If you’ve followed our fair trade series this month, you should be rather familiar with the subject by now. If you’re just tuning in, however, the following information can provide a quick, handy foundation to build upon.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, are you considering a gift for someone special? Celebrating your love for others─including sweethearts, parents, siblings, kids, and pets─is both heart expanding and wellness boosting. You can make your gift even more meaningful by choosing fair trade. In doing so, you’re not only treating your loved ones, you’re also supporting social justice, empowering communities across the globe, and encouraging healthy environmental practices. For example: Read the rest of this entry »
If you like the concept of fair trade─a market-based system that ensures better trading conditions for producers in developing countries─you may want to choose fair trade options over others when given the chance. Fortunately, more stores are carrying fair trade products than ever before, and there are numerous on-line sites as well, offering items ranging from coffee and tea, to body care products and apparel, to home décor and jewelry.
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!
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