This book would be the most amazing resource for people who have never thought about all the possible toxic exposure their children could face. However, I wonder if families who do not have a green mentality would purchase this book.

As part of a family that really does try to minimize our use of toxins, I found the book to have some great information to support us on our journey.  At time, while reading, I felt slightly depressed since we would be considered a very green family compared to most Americans, but the book clearly highlighted that what we are doing is not really enough.  You could go crazy with all the suggestions and advice but the book is not preachy or didactic.  The author gives some statistics to support his claims and is the book is written in accessible language along the lines of, “this product could be harmful”…”but no studies have been conclusive.” This way you don’t feel like you must follow all their suggestions, but rather you are allowed room to follow your instinct.

The book offers some personal accounts in the form of stories written by celebrities.  I found these to be slightly superficial and boring with not much valuable information, but I can see how a mainstream family may be inspired or encouraged by these celebrities’ ideas.  The chapters cover cosmetic, cleaning products, toys, pet products, food, lawn care, water and air.

What I found to be the most informative is the explanations of specific chemicals and how to watch out for them. Often, I know what I should avoid but cannot remember why.  The book gives clear and simple explanations. I just wish there was a clear list at the end of the book that could be carried around. They have many reproducible lists in each chapter but they are for the specific topic covered in the chapter. There is not one comprehensive list you can leave in your purse. The book also contains a resource center at the end with names of companies, organizations and places that support this kind of household.

As families who care about sharing the outdoors with our children, it is important to expose our children to green living ideas. With our environment-conscious parenting style we could not hope to continue to travel outdoors without being full stewards of the earth. Healthy Child, Healthy World helps us to be better at it.