, especially because I as an individual, and as a parent, believe in the power of natural and green living. With so many changes happening around us in the environment, the effects of global warming are already here. But all it takes is a little change, a little switch from what we may have been doing till now, and create healthier and safer alternatives.
Of course I said yes and was eagerly waiting for the book. So when it arrived, I went through it, randomly at first because I was flipping in and out of work, but finally got down to reading it at leisure and give it the time and the attention that I feel the book truly deserves.
Before I tell you what all you can find in the book, here is a look at what the blurb on the cover jacket says:
What are the most pressing problems facing new parents today? As the world has become increasingly more complicated, so has parenting. We are concerned about pervasive toxins in the environment and anxious to raise our children in ways that will protect them as well as safeguard our already fragile world.
Manda Aufochs Gillespie, The Green Mama, shares what today's science and Grandma's traditional wisdom tell us about prenatal care for mothers-to-be, breastfeeding, detoxifying the nursery, diapering, caring for baby's skin, feeding a family, and healthy play - redefining the 'basics' of parenting for today's world. With an upbeat tone, stories of parents who have 'been there,' real-world advice for when money matters more, and practical steps geared toward immediate success, Green Mama engages and guides even the busiest, most sleep-deprived parent.
The Green Mama helps parents become what they were always meant to be: experts on the care of their own children.
The first thing that I noticed and really loved about the book was the dedication:
This book is dedicated to all the world's children, especially my own beloved Zella Rose and Zada 'Maela.' May we create a world worthy of them all.
Isn't that really the need of the hour? May we create a world worthy of them all. For as parents and as adults, we know that the world we live in is not a gift we got from our ancestors, but a treasure we have taken on loan from our children, and one that needs to be taken care of, nurtured, truly treasured and handed back safely.
Each time we start talking about living green, the first thought that comes to mind is that it will mean a huge transition from your current lifestyle, that trying to adopt a greener lifestyle will mean too many uncomfortable changes. Well, not really.
Once you know that you are on the path to becoming a parent, you attitude towards the world changes, and everything that was till now about you tends to become more about your baby, about how it will affect your baby. And hence the little everyday things that you do.
The book tells us about small things you can do at home and the very small but very huge and very important changes that you can make in little things and ways around the house that will help to make it greener and more natural. Also, the book is not a preachy handwork of someone who knows it all and wants you to simply follow. It gives you all the info you need, in a very easy to understand and even interesting way, full of colorful and heart-warming images of real children and families.
To make it really simple to understand and implement, the author has broken down the 'green' concepts into the following areas:
- how to have a green home and nursery
- a more natural and greener way to diapering
- breastfeeding the natural and green way
- how to ensure your baby's foods are natural and belong to the green concept
- easy ways to take care of your baby's skin the natural way
- how to incorporate safer, natural and greener aspects in your baby's play time
I feel that the above topics pretty much cover almost everything a new mommy would want to know about her baby's first year needs. And once you start off to a green start, the road ahead is only bound to be easier and more and more comfortable. In addition to all the above, the book also provides a lot of insight into what all is really going on there behind labels and other things that you may not be aware of, and how you can be a more alert and informed parent.
I absolutely loved the book, and I am really happy I got a chance to learn more. It is definitely a must-read for any parent, whether you are about to be a parent, already have one child or many, or even if you are not a parent.
And yes, I am definitely going to suggest it to all my friends and people I know of. So make sure you have a look too.
Where To Buy:
India:
If you are based in India, you can buy the book
here.
Outside India:
You can buy the book
here
About The Author: 
Manda Aufochs Gillespie is a consultant, writer, environmentalist and mother. She has worked in the 'green' field for more than fifteen years, advising businesses and homeowners and engaging directly with hundreds of parents through green living classes and her website,
thegreenmama.com
- Debolina Raja
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And like I always believe in and say:
'Heal the world we live in
Save it for our children' - MJ
Happy Parenting!!!!
Debolina Raja
