The Green Parent

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 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 [...]

Want to teach you kids about going green? Here are 5 different ways in which you can leave a lasting impact in your children’s lives that will also give them the power to benefit the planet. Teach them how to cook! Children who learn how to prepare their own food are slimmer, healthier and more [...]

One of the most frequent comments I hear from parents is that they want to make eco-savvy choices, but can’t afford the high cost of going green. In today’s economic climate, no one (myself included) wants to place any additional burdens on already strapped budgets. The great news is that the essence of going green [...]

Show your love for your beau and the planet this Valentine’s Day with these gifts that are big on romance and gentle on the planet: Cards: Around the world, approximately one billion Valentine cards are sent out each year. Save a tree and reduce waste by sending your Valentine a mushy e-card or online slide [...]

Did you happen to catch the latest news about the danger of the group of chemicals called phthalates that are currently found in a number of baby products? Phthalates are man-made substances that are used to make plastics flexible and to stabilize fragrances. These chemicals have also been linked to some really frightening health risks, [...]

In just a few short weeks, The Green Parent: A Kid-Friendly Guide to Earth-Friendly Living (Kedzie Press, 2008) will finally be released and available for sale at local and online booksellers nationwide. As part of the celebration, author Jenn Savedge (that’s me!) will be touring the country, asking questions, sharing ideas, gathering tips, and handing [...]

Tell us how you’re raising kids without trashing the planet (or nominate a friend who is) and you could win The 2008 Green Parent Awards! Register Now To Win!! First and Last Name: Email Address City, State What Is Your Best Green Parent Tip?

Just how green is your favorite candidate? Check out these fast facts to learn where each candidate stands on the top eco-issues currently under debate. Hillary Clinton Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Supports a cap-and-trade system to cut U.S. emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 Renewable Energy: Proposes $50 billion 10-year fund to invest in renewable [...]

Are you flushing money (and the environment) down the toilet? In the typical American household, 35 to 45% of all of the drinkable (or potable) water is used to flush the toilet. Older model toilets are the worst offenders, using 7-10 gallons of water with each flush. Newer models are slightly more conservative, using between [...]

Mornings in my house revolve around a frenzy of food. Between preparing breakfast for my girls (they are on a cinnamon toast kick) to packing their lunches (PB&J, carrots, and applesauce), and taking a stab at defrosting what we will have for dinner, it seems almost surreal to me that outside my home, throughout my [...]

Kids and dry cleaning? You’re joking, right? These two go together like oil and water (literally). But for those of you who are adventurous enough to mix kids and dry cleaning, here’s what you need to know about the toxic chemicals used at traditional dry cleaners and how to find a greener alternative. Why Go [...]

Oddly enough, one of the most common green parenting questions that I am asked is centered on those pesky toilet paper and paper towel tubes that accumulate so quickly in the family recycle bin. Sure, you could do a craft with them (there are several craft ideas list below) but that idea may lose its [...]

Check out the calendar to see when The Green Parent Awards are coming to a town near you. This calendar is updated frequently, so if your town isn’t on here yet, but you think it should be, drop me a line. And be sure to register now for a chance to win some great green [...]

It’s that time of year where we all reflect back on the past 12 months and make a plan for the months to come. If you’re ready to really make a difference in 2008, try making a promise to go easy on the planet with one (or all) of these Green Parent New Year’s Resolutions: [...]

It’s just about time to say good-bye to 2007 and ring in 2008. Get your new year off on the right foot with these eco-friendly tips to green your New Year’s Eve celebration. Send Evites: Paper invitations are so 2007. Send email invitations, or evites, for your New Year’s Eve celebration. Check out www.evite.com for [...]