The Green Parent

I’ve had these resolutions knocking around in my head since we first rang in 2012 a few weeks ago.  I decided to follow my own advice and write them down so that I can make sure they actually happen.  So without further ado, here are my top resolutions for 2012. 1. Spend more time on [...]

I’ve decided to launch a new series on this site entitled Monday Meditations. The idea is to take a minute before diving into the week to reflect on a quote, story, poem, or photo.  And what better Monday to start such an endeavor than this Monday – Martin Luther Kinh, Jr. Day.  There was no [...]

by Ashley Grimaldo Regardless of your nostalgic, Christmas-morning-frenzy memories, you’ll quickly learn that a no-holds-barred approach doesn’t go over well with your toddler — especially on the most anticipated morning of the year. Don’t wing it Christmas morning. Get a game plan together now so that your entire family can enjoy the holidays without going [...]

  by Ashley Grimaldo   Aunt Jean is coming to town. You’ve known about it for months, but you’re days away from her camping out in your guest room with a plethora of denture accessories. And she knows just how to cook your turkey. Face reality and get a game plan, because compensating with bourbon [...]

by Terra Wellington I changed my family’s habits to aid marine life.  You can too. On the eve of World Oceans Day, June 8, the devastating Gulf oil spill takes front stage on every news site, program, and Twitter page.  But, even in the midst of this tragedy, you can find a silver lining.  And [...]

If you’d like to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a way that’s less commercial, more environmentally responsible, and infinitely more meaningful, let these ideas inspire you. Make a fancy dinner at home. Spend some time in advance pouring over your favorite recipe books or searching recipe sites for elegant, lavish choices that you wouldn’t ordinarily splurge [...]

By: Dr. Margaret Lewin, Medical Director of Careful as we are all year, we seem to lose our inhibitions against junk food when Halloween rolls around – snacking on the sugar-laden treats we bought for neighbors’ children as well as the ones our own children bring home from their trick-or-treating.  Here are some tips for resisting temptation: [...]

What is patriotic? Fighting for one’s country is patriotic, flag-waving is patriotic, singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” is patriotic. Now, let’s think outside the bin (sorry, recycling humor) to something you do everyday. That’s right. Every time you reduce, reuse and recycle you’re celebrating your love for your country. During World War II citizens were urged [...]

Are you looking for a great way to celebrate Earth Day with your children?  The best way to teach your kids about going green is to help them fall in love with nature.  So get outside, get dirty, and show your kids why this planet is worth protecting.  Here are 7 cool activities to help [...]

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Green Parents!  In honor of this auspicious holiday, I’d like to offer up this roundup of organic beers and ales you can seek out tonight as you toast to the Irish. Why Organic? Organic beer is made from ingredients that are free from the toxic insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers used [...]

The countdown to 2009 is literally hours away.  This is the time to reflect on the year past and think about all of the cool things we can all do to make 2009 the greenest year ever?  Check out these eco-resolutions from greenies all over the country: “My Eco-Resolution(s) for 2009 are to shop local and in [...]

According to the , about 29 million Americans brought home a real, live Christmas tree in 2006. But that still pales in comparison to the 70% of Americans who prefer to set up an artificial tree.  So which is greener?  Here’s how to make sure your Christmas tree is eco-friendly: The Green Parent Pick: Go [...]

‘Tis the season for the winter holidays. In my house, this is the time of year when we deck the halls, talk about the nativity story, play the dreidel game, set up the kinara, decorate the tree, and whip up the eco-friendly menorah. film dvd No, I haven’t lost my mind.  Much to my daughters’ [...]

Happy Halloween everyone!  Now that the pumpkins are carved, the scarecrows stuffed, and the costumes assembled, it’s time to go trick-or-treating!  If your kids are like mine, they’ve practically been living in their costumes and practicing their lines for the last week.  Here’s to a happy, safe, and green Halloween! Share Your Story:If you haven’t [...]

Tomorrow is July 4th and for most of us in the U.S., that means food, friends, and fireworks. Here’s how to make sure your red, white, and blue celebration is packed with green… Food Keep It Local: Serve locally grown and produced foods. If you host a potluck gathering, challenge your guests to bring a [...]