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.

Why not head to the outdoors and support companies that give back to earth. There are lots of companies that have a green conscience but how many of them can offer you adventure at the same time? By choosing outdoor adventure for your next vacation you will be helping your family and yourself develop an appreciation for the outdoors as well as enjoying the natural beauty of our surroundings.

The companies we are showing you here all give back whether it’s river conservation, carbon offsets, green building organic food or a combination of several of these. The owners and employees have a genuine desire to change the way business is done. None of them have paid to be listed here and we know first-hand about their green efforts. Check them out for your next vacation. If none of the listed companies are near you, search or ask around for a green outdoor adventure company in your area.

All Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting or visit their fun and amusing blog.

California Mountain Report offers some good information on California adventure including skiing, snowboarding, rafting, mountain biking and more.

Green adventures in Costa Rica, Galapagos, Turkey, Idaho and more are available through Eco Family Adventures.

For whitewater rafting outfitters in the United States and abroad, check out the ultimate source for rafting.

Raft the Grand Canyon and feel good about your footprint with Outdoors Unlimited.

That’s right…until March 15, 2008 you can get 8 free grass fed steak burgers; just pay the shipping. The grass-fed burgers are coming from La Cense Beef. They raise their cattle compassionately on grass and the beef is high in Omega-3’s and it has less fat and fewer calories than store bought beef.

Read more…

One thing I love the most is a non-toxic cleaning product. I don’t think I really ever considered the thought of green cleaning supplies until I had my first baby and sat her in a bouncy chair in the bathroom doorway breathing the ‘clean’ air. Even if you aren’t a mom yet, don’t wait until you have a baby to make the switch to non-toxic cleaning products. Read more…

I love soft soled baby shoes. I think that they are the best thing for little babies since they crawl and toddle around, flexing their toes, moving their ankles in every direction. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to wear a pair of thick, heavy tennis shoes and move like an infant or toddler does. Soft sole infant shoes haven’t always been all that cute, though.

I bought robeez for my daughter and loved the little fleece lined booties they have for winter until I found Soft Star Shoes. Soft Star’s winter boots hold up so much better and they don’t get unsightly “folds” in the leather. There slip on shoes are really cute too but pediped has put a new twist on the fashion of soft soled infant & toddler shoes.

Even though my daughter is now three, I still love to buy soft soled shoes for her. She loves them too! My son who is an infant right now will be decked out in pediped shoes this year.

My favorite thing about any of the shoes mentioned above, they all last through a number of children and have a great resale value on www.ebay.com. So you can even check eBay for used soft sole leather infant and toddler shoes. Then you can get them for just about the same price you would pay for synthetic hard sole shoes.