This post is part of a “Wish List” series in which I ask experts in different kid-related fields—medicine, education, etc.—what they really want parents to know and do better. Interested in hearing from a certain type of expert? Please make a suggestion here.

For this installment of the expert “Wish List” series, we’re honored to share the wisdom of Jerome Paulson, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and chair of the executive committee of the Council of Environmental Health for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here, he tells us the five things he wishes every parent knew or did to help all kids—your own and future generations’ —consume healthier air, water, and food.

1. Consuming a variety of fresh, whole foods is more important than eating organic. We know that produce is full of antioxidants and other nutrients that help protect kids from all sorts of problems. But many people will be surprised to learn there’s actually no documented long-term health benefit of eating organic foods. Eat organic if you want to, but don’t limit your child’s intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, calcium-containing foods, and whole grains if buying organic makes these choices too expensive. If you want to be choosy about organic purchases, look at the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15, here. They have an app that will allow for quick reference at the grocery store.

2. Take steps to be more energy conscious. Climate change is one of the major health problems facing the globe. Any parent concerned about the future of their children and the planet should make an effort to use public transportation and carpools whenever possible, buy the most fuel efficient vehicle consistent with safety and their budget they can find; conserve energy at home; and encourage their elected officials to change local, state, and national policy so the U.S. can contribute to climate change mitigation where possible and adapt to climate change where it must.

3. Avoid toiletries and cosmetics that include endocrine disrupting chemicals. Certain chemicals common in household products are thought to possibly interfere with many chemical processes in growing bodies and are known to have adverse health effects in animals. Err on the side of caution and avoid buying soaps, lotions, and makeup for your kids that contain triclosan, phthalates, parabens and certain other ingredients (for a full and helpful list, check out the EWG’s Skin Deep page, here).

4. Keep indoor air free of pollutants. Polluted indoor air is a big asthma risk. Don’t allow people to smoke in your home—ever—and work with your local school district to take steps to keep the school’s indoor air clean by avoiding air fresheners and keeping humidity down to inhibit mold growth. Moms Clean Air Force and the American Lung Association have great tips on their websites.

5. Take your shoes off when you enter the house. You’d be amazed by how much bad stuff is tracked in on the soles of shoes—pesticides and harmful chemicals, just to name a couple. Make a designated spot by the door where everyone in the family can stow their boots and sneakers, and get everyone into the habit of removing their shoes when they come into the house.

Photo credit: Odin Thomas via Photo Pin, cc