v 2 issue 25: It's Fun Being Green

Make the world more beautiful with the gift of green living. This issue is packed with all things Eco.


Cover by Allison Cottrill










1 Great. Great. Great. "Reduce your forkprint" with reusable bamboo utensils & chopsticks. Each set of RePEaT utensils comes in a storage case made of recycled PET plastic bottles. But, that's not it! To-Go Ware also has the most fabulous stainless steel food carrier. Works with both hot and cold foods. The 2 tier system is fashioned after a lunch box system used in India. Use just the top, stack them up, &/or store dressing/sauces in the sidekick tiffin. Stupendous!

2 Neela certainly has a nifty way of toting all your reusable bags into the grocery store. Each market pack stores 5 fold-up market totes in a carrying case which can double as a lunch pack. Great washable designs have gusseted bottoms, 1" wide shoulder straps, and are made of durably soft polypropylene. Enter code: NEELAFF for 20% your total purchase thru 7/19.

3 Made of 100% combed organic Cotton this tiger organic Tee by Kipendo is perfect for delicate skin. The pattern is bold and the fabric is super organic soft. Available @ rocknsprouts in sizes 2T-12. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your total purchase.

4 Go Popsi! Popsi is the daughter of Mother Nature. By being made into a doll, she saves 20 minutes of electricity and five P.E.T. bottles from going into the landfill. Read her story and check out all the fun @ gopopsi.com. By purchasing the book, doll, & bag combination, you'll definitely contribute to "Giving the Earth a Helping Hand".

5 Eco-ditty has 100% organic reusable snack & sandwich bags which go by the names of snack-ditty & wich-ditty. Now, even lunch can enjoy the benefits of being green by losing the plastic and dipping into organic cotton. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off your total purchase.

6 Nothing says green like a good 'ole frog...unless of course he is peacefully positioned on a 100% organic woman's tee with a scoop neck and 3/4 length sleeves. Live with Love offers people & planet friendly apparel for Mom, kids, & babies. Enter code: KTW10 for 10% off your purchases thru 8/1/09.


This week’s mom GREEN Tips:
Green Cleaning Supplies:
How green are your green cleaning supplies? Manufacturers of commercial cleaning products are not required to list all of the ingredients used. So, while the new green products may be less toxic, that does not mean they are non toxic. In order to find the greenest and least toxic of the commercial cleaners available, read the labels. Learn what the warning labels mean. Don't assume that all of the environmental and health claims made by these products are true. Check the ingredients list. You can also check out the Eco Label center at GreenerChoices.org to see how a particular product rates.

We recently had the opportunity to try out some Eco Mist Solutions products and absolutely love their Kitchen cleaner. It is totally unscented, non toxic and made with plant based ingredients. Now that is a cleaner you can trust!

Shopping for Organic Food on a Budget Tips:
Focus on high-pesticide count foods first. The most common conventional fruits and veggies that contain harmful chemicals and pesticides include apples, potatoes, nectarines, and spinach. Plan on spending a little more than usual on these items, and cut back on others to balance your budget.

Which conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables are okay if organics are not available? Check out this guide to fruits and vegetables containing the most pesticides @ foodnews.org

Become a bulk buyer. This is especially useful when you're buying whole grains and lentils that can be stored easily for a few months. Bulk buying programs are also available at many coops and natural food stores, so don't be afraid to ask about discounts. This is a great way to incorporate healthy whole grains in your diet if you're not already eating them.

Choose natural or generic over premium brands. This is easier to do at supermarkets such as Trader Joe's and even Whole Foods in some cases. Look for the store's brand over the premium for savings, and take advantage of manufacturer coupons whenever possible.


Teaching Kids to Respect the Environment
One of the best ways to get your kids to respect the environment is to show them the impact of their actions on the world around them. Our children have key role to play in protecting the future of our planet. As we teach our children about the world we need to teach them about their role as stewards of the earth. Kids appreciate that kind of information especially when they feature prominently in the information being presented.

One example of how we can start teaching children to respect the environment in simple and tangible ways is to examine the way we dispose of our garbage. Garbage disposal is a chore many kids are given because it is simple to do – carry the garbage out to the curb. Why not introduce your kids to the whole concept of what we do with garbage so that they might think twice about how they discard items, especially recyclable ones.

Kids should be informed that our garbage can hurt us. Certain chemicals if disposed of incorrectly can be released into the environment and contaminate our air, water, and possibility the food we eat. Examples are thermostats that contain mercury, oil paints and pesticides. Examine with your child the household items around your house that may be hazardous to the environment if not disposed of correctly. If unsure about some products, talk to the retailer or read product labels carefully to find out if safe disposal methods are recommended.

Encourage your kids to recycle paper and all other recyclable items around the house (look for the recycling symbol that is on many items, like plastic containers).

Discuss the fact that the country is running out of landfills and scientists are still trying to find safer and more affordable ways to burn garbage. Our best strategy is to reduce what we throw away and reuse or recycle as much as possible.

Teach your kids about the products that pollute our environment like our cars and get into the habit of walking or riding a bike to destinations, whenever possible. The next time you decide to buy a car think about the eco-friendly hybrid car (powered by gas and electricity) and involve your kids in the research process for your next eco-friendly vehicle.

When you are outside with your children take the time to highlight the distinct beauty of nature. Point out to your children the picture perfect blueness of the sky on a clear, bright day. In early spring find where lilacs or other pungent and lovely spring flowers are growing, and encourage the kids to sniff the unique scents of these spring treats. Cultivate a love for nature by awakening in your children an appreciation for the natural world.

With these tips, your children will learn to not only embrace nature but will grow into adults that will respect the environment because they know, understand and appreciate what is at stake. Your kids will develop an appreciation of their responsibility not just as conscious inhabitants of earth but as caring stewards who respect the grandeur and balance of Nature.