Category — Good Earth

How green are you? Pretty green? Impressively green? I, it turns out, am solidly green. At PracticallyGreen.com, I answered a genius yet simple questionnaire and found out that I’m doing a good job with things like eco-friendly cleaning products and avoiding plastic (yay!), but there’s still room for me to try new ways of lowering my impact. Just taking the quiz is a learning experience, but the best part is that after you’re done, you can create an action plan of large and small changes you want to make. One of the things I’m pledging to do is drive the speed limit. (I have a lead foot, what can I say?)

If you need a little inspiration, you can check out the action plans of many leaders in the green world, including KIWI’s friends from Celebrate Green, Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell. (I’ll admit: The folks at Practically Green have my action plan in with these movers and shakers, and I’m very honored.)

After you take the quiz and pick out some (very doable!) ways to get greener, check out Practically Green’s blog, too. I’m always getting inspired, like how to recycle old electronics (this is one of those things I know is totally doable and yet need a push to actually do. Thanks, PG!). I appreciate that, like KIWI, Practically Green is about helping us do our best: We can all make a difference.

—Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Who doesn’t love adorable, cuddly-looking pandas? We at KIWI are huge fans of the gentle giants, and so are especially excited to congratulate our friends at the Smithsonian National Zoo, who recently completed negotiations with the China Wildlife Conservation Association to extend the Zoo’s panda program for five more years.

Over the next two years, the Zoo will continue to conduct research in panda breeding and cub behavior by overseeing giant pandas, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. If the pair fails to produce a cub in that time period (their last cub, Tai Shan, was born in 2005), the two organizations plan to discuss exchanging Mei and Tian for another pair of breeding pandas. The most exciting part of all: If a panda cub is born at the Zoo, it’ll now be allowed to remain there for four years, while in the past, panda cubs were sent back to China by age two.

With only 1,600 known to exist in the wild, giant pandas are one of the most endangered animals on the planet. Best of luck, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian!

-Marygrace, staff writer

When’s the first time you heard about organic food? Sometime in the late ’90s or very early 2000s, I remember my mom going to a little-known store called Fresh Fields (which, a year or two later became Whole Foods) bringing home organic wheat grass, apples, beets, and more to make fresh juice. Have you ever tried vegetable and fruit juice with a shot of wheat grass? Health-conscious eater though I am, I could never get behind that stuff (and to this day, still can’t!).

My mom said that organic food was better for us—though I don’t remember ever getting an explanation why. To her credit, I bet a lot of other early buyers of organic didn’t have all the answers they have today, either. But the stuff seemed healthier, so they tried it.

In 2004, I learned for myself what organic meant. I was a senior in high school, and had begun taking charge of my health with a vegetarian diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. When I decided to apply for a part-time job, I naturally (no pun intended!) turned to Whole Foods—the once small and sort of strange health food store whose popularity was on the brink of exploding. At my job orientation, one of the WF team leaders explained the company’s core values, which included—among other principles—selling the highest quality natural and organic products available. There, I learned the difference between natural and organic (something many people still aren’t clear on—but it’s getting better!), and what organic products mean for the health of people and the planet (sustainable methods of production that are gentler on the environment, plus no artificial chemicals). I was hooked.

Despite the fact that I no longer have a 20 percent discount card for Whole Foods (just one of the many perks of working there), I still support organic. My husband and I live on a small budget, but supporting health and sustainability is something we refuse to skimp on. We belong to an organic CSA where, for $32 a week, we receive an enormous box of fresh, local vegetables. And if the organic apples cost $3 per pound at my co-op, that’s okay with me—I’ll just buy fewer and space them out throughout the week. To me, the price is justified, because buying organic reflects the true costs of what it takes for a farmer—and his land—to produce real, wholesome food.

So, think back five or 10 years ago—was buying organic something that was important to you? Did you even know what organic meant? For many of us, the answer is no, which in my mind is a good thing, since it shows just how far the movement has come in such a short time. Best of all, there’s so much more room for education and growth: September is Organic Harvest Month, so I’m taking the opportunity to promote sustainbly-produced food, clothing, personal care products, and more as much as possible. I encourage you to do the same.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Over the past ten years, hummus went from the food your friend raved about after vacationing in Israel to a ubiquitous component of appetizer menus and vegetarian sandwiches. And why not? Hummus is made of chickpeas, which are a good source of plant-based protein, iron, and fiber. Plus, it’s a flavorful, healthy swap for more fattening dips and spreads.

I was getting a little bored of hummus until I attended the launch of Tribe Origins, Tribe’s new line of hummus that’s all natural, super fresh, and follows a traditional recipe. The hummus is creamier and lighter than any hummus I’ve had before—almost like savory mousse—and delicately spiced. The flavored Origins hummus varieties (Zesty Spice & Garlic, Spicy Red Pepper, and Tomato & Veggie) come with a garland of tasty and colorful pistou, but I like the Classic best, because the flavor of the tahini is more pronounced. For me, it ranks along side avocados and butter: Foods so rich and smooth on their own, they’re all it takes to transform a piece of bread into a satisfying snack.

One KIWI editor uses hummus as a thick salad dressing, and another KIWI intern likes it with pretzels. Tribe recommends using it instead of mayonnaise in recipes like artichoke dip and deviled eggs. How do you eat hummus?

-Kat, KIWI Intern

The Tribe Origins line will be rolling out in supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide in the beginning of August.

Farmers’ market visits mean you need something besides plastic for carrying your fruits and veggies. Here are two I came across recently: cute!

The produce bag line from Chico has you covered: The hemp-cotton blend is good for leafy greens, the mesh bag is good for fruits and veggies that would ripen too quickly or go bad in another kind of bag (apples, potatoes), and the other restricts air flow, so is good for veggies like squash and broccoli. And with the starter kit, you can get them all in a nifty little apple carrying case.

Flip & Tumble‘s bags are simple and stylish–and five to a set makes it easy to stock up without mixing your plums with your onions.

Happy veggie gathering!

—Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Thanks to their eco-smarts in the classroom, Mrs. Julie Schnedler and her sixth grade class at Mediapolis Community School in Mediapolis, Iowa are taking a trip to Disney World. The class’s project, Operation: Save the Quail, was chosen as the Grand Prize Winner of the 2009 Disney Planet Challenge, which invited fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade classrooms and student environmental groups across the country to learn more about science, conservation, and teamwork by creating an eco-conscious project portfolio.

Operation: Save the Quail beat out the competition in a number of categories, including environmental relevance, community involvement, originality, and sustainability. Students worked to restore the natural habitat of the local bobwhite quail, whose population was dwindling due to harsh weather and decreased prairie land.

The winning project was chosen by a committee of scientists, environmental experts, and educators. Best of all? Mrs. Schnedler’s class found out about their grand prize status by a surprise visit from Mickey Mouse.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Great iphone apps for kids! These’ll get your family outside from spring break well through summer:

• Turn the park into a wonderland. With the amazingly cool app The Hidden Park, your family will see your local park in a whole new way. You may not realize it, but there are hidden trolls and fairies in your neighborhood—you just need this app to see them. If you don’t live near one of the big-city parks already part of the app, you can use the Park Builder to create your own magical scenes.
• Go geocaching. Geocaching is like a scavenger hunt–by using GPS coordinates, you can find little treasures hidden by other geocachers. It’s a great family activity, and you can use the Geocaching app to search for more than a million stashes hidden all over the country.
• Enjoying the scenery? Find out what you’re looking at! The TreeBook app will help you identify the 100 most common trees in North America by looking closely at the leaves. Your kids will get a kick out of narrowing down the possibilities until–success!–there’s only one tree it could be.

-Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Today is World Water Day, and while we here in the U.S. have the luxury of choosing tap over bottled, that’s not the case in much of the world. Nearly 1.5 billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water, and when water is polluted, people are more likely to be affected by waterborne diseases. 

Here are a few simple ways to recognize World Water Day with your family:

• Check out the kids’ page on Water Use it Wisely. There are some fun educational games you and your kids can explore together, to learn ways to conserve at home.
• Support an organization that provides clean water. Some major corporations sponsor these (like P&G and Johnson’s), but we especially like the nonprofit charity: water, which today is launching a focused initiative to help people in Haiti.
• Be aware of your own water use. Sure, it’s not like we can ship our water over to people in need, but by making simple changes, like only running the dishwasher when it’s full, we can teach kids that we don’t take our good fortune for granted. And here’s one idea some kids might really get behind: Let your child skip his bath tonight!

–Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Are you a babywearing mom or dad? If so, you may want to take note of a new baby sling warning that’s about to be issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Concerns about first cropped up two years ago after nearly two dozen babies sustained injuries from falling out of soft slings over the passed 20 years.  Now, the commission is responding to claims of infant suffocation caused by improperly-worn slings.

The benefits of babywearing abound: It fosters bonding and helps babies regulate heart rate and breathing. Studies have even shown that babies who are carried in a sling tend to cry less than their non-sling counterparts. The danger occurs when infants are cradled in a “C-like” or curved position. Since very young babies have little to no control over their head and neck movement, this chin-to-chest posture can restrict airflow and result in asphyxiation.

There’s no word yet on whether or not the warning will single out specific sling models or brands. However, most experts still agree that babywearing is a safe—when done properly. The recommended method? Keep baby sitting upright and facing tummy-to-tummy with the babywearer.

We want to know what you think. Is the warning enough to scare you away from babywearing, or will you continue to use slings?

-Nicole McGovern

This winter, mega snowstorms and below-average temperatures have been the norm in all parts of the country, causing some skeptics to declare the weather as evidence that climate change doesn’t actually exist. But scientist and kids TV show host Bill Nye says the naysayers are wrong.

According to Nye, who recently appeared on MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, the extreme winter weather is instead proof that climate change is happening. Say what? Turns out, global warming isn’t just above-average temperatures or below-average rainfall. Instead, it encompasses all forms of abnormal weather—icy cold and record snowfalls included (and is why the phenomenon is increasingly being referred to exclusively as “climate change”).

The takeaway? Eco-conscious families should continue efforts to reduce their carbon footprints. (Can’t stand the thought of being cold after turning the thermostat a few degrees lower? Check out these planet-friendly ways to stay warm.)

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver are well underway, and while the athletes are getting gold, silver, and bronze, Vancouver itself might be up for a green medal. The host city’s commitment to sustainability might not be getting as much coverage as Apolo Ohno, but it’s at least as carefully planned out as the skater’s famous soul patch.

A few things Vancouver has done to make the Olympic Games green:

* All the venues were designed using LEED sustainability objectives. One example: You know all that rain that’s been messing with the event schedule? At the Richmond Olympic Oval, it’s being collected and used to flush the building’s toilets.

* That amazing cross-country torch relay? Carbon neutral.

* The Olympic Organizing Committee signed a protocol with Four Host First Nations (the aboriginal groups that have inhabited Canadian land since long before there was a Canada) to work together to create a successful Games. This is an indication that to Vancouver, respecting native people is a crucial part of sustainable living.

Yes, some argue that keeping a huge torch lit for 16 days isn’t exactly green. And we’re all plugging in our TVs to watch. But I think we should applaud Vancouver for its efforts, and I hear that London is planning a greener Games, too. What do you think? Good job, or not enough?

-Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Unless you’re a fan of the sprouted variety, you probably don’t think much about alfalfa. However, a new statement by the USDA is giving advocates of organic food reason to be concerned about the crop.

In a newly-released draft of their Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of Genetically Engineered Alfalfa, the USDA says they plan to approve the plant for commercial use. While this might not mean much to you initially, alfalfa is a food staple for beef and dairy cows as well as an important natural soil enhancer. According to Organic Valley Farms, once genetically-engineered alfalfa is introduced into the farming system, it’s contamination of non-GE plants is “all but inevitable”. The end result? Organic meat and dairy products risk becoming tainted with genetically modified organisms.

The USDA’s report says there’s no evidence that consumers care about GE contamination of organic alfalfa—but they’re wrong. Help prove otherwise (and protect organics!) by demanding that GE alfalfa not be approved. Read more here, then write to the USDA by February 16th at regulations.gov.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

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

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

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

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

If you thought the fight against global warming is grown-up stuff, think again. Last week, fifteen-year-old Alec Loorz brought his Declaration of Independence from Fossil Fuels to the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works in an effort to encourage the United States to reduce it’s dependency on petroleum. Perhaps even more impressive? The document was signed by 10,000 kids—and even further backed by 40,000 more online signatures!

In addition to his inspiring declaration, Loorz has launched Kids Vs. Global Warming, a website that seeks to educate youth about the issue of climate change and empower them to make a difference. Our favorite part of the site? A cool, iPod-inspired list of easy solutions that any kid can take on, like recycling a Sunday newspaper or refusing plastic bottles.

-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!

• Our first featured dad blog! Why My Hair Don’t Grow No More‘s two-year-old plays a silly trick.
• Louloupink shares her ten favorite resources for nontoxic family living.
• Has your kid recently outgrown an old pair of shoes? BusyMom knows a great way to get rid of them.
• So much fun! Make and Takes transforms an ordinary plastic bowling set into a Thanksgiving turkey bowl.
• EnviroMom finds a new use for an old filing cabinet.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Despite the best efforts of many eco-conscious individuals, families, organizations, and businesses, a new report by the Global Carbon Project says global emissions have jumped 20% in the last decade. Yikes! According to the study, one of the biggest continued contributors to the increase of CO2 in our atmosphere is developing nations, whose emissions percentages rise each year. (That doesn’t say developed nations in North America and western Europe are blame-free, though—their already-high CO2 levels have simply remained stable rather than decline.)

If you’ve been working hard to do it’s part in the fight against global warming, the study’s findings might feel discouraging. After all, if your family’s lifestyle changes—like making sure to recycle everything, eating less meat, or keeping the thermostat cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer–don’t seem to be making a difference, why bother? In fact, because the only way progress has ever been achieved in society is through persistence.

Instead of declaring the war on climate change un-winnable, take the opportunity to serve as an example and keep doing what you’re doing (and maybe consider even doing a little more!). The eventual result? A healthier world for our children and grandchildren.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Recycling may not be super exciting, but it is super important. Getting your little ones enthusiastic about recycling their bottles, cans, and paper goods will not only reduce your family’s landfill load–it will also help them build good eco-conscious habits for life. Encourage the practice by keeping it easy and fun with some of these ideas:

• Make recycling rules clear. Keep a list of what is and isn’t recyclable in a prominent spot, such as the refrigerator or a bulletin board. You can also use different colored bins for different items, like blue for paper items and yellow for glass, to help little ones remember what goes where.
• Try some friendly competition. Encourage each family member to see how many items he or she can recycle in a week, or how few items end up in the trash. Take it a step further by creating a neighborhood recycling competition!
• Do some research. As a family, learn about the new things that are made out of recycled material, and try to identify them on your daily outings. For instance, you can point out a playground made of plastic lumber that may have come from old water bottles.
• Find incentives. Find out if RecycleBank or another similar program that rewards recyclers exists in your area. Coupons for free ice cream just from sorting your trash? Sounds like fun!
• Be a good role model. OK, it won’t make recycling more fun, but make sure to practice what you preach!

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

I’m not going to lie–on some of those sweltering summer days, air conditioning can be a great thing. However, I try to reserve my use of the AC, whether at home, work, or in the car, to times when its really necessary. It saves money on gas and energy bills, and makes a significant cut in my CO2 emissions. During the times when its hot, but not unbearably so, I try to rely on other means of cooling off. Here are some of my favorite methods–what about you? Does your family frequently choose greener alternatives to air conditioning?

• Whether preventing overheating while exercising outdoors or trying to cool off inside, try an icy wrap. Place a row of ice cubes in the center of a bandana or other cloth, roll up, and wrap around your neck. Keep the tie in the front and the ice cubes on the back of your neck.
• Essential peppermint oil is sort of like the natural version of Vick’s Vap-o-Rub in the sense that its super cooling. Dab a bit on your wrists or neck for instant heat relief.
• It might seem counterintuitive, but eating spicy food can really help you cool off. Think about very warm places like Thailand, India, and Mexico–each country’s traditional cuisine involves tons of heat in the form of different types of peppers. Spicy food increases perspiration, in turn allowing the body to cool off.
• Practice meditative breathing. Shitali pranayama is an ancient technique used by Indian yogis to cool off, but its easy enough for anyone to do. Prepare by sitting cross-legged and inhaling a few times through the nose, then roll your tongue and stick it out. Inhale through the roll of your tongue and exhale through your nose multiple times for a quick cooling effect.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

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 more →]

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

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

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

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.

If you still have that Zach Morris-style cell phone hanging around, (or any useless chargers, PDAs, or earpieces,) now is the time to get rid of them.  Between April 6-12, many major phone companies  are encouraging everyone to recycle their old phones and phone accessories as part of their “Recycle Your Cell Phone.  It’s An Easy Call.” campaign.

There are about a million reasons to recycle as much as possible, but if you’re looking for specifics, note that electronic devices like cell phones are made from metals, copper, and plastics, all of which require energy to extract from the planet or manufacture.  By recycling these materials instead of using new ones every time a phone is made, we can save resouraces and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Get a head start on Earth Day by rounding up your no-longer-used goods and bringing them to your local AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon Wireless dealer, or general electronics store like Best Buy, Office Depot, or Staples.

Marygrace, KIWI intern and avid recycler

The rain outside is another reminder that April has arrived. It’s the week of Passover and Easter and all I can think about is planning my Earth Day celebrations. Last April 22nd we celebrated Earth Day with our list of top 22 fun ways to celebrate our planet.

This year, celebrate Earth Day by volunteering at a local, organic farm or donating to an environmental organization. KIWI will be attending the 1st Annual Earth Day Festival at Carusi Middle School located at 315 Roosevelt Drive in Cherry Hill, NJ on Saturday, April 18th from 11am – 3pm. On April 22nd we’ll be digging in the dirt at Mill Creek Farm located at 49th and Brown in Philadelphia, PA.

What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day?  Tell us by posting a comment below

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of Mother Earth

What do Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, conservationist Jane Goodall and the founder of Burt’s Bees, Roxanne Quimby, all have in common? Each one of these women has significantly contributed to making Mother Earth a greener, healthier and safer place. Following in these footsteps, the theme of this year’s National Women’s History Month is Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet.

What began in California in 1978 with just a single week dedicated to recognizing the history of women has since grown to encompass the entire month of March. Whether you’re teaching your child about the founding mothers of our country or telling stories about your own mother, we encourage you to help make National Women’s History Month last all year!

– Sara, KIWI intern and writer of herstory

Change we need, indeed!  And on this first day of spring, we’re going to get it, thanks to Michelle Obama and 23 Washington DC fifth graders.  Together, they will break ground on the South Lawn for the nation’s first White House garden since that kept by Eleanor Roosevelt during World War II.

With over 55 different edibles being grown, including hearty greens, lettuces, peppers, tomatillos, berries, herbs, as well as two beehives for honey, the organic garden will be a chief source of food for the first family.  It will also provide a valuable learning experience to participating students who, along with the President, will do their part in planting, weeding, and harvesting. Even more important, the White House garden will serve to influence mainstream America on the value of local, sustainable food.  (The entire garden set up cost around $200–who says it’s too expensive to eat well?)

Michelle Obama is taking this opportunity to advocate the necessity of good food for our children.  She’s encouraging parents to get healthy with their kids by upping their fresh (locally produced, if possible) fruit and vegetable intake, limiting processed foods, and preparing more meals at home.  Interested in starting a garden of your own?  Learn all about it from Kiwi Community’s article on family gardening.

-Marygrace, KIWI intern and organic gardening supporter

I live in Philadelphia. To get to my laundry room, I have to walk outside and around the corner to another room in the same building. Today while changing loads, I saw a police car idling for quite some time. Idling is beyond inefficient, getting zero miles per gallon. Yes; it is worse than turning off your engine and restarting it. Both of which I recited to this officer. To really grab his attention I add, “there are several schools starting initiatives for idle-free school zones.” He replied, “Wow, I did not know that!” I told him to share this news with his friends.

A growing number of organizations are supporting this cause, especially in schools. Let’s all lead by example. If your school does not have a no-idle zone; check out these resources and toolkits.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and clean air advocate 

While its probably still pretty cold where you live, getting outside for fifteen minutes will probably do your family good.  The Great Backyard Bird Count runs from February 13-16, and participating is easy and fun.  Just bundle up on any or all of the days that the event is running, and spend fifteen or more minutes outside, keeping track of all the birds you see.  Then, send your list to the Great Backyard Bird Count website where a map will be continually updated with new bird sightings.  There’s even a special webpage just for kids (http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/kids), with pictures of commonly seen birds, a list of local birds in your area, as well as a printable certificate of participation.  I know I’ll be outside with my binoculars for a squawkin’ good time!

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and avid birdwatcher

Looking for a fun and healthy adventure for you and the kids this summer? Try berry picking. Kids of all ages (and parents/grandparents too!) can benefit from taking a trip to a local “U-Pick” farm to engage in some wholesome and delicious fun.

Allowing children to understand how food grows will ultimately awaken their senses to enjoy their food more (they can pick and eat). After picking, keep a bowl of fresh berries on the table to allow for grazing throughout the day. Let your kids know that this is a great healthy snack that they can much on any time throughout the day.

In addition to tasting great, berries are very high in phytochemicals such as antioxidants and bioflavonoids. These types of nutrients have demonstrated a beneficial effect in numerous health conditions, including the prevention of oxidative and inflammatory stress on the lining of blood vessels and red blood cells.

When the cells in our body use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals, or by-products, which can cause damage. Antioxidants act as “free radical scavengers” and can help to prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals. Health problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, and cancer are all known to be, in part, caused by oxidative damage.

In a test that measures the antioxidant potential of a variety of foods—the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) test—blueberries came out on top. Wild blueberries, such as those found all over New England, have the highest ORAC value, with the larger blueberries coming in a close second. Blueberries also contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision. And best of all, a cup of blueberries has four grams of fiber and only 83 calories!

Raspberries are rich in anthocyanins, which is a powerful antioxidant, as well as cancer-fighting phytochemicals such as ellagic, coumaric and ferulic acid. Raspberries have 8 grams of fiber and only 64 calories per cup.

While berries are great eaten alone, they can also be made into muffins, cakes, scones and even homemade ice cream. One of my favorite ways to eat berries is with a scoop of fresh, home made whip cream. Also, throw them in a dinner salad for an extra special treat.

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

When we moved from downtown Baltimore to the suburbs, my daughter had just turned one. We enjoyed our outdoor decks on our high-rise condo, but we didn’t have our own space for our family so we decided to move.

The first thing we did when we moved was to plant a belated first birthday tree for her in the back yard. We chose an apple tree and selected a young tree that was about 4′ high. Ever since then, we have planted a new fruit tree for each birthday – plum, cherry and peach.

My daughter just turned 4 and she has a special stewardship of these trees; she checks on each one to make sure it isn’t thirsty and she even worries about them when we go on vacation. We take a photo of her with each tree and we watch the growth of Mimi and her trees each year. This year, we enjoyed the bounty of the plum and cherry trees and it was the best fruit we all had ever tasted.

Fortunately, my husband’s family has a summer home in Maine so we planted a small pine tree for my daughter there (we simply relocated a small seedling that was growing in a bad spot on the property) onto a special place closer to the house. We visit Mimi’s tree in Maine every year and take photos there as well.

Our next project is going to be planting a tree which will serve as our family’s Christmas tree each year instead of buying fresh and bringing it indoors or buying a man-made tree. Since my husband is Jewish and I was raised Christian, it is also a nice compromise for our household. We decided on this new family tradition too late to actually plant one for last Christmas (it was already freezing and the ground was too hard). I want to find the perfect spot so we can decorate it with treats for the birds and see it from our family room. I am not sure we have room for one Christmas tree each year but we’ll
plant one this summer and see how it goes.

We had a young woman visit our home a few months ago who grew up in our house.  She pointed out a cherry tree in the backyard that her dad had planted for her when she was just 4 years old.

I think trees are one of the most lovely and memorable gifts you can receive.  My daughter’s teacher cried when we gave her a flowering cherry tree from her class.  A little research on which trees thrive in your area, a sturdy shovel, a bag of fertilizer and you are ready to go.  If you don’t have room outside, lemon trees usually thrive in an indoor environment and grow at a rate which is suitable for indoors.  And, there are many, many organizations who will plant a tree for you in someone’s honor.

Countless people see bullies as a mere inconvenience rather than a truth to be reckoned with. But bullying behavior, like the assault we have committed on the planet, is abusive, and when repeated over and over again it can be detrimental.

Over the last several weeks I have been approached by parents having concerns about their children being bullied, ranging in age from kindergarten through high school. One child even suggested that he thought his parents should move out of the state! Childhood is filled with children learning to “play nice together” and for that matter, most adults are still learning that lesson too. But bullying is a serious matter and unfortunately, some parents overlook early signs of having a bully of their own, or their child’s experience of being bullied. They dismiss the evidence, as “kids will be kids”.

Conversely, other parents feel an initial rage when they hear or see a child being targeted. I have even heard my sweet, even-tempered husband refer to a little girl that was bossy and taunting my daughter Sasha to tears, as a terrorist! Ok, so maybe she wasn’t a true bully or a terrorist, but she managed to make my husband’s salt and pepper curls…. go straight! Fortunately, like my husband, a parent’s frenzy typically dissipates, but they are left with confusion as to how to help their child navigate the situation. Clearly, interventions will vary and depend upon the children’s ages, severity and frequency of bullying.

Our children really do need a kinder, gentler, and greener planet to grow up on. It’s up to all of us to stand up to the truth about bullying in our homes, playgrounds, play groups, classrooms, school hallways, and on the internet, while we empower our children with strategies for taking action on their own when they or their precious planet is being bullied!

Please submit comments or strategies on issues related to the Bully Factor!

Check back for Positive Parenting Tips for taking on bullies.

-June Grushka-Rosen M.Ed. is a mommy of two, psychotherapist, and the owner of ExtraordinarYou, a life coaching and educational services business. To contact: June@URextraordinary.com

I have to admit something. In addition to having a theme song for
every new adventure, I tend to decide on a project, embark on it
zealously and then move on.

I was writing an article on school gardens for Kiwi Magazine (Sept
issue) and decided the best way to get motivated was to finally find a
spot in my yard and create a vegetable garden. I had in mind that I
wanted to spearhead an effort to create a garden at my daughter’s
preschool and decided this was my audition to see if I could really
make it happen.

I had created a compost pile which was being turned into fertilizer
gold by thousands of hard-working worms. Unfortunately, that was on
the opposite side of the property from the perfect garden spot.

I read about lasagna gardening and decided that was the best route for
my garden since the soil was not rich and was also very rocky. I
carefully tapped a series of posts to mark my territory but ended up
making the garden way too big for my first attempt. It’s currently 8′
x 20′. I carefully laid newspapers on the ground and covered them
with about 5 inches of fresh compost which took me at least 10 trips
from the compost pile. Sweating profusely, I filled every inch of my
too-big garden with worm-filled compost.

I decided to plant tomato plants instead of starting with seeds
because I wanted immediate gratification. But, I did plant seeds for
cucumber, beans, watermelon and pumpkin and they’re all doing quite
well. This summer seems to be the perfect conditions for a vegetable
garden and the site I chose seems to be working out well.

I am only telling all of you this because I often just wing it. I
started throwing table scraps into a pile of leaves in a place where
my dogs couldn’t access and *poof* I have a very productive compost
pile. I toss in shredded newspaper and hay, turn it every so often,
but largely ignore it. The worms do all of the work.

I also largely ignore my garden. I just make sure it’s not too dry
and that the tomato plants are tied to stakes and leave it alone. I
don’t weed, trim, groom or talk to it. And it is growing like mad.

Some plants are faring better than others, but the lesson I learned is
to just give it a go and you’ll be so surprised. And, if it doesn’t
work the first time, step back, rethink it and try again.

The best part of all of this experimentation is that my daughter wants
to be outside most of the day to corral worms, water the garden and
check on her plants. I get great exercise from digging the compost
and then taking it for a ride in the wheel barrow. And, we all can’t
wait to taste the fresh vegetables that we grew without pesticides or
products.

“If there’s one thing that’s commonly and incorrectly assumed about vegan baking,” warns Hannah Kaminsky, blogger and author of My Sweet Vegan, “it’s that it can only create joyless, tasteless, ‘health food’ that won’t be as good as dairy- and egg-based baked goods.” The fact of the matter is, though, that vegan baked goods can be really delicious, and are a great alternative to more traditional treats.

Hannah’s blog (http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/) and cookbook are just two resources out of many that have recently begun to push vegan baking into the spotlight. Along with the publication of other books, including Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World and The Joy of Vegan Baking, My Sweet Vegan has popularized the notion that vegan treats are tasty, satisfying, and easy to make. Additionally, many grocery stores, coffee shops, and bakeries are beginning to carry vegan baked goods, resulting in a more mainstream acceptance of cookies, cakes, and pastries made without animal products.

In a case similar to many longtime vegans, Hannah learned the techniques of vegan baking through trial and error. “Becoming vegan forced me to start working for my own treats, since no one in my family shared my ideas on a vegan diet, and there were few edible packaged sweets at the time. In dire need of satisfying my sweet tooth, I was on my own to figure things out, and learning the basics of baking simply baking par for the course,” she explains.

Fortunately, with the numerous vegan baking resources that exist today, successful results are almost guaranteed when trying to make your first egg- and dairy-free treats. How to start? Checking out a great vegan cookbook (like one of those mentioned above) is an option, or, veganize a recipe you already have. Hannah says that “cookies in general are the easiest to convert. Typically calling for butter and perhaps one egg, it’s a simple matter of switching the butter out for [non-hydrogenated] margarine, and some ground flaxseeds and water for the egg.”

While vegan baking is the obvious answer for those eschewing all animal products as part of an entire vegan lifestyle, animal-free treats are also an option for people with dairy allergies or those looking to consume less saturated fat or cholesterol. To those who are curious, Hannah suggests, “just give it a shot.” Whatever the reason for cutting out or lowering the amount of animal products you consume, “you shouldn’t have to sacrifice anything.”

Hannah’s Root Beer Float cupcakes are a great treat to make over the weekend with kids, who will enjoy drizzling the cupcakes with chocolate ganache, then topping with thick, vanilla frosting. Get the recipe at http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2007/02/24/float-away/ .

-Marygrace Stergakos, Editorial Intern with KIWI Magazine

Finally – A book about how to transform grocery produce into plants.

My daughter loves to plant. We really did bury a lollipop once
because she was convinced a lollipop tree would grow. Since I am from
a family of researchers, I thought that showing her that it wouldn’t
work was better than just telling her.

But, my daughter wants to plant everything. The seeds from her apples
and the various bits and pieces that drop from our trees. We rarely,
if ever, have had success in growing plants from seeds unless we
specifically purchased the seeds in a tidy little packet. The only
exception we have is when some pumpkin plant mysteriously grows out of
the compost pile on its own accord.

There is a new book called Don’t Throw It, Grow It, by Deborah Peterson
and Millicent Selsam (Storey Publishing, 2008), which is the definitive
guide to growing plants from kitchen scraps. It tells you the best way
to prepare the seeds or cuttings for planting and how to make sure
that your crop thrives. We’re going to start with a lemon tree!

At your local farmers market this summer, ask your farmers if they have in place, an option for buying a share of their farm. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms operate as a partnership between farmers and members of the community who buy a share in a farm’s harvest each growing season. Each share that is purchased contributes a fee, typically between $300-500, to cover the farm’s yearly operating costs, and, in turn, purchases a share of the yearly harvest. Typically, the result of each share is a weekly supply of organic produce at the peak of its growing season, between June and October. In addition to vegetables, some CSAs can include flowers, fruits, eggs, meat and milk, in its weekly allotments.

This innovative model of sustainable agriculture has steadily gained popularity over the last twenty years, but in particular, in the past few years. In 1985, this practice was first brought to the U.S. from Europe, where it was originally inspired by the biodynamic farming methods of the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner (who also started Waldorf Education). The first two CSA farms in the U.S. formed independently in 1986, as the Indian Line Farm in Massachusetts, and the Temple-Wilton Community Farm in New Hampshire. In 1990, there were already 50 CSA farms in North America. Today’s estimations vary, with reports of at least 2,000 CSA farms, and perhaps as many as 3,000.

A CSA is usually run as a small, independent family farm. After community members sign up to purchase shares, a yearly budget is drawn up to determine what the production costs will be for that year. The budget is then divided by the number of members who have signed up, which, in turn, determines what the cost of each share will be. Members either buy their shares up front, or arrange to pay in installments throughout the season. Many CSAs also offer a work option for families who cannot afford to buy a full share, where as they can help plant and harvest to work for a portion of their share. The close proximity of the farm to its members strengthens local economy by keeping local food dollars circulating within the community, allows for consumption of fresh and healthy foods, as well as educates members on the natural cycles of food and plants. In a CSA, farmers can concentrate on producing the highest quality produce because they do not have to worry about finding potential buyers for their product. As a result, the weekly crop is delegated solely for the shareholders.

To find your local farmers market, check out www.farmersmarket.com.

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

Ok, kid. One kid. One four-year-old girl. I now have the utmost respect for my mother who had seven children in tow and wondered why or how she ever planned camping trips for us where you have to bring all of the gear, down to the toilet paper.

We traveled by plane and car from Baltimore to the small town of
Surry, Maine for a week. I’m writing this in past tense, but, indeed,
it’s our last day here in this lovely oasis of nature, ocean and
absolute peace. While sitting on the conifer-protected deck
overlooking the Atlantic, we’ve seen schools of dolphins swim by and a
seal who seems to just ride the gentle waves all day. Until the
lobster farmer with his loud engine roars by to check the traps.

I find traveling to be one of the hardest times to be green when
you’re with kids because you just want them to be happy, entertained
and, well, quiet when you’re on the plane or on a 3-hour car ride. I
found a few toys, games and treats that made the trip go a little
smoother:

- Books, books, books. I bring many soft cover books in our carry on
for travel entertainment and bedtime routine. I often buy these at
second-hand stores and we donate the ones that don’t meet our very
high literary standards (depending on the week, Dora is in or out). 

-  We also write our own books about our adventures.  We’d love to share them with you (as soon as I put them in a web-friendly format!).  I bring blank sketchbooks and paper and tape and we create stories about everything from Emperor Penguins who have no clothes to Clown Weddings.

- Photo albums. I always bring a small photo album or two for my daughter because she is mesmerized with her own baby photos and photos of family in general. She has loved to have her own albums since she was younger than 2, so I make them for her regularly and always have one in my bag to keep her entertained.

- I haven’t figured this one out yet – where do old sticker books go to die? My daughter can whip through 150 stickers in 10 seconds flat but I know the coated paper is not recyclable. I am in search of recycled and recyclable stickers. I want to make my own, too, so add a comment if there is a certain brand of sticker paper you like (or premade stickers) which are eco-friendly. We had an Usborne sticker book called the Shells Sticker Book which was gorgeous – 150 shells with information about their type and location which kept us busy for hours.

- Crayons and paper. The go-to entertainment always works if mom or dad join in the coloring.  The water-color crayons are really cool when spritzed with water.

- Post-its. For some reason, post-its in all sorts of colors, stuck to everything from the airplane tray table to the car window are fun, fun, fun.  We take out magazines and make new outfits out of post-its for the fashion don’ts

- DVDs. I admit it freely that we bring our portable DVD player and our favorite DVDs. Wonder Pets (all of them are excellent), Max & Ruby and HBOs Classical Baby are our current favorites.

- iPod. I load up my iPod with my favorite tunes and then make a playlist for my daughter. The new iCarly CD is fantastic if you like faster songs, as are Dan Zanes and Father Goose. Frances England, Elizabeth Mitchell and Lisa Loeb are always reliable for more mellow tunes.  I bring along one of those speaker pillows so she can listen while lounging.

- Snacks. Organic popcorn, pretzels and cereal with full Sigg bottles of water (filled after we go through airport security) and organic lemonade.

- Klutz’s The Fabulous Book of Paper Dolls. Paper dolls have evolved, finally! I still think I am onto something with my post-it note dresses (see my birthday party post), but Klutz has the best paper doll book I have seen, complete with storage pockets in the back for all of the clothing. My 4-year-old couldn’t quite pop out the dolls by herself so a couple are now limb-less, but we had fun dressing them. (www.klutz.com)

And, while in Blue Hill, Maine, I went into an adorable shop called New Cargoes (http://www.newcargoes.com/)  which had some great finds for the vacation week and the return trip home. Many of these have appeared in Kiwi’s pages already, but I was happy to stumble upon them for my personal use on this trip. Some of my favorites were:

- Crocodile Creek Matchbox Puzzles. We found these 3″ x 4″ puzzles
in, yes, what appeared to be small matchboxes. They had an array of horses and dinosaurs; they’re really cute and entertaining (and fast – 12-13 pieces each). My daughter called the finished puzzles her IDs (because of the size – it looks like my Johns Hopkins ID badge) and she spent hours putting them together and taking them apart. They were $2 each. (www.crocodilecreek.com)

- Envirosax eco-friendly bags for $10 each. If you’re like me, I have many eco-friendly shopping bags from my local grocery store. I actually bring many of them on vacation, using them to wrap shoes in our luggage or for dirty clothes on the way home (the bag and the clothes go straight in the laundry). But, I could not resist the stylish waterproof polyester bags with crazy aliens, dinosaurs, and even pretty patterns for mom. They roll up to nothing for easy portability. I bought the alien bag and started using it immediately, and was stopped twice in the next 5 minutes to ask me where I got such a cute bag. The waterproof feature is excellent because we had many
swimming adventures in Maine and storing icky wet bathing suits and clothing was a breeze with these cute bags in tow. (www.envirosax.com)

- All Terrain Herbal Armor Mosquito Repellant DEET-Free Lotion with SPF 15. Skeeters are the price you pay in gorgeous coastal Maine. They’re big, persistent and they come out at all times of the day (depending on the type of mosquito, some are day feeders and some are night feeders) and this stuff really worked to keep us bite-free. But those tenacious mosquitos bite through clothing, so you really have to
apply this lotion to your whole body and then get dressed to really work. (www.allterrainco.com)

- Greggo Magnets – Magnetic Birds. We were staying at a house with a refrigerator, therefore magnet play was de rigeur. Greggo has magnets of every shape and style and we chose two (at $13, we didn’t want to get too many but it was tempting). We got ones that were birds with the color photo and name of each bird (very handy when you’re out of your area and having trouble identifying the types of birds.  We also purchased the sea animals which are also wonderful. And, when your child is mass producing artwork like a crazed Picasso, these magnets will obviously be functional for hanging up the masterpieces on the fridge.

My only complaint was that the manufacturer packaged the magnets with double-sided tape onto a carboard backing and it was really difficult to remove the magnets without having goo all over them (plus a magnet or two ripped). Make sure, too, that the ones you choose are age-appropriate because swallowed magnets are very dangerous. (www.greggomagnets.com)

- The one thing I always seem to neglect bringing enough of is bath toys. My daughter likes to go on a bathing hiatus on vacation, but I can usually convince her by day five, when her curls are cemented together, by tossing in toys, cups and bubbles. I ended up buying a tube of birds from Safari Ltd. which are made in China but listed as
phthalate-free. These are for children over the age of 3. (www.safariltd.com)

- Yummy Earth organic vitamin C pops. This is the bribery candy which buys us time in traffic jams and airport lounges. If my daughter is begging for sweets, I carry these pops and I feel just a little better than if I just whip out the corn syrup-laden goodies. These are vegan and organic, but, yes, they are still sugary treats (fortunately, the neighboring town of Blue Hill has a co-op with all sorts of organic
and locally grown goodies.) (www.yummyearth.com)

-  I recently learned of a company called BabyPlays.com which is a subscription toy service, much like Netflix is for movies. They have a feature where you can have toys sent to your address on vacation. I am definitely going to try this out for my next vacation, even if it’s at my own home address!  The coolest feature of all is that they test their toys for lead and other safety issues.

We are fortunate that our entertainment in Maine is nature. We take
walks on the beach and walks through the woods to explore and see
“critters.” So, we were active all day, every day and fell into bed
at 9pm every night. I find the “out of sight, out of mind” rule
applies to my daughter, so we removed the DVD player from her sight
and she forgot about wanting to watch television (most of the time)
and wanted to be outside learning to skip rocks into the ocean or
search for minnows in tide pools.

Do you have special tricks and tools you use on vacation to keep your
kids happy?

I will be writing about traveling with kids from a safety standpoint
in the next blog entry. We rented a car with a booster seat on this
trip but I was really disappointed with the age, quality and
sturdiness of the seat we got. Stay tuned to talk about seats for
airplanes/cars, travel strollers and other travel products.

“Nearly every American hungers to move,” writes John Steinbeck in Travels With Charley, an account of the author’s travels across America in an RV. After a three-week, business-related stay in a hotel room, the Janssen family realized they wanted to downsize their life. Eventually, this lead to their own cross-country adventure, complete with a modern twist. Thus, the Live Lightly Tour was born.

After finding a used RV on Craigslist from an 84-year old man in Illinois, Matt and Sara Janssen took it to Golden Fuel Systems (www.goldenfuelsystems.com) where a custom conversion kit was installed, allowing the camper to run on veggie oil. According to Sara, the RV’s tank holds 100 gallons of eco-friendly fuel, which allows for about 800 miles of travel.

Why abandon your home, as well as the majority of your possessions, for something so tiny? “For some, going smaller is a challenge, but we enjoy it,” Sara explains. “We have gained such a connection as a family and also with the outdoors.”

For Matt and Sara, along with their young daughter, Bella, having the freedom to travel anywhere they want is an exciting opportunity. And while they sometimes miss having a consistent group of family or friends around, this is offset by the privilege of meeting all kinds of new people and creating many new relationships. Plus, the option to visit home is always available. “We don’t have our own yard to play in, but we have an entire country […] with parks on every corner! For each challenge, there is an equal benefit,” Sara tells me.

The response to veggie oil, as well as the tour’s larger message of living simply and following one’s dreams, has been overwhelmingly positive. Says Sara, “[T]hey are sick of punching a time clock and living in a cubicle. They want to follow their dreams and take the same leap of faith that we took.”

While its easy to be overwhelmed by the numerous aspects of green living, the Janssens encourage people to start small. The family believes incorporating lots of small changes over time will add up to larger ones, and strives to spread this message with the people they meet across America.

Want to learn more about the Live Lightly Tour and the Janssen’s take on green living? Visit www.livelightlytour.com.

-Marygrace Stergakos, Editorial Intern with KIWI Magazine

I try to do something eco-friendly every day and add new things to my repertoire.

In addition to my newest eco-additions of a righteous, worm-filled compost pile and a new garden plot, I have tackled some other baddies to try to be better.

I don’t idle my car at the top of the driveway to get my mail. I am now getting into paper mache crafts and using recycled paper insead of heading to the craft store for more supplies.

But the one thing that is eluding me at present is all of the catalogues. I am very careful not to sign up for free contests and offers because, well, nothing is really free. But, if I get one more Oriental Trading catalogue filled with plastic trinkets, I am going to scream.

I signed up for GreenDimes (www.greendimes.com) which I think is a very good organization. The only problem is that I took the time to fill out all the forms, enter all of the catalogue names and customer numbers. I just went on the site to enter a few more and every single entry had an “action required” button.

So, each and every mail order company requires something different, all of which costs me money and more time. It is so frustrating. Some need a letter (which GreenDimes writes for you) but it requires a stamp (there are at least 20 of these on my list). Some require a payment to be removed (ok, it’s a dollar but requires writing a check).

I think these mail-order companies are purposely obtuse when it comes to removing my name, but it is automatic to get on the list.

So, what I thought would be a 15-minute project to up-green myself is taking a couple of hours. I have to be honest, I don’t believe that all of these companies will actually respond appropriately and quickly to my request.

I wonder if there is a way to refuse delivery and have all of the mail returned to them at their expense? Now, that would send a message loud and clear, wouldn’t it?

I’m interested in hearing about your up-greening experiences!

-Edamaddy, I mean Edamommy

I have always worried about the environmental impact of shipping food hundreds of miles across the country and in some cases (fresh peaches in New England in January?) thousands of miles around the world. In addition, if you pay attention to the dwindling fate of local farmers, it all begins to make sense what the logical answer is: become a locavore. If you are obsessed with the idea of eating really good food, like I am, challenge yourself this summer. Try to only buy food that is grown within a 100-mile radius of your home.

Among locavore enthusiasts, a popular pastime is the “eat local challenge,” in which participants try, usually for one month, to eat only food that comes from within their community. The rest of the year, many locavores are more realistic about the limits of their devotion but still make an attempt to buy whatever local products they can.

For example, I have found a local (75 miles away) farmer, Farmer Bob, who, once a month delivers organic, free-range, grass-fed meat, eggs, and cheese to a group of us. He also makes 7 other stops within a 20-mile range on delivery day. It has been such a smashing success for him that he has brought in some of his local farmer friends and now we have options for seasonal veggies and homemade pastas and pies, all at the cost that he would sell to the local grocer. We are helping to support his farming community and he provides our families with outstanding quality foods that are extremely fresh!

If you live anywhere where there is a farming community within 100 miles of where you live, I can assure you that there is a framer Bob waiting to start a food co-op. Pick a beautiful weekend day to go explore the countryside and don’t be afraid to visit local farms and farm stands and ask lots of questions. These farmers need you as badly as you need them.

As you begin your quest to become a locavore, start by visiting http://www.localharvest.org/blog/ or http://www.eatlocalchallenge.com/ for ideas of where you can find locally grown goods in your area.

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

While the duties of an intern might traditionally include fetching coffee or sorting mail, such has not been my experience with KIWI magazine. I’ve been given lots of interesting work since I started a few weeks ago, including proofing our upcoming issue and writing for KiwiScoop, our online newsletter. The best assignment yet, however, came today, when I was asked to sample chocolate and write about it.

I like to think of Explorer’s Bounty’s line of organic, chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, cashews, cocoa nibs, and espresso beans as treats I can feel good about. At 70% cacao, the dark chocolate coating is rich and flavorful without being too sweet, and is a good source of beneficial antioxidants, flavonoids and iron. While the subtle flavor of the macadamia nut was somewhat overpowered by chocolate, the same coating served as a complement to the bolder cashew and espresso bean. The tiny cocoa nibs had a nice crunch, and could stand in as the perfect replacement for chocolate jimmies sprinkled over ice cream. After trying each variety, I made sure to keep these treats off my desk and out of sight – it was the only way to ensure I didn’t polish off the whole bag by the end of the day.

What makes me really happy, though, is Explorer’s Bounty’s commitment to the planet. In their support for organic farming, the company demonstrates its passion for sustainability, as well as reducing pollution and waste. In particular, they have developed equitable relationships with numerous groups including Kandu, a non-profit organization for adults with employment barriers.

You can learn more at www.explorersbounty.com. The tropical, treasure-themed website gives a great idea of what this company and their delicious, eco-friendly chocolates are all about.

-Marygrace Stergakos, Editorial Intern with KIWI Magazine

Gaining momentum across the country, the raw food movement advocates a diet consisting mostly or completely of whole, uncooked, and often organic foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains and legumes.

Many turn to a raw diet with the belief that it promotes greater health. Raw foodists feel that valuable digestive enzymes, as well as an abundance of nutrients, are destroyed when food is heated above 120 degrees. Additionally, raw foods have the potential to aid in the management of chronic diseases, and promote weight maintenance.

Of course, you don’t have to be a raw foodist to benefit from whole, unprocessed food – try eating raw just once or twice a week. The meal could be as simple as a romaine lettuce and fresh vegetable salad tossed with a raw, pine nut-based Caesar dressing. For something more elaborate, experiment with zucchini “noodles” in a raw tomato sauce.

Raw desserts are also great to try. Rich and satisfying to any sweet tooth, these fruit and nut-based treats pack a nutritional punch not found in traditional desserts. Raw pies work well for those with gluten intolerances, as the crusts and fillings are always wheat free. This strawberry one by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau is perfect for summer. Ani Phyo’s raw donut holes are a great option for kids, who can help roll and shape the balls.

Interested in learning more? Check out the Raw Freedom Community, a message board with discussions about raw diets, raw parenting, and eco-friendly living.

-Marygrace Stergakos, Editorial Intern with KIWI Magazine

I am trying to figure out how and where to plant a garden in my yard but I have some serious obstacles. As I mentioned before, I have two very wild and crazy dogs (Mya and Stewpot) from Bratislava (kidding) who have the run of my backyard. When I say “run,” it isn’t in jest. They have run through my backyard chasing critters and actually made the pachysandra retreat and die. We have a wooded lot, so there isn’t a perfect spot in the back to plant where I wouldn’t need a 6-ft fence to keep the mutts out.

The front yard is more lush (no dogs) but the deer have realized through their pee-mail network (my husband’s joke – we have email, critters have peemail) that the dogs don’t go there. I really should install a sneeze shield and take-out containers in the front because it is one giant deer salad bar. And, I don’t want to be the eyesore of the neighborhood by building a 6-ft fence around a garden plot (although the neighbor across the way is very unfriendly, which is an incentive to build something and paint it pink).. But I really want to grow vegetables. I refuse to take down trees and container gardening just doesn’t inspire me.

I need an intervention. My mom who is 82 tells me stories about the garden her father planted and how her mom got them through winters during the Depression by canning and storing every fruit and vegetable. We always had a large vegetable garden when I was growing up in Pennsylvania. I actually used to dislike it because one of my chores was weeding it. If I had to write a country song about it, it would be titled: I Was Composting Before Composting Was Cool.

I completely forgot my daughter’s lunchbox today at school. I spend a fair bit of time preparing her fare, so it wasn’t just a sammy with chips.

It’s a lot of work to make her waste-free lunch:

• I use a thermal bag made from recycled plastic
• a wrap n mat for sandwiches
• I do use plastic (EEK!) containers with twist on tops for things like cucumber slices, hard-boiled egg and grapes
• I really have to get a bento. Considering my husband goes to Japan regularly, I imagine it won’t be that hard. Check this link out for cool lunch box ideas, www.lunchnugget.com. The original bento lunchboxer is here www.veganlunchbox.com. Inspirational, albeit a little intimidating.

Anyhow, back to the left lunch. I seriously contemplated pulling a Ferris Bueller and having a pizza and lemonade delivered to her classroom because I was in such as rush to meet some Kiwi and other deadlines. But, I sucked up the carbon footprint and drove home to retrieve the left lunch. Fortunately, it was out of doggy reach and still safe.

Admittedly, I had several phone meetings and articles to write, but I was rushing because I had a hair appointment. I am one of those people who goes to the salon about 3 times a year, and I always call to make my appoint within 4 hours of getting it cut (I wake up, decide I have to have my hair cut, and call around til I find someone to do it). I go to this cool place called FX Studios (just north of Baltimore MD – www.fxstudios.com and I had a new stylist named Grace who was very sweet and gave me a great cut. You can watch a movie as you get your hair cut (it reminds me of those kiddie cut places where the kid is parked in front of a DVD so they won’t notice). The funny part of the cut to me was the review of all of the hair products as organic, natural and vegan. I’m all for it but the chances of me using 8 hair products in one hair styling event at my home is about nil. I did like that they had a whole lobby full of natural nail care products which work really well and don’t peel off in sheets when you take a shower.

I was making my family some brownies the other night and the two of them would have eaten the whole batch if I hadn’t had a sugar intervention.

Here’s where the nickname came in.

I looked over at my daughter and she had a streak of brownie goo which connected her two eyebrows. The resulting name (which I won’t utter in front of her)?

Unibrownie.

I think it’s interesting the way we label everything and everyone. I was uneasy being a vegan mainly because I wasn’t sure I could live up to the regulations associated with the name. Would people judge me for wearing leather shoes? Or scrutinize my beverages? So, I’m not a big fan of labels.

I think that might be the key to something the trendsters are calling green guilt. You try really hard to recycle, compost, reduce waste, carry a water bottle, eat local, eat plants, grow your own…but then you get to the gym and forget the water bottle. Or you jump on a treadmill and feel guilty because the thing is plugged in. It should be the other way around, right? If you pedal, run, step or walk, shouldn’t you be generating electricity?

My green guilt comes from my house, mainly. I am desperate to install solar panels, get rid of my lawn with attractive moss and groundcover, have a huge and bountiful garden (impervious to deer and bunnies), get a new eco-mattress for every bed and ditch the rugs for renewable wood floors. But, it’s not in the budget in the short-term. And, you have to remove things which have to be recycled, disposed of or somehow evaporated.

We do our best.