Part of a series featuring green moms, the new Chief Eco Officers.

Jennifer Taggart writes TheSmartMama blog, which focuses on “simple steps for non-toxic babies.” A practicing environmental law attorney and eco-consultant, she’s also author of the forthcoming, “The Smart Mama’s Green Guide: Simple Steps to Non-Toxic Babies.”

How do you eco?

Being green isn’t about buying green, it is about living green. But practically. With a princess-loving daughter and Star Wars-loving son, our eco-lifestyle is not going to be as complete as Ed Begley’s. We incorporate sustainable principles without spending money or being uncomfortable. We use re-usable bags and stainless steel for water instead of plastic; make our own seltzer; and buy our princess dresses at Goodwill. We forgo plastic take out cutlery and bring our own (I keep some in the car). We get creative: Easter egg dye with beet juice and strained cherries; homemade bubble solution. I’ve tried, with some quite spectacular failures, to make my own automatic dishwashing detergent. My son gets a kick out of these “science projects.”

Why did you go eco?

As a teenager, I read Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. It had a profound impact on me. From then on, I supported green causes, recycled and protested fur. But it wasn’t that personal for me. It was more about saving the polar bears or the gorillas. I didn’t consider the impact of the beauty products I used or the clothes I bought. When my husband and I decided to get pregnant, that changed a bit. I eliminated mercury-contaminated fish and avoided benzene fumes from pumping gas. Two miscarriages made me more committed to reducing toxic chemicals. But even then, it was more fear and selfishness. I wasn’t truly resolved to living a sustainable lifestyle. Finally, as I was driving home from the hospital with my first newborn, it hit me that every choice I made would impact his life and the world he would live in. So, my children have really been the inspiration to reduce toxic chemicals and go green.

What’s your favorite eco tip?

Consume less. It really is that simple. We don’t really need 20 different cleaners to clean our homes. Our grandmothers certainly didn’t. With castile soap, baking soda, vinegar, water, salt, and lemon you can clean almost any surface. At a tenth of the price and with significantly less plastic since you can re-use the bottles. Same with beauty products. You don’t really need 5 different moisturizers. Or 6 different scrubs. And many of the products you can make at home - easily.

EcoLinks

• TheSmartMama
• The Healthy Child
• Chief Eco Officers