Susan Harris doesn't believe in green thumbs. Instead, she says she learned the ins and outs of gardening by "trowel and error." That sounds a lot like my current gardening plan...heavy on the error. So I'm happy to take as many tips as I can from Susan, who is now a Master Gardner and gardening coach. Here's what she has to say about getting your kids excited about gardening! Kids and … [Read more...]
Reduce Your Family's Food Waste
February 8, 2008 By 11 Comments
Why pay for good food only to throw it away? It doesn't make sense, yet it's something that all of us have done. That's why 12% of the U.S. waste stream is made up of food scraps. Keep your hard earned dollars out of the trash by using these simple tips to help reduce your family's food waste. Plan Ahead: Before you prepare your next shopping list, take a few minutes to think about your … [Read more...]
I Hate Phthalates! How to Avoid Bathing Your Baby in Chemicals
February 5, 2008 By Leave a Comment
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, most alarmingly to hormone disruption and reproductive … [Read more...]
The 2008 Green Parent Awards
February 4, 2008 By 3 Comments
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!! the way back video First and Last Name: Email Address City, State What Is Your Best Green Parent Tip? … [Read more...]
Eating Out: How To Green Your Dinner
January 18, 2008 By 10 Comments
Whether you have the kids in tow or you are heading out for a much needed reprieve, eating out can be a fun break from the usual hum-drum of the home kitchen. But eating out also gives you less control of what you will eat and how it will be served. Here's how to eat out the green parenting way. Go Local: Keep the location in mind when you select a venue for your meal. Choose a spot that's … [Read more...]
It's Good To Share
January 11, 2008 By 19 Comments
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 town, my country, and certainly throughout the world, there are mothers who … [Read more...]
Green Your Dry Cleaning
January 9, 2008 By 14 Comments
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 Green? The standard solvent used in 85% of the dry cleaners in the U.S. is is … [Read more...]
Where To Donate Your Old Stuff
January 2, 2008 By 34 Comments
Cleaning house? Consider donating things you no longer want or need to someone who does. Donating old stuff is not only great for folks in need, it is also great for the environment, as it reduces waste and the consumption of new resources. Get your kids involved by filling them in on where the old items are going and how they will help. Here's where you and your kids can donate anything from … [Read more...]
The Green Parent Is Coming To You!
January 1, 2008 By 4 Comments
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 gear! The 2008 Green Parent Awards April 12-13 Seattle, WA Seattle Green Festival Green Parenting Presentation: Sat. … [Read more...]
Cleaning House? What To Do With Your Old Clothes
January 1, 2008 By 11 Comments
If you're like me, the new year has you itching to clean house and get rid of some post-holiday clutter. Time to go through those closets and set aside the clothes that have seen better days. Just don't even think about tossing them. There's plenty of ways to get a second (or third or fourth) life out of your old duds. Here's are some green parenting ideas for dealing with your old … [Read more...]
Top 5 Green Parent New Year’s Resolutions
December 28, 2007 By 10 Comments
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: Park It: Make every effort to walk, bike, or take public transit instead of driving you car. For inspiration, … [Read more...]
Green Your New Year's Eve Celebration
December 27, 2007 By 8 Comments
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: lost robin hood downloads Paper invitations are so 2007. Send email invitations, or evites, for your New Year’s Eve celebration. Check out www.evite.com for free evites as well as party planning ideas … [Read more...]
Tis The Season…For Coughs, Colds, and the Flu
December 19, 2007 By 9 Comments
Members of a family get used to sharing. Older kids share toys and clothes with their younger siblings, parents share snacks, drinks, and occasionally the clothes from their own backs with their children, and even the family dog might be required to share a place on his cozy bed from time to time. And when one member of the family brings home an illness, whether it’s a scratchy throat, a runny … [Read more...]
Deck The Halls with Eco-Friendly Christmas Deocrations
December 17, 2007 By 6 Comments
Looking for holiday decorations that are safe for your kids and the environment? Follow these tips to deck the halls with eco-friendly style: 1. Go Lead-Free: Watch out for ornaments and holiday decorations that are coated in lead-based paint. Instead, look for decorations that bear the 100% lead-free label. 2. Go -Au Naturale: Look to nature when decorating your home this year. Here are … [Read more...]
Green Your Christmas with Low-Energy Holiday Lights
December 14, 2007 By Leave a Comment
Whether you like lights that are white or multi-colored, make them green with LED lights that use 90% less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs. LEDs don’t heat up like standard bulbs...so they stay cooler, are safer for kids, and pose less risk of fires. And if one bulb does break or burn out, the rest of the lights in the strand will keep glowing. If you can't find LED … [Read more...]
