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

• Are you a tea fan? Tree Hugging Family reviews Earth Mama Angel Baby’s organic Mama-To-Be tea sampler (thumbs up!), and holds a tea sampler giveaway.
• Lots of us have been experiencing never-ending rain, clouds, and cool temperatures. Beat the summer gloomies by looking on the bright side with Secret Mom Thoughts.
• Pure Mothers serve up an environmentally-responsible slice of strawberry rhubarb pie.
• If you’ve yet to do any berry picking this year, GreenStyleMom’s experience will inspire you.
• Mindful Momma admits it–you can’t be 100% green 100$ of the time! Check out the eco-confessional.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

Going green has gained enormous support and popularity around the world so what comes next?  An environmental film festival… Duh! On June 5-6, the Ketelhuis Cinema in Amsterdam will offer environmental films, interviews with directors, and world premieres for the eco-minded.  Strawberry Earth is the host and Green Choice will be using green power for the entire event.  The film festival is donating funds to make the location a greener environment.  The Ketelhuis Cinema will also contribute funds to Greenpeace for the next ten years! “Besides getting an eco-education, your money also supports a really cool local project.” (Treehugger.com)  Learn more about this film festival.

– Brittany, KIWI intern and cinema addict

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

From Treehugger.com: “The good folks at Global Green USA have teamed up with Jake Gyllenhaal to launch the “National Green Schools” initiative with a Green Service Day at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, helping students to clean up the school’s edible garden. The “National Green Schools” initiative is aimed at raising general awareness of the benefits of green schools and the critical need for building and modernizing all schools with healthy, high performance green classrooms.”

KIWI also has a website dedicated to greening schools: myhealthyschool.com. Sign up to join our email list or become part of our teachers’ advisory board.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and fan of Jake Gyllenhaal and school gardens

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.

Living near Denver, Colorado? If so, the place to be this weekend is the Green Festival at the Colorado Convention Center (700 14th Street Denver, CO 80202) on Saturday May 2nd from 10am - 7pm and Sunday May 3rd from 11am - 6pm.

“Having just hosted the greenest national political convention ever, we think Denver is a natural site for the Green Festival in May 2009 and are excited to host this successful event. Denver is proud to be creating safe, healthy, sustainable communities and a strong local economy by raising awareness, sharing best practices and collaborating on greening initiatives. The Green Festival is a terrific place to trade success stories, brainstorm innovative new ideas and learn about the newest technologies and services.”

– Denver Mayor John W. Hickenlooper, a geologist turned brewpub pioneer who had never run for political office, elected Mayor of Denver in 2003 and reelected in 2007.

Stop by our KIWI Magazine booth Booth #1213 to say “hi”! Green Festival is a joint project of Global Exchange and Green America.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and green festivaling all weekend in Denver

Peas and fava beans are everywhere in many of California’s farmers’ markets.  In Texas, the growing season is in full swing, with strawberry season already giving way to early zucchini and yellow squash.  We aren’t yet quite as lucky here in the Northeast, but the first of the spring lettuces are starting to pop up.

Personally, I’m looking forward to making some great salads full of leafy greens, fresh shell beans, some chopped dates for sweetness and a few walnuts for crunch.  Drizzle on some lemon tahini dressing and I’m good to go!  What about you?  What are your plans (present or not-too-distant future) for spring’s delicious offerings?

Marygrace, KIWI intern and spring greens fan

Earth Day gives us a moment of reflection on ourselves and the environment. This year, make a green resolution. Here’s mine: I want to cook at home with lots of veggies at least 5x per week (if not more). We are joining a CSA so hopefully this will be easy (fingers crossed).

Do you have a green resolution? We want to hear so post it in a comment below. And so do our friends at Whole Foods Market. Post a comment on their blog to win a $25 gift card and a FEED 100 bag.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and celebrating Earth Day every day

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.

It’s time again for another round-up of the best of the mom blogosphere!  Here’s what’s going on…

• Hopping on board the backyard vegetable garden train this spring?  Nature Moms reviews garden tool sets and gear for your little farmers-in-training.
• To school or not to school?  Read about Mama-Om’s journey on her family’s decision to send their son to school or stick to unschooling at home.
• Green Baby Guide puts the bokashi bin, an indoor composting system from Japan.
• Forget balance.  Instead, Healthy Green Moms says we should be seeking harmony.
• The Soft Landing Blog covers possible legislation for federal ban of BPA in children’s food containers.  Yes!

What’s happening on your blog?  We want to know!

Marygrace, KIWI intern

Last month, Congress’s CPSIA regulations put limits on the amount of lead and phthalates that can appear in children’s toys. Good news for little ones who stick everything in their mouths, but bad news for the small toy companies who’ve been making safe playthings for years. Some of our favorite small businesses face potential economic strain from these regulations, since companies have to pay to get items tested. Fortunately, the Handmade Toy Alliance is fighting the good fight for everything small and green. The HTA is directing its efforts toward a Congressional amendment to protect cottage industries from the high costs of mandatory product testing.

– Sara, KIWI intern and keeping you up-to-date on CPSIA regulations

It’s no secret that the healthiest, most delicious foods come from natural sources. Organic Valley’s milk, cheese, eggs, and meats are raised without antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides for authentic food that truly nourishes. A family farm co-op, Organic Valley aims for continual improvement and transparency, making their products food you can really feel good about. Coupon lovers click here.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of all things natural

Sweet Pea Products knows sensitive skin.  Created by a certified infant massage instructor who was dissatisfied with the lack of natural baby massage oils, all items with the Sweet Pea name are 100% natural and fragrance free.  With a collection of unique baby products including serenity balm, lavender and tea tree soap, and herbal tub teas, Sweet Pea will calm your child’s skin while giving you a piece of mind.  Enjoy a 20% discount with coupon code KIWI.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of lavender

It’s easy to say no to preservatives and additives with Tastybaby’s organic frozen baby food. They might be serious about nutrition, but with flavor names like “Corn in the USA” and “Peas on Earth,” TastyBaby knows how to have fun.  What’s more, all the food is gluten-free, and is packaged in reusable, BPA-free cups.  Getting a stamp of approval from eco-conscious moms like Cindy Crawford, Ali Landry, and Lisa Loeb, try a Tastybaby gift basket for a great shower gift!

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and fan of eco-consious moms

Sock seams making your child scream? Made with a polyester and lycra blend, SmartKnitKIDS socks are seam-free and comfy as can be.  They’re available in white, pink, purple, navy and black, and come in a variety of sizes for kids of all ages.  Check them out at therawear.com and use coupon code KIWI for 10% off at checkout.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and seam-free friendly

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

Every week I take out my trash and ask myself, “Is ALL of this stuff really mine?” While I am conscious of my trash consumption, some things are unavoidable. However, some things can easily be forgotten.

Here’s Planet Green’s list to let us know what disposable products we can end our relationships with:

1. Bottled water
2. Diapers
3. Air filters
4. Paper towels
5. Wrapping paper
6. Individually-wrapped foods
7. Takeout food
8. Feminine products
9. Razors
10. Furniture

Their honorable mention: Takeout chopsticks

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and seeker of ways to reduce trash consumption

Check out the Lil Diaper Depot for a great selection of eco-conscious products. You can ditch disposables for good with their organic cloth diapers, or swaddle baby in an eco-fleece baby blanket made from recycled soda bottles. The company caters to moms, too, with super-soft, organic nursing pads, extra-comfy body pillows, and stylish diaper totes. Pick up a gift certificate for an upcoming baby shower, or register for your own. Receive 10% off your first order with promo code KIWI9 before 2/28/09.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of eco-conscious proudcts

Handmade valentines are truly gifts from the heart. A family fun project is making paper embedded with flower or veggie seeds. You’ll end up with Valentines that keep on giving. In addition to junk mail or other bits of paper, you’ll need some window screen, water and a blender. And if you’ve been looking for a way to recycle that dryer lint, you’ve found it! Learn how to make paper yourself or if you’re not into papermaking, seed-embedded cards can be purchased at GreenfieldPaper.com.

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

Calling all sensitive skin types! We’ve teamed up with Lavera Organic to give KIWI readers 10% off on a soothing slew natural and organic skincare products (use promo code Kiwi09 at checkout). Lavera’s Mom and Baby Set pampers mom with a wild rose facial mask and moisturizer and keeps baby’s delicate hair and skin soft with almond shampoo and cream. Offering protection from harmful ingredients while creating effective products for allergy-prone and sensitive skin types, Lavera’s skincare line is a goldmine of green baby shower gifts.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of organic skin care

Your baby can stay warm in the cold with this adorable 100% organic cotton baby cap. Sold individually or in sets, it makes a naturally wonderful gift. Cute and comfy, these caps are a must have. For only $6 your baby can rock this hat in natural or brown. Receive 20% off when you type KIWI20 at checkout! Get it now at Wee BE Organic Baby Cap.

– Brittany, KIWI intern and green enthusiast

This morning I woke up with a sense of hope. Today is the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. The first African-American President of the United States. I get chills just writing this. I called my Mom to say good morning and see how she was going to spend the inauguration. She said that she already started. For breakfast, her and my dad ate cereal with milk and blueberries and strawberries. This was her way to show her patriotism: red, white and blue breakfast.

Today, millions and millions of people all across the world are tuning in to the historic ceremony. My mom is DVRing it. I am watching on my computer at work. My boyfriend is listening on the radio. My friends are in DC trying to inch their way up to catch a glimpse of the action. Where are you watching?

Take some time today to reflect with your family.

Tonight? It’s all about the Green Ball.

According to the ball’s organizers, every facet of the Green Ball was designed to minimize environmental impact. Among the various green elements of the ball Treehugger reports:

1. The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium was selected as the venue for this event because it is conveniently located just a half a block from Metro and guests were encouraged to take advantage of public transportation

2. Buffets included organic and local ingredients with vegetarian and vegan options

3. The bars served local and organic beverages and all bottles were recycled

4. All of the food waste from The Green Ball was composted at a local farm

5. Staff and VIPs were transported to the Ball in electric cars

6. All ticket sales were handled on-line to eliminate paper waste

7. The power used to produce the event was offset by the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits from American Wind, Renewable Choice Energy’s signature portfolio

8. Our own Graham Hill said he was impressed that guests did not receive gift bags, which often create unnecessary waste

Well I may not be celebrating with Wyclef Jean or Al Gore, but that fact that there even is a green ball puts a smile on my face!

–Stephanie Singer, KIWI staff and lover of families

When it comes to food, we recommend eating organic. That being said, the realities of life don’t always allow us to be 100% organic. So when you have to give up something, where should you start? According to the Daily Green, here is a list of 10 fruits and vegetables that’s you don’t necessarily have to buy organic (all the time). Why don’t these need to be grown organically? Well, most of the following “face fewer threats from pests such as insects or disease, so fewer pesticides need to be used OR have thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up.”

1. Asparagus
2. Avocado
3. Bananas
4. Broccoli
5. Clean Cabbage
6. Kiwi
7. Mango
8. Onions
9. Papaya
10. Pineapple

–Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

To some, the downturn in the economy is seen as a barrier to celebrating green. To us, it’s an opportunity.

We admit that we’re a couple of glass half-full-ers, but we think that if you’re concerned about your bills and how-in-the-heck you’re going to plan an eco-considerate party for your soon-to-be eight-year old, it’s the perfect time to try frugality on for size. After all, your great grandmother probably did it and so did her friends. And the truth is, living simply is at the core of “going green.”

Whether the upcoming celebration is Valentine’s Day or a birthday, this year, instead of doing what you’ve always done, why not try to stage it without spending a penny? Or replace gifts with activities? Or let your true love know you long for a poem he’s written himself?

You may just find that hard times give rise to great times.

– Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.NET

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

Wrap your gifts in the next best thing to love—not paper, but fabric wraps that can be used over and over again. Think origami using material instead of paper. Make your own with fabric scraps, silk scarves, even napkins. You no longer need tape or ribbon. The techniques are so simple, any child who can tie a knot can do them, yet the results are beautiful and sophisticated.

Download and learn the simple techniques from www.Furoshiki.com. No material at hand? You can purchase fabric made just for this purpose. Looking for something sophisticated? Check out www.Bobowrap.com. Genuine traditional patterns? Try www.Buy4AsianLife.com.

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

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

Last weekend I went to the DC Green Festival, a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America. Hundreds of speakers and exhibitors convened at the DC Convention Center to educate thousands of people on the latest trends in the green movement. Attendees who stopped by our KIWI booth walked away with a KIWI Magazine amongst other goodies PLUS had a chance to sign up for our contests. Don’t worry. In case you missed this event, you can still participate.

Here’s the deal:

KiwiCrusaders: KIWI acknowledges excellence in school meals. Enter to win a prize of $3,500 for your school. http://www.kiwimagonline.com/kiwicrusaders/index.php

Next Great Young Chef Contest: Kids ages 4-17 are invited to create a recipe with our secret ingredient – Florida Crystals Organic and Natural Sugars. Parents, please upload a video of the chef in progress. http://www.kiwimagonline.com/contests/NextGreatYoungChef/

Great School Beaches Getaway: Teachers who sign up to receive enews on our new website, MyHealthySchool.com, will be entered to win a vacation package to a Beaches Resort location in Turks & Caicos or Jamaica. http://www.myhealthyschool.com/contests/Beaches/

Next stop on my Green Festival tour is San Francisco this Friday November 15th – Sunday November 17th. Please make sure to stop and say hello and tell your friends…

Stephanie Singer

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve undoubtedly felt the effects of the economic slowdown in recent months. Gas, groceries, meals out–even movie theater popcorn–cost more than ever lately. Despite the gloom, there’s a silver lining: growing support for telework (a.k.a. telecommuting) and other flexible work arrangements.

Telework is a “green” win-win for employers and employees. Work options that allow employees to work from home make for happier, less stressed, and more productive employees (think, improved work/life balance, less time commuting, fewer work-related distractions, and more time for family). Studies suggest that telework is a good thing for employers’ bottom line. Like employees, employers can save money through telework options, including the costs of overhead and lost productivity. Importantly, telework is a huge plus for the environment (e.g., cleaner air) and goes a long way toward resource conservation (e.g., fossil fuels).

But assuming you actually have a job that can be done from home and your employer doesn’t already have an established protocol for telework arrangements, how do you convince your employer to go “green”? Here are five strategies to help you land that “green” work arrangement:

1. Jump on the green momentum. Green is hot right now and it’s a color your boss has probably heard something about or understands. This means that whether you’re asking to telecommute one day a week or twice a month, there’s probably never before been a better time to ask for a telework arrangement. Plus, it probably doesn’t hurt your case that “everyone is doing it”, right?

2. Come up with a plan. Before you approach your employer for a telework arrangement, think about why you want the arrangement, what schedule you want (e.g., will your schedule be fixed?, will you work beyond 9-5 hours), and how you plan to get your job done logistically (e.g., what technology or equipment do you need, and what about the kids, will they be home with you or will you have childcare in place).

3. Appeal to your employers’ interest. Let your employer know what she gains by letting you work from home. As cool as it may be to wear your pajamas and bunny slippers to work, be prepared to explain, if necessary, the benefits the arrangement confers to your employer in terms she understands (think, dollars, productivity, and availability).

4. Offer a trial run. When dealing with a reluctant employer or one unfamiliar with telework, suggest a “trial period”. Use this period to show your employer that you can get it done–and well, too. If you know your employer has particular concerns about the arrangement, use this time to address those concerns.

5. Write it down. If your employer doesn’t already have a policy for handling telework requests and/or prepared documentation, create your own paper trail. You’ll want to make sure you’ve memorialized the terms that you and your employer have reached, just in case….

–Julie Tower-Pierce, J.D./M.S.E.L is a lawyer, mom of three, and author of Staying at Home, Staying in the Law: A Guide to Remaining
Active in the Legal Profession While Pursuing Your Dreams (American Bar Association, 2008).

I am sure some of you have received the latest issue of KIWI. For our January/February issue, KIWI had a special “delivery.” (Ignore the lame pun!) We rounded up some wonderful gift ideas for parents-to-be in our “Oh, Baby!” green baby shower feature. Obviously, we can’t mention everything in the magazine, but luckily for us, we have KiwiLog and everything we wanted to include… we now can. Hooray!

Our first in our blog series on baby shower gifts is the Chubby Bunny and Snuggle Blanket sold by Happy Healthy Baby. Both pieces, the bunny and the blanket, are 100% organic cotton and dyed with metal free dyes. The doll is 7″and the blanket is 29″ X 29″. If you are searching for the perfect snuggle buddy for your baby or a friend’s baby, this bunny and blanket duo should fit the bill. And look how cute!

Available at Happy Healthy Baby, $36.