Many Americans are hearing more about fair trade these days, which is fortunate, given the tremendous benefits this system offers to people and planet. Fair trade is both an organized social movement and a market-based approach that aims to create better trading conditions for producers in developing countries.
Do you have an organic household? This might be defined as a home that goes beyond organic foods to include other non-toxic, organic, and/or green alternatives. These 3 keys to creating a healthier, safer living space are easy, don’t cost much, and can really make a difference: Read the rest of this entry »
Along with dressing up your home for the holidays, how about “decorating” your garden too? Eye catching, edible ornaments are the perfect outdoor décor to attract winter birds. Not only will you share your holiday spirit with your local feathered friends, you’ll also help them to better survive the winter. You may even attract new bird species along the way!
So, how should you start? First off, designate the trees─ideally those within view from rooms you spend time in, so family members can enjoy watching the birds explore and feast. The trees you select should have plenty of widely spaced branches so multiple birds can easily access the treats. Read the rest of this entry »
As the holidays approach, what should be a joyous time can instead be a source of anxiety for many families on tight budgets. But it doesn’t need to be! Especially if you place the emphasis on loved ones, delicious food and drink, and much-needed relaxation─with gifts as an accent, rather than the whole show. These tips can help ensure a happy celebration with minimal financial strain: Read the rest of this entry »
Halloween is just around the corner, which is good news for kids of all ages. Did you know that Halloween began centuries ago as a pagan holiday that honored the dead? It has since become a day for fun─and even breaking a few rules. How can you keep the thrill intact while ensuring it’s a safe, healthy experience for all?
Green your costumes
Years ago, mothers made costumes by hand. Today, they’re practically disposable─despite the fact that they can be costly. How about going green and saving money too by buying gently used costumes this year? You might also start swapping and sharing with friends and neighbors as kids outgrow costumes. How about keeping a costume trunk in the garage so there’s always something to pick from, purchasing new accessories as needed? Make it fun, your enthusiasm will be contagious! Read the rest of this entry »
If you love beautiful things, but also live a planet-friendly lifestyle, you may be on the quest for special items that are also green─such as recycled, upcycled, sustainable, compostable, and/or biodegradable alternatives. Can you accomplish all of this and still support American workers? Yes! In fact, more U.S. companies are “going green” than ever before, resulting in a terrific range of options for the conscientious consumer. For example:
Clothing
All USA Clothing offers a line of affordable bamboo/cotton garments that are manufactured with as small an ecological footprint as possible. Bamboo is a highly renewable grass, with natural antibacterial properties. Also, bamboo fabric “breathes” and is biodegradable. Read the rest of this entry »
It’s back to school time again, are you prepared? For many eco-conscious families, this means going green as much as possible where school-related needs are concerned. In doing so, you’ll be uplifted by the knowledge that you’re making a measurable difference, while also setting a great example for your children. These tips can help:
Choose planet-friendly school supplies
Before you invest in new school supplies, seek out any items left over from last year that can be reused. When new supplies are needed, opt for recycled alternatives where you can. Visit http://www.theultimategreenstore.com for green, reasonably priced pencils, pens, crayons, paper, notebooks, binders and more. Bonus: this site donates a portion of sales to provide eco-friendly academic supplies to schools in need nationwide.
Simplify apparel
Many families wishing to consume less in general may pass on the August “back to school” mall frenzy. While school can seem like a fashion show at times, many kids prefer simple, comfortable shorts, jeans, T-shirts, sandals, sneakers, etc. In fact, fancy outfits and high-heeled shoes can be distracting to kids both in the classroom and on the playground. When you do buy, consider gently used shoes/clothing, which is both green and budget-smart.
Create healthy, zero waste lunches
To trim school lunch waste, phase out single-serving/packaged items, and swap disposable bags, containers, plastic bottles, napkins and utensils for cost-effective, reusables like those found here: http://www.theultimategreenstore.com/. Switching to eco-friendly bottles allows you to send low-sugar beverages like caffeine-free iced tea or juice diluted with water. Include whole grain sandwiches with low-fat cheese, peanut butter, or soy cream cheese along with fresh fruit, veggie sticks, nuts, oatmeal bars, etc.
Minimize the germ factor
When so many kids suddenly come together again, a plethora of germs gathers as well. Hand sanitizers can help, but frequent hand washing with plain soap and water is best. You can also help boost little immune systems year round by including a packet of Kidz EmergenC with lunches. Children can add the packet to their water at school, adding fruity flavor, as well as trusty vitamin C and other key nutrients. http://www.emergenc.com/
Consider backpack safety
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) estimates that over 50% of students carry backpacks heavier than the recommended guidelines. To avoid issues like back or muscle pain, impaired circulation or fatigue, select a lightweight model for your child with wide, padded shoulder straps. It should also have multiple compartments to allow the weight of the contents─essentials only─to be distributed more evenly. Ergonomically designed packs are ideal.
Along with your own great ideas, these tactics can help get the ball rolling. Cheers to happy, healthy families─and a fabulous new school year!
For many Americans, the 4th of July is a major summer highlight. However, some aspects of our celebratory picnics and BBQ parties can be less than planet-friendly. This year, let’s incorporate some green into that red, white and blue with these simple tips:
Green your menu
Buy party fare at the farmer’s market and support your local economy. Many fresh air markets offer everything from fruits and veggies, to eggs, cheese, seafood, meats, bread, cookies, pies and more. Think colorful salads, coleslaw, grilled veggies, fruit & cheese plates, deviled eggs, garlic bread, corn, sandwich fixings, a variety of healthy, lean protein for the grill, etc. Encourage guests to bring items without plastic or Styrofoam packaging. If you serve wine and beer, buy from local vintners/breweries. You may make some great new discoveries! Read the rest of this entry »
May is American Bike Month, compliments of the League of American Bicyclists, the national sponsor of Bike Month and this year’s Bike to Work Week─May 16-20. There is even a Bike to Work Day: Friday, May 20. For 55 years, National Bike Month has been the perfect time for new─or returning─riders to get back on the saddle and cycle to work. Bike Month stresses not only cycling but above all, safe cycling.
How can you get involved? That could be as simple as getting on your bike, though some communities lend themselves to safe cycling more than others. Read the rest of this entry »
Do you frequent your local farmer’s market? For many of us, these open air festivals of fresh produce are among the highlights of spring through early fall. Here are some great reasons to pay a weekly visit to your neighborhood farmer’s market:
Better quality food
Farmer’s markets offer the freshest food around—usually only hours from the field—so you get top quality and perfectly ripe flavor. And the colors, smells and tastes you will find offer a sensual experience that helps to re-establish your connection with fresh, whole, genuine food.
More organic options
Farmer’s markets have many organic options—usually quite affordable—enabling you to protect your family from antibiotics, pesticides, growth hormones, GMOs, dyes and other toxins. Organic agriculture also improves soil fertility, prevents chemical fertilizers from polluting waterways, and encourages species diversity.
Encourages healthy eating
Kids and adults alike enjoy exploring how foods are grown, harvested, and eaten by browsing market stalls and talking to farmers. And beautifully displayed, dewy fresh produce encourages us to eat more fruits and vegetables, making it easier to consume our recommend 6-12 daily servings for optimal wellness.
Supports your community
In an era when sustainable farmers struggle to survive, farmer’s market profits help keep small farms alive. Farmer’s markets are also cheerful social venues where you bump into friends and meet local growers personally. Kids love them too! And many open air markets feature special events, such as cooking demonstrations, music, festivals, and more.
It’s eco-friendly
Eating locally saves vast amounts of packaging waste and energy required to ship food around the globe. To continue that green theme, be sure to bring your own bags. Although most vendors offer small plastic bags, you definitely want to have larger “green” bags to carry your bounty.
Helps curb climate change
According to the American Farmland Trust, with our support, U.S. agriculture can help reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by adopting new practices and technologies and by producing low-carbon renewable energy. Studies indicate that changes in agriculture practices could offset up to one fifth of current U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
If you’re not already a habitué at your local farmers market, the National Farmer’s Market search engine can help you discover one near you: http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets/ Eat fresh, eat local.
