With all the traveling coming up, sometimes finding a babysitter in a strange city is hard. That’s why I was so excited when I found out about SitterCity (and why it’s our pick of the week).

Spending the week at Grandma’s in Chicago sounds like a great idea. But what to do with the kids when all the adults have to leave? Call a sitter, or look up one online! SitterCity has a searchable database of all the babysitters, nannies and child care professionals in a certain area. Just type in your zip code and begin your quest for the perfect sitter.

Worried about the sitter’s credentials? SitterCity has:

• A four-step screening process
• Access to background checks
• Comprehensive sitter profiles
• Sitter video interviews

What’s even better? Leaving for a while and do not want to put your dog/cat/bird/snake in a kennel? SitterCity has a pet sitter database, as well. It’s a great resource and just takes one more thing off of that long list of things you have to worry about. Membership is required, but a small price to pay for piece of mind. What’s also great? You can give a membership for a gift. (Check two things off that list of things to worry about!)

Who doesn’t love Build-A-Bears? I know I do. (I have one and I’m 23! And look how cute that ghost is!). They are so cute and it’s wonderful that kids (and adults) can create their own stuffed animal friends– pick exactly which animal, what clothes it should wear, and even give it a name with a birth certificate.

KIWI loves companies like Build-A-Bear, ones that encourage a child’s imagination. We love it even more when they give back to the community and to the Earth– that’s why this fuzzy friend is our pick of the week, this week. In honor of Build-A-Bear’s 10th Birthday, aka their “Year of Friendship,” they planned an extensive party– full of giving back! Among their plans are their “Stuffed With Hugs” and “Huggable Heroes” programs. “Stuffed With Hugs” invites kids to make bears to donate to children’s organizations– for free! “Huggable Heroes” works to encourage children to give back to their communities.

Our favorite part is that this adorable company is going to plant more than 280,000 trees in celebration of their 10th birthday! The first 10,000 trees were planted in Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests in Arizona on October 16. These trees are a result of the “Friendship Forrest” campaign held in the workshops in the US, UK and Canada where guests were asked to donate a tree in honor of a friend or family member.

So thank you beary, beary much Build-A-Bear!

Looking for ways to save money? Buying organic and natural can get a little pricey, especially if you are just making the switch. That’s why we offer our KiwiCuts to all of our readers and online friends. For our exclusive discounts, just click on over to KiwiCuts Online.

If you’re looking for discounts on grocery products, I just discovered Health E-Savers. Health E-savers is a website that “provides valuable printable coupons from all natural brands for food, groceries, natural remedies, natural beauty, nutritional supplements and pets.” The best part? They email the coupons right to your inbox. Lovely! (Perfect for us glued to our computers and our email.) No more clipping coupons, it’s printing coupons now. All you have to do is specify what categories and brands you prefer and your email address—it’s that simple. So, head on over and start saving.

I spent this past weekend in the lovely city of Chicago at the Naturally Healthy Children’s Expo. I met lots of great, new (and some seasoned) green parents and, of course, adorable kids! We gave away lots of magazines and KIWI Care Packages. It was a great time. There are many reasons, like the NHCE, why the Windy City is our Pick of the Week.

• City Hall has a 20,300-square-foot rooftop garden.
• The city has 2.5 million-square-feet of green roofs planned or already in use.
• They host a Green Festival. Next year’s fest is in May!
• On the city’s website, has a Center for Green Technology that is set up to help business and home owners learn about green technology.
• Chicago’s Green City Market, the Windy City’s sustainable farmer’s market.
• Chicago’s architecture is getting a green makeover.
• They even have a guide for building green roofs!

Need we say more? Chicago is a great city, but when you add in their green initiatives, it really soars!
Chicago’s City Hall before the garden (pictured above).
Chicago’s City Hall after its great green makeover.

October is the beginning of fall and the time of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins. It is also “International I Walk to School Month.” In this month, 42 countries will participate in the month dedicated to walking to school– wow!

Why? The meaning of this month varies in each community. Some communities focus on the development of healthy habits, like the exercise walking to school allows. Other communities choose to focus on the environmental friendliness of walking to school.

Below is a list from www.iwalktoschool.org of activities to celebrate the wonderful act of walking to school.

Examples of Walk to School activities:

• Designate “Walking Wednesdays” to encourage walking one day a week and potentially extend the event to a month or a year-long activity
• Develop walking themes for each day of the week: bright, highly visible colors day, “walking hat” day, bring a healthy lunch day, etc.
• Set up a competition with awards for the classes with the most walkers
• Offer an option to students who ride the bus or carpool to walk once they arrive at school.
• Organize a walking school bus from nearby neighborhoods. For information on how, visit www.walkingschoolbus.org
• Plan a school-wide event to recognize the day such as a picnic, an assembly, an awards ceremony or a pizza party for the class with the most walkers
• Fill the month with activities throughout the day that pertain to staying physically fit, eating healthy and caring for the environment.

Check out their website for more information and how to get involved.

Need an excellent school pack for your son/daughter? Loved our eco supply and eco school fashion article in the Sept/October issue? Well, you now have the chance to bid on great supplies left over from our shoots! And the best part? The auction is part of Christie Brinkley’s “Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools, Healthy Environment” and benefits New York Coalition for Healthy School Food and Wellness in the Schools. KIWI’s editorial director, Sara Gragnolati, put together two school packs (boy and girl version) for Charitybuzz, an auction site whose motto is “do good– live well.” The bidding ends on September 27th, so start waving your numbered paddle!

Boy Pack includes:

Patagonia backpack
Patagonia synchilla marsupial
Mimi Sardine lunch tote
SIGG bottle
Wrap-n-Mat
Stockmar beeswax crayons
Smencils eco pencils
Subscription to Kiwi Magazine for you and five friends

Girl Pack includes:

Patagonia backpack
Patagonia retro vest
Circle of Friends shampoo pack
Mimi Sardine lunch tote
SIGG bottle
Wrap-n-Mat
Smencils eco pencils
Subscription to Kiwi Magazine for you and five friends

I think anyone can agree that these packs are perfect back-to-school accessories. Precisely why we made this worthy cause our pick this week, so hurry up and start bidding! Click here to learn more about the auction and all the great items up for bid.

For real. Free snacks. What makes this even better? Free, non-guilt snacks that are good for you!

As part of their “Snack Drive,” Kashi wants to “rid the world of a million bad snacks.” And we’re totally on board. In true KIWI fashion Kashi believes that “one good snack makes a big difference in a world of bad ones.” We couldn’t agree more.

In a simple 4 step process, Kashi determines which healthy snack you would enjoy the most. For giving up a chocolate bar, I got Kashi TLC Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cookie in return. Yum! You could also receive either Original 7 Grain TLC Crackers or Trail Mix TLC Chewy Granola Bar. I’d say this is a win-win-win situation.

You can get your free snack in two ways, by registering online or attending one of Kashi’s live Snack Drives in the following cities (check Kashi’s site for details).

1. San Diego, CA on Saturday, September 15th
2. Chicago, IL on Friday, September 21th
3. Boston, MA on Friday, September 28th
4. New York, NY on Sunday, September 30th

I already registered for my free snack! Hurry up and get snackin’!

We here at KIWI love Healthy Child, Healthy World. That is why we were extra happy when we learned about their partnership with Seventh Generation and babystyle to create Wee Generation.

Wee Generation believes “Raising a healthy baby is simply a matter of knowing where potential hazards might be hiding in your home and learning how to replace them with non-toxic alternatives that keep everyone safe and happy.” And we couldn’t agree more! They even have 5 Easy Steps that everyone should take to protect their children. The steps are the following:

1. Manage pest safely
2. Buy non-toxic products
3. Clean up indoor air
4. Eat healthy, shop organically
5. Be smart about plastics.

Seems simple enough! Click on the link above to read the steps in full detail. (Also click here to read KIWI’s tips on choosing a safe water bottle.)

We also love the face that Wee Generation is developing the diaper bag to end all diaper bags. They are asking moms and dads to share their stories about diaper bag disasters and triumphs. They are going to take all the ideas, stories and suggestions and make the first “Cradle to Cradle Certified eco-baby bag.” Log onto Wee Generation’s site to get the full details, share your story and help design the best bag for you and your children.

And last, but certainly not least you can enter to win a consultation with a green-home decorator and funds towards a green nursery! Where do we sign up? Just click on over to Wee Generation homepage and enter the sweepstakes at the top of the page. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you!

This week KIWI has decided to focus our pick on a organization that has been given a bad name by certain members– the NFL!

Lately a lot of focus dealing with the NFL has been on Michael Vick (ick!) and his involvement with dogfighting. While this is not a matter to be taken lightly at all, I thought maybe it was time to check up on all the good the NFL is doing. In today’s world, there is so much focus on the bad news, KIWI likes to bring light on the good!

Under the large umbrella of the NFL exists the NFL Charities. Within this organization, they have many programs ranging from youth to health programs. One of their programs includes the youth orientated “What Moves U” health and fitness program. Designed to help fight child obesity, the program includes the following:

1. An in-school activity kit created for teachers, by teachers, which includes curriculum-based activity sheets, program–specific learning materials.
2. School promotional materials.
3. An interactive fitness-focused website for children.
4. A national public awareness campaign that will include television, radio, print, movie cinema PSAs, and community outreach events through NFL teams and American Heart Association division.

And undoubtedly, my (and KIWI’S as well) favorite program existing in the NFL is the Philadelphia Eagles’ Go Green Program (E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!). I first heard of the The Go Green initative while walking in Franklin Square in Philadelphia. I looked up and saw a sign that read, “In just one week of recycling, we can each save 17 trees.” I thought, “Oh that’s nice.” And I really thought nothing of it.

But the Eagles are backing up these signs with some serious action. The Birds are reimbursing employees who purchase wind energy through PECO Wind and New Jersey Clean Power Energy Programs (the first NFL organization to do so). The program also includes:

1. A donation of $125,000 to Treevitalize, to restore tree cover in Philly.
2. A “Go Green” Energy Calculator located on their site (pictured above).
3. A hardcore recycling program at Lincoln Financial Field.
4. Renewable energy project with the Saint Louis Rams to offset game-related carbon emissions.
5. Providing close to 200 shrubs and trees to spruce up the same Franklin Square where their lovely tip signs are located.

So, in honor of all the good things coming out of the NFL, KIWI would like to thank the NFL for doing their part for the youth of today and, especially the Eagles for helping the youth of tomorrow. Go EAGLES! I mean… =)

-Stacey

One of the oldest cities in the world, London is doing its part to be eco-friendly. That is why we choose it for our Pick of the Week. London has many environmental initiatives that make us Yanks a green with envy.

First, London is one of the greenest cities in the world– literally. Two-thirds of the city is covered in water or green space, including homes to a variety of animals and plants. The city includes the following wild habitats: ancient woodlands, chalk grasslands, parkland, rivers & streams, and wastelands.

Also, on London’s official website. They list ways for the everyday Red Coat to make a difference in London’s environment. Click here to see their list of ways to help the environment.

And London doesn’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. On June 1st, the entire city went dark for Lights Out London. For one hour (9 pm-10 pm), an estimated 2 million light bulbs went out around the capital, saving roughly 750 MWh of electricity– enough to run 3,000 televisions for a year. Pictured here is the iconic Big Ben clock tower and the Houses of Parliament in their dark glory.

On top of programs such as this, London now testing hybrid buses on routes in Central London, they introduced a plan for “Low Emission Zones,” and the buses have routine emissions checks to ensure they are within standards. Plus London has one of the best public transportation systems around. With easy and convenient ways to get around without a car, London definitely has parts of America topped.

So to London we say, “Cheers Mates!”

I was walking through my local Target, just browsing. Which, as anyone knows, is a very dangerous thing to do in Target. You go into Target needing to stock up on Method products and you come out with 4 DVDs, some house cleaner, a box of Kashi and about 40,000 other things you were not aware you needed until Target politely pointed it out to you.

Anyway, I was in the underwear section and I was surprised to see that old, reliable undergarment company Hanes, with a 100% organic seal on their label. I was skeptical at first, but then I saw a whole line of Hanes organic underwear. Everything from underwear to lounge pants! For a person who was not raised organically, this comes as a huge comfort. I grew up always wearing Hanes, and now I am glad I can continue doing so. (They are just so darn comfy!)

So a big thank you to Target and Hanes for making this shopper very happy!

OK, I have a bit of a confession to make– I was raised in a meat and potatoes home! Yes, we did have fruit and vegetables, but they were never really a big deal. When I became a vegetarian at age 11, my family was shocked. “What was I going to eat?” they all wondered. At 11, it was kind of hard for me to choose what foods to eat and where to get them, so I began eating very unhealthy.

Fast forward to present day– I am no longer a vegetarian, but I am definitely eating better. One of my favorite things to eat is fruit. Any kind, any where! My mouth waters at the thought of a good, ripe strawberry and don’t even get me started on pineapples! Recently, I tried my first kiwi (Shocking, I know. Remember, meat and potatoes home!). Needless to say, I loved it!

That is why this week’s pick is Summer Fruit. We are smack in the middle of summer, so let’s celebrate it. There are so many different types of fruit out there that need tasting! Summer is the perfect to experiment with a nice summer fruit salad or just trying a new fruit you’ve never had before.

So head out to your local Farmer’s Market and start celebrating the Summer of Fruit!

–Stacey

Who didn’t see this one coming? Kiwi’s Pick of the Week is the amazing and wonderful 7th book by J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

While claims have been made that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is slated to be the “greenest book in publishing history,” according to Markets Initiative, that is not really what KIWI is focusing on. It is true that the book has been printed on 100% recycled paper in some countries like Canada, and 65% of the books published in the US are not printed on trees from ancient forests. According to Markets Initiative, the publishing of the seventh book saved 137,609 million BTUs of electricity, 197,685 trees, 327,657,453 liters of water and avoided 7,876 tonnes of CO2. Don’t get us wrong– we are cheering as loud as we would at a Quidditch match for the eco-friendly Harry Potter.

If not for these reasons, then why is HP the Pick of the Week? One simple reason– it gets children (and their parents) reading! The last in the book series sold 11 million copies worldwide in 24 hours. Pretty much every child has read at least one of the Harry Potter books. The wonderful characters that Rowling developed allow families all over to connect over the trials and tribulations of Harry, Ron, Hermoine and company. It is amazing to hear parents and children alike asking each other, “Can you believe that happened?” or exclaiming “I knew it! Mom, I told you!”.

The series by J.K. Rowling has created a new army of readers in the young and the old. Personally, I have turned many of my friends on the books who were not readers in the first place. These novels achieve the almost impossible– creating characters who you fall in love with, sympathize with, and want to continue to read and read and read about. And all in the world of wizards and witches.

So this week, we applaud Harry Potter and all that he (and his creator) have done for all Muggle kind!

This week’s pick is the ever animal friendly ASPCA, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

This weekend I visited a local art show in Philadelphia during First Friday in the Old City section. During my walk around the open art galleries, I went into the F.U.E.L. gallery (the old Real Worl: Philadelphia house) where they were exhibiting an unsettling art show about puppy mills.

The art show was a little disturbing, but I left thinking about the ASPCA and the work they do. Puppy mills are tragic and harmful, and I applaud anyone doing their part to rid the world of inhumane practices towards animals. More importantly the ASPCA outlines 10 simple ways to help fight puppy mills. To see their 10 ways, click here.

Trying to rid the US of puppy mills is actually only a small part of the crusade of the ASPCA. They have just launched their Mission: Orange, “… a focused effort to create a country of humane communities, one community at a time, where animals receive the compassion and respect they deserve—a nation where there is no more unnecessary euthanasia of adoptable animals simply because of a lack of resources and awareness.” So, in honor of the animals we love, KIWI is cheering loudly for the ASPCA.

Bonus: They also have an adorable kids page, AnimaLand.

Courtesy of the ASPCA®. Copyright 2007 ASPCA®. All rights reserved

Tired of hearing about Britney Spears in rehab and how Lindsay Lohan should be? Me too! This is why I love this week’s pick, the blog Ecorazzi.

Ecorazzi is the latest in green gossip or what they call “celebrities caught green-handed.” We love it here at KIWI. Instead of the everyday, terrible celebrity gossip, the Ecorazzi team is doing something different. They profile celebrities who make a difference, who are vegans/vegetarians, and the eco-friendly things the celebrities do.

Ecorazzi says, “In the spirit of fair play, we’re quick to point how who’s slacking and who’s deserving of recognition.” For instance, the homepage features everyone from Donald Trump, Jessica Biel and Prince William to Prince Harry. Donald Trump is going green in his next project, Jessica Biel carries around an “I’m not a Plastic Bag” bag, and the Princes’ Concert for Diana (see below).

Finally, a celebrity gossip blog I can get behind!

We, here at KIWI, decided that we need to highlight different things all around the eco world. Certain objects or people need recognition for their work in the organic and natural movement, thus KIWI’s Pick. Every Monday, we will debut a different product, person, movement, or in this case, a state.

Kiwi’s pick this week is California!

California is a state that is leading the way in green and eco friendly options. Recently, Yahoo has released its Top Ten Greenest Cities in America. While Hastings, Nebraska tops the list, California has the most cities with three. These cities include San Carlos, Mill Valley, and Walnut Creek.

On top of having three of top ten greenest cities on Yahoo’s list, California’s other cities are paving the eco way. One of the cities on this road to environmental recovery is San Francisco. In a recently revealed plan, San Francisco is hoping to have 51% (now 13%) of its electricity provided by renewable energy sources, like geothermal, solar, and wave energy.

So, congratulations California! You are KIWI’s Pick of the Week! Keep up the excellent eco efforts.

So this weekend I did something crazy. I cut off all of my hair!

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Stacey and I am a new team member here at Kiwi Magazine. Well, I did cut my hair off- 10 inches to be exact. Why you may ask? For Locks of Love.

Locks of Love is a non-profit dedicated to making wigs for children who no longer have hair due to alopecia or cancer. Each donation must be 10 inches in from the longest tip to top of the pony tail/braid. It was really hard to let go of my hair, but it makes me feel better knowing that I helped someone who really needed it.

Here are the guidelines for acceptable hair donations:

• Hair that is colored or permed is acceptable.
• Hair cut years ago is usable if it has been stored in a ponytail or braid.
• Hair that has been bleached (usually this refers to highlighted hair) is not usable. If unsure, ask your stylist.
• Hair that is swept off of the floor is not usable.
• Hair that is shaved off and not in a ponytail or braid is not usable.
• Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches.
• Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails.
• Curly hair may be pulled straight to measure the minimum 10 inches.
• 10 inches measured tip to tip is the minimum length needed for a hairpiece.

Start growing your hair today! For more information go to the Locks of Love website.