Soap Nuts. Yes, somewhat of a strange thing… Slightly out of my comfort zone when I first heard of them. But with the problems we had with hard water and build up, I was finally willing to try anything. Even if it was a nut (technically a berry) that grows on trees. Read more…

Sometimes the hardest gifts to think of are those for birthdays. We usually don’t plan ahead for birthdays like we might for Christmas. Christmas can also be much more simpler because we can buy in bulk and give everyone the same of similar gifts. Birthdays tend to be a little more personalized.

I started thinking about what good, sustainable gifts would be for birthdays when my daughter was invited to one of her good friend’s fourth birthday party. Most people assume buying a toy of some sort is the best gift for that age group and if you can find a sustainable toy or organic t-shirt then it is a good option. For our family though, a sustainable toy is usually out of our price range for a birthday party. So here are my ideas for sustainable and organic gifts. Read more…

Although most infants are not technically diagnosed with asthma at such a young age, many infants do suffer from asthma-like symptoms. Disposable diapers have been studied to link the chemicals that are released from them to bronchial irritations found in infants, children and asthmatic parents or caregivers.

I have experienced this first hand and have to say that I do believe that young children who are already sensitive can be highly affected by the use of disposable diapers. My son suffered from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) as a newborn and has had asthma-like symptoms since. His symptoms sometimes require breathing treatments. Recently we had to put him in disposables because he developed a reaction to synthetic fabric. (We were using Fuzzi Bunz which have polyester fleece lining.) The wait for cotton diapers took longer than anticipated and after just a few days of being in disposables he began to have labored breathing which did not subside. Keeping him in the Fuzzi Bunz cloth diapers was probably a lesser evil then using the disposable diapers.

Parents with children who have existing breathing problems have a good reason to switch to cloth diapers. There is not a good reason to keep using products that have a large possibility of increasing health risks. Read the complete article about disposable diapers being linked to asthma and find out which disposable diapers did not release the bronchial irritants.

Shopping local is one of the best ways to be green. But what does shopping local really mean? If the store is buying everything from China or it’s your neighborhood Wal-Mart then the level of greenness just got a little dirty.

On the other hand, if you are fortunate to have a locally owned store that is buying U.S. made products and has eco-conscious buyers then you can be a cleaner shade of green.

We happen to live in an area that hasn’t always been too savvy about the environment until recently when two friends opened Fresh & Green in Bakersfield, Ca. Sometimes all it takes is a single movement by a couple of people, like what Jennifer and Sasha at Fresh & Green are doing, to educate the many. (Don’t forget that Google started with only two guys and now the world searches them over.)

Some may find it hard to believe that everyone doesn’t want to or wouldn’t like to shop online but the fact is that a lot of people just don’t. A local store that offers sustainable products makes it easier for local residents to buy products that are healthier and safer for them and the environment. Stores that offer green products can also become a local resource for consumers to learn about the effects that we have on the environment and how we can make productive changes in our lifestyle.

If you have a local store that offers sustainable and organic products shop with them before you shop online, even if you are spending a tad bit more money. It’s worth keeping the convenience of a quick trip to your local green outlet. Chances are you will get better customer service since the people can put a face with your name. If you aren’t sure if there is a local store that supplies sustainable and organic products, keep checking online. I ended up finding Fresh & Green in Bakersfield by a fluke click on a cloth diaper site. In these days of increased environmental concern and green washing, you just never know when a green store might pop up.

Interested in shopping local in more ways than just this one? Learn where to buy local produce.

Ready to go green? We’re giving you the list of our top 10 favorite products and essentials for families that want a greener home. But first, we want to declare that when becoming a more eco-friendly family, reducing the amount of products we buy is essential. So don’t get addicted to eco-products but when you do need to buy something make sure you consider earth friendly options first.

Our Top 10

10. Reusable Cloth
The easiest step in converting to cloth would be to start using cloth dish towels and cloth napkins to reduce the use of papertowels and napkins. Next, toss the disposable cleaning wipes for reusable, cloth rags. We have an assortment of rags that come from old thermals, t-shirts and cloth diapers.

Already got that down? Now let’s get some reusable cloth grocery bags and/or produce bags. Personally, I don’t use cloth grocery bags because it’s not my time right now…but I do use cloth produce bags and I love them. Most fruit and veggies don’t even need a plastic baggie at the grocery store…even if you don’t have cloth, just put the bigger items like bananas, onions, avocados, etc. straight into the cart. They’ll get bagged at checkout.

Got a baby at home? Try using reusable cloth diapers…they are huge money savers, way better than what grandma ever used and definitely one of our essentials for going green. If you use cloth diapers then it’s easy to add cloth diaper wipes into the mix too. Get super eco-friendly and start using ‘family’ wipes (basically the same as cloth diaper wipes) for things like blowing your nose or even going, uh, you know, poop…..

9. Vinegar, Baking Soda & other green cleaners
Vinegar and baking soda are probably the two most popular eco-friendly cleaning products in a natural family home. They both have amazing properties to disinfect, gently scour, and whiten. Some vinegars are petroleum based and that’s not green so make sure your vinegar is plant derived. If it doesn’t say ‘plant derived’ then it is petroleum based. Soaps like Dr. Bronners can also be used for general cleaning.

I really like a ‘clean, green’ smell so I use baking soda for whitening porcelain sinks and vinegar for killing weeds. You’ll find green cleaning products under my sink…I like Seventh Generation, Lifetree and for some products, method cleaners are great.

8. Clothes Line
Hanging your clothes out to dry on a clothes line is not only going to save you a small bundle, it will really help preserve natural resources and you’ll still be able to get laundry dry during rolling blackouts.

7. Shop Local for Products
The easiest thing to buy locally is usually produce. Some places also have crafty people who make and sell neat, useable items but almost everywhere has a farm that provides locally grown, fresh produce.

6. Bicycle & Trailer
Burn rubber on the pavement with a stylin’ ride and bring the little ones along too in a bike trailer. Burley makes an assortment of trailers to pull infants and toddlers safely or step up to a trailercycle for older kids not ready to ride on their own.

Can’t think of any constructive riding? Why not bike to the local grocery store to pick up a few items. Plan ahead for just a little extra time and bring your trailer with you…it will fit a few grocery bags, just make sure they’re reusable. Bike to the park whenever you want to go and if work is close enough, bike there too and your comrades will applaud your green efforts.

5. Organic Personal Care Products
Make over as much of your bathroom as you can. Organic personal care products are definitely pricier than your average beauty product with the exception of some face care products. Convert the little ones bath products first since they are more sensitive to harsh ingredients.

Don’t leave out the first aid kit during your makeover. Herbal and homeopathic remedies work for cuts and bruises too. Go a step further and toss out the old bandages for some eco-friendy band-aids from Eco-guard.

4. Reusable Water Bottles
Bottled water sales were over $100 million dollars in 2004 and the amount of consumption has only grown over the years. Reusable bottles aren’t just for the granola lovers anymore. Getting your own reusable Sigg or Nalgene bottle will make a difference and make a statement about your concern for the environment.

3. Buy Chacos
Okay, if you don’t like Chacos that’s okay…we’ll still love you. But, we love the shoes and the company. Chacos not only makes some of the best sandals in the world but they also make them right here in the good ‘ol USA.

But it goes farther than that…Chaco restraps or resoles their sandals for a small fee. So for as long as your footbed stays in good condition (I can’t imagine much other happening to them unless a dog got a hold of one) you can send them in to Chaco and basically get a brand new shoe while saving a lot of resources.

2. Reuse Shipping Supplies & Boxes
Our town doesn’t offer a whole lot of options on the eco-products we like to buy so we do quite a bit of online shopping which leaves us with boxes and packaging. We also save smaller product boxes that aren’t necessarily for shipping. Boxes are bulky so we just break them down and keep all the packaging in a bag next to the boxes. Whenever we need to send something or give a gift, we just pick out the right size and re-tape it. Saving money and resources. It’s simple.

1. Reduce Paper Waste
Junk mail isn’t the only source of paper waste in your house but it’s a good place to start. There are places to go online to remove yourself from junk mail lists…spending time now to remove your name will save you time when you might need it most. Many companies also offer online bill pay and give the option to decline a paper bill in the mail. Sign up for these through the companies website or at your bank and your mailperson will thank you.