In recent surveys, our readers have asked for broader coverage of environmental topics. Since Environmental Defense staffers don't work on every issue, and since ours is not the only point of view, we've turned to the editors of E, the leading independent environmental magazine, for additional regular features. Opinions in these guest articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of our staff.
Nothing can be more exciting, or exhausting, than discovering a new baby is on the way.
From the moment a fetus begins developing, environmental factors play a role in childhood development. Parents already know to eliminate their own bad habits, like alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. The goal is to eliminate toxins that can affect a baby's growth and progress through life. Mothers and Others for a Livable Planet, for example, advises pregnant women to reduce the amount of pesticides entering their diets by increasing the amount of locally-grown and organic foods they consume, and testing their drinking water for possible contaminants like lead, pesticides and mercury. A display of natural nursery products at Terra Verde, a store in New York City.