When I was a little girl, we lived in the city and it just didn’t make sense to have a car.  Everything we needed was within walking distance or was readily accessible by city bus.  We didn’t know any other way.  Once we moved just outside the big city, our family took the plunge and purchased a car, but my parents shared it by driving to work together. 

Most families I know of today have a car for each member of the family old enough to drive.  My brother and I never dreamed that our parents would purchase a car for us.  Times sure have changed!  And these cars are being driven on a daily basis, even when a bus, bicycle or walk would make more sense.  Even though there have been great strides in the number of more environmentally friendly vehicles, it’s just not enough to reverse the damage.  Consider this:

Car engines create fine particles, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s).  These particles are dispersed throughout the air we breathe and land on our green spaces.  For people who live in urban areas, there is an even greater concentration of damaging effects.

Damage from car exhaust can lead to a variety of illnesses. According to an article I recently read where William J. Rea, M.D., a doctor specializing in Environmental Medicine and Chemical Sensitivity was interviewed, environmental overload can cause respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, but can also lead cardiac disease and other inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and Lupus.

In fact, chemicals can even affect the reproductive system.  If the mothers who have developed a chemical sensitivity reproduce, the children are more adversely affected because their systems are not able to detoxify at an early age.

What can you do? 

- Be a good example and only drive when absolutely necessary.  Teach your children that walking and bicycling are not only modes of transportation, but are great forms of exercise and a way to enjoy being outdoors.

- If you must drive your children, engage with other parents and set up a car pool system.  It will not only reduce the number of emissions, but the kids will enjoy socializing.

- When running errands, try to schedule them so that you only have to make one trip.

In the meantime, make sure that you and your kids are eating healthy, natural, whole foods and drinking clean, filtered water (preferably from glass containers and not plastic ones).  This will aid in cleaning out the system.  Our family takes natural, whole planted based vitamins and minerals with a patented absorption system, as well as natural grapeseed that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.

People will continue to love their cars and, as long as we live in a fast paced society, the number may continue to rise over time.  But if you are aware of the dangers and take the small steps you can take to protect yourself and your children, you can be healthier and contribute to a cleaner world.

To your health and happiness,

Green Mom (http://greenmomsandkids.wordpress.com)