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blogGreen Goodies for Kids
By Mary Beth Gonzalez, iVillage.com
Last weekend I brought a Panda, a Gorilla and a Penguin to my brother's house for a visit with his family. Seems kids' marketers frequently name their kid targeted products after animals so kids will love them more, and it seems to work. I was just happy knowing that my gifts were healthy, organic and starting them on their path to green.
The Panda was actually an Ecogear blue organic cotton backpack for Jake, my four year old nephew. The azure blue dye is non-toxic, and it closes with easy to close sustainable wood fasteners. All very cool but his Dad knew that the ultimate stamp of approval was mentioning that Peter Parker (Spiderman) had a backpack just like it. Then Jake knew that the Panda would be perfect for his first trip to day camp next week. You can see in this photo how much he likes it.
Last weekend I brought a Panda, a Gorilla and a Penguin to my brother's house for a visit with his family. Seems kids' marketers frequently name their kid targeted products after animals so kids will love them more, and it seems to work. I was just happy knowing that my gifts were healthy, organic and starting them on their path to green.
The Panda was actually an Ecogear blue organic cotton backpack for Jake, my four year old nephew. The azure blue dye is non-toxic, and it closes with easy to close sustainable wood fasteners. All very cool but his Dad knew that the ultimate stamp of approval was mentioning that Peter Parker (Spiderman) had a backpack just like it. Then Jake knew that the Panda would be perfect for his first trip to day camp next week. You can see in this photo how much he likes it.
ask mr. greenDirty Little Secrets About Cleaning Your Water
Dr. Mr. Green,
My husband and I have been searching high and low for a water filtration system that doesn't waste water. All the RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems that we have researched have to waste 4 gallons for 1 gallon of purified water. We find this an unacceptable solution to our water filtration needs. Is there a better system out there that we are unaware of that can filter our tap water and not waste so much in the process?
We hope you can help,
Desperate in Arizona
My husband and I have been searching high and low for a water filtration system that doesn't waste water. All the RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems that we have researched have to waste 4 gallons for 1 gallon of purified water. We find this an unacceptable solution to our water filtration needs. Is there a better system out there that we are unaware of that can filter our tap water and not waste so much in the process?
We hope you can help,
Desperate in Arizona
blogBe Organic: Your Health and the Environment Depend On It
By Nicole Ohebshalom, Radiant Living Wellness
Four months ago I found myself standing in front of the produce section of my local supermarket with a bit of a dilemma. In one hand, I was holding a conventionally grown Macintosh apple. In my other hand, I had one that's been organically grown. Both apples were shiny, firm, and red. Both were free from fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and would provide my body with vitamins and fiber.
The conventionally grown apple cost less and with almond butter still proven to be one of my favorite snacks. But the organic apple has a label that says "USDA Organic." Does that mean it's better? In this age of disease and food-borne illness, could it be safer? More nutritious for our health and lifestyle?
As these questions came up, I was floored at how the differences between organic and conventional food has on one's health. I instantly wanted to become a wiser consumer for the next trip I had down the supermarket aisle so then I will have the most effective care for my body and my environment.
Whenever I am faced with a dilemma I look at the origin and root of the cause. Food shopping is no exception so I follow Jerome I. Rodale (the founder of Rodale Press and Prevention Magazine) wisdom when he stated, "The health of the people is dependent upon the quality of the food they consume. And the quality of their foods depends on the quality of the soil on which that food is grown."
Four months ago I found myself standing in front of the produce section of my local supermarket with a bit of a dilemma. In one hand, I was holding a conventionally grown Macintosh apple. In my other hand, I had one that's been organically grown. Both apples were shiny, firm, and red. Both were free from fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and would provide my body with vitamins and fiber.
The conventionally grown apple cost less and with almond butter still proven to be one of my favorite snacks. But the organic apple has a label that says "USDA Organic." Does that mean it's better? In this age of disease and food-borne illness, could it be safer? More nutritious for our health and lifestyle?
As these questions came up, I was floored at how the differences between organic and conventional food has on one's health. I instantly wanted to become a wiser consumer for the next trip I had down the supermarket aisle so then I will have the most effective care for my body and my environment.
Whenever I am faced with a dilemma I look at the origin and root of the cause. Food shopping is no exception so I follow Jerome I. Rodale (the founder of Rodale Press and Prevention Magazine) wisdom when he stated, "The health of the people is dependent upon the quality of the food they consume. And the quality of their foods depends on the quality of the soil on which that food is grown."
blogGreen Concussion "Cures"
By Mary Beth Gonzalez, iVillage.com
Last week I hit the wall.
Literally.
Well, actually, I hit the door. In the middle of the night, I walked head on into my bathroom door and gave myself a concussion. So I've been trying to recuperate this week and thought I'd share the green concussion "cures" as prescribed by my doctor/husband and enhanced by me.
Last week I hit the wall.
Literally.
Well, actually, I hit the door. In the middle of the night, I walked head on into my bathroom door and gave myself a concussion. So I've been trying to recuperate this week and thought I'd share the green concussion "cures" as prescribed by my doctor/husband and enhanced by me.
blogAn Ounce of Prevention
By Nicole Walters, GreenisUniversal.comWhen it comes to pests in and around my home, I must confess my first instinct is to kill, with swift and brutal force and usually as many chemicals as possible. My vegetarian, literally would-not-harm-a-fly husband recently brought to my attention that because I work for a green website, I might want to look into modifying this behavior. I see his point, but personally, I think he just wanted to save the little buggers from certain death.
With bug season now in full swing, I'm getting that certain itch and while it's easier to make a call to the local pest control company my reluctant research has brought some very scary connections between pesticides and child health & safety to my attention. This got me thinking that the alternatives might just be better for my family and pets.
