Kibkabe Araya

There’s nothing more precious to parents than their kids -- nothing more important than making sure they are as healthy and as safe as possible. Earth Month is the perfect time for parents to put their kids first by making small, easy changes that protect the health of both their little ones and the earth.

Last week, a noisy ladybug snuck in my open window. I failed to put the screen down fast enough and it fluttered into my room. As I was closing the screen, I noticed the carcasses of a moth and a beetle and knew I needed something to repel the insects from making my outside window ledge their newest hangout to escape the fall weather.

America loves carpets. I’ve babysat children and pets who love to roll around on the carpet, and when they come near me, my nose becomes runny and my eyes water. My indoor allergies are triggered from the dander of the carpet. I can’t do anything about it since carpets cover the floors of our homes, stores, offices, and schools.

Since I left home for school years ago, I moved from place to place. But every time I moved, I thought about the environmental conditions before I arrived. When I lived in dorm rooms, the walls were repainted every year, the floors shined, the fire alarms replaced. How did I know this? I asked the housing office.

With more eco-friendly choices becoming available in paint stores, it’s important to explore the options.

When artificial plants and flowers are around, I sneeze. Dust collects on the wiry leaves and petals, making the indoor environment a little dustier. All the same, people like them because they don’t have to be watered and because they last a relatively long time. I prefer real flowers and plants, in part because they help me to breathe more easily.

Last month, I saw a report on ABC News about electronic waste, otherwise known as e-waste. Children in Nigeria ransack landfills for old computer pieces and other electronics for the copper wire. They sell the wire in town to earn money for their families, and on a good day, they earn $2 dollars.

As a frequent flea market visitor this summer, I noticed many people selling belongings that they found in their homes. With the economy in the shape it’s in, unwanted things can actually bring you money and make you breathe easier… literally.

Since studying environmental policy in college, I have researched many topics including how people unknowingly use gas appliances that emit toxic chemicals into the household.