The Holistic Moms Network, a national membership-based nonprofit organization with more than 100 chapters across the United States, will hold its annual Natural Living Conference on Saturday, October 25, at Montclair State University. The conference will explore some of the top concerns of the natural living community, including chemical exposure in our environment and our households, contemporary homesteading, and do-it-yourself healing tinctures and infusions, among others. The event features a keynote address by Dr. Laura Markham of Ahaparenting.com on positive parenting as well as workshops on yoga and living with food allergies. Vendors will also be on hand to offer a wide range of natural and holistic products of particular interest to parents.The annual event expects to draw more than 400 attendees, and registration is available online.

The mission of the Holistic Moms Networkis to provide awareness, education, and support for holistic parenting and to offer a nurturing, open-minded and respectful community for parents to share their knowledge of natural health and wellness, nutrition and organic whole foods, integrative/alternative medicine, natural childbirth and breastfeeding, positive parenting, and nontoxic, eco-friendly living. Members participate in educational meetings, local playgroups, and social events in chapters across the country.

According to Dr. Nancy Peplinsky, the network’s founder, parents are driven to spearhead many facets of the natural living movement on behalf of their children out of concern for their well-being and the sustainability of their future. And she believes two socioeconomic factors are inspiring the shift toward a healthier lifestyle: a persistent, lagging economy and a climate of distrust: “Self-sufficiency and sustainability are often motivated by financial hardship, whether that manifests for individuals in growing their own food or reusing resources for our households and lifestyles.”

For more information, visit Holisticmoms.org or call 877-HOL-MOMS.