By Linda Childers

The color options for expectant moms used to be pretty simple: pink or blue. But many pregnant women, driven by concern for the health of their baby, themselves, and the planet, are now selecting a different shade: green.

Pediatricians agree that pregnancy is a good time to adopt environmentally conscious habits because fetuses are more vulnerable to toxic substances. For example, 2005 study by the Environmental Working Group measured umbilical cord blood for contaminants and found an average of 200 different industrial chemicals.

“Until I was pregnant with my first child, I didn’t understand that it wasn’t just about me anymore—it was about her,” says Lynda Fassa, a mother of three and author of Green Babies, Sage Moms. “We all have a responsibility to protect our children from the risk of birth defects, learning disabilities, asthma, and other medical conditions that can result from using toxic products.”

Tara McLean of Kailua, HI, joined the ranks of eco-friendly moms shortly after learning she was pregnant with her son, who is now 3. Shortly after his birth, she launched momsgoinggreen.com with the assistance of her friend Christine Bonz, a mother of two. Through their website, the moms offer workshops and tips on how families can live a greener and healthier life.

“It’s easy to make simple changes that yield a big difference,” McLean says of her company’s mission. “Our goal is to help other new moms make informed choices on matters that affect the health of their families and the environment.”

Eco Eats
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the placenta can’t shield the womb from all the man-made chemicals that have collected in our bodies.