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Join Maia James, mom and green living expert, to learn about how to make your home safer for your family. Maia is here to answer questions about safe products from skincare to house cleaning and give tips to make homes of all kinds cleaner and safer.
Can you recommend any Vitamin D for infants that doesn't have the artificial color and other stuff that Enfamil's D-Vi-Sol does? Thanks!
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Maia J.
Hi Hillary, I like the Carlson drops:). |
Hi! There are so many brands out there claiming to be "clean" "sulfates free" etc.
I was wondering what your favorite brand(s) are related to cleaning highchair, toys; cleaning hands, face; laundry detergent and anything else I might be missing :)
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Maia J.
You're right that there is lots of greenwashing going on in the (largely unregulated) cleaning products industry! My favorite brands for nontoxic cleaners are Better Life and Eco-Me. If you want an anti-bacterial type wipe for things like high chairs, hands, toys, plane trays, etc., I love the Clean Well ones! |
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Maia J.
The cloths themselves are fine, but Norwex doesn't readily disclose the ingredients in their skincare and cleaning products so I would avoid those. E cloths are safe. |
Hi Maia,
I have an 8m old on verge of crawling and was wondering if there cleaning products I am using on kitchen tile, hard wood floors/furniture and in the bath tub are safe for him. I know he could lick the floor. Currently, I use a swiffer wet pads/wet jet, Murphy oil soap, pine sol, soft scrub and fantastic. I greatly appreciate your thoughts! Thank you! Kathryn
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Maia J.
Hi Kathryn! I would definitely replace the Swiffer pads with a nontoxic version--The Honest Company makes a pad that's compatible. Pine Sol, Soft Scrub, and Fantastic should also go, I'm sorry to say! (Murphy's isn't so bad). My favorite brands of cleaning products where the entire line is safe is Eco-Me or Better Life. Seventh Generation is also mostly okay:). |
Hello! I'm a lip balm addict, and I've used Burt's Bees for years. I'm not a huge fan of Burt's products, but I haven't been able to give this one up because I've yet to find an alternative that stays on your lips for as long and I don't have time to reapply every hour. Is the lip balm okay stuff? If not, do you have another recommendation? Thanks so much!
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Maia J.
Yes the Burt's Bees balms are fine:). If you want other suggestions: I love Tandi's Naturals and Green Goo. What you really want to avoid in lip balms are chemical sunscreens (such as oxybenzone), synthetic scents (will be listed as "parfum" or "fragrance"), and petroleum products (such as paraffin). |
Aside from using cloth diapers and making your own diaper balm (I don't have time for either), what are the best options out there on the market?
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Maia J.
Hi Maria! |
Hi, Maia!
I have used essential oils for the last seven years. My only experience is with doTERRA and Young Living brands. Do you recommend a certain brand?
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to consumer health and safety!
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Maia J.
Hi Stephanie- |
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Stephanie No problem, Maia! Thanks, again, for all you do! |
Welcome, Maia! Curious about safe cleaning or beauty products? Wondering what it means when an item is labeled as “natural”? Maia is here today to answer all of your questions about green living.
Hi Maia, have you every heard of Puracy all purpose cleaner? I recently bought some and it works great, but I wasn't sure if it was good, bad, or sneaky. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NIYV78O/?tag=thesweethome-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=SH48849&th=1
That's the amazon link. Thank you!
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Maia J.
Hi Jesse- |
Hi,
Thanks for sharing your expertise! Suggestions for best daily facial sunscreen for myself and best sunscreen brands for kiddos? Thirdly, I recently was given a Gotham brand titanium ceramic copper pan. It is truly non stick and impressive. Is this material safe?
Thanks!
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Maia J.
Hi there! For a daily sunscreen for the face, I like Beautycounter's tinted moisturizers. For kids, I love the Babo spray: https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/store/babo-botanicals-sheer-zinc-continuous-spray-spf-30/ |
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Maia J.
I just checked out the Gotham pan and it claims to be free of all chemical coatings...I can't imagine how it's truly nonstick in that case! |
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Thanks! |
Hi Maia,
I have struggled with finding a good product or a recipe for a spray that can be used between "go's" in the little training potty. After rinsing with water, do you recommend anything we can spray the little potty with to keep in safe and clean?
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Maia J.
You could try Clean Well's line of antibacterial products:). |
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Faith Thank you |
Hi Maia,
I was hoping that you might be able to recommend a reverse osmosis water filter? We are currently drinking unfiltered tap water and I'd love to find a system that doesn't break the bank and can fit right under the sink, and filters out anything potentially harmful.
Thank you for your help!
Michele
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Maia J.
Hi there-I generally advise against RO filters because they waste more water than they filter, and for most people are overkill. If you'd like help choosing the right filter please email john@gimmethegoodstuff.org (tell him I sent you!). |
Dear Mia, I use Scanpan nonstick cookware.They have a ceramic titanium coat.I think they are too good to be true,nonstick just like teflon but without PFOA and PFOE. Do you know this product?Enjoy your turmeric kombucha! Which is that coffeeshop?
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Maia J.
Hi Norma! I don't know the ScanPan, I'm sorry! I'm pretty suspicious and to me it also sounds too good to be true, but I will look into it for inclusion in our updated Safe Cookware Guide! |
Hi Maia,
One more question... I've been trying to find a good organic multivitamin for my 18 month old and again it's impossible to find. Been giving her Rainbow Light multivitamin powder, but I know it's synthetic . Not sure why they don't make an organic non Gmo vitamins for toddlers. Can you recommend a good vitamin for a 1 year old? Do you know if the one I give her is good stuff?
Thanks again! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Tracey
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Maia J.
Vitamins are indeed a very complicated, nuanced issue. Mostly I would defer to your pediatricians (since I am not a medical expert), but I did cover this topic here: https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/best-multivitamins/ |
Have you done any research on carseats? I was thoroughly discouraged when I researched carseats when I was expecting 2 years ago. Not sure if anything has changed, but basically you could get a carseat with nasty flame retardants, or a carseat with slightly less nasty flame retardants. I went with a used (but not expired) infant carseat hoping some of the nasties had been washed off/off gassed, and invested in a Clek carseat for when she was big enough b/c they used the non-bromated flame retardants. This is such a tricky tricky area for parents who are purists about everything else, because if you drive with your child, you cannot get out of using a carseat. You also cannot make your own with all natural materials because I'm sure that wouldn't be legal, and probably wouldn't be as safe (as much as I'd love a handmade wooden carseat). Any thoughts?
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Maia J.
Hi, yes, I've looked into this and come to the same conclusions that you did. For now, I recommend the Clek and pretty much nothing else! |
Hi, Maia,
Another question just occurred to me. Do you have any hair care product recommendations for African-American hair? My daughter is 6, and I have yet to find a product that's safe AND effective. Many of the greases, pomades, conditioners, etc. are toxic.
Thanks, again,
Stephanie
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Maia J.
Hi Stephanie! I recommend Earthly Delights line for ethnic hair. This stuff: http://amzn.to/2lDYxz4 |
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Stephanie Thank you, Maia!! |
Hi Maia,
What's your take on Cetaphil wash? Good, bad, sneaky? That's what our allergists/doctors recommended for my kids as shampoo and body wash. They both have eczema. Thanks!
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Maia J.
Definitely Sneaky, unfortunately. Full of junk, including parabens! I have no idea why doctors still recommend this stuff. |
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Lilly OH NO! That is so bad! Thank you Maia! Will look into the good stuff...I'll get the Babo Botanicals that you recommended. Thank you! |
We are about to try and potty train our 2 1/2 yr old. Are there any "safe" toilet wipes on the market to use? I assume regular baby wipes would clog the toilet, and it doesn't seem like it'd be very easy to clean up a toddler with toilet paper. Thanks!
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Maia J.
I don't think that baby wipes are any thicker than a toilet wipe, and my plumbing tolerates them just fine. If yours doesn't, you could dispose of the wipes however you disposed of diapers, rather than tossing them in the toilet. |
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Telina Ok, good to know. I'm just going to do a better job at buying safer baby wipes then. Thank you! |
Just wondering your thoughts on The Lucky Iron Fish http://www.luckyironfish.com/ for use in trying to get mildly low iron levels up in a toddler. I still nurse my 18 month old and her daily food intake that includes iron rich foods is fairly limited, based on what she will actually eat. Pediatricians keep pushing me to give a supplement, but I prefer to stick to foods and things like cooking in cast iron. The Fish seems like cast iron cooking. Wondering if it could put too much iron in her system, or if its somehow otherwise not a good idea? Thanks!
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Maia J.
Hi Tobi! Since I am not a doctor, I really have to defer to your pediatrician on this one. I will say that my older son was mildly anemic at the one-year appt and it cleared up by age 2 (when he was still nursing but eating much more solid foods). |
Hi Maia!!-
Again thank you for helping us figure out whats safe for our home and kids. I've told many of my first time momma friends about your blog and they love it just as much as I do!
My main concern/question is what I put on my kids and myself. I have a 5 year old and a 7 month old.
My 5 year old has had eczema since day one and we've tried it ALL. Unfortunately the two products that work for him are Eucerin and Aquaphor, until recently my friend told me about a brand called Tubby Todd. I ordered their body wash and cream and my son loved them both and was soooo excited because he finally smelled like something. The products worked but I'm no expert and I feel like they're not as natural as they make to be. Can you please take a look at this brand? And let us mommas know your thoughts.
Now our baby is on another level, she's ten times more sensitive than our son was! She also suffers from eczema and everything has to be fragrance free and something moisturizing because of her super dry skin. I found a local shop that sells vegan products and I am going to try their baby wash to see if that helps. I wanted to try Babo but they don't have any fragrance free products. I've also switched out my entire skin care routine because our baby is allergic to dairy, soy and eggs and I'm still breastfeeding.
Yikes sorry this was more of a story than a question haha. Ideally I would love to find something that I can use for both kids but our son wants something that smells good vs we need fragrance free for our baby.
I'd also like to say thank you on posting about household cleaning products. I've switched everything I had to the Better Life brand.
Thanks for your time!!!
Amaryllis
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Maia J.
Hi there! Thanks so much for your kind words:). So the Tubby Todd stuff isn't bad--most of really yucky stuff is absent. The only ingredient I'm really not into is the cocamidopropyl betaine. One other thing--they have a bunch of synthetic ingredients, so the claim 100% natural is definitely false. But again, overall, I would feel okay about using this if it's working for you. |
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Amaryllis Thank you for looking into the brand!! I just checked out Tandi's Naturals and sounds awesome, will check it out for sure! |
Maia,
I am a pediatrician and passionate about changing the toxic (I hate using that word because it is so over-used, but really appropriate a lot of the time!) environment that our children live in. I am well informed about what products are safe and not so safe and share this information with my patients daily. My patients are poor for the most part so I stick to very basic advice...like replacing all cleaning products with a multipurpose spray bottle of half water half white vinegar, and like using straight coconut oil as a moisturizer for baby skin.
But I want to do more. I am thinking about doing informational sessions at elementary schools to reach more people and help inform the change that I feel is so integral to the health of our children. Have you done any sessions like this? Was it well received? Any advice?
Thanks so much,
Rebecca
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Maia J.
Hey Rebecca-I have done talks before, yes, but I'm embarrassed to say they've only been at private schools or high end boutiques....in other words, not underserved populations. I would love to reach more people in the groups you work with...and I applaud you for being one of the only pediatricians I've heard of who shares this important health info with her patients! Feel free to email me at maia@gimmethegoodstuff.org and perhaps we can collaborate in some way! |
Hi Maia! I've thoroughly enjoyed greening our home since the birth of my twins in 2015. Your dad helped us find an awesome soaring heart mattress which we love. My couches are all free of flame retardants but the cushions are made of polyurethane. Wondering how bad this is and what we can do that doesn't involve buying new furniture? Thanks!
Jessica
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Maia J.
Hi Jessica- |
Hi Maia-
Forgot to ask you about hand sanitizer, I like using the Honest brand. Is this good stuff?
Thank you!
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Maia J.
Yes, that's fine:). I also like CleanWell. |
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Amaryllis Awesome, thank you! |
Hi Maia! I love your site and follow it religiously, thank you for all that you do to bring awareness about product safety to us new moms! I was wondering if you have a list of baby products that you recommend? From car seats to baby wipes, there is so much to learn in the beginning so a comprehensive list of safe products would be a timesaver!
I thought this would be a good place to share some information about how you all can support safer products this weekend. I work for Beautycounter, a company that sells safe beauty products (skin care and make up), but also baby and kids products, and sun protection. The main mission of our company is to advocate for safer beauty laws with the hope that the beauty industry will be more transparent with its ingredient regulation/disclosure (right now there is little regulation and companies are not required to disclose ingredients in their products). This weekend (in honor of Beautycounter's 4th year anniversary) we are urging concerned citizens to help us take action. You can show your support by texting "MarchForth" to 52886 to urge congress to pass better beauty laws.
Be Well!
Michele
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Maia J.
Hi Michele! Thanks for your kind words:). I love Beautycounter and recommend your products often. If you check out our Safe Product Guides, you'll find my picks for everything from baby wipes and crib mattresses. https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/safe-product-guides/ |
Hi Maia,
Is the spf 50 they spray into bathing suit material toxic for my 1 year old daughter? It's impossible to find one that doesn't have it built in. I did find a couple companies that have no spray, but it's like a head to toe surfing body suit. Not really what I'm looking for. Can you please let me know your thoughts on the spray and if it's toxic and if so, can you recommend a suit that is safe? It's so stressful this day and age with everything being toxic. Your website really helps me and it's always my go to. Thank you so much.
Tracey
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Maia J.
Hi Tracey- |
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Tracey A lot of websites say that they are treated with chemicals that are harmful. Crazy day and age we live in. |
Hi Maia,
My sister sells Arbonne products and they have a whole baby line. Are you familiar with these? What's your take on them?
Thank you!
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Maia J.
I think Arbonne is Okay Stuff. My biggest problem with them is that they aren't particularly transparent about what ingredients they use. |
Hi,
I have an infant at home and have used the sensitive skin Seventh Generation laundry detergent. However, it doesn't seem to get the stains out well. Do you have any suggestions? heard good things about Charlie's soap Also, are Seventh Generation cleaning products of all kinds good in general? I have heard conflicting opinions. Thank you!
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Maia J.
My husband used to joke that the 7th Gen laundry soap did such a poor job that our newborn's clothes came out of the washer with spit-up still on them (and it was basically true). I find Tandi's Naturals detergent and Better Life to be more effective. Most 7th Gen cleaning products are safe, with a few ingredients that aren't so great but still don't concern me. If you want to try a brand where the entire line is nontoxic, I again recommend Better Life. |
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Mishell Thank you! |
What do you recommend for cream for dry skin. My daughter doesn't have eczema that has been diagnosed although I have it. We were using cerave and aveeno eczema and then cetaphil cream but I just saw your other posting that cetaphil is not good. Thanks.
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Maia J.
I love Green Goo for all sorts of skin issues: https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/store/sierra-sage-dry-skin-care-with-calendula-flowers/ |
Hi Maia,
Thank you for answering questions today! I feel like there are an infinite number of products and chemicals out there these days and it is so hard to keep track of it all... what would you say are the top 10 most harmful chemicals or products to avoid? And on the other hand, what would be your top 10 favorite products to recommend, in any and all categories?
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Maia J.
Hi Brett- |
Sorry, thought of one more! I've tried a lot of natural dishwasher soaps and none seem to work. Our dishwasher sprays black particles all over the dishes with them. I had an appliance guy even come out to make sure it was working properly, and he said I need to switch to regular soap. I did, but don't like the idea of it, and I'm also hesitant to use a regular Rinse Aid which he says is necessary. Any natural dishwasher soap and rinse aids you'd recommend that really work? Or do I really need to worry that much about using regular ones since it's being rinsed off the dishes anyway? Thanks for all you do, I really love your site!
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Maia J.
You're right that it all gets washed off, so it's not a huge product of concern. That said, you could try MamaSuds to see if you like it more (it's not detergent but soap): https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/store/mamasuds-auto-dishwasher-powder/ |
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Telina Ok, thank you. Maybe that's an area I just won't worry about so much right now and focus on other things more concerning. :) |
After researching forever, we purchased a Berkey water filter system about 6 months ago. We're in a rental so didn't want to go through the effort of installing an under counter one. We love it so far, but have read controversial things (like the fluoride filters might not actually filter?) What is your opinion on the Berkey? We also got a Culligan shower head filter, but I'm not convinced on it as my skin is still very dry. Any thoughts on that one? Thank you!!
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Maia J.
In my opinion, both of those are totally fine. |
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Telina Whew! Glad to hear it! I feel like often I think I'm doing the right thing or making the right purchase, and then other research comes out that says otherwise. So I'm glad these two things I can keep and feel good about! |
Hello!
I recently purchased various water filters and wanted to know your opinion on them:
1)aquasana under counter 3 stage max flow filter
http://www.aquasana.com/drinking-water-filter-systems/under-counter-faucet-3-stage-max-flow
2)UBS Vitafresh Vitamin C shower filter
https://www.amazon.ca/UBS-Fresh-Shower-Filter-Ounce/dp/B00KEAMG0S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488473624&sr=8-1&keywords=ubs+vita+shower
3)Sprite universal handheld Shower Filter
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.ca/store/product/sprite-reg-universal-handheld-shower-filter-in-chrome/1043315253?Keyword=sprite
4)Sprite Bath Ball filter
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.ca/store/product/sprite-reg-universal-bath-filter-ball-in-chrome/3260979?Keyword=sprite
I would love your opinion on all of these products if you have the time. I am particularly interested in your opinion on the aquasana and on the two shower filters. Thank you very much!
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Maia J.
Hi there! These all look good to me;). |
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Grace Thanks! If you had to choose between the vitamin C shower filter or the Sprite one, which would you choose and why? |
A friend's rental needs to be tented and she's worried about the chemical/gas used in the process. The lanlord wants to tent immediately and she's freaked out. Ever since the tennent from next door moved out she has mice/rats and termites. The bug guy said the termites could be in her furniture, but she doubts it. What can she do? Should she not return to her home?
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Maia J.
Argh, this is a tough one. I suggest if she has no option to not do the fumigation that she stays out of the home as long as possible. |
Big fan here. Big thank you. Your website has helped me so many times! I have so many questions, but right now we are looking for safe and affordable lighting options, like floor lamps. Any ideas? Please consider a safe furniture guide as I will be moving into a home in a year or so. I see some low VOC options on etsy and reclaimed sites, but never sure where to begin. Thank you!
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Maia J.
Hi Victoria- |
Thank you for sharing your incredible knowledge with our parents, Maia! Maia will answer all of the questions asked today. Maia’s website, Gimme the Good Stuff, is full of incredibly helpful information about green living. Check it out to learn more!
Not sureif this is a question you can answer. I wanted to know if there are any safe hand wipes. If we are out, I like to quick wipe hands after going to stores etc and looking for safe wipes because my toddler sucks her fingers. And I would like something safe to clean her hands knowing within seconds, she will be sucking fingers in car.
Thanks!!
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Maia J.
Hi! I totally get it. I love the CleanWell wipes for this! (I use them also to wipe down restaurant high chairs and such if I'm feeling paranoid). |
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Katrina Thank you! Where do I buy that brand? |
Hi Maia!
Thanks for answering my last post. If you had to choose between a vitamin C shower filter (such as UBS Vita Fresh) or one that uses Chlorgon ("a proprietary blend of Copper, Zinc and Calcium Sulfide") such as Sprite shower filter, which one would you choose?
Thanks so much!
Grace
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Maia J.
Honestly, I think as far as showers are concerned, either of these would be effective. |
Hi there! I'm looking for ideas about bowls, utensils, cups, and containers to use with a toddler who is in the everything-gets-dropped (or thrown!) part of her life. I usually try to avoid plastic in favor of glass or steel, but glass seems like a non-starter right now (and is too heavy to pack in her lunch) and metal doesn't work with hot food. We did find the To Go Ware bamboo spoons and the Pura stainless steel bottle/sippy, plus we use some of the Lunchbots steel containers with the threaded lids for snacks, but I'm definitely still using way more plastic than I wish I were. Thanks for any ideas!
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Maia J.
Hi there-Have you looked into silicone? Here's one that I love: https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/store/eco-vessel-smashbox-snacker-food-container-8-ounces/ |