With the weekend festivities ahead, what better time than this to introduce the latest– “green” fireworks. In order for fireworks to burn, a chemical known as potassium perchlorate is used as the oxygen. This chemical is a pollutant and can be quite hazardous to the environment. Researchers have been developing nitrogen-rich formulas that burn cleaner and with less smoke in their aftermath. These more earth-friendly fireworks have already been used at concerts, circuses, and other events. While these “green” fireworks are less pollutant and hazardous on our environment, they can be costly compared to conventional fireworks. Researchers are now facing the biggest challenge- how to market them. As we find out more on how this story progresses, we will keep our KIWI readers afloat! Have a safe holiday weekend and enjoy the fireworks (they MAY be “green!”)

Brittany, KIWI Staff and beach-goer

With such a successful first year behind them, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg along with NYC DOT Janette Sadik-Khan have decided to keep this wonderful initiative going. Last August, for three consecutive Saturdays with over 50,000 in attendance, 7 miles of the New York City area was closed down allowing families to enjoy free activities and plenty of room to ride bikes, jog, and enjoy the beautiful summer days without the usual traffic. Summer Streets 2009 promises to be even better with 13 additional locations and over 1500 free activities for all to enjoy. Join in on the fun August 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 7AM-1PM. To learn more about this initiative as well as tips and activities, check out Summer Streets 2009.

-Brittany, KIWI Staff and fitness guru

Congratulations to KIWI-staffer and blog guru, Marygrace Stergakos, who was married this past weekend to Sam Taylor.

All of us at KIWI wish Mr. and Mrs. Taylor a life filled with happiness!

Looking for a fun family activity for a hot summer’s day? Make scrumptious homemade ice cream-in-a-bag with your kids. Not only will it beat the heat, it’s a great activity for a play date! All it takes is a little milk, vanilla, sugar, salt, ice and 15 minutes. Add your own twist with fresh fruit, candy, or sprinkles and whip cream on top.

Ingredients:
½ cup organic milk
½ tsp. organic vanilla extract
1 ½ tbsp. organic sugar (or to taste)
6 tbsp. rock salt
Ice

Supplies:
1 quart-sized plastic bag
1 gallon-sized plastic bag

Preparation:
1. Pour the milk, vanilla, and sugar in the quart-sized bag. Make sure it’s sealed tight, so salty water won’t get in it!
2. Fill the gallon-sized bag with ice and add the salt.
3. Place the quart bag into the gallon bag and seal tight.
4. Now for the fun part! Set a timer and tell your little tike to shake the bag as fast as he can for 10 minutes. Don’t be afraid to get creative with this part: “I combined it with a trampoline one time and asked my kids how many bounces it takes to become ice cream,” said Lynn Brunelle, kids’-science-book author and mother of two.
5. Remove the smaller bag from the ice, and wipe it down so you don’t get salt in your ice cream. Scoop out your cold treat and enjoy!

*Tip: The bag will get very cold, so wrap it in a towel or have your child wear gloves.

Serves 1

—Stephanie Hacker

Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz regarding San Francisco’s pending recycling legislation, which would make the practice (as well as composting) mandatory in the progressive California city. Today, SF mayor Gavin Newsom announced that he will be signing the bill into law, making it the first of its kind that will require residents to recycle, plus businesses to compost their food scraps. The new law is part of San Francisco’s larger goal to achieve zero-waste status by 2020.

The fine for not recycling? Up to $1,000.

While most people see recycling and composting as a good thing, some are uncomfortable with such a  law, fearing that legislation like this will only snowball. Will people start being fined if they don’t feed their children organic food, for instance? If they drive their car instead of walking, bicycling, or using public transportation? Read the rest of this entry »

Did you know that Hammonton, NJ is the Blueberry Capital of the World? Lucky for us in KIWI’s New Jersey office, Hammonton is less than a half-hour away, meaning we have access to one of the best, most abundant sources of blueberries on the planet! Pretty cool, huh?

This was the first week that I saw blueberries at the farmer’s market, and they couldn’t come soon enough. During the winter, I sometimes make a compote out of frozen berries to stir into my oatmeal. And it’s good…but it’s not the same as putting a fresh one in your mouth and having it POP when you bite down. So yeah, I like to eat my blueberries straight out-of-hand (though they’re not bad in pies, muffins, or smoothies, either!)

Further, when doing some research on The Dirty Dozen, (twelve fruits and veggies that are most important to buy organic) conventional blueberries were listed as a safer alternative to conventional cherries or strawberries, which are both part of the must-buy-organic list. Conventional blueberries may be safer, but those suckers have pretty thin skins, so I’ll stick with organic.

What about you? Do you seek out organic blueberries? What are your favorite way to eat them?

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

In an effort to help consumers learn about the chemicals often lurking in conventionally-grown food, The Pesticide Action Network recently launched WhatsOnMyFood.com, a website that seeks to spread awareness of the harmful effects of pesticides on our health and environment.

Synthetic pesticides play a huge role in conventional farming practices, and have been implicated as a cause for range  a range of illnesses including autism and Parkinson’s disease. PAN is committed to working towards the reduction of pesticide use, as well as collaborating with partner companies to voice their collective opposition against the use of chemicals in our food.

Case in point: the average American child receives more than five “servings” of chemical residues in their food and water each day, according to WhatsOnMyFood?. Further, the website allows you to search by food or pesticide to learn what’s potentially hiding in your meal. It also offers ways for concerned parents and families to take action in the fight against the use of these hazardous materials.

As for us? We’re going organic whenever possible. What about your family?

-Brittany, KIWI Staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• Are you a tea fan? Tree Hugging Family reviews Earth Mama Angel Baby’s organic Mama-To-Be tea sampler (thumbs up!), and holds a tea sampler giveaway.
• Lots of us have been experiencing never-ending rain, clouds, and cool temperatures. Beat the summer gloomies by looking on the bright side with Secret Mom Thoughts.
• Pure Mothers serve up an environmentally-responsible slice of strawberry rhubarb pie.
• If you’ve yet to do any berry picking this year, GreenStyleMom’s experience will inspire you.
• Mindful Momma admits it–you can’t be 100% green 100$ of the time! Check out the eco-confessional.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

KIWI is looking to speak with some moms about the ways they keep their family healthy. Post-dinner walks? Lots of whole grains? If you’re interested in sharing, leave your e-mail address in the comments!

Our sun-loving crew compiled a list of the best summer-related content KIWI has to offer. Whether you’re into surfing, nature walks, gardening, or cooking, you’ll find plenty of ways to have fun all summer while being kind to the planet. Read all about it at kiwimagonline.com/summerfun.

Whether it was time spent at the local animal shelter, reading to sick children, or preparing meals in a soup kitchen, I always leave my time spent volunteering with a real sense of optimism. This might seem counter-intuitive–after all, I’m sometimes exposing myself to some pretty upsetting situations. However, giving back always makes me feel like something that really needed doing was done, and fills me with a sense of empowerment that it was within my capacity to do it.

Volunteering is one of the best ways to instill in our children a sense of social responsibility and compassion. Fortunately, there are countless ways to give back no matter what your family’s interests, especially during the summertime when schedules tend to be a little more open. You can check out Volunteermatch.org to find opportunities in your community, or consider some of these family-friendly options.

1. Elect to take part in an Adopt-A-Grandparent program at a local nursing home or assisted living facility. Better yet, find out if any of the residents have summer birthdays, and throw a giant birthday bash complete with balloons, simple party games, fun music, and from-scratch cupcakes.
2. Hold an all-natural lemonade stand where you know you’ll get lots of thirsty customers (maybe a local baseball field or community pool?). Donate all proceeds to your favorite charity.
3. Make fun kits complete with coloring books, non-toxic markers or crayons, stickers, playing cards, puzzles, and pocket novels, then deliver them as a family to patients at a nearby children’s hospital.
4. Wake up early one morning and head over to your local park with a supply of trash bags. Have a competition to see which family member can find the most litter.
5. Special Olympics games occur throughout the summer in nearly every state, and volunteers of all ages are needed to make the events happen. To find one near you, click here.

Does your family have a regular volunteering outlet? How has it helped everyone grow and learn?

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

In December, Lynn’s dad/Corey’s granddad passed away, two weeks short of his 100th birthday. This will be the first Father’s Day we’ll share without our beloved “Grandpal.” How to honor him? We’ll gather his great-grandchildren together and re-tell the stories he shared so many times, about his days at Camp Utopia when his boat got stuck on Rattlesnake Rock or the time he was chased by a bear. Whether they’re true (or partially), or embellished (for sure), doesn’t matter. Remembering how his eyes lit up as he recounted his adventures will be enough. We’ll sing a few of his favorite tunes (though none of us can play any song on the piano as he did, in the key of C), and salute him by savoring his favorite apple cobbler. We won’t be buying Grandpal a gift this year, but we’ll plant colorful perennials in his honor and understand that each Father’s Day from now on will be about remembering.

-Lynn and Corey Colwell, mother-daughter duo and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family.

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• Muthering Heights marvels at her daughter’s growing sense of curiousity about the world around her.
• Just in time for Father’s Day: The Green Mom Review talks earth-friendly shave gel for dad.
• Got any birthdays coming up? Try this yummy carrot cake recipe, courtesy of Thrifty Mom to Three Boys.
• Kingdom Twindom shares her experience with natural oatmeal baths for baby.
• Balloons are festive, but they’re no party for the environment. Learn why at Mom Goes Green.
• Enviromom beautifies her pantry with earth-friendly shelf paper.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

Yesterday, the Senate approved The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which, if passed, would reduce youth smoking by 11% over the next decade. President Obama has already said he will sign the bill when it reaches his desk, resulting in a victory for anti-smoking advocates everywhere, including Washington group the Campaign Tobacco Free Kids .

With the new law in place, the FDA would have the ability to set standards forcing manufacturers to reduce nicotene content in cigarettes. It would also call for more restriction in cigarette advertisements, making outdoor advertisingof tobacco within 1,000 feet of schools illegal. Further, cigarette packages will no longer be allowed to use terms like “light” or “low tar,” and will be required to display large health-hazard graphics.

If passed, the law would be the first federal smoking regulation since 1988, when cigarettes were banned on commercial airplane flights.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff writer

According to a recent study published in journal Climatic Change, the color white could significantly offset CO2 emissions, playing a role in the combat against global warming. Using white paint or  materials for the roofs of city buildings is just one facet of what scientists call geo-engineering, or a positive manipulation of the Earth’s environment.

How does it work? Think about your clothing choices on a hot, sunny day. Donning a black t-shirt will make you feel a lot hotter than if you wore a white one. The relationship between color and heat absorption works the same for buildings. Roofs currently make up 20-25% of urban surfaces, with most of them being black or near-black. The dark color absorbs vast amount of heat and so causes buildings to warm up faster, translating to higher energy use in the form of air conditioning. By switching to white roofs, which reflects rather than absorbs heat, we can offset 24 billion tons of CO2. According to scientists, that’s like taking all of the world’s cars off the road for 10 years!

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

If school hasn’t already ended in your area, the time is probably coming close. Over at KiwiCommunity, we’ve got a whole host of budget- and family-friendly activities that will quickly get you into the summer spirit. Curious? Here’s just a taste of the fun:

• Visit a local stable to learn how horses are cared for. Find out if you can bring carrot sticks or rolled outs to feed them.
• Hang an old sheet on a clotheslines, then fill spray bottles with a mixture of tempera paint and water. Spray away for a unique, colorful masterpiece!
• Make ice pops with 100% fruit juice.
• Turn your garage into a neighborhood theater and put on a play.
• Make dreamcatchers.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

Swimming pools are summer vacation icons. Whether it was playing Marco Polo with my eyes closed, psyching myself up to jump off the high dive, or waiting through the agony of adult swim, as soon as I get a whiff of that chlorine smell, I immediately think back to those gloriously hot, sunny days. Unfortunately, while the smell of chlorine conjures up some pretty sweet nostalgia, the stuff certainly isn’t doing anything for my health. As a chemical bleaching agent that is actually toxic in large doses, chlorine can pose a real health risk to swimmers big and small.

Although chlorine has been used since the 1920’s to keep pools clean,  chlorinated water has been found to irritate the eyes and skin, as well as trigger asthma. When the stuff interacts with the dirt and sweat on our bodies, it forms a harmful chemical called trichloramine, which a 2003 Belgian study found in high concentrations in blood samples of children who frequently swim in pools.

Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re in the Philadelphia area, help Heart Gallery Philadelphia promote adoption awareness on June 20th with its Fourth Annual Gala exhibit. On display at the Please Touch Museum during the month of July, the exhibit features portraits of 30 foster children awaiting adoption in the Philadelphia area. The Heart Gallery seeks for the exhibit to raise awareness for the need of adoptive families through providing a face and voice to some of the children in the area looking for their “forever family.”

To learn more, visit heartgalleryphiladelphia.org.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• Looking for some quotable inspiration? Sweet Serendipity has some kid-related words of wisdom.
• Green Kiddos has the scoop on cloth diapering 101.
• Mothering Nature borrows a hilarious tradition called Not Me Monday. Just read it!
• Get ready for Father’s Day with some dad appreciation, courtesy of The Bean Blog.
• Cut yourself some slack! The Tranquil Parent tells how to give yourself a break.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

Depending on where you live, you might see strawberries as a spring thing. But here in New Jersey, I mark the appearance of local strawberries as the start of summer fruit season. It won’t be long now before the farmers market stalls are flooded with raspberries, cherries, blueberries, and then (my favorite!) peaches and nectarines.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s get back to strawberries, which are popping up all over the place in those cute little green boxes and baskets. Usually when I go to the market, I’m tempted to buy a ton of them—after all, the season isn’t very long, and I want to enjoy it while it lasts!

Quite unfortunately, the seasonal availability of strawberries is a lot like a box of berries’ lifespan—short. Case in point: yesterday morning I was slicing up some fresh strawberries to accompany my morning porridge. I noticed I had about two servings’ worth of berries, but since I was the only one eating them, the rest would have to wait til tomorrow. When I came back this morning, however, each of my remaining strawberries had grown their own little white fur coat of mold.

The moral of the story, of course, is not to buy less local strawberries. Instead, just eat them faster! If you really get tired of having the plain old berries, try one of these ideas:

• A spinach salad with sliced strawberries
• Strawberry compote served warm over vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate-covered strawberries (getting fancy!)
• Homemade strawberry jam
• A strawberry-pickle smoothie

Just kidding about the last one! What are your favorite ways to eat strawberries?

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

If you’ve ever wondered about what it might be like to sleep under the stars, now’s your chance–The North Face has designated June to be National Camping Month!

Throughout the month, The North Face will be holding free educational events and community activities in an effort to encourage families to spend time enjoying the outdoors through the simple act of camping. A press release for the company stated that according to the Outdoor Industry Association, there was an 11.6% decrease of participation in outdoor activities among kids ages 6-17 between 2006-2007. Hopefully, The North Face’s initiative will help foster enthusiasm among kids to spend time in nature!

Whether your family spends a night sleeping in the backyard or plan a whole weekend escape to the natural world, make the effort to camp this month!

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

While you might not be able to control every snack your little ones eat, you can control the snack’s environmental impact, thanks to TerraCycle.  The company  keeps non-recyclable packaging like cookie wrappers and drink pouches out of landfills by turning them into cool, re-purposed items like kites or backpacks, and has recently partnered with snack giants Frito-Lay and Mars.

The program works when consumers form Chip Bag Brigades to collect used chip bags. They hope to keep more than 5 million bags out of landfills, and what’s more, for each one TerraCycle receives, Frito-Lay will donate two cents to charity. There are currently 1,000 chip bag collection sites, with more in the works.  To learn more about the program, as well as how to start your own Chip Bag Brigade, click here!

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer and recycling enthusiast

Going green has gained enormous support and popularity around the world so what comes next?  An environmental film festival… Duh! On June 5-6, the Ketelhuis Cinema in Amsterdam will offer environmental films, interviews with directors, and world premieres for the eco-minded.  Strawberry Earth is the host and Green Choice will be using green power for the entire event.  The film festival is donating funds to make the location a greener environment.  The Ketelhuis Cinema will also contribute funds to Greenpeace for the next ten years! “Besides getting an eco-education, your money also supports a really cool local project.” (Treehugger.com)  Learn more about this film festival.

– Brittany, KIWI intern and cinema addict

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• EnviroMom made compost! What about you?
• Got an old cell phone you’re looking to get rid of? The Clothesline tells you how.
• If you live in Northern California, check out The Green Parent’s guide highlighting local, earth-friendly stores, markets, forums, and events.
• Tree Hugging Family compiles a great list of eco education websites for kids and teens.
• More news on the dangers of BPA, courtesy of The Smart Mama.

Are you a creative cook?  Carlson Fish Oil is looking for delicious new ways to encourage people to get their omega-3’s.  If you have a great, healthy recipe incorporating fish oil, enter their contest for a chance to win $500!  To learn more, click here.  Looking for inspiration?  Check out Carlson’s recipe for Scott’s Secret Salad Dressing.

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• Fun, summer family moments abound in SouleMama’s photograph post.  Think rhubarb pie, dandelions, and puppet shows!
• A timely topic: PhD in Parenting talks about explaining the recession and teaching financial literacy to kids.
• Curious about the world of homeschooling?  Learn about the curriculum of a 4th grader via Renaissance Mama.
• Mothering Nature imperfectly comes to term with imperfections.
• Looking for a good morel recipe?  Mindful Momma has you covered with Asparagus and Morel Bread Pudding.

-Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI Staff Writer

KIWI’s May/June issue is now available at newsstands!   We’ll help you kick off summer with planet-friendly party ideas, natural sun safety for kids, and lots of great recipes for sustainable seafood and super protein alternatives.  Pick up a copy with your family this weekend before hitting the beach!

-Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI Staff Writer

In honor of May being the month to celebrate moms, it seems only appropriate to bring your attention to a very useful website that I just came across. As a naturopathic doctor, I always have friends, family, and patients asking me for resources that I find valuable, or on “the same page as me.” That being said, it is hard to find such resources which with I agree.

The American Pregnancy Association (APA) is the leading non-profit organization in the US committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, research, advocacy and community awareness. I have found their website to be fair, balanced, and informative for a wide range of readers. The links they provide will answer many important questions for those trying to achieve a healthy pregnancy, as well as answer questions regarding infertility issues and adoption. They also provide a list of resources to find specific practitioners such as doulas, lactation consultants, pregnancy massage and yoga experts, and midwives.

More importantly, and close to my own heart, they provide facts regarding pregnancy-related nutrition and commonly asked questions regarding prenatal vitamins and herbal medicines that are safe to use during pregnancy. In addition, you will find accurate information about what foods should be avoided and what foods should be eaten.

In February of this year, the APA officially announced a partnership with Nordic Naturals, the leader in omega-3 fish oils and essential fatty acid blends. Scientific research has confirmed the importance of essential fatty acids, in particular DHA, for prenatal, maternal and neonatal development. DHA comprises about 30-40% of the fatty tissue found in the brain and is essential for proper development of brain, eyes, male genitalia, nerves, and the immune system.  International organizations have set standards for essential fatty acids during pregnancy at a minimum of 300mg a day. Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA provides 450 mg of DHA in just 2 caps.

If you are pregnant or are thinking of getting pregnant, please visit their website,  americanpregnancy.org.

-Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.

If you (or your kids) are dreaming of sleeping in dorms, eating in cafeterias, or going to school with thousands of more students than you could imagine while in high school; then, we want to make sure your college experience is as green as can be. Sustainability on college campuses is on the rise, but how eco-friendly is your dream school? Good news: our 2008 Green College Report is available online. Even better, we just launched our online survey for colleges and universities to apply to enter our 2009 Green College Report. We’ll be featuring this report in our September/October 2009 issue of KIWI Magazine in addition to providing you with our complete online version.

Click here to join our 2009 list.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and believer that every college and university can practice sustainability

Toxic Free NC, a North Carolina-based organization seeking to fight pesticide pollution, recently released a report detailing their study of pest control usage in 89 local child care centers.  The results are less than encouraging: Over half of the child care providers who participated in Toxic Free NC’s survey said they regularly use broadcast pesticide sprays.

The dangers that pesticides pose to all people are well-known, and these risks are only magnified in children due to their smaller size and still-developing organs.  Additionally, children are more likely to be in close contact with the chemicals due to their tendency to play close to the ground or floor and put objects in their mouths.

While this information is discouraging, there are some signs of progress.  Roughly 25% of survey respondents reported using Integrated Pest Management, a form of pest control that’s gentler on the environment and people’s health that relies largely on the use of information regarding the life cycle and environment of pests and a minimal amount of pesticides.  Currently IPM is the pest control method of choice for most North Carolina public schools–hopefully North Carolina’s child care centers will begin to follow suit.

To learn more about Toxic Free NC as well as to download their full survey report, visit http://www.toxicfreenc.org/informed/bigrisksforsmallkids.html.

-Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI Staff Writer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• Curious about the meanings behind different eco certification labels?  Tree Hugging Family breaks it down.
• The Tranquil Parent explains how to host a clothing swap–perfect for families on a budget!
• Mom Goes Green reflects on the massive amount of plastic we use in our lifetimes.
• Eating locally and sustainably is important, and there’s no better time to do it than the spring and summer.  If you’re not yet a believer, let Green SAHM convince you.
• Cloth Diaper Blog discusses the merits of swim diapers.

-Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI Staff Writer

If spring has been a long time coming in your neck of the woods, why not celebrate with a silk dyeing party?  Here’s what you’ll need:

• Plain 100% silks in various sizes. Dharma Trading Company is one source.
• Beets, marigolds, coffee, onion skins, carrots and other items from nature to use as dyes

And here’s how to do it:

1. The night before: Cut up plant materials. Chop or crush hard materials such as roots. Soak overnight in a glass or enamel bowl with just enough water to cover.
2. Next day. Pour contents of the bowl into a stainless steel pan. Bring to a boil on stove and simmer gently for about one hour. Check it frequently and add water when needed.
3. Strain dye through a sieve to remove plant material. Allow liquid to cool.
4. Soak silks in hot water for 20-30 minutes
5. Remove 1-4 silks from hot water, squeeze and stir into dye
6. Simmer for 20-45 minutes, until dye is absorbed into silks, stirring often
7. Let cool a bit and remove (carefully) with tongs
8. Hang outside from clothesline or tree-limbs and let dry in the breeze

Use silks for dancing, dressing up, imagination play, wrapping gifts, or anything else your heart desires!

-Lynn and Corey Colwell, mother-daughter duo and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Beaches fill with umbrellas and sandcastles, swim clubs open for the season, campgrounds flood with tents, and the smell of barbeque pervades neighborhoods. Start your holiday weekend with our bbq favorites and the natural condiments to go with them.

Between the Buns
All-Beef: For a plump, hearty, tastes-like-it-came-off-the-grill treat, try Applegate Farms Great Organic Hot Dog. Made with 100% organic grass-fed beef, this dog has half the fat as many traditional varieties, but all the flavor as your childhood faves.

Pork & Beef: Juicy, with hints of both sweet and salty, Organic Prairie’s Uncured Hot Dog gives a great snap as you bite into it. For the youngsters, try Niman Ranch Fearless Uncured Franks for Kids. These dogs are made with antibiotic- and hormone-free meat, plus the mild flavor and thin shape make them a great choice for little mouths.

Vegetarian: Want a dog, but not meat? Packed with protein, LightLife’s Veggie Dogs, made with organic ingredients, and all-natural Yves Good Dog boasts a delicious hickory flavor. Plus, there’s no saturated fat or cholesterol in these dogs, making them one summer snack that won’t ruin your diet.

Poultry: Organic Prairie Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs and Uncured Turkey Hot Dogs are skinless, made from organic meat and boast a smoky and hearty taste, but contain much less fat than pork or beef dogs.

Tasty Toppers
Ketchup: With Annie’s Naturals Organic Ketchup, delight in the same traditional ketchup taste that you love but without the high fructose corn syrup or pesticide-ridden tomatoes. Or try a new twist on an old classic with Wholemato’s Spicy Organic Agave Ketchup, a thick adaptation with a smoky flavor that’s sweetened with agave nectar.

Mustard: Available in a jar or a squeeze bottle, Eden Organic Yellow Mustard Stone Ground with Apple Cider Vinegar is essential for any condiment lover. Gentle hints of vinegar and garlic harmonize in this smooth-textured mustard.

Sauerkraut: Tree of Life sauerkraut contains only organic cabbage, water and salt, making it mild enough for even the youngest family member to enjoy.

Relish: For a refreshing summer treat, top your dog with the crunchy Del Monte Organic Sweet Pickle Relish. Its tangy taste will be sure to put your tongue into overdrive.

– Cricket Azima, KIWI Food Editor and lover of bbqs

The eternal question: How I can stay fit, be outside, get enough exercise and juggle parenting? This Mother’s Day I told my husband that I was mowing the lawn, and that he was in charge of the kids. We recently moved into a new suburban neighborhood in Washington DC and as a result we have to keep up with the “lawn Olympics.” This is what my husband and I refer to as the compulsive need to have the perfect manicured lawn and garden, with all the accessories to manage it. While many of our elderly neighbors have lawn service, our younger generation tends to fend for themselves.

What I have noticed is that while much of the gardening is a shared task between the genders, the actual lawn mowing is most often the male’s “job.” I vote to change that. Not only was my Mother’s Day mow relaxing and meditative (good music on my Ipod), I burned somewhere around 900 calories! And I made Vitamin D in the process from the sun. Mowing the lawn can burn anywhere from 350-500 calories per hour depending on the speed you move and your body weight. There really is no reason why this chore needs to be male dominated.
In fact, I think I finally realized why men find such joy in this. I would take it any day over vacuuming or sweeping dusty floors inside. I am always looking for an excuse to be outside, why not get exercise in the process?  Maybe for Father’s Day this year, tell your husband you are treating him to a morning with the kids while you mow the lawn for him. He will think you are doing him a favor!

– Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.

EACH CAMP INCLUDES: Professional cooking instruction of hands-on kid-friendly recipes in a focused, fun and safe environment. Trained culinary teachers from Whole Foods Market Bowery Culinary Center and KIWI Magazine. A limit of 12 participants, ensuring a low child-to-instructor ratio. Cooking projects, games, craft activities and creative excursions. Lunch or snack and beverages (special diets can be accommodated). Lessons on sustainability, composting, gardening, recycling and other eco-friendly ways of life. Apron, chef’s hat and a graduation goodie bag packed with cool stuff!

SESSION I:
Half-Pint Voyager: 2 ½ to 4 years
11am – 12pm
July 14TH to 16TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
2pm – 3:30pm
July 13TH to 17TH
World Explorers: 8 to 10 years
11am – 2pm
July 20TH to 24TH
Globe Trekkers: 11 to 14 years
11am – 2:30pm
July 27TH to 31ST

SESSION II:
Half-Pint Voyager: 2 ½ to 4 years
11am – 12pm
August 11TH to 13TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
2pm – 3:30pm
August 10TH to 14TH
World Explorers: 8 to 10 years
11am – 2pm
August 17TH to 21ST

To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, please register online. For general questions about the camp or to register over the phone, please contact Alison Martin at the Whole Foods Market at 408-257-7000 x325.

Whole Foods Market, Stevens Creek Culinary Center
20955 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014

Join chefs from KIWI® Magazine and Whole Foods Market® in exploring culinary regions of the world through food and festivity. Each camp incorporates exciting global foods and facts. We’ll crank up the heat and get hands-on as we make international dishes from places such as Mexico, Morocco, China, Italy and Japan. Explore continents and countries one plate at a time!

SESSION I:
Globe Trekkers: 12 to 14 years
12:30pm – 3pm
July 6TH to 10TH
World Explorers: 9 to 11 years
12:30pm – 3pm
July 13TH to 17TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 6 to 8 years
12:30pm – 3pm
July 20TH to 24TH

SESSION II:
Jr. Jetsetters: 6 to 8 years
12:30pm – 3pm
August 3RD to 7TH
World Explorers: 9 to 11 years
12:30pm – 3pm
August 10TH to 14TH

To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, please register online. For general questions about the camp, please contact Chef Frances Vavloukis, Culinary Center Specialist at the Whole Foods Market at 410-224-2042, or email Chef Frances Vavloukis at asiculinary.center@wholefoods.com.

The Culinary Center of Annapolis at Whole Foods Market
200 Harker Place
Annapolis, MD 21401

Join chefs from KIWI® Magazine and Whole Foods Market® in exploring culinary regions of the world through food and festivity. Each camp incorporates exciting global foods and facts. We’ll crank up the heat and get hands-on as we make international dishes from places such as Mexico, Morocco, China, Italy and Japan. The camps culminate in an around-the-world cooking competition. Explore continents and countries one plate at a time!

The Whisk and The Spoon
The Learning Kitchen at Whole Foods Market, Princeton
3495 US Route 1 South
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone 609.799.2919

SESSION I:
Half-Pint Voyager: 2 ½ to 4 years
11am – 12pm
June 29 and 30
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
11am – 12:30pm
July 1 to 3

SESSION II:
Globe Trekkers: 11 to 14 years
11am – 2:30pm
August 24 to 26
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
11am – 12:30pm
August 27 and 28

To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, Please register online or if you want to register over the phone or have additional questions please email Nirit Yadin nirit.yadin@wholefood.com or call 609.799.2919 ext. 305.

EACH CAMP INCLUDES: Professional cooking instruction of hands-on kid-friendly recipes in a focused, fun and safe environment. Trained culinary teachers from Whole Foods Market Bowery Culinary Center and KIWI Magazine. A limit of 12 participants, ensuring a low child-to-instructor ratio. Cooking projects, games, craft activities and creative excursions. Lunch or snack and beverages (special diets can be accommodated). Lessons on sustainability, composting, gardening, recycling and other eco-friendly ways of life. Apron, chef’s hat and a graduation goodie bag packed with cool stuff!

AUGUST DATES: TBD. CHECK BACK FOR SCHEDULE UPDATES

OR CALL THE CULINARY CENTER AT 916-488-2800

To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, please register online. For general questions about the camp or to register over the phone, please contact Customer Service at Whole Foods Market Sacramento (916) 488-2800.

Join chefs from KIWI® Magazine and Whole Foods Market® in exploring culinary regions of the world through food and festivity. Each camp incorporates exciting global foods and facts. We’ll crank up the heat and get hands-on as we make international dishes from places such as Mexico, Morocco, China, Italy and Japan. Explore continents and countries one plate at a time!

EACH CAMP INCLUDES: Professional cooking instruction of hands-on kid-friendly recipes in a focused, fun and safe environment. Trained culinary teachers from Whole Foods Market Bowery Culinary Center and KIWI Magazine. A limit of 12 participants, ensuring a low child-to-instructor ratio. Cooking projects, games, craft activities and creative excursions. Lunch or snack and beverages (special diets can be accommodated). Lessons on sustainability, composting, gardening, recycling and other eco-friendly ways of life. Apron, chef’s hat and a graduation goodie bag packed with cool stuff!

SESSION I:
Half-Pint Voyager: 2 ½ to 4 years
11am – 12pm
June 23RD, 24TH and 25TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
11am – 12:30pm
July 13TH to 17TH
World Explorers: 8 to 10 years
11am – 2pm
July 20TH to 24TH
Globe Trekkers: 11 to 14 years
11am – 2:30pm
July 27TH to 31ST

SESSION II:
Teen Bootcamp
11am – 3pm
August 5TH to 7TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
11am – 12:30pm
August 10TH to 14TH
World Explorers: 8 to 10 years
11am – 2pm
August 17TH to 21ST
Globe Trekkers: 11 to 14 years
11am – 2:30pm
August 24TH to 28TH

To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, please register online. For general questions about the camp or to register over the phone, please contact Christine Carroll, The Culinary Center Director at the Whole Foods Market Bowery at 212-420-1320 x245.

If you tried our suggestion for walking meditation that’s great, we hope it went well! If walking meditation however was not your child’s, partner’s or your cup of tea, no worries; there are many ways to meditate. Another great option is guided meditation. The best part is it allows you to be creative in what you choose to guide you and your family. There are a number of different options, one of which I’ll mention in a moment my favorite of which I’ll mention in a moment.  If you do go the traditional route and use a guided meditation CD, there is certainly one that will fit your family’s relaxation needs!

All you and your child will need for guided meditation is a comfortable and quiet place to sit or lie down, a blanket and/or pillow, and the meditation CD of your choice. To prepare your family for your meditation session, allow them to participate in deciding which meditation tape you use. Whether you take a visit to your local bookstore or do some online shopping, your child will be more eager to participate if they feel that there little voices were heard.

My favorite option for a guided meditation CD is to choose the audio version of your favorite children’s book, fairytale or folklore. If you don’t already have one in your home, two of my personal favorites are The Velveteen Rabbit and Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates.

Regardless of what you use to guide you with your meditation, make sure you choose a room that is quiet and where you will not be disturbed. Dim or turn the lights off for a greener meditation and enjoy this special, and most importantly quiet, time with your family.

– Sara, KIWI intern and mindfully meditating

From Treehugger.com: “The good folks at Global Green USA have teamed up with Jake Gyllenhaal to launch the “National Green Schools” initiative with a Green Service Day at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, helping students to clean up the school’s edible garden. The “National Green Schools” initiative is aimed at raising general awareness of the benefits of green schools and the critical need for building and modernizing all schools with healthy, high performance green classrooms.”

KIWI also has a website dedicated to greening schools: myhealthyschool.com. Sign up to join our email list or become part of our teachers’ advisory board.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and fan of Jake Gyllenhaal and school gardens

Here at KIWI, moms are very important to us and to the future of our green babies.  Give your mom an easy, inexpensive Mother’s Day gift by nominating her for our Moms of the Revolution contest. Share her story on how she is revolutionizing the way kids in your community eat. Revolution Foods and KIWI have teamed up for this wonderful, inspiring contest and it does not come as a surprise that others are appreciating how important this contest is. TreeHugger, a well known website focusing on going green, has just mentioned our MOTR contest and we could not be more thrilled! Thanks for your support TreeHugger!  Check it out.

– Brittany, KIWI staff and wishing all moms a happy mother’s day

This Mother’s Day, don’t forget the mamma that takes care of us all—the earth! Give your family a nudge in the green direction to seek out a Mother’s Day gift that shows their love for you and the planet.

Go With Organic Blooms. Point your family toward local farmers’ markets for pretty daffodils, peonies, and ranunculus, which are all in season during May. They can also seek arrangements at orangicbouquet.com.

Wrap Yourself in Silk. If your trusty flannel bathrobe is starting to look shabby, a new silk one will make every night feel like an at-home spa. Check out VivaTerra’s floral, kimono-style robe.

Make it Sweet. Tell your family you’ll be willing to share if they give you a sweet treat this Mother’s Day. Try an organic chocolate sampler from Dagoba, which practices full-circle sustainability in their growing, buying, and manufacturing processes, or a handmade vegan cookie sampler from organic, fair-trade baker Liz Lovely.

Take a Spa Day. Sometimes, the best gift is a little rest and relaxation, so make sure your family knows the name of your favorite holistic spa. A soothing massage, cleansing facial, and tranquil environment will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to dive back into the crazy world of mommyhood.

Get Reading. Sharing a mom-themed bedtime story with your little ones is the perfect way to top off this family-filled day. Here are some books to get your started:

• Mama’s Kiss by Jane Yolen. If someone blows you a kiss and you don’t catch it, where does it go? Follow a little girl as she chases momma’s missed kiss all over the place and finally catches it. The illustrations are perfect, showing a fluttering, flittering, elusive kiss.
• LIFE with Mother by The Editors of Life Magazine. Honestly, some books should simply come with a complimentary box of tissues. Life Magazine has compiled a gorgeous photo tribute to moms around the world. The photos in both color and black and white are incredibly touching. They depict the intense bond of mother and child. A few famous faces appear, but this is every mom’s story.
• Mommy, Mama, and Me (board book) by Lesléa Newman (Tricycle Press). This sweet little board book takes a look at a family which has two moms and the happy style of play and love that each mother has. The illustrations are simple and perfectly accompany the text.

It took a while, but spring arrived in full force last week in the Northeast.  From Saturday to Tuesday, we had nothing but sunshine, with temperatures reaching nearly 90 degrees for four straight days!  Of course, after being holed up inside for what felt like the longest winter ever, I jumped at the chance to spend endless amounts of time outside–more specifically, taking nature walks!

Nature walks are a fun, easy way to connect with your environment because its all about observation.  After strolling through the woods for a little while, your thoughts start to melt away, and you catch yourself focusing on nothing and everything at the same time.  I say nothing because all of life’s situations, concerns, dates, and deadlines simply fall off the radar while your senses become fully present in nature.  You feel the sun on your back, hear the rustle of your footsteps (and likely, of animals scurrying), smell the freshness of the forest, and see all of the wonderous plant and animal life.

This weekend, gather your family together for a walk through the woods.  Enjoy each other’s company, and enjoy the vibrancy that becomes apparent in our planet’s offerings when you are fully engaged in nature.

Marygrace, KIWI intern and nature walk enthusiast

The U.S. News blog Washington Whispers recently reported that Wyntergrace Williams, the 14-year-old daughter of Montel Williams, wrote a letter to Malia and Sasha Obama asking them to support her vegetarian lunch campaign.

Wyntergrace, a vegetarian of four years, attended two hearings on Capitol Hill last week in an effort to amend the Child Nutrition Act to include more healthy vegetarian options in public school cafeterias.  While neither Malia or Sasha are vegetarians, Wyntergrace points out that Sidwell Friends, the private school that the First Daughters attend, offers well-balanced meat-free meals, and that other schools across the country should do the same.

The White House has not commented on Wyntergrace’s effort, however, she continutes to seek improvement within the National School Lunch Program.  Wyntergrace argues that more students will choose vegetarian options if they’re made available, resulting in lower levels of childhood obesity.  Look for a TV commercial in the near future featuring Wyntergrace along with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine touting their veggie lunch campaign.

Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) commemorates the Mexican victory over the French on May 5, 1862 in Puebla. It is recognized around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. For dinner tonight, create an authentic Mexican dish that’s mindful of the Earth. Try our Tofu and Cheese Quesadillas. Got your own delicious recipe? Post in a comment below.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of tofu and cheese quesadillas

Well, we want to know how! Simply enter our contest and  you could be the next Mom of the Revolution. 5 Moms will be selected to be featured in KIWI Magazine, receive a free KIWI subscription, and a one year supply of healthy lunchbox snacks for their family. One of the 5 Moms will win the GRAND PRIZE OF $3,000 in cash to help fund their own healthy School Lunch Revolution.

Hurry, contest ends May 30th, 2009.

Share your story today.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere.  Interested in having your blog featured?  Let us know in the comments!

• With summer fast approaching, it may be time for you to check out some camps for your little ones.  A Little Bliss helps parents in their summer camp search.
• What are you putting off?  The Bean Blog shares why procrastination is bad for your health.
• When it comes to children reading, the earlier the better.  Great Books 4 Kids shares some cool reads that will teach your kids all about knights and castles.
• Mommy in Pink has got Mother’s Day covered with gift ideas and giveaways. May 10th is just around the corner!
• In The Mommy Trenches has recipes for the moms on-the-go.  Kid- and husband-approved meatballs that don’t take all day?  Sign us up!

Living near Denver, Colorado? If so, the place to be this weekend is the Green Festival at the Colorado Convention Center (700 14th Street Denver, CO 80202) on Saturday May 2nd from 10am - 7pm and Sunday May 3rd from 11am - 6pm.

“Having just hosted the greenest national political convention ever, we think Denver is a natural site for the Green Festival in May 2009 and are excited to host this successful event. Denver is proud to be creating safe, healthy, sustainable communities and a strong local economy by raising awareness, sharing best practices and collaborating on greening initiatives. The Green Festival is a terrific place to trade success stories, brainstorm innovative new ideas and learn about the newest technologies and services.”

– Denver Mayor John W. Hickenlooper, a geologist turned brewpub pioneer who had never run for political office, elected Mayor of Denver in 2003 and reelected in 2007.

Stop by our KIWI Magazine booth Booth #1213 to say “hi”! Green Festival is a joint project of Global Exchange and Green America.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and green festivaling all weekend in Denver