Posts from — December 2009

A mid-century Danish couch, fresh floral bouquets, an heirloom grandfather clock, and more—few would argue that home is a haven for personal expression.  And what better way to share your taste than with a room’s color scheme?

Many use paint (low- or no-VOC, of course!) to create a room’s ambience, but wallpaper is another great way to dress up a home and give it some attitude.  While typical paper options consist of floral patterns, stripes, solids, and other fancy schmancy designs, new technology has paved the way for digital wallpaper. Pretty cool, huh?

Lomox is currently developing OLED lighting technology to light up a room with sunlight-like coloring and consuming far less energy than an overhead lamp or light source.  The wallpaper will play as the light source and OLED lighting will be integrated into the wallpaper.  Lomox was granted $720,000 by the Carbon Trust to work on this and integrate the OLED panels into the wallpaper.  The Financial Times reports that the digital wallpaper could be available as early as 2012 since all financial and technological obstacles that were initially holding back the project have now been resolved.  The future holds a place to be energy efficient through décor and to have really cool, glowing walls!

Learn more at treehugger.com.

-Brittany Golde, KIWI marketing manager

Whether from gifts you ordered online or ones sent from friends or family far away, I’m willing to bet you’ve got at least one box full of styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap heading for the garbage bin. But wait! There are planet-friendly alternatives to dealing with post-holiday trash.

The easiest way? Save used packing material for the next time you need to ship an item. It’ll save you money at the post office, and keep waste out of the landfill. Don’t have the space to hold onto the extra junk? Try recycling it! While packing peanuts might not be accepted in your municipality-issued recycle bin, that doesn’t mean you can’t give them a second life. Visit loosefillpackaging.com to find a drop-off center near you that’ll take your packing material off your hands–while keeping the planet cleaner.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Carrots for Kris Kringle? While some argue that Santa’s round belly and love of sugary treats sends an unhealthy message to kids, I’m sticking with tradition. To me, it’s not Christmas Eve without a plate of cookies and a glass of milk (organic, please!) left near the tree. After all, if you can’t enjoy a few sweets during the most festive time of year, when can you? Fortunately, this year Santa can have his cookies and eat them too. Check out these better-for-you recipes:

• Super Sugar Cookies are loaded with fiber from whole wheat flour, plus protein and healthy fat from almonds.
• Sugar Plums are sweetened with dried fruit and agave nectar, so Santa’s (or your) blood sugar won’t spike.
• Peppermint Meringue Snowballs are made light and fluffy with egg whites. Best of all, they’re gluten-free and low in fat.

Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Here’s a look back at the KiwiLog posts we (and you!) loved from the past year.

1. Winter Beauty Picks: Natural Lip Balms
2. Gotcha Day
3. A Challenge to Use What You Already Have
4. Celebrate Spring With a Silk-Dyeing Party
5. 50 Fun (and Inexpensive!) Summer Activities for Kids
6. Give Snack Wrappers a Second Life with Terracycle
7. Easy DIY: 10 Uses for Baking Soda
8. 5 Autumn-Inspired Breakfasts Your Kids Will Love
9. Easy Ways to Use Less Water
10. Old T-Shirt? Reusable Tote!

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

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

• Attachment parenting or tough love? Crunchy Domestic Goddess weighs in on getting your little one to sleep soundly.
• Healthy Green Moms talk the benefits of raw milk, plus the controversy behind it.
• Looking for last minute holiday  crafts? Make Prairie Mama‘s tree homemade ornaments.
• It’s easy to say no to blow drying your hair in the summer, but not so much in the winter. EnviroMom is looking for tips  on air drying minus the chill.
• Tree Hugging Family shares three disposable habits to beat for the new year. Add them to your list of resolutions!

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

More and more, we’re learning that children’s lifestyles, habits, and experiences can affect their health as grown-ups. First was the study that found lower levels of cardiovascular disease in adults who’d had exposure to some common bacteria as kids. Now, researchers at King’s College of London found that childhood stress can lead to adult disease.

The study followed more than 1,000 kids through the first ten years of life and compared rates of socioeconomic disadvantage, maltreatment, and social isolation (all causes of major stress for a person of any age) with rates of depression, elevated inflammation, and metabolic risk factors when participants reached thirty-two years old. The outcome: The more adverse situations a child experienced, the greater his risk for developing disease in this thirties.

What to do? Help your kid manage negative feelings and stress. Invite her to share concerns about school, friends, or anything else that might be on her mind–and figure out positive ways to deal. Want more ideas? Click here.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

No parent wants a mud-covered child trekking through the house, but new research has shown that a little bit of dirt could actually be good for kids.

Researchers at Northwestern University looked at the link between infections early in life and diseases later in life, and the came up with some interesting stuff—most notably, that being exposed to common bacteria and microbes as a kid can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as an adult. An overly squeaky-clean environment can depress the immune system’s development.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Thomas McDade, points out that parents’ obsession with protecting their kids from germs is relatively new—not to mention harmful. “We may be depriving developing immune systems of important environmental input needed to guide their function throughout childhood and into adulthood,” he says.

How can you make sure your kids get a healthy dose of bacteria in their lives? Stay away from antibacterial gels and soaps, which are unnecessary since old-fashioned soap and water will do the trip. And the next time your kid comes home covered in dirt, remember that it could help them avoid illness later in life!

-Michelle, KIWI editor

We here at KIWI don’t usually cheer for sugar-laden sodas, but we’re giving two thumbs up to the latest eco-conscious effort by Coca-Cola.

Studies have shown that, if left unchecked, hydrofluorocarbons will be responsible for between 28%-45% of carbon emissions by 2050—so we’re thrilled to hear that the bottled-beverage giant has announced plans to make it’s vending machines free of the compound by 2015. Within six years’ time, the company will distribute new, greener vending machines that’ll reduce a drink dispenser’s carbon footprint by a whopping (ready for this?) NINETY-NINE PERCENT!

Coca-Cola hopes that this step will inspire other beverage companies to take HFC emissions seriously and take action to make their carbon footprints smaller, too.

-Brittany Golde, KIWI marketing manager

The holiday greetings have already started rolling in my mailbox, but I know some folks who are still scrambling to find and send the perfect cards to their friends and family. If you’re one of them, consider this: Over 2.5 billion holiday cards are sold in the U.S. each year—that’s enough to fill a ten-story building the size of a football field! Even worse, the majority of these cards eventually end up in a landfill as part of the 25 million extra tons of garbage Americans produce from Thanksgiving to New Years. Talk about a lot of trash!

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. Choosing greeting cards made from post-consumer recycled paper (and that don’t contain metallic foil inserts) ensures that said cards are able to be recycled instead of thrown in the garbage. (Think of it as your holiday gift to the planet!) Where to get eco-friendly cards? Here, some of our favorite places:

• Every card—and there’s a huge selection of them—at MyGoodGreetings.com is made from 100% recycled, FSC-certified paper stock.
• Greenfield Paper Company offers cards made from hemp or ones that recipients can plant in the ground.
• Find cute, modern designs made of recycled paper or eco-friendly wood at Night Owl Paper Goods.

And ahat to do with the holiday cards you receive from others that aren’t recyclable? Fold them up into Uncle Bucky’s Gift Boxes! They’re so cute, no one will want to toss them in the trash.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

I just read about a fascinating—and pretty scary—report from the Environmental Working Group about the huge number of toxic chemicals found in the cord blood of 10 newborns in a recent study. Want to know how many chemicals they found? Brace yourself: 232! 

There weren’t enough babies in the study for anybody to say that all or most of babies born today are affected by these pollutants (like BPA), but it’s still troubling. The babies were from a variety of U.S. states, and all were racial or ethnic minorities (the study authors wanted to be sure that minorities are part of the equation when other researchers start looking at how these kinds of toxic chemicals affect the population as a whole).  

To me, this all is a clear indication that we have a lot more to do to encourage companies to limit their use of these harmful toxins. In the meantime, the EWG has some great advice for moms-to-be on having a safer pregnancy.

What did you do to limit your exposure to chemicals while pregnant? Do you have other advice for moms-to-be on this front?

–Sarah, KIWI editorial director

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

• A Mama’s Blog shares a cute story about her son while marveling at childhood innocence.
• Would you forego toilet paper for cloth wipes? Cloth Diaper Blog explores an issue most of us have probably never thought twice about.
• If you feel like there’s no time to sleep during the holiday season, you’re not alone. But Crunchy Green Lovin’ Mom has some tips to make shut-eye come easier.
• Green Baby Guide is looking for tips that’ll help new moms avoid staying housebound with a new baby in the winter.
• PhD in Parenting weighs in on an interesting controversy over helmets and the responsibility of the media to portray bike safety.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Tonight marks the beginning of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights! Whether your family celebrates the holiday or is looking to learn a little more about it, kid-friendly books on the subject abound. Some of our favorites:

• Hanukkah Haiku by Harriet Ziefert. Japanese and Jewish cultures collide, with a special haiku poem for every night of the eight-day celebration.
• It’s Hanukkah by Santiago Cohen. Learn about the rituals and traditions of Hanukkah (while honing your kid’s counting skills) one night at a time.
• The Everything Kids’ Hanukkah Puzzle & Activity Book by Beth L. Blair. Find fun Hanukkah-themed games, trivia, crafts, songs, and more to add to your family’s celebration.

Looking for more? Check out all of KIWI Bookworms’ Hanukkah book reviews.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

For those of us that celebrate Christmas, nothing compares to the joyful feeling (and smell!) created by a beautifully decorated tree. But when 30 million Christmas trees are cut and sold in the U.S. every holiday season, it’s natural to wonder, isn’t this bad for the environment? Turns out it doesn’t have to be. Depending on what kind of tree you buy, where you buy it, and what you do with it post-New Year’s, you can enjoy a traditional tree without betraying Mother Earth. Here are a few suggestions.

Stick with tradition: Whatever you do, don’t assume that artificial trees are a better option. They are typically made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a non-biodegradable, petroleum-derived plastic, meaning they’ll sit in a landfill for years.

Buy local: Different species of evergreens grow in all 50 states, so there’s no reason to buy a tree that has wasted unnecessary resources through transportation. Try buying from a local farm in a nearby town, or if you’re a city dweller, be sure to ask where your tree was grown before handing over your cash.

Buy a living tree at your local nursery. They’re smaller than your typical Christmas tree—the one my dad bought last year was three feet and cost $65—and come with the roots and dirt wrapped in a burlap sack. Place it in a pot and decorate it as if you’d decorate any tree, but don’t keep it indoors more than 10 days or it will dry out. Afterward, plant the tree in your yard to have a living memory of your Christmas.

Go natural: There are currently 22 states with farms that use integrated pest management, which greatly reduces or eliminates pesticide use in the farming of Christmas trees. Check out greenpromise.com to find one near you.

Grow your own tree: While it won’t be ready this year (it takes about seven years to grow a full-size Christmas tree), it’s a super cute idea, especially for parents. Plant a seedling on your child’s first Christmas, or whenever, and watch them grow together over the years. Buy seedlings from a local nursery or online retailers, like the Christmas Tree Grow Kit from improvementscatalog.com.

“Tree-cycle” when you’re done: Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. For every tree harvested, usually one to three more are planted the following spring, according to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). So if you go with a traditional cut tree, it’s a fine option as long as you recycle it correctly. Go to earth911.com, type in your zip code, and find a location that will turn your tree into useful products like mulch.

–Stephanie Eckelkamp, KIWI intern

Many families love to take advantage of their kids’ holiday breaks from school by taking a vacation. After finding your green destination and planning your itinerary of touring, dining, and relaxing (perhaps by the beach!), follow these green tips to ensure your big trip has as little impact on the planet as possible:

• Reduce, reuse, recycle. Try your best to follow this mantra whenever possible!
• Use public transportation like bus, train, or subway instead of taxicabs. If possible, rent bicycles—or just walk!
• Lodge at an eco-friendly hotel that’s dedicated to sustainability, and be sure to re-use your hotel linens and towels.
• Opt for a digital camera instead of a disposable one.
• Before leaving home, unplug your electrical appliances, turn your water heater down, and change your thermostat setting.
• Pack lightly.

–Brittany, KIWI marketing manager

December is a prime-time for household energy use: In addition to the usual electronic gadgets like cell phone chargers, TVs, and computers, there’s the added burden of holiday lights, plus regular lights that simply stay on longer due to fewer daylight hours. Not only does all this electricity add up to a higher energy bill, it also makes for a higher carbon footprint. But don’t worry—there’s a simple solution (and it doesn’t involve sitting in the dark!).

Believe it or not, electronic devices suck up energy from power outlets even when they aren’t in use. How to stop them? Unplug! If it sounds like a pain, try using a power strip—that way, you’ll only deal with one big plug instead of a ton of smaller ones. And if that’s not an option, at least unplug the items that aren’t used as frequently (such as a microwave, which, compared to something like a lamp or TV, is used less.) It’s an incredibly easy (not to mention incredibly effective) way to curb your energy use—so there’s really no excuse not to get in the habit!

Need more motivation? Check out this chart that illustrates the amount of standby power used by different devices and appliances.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

It seems like people do a lot of eating out this time of year. Maybe it’s the fact that cooking time gets eaten up (ha ha!) all of the holiday season bustle, or perhaps people take on a lot of big holiday cooking projects for parties and events, and therefore don’t want to spend any more time in the kitchen. Whatever the reason, I think everyone would agree that eating out with kids can be a real adventure. How to have a smooth, enjoyable meal as a family? Here, some ideas:

• Go family-friendly. This might be obvious, but its important nonetheless. Choose a restaurant that’s frequented by other families where diners are less likely to be bothered by kids that are antsy or loud.
• Bring the fun. Your kid’ll do better if she’s got something to keep her busy. Having a coloring book at the dinner table might not be the most elegant thing in the world, but it’ll make the meal that much more peaceful for you. And remember: If you bring along an electronic toy, make sure you can turn the sound off.
• Serve a pre-dinner snack. Offer your kid a cheese stick or piece of fruit before arriving to the restaurant. If she’s not starving, she’ll have more patience at the table while waiting for her food to arrive.
• Set the rules. Before you leave the house, let your kid know your expectations. Tell her you’re looking forward to having a great time out as a family, and that you hope she’ll be able to participate in the food and conversation. Let her know the consequences of breaking the rules (“If you throw food at the table, you won’t be allowed to watch your favorite TV show tonight”) and be sure to follow through.
• Start at home. Good table manners don’t magically come about in one night. Practice them at home so your kid understands that at mealtime, it’s important for her to sit in her seat, eat her food, and participate in the conversation. When she gets to a restaurant, she’ll be a pro.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Whether your family celebrates Christmas or not, I’m betting you aren’t familiar with Christmas crackers. (No, I don’t mean a crunchy snack that’s colored red and green or is flavored with any of the holiday spices!) Unless, of course, you happen to be British.

Opened on Christmas morning in England, Christmas crackers (or poppers, as they’re sometimes called) are tube-like packages filled with surprises like small toys, candies, or jokes written on pieces of paper. And the name? When you pull the packages open, they make a loud popping sound.

My family isn’t British—so I’m not sure how the tradition of Christmas crackers got started at our house. Every Christmas morning since as far back as I can remember, my family has sat down to a decadent breakfast (after opening presents, of course!), and each place at the table is set with a Christmas cracker. Everyone pops theirs open and compares the strange prizes that come inside. What’s more, the Christmas crackers my mom gets also have crowns made of colored tissue paper, and we always wear them while we eat our cinnamon rolls and drink our tea. A fun, festive way to kick off the day, don’t you think?

Normally, I’m a big fan of DIY projects, and I found some instructions on how to make homemade Christmas crackers here. But there’d be no element of surprise if you crafted your own—so I say buy them! Find a wide selection at oldenglishcrackers.com.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

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

• Adventures in Babywearing is promoting Blog.Bid.Hope to raise money on behalf of the Liz Logelin Foundation and Anissa Mayhew. Learn how you can help!
• Want to make your own cute baby legwarmers? Check out The Clothesline‘s easy tutorial.
• Just in time for snapping all those holiday photos: Learn five techniques to take better pictures of your kid from SimpleMom.
• Mindful Momma shares her tips on seeking out the best heirloom holiday decorations. Fun!
• Kudos to the moms in Michigan who are supporting toxic chemical reform. Read all about it at Green and Clean Mom.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

If you have a baby on the way, chances are your typical “Season’s Greetings” holiday cards feel like they’re leaving something out. Like, the biggest, most exciting thing ever. You’re having a baby!

That’s why I love these clever new cards from To Be Greetings. They’re stylish and a little bit cheeky–and they celebrate the holidays and your growing family. Plus, they’re printed on FSC-certified paper, with vegetable-based inks–and the printing plant is powered by wind.

What a wonderful way to share your joy this season!

—Sarah, KIWI Editorial Director

We’ve already showed off KIWI’s 2009 Best Green Toys & Gifts, plus our picks for eco-friendly online retailers—but alternative options like charity donations abound this holiday season. Here, some organizations we love:

• Go wild. Adopt-an-animal programs from organizations like Oceana and the World Wildlife Fund allow gifters to sponsor lions, tigers, and bears (and more!) in the name of the individual of their choice. What’s more, the sponsorship comes complete with a photo and certificate of adoption!
• Support good health. While the U.S. might currently be undergoing healthcare problems of it’s own, it’s nothing compared to the lack of resources in many Asian and African countries. Help moms in third world countries give birth safely with a Safe Motherhood Kit, or buy bricks to build one room in an Bolivian health clinic.
• Have a cow. Instead of a box of chocolates or coffee sampler for the foodie in your life, let them help others beat hunger through Heifer International. The organization promotes food self-sufficiency by providing families with cows, sheep, chickens, and other livestock.

Will you be giving charitable gifts this holiday season? If so, who do you plan to support?

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

You may still be on the hunt for that perfect pair of cute-and-comfy shoes, but at least you can end the search for your little one. ScooterBees makes adorable, snug-fitting, eco shoes for the infant and early toddler sets.

The soft-soled shoes are designed to accommodate a variety of sizes (which means even the chubbiest of feet will fit!) and thanks to no laces, they’re easy to put on squirmy feet as you’re running out the door. They’re also green: Each pair features a recycled fleece lining (making socks optional), a midsole made of recycled milk cartons, and an outsole that contains recycled rubber.

The best part (besides being machine washable)? They’re incredibly cute and kid-friendly. Interchangeable flaps tell a story (watch as a baby owl grows up!) and let your kid pick which design he wants on top. Find a retailer here.

There’s no doubt that old paper shopping bags or newspaper can get the job done when it comes to wrapping holiday gifts—but they aren’t the prettiest options. Fortunately, there’s plenty of eco-friendly gift-wrap out there that’ll make your presents look festive while being gentler on the planet.

• Try Pristine Planet for a huge selection of earth-friendly wrapping paper, gift bags, and even wine bags.
• Earth Love’n Paper Products has unique and creative recycled paper products for everyone on your list—naughty or nice!
• Looking for more than just seasonal paper? Check out Nashville Wraps’ biodegradable sacks, boxes, and bags.
• Want to send good greetings along with your gift? Bambeco has eco-friendly cards and stationary.

Happy wrapping!

-Brittany, KIWI Marketing Manager

Attention all eco-minded holiday shoppers! Did you know that ordering holiday gifts on line is significantly more earth-friendly than buying them at the store? E-stores and warehouses use less space and energy than a traditional retail store, while mass deliveries by truck, van, or even airplane uses less fuel than individual car trips. Save time, sanity, and the environment? Sign me up!

Best of all, when online purchases are made from eco-friendly retailers, your holiday shopping gets even greener. One of my favorites? TheUltimateGreenStore.com. Like the name implies, it’s got everything! Want a futuristic, solar-powered race car for your kid? They’ve got it. What about a hip tote made from recycled seat belts for your best friend? That’s there too. Or maybe an organic shaving kit for your hubby’s stocking? Check, check, check.

Want to get shopping? Head over to TheUltimateGreenStore.com. Then, use that time you would’ve spent in traffic in the mall parking lot to curl up with a blanket, a good book, and a mug of hot cocoa.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

The calendar might not say so, but with the threat of snow in the forecast all the way down here in Austin, Texas, I’m declaring winter officially here. And since the heater in my apartment is broken, I’m having to find other ways to keep warm. The good news? I’m using less resources, and consequently saving some money on this month’s heating bill. Whether you’re looking to lower your home’s carbon footprint, cut energy costs, or just deal with a cold or drafty living space—there’s plenty of alternative means for staying toasty. Some of my tried-and-true methods:

1. Dress for the occasion. Don cold-weather staples like thick socks, thermal underwear, and plenty of flannel. For extra coziness, I like to wrap myself in a blanket, too (and pretend I’m a superhero or wizard).
2. Drink up. Now’s the time to keep the warm liquids flowing. Some of my favorites? Ginger, lemon, and honey steeped in hot water; raw hot chocolate (made with boiling water, cocoa powder, vanilla, raw almond butter, coconut oil, and agave nectar—who knew healthy could taste so good?); or for something savory, a mug of steaming veggie miso broth.
3. End the draft. The one creeping in under through your doors and windows, that is. While caulking around cracks is a great option, it’s one I can’t afford. Instead, I line edges with blankets and towels.
4. Go in reverse. The first time I heard that reversing the spin of your ceiling fan would make you warm instead of cool, I was seriously amazed. Make it turn clockwise to push warm air down.
5. Move, move, move. When you’re cold, it’s tempting to sit huddled in your favorite cozy nook under layers of blankets. But you’ll up your body temperature if you keep moving (and burn some extra calories in the process).
6. Use food. According to traditional medicine, ginger and cinnamon are warming spices. Add some to a piping hot bowl of porridge!
7. Try a hot water bottle. They conform to your body and stay warm for a while! I like to put one on my stomach and rest my hands underneath.
8. Get close! My favorite. Cuddle with your kids, your partner, or your companion animals—and keep each other warm!

Did I miss anything? What are your family’s easy, inexpensive ways for keeping warm when the mercury drops?

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Hello, December! We’re kicking off the holiday season with some new goodies at KiwiMagOnline.com. Be sure to check out:

• KIWI’s 2009 Best Green Toys & Gift Guide. From tots to teens, we’re sharing our eco-friendly gift picks your whole family will love (there’s ideas for moms and dads, too!). Looking for a list of green online retailers? Click here!
• KIWI’s All-Natural Medicine Chest. Get the scoop on natural remedies from chicken soup to echinacea—plus everything in between—to keep your family healthy this winter.
• Our Gift to You: A Guide to Holidays On a Budget. Head over to Moms Meet, our sister site, for painless (and planet-friendly!) ways to cut costs on holiday gifts, decorations, travel, and more.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer