Written on
March 31, 2010 by
DianaP
A couple of weeks ago I explained the events that led to my decision to 1) reassess my life and 2) write this series about it. If you haven’t read that, I highly recommend it. (Of course I do, right? Right!) When you’re done just don’t forget to come back and visit me here.
I’m more than a little ashamed to admit that, despite my best efforts, there is a lot of packaging that runs through this house. Especially of the plastic variety. Over the years we’ve instituted all the simple, every day waste reduction methods we could think of.
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Written on
March 30, 2010 by
DianaP
It’s the week of Easter and I have to assume I am not the only procrastinator — er, busy mom — who does not yet have her kids’ Easter Baskets filled with goodies and awaiting the big morning. And you know, as much as I love all the online guides I find for eco-friendly Easter basket stuffers it seems every year I still find myself in the same position. Life takes precedence and for me that often means my kids’ baskets aren’t filled with organic cotton plush animals ordered in from an internet source, but rather with regular everyday commodities I’m able to find at stores locally as I run my usual errands.
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Written on
March 29, 2010 by
DianaP
This time of year eggs are a hot topic. One of the most frequently asked questions I hear among those who either raise their own or source farm-fresh, local eggs is whether or not brown eggs — the color most commonly laid in America’s backyard flocks — are suitable for dying. The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, brown eggs result in deep, rich hues that white shells just cannot compete with.
But how do you dye them without yucky commercial dye packets wrapped in yards of packaging waste? Well, naturally, of course.
Over the years we have experimented with many of those natural ways.
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I don’t know about you, but March is my least favorite month. In my part of the world, it’s not yet spring, but the lingering winter is no longer welcome; the crocuses try to unfold, just to be deadened by frost. Fog sets in, along with days of rain. Mud cakes boots. And all those best intentions I made back in January seem so very, very distant.
In short, by March, I could use a bit of a boost, so today, I’d like to share a few links with you all. The following are websites and blogs which inspire me to take those big (and small) steps toward a greener me.
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On March 27th at 8:30 p.m. cities and people all over the world are turning off their lives to help bring awareness to climate change. Last year more than 4,000 cities in 87 countries joined in. Over 300 cities just in the US went dark. This year will hopefully bring even more supporters.
To join in you can go to Earth Hour and sign up. Businesses, cities, and states can also join! It doesn’t get much easier than turning off your lights for one hour to help bring climate change awareness.
Here are some tips and ideas for this Earth Hour:
1.
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Written on
March 9, 2010 by
Amber
Since embarking on my green journey, I look at my product choices differently. Before buying something I ask myself about its environmental impact and ecological footprint. What is it made of, where does it come from, and how much packaging does it come with? Can I find it used, or borrow it? Every time that I spend money, it is as if I am casting a vote for a product and saying, “This is what I support.”
Most of the fabric in my clothing, bedding and towels is cotton. Cotton, of course, comes from the cotton plant, and so it is biodegradable and renewable.
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Written on
March 8, 2010 by
DianaP
Did you miss a daily dose of 5 Minutes for Going Green last week? Never fear, we’re here (with a recap!)
Asking’s One’s Self the Hard Questions kicked off a series in which I’ll be examining all the things I’m doing wrong in our family’s quest for The Green Life. And the way it came about was quite unexpected.
A couple weeks ago we invited another couple over for dinner and games. I’ve been friends with the wife for sometime but we hadn’t yet gotten together as couples more than a few times — her husband didn’t know me as well as she did and had no idea what it is that I do for a living.
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Written on
March 5, 2010 by
DianaP
I grew up in a small village (population: less than 400) in the middle of Michigan that is incredibly proud of its Irish heritage. It also just so happens that its local tavern holds the state’s oldest liquor license. Combine these two facts and what I have always known is a huge St. Patrick’s Day celebration; one with potato rolls, delicious beef stew and copious amounts of green beer. And if you didn’t get to the tavern early enough, they’d be out of all of the above. People would come from miles and miles around to celebrate. It was standing room only and the town’s fifteen parking spots on the one small block that made up “main street” were nowhere near enough to accommodate.
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Written on
March 3, 2010 by
SusanC
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a great way to support your local farmer and keep fresh vegetables on the table. Most CSA‘s work something like this:
Families (or single folk) buy a “share” (or two if you’re a large family)- ranging in price from say $400.00 to $800.00+ and each week you meet at a pick up location for your box of vegetables and fruits. Most CSA shareholders pay in installments, some take advantage of work-share options, and all pay a down payment of some sort. And that’s in part the beauty of CSA– because buyers pay the farmer upfront she can estimate how much to plant.
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Written on
March 2, 2010 by
SusanC
My husband and I are always busy with work, kids, our personal time, and sometimes it’s hard for us to make time for our relationship. But it’s always so rewarding when we do.
Since we don’t always have the money to go out for dinner or a movie, I like thinking of creative ways for us to share time together or with other adults in a playful and romantic way.
Last month I was dreaming up the perfect date night and come up with these fun ways to spend time together.
1) Have a potluck. Instead of heading to the restaurant, invite friends over for a candle light dinner; plan for a house large enough to accommodate kids with a movie and special dinner while the parents (adults) have a special night of conversation and cocktails.
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