You are trying to live the green life. And you want to teach your children to be environmentally aware.
Why? Because our children will change the world. I have a thing about cigarette butts.Contrary to popular belief, they do not break down. Those filters are plastic. Cigarette butt litter is a major problem, from the plastic filters that end up in our oceans to the toxic chemicals that leach out.In any event, I always pick them up and throw them in the trash when out walking, and yell at people who drop them out of cars.I didn’t really think my kids were paying attention, until my then 4 year old son watched a man flick a cigarette butt on the ground. He marched over, picked it up and handed it back to the man with the admonition, “This is trash.You’re killing the fishies.”
Lesson? You raise environmentally aware kids by example. But here are some other tricks:
Lead by example.You have to walk the walk if you want your children to do so.What you say must match what you do.If you want them to turn out lights when they leave a room, you need to do it too.If you want them to recycle, you need to do it.And, when appropriate, you can remind them why it is important to do so.It can be as simple as “saving energy saves the world” or “recycling saves resources” so that they can connect the action to the result. Okay, be forewarned, however. They will recite these admonitions right back at you. And it can get quite annoying. Nonetheless, instilling simple messages now will stick with them for a lifetime.Who doesn’t remember “give a hoot, don’t pollute!”
Make every day a lesson. This can get heavy handed.Kids don’t want a lesson all the time. (Nor do adults, which is why I think green blogs get annoying, including this one.) But, if you are talking a walk or playing at a park and you see trash, use it to talk about why littering is bad and why recycling is good.
Help them love nature. Teaching kids to respect and enjoy nature is critical. Teach them to revel in the wonder of it.The texture of a rock, the path of a beetle, the smell of a flower, and the intricacy of a spider’s web are all amazing and inspirational.Get down and dirty, and inspire your child to respect nature.And if your child can be amazed and appreciative of nature, I can guarantee your child will want to protect the planet.
Make it fun.Make it fun for them, and they’ll learn.You can make almost anything fun.For example, at our house, we do preventive maintenance on our drains monthly to keep everything flowing.We use baking soda (1/3 cup), followed by white distilled vinegar (1/2 cup), and let it foam.Chase with hot water after 5 minutes.All little kids love this volcanic type action – so let them clean the drains, and explain why using simple, non-toxic household cleaners is better for the environment.Whatever the action you are trying to get, try turning it into a game or adventure with a message.Make your own bubble bath (1 cup Castile liquid soap, ¾ cup water, ½ - 1 tsp. vegetable glycerin) and talk about reducing chemicals.Trying to take shorter showers – use a timer and make it a race.When going for a walk, see who can collect the most trash.My son absolutely loves using the garbage picker-upper (handheld claw).Trying to repurpose items?See who is the most creative.Take a cereal box – cover it with foil, and it can be a robot or add some colored paper and it’s a puppet theater.
Use what they love. Use their favorite cartoons or movies to talk about environmental issues.Finding Nemo or SpongeBob?Talk about the importance of preserving our oceans.You can weave in not littering (if your storm drains go to the ocean), the impact of plastics (Great Plastic Garbage Patch), or reef safe sunscreens.Ice Age II:The Meltdown?Global warming.Wall-E?Consuming less.
Get them involved.A number of great organizations exist that involve kids in being green.Try Kids for a Clean Environment or Kids for Saving Earth.And many environmental organizations have events and websites geared for kids.
Twitter Party to Celebrate Smart Mama's Green Guide - Lots of Fabulous Free Prizes
Friday, 26 June 2009
Please note: The Twitter party is at 6 pm Pacific, 9 pm Eastern. I had a typo in my post!
To celebrate the publication of my book Smart Mama's Green Guide: Simple Steps to Reduce Your Child's Toxic Chemical Exposure, I'm having a Twitter party hosted by Amy from ResourcefulMommy (@resourcefulmom on Twitter). The Twitter party will be Friday, June 26, 2009 from 6 to 7 pm Pacific on Twitter (9 pm Eastern). We have tons of prizes - tons - to give away during the Twitter party so if you are not registered on Twitter, go on and register. And then hop over to Amy's Site Warming post and register with Mr. Linky for the party. You type in your name and your twitter URL (http://twitter.com/YOURTWITTERID).
Haven't participated in a Twitter party before? Come joine us - it will be fun. All you have to do is register at Amy's site (to win prizes) and then participate from 6 to 7 pm with the term "#thesmartmama" in your tweet. Just follow me - @thesmartmama - if you're shy. I'll be answering questions about simple steps to reduce toxic chemical exposure, and Amy will be giving out the loot.
What do we have? Tons of prizes. Tons!
First, we have a home sparkling water or soda make from SodaStream. SodaStream (@sodaclub on Twitter) has generously donated a Penguin starter set, retail value $199. I love my SodaStream. I love sparkling water, but hated buying the bottles. The homemade soda maker eliminates that necessity - you just use the soda maker and your tap water to make sparkling water in an instant.
We've also got a Soapnuts deluxe starter set from Laundrytree (@laundrytree on Twitter), with a retail value of $49.99. If you've followed my blog, you'll know I love Soapnuts from Laundrytree. These are the fruit of a tree, and you use them instead of laundry detergent. When they are used up, the fruit can be composted. They rock and are eco-friendly. The deluxe starter set will last the average family of 4 for almost FIVE MONTHS! It contains everything needed to wash 150 to 175 loads of laundry - a 500g bag of soapnuts, three 1-oz. bottles of our most popular fragrances* (Lavender Essential Oil, Energy Blend Essential Oil and and Clean Cotton Fragrant Oil), two sample bags (to use for traveling or share with friends), and one extra washbag. I like the essential oils, not the fragrant oil, but you can also just use the Soapnuts without the oils.
We've also got a gorgeous Arabian Rocking Horse from Plan Toys. This is donated by Clementine NW ( @clementineNW on Twitter). I love Plan Toys generally. The company uses rubber trees that are no longer able to produce and eco friendly, low impact dyes. And Clementine NW is a fabulous online boutique - lots of great eco-friendly items. Go check it out (she's upgrading the site right now and the new site will be awesome)!
Worried about bisphenol A leaching into breast milk or formula from polycarbonate plastic baby bottles? Then you should check out these stainless steel baby bottles from OrganicKidz (organickidz on Twitter). We will be giving away three at the Twitter party - 1 4 oz (RV $14.99), 1 7 oz ($21.99) and another 7 oz (for 6 mos. +) (RV $23.99).
Love chocolate? Then we have a prize for you! Thanks to Coco Zen (@cocozenmama on Twitter), specializing in the fair trade chocolate, we are giving away a Head-to-Toe Chocolate Body Gift Set (RV $40). The gift set includes a chocolate edible lip scrub mini (Chocolate Brown Sugar), a chocolate lip balm (Chocolate Mint Bliss), a chocolate salt scrub (Chocolate Brownies), a chocolate soap (Chocolate Mint Bliss) and a Chocolate Lotion (Chocolate Milkshake). Experience the oneness with chocolate!
From ZoLi, we have two travel essential sets (RV $48.99) to give away! This set includes everything you need to travel with baby! The travel essential set includes two BPA & phthalate free 5 oz. baby bottles, the totally awesome on-the-go travel formula & snack dispenser, a nitrosamine & PVC-free Munch teether and a PVC & latex-free Baby OHM changing mat (which means there is no lead in your changing pad). And the on-the-go travel dispenser is amazing. Each individual container keeps formula or snacks fresh until needed, and the easy-pour spout transfers the contents into a bottle or cup easily without spills or mess. The easy stacking system lets you decide how many you want to take with you…1, 2, 3, or all 4. And the tall stacking format makes it easy to locate in your diaper bag.
We will also be giving away a beautiful Diaper Clutch bag (RV $62) from Danielle Elizabeth. The Diaper Clutch is from the "green by DE" line - organic fabrics and ribbons. Check out more information here.
We're giving away a Earthluxe organic romper from Chapter One Organics ( @ch1jen on Twitter). You have to support a company with the mission to "produce modern, fun baby and toddler clothes from sustainable fabrics and to create green jobs for women facing significant barriers to employment, providing a fresh start for the future!" You can pick the romper size. The romper is made from certified organic cotton and low impact dyes (RV $38).
We are also giving away a gift certificate worth $25 from Earth Mama Angel Baby (@mamamelinda on Twitter). I LOVE EARTH MAMA ANGEL BABY. Looking for a baby wash without the carcinogens 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde (like you find in Johnson's baby wash)? Looking for a baby wash free of hormone disrupting phthalates (like you find in Johnson's baby wash)? Then you should try EMAB's baby wash. We are also giving away EMAB baby gift sets - A Little Something for Baby - worth $21.95. EMAB also has baby loss gift sets - perfect for those terrible situations.
Having just posted about the unbelievable false advertising of allegedly paraben free lipsticks that contain parabens, I can tell you that Perfect Organics is exactly what it says it is. We've got the perfect gift set for you - a shirt that says "Stop Greenwashing Now", a lip and cheek shimmer (without those nasty chemicals) and shea butter (RV $48.99).
We are also giving away a Earth Hero shirt with cape set - you pick pink or blue. These are the most darling outfits for your Earth warrior - and Little Capers was wonderful to donate a set (RV $35.00).
In keeping with our Earth hero theme, we've also got a Bee & Butterfly's Farm Indoor/Outdoor play set from Sprig Toys.
For our pets, we've got dog and cat toys from Purrfect Play. Those vinyl pet toys can contain lead and other harmful chemicals - chemicals that can harm us but can also harm out pets. I've got more information on the wonderful natural items from Purrfect Play. One set will include a Bags on Board Retractable Leash from Bags on Board. This leash includes pet waste bags in the handle. They are biodegredable within 9 months in a landfill, which is a much better solution to standard plastic bags, although not a complete solution. We have one of these leashes for our dog (featured in this post on non toxic flea control) and love it!
We are also giving away two - that's right two - deluxe starter sets from Your Baby Can Read. These sets are valued at $199 each.
We also have a wonderful sling from Maya Wrap. I love Maya Wrap. The wraps are great slings, and Maya Wrap has an organic line of wraps.
We also have a muslin swaddle blanket from Aden + Anais. I absolutely love these muslin swaddle blankets. They are extra large, and work well for swaddling. The soft natural fibers allow your baby's body temperature to adjust naturally, eliminating over-heating, but ensuring warmth and comfort. aden + anais wraps will allow you to safely swaddle your baby, giving you confidence that your baby will experience a peaceful and secure sleep.
We also have two $25 cards from Smarty Pig. Smarty Pig is great - an online savings program to which others can contribute. You save for a specific goal - big or small - and you can invite others to contribute. Got a teenager saving for a car? Everybody can help out. It is a perfect solution - and we've got two $25 cards to get you started.
We will also be giving away a Polar Cuddle Cub from Cloudb. This darling cub is made from soy, and has soothing sounds to lull your child.
From one of my all time favorite people and sources for BPA, PVC and phthalate free feeding items, TheSoftLanding, we have a Thermos stainless steel bottle.
We've got more - a $59 baby gift set from Epicuren Baby from Episencial. These are wonderful baby products, free of phthalates, 1,4-dioxane and all the nasty chemicals.
We've also got a Table Top from Stokke, valued at $89.00.
We've also got five (5) Breathe Again bottles. Breathe Again is a unique, natural seawater nasal spray that cleanses and soothes stuffy noses and helps them breathe freely again. According to the company, because Breathe Again is 100% natural and contains no preservatives, it can be used even during the first month of pregnancy. However, if you have any questions, please consult your physician or pharmacist. We also have five (5) bottles of EARinse with SinoMarin™, an all-natural ear rinse. Its hypertonic saline solution cleanses the ear canal by gently dissolving ear wax. Because EARinse is free from medical side effects and has no interactions with other drugs, it’s safe to use regularly for ear wax removal or to maintain ear hygiene, to prevent ear wax build-up and re-balance ear pressure.
Okay, so basically, you better come and join us.
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Correction: Cargo's PlantLove Botanical Lipstick Is Paraben Free
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Okay, I've got an update. I finally heard from Cargo - via its PR company - and learned that Sephora's ingredient list is out of date. So, I am happy to report that Cargo's PlantLove Botanical Lipstick IS free of parabens.
Here's the email I just received:
On behalf of CARGO/PlantLove we wanted to respond to your June 25 posting.
Unfortunately, the ingredient list on Sephora.com is not up to date. The original lipstick formula, launched in 2007, was a botanical formula but still had a paraben-based preservative system. The new 100% Natural Eco-Cert certified PlantLove formula, launched in September 2008, absolutely does NOT contain any parabens and adheres to the strict Eco-Cert standards. We are taking the appropriate measures with Sephora to ensure the ingredient list is updated in a timely manner and have included the most current ingredient list below:
So I take back my comments. (Although Cargo - you should've answered the email I sent.) I still don't think much of Sephora's Natural Seal, and I think its website is lame if it is that out of date, but Cargo appears to be in the clear.
Here is the original post if you are interested:
I am completely amazed at the blatant FALSE advertising for Cargo's PlantLove Botanical Lipstick at the Sephora website. This lipstick has been recommended to me by several people, so I thought I'd check it out. But I haven't done that, in part because I just haven't been ready to sample new lipsticks. But also because I've been skeptical about Sephora's Naturally Gorgeous Natural Seal, especially since it won the dubious distinction on one of the four biggest Enviro scams.
Notice the three ingredients in bold, common to all shades? Yes, those are parabens. So how stupid does Sephora and/or Cargo think we are? The lipsticks are advertised that they are formulated without parabens, yet all shades contain three parabens?
And the company also claims that the lipsticks are manufactured without petrochemicals. Hello? Benzophenone-3 is derived from benzophenone, which is manufactured typically using benzene, a petrochemical.
In other words, the claims for these botanical lipsticks are completely false. Shame of Sephora and Cargo.
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Please donate just $1 to environmental charities you help choose
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
As environmental writers and bloggers, we know that part of good stewardship is sharing information, but we also know we cannot make change without DOING something.
So we have decided to give you, our readers, a voice and a choice. We have decided to take on a very simple fundraising mission, and we are asking you to donate just $1.00. A single dollar; that's all. Who cannot afford a buck even in these times? We know you can spare a dollar to help out our fellow humans! But how do we all decide which charities to give 100% of all monies raised to? Well, we are going to put it to a vote and let you guys decide. The 10 websites participating have chosen 5 charities for all donors to vote for, and we are going to let you guys choose which two of them will receive the all monies donated.
Our purpose in doing this is three-fold
It gives YOU a voice. As loyal readers and stewards of our environment, we want to offer you the opportunity to make a difference without breaking the bank.
It gives the two charities with the most votes some much appreciated funds to continue their mission
It allows all of us an opportunity to connect as a community of like-minded people working for the common good of ourselves, our families and our planet.
If the community of folks who care about our planet cannot come together to rise up to a challenge, who will? That is why we are asking you for a $1 donation. While $1 may seem insignificant all by itself, by pooling our resources together we really can make a difference in these tough economic times. $1 is less than the price of a candy bar and can usually be found under the seat cushions of your couch (unless you have small children, then you won't have any change in your couch. At all. Because they hunt for it.)
Won't you help 2 of these charities with your $1 donation? (Now, if you want to give more, please - feel free. We won't stop you! And by all means, send this to everyone you know so we can raise even more!) Because I'm having trouble, to vote, head over to The Good Human and vote for your favorite of the 5 charities we picked and to make your donation. I'm sorry - I'm lame and couldn't get the codes to work.
We ask that you please donate a dollar to the charity pool if you are going to vote, and know that even if your absolute favorite does not finish first or second, all the money donated will be going to worthwhile causes. If everyone we know who reads our sites, our Twitter feeds, our Facebook sites, etc. donates just $1, imagine the impact we can have as a group. And please, spread the word!
Times are tough and our collective might can really help them out. The results will be tallied two weeks from today, and we will write another article detailing the amounts and the two charities who garnered the most votes and will be receiving the money collected.
It's only $1, so please donate!
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Pesticides have been linked to a host of adverse health effects. And using pesticides on your pets can result in the transfer of those pesticides to your kids, especially if they don't wash their hands after playing. But, nobody wants pests in the home either. So, many pet owners are looking for non toxic solutions for control of pests such as fleas.
One solution is to use essential oils to control fleas on dogs. Certain essential oils repel fleas, such as citronella, cedar, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemongrass, sweet orange, and lavender. However, you should never apply essential oils directly to a pet's coat as it can cause skin irritation or allergic type reactions. So, you can place essential oils in a spray bottle or mister with distilled water or add essential oils to baking soda and sprinkle on the dog. The same mixtures can also be used with your dog's bedding.
For misting, add 10 to 20 drops to 2 cups distilled water and spray. This works particularly well if sprayed on the legs and belly before going in an area known to have flease. And here's how to make the baking soda mixture to control fleas:
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So, I've been posting about the fabulous Ultimate Healthy Parenting Party at The Pump Station and Nurtury to celebrate my book's release on June 28, 2009. If you are in Los Angeles, you are invited, and I really hope you will come. The event is free to all. The first 150 attendees will get awesome swag bag.
I'm also having a Twitter party with Resourcefulmommy on June 26, 2009. At both events, we will have fabulous prizes. So, I'm going to be highlighting some of the donors.
Danielle Elizabeth has some great diaper bags and diaper clutches. The owner and designer, Danielle Fyfe, and I met in conjunction with the CPSIA, and I reached out to her because I liked her "green by DE" line. I wish I had carried these when my kids were little. The "green by DE" line rocks it in black and white.
And, you don't have to worry about the changing pad containing lead. As I previously posted about, some vinyl changing pads and changing pad covers have had lead in them.
Danielle Elizabeth has donated a signature Messenger Diaper Bag (RV $175) from her green by DE line. She has also donated a Diaper Clutch (RV $62) from her green by DE line. We will be giving one of these away at the Ultimate Healthy Parenting Party and one at the Twitter sitewarming party.
The green by DE line is made in the USA. They are made with organic solid and print fabrics with organic ribbon trim. Both are machine washable.
The Messenger Diaper Bag features convenient external elastic bottle sleeve and personal pocket, two large internal compartments, two internal elastic pockets and one bottle pocket, hidden magnetic closures and a removable changing pad.
The Diaper Clutch features a changing pad, an elastic pocket inside for diapers, a zipper pocket inside for items such as wipes and ointments and a zipper pocket outside for personal items.
Aren't they cool? Hope you come to one of the parties to try to win one.
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Correction: Aluminum, Not Stainless Steel Straws at 7-11
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Corrected: June 23, 2009
Quick post to let you know about an awesome deal at 7-11 stores. For slurpees, 7-11 has wide, aluminum (and not stainless steel as I originally posted) straws for $0.99. They are part of the Transformer promo glasses and straws, but they don't have any Transformer logo stuff on them.
So, I was originally told that these were stainless steel by the manager at my local 7-11. I didn't even think to question it, and of course I should have done so. I got a comment from a reader, and decided to test the straws using my Niton XRF analyzer. Yep, the straws come up as an aluminum alloy. So, I've emailed Slurpee to get the scoop, and find out if the aluminum is lined with an epoxy resin that contains bisphenol A. It doesn't really make sense for the straws to be lined because they don't store the liquid.
Assuming there is no bisphenol A, these can replace your disposable plastic straws, depending where you fall on aluminum. To be frank, I don't think you are going to get much transfer to your liquid using an aluminum straw. But I also know that a lot people steer clear of aluminum.
If you are okay with aluminum, these wide straws are great - just perfect for smoothies. Also great for other drinks, but they are perfect for fruit smoothies. And, no plastic, no leaching of chemicals. Nothing to throw in the trash can - completely re-usable. So, stop using disposable plastic straws and replace them with these aluminum straws.
Don't think plastic straws are all that significant? Consider that McDonald's alone serves 52 million meals per day. How many of those meals come with disposable plastic straws do you think? Then consider all the other restaurants, all with disposable plastic straws. Consuming a non-renewable resource and ultimately choking our landfills and our oceans. Great Pacific Plastic Garbage Patch anybody?
These straws can be throw into the dishwasher so they are easy to keep clean.
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Jennifer provides eco-consulting to make your home more healthy, green, non-toxic and safe. From greening the cleaning, to making personal care products, to testing consumer products including toys for lead using a Niton XRF analyzer, Jennifer, TheSmartMama, is available for in home, telephone and shopping consultations. TheSmartMama also offers XRF testing for lead content compliance under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). For more information, click here.
Book Jennifer to speak at your next event or provide a demonstration. Jennifer can demonstrate making homemade cleaners, beauty products or art supplies. Contact her at Jennifer@TheSmartMama.Com.
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You are trying to live the green life. And you want to teach your children to be environmentally aware.
First, we have a home sparkling water or soda make from 
From 
We are also giving away a Earth Hero shirt with cape set - you pick pink or blue. These are the most darling outfits for your Earth warrior - and 
We've also got five (5) 
Okay, I've got an update. I finally heard from Cargo - via its PR company - and learned that Sephora's ingredient list is out of date. So, I am happy to report that Cargo's PlantLove Botanical Lipstick IS free of parabens.
As environmental writers and bloggers, we know that part of good stewardship is sharing information, but we also know we cannot make change without DOING something. 
She has also donated a Diaper Clutch (RV $62) from her green by DE line. We will be giving one of these away at the Ultimate Healthy Parenting Party and one at the Twitter sitewarming party.
The Diaper Clutch features a changing pad, an elastic pocket inside for diapers, a zipper pocket inside for items such as wipes and ointments and a zipper pocket outside for personal items.
.
