I cannot even count the number of baby showers I’ve been to this year, but there have been several! I always search online for fun gift ideas and cloth diapers are always a great buy.  Thirsties is a line of sustainable cloth diapers that provide comfort as well as leak proofing for your baby.  CEO Erin Kimmett has made it her mission to provide families with a line of affordable and eco-friendly diapers for their babies as well as to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint. Thirsties’ line of diapers uses high quality fabrics that are PVC-, phthalates-, lead-, and latex- free.  Thirsties also offers other fabulous finds including prefolds, inserts, diaper washing solutions, wipes,  hemp inserts, diaper duffles and liners. The list goes on!  To check out Thirsties adorable products as well as learn more about this growing “green” company, please visit Thirsties, Inc.

-Brittany, KIWI Staffer

Just a few years ago, I’m willing to bet Earth Day passed almost unnoticed on many of our busy calendars. Now, though, more and more Americans (and people all over the world!) are stopping to pay attention—and are making changes to improve the health of people and the planet. Of course, the KIWI team is no exception! Here, how some of us have gone greener since joining the magazine:

Maxine Wolf, CEO and Publisher
One of the many green changes I’ve made since founding KIWI has been to make my daughter’s lunchbox as waste-free as possible by replacing plastic sandwich and snack bags with reusable fabric ones. We are so fortunate at KIWI to learn about so many of the exciting, new green products that make it easy to live eco-friendly. Plum Creek Mercantile sent us several of their fabric sandwich bags to review a few years ago and I’ve been using them ever since!

Sarah Smith, Editorial Director
My cat eats fancy cat food. I used think, “I love her, but come on, she’s a cat.” But I realize that there are bigger implications to choosing things that are made responsibly (in this case, without any gross animal by-products). She may be a cat, but I’m the one with the wallet. Also, she’s nuts for the stuff.

Rosemary O’Connell, Creative Director
Easy! I’m getting produce from my local farm. It’s better for the planet and it tastes great, too.

Brittany Golde, Marketing Manager
Working at KIWI has motivated me to start recycling and to choose more organic products when I can. And when I attend green festivals and expos on behalf of the magazine, I always do a go-around to check out the products and services to find greener alternatives for the things I use most.

Nicole McGovern, Editorial Intern
I pay a lot more attention to the energy waste in my house. I run around shutting off lights, unplugging unused appliances (my parents leave the coffee maker plugged in 24/7…then complain about the bill!) Also, I spend a little more time looking at the ingredients in the foods I eat.

Marygrace Taylor, Staff Writer (that’s me!)
Before moving to Texas, I was fortunate to live super close to KIWI’s New Jersey office—so close that I was able to bike commute to work every day! It felt great knowing the only source of energy being used to power me to the office each morning was my own body! Now in Austin, I work from home and no longer commute at all, but continue to drive as little as possible, instead opting to walk or bike.

What green changes have you made over the years? Let us know in the comments!

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

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

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

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

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

Click here to join our 2009 list.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AUGUST DATES: TBD. CHECK BACK FOR SCHEDULE UPDATES

OR CALL THE CULINARY CENTER AT 916-488-2800

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

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

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

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

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

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

The official Earth Day is fast approaching and even if you believe as we do, that the Earth should be celebrated every day, there’s nothing wrong with stopping on one particular day and considering our relationship with the planet. And what better activity on Earth Day, than to open our children’s hearts to the environment by settling in at the library or at home with a beautifully written and illustrated book. Here are some of our favorites for various ages:

Young children

• The Tree by Dana Lyons

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

• Almost Gone: The World’s Rarest Animals by Steve Jenkins

Tweens

• A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids by Julie Hall

• Make It! by  Jane Bull

• Gaia Girls (series) by Lee Welles

Teens

• Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life by Linda Silversten

• The New 50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save The Earth by Sophie Javna

• What Do You Stand For? For Teens: A Guide to Building Character by Barbara Lewis

Our top pick?

• An Environmental Guide from A to Z by Tim Magner. Right now, you can get it at 25% off the cover price by entering the code, “celebrate” during checkout.

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

With a full line of body care products for pregnancy, labor, post-partum, and breastfeeding, Earth Mama Angel Baby has new and expecting moms covered in organic goodness.  The line was created by moms who view pregnancy the way our foremothers did, as a phenomenal natural process to be honored accordingly.  Their offerings feature eco-friendly packaging and 100% natural, vegan ingredients for lotions, potions, sprays, and oils you can feel good about.  We’re big fans of their Mama-to-Be Tea Sampler, which makes a cool, unexpected shower gift.  Learn more at earthmamangelbaby.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

Feel the difference of natural with Noli n Nali skincare line, available for both mom and child.  Certified organic, these eco-friendly products nourish the body from the outside in with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and calendula.  Think soothing belly butter and nipple salve for moms, and gentle shampoo, bubble bath, and detangler for little ones.  Use coupon code KIWI for 25% off your purchase.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of body nourishment

Here are Sierra Club’s recommendations for 2009 of books addressing a particular aspect of environmentalism. See new and soon-to-be-published books that give good advice about living green:

• David Suzuki’s Green Guide
• Getting Green Done: Hard Truths from the Front Lines of the Sustainability Revolution
• Earth Talk: Expert Answers to Everyday Questions About the Environment
• What Would You Do If You Ran the World? Everyday Ideas from Women Who Want to Make the World a Better Place

For the full article, click here

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My name is Brady Loomis; I am a junior in high school and conducting a research project for my U.S. History class. The assignment was to exercise our rights by taking an active role in our community. Similar to many of you, protecting our environment has become very important to me and so with this project I wish to ask questions that bring more eco-friendly ideas to the surface. I hope to encourage people of all ages to think about their carbon footprint all the time. Please take a few minutes to read the following questions and respond in the comment field below. Thank you so much for your time.

1. In the past few years, with global warming on the rise, do you feel your family has begun to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle to reduce your carbon footprint?
2. What changes have you made personally?
3. Are your children involved in a “greener” lifestyle as well? Do they seem excited about it?
4. How has the current state of the economy affected your family to maintain an eco-friendly household?

–Brady is the daughter of KIWI’s Midwest Director of Sales. We’re happy to help her with this class project and hope you wouldn’t mind responding to her questions! Thank you!

Unsure about what to give teachers, babysitters and friends for the holidays? Say it with soy! In very little time you can create eco-friendly and recyclable candles that will spice up a room. And you’ll literally be giving the gift of light. We have helpful hints and instructions. To get started click here.

Feeling even more eco-crafty?

KIWI’s got your back. Our eco-crafts page will keep your family busy. http://www.kiwimagonline.com/ecocrafts/index.php

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Thinking about helping a friend or teacher go green? Try this! Green Irene Green Gift Bags. They are filled with selected eco-friendly home products like toxic-free cleaners, stainless steel water bottles, energy-saving light bulbs, low-flow shower heads, soy candles and more. Their assortment of 9 Green Gift Bags are practical, green gifts, perfect for family, friends, party hosts and teachers. Each gift bag comes “wrapped” in a reusable nylon bag and can include a personal message. Green Irene Green Gift Bags range from $30-$285 and can be purchased at HaveAGreenHoliday.com.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Earthwise Kids gift sets from Nubius Organics make the perfect green gift! Each set includes a super-comfy organic t-shirt and eco-friendly book. All gift sets come wrapped and ready to give in our reusable jute bags (no wasteful wrapping). Sure to please any 2-6 year old.

Price: $32
Where to buy: nubiusorganics.com

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My partner’s adorable neice is 14 months old. She loves dolls and reading books. I found the perfect gift for her to begin going green the fun way. Idbids! Each eco-friendly starter kit contains: a 100% organic Egyptian cotton plush toy, organic cotton sack to wear, a storybook and field guide printed on recylcled paper with eco-friendly inks and online reward program. I know she is going to love this!

Visit www.idbids.com to purchase online for only $39.99.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Time for a little update from me to you.

We always have so much fun stuff going on at KIWI, it’s good to give you all the “low down.”

We have updated our contests– you could win a 5-day/4-night trip for a family of four to the Bahamas! (Where do I sign up?!) Just head on over to enter.

Also, we have so many downloadable freebies, just for visiting our site. We have KIWI’s Top 25 Holiday Toys of 2007 (a little late, but always good for birthday gift ideas) and a free activity page and holiday entertaining tips from KIWI, Whole Foods Market and Healthy Child Healthy World. We also have the KIWI Special Report: What Moms Want– The Definitive Me-Time Study; KIWI Green College Report and our ever expanding KiwiKids Activities.

We update our Featured Articles and Recipes regularly. Right now we have two winter themed articles, Baby It’s Cold Outside and Keeping a Lid on Heating Bills. Our featured recipes are Quinoa Chopped Salad and Tofu and Cheese Quesadillas by Chef George Kyrtatas. These won’t be featured for long! We are updating the site soon, so more articles and recipes are coming.

Also, Happy New Year!