Planning on baking a pumpkin pie as part of your family’s Thanksgiving spread? You might want to think about skipping the canned puree in favor of homemade. A recent Consumer Reports test found measurable levels of BPA in various canned foods, including those labeled “organic” and “BPA-free”. Yikes! What’s more, making your own puree from a fresh pumpkin uses less resources (there’s no factory processing involved)—so it’s better for the environment and your budget. (It might also be better for your sanity, since there’ll be no fighting over the last can of pumpkin puree at the grocery store!)

How to make the fresh stuff? It’s easy!

1. Cut your pie pumpkin in half, placing face-down on an oiled baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until a fork easily inserts into the pumpkin flesh.
2. Remove the pumpkin halves from the oven. When cool enough to handle, scoop out the stringy insides and seeds (but save the seeds for snacking!).
3. Scoop the pumpkin flesh into a large bowl—make sure to go all the way to the skin!
4. Transfer flesh to a blender or food processor, and puree until smooth. The puree will last in the fridge for 2-3 days, or in the freezer for months.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

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

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

And here’s how to do it:

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

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

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