From Harmony-Montessori
Harmony has always had an exceptionally strong commitment to providing a truly healthy environment for the children in our care. In January 2006 we qualified for the new certification from the Oregon Environmental Council as an Eco-healthy Childcare Center. This recognition signifies that we pay attention to many aspects of environmental health:
- organic gardening, and no pesticides or herbicides inside or out
- smoke-free inside and out, and no air fresheners
- non-toxic cleaners (except when bleach is required) and no aerosols
- water is tested and free from lead, and in addition we use Brita filters for drinking water
- plastic containers are not used in the microwave (glass for children's lunch "warm-ups")
- conscientious 3-R's - reduce, reuse, and recycle - by staff and children
- food scraps and leftovers go into our garden's compost bin
Organic food: We also purchase and provide organic food as much as possible. We serve organic milk at lunch, and we provide organic fruits and vegetables for snacks whenever we can. The fruits we use the most - especially apples and bananas - are almost always organic. We do not serve crackers or any other foods with trans fats. We do not serve sugary foods or juices (except for those occasional birthday treats!)
Our staff strongly support this emphasis on environmental health, and we share information and give encouragement to parents as we learn together to make healthier food choices for our children. We always emphasize the fact that what is good for the children is good for the Earth.
"We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe, and are connected with each other to form one whole unity." Maria Montessori.
