It's Your Oregon: Pumpkin Patch Day Care

Candace Stambaugh: Springfield, OR

Candace Stambaugh has been taking care of children in her home in Springfield Oregon for 9 years.  Working from home and being a busy mother, Candice was grateful to have the Eco-Healthy Childcare Program reach out to her.  While she considered herself an environmental “armchair activist”, educating her neighbors on where to recycle batteries for example, she had not had the time to find out all the information that the Eco-Healthy Program presented.  It was an extension of her ethics to seek the endorsement after serendipitously learning about it through the mail.    

After first receiving the checklist, one of the most significant actions she took was removing her carpets.  She said it feels like it has made a real difference with air quality, a decrease of allergens, and is overall cleaner without the carpets to trap dirt.

While Candace wasn’t in the habit of using aerosol cans before, knowing that they can affect children’s health made her conscious to never buy them.  Aerosol was something she had never thought about in terms of her kid’s health, and she was glad we found her to provide the information.  Another thing Candace learned about through the checklist, and is still working on, is to look for toys labeled “PVC-free”.

When asked if she had any Eco-Healthy challenge, Candace had the checklist nearly on-hand so she could look it over.  One difficulty she experienced was getting rid of air fresheners but here too she has made changes, opting for oils which she puts on the artificial plants that decorate her home.

Candace is very proud of the Eco-Healthy Childcare sticker, and knowing that she is looking out for the environment and the children’s health.  The Eco-Healthy poster is prominently displayed by where the children hang up their coats.  Candace was happy to learn that the Oregon Environmental Council is reaching out to busy woman, at home much of the day, who may not have this information at their fingertips.  She thinks “childcare providers, mechanics, everyone” can do their part.    

Click here for information on how to become an Eco-Healthy Childcare.