Field Notes: Preparation

We are back from our first family vacation! A wedding necessitated that we travel to Lexington, Kentucky so we made it an adventure. Our stops consisted of: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the Newport Aquarium, the Keeneland Derby, the Explorium of Lexington, the Louisville Zoo, and the restaurants along the way that allowed me to eat vegan (and aim for gluten free).

Preparation for the trip was extensive, since we knew there were dietary considerations and we are a low-tech family. Because we (purposefully) don't own a GPS, my husband printed off a detailed itinerary, including maps to and from each stop.

We also (purposefully) don't own a portable DVD player. To keep the kids occupied I compiled "adventure" kits for the kids including: a map with our routes outlined and stickers at our stop spots, reusable sticker books, a sketchbook to use as an "explorer journal" and draw pictures of our travels and tape in tickets stubs and such, eco-crayons, twisty pencils, stickers, coloring and activity books. I wrapped all of these in reused packaging paper and labeled them with numbers to be opened periodically throughout the trip and keep the kids busy.

Finally, we thought about food. I researched (using Google and Happy Cow) vegan restaurants in the areas we would be traveling, studied the menus, and decided which would be best for our needs. A couple days prior to the trip, a went to the local health food store and stocked up on snacks like gluten free pretzels, lara bars, organic snack mix, etc...We took a cooler for fruit and cold snacks and this helped keep us from compromising out food choices, spending too much money, or getting on an unhealthy track.

I'll post more later this week on the specific restaurants we visited.

What are your tips for keeping your travels family and earth friendly?

Art As Wrapping Paper

My boys have gone hog wild for water color lately. With each masterpiece I ensure that they use both sides of the paper before moving on, yet I am still left with lots of colorful scraps headed for the recycle bin.

Except for these. They instead became the wrapping paper and birthday card for a little girl's birthday party this week. If you ask me, it's far more charming than anything one could find in a store.

How do you get creative with artwork?

A Garden of Their Own

We may have to pare back on our gardening plans for this year, but I still wanted my boys to be part of the action with a garden of their own. I have grand visions of what this could be someday. Most of these are inspired by the adorable book, "Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children"

However, in effort to not forsake good for perfect (which the Happiness Project had a great post on this week), I am giving them the front of an already existing (and pitifully empty) flower bed. I wanted to include them in the planning process as well. For us, this isn't just about having veggies and pretty flowers, but also raising children who understand the process of gardening and its importance in our householding.

So I drew them out a rough picture of the garden bed (on the back of an old school paper). Once I had made my selection and had my order ready from my seed catalogs, I turned the flower pages over to them, along with some scissors and glue, and let them create their masterpiece.

This project was so good for us in so many ways. They got to be involved in our family gardening process, work with each other, and use their fine motor skills and attention spans. Tucker even told me what a good time he had.

How are you including your kids in the spring activities this year?

P.S. Sorry for the awful lighting. As my children wake up around 5 am, most of our activities are done in the dark.

Our Holiday Giving

There is a lot of chatter out there in the green interweb about gifting. Where to buy? What to buy? If to buy? There are so many opinions and perspectives out there to consider...and as this is my blog...let me give you a few more. Here is my take on our family holiday gifting.

• Probably our most controversial gift policy by far is our policy for the kids. We only get the kids 3(ish) things. 1. Is a fun gift of their choice. I try to get this fair trade/recycled/handmade if possible. 2. Is an educational gift-sometimes of their choice. Same story here. 3. A gift to a charity or gift of volunteering-eventually of their choice as they get old enough. Our thinking here is that our kids will get plenty of gifts and will inevitably have the most fun with the box. We feel the gift of sustainable thinking every year is one in and of itself.
• On the topic of regifting: I do it. I think it's a good idea if it is done with thoughtfulness. So if you are on my gift list, you may be regifted. But please know I do it with the very best intentions for you and the planet. If I can't regift it and I won't use it/love it-it gets consigned to someone who will. No offense.
• We have taken to giving all our extended family, photographs for Christmas. The year we started, we gave a nice frame with them and each year we refill the frame. This allows us to keep to a budget and be environmentally conscious at the same time we bring joy (hopefully) to our family.
• If you read regularly, you know that I don't like to buy new, but I realize sometimes it's the "best" option. When I have to do it, I try to do good with it. I buy local, handmade, organic, recycled, or from someone like Ethical Superstore, or through something like igive which allows you to make a donation with each purchase.
• This is the first year we have done an advent calendar and the boys LOVE it! I really adore the idea of advent calendar but hate the idea of purchasing nick nacks for each day. So I was thrilled when a friend gave me the idea to put a fun family activity in each day. So far we have had hot cocoa with peppermint stirrers, gone Christmas light spotting, send holiday cards to our friends, watched a Christmas movie, gone to a holiday parade, etc...Not only are we not buying more stuff, we are creating quality time and memories with our family.

I would love to hear from you on some of your creative holiday ideas that are great for your family and the Earth! What are you doing to have true spirit this holiday?

Staying Green and Healthy During Flu Season

Here in Michigan we are in the midst of a huge flu outbreak. Tucker's school is cancelled yesterday and today due to illness and everyone is in a tizzy over vaccinations, staying in, and staying well. We really aren't worrying about it that much in our house, but we are taking some basic, green, precautions to stay as healthy as we can. Whether you are a flu worrying fanatic or just someone who wants to stay as healthy as possible in every way possible, here are some things that are helping us:

• Start healthy. We try to always eat a balanced diet with lots of (organic when possible) fruits and veggies. Yogurt is a daily staple for everyone (Ok, almost everyone. I can't get my husband on board yet.) because it is filled with the good bacteria that helps keep your system balanced and restore your body to where it needs to be, especially if you are taking antibiotics. We all take multivitamins daily. The truth is, if you keep your immune system up, you are less likely to get sick even if you are exposed and if you do get sick, you will get over it quicker.
• Wash your hands. This is common sense right? But sometimes it's tough. Like yesterday when Tucker kept putting his hands in his mouth and I literally had to ask him to wash his hands with soap over 20 times. Also, the kind of soap you use is important too. There a lot of studies now saying that over using anti-bacterial soap may be weakening our immune systems. So try to get a soap that's as chemical free as possible. If you want a hand sanitizer on the go, try for something that will still do the job chemical free, like Babyganics hand sanitizer.
• Change your toothbrush. It's a good idea to regularly change your toothbrush anyway, but even more so when you or someone in the house has been sick. Try Preserve toothbrushes (for adults and kids) that are made out of recycled toothbrushes and try to recycle yours when possible.
• Get the chemicals out. This may seem counter intuitive when you are trying to stay healthy, but being surrounded by chemicals constantly can actually make you more sick and weaken your immune system. Kind of ironic if the very thing you are using to clean is making you sicker. I try to wipe down high traffic areas (faucets, light switches, computers, cell phones, door knobs) every day with vinegar and water and a microfiber cloth. Remember, vinegar is the original disinfectant.
• Try not to stress. Worry and stress will knock down your immune system. So take the precautions you can and then try to let it go.

What are you doing to stay green and healthy (which are basically the same thing right)? What more do you want to do?

I am wishing all of you the very best health this crazy season!

Come on Baby Light My Fire

Brrrr! It is COLD here in Michigan! And I hear rumors that it is going to be the coldest winter in 10 years. Yikes! I know I have mentioned that around here we heat primarily with wood stove. There are some definite positives to heating wood, especially when you heat (as we do) with fallen trees. But like anything, that can be debated.

Whether you heat primarily with wood, or you just like a nice toasty fire in your hearth, there are greener ways to light your fire. You can make your very own fire starters using materials found in nature.

• On a dry fall day gather small sticks, pine cones, pine needles, and dry leaves in a bucket.
• Wrap them in little bundles with paper-you can use newspaper, or I used packaging paper. Make sure each bundle has a little bit of everything and tie with raffia or small string.

These little packages serve as kindling and paper all in one and make a wonderful smelling, family and earth friendly alternative for starting cozy fires.

Has anyone tried this? Something similar?

Lessons in the Clouds

Photo credit

Tucker and I have a tradition of going on dates to the movie theater. I have always loved the movie theater, and this allows me to share that love with him. So we pack up our reusable straws and popcorn bucket and head to the show. This week we saw Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs which turned out not only to be a really fun movie for parents and kids alike, but is was strewn with little hidden lessons that are good for us and the planet. This is, of course, right up the Green Gracious alley. So here are a few of the lessons I gleaned and tried to pass onto (Tucker) and now you:

• Gluttony can be a really bad thing. It can make us unhealthy and divert our focus from the important things in life (which are mostly not things but people). In the movie this is about food, but really it can expand to anything (facebook anyone?).
• We need to be careful with our food. Food that has been mutated beyond recognition or for which you don't know the source can spell bad news.
• Creativity, not easy answers will brighten our sluggish economy. Green energy anyone?

Now did Tucker understand these things as I explained them to him and asked him questions about them? Probably not as much as I did. But that doesn't mean that he wasn't picking up anything. He probably (like most things) learned more then I give him credit for.

Did you see the movie? What did you think? Any lessons I missed? Any other green movie lessons hidden out there?

Ye Olde Toy Shoppe

As I mentioned last week, I try to limit birthday presents. But my mother-in-law shows her love through gifting so I hate to limit that love. I made compromise this year with the help of Ye Olde Toy Shoppe in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. It is near my in-laws place and it is chock-full of resale toys. Traditionally a collector's paradise, it is perfect for us because it allows Tucker to enjoy new-to-him toys without hurting (maybe actually helping) the planet and supporting a local business woman.

The walls are lined and layered with toy treasures. So much so that Tucker had trouble deciding. And while each toy is different, they all have one thing in common, they have been used and loved before and they have already made their imprint on the planet. Now it's time for a few of them to make an imprint on yet another child.

Do you have a place like this by you? Have you looked? If not, the internet is great for allowing you to buy resale. Craigslist and Ebay are great places to look even if you won't get that same magical feeling of being surrounded by a history of laughter and fun.

Ending the Birthday Brouhaha

As I have mentioned briefly, my oldest son, Tucker, celebrated his 4th birthday last week. We always celebrate Tucker's birthday in the same way. If it is a school day (as it was this year) he takes a vegetarian or vegan treat to school. This year it was cupcakes (you can use an egg replacer and they won't even know the difference!).

Later in the day we go as a family to the apple orchard (on Everett's, it's off to pick out our Christmas tree). This has become our tradition and it is joyously earth-friendly in a couple ways.

• It gets us outside and enjoying nature.
• It shows our kids where food really comes from.
• It allows us to stock up on apples to munch on a later cook together.
• And it helps build a tradition that is centered around time together, not stuff.

We do get each child one birthday present each year. Although, Tucker didn't get one for the first two years just because he didn't know any better. Tucker is now old enough to request a gift. He asked for Buzz Lightyear. I searched for a used one, but could not find one and ended up buying new because it was what he really wanted. The amount of packaging in this one relatively small toy reminded me why I avoid buying new at all costs. Last year we gave him a motorcycle we found at a garage sale for $20 and he has been riding it ever since!

Of course others will want to contribute. This year I had Nana take Tucker to a really cool resale toy shop near her (more on that tomorrow). And while you can't stop everyone from buying new things, you can curtail the present brouhaha a little bit.

• Ask for what they really need. Tucker often gets clothes because he is older and we don't have that size yet.
• Ask for gift cards. The kids can pick out what they really want or you can use them to do fun activities together like the local putt-putt, a movie etc...
• Ask friends and family to take your child (or you!) to do something. Spending time with someone always means more and memories will start to form with that person. An afternoon at the park can be even better then a plastic toy!
• Plant a tree or plant together if the season allows.
• If you do get gifts, reuse the wrapping. Set aside bags, tissue, even wrapping paper to use next time you have to give a gift. I even cut out the front of cards for art projects later.

Most importantly, change your mindset. Remember that the birthdays your kids will remember most aren't about presents, but time spent with people they love doing things they love. What simple ways and fun things have you done to celebrate with your kids?

Old is New Again

I know that I have reflected here on the glory of bringing back something from the past for use in the present.  This joy presented itself again in a surprise way this weekend when we visited a family friend.  Upon arriving at their house, Tucker promptly asked his default question, "Where are your toys?"  I tried explaining to Tucker that they may not have toys around (given that the youngest child is 23) to no avail.  Lucky for all of us that the oldest kid had kept all of his favorite toys, including the very first toy he ever picked out-a spiky two-headed dinosaur-and one of my brother's old toy's that was given to Tucker.

This abandoned Wolverine toy (which Tucker quickly named "Harry") was in perfect condition and instantly became a favorite.  A stamp on Harry tells us that he was made in 1991, making him 18 years old.  But this teenage toy brought as much joy to my son's face as if we had purchased it especially for him that day, maybe more because it was such a surprise.  

By keeping his toys, this man had kept trash out of the landfill, memories fresh in our minds, and brought renewed joy to yet another little boy.  Now I am not saying that you should keep every little thing.  I am a clutter buster and realize that it isn't practical to hang onto everything.  But perhaps stories like this will help us think twice before we buy the "latest and greatest" toy.  Will it hold up for 18 years?  Is it something we would want to give our children?  Could generations derive joy from it?  Maybe these few questions can help us decrease consumerism and waste while preserving memories and the Earth.

Sun Safety

The sun is shining and it is glorious.  But I have a confession to make.  My complexion is consistently that of pale and pasty and there is no getting around it.  I have learned to accept it.  I now realize that when I color myself with crayons, I can't use peach, but instead must use the palest of pinks.  I tell you all this to say that I need sunscreen, and my kids do too.  And we want to do it in a safe, non-toxic way.  

The sunscreen we have chosen is Alba Botanical Kids Waterproof SPF 32.  I chose this because it was cheap, effective for kids too, waterproof, high in SPF, and safe for us.  I love it for all those reasons and the fact that it smells great, has excellent coverage, and isn't greasy.  

But I know that the same thing doesn't work for everyone, so here are some other safe sunscreen options:

• Lavera
  
• Aubrey Organics
  
• Jason Natural
  

Has anyone else tried any of these?  Any other safe sunscreen suggestions?

Sprig Toy Review

I have been meaning to write a review on Sprig Toys for a while.  These cars, trucks, tractors, and even insects are made out of recycled plastic and wood and are kid (not battery) powered.  They are also shipped in very little recycled cardboard.  I got the Rally Racer for my youngest son for Christmas and both of my boys have been having a blast with it ever since.  

Kids can also log onto the website to download coloring pages and stories of their toys.  I can't wait to get my oldest one of these tractors because he is so into them right now.  It is an incredible feeling buying a toy for your children that they can enjoy, learn from, and benefit the Earth.   

Has anyone else seen these?  Has anyone purchased any of them?

A word on product review

10 Uses Tuesday: Coffee Filters

I haven't told you all this yet, but I took up a part-time job working at a golf course as a bar tender and server.  It gets me out of the house and social with other adults.  It's also a job strewn with wasteful behavior that I am working to curb, but more on that another day.  I tell you this now because last night at work, my silly coworker decided to put coffee filters on her head to be funny.  All I thought was, "Great, now we can't use those again."  But with today's 10 uses Tuesday on coffee filters, I have found 11 ways we could use the tainted coffee filters. 

I would add to #3 (the air freshener) that you could put a couple drops essential oil in with that baking soda for a really pretty smell.

For my own suggestion I found another great use for coffee filters that applies perfectly to my own life.  My son has been asking a lot about solar systems, planets, and the Earth orbiting the sun.  I got him some books on the subject, but I thought this project would be perfect to help him see it in a more tangible way.  You can make Earth pictures (and I would assume Sun as well with different paint) from coffee filters!  What better way to frame a conversation on reusing, conserving, helping Earth, etc...!?!  

Ok, I am ready for yours.   Bring 'em on!  What are your brilliant coffee filter uses?

10 uses Tuesday: Egg Carton

So on this Tuesday following Easter I thought it might be a good idea to focus on practical (and fun) uses for the many egg cartons that many of us probably have lying around.  So here are the 10 uses for egg cartons suggested by This Old House.

And I found these ADORABLE crafts that you can make with your kids to utilize egg cartons. Celebrate Spring with this pig and this bee.  Or make a bouqet of flowers, tulips, and roses.

Any brilliant egg carton uses?  How was your holiday if you celebrate?

The search for sippy

Our youngest, Everett had to switch over to sippy cups a few months ago.  This was a much easier process for him than it was for his brother.  But I was also much smarter about the sippy cups from a green perspective this time.

We opted for a plastic sippy cup because we needed something inexpensive and readily available to have in the diaper bag, his room, his brother's room, the fridge, the car, etc..

So I was thrilled when I discovered these sippy cups at Target that are BPA free and recyclable.  Everett loves them and we are pretty fond of them too.

I know sippies can be a personal thing and every kid has their preference.  If you are going for plastic, try to find something that is BPA-free, recyclable, and if possible, recycled.  There are also stainless steel cups, which are great because they are a whole lot less destructible and don't have to be replaced as often.

What are your favorite green sippy finds?  What kind do your kids use?  What do you wish you could find?