Insider Scoop: The Very Best of the Chicago Green Festival
Didn’t make it out to the Chicago Green Festival this weekend? Never fear…The Green Parent was there to seek out the latest and greatest in eco-savvy news, wares, and information. Here are the highlights:
Blade: Global warming and energy savings were the buzz words at this year’s fest and this new gadget, called the Blade, stands a chance at actually becoming popular enough to make an eco-difference. According to the company, attaching the Blade to your tailpipe can reduce greenhouse gas emission by 33%, air pollution by 57%, and help you save hundreds of dollars each year on gas. According to the company’s website, if every car and light-duty truck in the U.S. had a Blade, it would reduce annual CO2 emissions by 419 billion pounds and reduce national fuel consumption by 21 billion gallons. All for just $150. Too good to be true? Let me know what you think!
Naturally Clean: Hang around this site long enough and you’ll soon see that I am a big fan of natural green cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice (instead of harsh and expensive chemical cleaners.) But I also know that DIY isn’t for everyone, so I was thrilled to find NaturallyClean products from ChemFree Solutions. They’ve got a full line up of enzyme-based cleaners that can tackle everything from bathroom grime to coffee stains with ease…without the use of chemicals. Now that’s what I call clean!
Crayon Rocks: In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to tell you that Crayon Rocks are distributed by the same company that publishes The Green Parent: A Kid-Friendly Guide to Earth-Friendly Living. Still, in the spirit of accurate reporting, I also have to tell you that these things absolutely “rocked” the kid-scene at the Chicago Green Festival. These uber-cool crayons are made from soy (instead of petroleum) and are especially designed for little fingers. For ages 3 and up.
Chicago-Centric Info:
Climate Cycle: This non-profit organization is campaigning to empower youth in the green movement and bring solar energy into Chicago schools. Mark your calendar for Oct. 4th, when Climate Cycle will host a ride along Chicago’s southern lakefront to raise money and awareness about global warming. Registration begins May 26th.
Maddy’s Organic Meals: “What mom doesn’t want the best for their child? Yet who has the time to shop, steam, peel, blanch, boil, sieve, and freeze baby food?” It was precisely these two questions that prompted Dori Boneck (Maddy’s Mom) to start a business that would help other Chicago moms (and dads) give their kids the very best with ease. Maddy’s Organic Meals (M.O.M.) feature fresh organic ingredients from America’s Heartland whipped into baby pleasing recipes such as Sweet Potato and Apple Spectacular, Baby Dahl, and Captivating Carrots. Yum!
Bright Idea Energy Solutions: Thinking about alternative energy but not sure how to make it work for you? Talk to the folks at Bright Idea Energy Solutions about getting a Facility Energy Survey at your home or office . They’ll show you how to use what you’ve got more efficiently and help you decide if alternative solutions, like wind or solar, make sense for you.
