1Back to School 2011

2

Amber Maxwell Editor editorgreenchildmagazinecomAmye King Art Direction amp Design creativedirectormelamyinfocover photo by Rebecca Deaton Photography

Recently a reader brought to my attention how nice it would be to feature foster children on our cover why didnrsquot I think of that If this is your first time visiting we look forward to you meeting our ldquoChildren In Waitingrdquo When someone told me there are 125000 plus children in America waiting for their forever family I asked my husband if we could build a new home with 125000 bedrooms Then I remembered we would probably need a room and our boys could probably share so I asked the plans be changed to 125002 Then I found out only 2 out of 10 children who age out of the foster system at 18 actually make it the remaining 80 percent end up on the street in jail or dead Then I knew it was time to stop being funny and do something Hence was the beginning of Melamy Publishing and the opportunity to introduce these children to the world in pretty magazines God blessed me with with an amazing team of talented moms who share my passion and thus far we have been instrumental in numerous adoptions We are currently looking for professional photographers who can help us get our ldquoChildren In Waitingrdquo front and center We are looking for photographers who can get to know foster children in their area via family service organizations and to go even further to find hair stylists who may want to donate their time fashion designers who want to donate an outfit or two and then you will take some photojournalistic shots of these children to feature on our future covers If you are interested donrsquot email me call me today I know it isnrsquot common for a magazine publisher to list their personal cell phone number but this is a huge mission for me and if you want to help I want to talk to you TODAY Call me 850-960-4543 If you are not a professional photographer and want to help please send a link to our magazine to five of your friends today and ask them to sign up for a free subscription and ask them to share with five of their friends I canrsquot do this alone but together we CAN help these children Love hugs and thank you

Amymelamypublishingaolcom

from our publisher

2

Amber Maxwell Editor editorgreenchildmagazinecomAmye King Art Direction amp Design creativedirectormelamyinfocover photo by Rebecca Deaton Photography

Recently a reader brought to my attention how nice it would be to feature foster children on our cover why didnrsquot I think of that If this is your first time visiting we look forward to you meeting our ldquoChildren In Waitingrdquo When someone told me there are 125000 plus children in America waiting for their forever family I asked my husband if we could build a new home with 125000 bedrooms Then I remembered we would probably need a room and our boys could probably share so I asked the plans be changed to 125002 Then I found out only 2 out of 10 children who age out of the foster system at 18 actually make it the remaining 80 percent end up on the street in jail or dead Then I knew it was time to stop being funny and do something Hence was the beginning of Melamy Publishing and the opportunity to introduce these children to the world in pretty magazines God blessed me with with an amazing team of talented moms who share my passion and thus far we have been instrumental in numerous adoptions We are currently looking for professional photographers who can help us get our ldquoChildren In Waitingrdquo front and center We are looking for photographers who can get to know foster children in their area via family service organizations and to go even further to find hair stylists who may want to donate their time fashion designers who want to donate an outfit or two and then you will take some photojournalistic shots of these children to feature on our future covers If you are interested donrsquot email me call me today I know it isnrsquot common for a magazine publisher to list their personal cell phone number but this is a huge mission for me and if you want to help I want to talk to you TODAY Call me 850-960-4543 If you are not a professional photographer and want to help please send a link to our magazine to five of your friends today and ask them to sign up for a free subscription and ask them to share with five of their friends I canrsquot do this alone but together we CAN help these children Love hugs and thank you

Amymelamypublishingaolcom

from our publisher

3greenchildmagazinecom

ArticlesEco-Friendly Birthdays 26

Toxic Cleaning 55

Be Green 59

EcoFab 4Whatrsquos in Season 10 Recipes 12Nutritional Nuggets 14Design 22 Great Stores 46Book Reviews 62

FeaturesGrowing Green CDC 18

Back to School Guide 33

Eco Kids 56

photo submitted by Priscilla Matuson

4

5

They are going to school already Summer seems to slip by every year much quicker than anticipated but there is something magical about a child heading to school

As my children are getting ready for the school year I am reminded of my love of learning Geek to the core being a student has always been an important part of my life even when not in a structured learning environment I am always looking for answers to questions constantly doing research

Learning to live a sustainable lifestyle is a daily journeyI sometimes wonder why living a simple lifestyle isnrsquot well simple I try my best though and with each and everyday there is a lesson I know it is a long road and I am happy to be on that journey with you my children my family and the many other students of the Earth For me this issue is about knowledgeFinding the right information to make good choices and the right tools to help us along the way If you have a passion for learning like me I hope you are able find something to add to your knowledge databank It is my hope that together we can gain the necessary knowledge to teach our children to be compassionate and purposeful beings on this Earth If you have been following us on Facebook you may know that this is my debut issue with Green Child Magazine I have already become familiar with many of you through Facebook and Twitter and look forward to learning more from and about you in the future I am very excited to be a part of such a wonderful community of people and I thank you for the warm welcome I have already received I hope you enjoy our Back to School issue WarmlyAmber editorgreenchildmagazinecom

from our editor

6

EcoFab

Eco Baby BotanicalsThis vegan botanical-based skin care line for babies and children is full of herbal extracts nourishing oils and luxurious butters Gentle and natural for your little one wwwvintagebodyspacombaby

BeabaBabypoteA reusable silicone container great for homemade compotes and other soft food treats Easy to clean and BPA free wwwbeabacom

Go Gaga Stuff SackThis leak stain and waterproof reusable Sack is machine washable and can block out dirt odors and moisture The buckle clip is also great for hanging on a stroller or carrying by hand wwwgogagalifecom

Green APPenings

My Recycle List allows you to quickly find recycling locations

nearby that accept items you pick from a list This app makes it

easy to accomplish your recycling goals in the least amount of trips Available for Android and iPhone

www1800recyclingcom

7

Keeki Pure and Simple Rootbeer float lip balm something to bark about wwwkeekipureandsimplecom

Piggy Paint A natural and eco-friendly nail polish dries hard and has a durable finish and can easily be removed using the eco-friendly low odor Piggy Paint nail polish remover Made in the USA it is a hit with little girls and parents alike wwwpiggypaintcom

Preserve Jr ToothbrushBPA and Phtalate free these toothbrushes are made in the USA and the handle 100 recycled 5 plastic They are completelyrecyclable after use including the packaging Also available by subscription to take the guess-work out of replacement timing wwwpreserveproductscom

LUSH Fresh Handmade CosmeticsMade fresh by hand these cosmetic products are made of organic vegetarian ingredients and have little to no preservatives or packaging Moms dads and kids love them wwwlushcom

8

Children in Waiting

Tanisha LaDerrick amp QuinderickaPhotographed by Cookwire Photography

Tanisha born January 1997 is the oldest of the sibling group and is a responsible young lady She is very helpful in the home and completes her chores without complaint She loves playing basketball and likes to cheer She plans of trying out for the squad She attends church and enjoys church activities with her foster family Quindericka born August 1999 loves to go shopping and play dress up She is very fashion forwards and matches from her head to her toe which she mentions is an everyday thing for her She enjoys traveling as well as attending church and playing with her friends LaDerrick born 1998 is a very sweet boy who loves his sisters and is very protective of them He loves playing sports especially football and he loves to swim Contact HeartGalleryAlabamacom to inquiry about these sibilings

9

Children in Waiting

Looking for someone to chat with about sports Gilbert may be the boy of your dreams Playingbasketball is his favorite activity Learning football is next on this young athletersquos to-do list This friendly boy loves playing outside In the fifth grade Gilbert enjoys reading and interacting with his peers Friendly and talkative are two personality traits this fellow has Gilbert is currently benefitting from counseling which may need to continue after placement Gilbert has family members he would like to stay in contact with after placement His caseworker prefers a two-parent family for him however all family types will be considered Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services For New Mexico children both homestudied and non-homestudied New Mexico families are encouraged to inquire only homestudied families from other states should do so Child ID 9474 To learn more about Gilbert or other waiting children like him please contact The Adoption Exchange at 800-451-5246 or visit wwwadoptexorg

Brianrsquos biggest wish is to find a forever family who will love him unconditionally This bright teen isconsiderate and loves being active His perfect day would include outdoor sports like fishing and riding his bike In seventh grade Brian benefits from an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) He participates in counseling which may need to continue after placement The caseworker prefers a two-parent home where Brian can be an only child however all family types will be considered Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services To learn more about Brian or other waiting children like him please contact The Adoption Exchange at 800-451-5246or visit wwwadoptexorg

You taught him to talk and walk Yoursquoll teach him whatrsquos right and whatrsquos wrong and many other things about life (like where the big fish lurk) Why not teach him how to learn

We believe that each child is uniquely and wonderfully made and the people who know and love a child best (the parents) are the ones most motivated to help that child succeed

We connect families with other families who homeschool using the classical model They become communi-ties who share the journey We also connect families with experienced and

trained mentorsmdashparents who have homeschooled their childrenmdashwho offer leadership

Communities meet weekly to review encourage and take the next step together from K4 all the way through high school

For more information or to find a community near you please visit our website

C lassicalonversationsreg

ClassicalConversationscom

You have heard before that we (kids and parents alike) should be eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetablesper day But how many of us are getting the recommended dosage every day In our fast-passed society many of us find it easier to open a bag of chips then take the time to wash off the fruit in the bin of our refrigerator Donrsquot be fooled by the snack foods in the heath food store either The majority of health food snacks are over- processed containing minimal nutritional value If parents are having a hard time getting the recommended serv-ings of fruits and vegetables what about our kids How can we motivate our kids to adapt healthy eating habits Here are some simple strategies that are sure to help We have successfully implemented these strategies with our four-year old Eli and he is doing incredibly well meeting his nutritional needs After tons of interviews on Raw Vegan Radio I picked up these ideas along the way and am looking forward to passing them on to you

Blend up a fresh fruit breakfast smoothie every morning Use your childrsquos favorite fruits to create a smoothie that is sure to become a breakfast treat Be sure to use organic ingredients Be sure to stock your freezer with organic frozen fruit Use rice milk almond milk or soy milk as a base for added nutrition Be sure to incorporate fruit and veggies into their lunch If your child likes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich try adding in some banana slices in place of the jelly Include lettuce and tomato on their sandwiches

5 Simple Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat More Fruits amp Veggies

Make fun snacks One idea is to get out an ice cube tray and spread pieces of broccoli throughout the container squares Fill two of the squares with a dressing like ranch or ketchup Pretend play with your child that he she is the ldquoJolly Green Giantrdquo and is going to eat up the forest Fresh juices are a great idea too You can make their cup look fancy by using cocktail umbrellas and silly straws to make the drink fun to drink Other great snacks include apple slices with peanut butter Change it up using other nut butters such as almond or cashew butter Include a salad with dinner Be sure to use a variety of different veggies so that your salad will be colorful and fun to eat Try blending up your own dressing using apple cider vinegar lemon olive oil and a bit of agave syrup for a healthy fresh delight Healthy dessert is easy If your child likes ice cream try coconut ice cream as a healthy alternative You can get creative by topping the ice cream with fresh fruits such as strawberries blueberries raspberries or mangos These are just a few strategies to get your child to eat more fruits and vegetables The fun part is each idea could be customized to your childrsquos unique tastes and preferences Have fun yoursquoll find it is much easier than you thought to include healthy fruits and vegetables in your childrsquos diet

By Steven Prussack MS

1

2

3

4

5

Steven Prussack MS holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication ndash Radio and TV and a Masters Degree in occupational therapy He is an Award-Winning Infopreneur and is passionate about spreading the raw vegan message and holistic strategies for autism The author of ldquoRaw Advicerdquo and founder of a worldwide internet phenomenonRaw Vegan Radio which brings the highest quality informationon Raw Vegan Living by interviewing the best of the best

every week For more information visit wwwrawveganradiocom

12

Whatrsquos in Season

by Louise Goldberg RD CSP LD CNSCAn Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting

wwwAnAppleADayNutritioncom7134783823

As our kids make the switch from carefree summer fun back to school schedules gardens everywhere are also in transition merging the end of crisp light summer bounty with the beginning of hearty Autumn harvests If you arenrsquot ready to give up sweet juicy melons yet or canrsquot wait to eat baked squash you donrsquot have to What are your favorite dishes at this time of year Wersquod love to hear from you Join us on Facebook or Twitter and let us know Here are some of our favorites

Pears hese fruits are surprisingly high in vitamin C that helps rebuild skin through collagen formation

and boost our immune system They are also high in soluble fiber which is good for digestion and some varieties are so tender and soft they make a great first fruit to puree or mash for beginning eaters The best-known varieties in the US are Anjou Comice Bosc and Bartlett Their mild flavor allows them to be used in either sweet or savory dishes Eat pure and simple slice over salads blend in a smoothie or try our pear butter spread over fresh warm bread to bring the familiar smells of autumn into your house

Kale Because of its sturdy tough leaves kale was previously thought of as only a garnish It has now risen to the top of the popularity chart as people have discovered new ways to make it delicious It claims its spot in the super food hall of fame with more vitamins and minerals than any other dark green leafy vegetable It is also an excellent source of cancer-fighting compounds known as phytonutrients which have never been duplicated in vitamin supplements The leaves can be made tender by chopping and adding to soup or made into crispy chips by tossing lightly with olive oil and your favorite seasoning then roast

13

at 350 for 10 minutes I recently discovered an unlikely but tasty optionhellippesto

Beets With such a deep reddish purple hue the coloralone promises a rich flavor experience It naturally makes sense that they are good for your heart as well The pigment contains antioxidants that have been shown to decrease your risk of heart disease stroke and high cholesterol They are low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins Uses Shred them in salads puree into borscht soup or pickle for a sweet and sour snack The recipe shown tastes delicious on its own or served on a bed of crisp greens

Easy Pear Butter4 lbs Pears peeled quartered and seeded2 cups Sugar or Honey (you can use less if desired or if the pears are very ripe)1 cup apple cider vinegar2 cups water2 teaspoons Orange zest (can use 1 teaspoon dried or omit if no oranges available)frac12 teaspoon Allspicefrac12 teaspoon Clovesfrac14 teaspoon Cinnamon

Place all ingredients in a slow cooker for at least 4-6 hours until mixture is tender Use hand immersion blender to puree ingredients smooth Continue to cook for an additional 4 hours or overnight on low until mixture has reduced It should be very thick

Spread on warm bread and enjoy

Kale Pestofrac12 lb kale (approximately 1-2 heads depending on their size)2-4 Tablespoons pine nuts (almonds pecans or walnuts work well too)2 medium garlic clovesUp to frac12 cup olive oilSalt

Remove stems from kale and boil in water for 10-15 minutes until tender Drain and add to food processor Toast pine nuts at 350 degrees for 8 minutes or in a pan on stove Add pine nuts and garlic cloves to food processor and puree As kale pine nuts and garlic are mixing drizzle olive oil in until mixture has thick liquid paste consistency Season with salt to taste Toss with your favorite whole wheat or quinoa pasta or use in place of tomato sauce on your pizza crust

Roasted Beets With Pistachios and HoneyBunch of beets (you are only limited by how many you can eat)Olive oil2-4 Tablespoons Pistachio nuts shelled amp chopped roughly1-2 Tablespoons HoneyPinch of Sea Salt

Remove green stems from beets Try to do this as soon as you get them home as they take moisture away from the actual vegetable Peel and cut into quarters Toss lightly in olive oil and place in a 9 x 13 pan in oven at 375 degrees for 25 minutes Remove from oven Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped pistachios and sea salt Enjoy

14

RecipesRoasted Chickpeas 15 C1 can Chickpeas (low sodium optional)Vegetable OilYour Favorite Seasoning (for example garlic salt or curry mixture)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Rinse chickpeas and drain In small bowl toss lightly with oil and seasoning and spread on sheet pan Cook in oven for 30 minutes then turn temperature up to 450 degrees for up to 10 additional minutes until chickpeas are crunchy Watch carefully so they donrsquot burn

Can be stored in airtight container if they last that long

by Sara amp JoThe Innocent Primate Vegan Blog innocentprimatewordpresscom

Tofu Smoothie

frac12 block of soft tofufrac12 cup Fresh or Frozen Fruits1 Tablespoon HoneyVanilla Almond Milk

Mix first 3 ingredients in blender Add Almond Milk gradually until desired consistency is reached Add less for thick consistency add more for thinner

Other options - Use Plain Unsweetened Almond or Soy milk if you prefer lower calories- Add nut butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut free option) for additional protein - Add bananas and use chocolate syrup instead of honey to sweeten for a great flavor - For an extra healthy kick add 2 Tablespoons ground flaxseed for additional fiber and good Omega 3 fatty acids

Can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a quick tasty breakfast

An Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting Louise Goldberg RD CSP LD CNSC

Online wwwAnAppleADayNutritioncom Email LouiseAnAppleADayNutritioncom

Phone 7134783823

14

RecipesRoasted Chickpeas 15 C1 can Chickpeas (low sodium optional)Vegetable OilYour Favorite Seasoning (for example garlic salt or curry mixture)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Rinse chickpeas and drain In small bowl toss lightly with oil and seasoning and spread on sheet pan Cook in oven for 30 minutes then turn temperature up to 450 degrees for up to 10 additional minutes until chickpeas are crunchy Watch carefully so they donrsquot burn

Can be stored in airtight container if they last that long

by Sara amp JoThe Innocent Primate Vegan Blog innocentprimatewordpresscom

Tofu Smoothie

frac12 block of soft tofufrac12 cup Fresh or Frozen Fruits1 Tablespoon HoneyVanilla Almond Milk

Mix first 3 ingredients in blender Add Almond Milk gradually until desired consistency is reached Add less for thick consistency add more for thinner

Other options - Use Plain Unsweetened Almond or Soy milk if you prefer lower calories- Add nut butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut free option) for additional protein - Add bananas and use chocolate syrup instead of honey to sweeten for a great flavor - For an extra healthy kick add 2 Tablespoons ground flaxseed for additional fiber and good Omega 3 fatty acids

Can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a quick tasty breakfast

An Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting Louise Goldberg RD CSP LD CNSC

Online wwwAnAppleADayNutritioncom Email LouiseAnAppleADayNutritioncom

Phone 7134783823

A Registered Dietitian with over a decade of experience working with children and families to find realistic solutions for their nutrition concerns All from the comfort of your home with one-on-one consultations online or by phone

Perfect for working parents and convenient during naptimes

Specializing inbullPediatrics

bullMaternal HealthbullFood Aversions (ldquoPicky eaterrdquo or sensory issues)

bullWeight ConcernsbullFood Allergies or Intolerances

bullFailure to Thrive Poor growth and weight gainbullReflux

bullCeliac Disease bullGI motility issues

bullCrohnrsquos Disease or Ulcerative Colitis bulland morehellip

Nutrition Advice You Can Trust

An Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting Louise Goldberg RD CSP LD CNSC

Online wwwAnAppleADayNutritioncom Email LouiseAnAppleADayNutritioncom

Phone 7134783823

16

Our kidsrsquo school is now a nut-free zone What are some good vegan alternatives to nuts and nut butters that we can pack in their lunches Irsquom so glad you asked With nut allergies on the rise many schools have taken it upon themselves to ensure the safety of their students No worries Send your child with a thermos to keep food hot or ice packs to keep food cold and yoursquoll have several tasty options that provide plenty of protein If you are introducing a new dish to them you may find more success if you offer it at home first

Here are a few of the many tasty options Wersquod love to hear your suggestions too

Rice or quinoa + beans or lentilsMacaroni and Non-dairy cheeseSunbutter (made from sunflower seeds) or Soynut butter (not true nuts) + crackersbread tortilla and banana slicesHummus + veggies to dipNon-dairy yogurtsPasta + soy crumbles + tomato saucePasta salad (chopped fresh tomatoes olives and asparagus + vinaigrette)Veggie burgers (check ingredients for lsquonut-freersquo)Tofurkey deli slices + breadpita pockettortillaGrilled non-dairy cheese sandwichEdamame podsTofu smoothie drinkPizza slices full of veggies and non-dairy cheeseSoy dogs + bunRoasted chickpeas or beansTacos using soy crumblesPumpkin seedssunflower seeds mixed wdried fruitsLeftovers from dinner last nightSee recipe section for details

Nutritional Nuggets

Is organic food healthier for my family than conventionally made and grown foods

It depends on what you mean by lsquohealthierrsquo A recent study by Cornell University found that people perceived products labeled organic to be healthier defined as lower in calories and fat and higher in vitamins and fiber Itrsquos true that some studies have shown organic fruits and vegetables to be higher in vitamins and minerals but foods like organic cookies and chips are not any more nutritious than their regular counterparts There are differences in the ingredients used to make them though An lsquoorganicrsquo label means the food product does not contain high fructose corn syrup partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) artificial preservatives food dyes or genetically modified organisms (GMO) When it comes to fruits and vegetables many families want to limit or avoid pes-ticide exposure and organic harvests offer them that peace of mind The price difference reflects the in-creased expense of producing food on a smaller scale with consideration for the land and without the use of pesticides If you arenrsquot able to purchase all organic produce check out the Environmental Working Grouprsquos ldquoDirty Dozenrdquo list (wwwewgorgfoodnews) to find out where your dollars are best spent among organic fruits and veggies This is an important distinction that goes beyond fat calories and vitamins

Our pediatrician said my 18 month old is small compared to other kids his age Should I be giving him extra food to catch up and if so what do you recommend

If weight is the concern ask your pediatrician to plot your son on the CDC ldquoWeight For Lengthrdquo chart Instead of comparing him to kids by his age alone this

by Louise Goldberg RD CSP LD CNSCAn Apple A Day Nutrition ConsultingwwwAnAppleADayNutritioncom

17

chart takes into consideration what an appropriate weight is at his current height If height is the issue it is important to note whether your son has been following his own unique growth curve-even if he plots below and parallel to the lowest percentile These factors will determine if he truly needs extra calories for catch up growth or if he is just following his genetic growth potential Some high calorie vegan foods are avocados foods cooked using coconut milk oils non-dairy cheeses or yogurts breaded foods non-dairy lsquomilkrsquoshakes and nut butters (spread very thinly to prevent choking danger) Small more frequent meals can also help

I have been trying to lose the weight I gained during my pregnancy but nothing seems to work Any tips

Like most new parents you probably arenrsquot getting a lot of sleep right now According to Monica Bearden RD author of The Baby Fat Diet that can have a big impact on postpartum weight loss Monicarsquos top tips for helping your body lose the baby fatEat ndash make sure and eat breakfast and throughout the day every 3-4 hours this will help keep your metabolism working for youSleep ndash raging hormones and lack of sleep can cause you to eat too many refined carbs Make sure and sleep at least 7 hours a night If you have a new baby at home follow your momrsquos advice and sleep when the baby sleeps Research shows that being well rested helps you to be in control of your eating and decreases hormones that can cause belly fatPlay ndash make sure and stay active just 10 minutes of exercise makes a difference Try jump roping or skipping with your kids Some gyms offer lsquoMommy and Mersquo classes or you may find an outdoor exercise program for mamas in your area like Strollerfit (wwwStrollerfitcom) If you arenrsquot ready to hit the gym or outdoors there are plenty of DVDs you can do from the comfort of your home For more great tips check out wwwbabyfatdietcom

We have an issue with pooping in our house My 2 year old says it hurts her to go and she waits until the very last minute before shersquoll sit on the potty Could it be related to something she is eating

It could be related to something shersquos not eating If she had an uncomfortable painful experience on the potty it can impact her progress in the whole process Therersquos a simple equation for easy pooping fiber + water + exercise Take a look at her diet-not just what you offer her what she is actually consuming Fiber is found in fruits vegetables and some whole grains Keep in mind lsquowhole grainsrsquo does not always mean lsquofiberrsquo Check the label (at least 3 grams fiber per serving is good) and avoid highly processed foods Next is she drinking enough Donrsquot wait for her to tell you she is thirsty because that means she is already slightly dehydrated Always have water available and remind her to drink in between meals too And finally being active helps keep things moving well inside too

Louise Goldberg is a registered dietitian specializing in child maternal and family nutrition She is also a board certified pediatricnutrition specialist and practices with An Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting in Houston TX If you have a nutrition question for our next issue you can send it to her at LouiseGoldbergmecom or post it at Green Child Magazinersquos Facebook page or An Apple A Day Nutrition Consultingrsquos Facebook page

18

Breakfast (warm up your brain and start the day off right) 1 cup calcium-fortified orange juice ndash 300 mg calcium 120 calories 1 packet instant oatmeal ndash 200 mg calcium100 calories frac12 cup golden seedless raisins ndash 104 mg calcium219 calories frac12 cup almond milk ndash 100 mg calcium35 calories

Breakfast total 704 mg of calcium amp 474 calories

Have No Fear Your Calcium is Here

By Wendy Wegner

Many parents agree ndash itrsquos tough to feed a picky eater let alone fill them up with nutritious foods But one thing is for sure ndash you donrsquot have to settle for high-fat high-caloric foods in order to include some very important calcium in your childrsquos diet

I once worked with a chef who taught childrenrsquos cooking classes and it was a ton of fun to help out and watch the kids get excited about new foods and recipes It was amazing to see how empowered they were by taking on new responsibilitiesin the kitchen and how they took ownership of their meals and experimented with new and ldquounusualrdquo foods (veggies legumes whole grains oh my) The cooking teacher always reminded her students that you need to try a new food 10 times before you can really know if you like it or not While Irsquom not positive about the science behind her statement I do tend to believe it Although it probably took me 10 years to like asparagus and now itrsquos officially one of my favorite vegetables

The point is donrsquot give up on your kids And more importantlydonrsquot let them give up on the wide variety of healthy fruits and vegetables available to them Itrsquos a wild world of food out there and you never know what dish might tickle your taste buds next

Due to the recent LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District) ban on flavored milk many parents have feared that their children will develop a calcium-deficient diet Thatrsquos why Irsquove proposed a sample menu madewith childrenrsquos nutritional needs in mind and itrsquos chock full of our favorite chemical element

Meet Olivia Shersquos 9 And she needs about 1000 to 1300 mg of calcium every day Herersquos a sample menu to get her through breakfast lunch dinner (and even dessert) and itrsquos sure to keep her happy and healthy And with an appropriate and safe amount of sun exposure during the day (hopefully playing outside) shersquoll soak up enough vitamin D to keep her calcium absorbed

19

Lunch (the very important ldquoafternoon-pick-me-up-and-keep-me-going-strong-at-schoolrdquo meal) 12 cup soybeans (sea salted or unsalted) ndash 130 mg calcium 149 calories 2 slices whole wheat bread ndash 100 mg calcium100 calories 2 tablespoons tahini hummus ndash 35 mg calcium68 calories (a delicious mayonnaise substitute) 3 leaves romaine lettuce ndash 0 calcium10 calories frac12 tomato sliced ndash 6 mg calcium11 calories 12 orange bell pepper sliced ndash 18 mg calcium14 calories Graham Crackers 2 squares ndash 0 calcium60 calories 1 cup coconut water ndash 14 mg calcium50 calories

Lunch total 303 mg calcium amp 462 calories

Snack (the ldquoI-need-to-keep-going-so-I-can-finish-my-home-workrdquo break) 1 oz raw almonds (23 nuts) ndash 75 mg calcium163 calories 1 cup raspberries ndash 31 mg calcium64 calories Water (Yes itrsquos a drink And kids like it Donrsquot forget to get enough H20 throughout the day to stay hydrated and energized)

Snack total 106 mg calcium amp 227 calories

Dinner (growing bodies need these important nutrients after a long day of school playing and homework) Vegan Macaroni amp Cheeze with Swiss Chard (try the simple yet tasty recipe from La Dolce Vegan by Sarah Kramer) ndash 150mg500 calories (per serving of 1 oz pasta1 cup sauce) Cauliflower mashed lsquopotatoesrsquo ndash 39 mg calcium67 calories And for deserthellip how about a chocolate Tofutti Cutie ice cream bar ndash no calcium needed130 calories

Dinner total 189 mg calcium amp 697 calories

Grand total 1302 mg calcium1860 calories Nutritional values are approximate and may vary Use these meals merely as a fun helpful guide And always consult your childrsquos physician before making big decisions about their health and diet Happy eating

Wendy Wegner is editor of educational content for 1 On 1 Academic Tutors an education services provider in Los Angeles and New York City Visit Wendy

on the Web at wwwwendywegnercom

19

Lunch (the very important ldquoafternoon-pick-me-up-and-keep-me-going-strong-at-schoolrdquo meal) 12 cup soybeans (sea salted or unsalted) ndash 130 mg calcium 149 calories 2 slices whole wheat bread ndash 100 mg calcium100 calories 2 tablespoons tahini hummus ndash 35 mg calcium68 calories (a delicious mayonnaise substitute) 3 leaves romaine lettuce ndash 0 calcium10 calories frac12 tomato sliced ndash 6 mg calcium11 calories 12 orange bell pepper sliced ndash 18 mg calcium14 calories Graham Crackers 2 squares ndash 0 calcium60 calories 1 cup coconut water ndash 14 mg calcium50 calories

Lunch total 303 mg calcium amp 462 calories

Snack (the ldquoI-need-to-keep-going-so-I-can-finish-my-home-workrdquo break) 1 oz raw almonds (23 nuts) ndash 75 mg calcium163 calories 1 cup raspberries ndash 31 mg calcium64 calories Water (Yes itrsquos a drink And kids like it Donrsquot forget to get enough H20 throughout the day to stay hydrated and energized)

Snack total 106 mg calcium amp 227 calories

Dinner (growing bodies need these important nutrients after a long day of school playing and homework) Vegan Macaroni amp Cheeze with Swiss Chard (try the simple yet tasty recipe from La Dolce Vegan by Sarah Kramer) ndash 150mg500 calories (per serving of 1 oz pasta1 cup sauce) Cauliflower mashed lsquopotatoesrsquo ndash 39 mg calcium67 calories And for deserthellip how about a chocolate Tofutti Cutie ice cream bar ndash no calcium needed130 calories

Dinner total 189 mg calcium amp 697 calories

Grand total 1302 mg calcium1860 calories Nutritional values are approximate and may vary Use these meals merely as a fun helpful guide And always consult your childrsquos physician before making big decisions about their health and diet Happy eating

Wendy Wegner is editor of educational content for 1 On 1 Academic Tutors an education services provider in Los Angeles and New York City Visit Wendy

on the Web at wwwwendywegnercom

20

21

Growing Green Child Development Center

wwwgrowinggreenchildcom

We were intrigued when we discovered Growing Green an eco-friendly early childhood learning center located in Kenosha

Wisconsin We had a few questions about their facility their program and what makes them green

We were intrigued when we discovered Growing Green an eco friendly early childhood learning center located in Kenosha Wisconsin We had a few questions about their facility their program and what makes them green

GCM What was the inspiration for the Growing Green Child Development Center

GG As parents we saw the benefit of an early childhood education with our own children Due to increasing population in our area many child centers had a waiting list or were at capacity After conducting a market feasibility study we decided to move forward with the idea of creating one of the most unique and healthiest early childhood cen-ters in the country We felt that too many young children are in environments that are harmful to their physical mental and social development and well-being We have so many families that are enthusiastic about our mission and some even drive from other cities just to attend Growing Green That in its self is an inspiration to us

GCM What is ldquogreenrdquo about your facility

GG We do have an extensive recycling program and use energy efficient lighting Those are the obvious choices However we like to go further Our mission is to educate our families about what it really means to be ldquogreenrdquo In addition to all of the environmental benefits there is an extensive health benefit to our facility We have eliminated the harmful pollutants and hazards found at most other facilities Children are often exposed to toxins that they touch with their hands and mouths For this reason we use primarily wood toys and classroom supplies without any harmful chemicals We use all ldquogreenrdquo cleaning products and we

have a very stringent all-natural food program that prohibits any foods that contain preservatives additives or food dyes All of our rooms were designed to have extensive natural sunlight but our windows were designed to block the harmful ultraviolet rays Nature is a huge component of our program with outdoor play We also have a greenhouse and garden so that children can learn about growing food We have carefully selected all building materials used in construction of our facility from the ground up

GCM Was building your facility more costly than traditional building methods

GG I have read many articles that say building green is not too much more costly than traditional building methods I wish this was the case but I did not find this to be true though the benefits in our opinion outweigh the costs Until the demand for these products increase significantly and they become the norm versus the exception I think the costs will always be higher There are choices within ldquogreenrdquo products however so that should help keep those costs down a bit

GCM How does Growing Greenrsquos curriculum differ from other child facilities

GG As a new center we are still in the process of refining our curriculum but we have incorporated caring for the Earth Our curriculum emphasizes learning through play This allows us to teach our students about the Earth and nature while making it fun The children separate trash and recyclables from the classroom into specific bins and save food scraps to feed to the composting pig in the garden We have an outdoor water pump that uses captured rainwater from a large underground reservoir The school greenhouse and garden is filled with plants the children have helped to water and weed In the future we hope to introduce a conflict

21

Growing Green Child Development Center

wwwgrowinggreenchildcom

We were intrigued when we discovered Growing Green an eco-friendly early childhood learning center located in Kenosha

Wisconsin We had a few questions about their facility their program and what makes them green

We were intrigued when we discovered Growing Green an eco friendly early childhood learning center located in Kenosha Wisconsin We had a few questions about their facility their program and what makes them green

GCM What was the inspiration for the Growing Green Child Development Center

GG As parents we saw the benefit of an early childhood education with our own children Due to increasing population in our area many child centers had a waiting list or were at capacity After conducting a market feasibility study we decided to move forward with the idea of creating one of the most unique and healthiest early childhood cen-ters in the country We felt that too many young children are in environments that are harmful to their physical mental and social development and well-being We have so many families that are enthusiastic about our mission and some even drive from other cities just to attend Growing Green That in its self is an inspiration to us

GCM What is ldquogreenrdquo about your facility

GG We do have an extensive recycling program and use energy efficient lighting Those are the obvious choices However we like to go further Our mission is to educate our families about what it really means to be ldquogreenrdquo In addition to all of the environmental benefits there is an extensive health benefit to our facility We have eliminated the harmful pollutants and hazards found at most other facilities Children are often exposed to toxins that they touch with their hands and mouths For this reason we use primarily wood toys and classroom supplies without any harmful chemicals We use all ldquogreenrdquo cleaning products and we

have a very stringent all-natural food program that prohibits any foods that contain preservatives additives or food dyes All of our rooms were designed to have extensive natural sunlight but our windows were designed to block the harmful ultraviolet rays Nature is a huge component of our program with outdoor play We also have a greenhouse and garden so that children can learn about growing food We have carefully selected all building materials used in construction of our facility from the ground up

GCM Was building your facility more costly than traditional building methods

GG I have read many articles that say building green is not too much more costly than traditional building methods I wish this was the case but I did not find this to be true though the benefits in our opinion outweigh the costs Until the demand for these products increase significantly and they become the norm versus the exception I think the costs will always be higher There are choices within ldquogreenrdquo products however so that should help keep those costs down a bit

GCM How does Growing Greenrsquos curriculum differ from other child facilities

GG As a new center we are still in the process of refining our curriculum but we have incorporated caring for the Earth Our curriculum emphasizes learning through play This allows us to teach our students about the Earth and nature while making it fun The children separate trash and recyclables from the classroom into specific bins and save food scraps to feed to the composting pig in the garden We have an outdoor water pump that uses captured rainwater from a large underground reservoir The school greenhouse and garden is filled with plants the children have helped to water and weed In the future we hope to introduce a conflict

22

resolution component to our curriculum as well At our center we want children to be healthy in mind body and spirit As we grow as a center we want to make sure that our curriculum and policies reflects this focus

GCM We see that Growing Green offers many ldquohands-onrdquo activities Why is this so important

GG As educators we realize that children learn in many different ways While children use sight sound and taste to learn it is very important for them to have hands on experi-ences to master skills When children accomplish a task by themselves their pride is evident to all This sense of accomplishment and pride will motivate them to try other more difficult skills Best practice in early education empha-sizes the importance of children learning through hands-on play-based experiences

GCM What is one of the most important lessons you hope Growing Green students learn GG We want to teach our students to be socially respon-sible citizens We want them to learn cause and effect and how decisions they make affect their own environment and the environment of people around themWe want them to be conscious of their choices and how to teach others including their own family members about making good choices It is knowledge they can take with them and use as a way-of-life GCM Do you see Growing Green as ldquotrailblazersrdquo when in comes to being green and its relationship to children

GG Absolutely We know there are not many facilities like ours in the country This is one area where the United States lags behind other countries We cannot overlook the rise in childhood diseases and health related issues that have evolved over the past 25 years We have received calls from people around the country wanting to know about Growing Green so we know our message is reaching beyond our local market It is a good feeling to know that others are taking notice and taking an interest in what we are doing

Growing Green Child Development Center continued

23

24

Design

GCM What is the philosophy of Greenplay

Designed by Joe Fiacchino Greenplay is a furniture component system thatrsquos safe for kids These whimsical colorful durable finishings feature recycled renewable and low-impact resources with low-VOC emission finishes With its earth-friendly material palate Greenplay promotes environmental and social responsibility And our take-back program creates a way for the products to be repurposed and donated for reuse A perfect complement to Kids Glass Greenplay products will soon be available on GSA GCM What is the inspiration for design For many years Skyline Design ran an art services division creating larger than life sculptural objects for public spaces serving a number of markets in the US During this time Skyline was contacted to create a creative play environ-ment for children for a line of cruise ships Around the same time Harvard published a study about the effects of VOCrsquos on children This new information informed us that children take in the same amount of toxins as adults but since their organs are so small they cannot process toxins in the same way that we do This information inspired the team at Skyline to research sustainable non-toxic materi-als to create imaginative durable and safe products for children After years of research and development strin-gent vetting of materials consultations with experts in child development museum design library and education fields Greenplay was born GCM What kind of materials do you use in your designs Greenplay products are constructed of urea formaldehyde-free MDF with FSC-certified birch veneer Some products feature parts constructed of composite wood from forest waste andor shavings while certain pieces feature post-consumer andor post-industrial recycled plastic (HDPE) Greenplay uses low-VOC emission finishes

The wood composite furniture is finished with a premium quality clear protective coating maintained properly the finish will retain its functional and current appearance for many years to come

GCM Do you practice sustainable office practices Skylinersquos philosophy reflects a dual regard for both the built and natural environments embodying our commit-ment to sustainability in the development of inspiring and innovative products Skylinersquos ethos of sustainable steward-ship encompasses responsible product design and manu-facture to positively support and connect people with their surroundings Skyline selects and sources locally consider-ing the environmental impact recyclability and reusability of our materials We mindfully pair our palette with innova-tive production processes to create products that are both carefully designed and environmentally conscious GCM How do you acknowledge the environment We try to do the right things every daySkyline Design is actively engaged in sustainable practices as part of an ongoing effort of environmental preservation From sourc-ing local materials and fabrication processes to optimiz-ing energy use minimizing water use and transportation materials to using low-VOC paints and finishes Skyline is progressive in meeting and exceeding its environmen-tal standards All Skyline products are manufactured in Chicago

GCM Where can someone find your pieces Greenplay is available through a network of preferred furniture dealers in the US and Canada For a dealer near you contact us at greenplayskydesigncom

GreenplayWe recently came across Greenplay furnishings and just had to know more

Find out what we learned about this fun and playfully green furniture company for kids

wwwgreenplayfurniturecom

Made in Chicago copy 2011 Skyline Design skydesigncom 888-278-4660 salesskydesigncom

Greenplayreg Go Bus Activity Stationtrade

Whole Foods Market Photographer Scott Shigley

Designer Joe Fiacchino

23

24

Design

GCM What is the philosophy of Greenplay

Designed by Joe Fiacchino Greenplay is a furniture component system thatrsquos safe for kids These whimsical colorful durable finishings feature recycled renewable and low-impact resources with low-VOC emission finishes With its earth-friendly material palate Greenplay promotes environmental and social responsibility And our take-back program creates a way for the products to be repurposed and donated for reuse A perfect complement to Kids Glass Greenplay products will soon be available on GSA GCM What is the inspiration for design For many years Skyline Design ran an art services division creating larger than life sculptural objects for public spaces serving a number of markets in the US During this time Skyline was contacted to create a creative play environ-ment for children for a line of cruise ships Around the same time Harvard published a study about the effects of VOCrsquos on children This new information informed us that children take in the same amount of toxins as adults but since their organs are so small they cannot process toxins in the same way that we do This information inspired the team at Skyline to research sustainable non-toxic materi-als to create imaginative durable and safe products for children After years of research and development strin-gent vetting of materials consultations with experts in child development museum design library and education fields Greenplay was born GCM What kind of materials do you use in your designs Greenplay products are constructed of urea formaldehyde-free MDF with FSC-certified birch veneer Some products feature parts constructed of composite wood from forest waste andor shavings while certain pieces feature post-consumer andor post-industrial recycled plastic (HDPE) Greenplay uses low-VOC emission finishes

The wood composite furniture is finished with a premium quality clear protective coating maintained properly the finish will retain its functional and current appearance for many years to come

GCM Do you practice sustainable office practices Skylinersquos philosophy reflects a dual regard for both the built and natural environments embodying our commit-ment to sustainability in the development of inspiring and innovative products Skylinersquos ethos of sustainable steward-ship encompasses responsible product design and manu-facture to positively support and connect people with their surroundings Skyline selects and sources locally consider-ing the environmental impact recyclability and reusability of our materials We mindfully pair our palette with innova-tive production processes to create products that are both carefully designed and environmentally conscious GCM How do you acknowledge the environment We try to do the right things every daySkyline Design is actively engaged in sustainable practices as part of an ongoing effort of environmental preservation From sourc-ing local materials and fabrication processes to optimiz-ing energy use minimizing water use and transportation materials to using low-VOC paints and finishes Skyline is progressive in meeting and exceeding its environmen-tal standards All Skyline products are manufactured in Chicago

GCM Where can someone find your pieces Greenplay is available through a network of preferred furniture dealers in the US and Canada For a dealer near you contact us at greenplayskydesigncom

GreenplayWe recently came across Greenplay furnishings and just had to know more

Find out what we learned about this fun and playfully green furniture company for kids

wwwgreenplayfurniturecom

Made in Chicago copy 2011 Skyline Design skydesigncom 888-278-4660 salesskydesigncom

Greenplayreg Go Bus Activity Stationtrade

Whole Foods Market Photographer Scott Shigley

Designer Joe Fiacchino

24

Design

GCM What is the philosophy of Greenplay

Designed by Joe Fiacchino Greenplay is a furniture component system thatrsquos safe for kids These whimsical colorful durable finishings feature recycled renewable and low-impact resources with low-VOC emission finishes With its earth-friendly material palate Greenplay promotes environmental and social responsibility And our take-back program creates a way for the products to be repurposed and donated for reuse A perfect complement to Kids Glass Greenplay products will soon be available on GSA GCM What is the inspiration for design For many years Skyline Design ran an art services division creating larger than life sculptural objects for public spaces serving a number of markets in the US During this time Skyline was contacted to create a creative play environ-ment for children for a line of cruise ships Around the same time Harvard published a study about the effects of VOCrsquos on children This new information informed us that children take in the same amount of toxins as adults but since their organs are so small they cannot process toxins in the same way that we do This information inspired the team at Skyline to research sustainable non-toxic materi-als to create imaginative durable and safe products for children After years of research and development strin-gent vetting of materials consultations with experts in child development museum design library and education fields Greenplay was born GCM What kind of materials do you use in your designs Greenplay products are constructed of urea formaldehyde-free MDF with FSC-certified birch veneer Some products feature parts constructed of composite wood from forest waste andor shavings while certain pieces feature post-consumer andor post-industrial recycled plastic (HDPE) Greenplay uses low-VOC emission finishes

The wood composite furniture is finished with a premium quality clear protective coating maintained properly the finish will retain its functional and current appearance for many years to come

GCM Do you practice sustainable office practices Skylinersquos philosophy reflects a dual regard for both the built and natural environments embodying our commit-ment to sustainability in the development of inspiring and innovative products Skylinersquos ethos of sustainable steward-ship encompasses responsible product design and manu-facture to positively support and connect people with their surroundings Skyline selects and sources locally consider-ing the environmental impact recyclability and reusability of our materials We mindfully pair our palette with innova-tive production processes to create products that are both carefully designed and environmentally conscious GCM How do you acknowledge the environment We try to do the right things every daySkyline Design is actively engaged in sustainable practices as part of an ongoing effort of environmental preservation From sourc-ing local materials and fabrication processes to optimiz-ing energy use minimizing water use and transportation materials to using low-VOC paints and finishes Skyline is progressive in meeting and exceeding its environmen-tal standards All Skyline products are manufactured in Chicago

GCM Where can someone find your pieces Greenplay is available through a network of preferred furniture dealers in the US and Canada For a dealer near you contact us at greenplayskydesigncom

GreenplayWe recently came across Greenplay furnishings and just had to know more

Find out what we learned about this fun and playfully green furniture company for kids

wwwgreenplayfurniturecom

Made in Chicago copy 2011 Skyline Design skydesigncom 888-278-4660 salesskydesigncom

Greenplayreg Go Bus Activity Stationtrade

Whole Foods Market Photographer Scott Shigley

Designer Joe Fiacchino

25

Made in Chicago copy 2011 Skyline Design skydesigncom 888-278-4660 salesskydesigncom

Greenplayreg Go Bus Activity Stationtrade

Whole Foods Market Photographer Scott Shigley

Designer Joe Fiacchino

26

Years ago at a womenrsquos retreat I received a scroll with the verse ldquoTrust in the Lord and do good dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulnessrdquo (Psalm 373 NASB) Isnrsquot that a lovely passage Cultivate has such a deep rich connotationinvolving growth development even flourishing When I looked up the verse in my Bible however I discovered that in the NIV the passage reads ldquoTrust in the Lord and do good dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasturerdquo What in the world do ldquocultivate faithfulnessrdquo and ldquoenjoy safe pas-turerdquo have in common I wondered For months I meditated on the two versions of that verse As many of you might know to meditate on Scripture can mean to ruminate or to chew on something as a cow chews on its cud So thatrsquos just what I did During my day-to-day activities I enjoyed my safe pasture a happy California cow chewing on my cud of cultivate faithfulness whenever the verse came to mind until one day I pictured a gardener picking flowers and passing them out to others Then it oc-curred to me ldquoWhat if it wasnrsquot my faithfulness but Godrsquos faithfulness the passage referred tordquo That perspective gave the verse a whole new meaning I could finally see the connection between the two translationsGodrsquos faithfulness provides us with safe pasture A quick look at BibleGatewaycom confirms that in the NASB the verse can also be translated as ldquofeed securelyrdquo or ldquofeed on His faithfulnessrdquo In fact in the KJV the verse reads ldquoverily thou shalt be fedrdquo and in the ESV ldquobefriend faithfulnessrdquo The key to cultivating faithfulness is found in the first part of that verse Notice that all four translations begin the same way ldquoTrust in the Lord and do goodrdquo His faithfulness inspires faithfulness in us In turn our faithfulness encouragesothers to be faithful Just as a gardener gives away a flower we can pass along faithfulness to others

Cultivate FaithfulnessAt times we all could use encouragement to trust God in our homeschooling efforts Juggling family life as a wife a mother and a teacher is hard Rewards abound but so do interruptions conflicts and unexpected struggles Added doubts often creep in when we reach the high school years and worry that we are not equipped to educate our children at home Even the most dedicated among us can be tempted to give in to fear Taking the time to reflect on our reasons for homeschooling and to recognize simple gifts from our loving Father can help us overcome those obstacles and follow through on our commitment sometimes with greater ease than we expected Through this process we cultivate faithfulness we become yet another family that has successfully homeschooled through high school and we encourage others to be faithful

Andrea Newitt has been homeschooling since 1999 with the encouragement and support of her husband Mark They have three children and have graduated the oldest two Andrea enjoys bicycling swimming reading and working with her ldquooffice matesrdquo at The Old Schoolhousereg Magazine the leading Christian homeschool publication and a trusted source of information worldwide Visit Andrea at lighthouse-academyblogtownhallcom for more information about the resources she uses

by Andrea Newitt | The Old Schoolhousereg Magazine

Originally published for Classical Conversations

27

Rendi offers customizable frames and plaques and is Your source for CUSTOM gifts and home deacutecor You can make the perfect gift for someone or decorate your own home with Rendirsquos diverse product choices

Rendis products are made right here in the Rendis products are made right here in the USA Every Rendi piece is also planet friendly and made with 100 post-consumer recycled wood and waterbased finishes

Become a Stylist and help us share the Become a Stylist and help us share the gift of hand and heart Host a party and reap the hostess rewards Buy a Rendi product and make it personal With 7 dif-ferent product lines to choose from and virtual gift cards available gift giving is simplified Prices start at $1495 Online parties are available parties are available Stylist cost Retail prices are $1995 - $3995

Rendi was founded by Annie amp Mark Danielson in their home in Trinidad Colorado With the belief that we should all Celebrate Affirm Remember and Encourage the ones we hold dear the Danielsonrsquos have created a company that is changing lives Every creation helps moms and kids around the world Wersquore also committed to the mission of drill-ing fresh water wells in Africa in partnership with charity water To date wersquove drilled over twenty Together wersquoll drill many more

Contact me today and learn more about Rendi

Rendi means ldquoyou makerdquo in Italian

you make relationshipsyou make a gift of hand amp heart

you make people happy

Kelly Keefe Rendi Independent Stylist

850-541-3645 | kkeefe78gmailcomhttpBeautifullySaidRendiStylecom

28

Sometimes we make green living more complicated than it should be The concept is simple ndash a natural lifestyle should come ldquonaturalrdquo shouldnrsquot it Our culturersquos disposable mindset and obsession with consumerism can make it tough to live simply green Especially when it comes to kidsrsquo birthday parties

Think of the last childrsquos party you attended Chances are ndash the cardboard paper plastic and heavy-duty tie wraps filled a garbage bag or two And thatrsquos just wrapping paper and packaging Most people donrsquot realize that with all the laminates dyes and glitter most wrapping paper is not recyclable

Then there are all the toys and favors What is the long-term impact of batteries and all the indestructible molded plastic So many of those toys will never ever break down in a landfill Add in the fact that most birthday parties are over the top and reinforce the notions that ldquobigger and more is betterrdquo Not exactly the message you want to send to your child is it

So whatrsquos a parent to doIt all comes back to keeping it simple These tips might turn the conventional birthday party upside down but theyrsquoll set you free along the way

An Eco-Friendly Birthday Party for Your Green Child

By Amity Hook-Sopko

Adjust Your Mindset From Disposable to Reusable Stock up on extra plates cups and silverware from your local flea market or Goodwill Even if you host the party at a park you can still bring your own dishes and an extra bag to carry them home One extra dishwasher load is much easier than trying to wipe paper plates clean enough to recycle

Ditch the Goody Bags From one parent to another does anyone really need another sheet of tattoos and a tiny plastic jug of bubbles Experience parties (pottery making touring the local fire station) leave a memory that doesnrsquot get lost in the bottom of the toy box

Spare a Tree Save a Dime Arenrsquot we all tired of spending $4 on something that gets torn and tossed Wrapping paper is just plain wasteful If you have paper gift bags left over by all means use them But rather than buy new paper try wrapping with your childrsquos artwork old travel maps the comics or any box bucket or basket you have on hand Another unique reusable alternative is a fabric gift bag Amity Hook-Sopko created wwwGreenGiftsGuidecom with her passion to share how gift giving can be responsible sustainable and fun She loves helping busy moms find simple solutions for eco-friendly gift giving

phot

o by

Cal

i Fre

y S

elah

Pho

togr

aphy

phot

o by

Cal

i Fre

y S

elah

Pho

togr

aphy

29

photo by Cali Frey Selah Photography

photo by Cali Frey Selah Photography

atelierBB on Etsy

30

Green Gamboni is revolutionizing baby clothes Using a lightweight GOTS certified organic cotton denim Green Gamboni jeans are designed by a mama to fit ALL diapersfrom bulky cloth diapers to disposables Plus our jeans are made in the USA Green Gamboni organic baby clothes are made out of 98 GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Denim with 2 elastic so that babes are not restricted as they learn to crawl walk dance or climb

Green GamboniOrganic Jeans

wwwgreengambonicom

Green Gamboni was created by a mama And like all mamas I wanted to do what I thought was best for my brewing babe I opted for cloth diapers Less demanding on the environment and softer on the bum cloth was what I wanted Months later I discovered that there was a problem with fit Most pants that I came across simply would not accommodate the bulk of the cloth Frustrated I started fantasizing about jeans- CUTE jeans- that would keep my little munchkinrsquos bum warm and adorablejust like she deserved I am now proud to offer to you exactly the jean that I tried unsuccessfully to find for her

A n n e L o a r i e Mama amp Owner Green Gamboni

31

Cynthia King Vegan Ballet Slippers are cruelty free ballet shoes for children and adults Constructed of soft durable cotton canvas uppers and synthetic leather non-slip soles these cruelty free ballet slippers transition beautifully from the studio to stage A professional dancer since 1978 Cynthia King combined her passion for ballet with her compassion for animals in the development of her signature slippers She was inspired to create the shoes when sherealized that there were no readily available cruelty free ballet shoes in existence ldquoNo animal should suffer for the sake of dancerdquo Says King Cynthia King developed her shoes over many years to provide dancers with the highest quality slipper that is el- egant comfortable stage ready and cruelty free These vegan ballet slip- pers have been rising in popularity and were even requested by lsquoBlack Swanrsquo star Natalie Portman for a photo shoot When you choose Cyn- thia King Vegan Ballet Slippers you have taken a graceful step towards improving our environmentand reducing cruelty to animals You not only help save the lives of the animals used in the production of shoes but you also help to conserve the habitat of many others Gorillas chimpanzees and many other species face deforestation and homelessness every day due to unnecessary destruction of their habitats for livestock production Waterways around the world continue to suffer lingering effects of pollution from factory farms and tanneries some closed generations ago Using cruelty free ballet slippers directly conserves natural resources and saves lives

Cynthia King Vegan Ballet Slippers

wwwcynthiakingdancecom

get the slippers here

32

Smart Bottoms

33

Who doesnrsquot love a party How about a cloth diaper party Say hello to Smart Bottoms Smart Bottoms is the nationrsquos first cloth diaper manufacturer that offers cloth diapers and accessories through home based parties

Smart Bottoms is more than just a business it is a passion Behind every cloth diapering mom (or dad) there is a story A story of why they chose to go against the majority why they chose the healthier more environmentally friendly or cheaper option

With the help of trained cloth diaper experts to explain the health environmental and cost benefits of cloth diapering in a fun and comfortable environment Smart Bottoms offers the opportunity to see and feel their products before making an investment They will also show you how easy it is to change and care for your cloth diapers

Many families in America are missing an entire generation of cloth diaperers Parents who were cloth diapered were undoubtedly diapered with old fashioned pre-folds pins and ldquorubberrdquo pants Smart Bottoms offers an opportunity to share what todayrsquos cloth diapers look and feel like They can show you how easy healthy and inexpensive it is to cloth diaper your baby They encourage everyone to become part of the Diaper Revolution

Smart Bottomswwwsmartbottomscom

Smart Bottoms offers easy to use organic modern cloth diapers They believe that every babyrsquos bottom should be covered in cloth They are devoted to creating superior products that are trim and absorbent and are 100 made in the USAOh and they have recently expanded their line to include a swim diaper and training pants

Not sure if you are ready to invest in cloth diapering You may want to check out their new sister company Diaper Share Diaper Share provides parents an opportunity to cloth diaper their children without an upfront investment Purchasing enough cloth diapers for two to three days can cost $200-$500 With Diaper Share you pay a monthly fee of only $29 Diaper share sends you a two to three day supply of sized cloth diapers (18 prefolds and 4 covers) As your baby grows and needs a larger size contact them and they will send you the next size and a shipping label to return your old diapers

Diaper Share is a great option for parents who are interested in trying cloth diapers without making an investment or for the family on a tight budget Parents who use Diaper Share will save 50-75 on what they would spend on disposable diapers If you think Diaper Share might be a good fit for you be sure to check them out at wwwdiapersharecom

33

Who doesnrsquot love a party How about a cloth diaper party Say hello to Smart Bottoms Smart Bottoms is the nationrsquos first cloth diaper manufacturer that offers cloth diapers and accessories through home based parties

Smart Bottoms is more than just a business it is a passion Behind every cloth diapering mom (or dad) there is a story A story of why they chose to go against the majority why they chose the healthier more environmentally friendly or cheaper option

With the help of trained cloth diaper experts to explain the health environmental and cost benefits of cloth diapering in a fun and comfortable environment Smart Bottoms offers the opportunity to see and feel their products before making an investment They will also show you how easy it is to change and care for your cloth diapers

Many families in America are missing an entire generation of cloth diaperers Parents who were cloth diapered were undoubtedly diapered with old fashioned pre-folds pins and ldquorubberrdquo pants Smart Bottoms offers an opportunity to share what todayrsquos cloth diapers look and feel like They can show you how easy healthy and inexpensive it is to cloth diaper your baby They encourage everyone to become part of the Diaper Revolution

Smart Bottomswwwsmartbottomscom

Smart Bottoms offers easy to use organic modern cloth diapers They believe that every babyrsquos bottom should be covered in cloth They are devoted to creating superior products that are trim and absorbent and are 100 made in the USAOh and they have recently expanded their line to include a swim diaper and training pants

Not sure if you are ready to invest in cloth diapering You may want to check out their new sister company Diaper Share Diaper Share provides parents an opportunity to cloth diaper their children without an upfront investment Purchasing enough cloth diapers for two to three days can cost $200-$500 With Diaper Share you pay a monthly fee of only $29 Diaper share sends you a two to three day supply of sized cloth diapers (18 prefolds and 4 covers) As your baby grows and needs a larger size contact them and they will send you the next size and a shipping label to return your old diapers

Diaper Share is a great option for parents who are interested in trying cloth diapers without making an investment or for the family on a tight budget Parents who use Diaper Share will save 50-75 on what they would spend on disposable diapers If you think Diaper Share might be a good fit for you be sure to check them out at wwwdiapersharecom

34

Head back to school the

green and healthy way

Visit todayLullabyOrganicscom

SAVE 10 percent with coupon code GRNCHILD

Your familyrsquos 1 resource for non-toxic

and eco-stylish products for school and home

35

Special Section Back to School

Ian age 4 1st day of Pre K 2010photo submitted by Jennifer Liles - Tall Timbers MD

36

Whether you zip to the grocery store peruse your local farmerrsquos market

or grow your own you spend a lot of time carefully selecting

healthy foods for your kidsrsquo school lunch boxes The last

thing you want to worry about is what might be leaching into their

food from their lunch containers With the alphabet

soup of chemicals found in many

plastic products (PVC BPA Phthalates Lead

antimicrobial chemicals etc) I avoid plastic and plastic-lined

food containers for my family as often as possible In the past this

was a bit of a challenge But today there are so many stainless steel glass bio-plastic and fabric options available the hardest part has become understanding and narrowing down the options Stainless steel is my familyrsquos lunch or bento box material of choice because it is non-toxic hygienic and easy to clean And therersquos no mystery about its composition Look for 188 or 1810 food grade stainless steel products such as Planet Box Lunchbots GreenTainers Eco Lunch Box and Kids Konserve Stainless steel is also an excellent choice for beverage containers Companies like Klean Kanteen and Tazzini work very hard to ensure the stainless steel they use wonrsquot leach they are not lined with BPA or other chemicals and their caps are also BPA free

Not into stainless food and beverage containers No problem Go for a glass bottle wrapped in dishwasher-safe silicone from Life Factory or Takeya and some fabric lunch bags My absolute favorite reusable bags are the Organic Cotton Sandwich and snack bags with water based dyes from Graze Organics followed closely by Kids Konserve and ReUsies all of which are tested PVC BPA and lead free

Packing a Safe and Waste-Free Lunch

By Erin Naumowicz

No matter what materials or brands you decide on for your childrsquos school lunch this year give yourself a pat on the back for caring enough to weigh your options make the decision that is right for your family and go enjoy your healthy-lunch-toting kids

Erin Naumowicz is the mom of 2 amazing kids freelance writer and

founder of lullabyorganicscom

36

Whether you zip to the grocery store peruse your local farmerrsquos market

or grow your own you spend a lot of time carefully selecting

healthy foods for your kidsrsquo school lunch boxes The last

thing you want to worry about is what might be leaching into their

food from their lunch containers With the alphabet

soup of chemicals found in many

plastic products (PVC BPA Phthalates Lead

antimicrobial chemicals etc) I avoid plastic and plastic-lined

food containers for my family as often as possible In the past this

was a bit of a challenge But today there are so many stainless steel glass bio-plastic and fabric options available the hardest part has become understanding and narrowing down the options Stainless steel is my familyrsquos lunch or bento box material of choice because it is non-toxic hygienic and easy to clean And therersquos no mystery about its composition Look for 188 or 1810 food grade stainless steel products such as Planet Box Lunchbots GreenTainers Eco Lunch Box and Kids Konserve Stainless steel is also an excellent choice for beverage containers Companies like Klean Kanteen and Tazzini work very hard to ensure the stainless steel they use wonrsquot leach they are not lined with BPA or other chemicals and their caps are also BPA free

Not into stainless food and beverage containers No problem Go for a glass bottle wrapped in dishwasher-safe silicone from Life Factory or Takeya and some fabric lunch bags My absolute favorite reusable bags are the Organic Cotton Sandwich and snack bags with water based dyes from Graze Organics followed closely by Kids Konserve and ReUsies all of which are tested PVC BPA and lead free

Packing a Safe and Waste-Free Lunch

By Erin Naumowicz

No matter what materials or brands you decide on for your childrsquos school lunch this year give yourself a pat on the back for caring enough to weigh your options make the decision that is right for your family and go enjoy your healthy-lunch-toting kids

Erin Naumowicz is the mom of 2 amazing kids freelance writer and

founder of lullabyorganicscom

37

38

Back to SchoolGreen Supply Guide

1 Boon Stash - Have lots of school supplies but nowhere to put them This stylish BPA-free Phthalate-free and PVC-free organizer is just what any house needs Use for school supplies or just about any-thing you need to ldquostashrdquo wwwbooninccom 2 Crayon Rocks - These may look like rocks but they are actually crayons These soy-based crayons made with mineral derived colorants are great for improving your childrsquos fine-motor skills Designed to help with grip strength problems and made for

fun Crayon Rocks are made in the USA and are non-toxic and phthalate free wwwcrayonrocksnet3 KleenEarth Recycled Stainless Steel Scissors - Kids love to create shapes and we love these blunt

tipped eco-friendly scissors These scissors have stainless steel blades that are welded to 70 recycled plastic handles that feature a finger rest for comfort wwwgreenapplesupplycom 4 Green Apple Pencil

Sharpener - This adorable pencil sharpener made of recycled plastic is ideal for sharpening all of your recycled pencils Made from 90 post-industrial recycled plastic wwwgreenapplysupplycom 5 Green Apple Highlighter Pencils

Why use a marker when a biodegradable pencil is available This hexagonal natural wood pencil comes in neon colors is jumbo size and biodegradable wwwgreenapplesupplycom 6 Green Apple Recycled RulerndashGreat for student projects this ruler is made from recycled yellow pages phone books and recycled plastic wwwgreenapplesupplycom

1 2

3 4 5

6

38

Back to SchoolGreen Supply Guide

1 Boon Stash - Have lots of school supplies but nowhere to put them This stylish BPA-free Phthalate-free and PVC-free organizer is just what any house needs Use for school supplies or just about any-thing you need to ldquostashrdquo wwwbooninccom 2 Crayon Rocks - These may look like rocks but they are actually crayons These soy-based crayons made with mineral derived colorants are great for improving your childrsquos fine-motor skills Designed to help with grip strength problems and made for

fun Crayon Rocks are made in the USA and are non-toxic and phthalate free wwwcrayonrocksnet3 KleenEarth Recycled Stainless Steel Scissors - Kids love to create shapes and we love these blunt

tipped eco-friendly scissors These scissors have stainless steel blades that are welded to 70 recycled plastic handles that feature a finger rest for comfort wwwgreenapplesupplycom 4 Green Apple Pencil

Sharpener - This adorable pencil sharpener made of recycled plastic is ideal for sharpening all of your recycled pencils Made from 90 post-industrial recycled plastic wwwgreenapplysupplycom 5 Green Apple Highlighter Pencils

Why use a marker when a biodegradable pencil is available This hexagonal natural wood pencil comes in neon colors is jumbo size and biodegradable wwwgreenapplesupplycom 6 Green Apple Recycled RulerndashGreat for student projects this ruler is made from recycled yellow pages phone books and recycled plastic wwwgreenapplesupplycom

1 2

3 4 5

6

39

7 EcoJotStationary - Made of 100 post-consumer recycled paper this eco-friendly stationary brand offers a variety of journals sketchbooks wrap calendars and notecards We especially love the whimsical designs that appeal to kids and adults Also when you purchase select products EcoJot will donate a school workbook or pencil to a child in need wwwecojotcom

7

40

8 Green Apple Triangle Pencils - These pencils have a great ergonomic triangular shape that is easier for little fingers to hold Made of premium-quality cedar wood scraps from the pencil manufacturing process Earth and kid friendly wwwgreenapplesupplycom 9 Jumbo Triangular EcoPencil - These triangular shaped pencils allow for better comfort control and help to prevent rolling off a desk or table They are non-toxic and made of reforested wood Kids find them easy to use and love the animal images on each pencil wwwgreatartstartsherecom10 Green Apple Motherboard bookmarks - Made from a motherboard these bookmarks are sure to give anyone a hip and eco-friendly vibe while reading Available in a U-cut design and a tasseled column design We adore these wwwgreenapplysupplycom 11 Coccoinna Glue Stick - This non-toxic non-solvent and acid free glue stick is all natural and environmentally friendly Great for school projects and has a wonderful almond scent wwwgreenapplesupplycom

8 9

10

11

gcm

41

12 EcoGearEcozooRoling - Got more stuff Ecozoo is also available on wheels Made from the same great materials as the Ecozoo backpack and it boasts a telescoping handle padded shoulder straps and durable recycled wheels Available in five different animal styles this bag is great for the big kid on-the-go who likes to have fun wwwecogear-productscom 13 Terracycle Backpack - This eco-hip backpack helps to keep drink pouches out of the landfill Upcycled from Honest Kidsreg drink pouches it has adjustable straps an outer zipper for school supplies and kids think it is cool This backpack is a fun way to outfit your child and a great opportunity for an environmental lesson all in one bag wwwterracyclecom 14 Dante Beatrix Backpack - A fun bag with a fun message Made entirely from recycled plastic water bottles and trimmed in naturally biodegradable canvas these backpacks are sturdy and functional Each bag actually removes SEVEN plastic bottles from the environment Kids love all three of the pop designs and parents love the great storage areas and that it is eco-friendly wwwbeatrixnycom 15 EcoGearEcozooBackpack - This eco-friendly part pet part toy part bag is a hit with toddlers preschoolers and big kids Made of natural cotton canvas non-toxic dyes and recycled plastic components this adorable bag is available in four different animal styles Little ones love to carry this bag wwwecogear-productscom

12 13

14 15

gcm

42

16 Kids Konserve Waste free Lunch kit - If you are looking for a kit that has it all this may be it This eco-friendly lunch kit is BPA lead and phthalate free It comes with a recycled cotton lunch sack a stainless steel bottle with lid round food containers a napkin and food cozy Better than a brown paper bag this kit is fun for everyone to use and reuse wwwkidskonservecom 17 GoodbynBynto - Fun to carry hold and decorate Utilizing three compartments to keep kidsrsquo lunches from spilling or mixing this lunchbox is made of FDA approved BPA and phthalate free materials dishwasher-safe and 100 recyclable Comes with an 8 oz bottle for your childrsquos beverage and stickers for personalization Kids love the fun of this lunchbox wwwgoodbyncom 18 LunchBots - These stainless steel containers are a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic and baggies Durable and fun they fit in just about any lunchbox bag or can be carried in your hand These are easy for little hands to use and dishwasher safe Independently lab certified to be lead free Comes in four different configurations for your packing needs wwwlullabyorganicsshopcom

16

17 18

gcm

43

19 EcoGearEcozoo Lunch Tote - This adorably cute and fun lunch tote is made of natural cotton canvas materials and reground components and is insulated to help foods keep proper temperature Comes a removable shoulder strap and lunch mat in order to fit the needs of your child come mealtime This lunch tote is currently available in two adorable animal styles It makes your childrsquos mealtime fun wwwecogear-productscom 20 Terracycle Lunch Cooler - This insulated cooler has a removable hard shell liner which will help prevent a crushed lunch Great for the environment due to the way it is made this eco-hip cooler is also great for canned drinks toys supplies etc The interior is made from waste packaging material - over 90 Thanks to TerraCyclersquosreg partnership with Frito-Layreg this was made with upcycle love wwwterracyclecom 21 Laptop Lunches - The bento style lunch makes it easy to control portion sizes and allows for easy meal planning Kids love this fun stylish and waste-free lunch option Parents love that containers are lead BPA phthalate and PVC free and microwavable dishwasher safe and that it is made in the USA Made with recycled content and is recyclable This eco-friendly lunchbox option also comes with a book of healthy lunch ideas wwwlaptoplunchescom

19

20

21

gcm

44

22 Sigg Bottle - Sigg bottles are fun there is no other way to say it Sigg bottles are designed with an EcoCare liner which is BPA and phthalate free and are easy to clean Kids love the designs and are easy to hold wwwmysiggcom 23 KleanKanteen - Small and lightweight the 12oz KleanKanteenreg Classic is great when space is limited Made from high quality food-grade stainless steel thatrsquos to-tally free of BPA and other toxinsyou can use it with confidence Its large-mouth design fits ice cubes and makes cleaning simple by hand or it is dishwasher safe wwwkleankanteencom 24 Dante Beatrix water bottle - These completely adorable and environmentally friendly bottles are made with 100 food grade stainless steel and have a spill-proof spout cap Lead safe phthalate and BPA free Your kids will love all of the adorable characters wwwbeatrixnycom

22 23

24

gcm

45

25 Planet Wise Sandwich Wrap - This waste-free lunch tool is great for snacks sandwiches and can be used as a placemat for your food when unfolded Great for all ages it is easy to clean made with FDA Food Safe Materials and a great alternative to plastic bags Comes in a variety of fun patternsThese sandwich wraps are PVC BPA phthalate latex and lead free wwwplanetwiseinccom 26 ItzyRitzy Snack Happens - This FDA Approved and BPA free reusable bag is ideal for snacks sandwiches lunches toiletries crayons campinghellipyou name it Closes with a lead free zipper machine washable and eco-friendly They even have a ldquocreate your ownrdquo option for little artists wwwitzyritzycom 27 Terracycle Pencil Case - Help keep drink pouches out of the landfill with this pencil case from Terracycle This case is made entirely from individual drink pouches that have been stitched together Kids love its ldquocoolrdquo factor wwwterracyclecom 28 MyDrap - This cloth napkin is designed for single use or to be washed and used again and again Available in a tear-off roll in cotton or linen these napkins are biodegradable and recyclable for other uses wwwbuymydrapcom

25

26

27 28

gcm

46

If you are looking for a way to raise money for your school or organization there are many Eco-friendly options available Here are some of our favorites

Itzy Ritzy Ittzy Ritzyrsquos Snack Bags and Wet Bags are a popular and on-trend fundraiser that helps your organization raise money while simultaneously educating children on the importance of making environmentally conscious choices With a 50+ profit margin this healthy candy fundraiser alternative is sure to be a hit Itzy Ritzy Snack and Wet Bags are available in high quality fun fabrics that are sure to be a hit with any group Great for litter free lunch programs All bags include a zipper closure are BPA - and PVC-free and machine washable Not only will they be a great seller for kids but for adults too wwwitzyritzycomfundraising

Laptop LunchesWe love our laptops and we love our bento boxes Why not make it a fundraiser too Laptop Lunches offers a fundraising program that is easy to administer promotes healthy and waste-free living in schools fast shipping and supports manufacturing jobs in the US They also give you options that will work best for your school like hosting a traditional fundraiser using an online promotional code or ordering in volume Laptop Lunches also has an outstanding in-house customer support team to help you with all of your needs Why not make lunch fun and raise some money for your school wwwlaptoplunchescomschools

Plant a Tree USAWhat if you could plant a tree and earn money for your school or organization at the same time Well now you can By signing up your school or organization as a Plant a Tree USA Eco-Affiliate you can raise money through the tree planting proceeds when you use the designated promotional code This is a natural way to raise funds and to give back to Mother Earth Great for groups that want to help the environment encourage tree plantings and raise funds wwwplantatreeusacom

Eco Fundraising Ideas

Laptop Lunches

Itzy Ritzy

47

Planet WiseKids have stuff so why not have a fundraiser that helps them bag it Planet Wise offers fun and useful items that kids love and will be excited to sell Organizations can sell the Planet Wise products and earn 35-45 of their total sales depending on the item through either bulk orders for events or with individual selling forms These products are made in the USA have sealed waterproof seams and are available in a variety of designs Great for everything from carrying wet swimsuits to packing a lunch wwwplanetwiseinccom

EcoTulipsWho doesnrsquot love flowers EcoTulips offers a fundraising pro-gram that will not only help to beautify your community with eco-friendly flowers but will help to reduce pesticide use and teach environmental awareness to children EcoTulips is the only American source of organically grown and pesticide free tulip bulbs EcoTulips offers traditional fundraising as well Eco-friendly online fundraising where an organization can earn 40-50 of sales This great program is no risk and requires no upfront cost This is a great fall fundraiser for any group wwwecotulipscom

Eco SproutsRaising funds with adorable T-shirts from earth creationsreg is a fashionable fundraising option Eco Sprouts offers a fun and educational fundraiser for students through the selling of organic T-shirts dyed with clay and made in the USA with an average profit margin of 30 for their school Through their fundraising program they also offer a clay-dyeing kit for every teacher participating in the fundraiser as a way to educate children about the organic fabric dyeing processes This is an easy to run fundraiser that requires no upfront monies teaches a lesson and helps the planet wwwecosproutscom

EcoTulips

Eco Sprouts

Planet Wise

48

The GigglingGreen Bean

Amy Mann opened The Giggling Green Bean in July 2009 after serving many Denver Diaper Company customers from her dining room She first began the Denver Diaper Company in 2007 after discovering a lack of places to buy cloth diapers in the Denver area A year and a halflater she decided to open a storefront location to better serve the community And so in July of 2009 The Giggling Green Bean Inc was born

It is their mission to provide new and expecting parents with the best products for their babies and our planet They love stocking the store with eco-friendly local if at all possible products to make parentrsquos lives easier

The Giggling Green Bean is committed to bringing as much information to Denver area parents as possible

Great Stores

They know what a tough job parenting can be and are proud to offer advice on cloth diapers baby carriers and eco-friendly products As well as classes from what to do in an emergency to making that first solo outing with your new baby They believe in fostering the community that is parenthood

The Giggling Green Bean is also proud to offer a number of services like a Loyalty Rewards Program a Cloth Diaper Trial Package that allows you try out cloth diapering with no risk a cloth diaper buy back program for store credit and a fully functioning gift registry

wwwthe-giggling-green-beancom

Located in the eco-fabulous city of Denver is a wonderful find for new and expecting parents

The Giggling Green Bean has ldquoeverything green for you amp your little beanrdquo

find us on facebook

49

If you are in the Denver area be sure to check out The Giggling Green Bean If you are not heading to Denver anytime soon you can find them at wwwthe-giggling-green-beancom

50

51

Do your kids like to put their art supplies in their mouths Do you wish there was a safe alternative for your baby or toddler to express themselves through art Welcome Wee Can Too edible art supply Wee Can Too was founded in 2007 by a momma who sought a safer and more nutritious art product for her infant daughter Letrsquos face it with infants and toddlers these days everything ends up in their mouths Well relax mommas amp daddies because their products are made for curious mouths and created from ALL food-based organic ingredients

SaridDitton founded Wee Can Too in 2007 as her then only daughter Savannah turned 6 months As an artist she sought out fingerpaints that would endure the curiousity of an infant Many companies claimed to be safe and non-toxic but still contained dyes that make her feel unsettled about ldquofeedingrdquo them to her baby She started tinkering in the kitchen and finally came up with a product that is completely edible organic and most of all safe for babies and toddlers

After two busy years of marketing and manufacturing Wee Can Too paints on her own the tired and overwhelmed now mother of two connected with a client based out of Kansas Nichole Groat owned an Organic Childrenrsquos Store online was a fan of Wee Can Too from the start and was also a mother Sarid and

Wee Can Toowwwweecantooartcom

Nichole instantly became friends Their motto Whenever you have a passion in life go for it

Wee Can Too currently offers a variety of eco-friendly naturally safe crayons fingerpaints and sidewalk chalk While they are not recommended as a meal they are totally safe to ingest nutritious and made with organic ingredients with no wheat no sugar no preservatives and are vegan too Wee Can Too is all the rage with mommy bloggers autistic children for art therapy babies and toddlershellipand we think you will love them too

Wee Can Too is on its way as their little business is turning into a big onehellip in great ways

edible art supply

50

51

Do your kids like to put their art supplies in their mouths Do you wish there was a safe alternative for your baby or toddler to express themselves through art Welcome Wee Can Too edible art supply Wee Can Too was founded in 2007 by a momma who sought a safer and more nutritious art product for her infant daughter Letrsquos face it with infants and toddlers these days everything ends up in their mouths Well relax mommas amp daddies because their products are made for curious mouths and created from ALL food-based organic ingredients

SaridDitton founded Wee Can Too in 2007 as her then only daughter Savannah turned 6 months As an artist she sought out fingerpaints that would endure the curiousity of an infant Many companies claimed to be safe and non-toxic but still contained dyes that make her feel unsettled about ldquofeedingrdquo them to her baby She started tinkering in the kitchen and finally came up with a product that is completely edible organic and most of all safe for babies and toddlers

After two busy years of marketing and manufacturing Wee Can Too paints on her own the tired and overwhelmed now mother of two connected with a client based out of Kansas Nichole Groat owned an Organic Childrenrsquos Store online was a fan of Wee Can Too from the start and was also a mother Sarid and

Wee Can Toowwwweecantooartcom

Nichole instantly became friends Their motto Whenever you have a passion in life go for it

Wee Can Too currently offers a variety of eco-friendly naturally safe crayons fingerpaints and sidewalk chalk While they are not recommended as a meal they are totally safe to ingest nutritious and made with organic ingredients with no wheat no sugar no preservatives and are vegan too Wee Can Too is all the rage with mommy bloggers autistic children for art therapy babies and toddlershellipand we think you will love them too

Wee Can Too is on its way as their little business is turning into a big onehellip in great ways

edible art supply

51

Do your kids like to put their art supplies in their mouths Do you wish there was a safe alternative for your baby or toddler to express themselves through art Welcome Wee Can Too edible art supply Wee Can Too was founded in 2007 by a momma who sought a safer and more nutritious art product for her infant daughter Letrsquos face it with infants and toddlers these days everything ends up in their mouths Well relax mommas amp daddies because their products are made for curious mouths and created from ALL food-based organic ingredients

SaridDitton founded Wee Can Too in 2007 as her then only daughter Savannah turned 6 months As an artist she sought out fingerpaints that would endure the curiousity of an infant Many companies claimed to be safe and non-toxic but still contained dyes that make her feel unsettled about ldquofeedingrdquo them to her baby She started tinkering in the kitchen and finally came up with a product that is completely edible organic and most of all safe for babies and toddlers

After two busy years of marketing and manufacturing Wee Can Too paints on her own the tired and overwhelmed now mother of two connected with a client based out of Kansas Nichole Groat owned an Organic Childrenrsquos Store online was a fan of Wee Can Too from the start and was also a mother Sarid and

Wee Can Toowwwweecantooartcom

Nichole instantly became friends Their motto Whenever you have a passion in life go for it

Wee Can Too currently offers a variety of eco-friendly naturally safe crayons fingerpaints and sidewalk chalk While they are not recommended as a meal they are totally safe to ingest nutritious and made with organic ingredients with no wheat no sugar no preservatives and are vegan too Wee Can Too is all the rage with mommy bloggers autistic children for art therapy babies and toddlershellipand we think you will love them too

Wee Can Too is on its way as their little business is turning into a big onehellip in great ways

edible art supply

52

One of the crafts at reCREATE Eco-Art Center loved most is weaving It doesnrsquot take much in the way of materials to weave partial skeins of yarn an old cardboard box a ruler scissors and some string or embroidery floss and a darning or tapestry needle

Cardboard looms are super easy to make 1 Cut a rectangle - any size will work but for yarn about 5x8 inches is a good size If you want to make a book mark you can make it much smaller 2 Mark your cardboard every frac14 inch and cut frac12 inch deep slits where you marked 3 Repeat this on the opposite size of your rectangle4 Starting at the first slit at the edge pulling the string firmly but not too tightly to the first slit on the bottom loop it around the bottom and back up to the second top slit around and down the third slit until the board is full of strings going up and down ndash these are called your warp strings 5 Thread your yarn on a tapestry or darning needle (this is meant for kids 7+ with parental supervision For younger children see note at the end of article) With about a 4 inch tail start weaving your needle over and under across your board 6 When you get to the end ndash go the opposite direction making sure that you are going under where you went over on the last run make sense7 Make sure you donrsquot pull your weaving too tight or your woven piece will not be straight on the ends it will bow in 8 You can change colors or yarn ndash just leave a tail on it like you did in the first color After you have woven a fair amount thread the end of your tail and run it vertically down the last row of weaving 9 When your weaving is complete you can gently pull the loops off your loom The string should be at least 15 inches long Cut the top of the loop and then tie the ends into a double knot This secures your weaving 10 Celebrate your fine handiwork If you enjoyed this with yarn you can try a mini version with embroidery thread and make a pendant out of it You can also make a round loom and weave a drink coaster For younger children make the warp strings an inch apart and have them weave thicker yarn Instead of a needle tape the end of the yarn to a popsicle stick The possibilities are endless

Cardboard Weaving Loom CraftCraft

by reCREATEorg

53

Sometimes you want to have your very own Lion Tiger or Bear (oh my) for a pet but you just cannot find an adoption center that will let you bring one home Well we have the next best thing Here is a detailed how-to on creating your very own Creature Keepsake Box

To start things off youll need something to use for the body of your Animal I used a Tea Tin which we have readily available at ReCREATE however any box with a lid that removes from the top will work Scrap fabric ribbon shipping foam all make great materials for crafting a creature

You will needbull A tea -tin or a boxbull a cardboard ribbon spoolbull thin cardboard (like a cereal box)bull fabric or felt googly-eyes or your choice of object for eyes and any other accessories you wish your animal to have Use your imagination bull What can you use to create a mane for a lion Scales for a fishFirst figure out what animal you want to make for the purpose of this article we will be making a parrot and using a tea tin but any box will work

Measure the circumference (around the body ndash or box) and the height of the body to see how long and tall a piece of felt or fabric you will need Once you cut out the piece glue around the body The seam where the two ends meet should be on the backside of your animal

You will then need to trace the lid onto the fabric and cut out the square Once you have cut it out glue it onto the lid taking care not to get glue on the space where the lid restsNext use the ribbon spool to trace two circles that you will cut out and glue to either side of the spool This will be your parrot head Glue the eyes on either side

Now you need wings and a tail On the thin cardboard trace out two teardrop shapes for wings and a triangle for the tail The thicker part of the teardrop will be the shoulders of the wings

Trace three shapes onto the fabric or felt you wish and cut out and glue them down to the cardboard so they will be stiffTo make the wings tail and crest look like they have 3-d feathers on them cut out multiple colored scalloped pieces and layer them where you like with glue between each layer If you layer many pieces for the top of the head (the crest) it will stand upright and you will not need cardboard To make a beak use the same technique as the wings and tail

Once all the parts are completely dry glue the head on top of the lid upright like a birds head sits The wings will be attached on the sides and the tail on the seam of the back Hot glue will be necessary for this part

Now you have your very own Animal Friend to keep your special stuff safe

Craft

How to make your very own keepsake box - disguised as an animal

by reCREATEorg

54

We Asked You Answered Featured Facebook Questions

Do you ever find it socially difficult to be greenbull Two-Sisters ldquoyes on sooo many levels not just recyclingbut making your own clothesusing a clothesline instead of a dryerpulling a wagon to the storebringing our own bags to the storepacking kids lunches in mason jarsetcitrsquos very hard for our society to embrace any of these ideasthey think ldquowersquorerdquo the odd ones itrsquos sadrdquo

bull Kate Queensland ldquoSocially no Financially sometimesrdquo

bull Green Grandma ldquoAll the time Slowly but surely Irsquom starting to see the tide change in the people around me Irsquom even teaching an adult Sunday School series about why Christians should care about the environment and itrsquos going quite well All these little drops in the bucket add uprdquo

bull Michelle Lloyd ldquoYes It really stinks being called ldquoone of those peoplerdquo when Irsquom just trying to protect my daughter and the environment Itrsquos especially hard when other parents are giving their kids junk food and my daughter wants to know why she canrsquot have any Or when they try and give her candy and I decline I feel like Irsquom depriving her of something but I know what Irsquom doing is right sighrdquo

bull Kristine Munroe-Mahoney ldquoNot usually Every now and then we get an awestruck reaction to our commitment to composting and our cloth diaper stash but never criticisms or difficultiesrdquo

bull Shannon Huffman ldquoyes sometimes when I ask where the recycle container is people will roll their eyes Used to bug me but now I just take stuff home to my recycling instead of leave itrdquo

bull Brianna Lebrecht ldquoI try to surround myself with people who wouldnrsquot have any sort of a negative reaction But I have met people who have given me a hard time about a lot of the green things I do- cloth diapering breastfeeding making my own cleaning supplies and detergents etc- including some family members I take those opportunities to smile and share some friendly knowledge like how much money Irsquom saving how much longer said things last and what chemicals Irsquom avoidingrdquo

4733182

55

Like us on facebook

What is one ldquogreenrdquo lesson you hope to teach your childbull Kelly Kindig ldquoTread lightly upon the earthrdquo

bull Patina Waterstreet ldquoThat reusing toysclothesetc is more lsquogreenrsquo than buying new products marked lsquogreenrsquordquo

bull Hana Haatainen Caye ldquoThat God called us to care for the earth and it is our privileged responsibility to do just thatrdquo

bull Stephanie Colacitti ldquoto love our planet and to take care of itrdquo

photo submitted by Kristen Brundige daughter Kaia - age 2

55

Like us on facebook

What is one ldquogreenrdquo lesson you hope to teach your childbull Kelly Kindig ldquoTread lightly upon the earthrdquo

bull Patina Waterstreet ldquoThat reusing toysclothesetc is more lsquogreenrsquo than buying new products marked lsquogreenrsquordquo

bull Hana Haatainen Caye ldquoThat God called us to care for the earth and it is our privileged responsibility to do just thatrdquo

bull Stephanie Colacitti ldquoto love our planet and to take care of itrdquo

photo submitted by Kristen Brundige daughter Kaia - age 2

56

Sign up today visit wwwterracyclecom

Hey Parents and TeachersWant a free way to help the environment while earning money for charity and teaching your kids about recycling

Participating Products

community groups

schools non-profits

TerraCycle is looking for schools individuals and community groups

across the United States to help us collect drink pouches cookie

wrappers and other non-recyclable packaging and products

Well award two points to the school community group or non-profit of your choice for

every piece of packaging you collect

For every piece of packaging you collect We make affordable eco-friendly products from your waste

Capri Sun and the Capri Sun pouch are a trademark of the Deutsche Si-Si-Werke GmbH amp Co Betriebs KGTrademarks of Frito-Lay North America Inc used under license (c) 2011

TerraCyclereg the TerraCycle Logoreg and Brigadereg are all property of TerraCycle Inc used under license copy2011 wwwterracyclecom

57

The Green U Festival is a day of learning playing and talking about ways to begin or enhance living a green lifestyle Presented by the Huntsville Botanical Garden Regions Bank and Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Alabama this family-friendly festival is held annually in Alabama

This ldquoFestival for the Environmentrdquo provides educational classes demonstrations and hands-on activities that exemplify the small steps we can all incorporate into our lives each day to live a greener more sustainable lifestyle In addition to music a farmers market classes and activities there are also organizations and businesses on-hand showcasing products and services that will help keep our planet beautiful for years to come Demonstrations include composting classes rain barrel demonstrations the best in green living and home improvement ideas that are not only good for the environment but can also help you save money and so much more Additional activities include a rock-climbing wall paddleboard demonstrationsand eco-activities for children of all ages

If you are in the Huntsville Alabama area you can join in the fun on Saturday August 27th from 9am ndash 3pm at the Huntsville Botanical Garden For more information please visit wwwgreenualabamacom

Remember Green U = Green You

Green Uwwwgreenualabamacom

57

The Green U Festival is a day of learning playing and talking about ways to begin or enhance living a green lifestyle Presented by the Huntsville Botanical Garden Regions Bank and Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Alabama this family-friendly festival is held annually in Alabama

This ldquoFestival for the Environmentrdquo provides educational classes demonstrations and hands-on activities that exemplify the small steps we can all incorporate into our lives each day to live a greener more sustainable lifestyle In addition to music a farmers market classes and activities there are also organizations and businesses on-hand showcasing products and services that will help keep our planet beautiful for years to come Demonstrations include composting classes rain barrel demonstrations the best in green living and home improvement ideas that are not only good for the environment but can also help you save money and so much more Additional activities include a rock-climbing wall paddleboard demonstrationsand eco-activities for children of all ages

If you are in the Huntsville Alabama area you can join in the fun on Saturday August 27th from 9am ndash 3pm at the Huntsville Botanical Garden For more information please visit wwwgreenualabamacom

Remember Green U = Green You

Green Uwwwgreenualabamacom

58

Your Green Child

Emma Kate age 2Collin age 35Skyler age 4

Julia age 5 Taylor age 4Camille age 15mo

59Laura Bethany age 2

Coral age 7 Kaia age 25 Sophia amp Chrisopher age 3 (twins)

Natayla age 10 Sky age 4 Lavendar age 18moAlycesaundra age 3

Daisy Mae age 18mo

60

photo submitted by Danielle Rosa Collin age 35

59Laura Bethany age 2

Coral age 7 Kaia age 25 Sophia amp Chrisopher age 3 (twins)

Natayla age 10 Sky age 4 Lavendar age 18moAlycesaundra age 3

Daisy Mae age 18mo

60

photo submitted by Danielle Rosa Collin age 35

60

photo submitted by Danielle Rosa Collin age 35

61

Toxic Cleaning Bad for the Environment and Your Family

Did you know the average American uses 40 pounds of toxic household cleaning products each year

These cleaning products arenrsquot just terribly detrimental to the environment they can negatively affect the health of you and your family members Think about how you use cleaning products they are sprayed into the air poured into sinks flushed down toilets and dumped into landfills When put into landfills or incinerated the noxious ingredients from the cleaning products seep into soil and water and cause harm to people and animals The harmful ingredients in cleaning products contain carcinogens heavy metals and nervous system depressants that contribute to allergy problems respiratory issues and even cancer Keep your family safe by making the switch to all natural non-toxic cleaning products Items that are found in common household kitchens can be used as eco-friendly cleaning alternatives Baking soda cornstarch isopropyl alcohol lemon juice and vinegar can all do double duty as natural cleaners The eco-conscious options for cleaningproducts available in grocery stores keeps growing so as a consumer it is becoming just as easy to pick up a non-toxic cleaning product when shopping

A common worry when making the switch to all natural cleaners is they wonrsquot work as well as the tried and true brands and products we have grown up with and become accustomed to The truth is that often times plain old soap and water is the best cleaner of them all and even the big name cleaning products canrsquot compete Chemical cleaners can actually breed ldquosuper bacteriardquo that is resistant to soap and water Toxic cleaning products warn you not to inhale or get near your eyes because they are so hazardous to your health There are many eco-friendly products that you could safely ingest without harming your body Also keep in mind that mixing chemical cleaners can be extremely harmful or even deadly Mixing cleaners made with natural ingredients is not only safe but it can sometimes make them even more powerful

Make the switch to all natural cleaners to reduce the harm done to you your family and the environment Using products from the earth wonrsquot damage the earth the way toxic chemicals will Yoursquoll feel better knowing yoursquore being environmentally responsible in helping the water soil and air stay clean for your children their children and the generations to come

62

Matthew Evans is the founder of Discover Green an organization he started almost three years ago as an initiative to ldquodo somethingrdquo This not-for-profit organizationhas had over 1600 youth volunteers participate in over 300 events registering almost 7200 volunteer hours since its inception

In 2008 Matthew and four of his friends came up with the idea for birthday party designed for more than just getting gifts It was at this time that the first ldquoTeen Green Party with a Purposerdquo was held The group had more fun than they anticipated and soon learned that other teens were interested in having a party with a service project too Matthew then decided to start Discover Green as a way to support more projects and parties

Eco Kids Discover Green

After almost three years in service this teen-led organizing is taking its initiative to the next level Through the JCPenney Cares program grant they will initiate a new round of programs that will includebull An international web-based coach training program to help others host a Teen Green Party with a Purposebull Working with Early Childhood Educators through education curriculums and sapling plantingsbull Supporting team building for military youth with Teen Green Parties with a Purposebull Bringing service projects to schools through 4-H Urban programs and school districts

Based out of Texas this youth-led environmental movement is dedicated to raising community awareness of environmental and global issues empowering students to take action through environmentally focused projects and improving the quality of the environment in their community

63

This fall Matthew will be heading off to college and his 13 year-old sister Sarah will be taking the helm Matthew will still be part of the organization as a board memberadvisor

If you would like to know more about this amazing group of kids check them out at wwwdiscovergreenyelorg

62

Matthew Evans is the founder of Discover Green an organization he started almost three years ago as an initiative to ldquodo somethingrdquo This not-for-profit organizationhas had over 1600 youth volunteers participate in over 300 events registering almost 7200 volunteer hours since its inception

In 2008 Matthew and four of his friends came up with the idea for birthday party designed for more than just getting gifts It was at this time that the first ldquoTeen Green Party with a Purposerdquo was held The group had more fun than they anticipated and soon learned that other teens were interested in having a party with a service project too Matthew then decided to start Discover Green as a way to support more projects and parties

Eco Kids Discover Green

After almost three years in service this teen-led organizing is taking its initiative to the next level Through the JCPenney Cares program grant they will initiate a new round of programs that will includebull An international web-based coach training program to help others host a Teen Green Party with a Purposebull Working with Early Childhood Educators through education curriculums and sapling plantingsbull Supporting team building for military youth with Teen Green Parties with a Purposebull Bringing service projects to schools through 4-H Urban programs and school districts

Based out of Texas this youth-led environmental movement is dedicated to raising community awareness of environmental and global issues empowering students to take action through environmentally focused projects and improving the quality of the environment in their community

63

This fall Matthew will be heading off to college and his 13 year-old sister Sarah will be taking the helm Matthew will still be part of the organization as a board memberadvisor

If you would like to know more about this amazing group of kids check them out at wwwdiscovergreenyelorg

63

This fall Matthew will be heading off to college and his 13 year-old sister Sarah will be taking the helm Matthew will still be part of the organization as a board memberadvisor

If you would like to know more about this amazing group of kids check them out at wwwdiscovergreenyelorg

64

65

As environmentally-conscious parents we want to help our children leave a positive impact on the Earth One of the best predictors of future behavior is identity - how people define themselves How a person believes him - or her - self to be influences how they behave Identity can change throughout a lifespan based upon experiences and roles taken on but many future beliefs about the self begin in early childhood So what can you do to help your child develop an environmentalist identity The First Step - Talk a Green StreakBabies from birth listen to the sounds that people around them make As they get older they attempt to copy the sounds they have heard often Describing to your infants what you are doing and why you are doing it teaches them language and teaches them the words that are used often in your home and in your lives Verbalizing your green behaviors as your children listen can help them learn about the environmental practices of your lives

Toddler and On - Explain and ModelWhen your children are old enough get them involved in the environmental practices of your home and community Asking them to put their recyclables in the bin or to help you bring the recycling container to the curb can demonstrateearly on the activities involved in good environmental habits in the home Especially important is telling your children what they are good at - children can learn their identity from what you tell them Telling your children that they are ldquogood at recyclingrdquo or ldquogreat at saving electricityrdquo can help those things to become part of their identity Make sure to explain the things you do in language that they can understand at each age Children learn best by watching a model and then imitatingthe behavior they observed Model the behaviors for your child that you want them to practice on their own Show them the steps involved and tell them about the satisfaction you feel upon completing the activity Avoid using reinforcements (eg candy or small toys) for completing these tasks because children will learn to do the tasks for candy rather than for the satisfaction it gives them

Model environmental behaviors your children will behave as you do Take them outside and play with them to create a love for the outdoors Spend family vacations doing environmentally-positive activities such as investigating a local naturalist area or participating in a neighborhood gardening activity Get your childrenrsquos friends involved as often as possible as friends will become important in developing their identity in later years Identity development is a lifelong process but laying the foundation for an environmental identity can help your children learn to enjoy positive environmental behaviors and activities without your suggestion Making the experiences fun and positive will leave the strongest impact on your children and their identities

Liz Wright is a mom wife environmentalist psychology professor and doctoral candidate She lives in San Antonio TX with her husband Mike son Silas and their two dogs Ivy and Jasmine She writes about natural parenting and household issues in her blog Mama Around The House

(httpmamaaroundthehouseblogspotcom)

Be Green Rather Than Go Green - Identity

and EnvironmentalismBy Liz Wright

66

Heading to Chicago Be sure to check out the largest indoor green wall in the city at the Chicago Embassy Suites Lakefront

Embassy Suites part of Hilton Worldwide has made a commitment to go green This 720 square foot eco-friendly living wall installed by Ambius in the hotel lobby is part of the hotelrsquos overall effort for sustainability A green wall which is sometimesreferred to as a living wall or vertical green is a wall that is often free standing but sometimes part of a building and is covered with a vegetation faccedilade ldquoThe living wall is planted with 3840 plants which represent six speciesrdquo said Denise Eichmann Ambius Project Development North America Senior Project Manager in a statement Syed Hasan General Manager for Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Lakefront also said ldquoNot only is our green wall beautiful to behold but it actively improves the lifestyle of people in urban environments as the average person spends a majority of their time in-doors Our green wall also assists in reducing noise levels as plants absorb sound and improve energy efficiency by moderatingindoor temperatures and humidity levelsrdquo

ldquoThis green wall provides clean oxygen indoors equivalent to 16 fourteen-foot-tall treesrdquo adds Eichmann Hasan also states that the hotel has a commitment to sustainability and continues to focus on their carbon footprint The hotel monitors the water they use every day the CO2 they expend the waste they generate and the electricity they use The hotel also has an energy conservation program in place to help reduce our carbon emissions They are in the process of starting a re-cycling program for all guest rooms as the economy improves

wwwchicagoembassycom

Eco Hotel

Chicago Embassy Suites

67

Some of the products that we offerHand salves Healing salves babyrsquos butt cream Babyrsquos Butt foaming wash solution Mommyrsquos Belly cream eczema relief cream flea and tick preventativetreatment for dogs room and body spraysache and pain relief for nursing moms diaper pail freshener and more

Everything that is made by Earthly Remedies is done so without the use of chemicals Babyrsquos Butt products are cloth diaper safe

Mention this ad with your order and receive a free lip balm

Owner Erin Ethier | 5185343003 | infoearthlyremediesbyerincomwwwearthlyremediesbyerincom

Look for me on Facebook

Committed to providing organic chemical-free products

68

Look Listen Read

My Forever Dress By Harriet Ziefert My Forever Dress tells a wonderful story of a grandmother making a dress for her beloved granddaughter As the years go on they change and shift the dress to meet the needs of the little girl without wasting resources or buying new materials when not necessary This book emphasizes the importance of reusing recycling and giving to others when you no longer have use of an item My Forever Dress touches on social emotional and eco-friendly issues

Baby Blanket Music Soothing Lullaby Arrangements of Songs Made Famous by Madonna Baby Blanket Music takes your favorite songs by your favorite artists and arranges them just right so that now they can be your babyrsquos favorites too BBM supports eco-friendly materials and practices

Think Green By Jeanine Behr Getz Think Green is a wonderful book that encourages children to think about ways they can actively help the Earth Using relatable characters this book offers examples of green ideas and green actions It is empowering for children to see ways that they can be green even with the smallest of actions It also gives the opportunity for discussion and for children to share their own ideas

Think Green is a product of Kids Think Big Kids Think Big has recently launched its literacy program to encourage an environmental conversation in elementary schools using Think Green as a learning tool Their goal is to have Think Green available to all students through their elementary school libraries

69

Creative results-driven services from an eco-conscious professional with over 10 years of experience

Copywriting Engage your audience through creative and technical Web content blogs articles advertisements and comprehensive case studies

Social Media and SEOConnect with consumers and businesses through innovative social media and search engine optimization strategies that deliver results

Filmmaking Develop creative and commercial videos with top-of-the-line equipment from an award-winning writer-director-producer who holds an MFA from the American Film Institute Conservatory

Clients includebull Oprahcom bull Stand Up To Cancer (non-profit that has raised more than $200 million for cancer research)bull Movieclipscom (one of TIME Magazinersquos ldquo50 Best Websites of 2010rdquo)bull Peter Greenberg Worldwide (Americarsquos most recognized front-line travel news journalist)bull Film Independent (home of the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards)

Visit Wendy on the Web at wwwwendywegnercom

or email her for a quote at wendywendywegnercom

WENDY WEGNER bull WRITING SERVICES

Wendy Ad for Green Child Magazine_v2indd 1 7202011 53528 PM

-Dye Free -Naturally Scented -No fillers -Cleans and deodorizes -No enzymes or optical brighteners -Easy rinsing formula-Easy rinsing formula-Perfect for cloth diapers-Great for sensitive skin-Recyclable packaging-HE compatible-Great for all water types-100 Phosphate free --Great for kidrsquos clothes -Economical at pennies per load

wwwRockinGreenSoapcomUse coupon code ldquoGreenChildrdquo for 15 off your first order

babies rock stains donrsquotit takes a baby 36 seconds to ruin an outfit put the gentle smackdown on stains with natural ingredients and serious attitude

69

Creative results-driven services from an eco-conscious professional with over 10 years of experience

Copywriting Engage your audience through creative and technical Web content blogs articles advertisements and comprehensive case studies

Social Media and SEOConnect with consumers and businesses through innovative social media and search engine optimization strategies that deliver results

Filmmaking Develop creative and commercial videos with top-of-the-line equipment from an award-winning writer-director-producer who holds an MFA from the American Film Institute Conservatory

Clients includebull Oprahcom bull Stand Up To Cancer (non-profit that has raised more than $200 million for cancer research)bull Movieclipscom (one of TIME Magazinersquos ldquo50 Best Websites of 2010rdquo)bull Peter Greenberg Worldwide (Americarsquos most recognized front-line travel news journalist)bull Film Independent (home of the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards)

Visit Wendy on the Web at wwwwendywegnercom

or email her for a quote at wendywendywegnercom

WENDY WEGNER bull WRITING SERVICES

Wendy Ad for Green Child Magazine_v2indd 1 7202011 53528 PM

-Dye Free -Naturally Scented -No fillers -Cleans and deodorizes -No enzymes or optical brighteners -Easy rinsing formula-Easy rinsing formula-Perfect for cloth diapers-Great for sensitive skin-Recyclable packaging-HE compatible-Great for all water types-100 Phosphate free --Great for kidrsquos clothes -Economical at pennies per load

wwwRockinGreenSoapcomUse coupon code ldquoGreenChildrdquo for 15 off your first order

babies rock stains donrsquotit takes a baby 36 seconds to ruin an outfit put the gentle smackdown on stains with natural ingredients and serious attitude

70

Charlie Bananareg is an international luxury brand of modern cloth diapers and eco-friendly baby products Charlie Bananareg was created out of a love for eco-friendliness quality and design They design and manufacture everything with reducingwaste in mind People live in a world full of chemicals full of items that do not always deliver what they promise There is a global lack of eco-friendly modern design and such a waste of resources Many people do not realize the full extent of the chemicals they apply on themselves and on their children - from food cosmetics clothing personal hygiene and cleaning products they use Charlie Bananareg wanted to make something truly unique and to promote items that are basic but so much better for the health of the whole family for our world and for everyonersquos wallet

After years of research development and testing Charlie Bananareg is very confident in and proud of their range of products They have carefully selected every fabric and use Oeko-Tex suppliers wherever possible Their true goal is to convince 50 of mothers to use reusable diapers and productsfor their children

Charlie Bananareg diapers are a 2 in 1 Eco Diapering System a comfortable cloth diaper lined with a soft layer of fleece and parents have the option to stuff it with a washable or disposable insert

People love cloth diapers for their many benefits However many cloth-diapering parents still buy disposable diapers for certain occasions such as holidays and drop-offs with grandparents

Charlie Bananareg diapers are a ldquo2-in-1rdquo reusable diaper system Itrsquos a cloth diaper but with a smart front panel that gives you the option of tucking in a disposable pad for those special occasionsWith Charlie Bananareg diapers you get the best of both diaper worlds

wwwcharliebananacom

71

find us on facebook

72

73

74

A blog community celebrating healthier and greener living

with a good dose of common senseFrom what you put on your babiesrsquo bottoms to what you put in their

mouths mdash along with tips on how toldquogreen uprdquo the whole household

Product reviews giveaways guestposts cleaning tips and personalglimpses into what it is like to be a

green grandma

httpthegreengrandmablogspotcom

GreenGrandmaAd_quarterPgLayout 1 31011 1207 AM Page 1

Sell our award-winning books and gifts in your community

Set your own hours earn great commissions and get exclusive

offers Become a Barefoot Books Ambassador today

Work from home

Tammy Bristol Barefoot Books Ambassador Leader

GettingBarefootgmailcomwwwGettingBarefootcom

75

wwwpoppy-seed-designcom 3344625089

Custom designed cards amp invitations

birthday holiday name cards announcements

wedding invitations stationery business cards

76

77

Inspired by her belief that it is our responsibility to encouragethe creativity innate in each child Sharon Blumberg mom of three artist and designer is the founder of CHOOZE Blumberg being a woman entrepreneur business owner and activist feels strongly about the idea that business has the power to create change in the world

The inspiration behind the line came from one of Blumbergrsquosthree kids Ayla who never wanted to wear the same shoes Blumberg took this expression of her daughterrsquos creativity and ran with it creating a shoe line for children who want to express themselves through their attire CHOOZE are different Always The right shoe is never the same as the left allowing children to celebrate their individuality and CHOOZE which shoes they want to wear

The childrenrsquos footwear line is a collection of shoes with subtle differences in pattern or colors between the right and left shoe Taking insight from many moms and kids into consideration when developing CHOOZE some guidingprinciples Blumberg followed include 100 machine washable memory foam insoles for comfort and all vegan materials The shoes retail between $45 and $48 and are available in sizes 10 to 5T and youth sizes 11 at wwwchoozeshoescom

The brandrsquos environmental awareness extends beyond only using vegan materials in manufacturing into the packaging of the product Blumberg has chosen to use shoe hangers made of recycled cardboard and alternative packaging to minimize waste

Blumbergrsquos determination to empower and create change in the world has lead CHOOZE to invest 100 of profits in anti-poverty programs By investing all profits in programs that enable women to bring their families out of poverty CHOOZE helps provide the capital needed to create sustainable change in communities all over the world

ldquoOur shoes wonrsquot change the world The kids who wear them willrdquo

CHOOZE Shoeswwwchoozeshoescom

77

Inspired by her belief that it is our responsibility to encouragethe creativity innate in each child Sharon Blumberg mom of three artist and designer is the founder of CHOOZE Blumberg being a woman entrepreneur business owner and activist feels strongly about the idea that business has the power to create change in the world

The inspiration behind the line came from one of Blumbergrsquosthree kids Ayla who never wanted to wear the same shoes Blumberg took this expression of her daughterrsquos creativity and ran with it creating a shoe line for children who want to express themselves through their attire CHOOZE are different Always The right shoe is never the same as the left allowing children to celebrate their individuality and CHOOZE which shoes they want to wear

The childrenrsquos footwear line is a collection of shoes with subtle differences in pattern or colors between the right and left shoe Taking insight from many moms and kids into consideration when developing CHOOZE some guidingprinciples Blumberg followed include 100 machine washable memory foam insoles for comfort and all vegan materials The shoes retail between $45 and $48 and are available in sizes 10 to 5T and youth sizes 11 at wwwchoozeshoescom

The brandrsquos environmental awareness extends beyond only using vegan materials in manufacturing into the packaging of the product Blumberg has chosen to use shoe hangers made of recycled cardboard and alternative packaging to minimize waste

Blumbergrsquos determination to empower and create change in the world has lead CHOOZE to invest 100 of profits in anti-poverty programs By investing all profits in programs that enable women to bring their families out of poverty CHOOZE helps provide the capital needed to create sustainable change in communities all over the world

ldquoOur shoes wonrsquot change the world The kids who wear them willrdquo

CHOOZE Shoeswwwchoozeshoescom