Over the last few years, I have been trying to create a home environment that is as healthy as possible. I think it was when I got pregnant with Maya that I became especially hyper-aware of the products that we use on a regular basis.
I didn’t want to have chemical-filled cleaners, makeup products with who-knows-what in them, or crappy processed foods around. I just wanted to create a space and environment for us that was the best it could be for our overall health and well-being.
So how have we made our household as healthy as possible?
Well, I have gotten into making all of our own cleaners, soaps, body wash, and lotions. (I know, I know… hippy, much?) It’s like taking DIY to a whole new level. I’m planning on sharing the recipes for these with you over the coming months!
I buy a specific shampoo and conditioner from a health food store and have researched each item on the ingredient list so that I know exactly what’s in them.
Similarly, I keep my makeup and face products to brands I trust and can understand the ingredient lists.
I try to buy whole ingredient foods and none of the processed stuff. If a food is going to have sugar or salt or whatever in it, then I want to be the one to add it so I know exactly how much is in there. So for example that means making our own granola and muffins (no sugar or even butter!), buying plain yoghurt and adding some frozen fruit or maple syrup if we want it to be sweet, and generally making all of our meals from scratch. Obviously there are times when I succumb to a frozen pizza or whatever, but we try out best!
We have used low/no VOC paints throughout our house and research the furniture products we buy to aim to have as little off-gassing as possible.
You get the idea…. Just trying to touch every element of our life to make it the healthiest it can be.
There are a few things where I haven’t been as successful, though.
One is with hair products (if you know of an all-natural frizz/curl product that works, I’m all ears!).
And the second is with technology. We are a very connected house. Dan works in IT and has been interested in computers and tech since he was a kid. We have multiple laptops, a TV, wireless internet, a microwave, and cell phones.
I have often read articles about cell phone radiation and even though the research out there is murky, it scares me. I just don’t like the uncertainty around it all. How do we know that we won’t look back in 10, 20, or 30 years and realize that there were elements of our cell phones that were unsafe? After all, people didn’t realize how unhealthy smoking was for decades. It was even promoted at one time for being a healthy choice (can you even believe that now?).
And especially when I think about Maya snatching my cell to play “Peppa’s Paintbox” or chatting with her grandparents, or James rummaging through the diaper bag and getting a hold of my phone, I hate the idea that there might be radiation passing from the phone to their little bodies.
So, when I heard about Lif3 Canada (pronounced “Life”), I was totally intrigued.
The Lif3 Smartchip
Basically, Lif3 are all about helping people get smart about cell phone safety. They have released something called the Lif3 Smartchip, which is a simple solution to help reduce exposure to cell phone radiation.
The Lif3 Smartchip is currently in its 3rd generation and is a result of over 5 years of research and development. It’s been tested by 3 different accredited facilities (the studies are available to the public), and they have been proven to reduce cell phone radiation when used correctly.
Let’s get science-y here for a sec. The technology uses a unique combination of several layers of microwave-absorbing materials and a passive coupler chip that redirects radiation away from your head/body, with virtually no impact on your cell phone signal. Sounds pretty intense, right?
There are different Smartchips for different phones. Right now iPhones and Samsung models are available, but they are developing a more general Android Smartchip and ones specifically for tablets as well.
I was sent a Lif3 Smartchip and happily attached it to the back of my phone. They are super slim and easy to install. And once it’s in there, you’d never even know it. It doesn’t change the size or weight of your phone at all, and it doesn’t affect the connection either. I honestly wouldn’t have known the difference of chip versus no chip.
I’m obviously not a scientist and you can take all of this with a grain of salt, BUT, I feel like we need to educate ourselves and advocate for more research and more conversation around this topic.
You can read in this article how the Canadian government is responding to the need for more research on radiation and health effects.
For me, until more concrete research has been done that refutes the recent suggestions of possible health risks, the peace of mind knowing that I’m reducing the potential of cell phone radiation is totally worth the $79 price tag. We are waiting for the Android one to become available for Dan’s phone, and my Mum, who just purchased her first ever smartphone (!!), is getting one too.
Because these people (just look at how proud that little gal is after building her snowman!)… well, I love them way too much to want to risk ANYTHING.
Get 20% off your Lif3 Smartchip!
If you are interested in getting a Lif3 Smartchip for yourself or a loved one, then head on over to their website. The folks from Lif3 have offered readers of The Sweetest Digs a 20% off coupon code!! Just enter ‘YMC2016’ upon checkout!
What do you guys think? Have you tried to “green” your home as much as possible? Ever thought about the technology you use as part of that?
Disclosure: This post is part of the YummyMummyClub.ca and Lif3 #GetCellSmart sponsored program. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. This post reflects my personal opinion about the information provided by the sponsors.