Raising Them Green

The Green Mom Eco-cosm Revisited

Melissa — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:15:21 +0000

I was recently invited to participate in a survey of green moms in social media conducted by The Social Studies Group. Today, the organization released a comprehensive summary of the report, The Green Mom Eco-cosm Revisited, and I wanted to just provide you, the readers of Raising Them Green, with a little insight into what other green moms are up to.

The Green Moment
Do you know your green moment, that time in your life when things switched from conventional thought to a more eco-conscious thought process? I do – it came shortly after I had my son. It turns out that I’m not alone. More than half of the green moms surveyed, 54%, stated that becoming a mom was their “green moment” – that tipping point in their life when their environmental consciousness took over. Other answers include an educational experience (21%), family illness (10%), personal illness (7%), and a brush with activism (7%). What is your “green moment”?

Facebook and Twitter Reign Supreme
While all of the moms surveyed are active bloggers, we all also participate in a variety of social media outlets. I’m not surprised to see that Facebook and Twitter are the two most popular social media outlets for green moms with 83% participation in each. Just behind those two are commenting on other blogs, news, and web posts with 68% participation. What do you do in the social media realm?

Blogging and Doing
An interest part of the survey asked us what environmental choices and activities we do vs. what choices and activities with both do and blog about. Nearly all of those surveyed factor environmental issues into voting decisions but only one-fifth (approximately) actually blog about this. I’m in the majority here as I definitely factor environmental issues into my voting decisions but I don’t necessarily blog about these decisions.

On the other end of the spectrum is buying local. Nearly everyone surveyed tries to buy local and more than 80% of these moms also blog about buying local. I’m in this camp also. I definitely try to buy local and I discuss it when I do. Do you buy locally and do you blog about it?

This is just a quick summary of the report, for more information about what green mom bloggers are doing, download the entire report: The Green Mom Eco-cosm Revisited – A Survey of Green Moms in Social Media (PDF).

Waste Free School Lunches – Year Two

Melissa — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:41:34 +0000

Last year I wrote about our switch to a waste free school lunch. The kids enjoyed having their reusable snack bags and my oldest actually understood the environmental reasons behind a waste free school lunch. We managed to not lose any of the sandwich or snack bags and although we’re short a few spoons, we survived the first year of waste free school lunches relatively unscathed.

Now here we are, old pros at a waste free school lunch, and we’ve run into a few new bumps. New being the operative word. Each child wanted a new lunch bag. Since I strongly encouraged (i.e. made them) that they reuse their backpacks from the previous year I acquiesced on this point and bought each of them a new lunch bag. They tried to squeeze in a request for new snackTAXI reusable sandwich and snack bags but they weren’t successful. Instead, I used it as a learning opportunity to explain the reuse concept in more detail. My oldest gets it; my daughter wants a new pattern. She’ll get it in due time, though!

I recently wrote about the topic for the 1-800-Recycling.com Blog and in that post I’ve challenged parents everywhere to commit to a waste free school lunch this year. Obviously if you homeschool this isn’t necessarily a daily commitment for you but I have friends in homeschool groups that get together for activities outside of the house. If this fits you then I encourage you to make these get togethers waste free if they involve a lunch or a snack. Everyone can get involved in this challenge! Are you in?

Watch: Green Smoothies for Kids

Melissa — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:33:52 +0000

I’ve been contemplating the green smoothie craze for our family. A few years ago I purchased some Berry Green powder (not the cool gels) and made green pancakes, green muffins, green smoothies, etc. The kids were OK with it for awhile but eventually started to boycott my green food. I’ve been reading a lot about green smoothies lately and I’m thinking we’ll try it with real fruits and veggies instead of Berry Green. Plus my oldest is underweight again (nevermind the CDC BMI charts, he’s fallen way off of his own growth chart) and so I need to start creating power packed smoothies again.

Do you do green smoothies? Are these beginner tips a good place to start?

The Challenges of a Healthy School Lunch

Melissa — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:15:00 +0000

With childhood obesity at an all-time high and still on the rise, a healthy school lunch is more important in today’s age than ever before. While some parents focus on packing a healthy and preferably waste free school lunch for their children, not all families have this luxury. The nation’s free and reduced lunch program is responsible for feeding millions of American children and unfortunately the food offered in most of America’s schools is anything but healthy.

In this video, Chef Ann Cooper from Whole Foods discusses the five challenges of a healthy school lunch and introduces us to the School Lunch Revolution campaign.

What’s on Your School Lunch Menu?

Melissa — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:00:52 +0000

We’re furiously gearing up for back-to-school here in the Raising Them Green house and so I asked the kiddos what is on the school lunch menu and they quickly rattled off a few of their favorites. Here’s what we’re planning for school lunches this fall.

Ants on a log
Apples with peanut butter
Yogurt with granola
Celery, carrots and broccoli
Tomatoes (with yogurt to dip for my youngest)
Strawberries and blueberries
Turkey sandwich
Peanut butter and jelly
Bagels with cream cheese
Dried fruit and nuts to snack on

I have to say that this is not a bad list at all. No requests for cookies or pudding. No juice requests. I do need to make sure I get nitrate and nitrite free turkey (or is it one or the other, I forget) but that’s probably the worst thing on the list.

I try to mix things up a bit and get wraps or tortilla for the peanut butter and jelly or turkey sandwiches. I still cut the sandwiches into shapes from time to time. We mix up the dried fruit and nuts so they get some variety in there as well.

Now that you know my menu, I’d love for you to share yours. I’m always looking for new ideas.

Photo: ChrisReilly/Flickr

It’s Back-to-School Clothes Shopping Time

Melissa — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:00:04 +0000

This is the second in a series of posts on greening your back-to-school routine. This week I’m focusing on a more eco-conscious back-to-school clothes-shopping trip. The most eco-friendly back to school clothes are those that are reused. We all have kids and we know how quickly they grow. Depending on the kid, you can have some nearly new hand-me downs that have a full second life of use in them. Outfitting your child in hand-me downs from big sis is not only environmentally friendly it is also pocketbook friendly.

If you don’t have an older sibling, cousin, or family friend that can pass on her gently used clothing to your school-aged child, then the next best bet is to head to the local thrift or consignment clothing store. If you’ve never been to one and you’re concerned about quality and style, let me assure you that you can find the latest brands and styles in excellent (and sometimes new) condition at deeply discounted prices.

If you’re still not sold on reusing clothing then you can still make greener choices. Organic clothing has grown in popularity and can be found in retail stores across the nation. However, I encourage you to go beyond what the material is made of but to also look at how it is processed and even the environmental record of the brand. Sweatshop-free clothing is a must but also look at mom-made clothing. There are some really cute moms selling back-to-school fashions on Etsy.com.

Try handmade organic cotton kids clothing for back-to-school.

Thankfully it is easier to research a company’s environmental record today than it was even a few short years ago. Most major companies, including clothing companies, post an annual sustainability report on their website. You can also use third-party sources like Green America’s National Green Pages to scout out your favorite brands.

As the school year begins to ramp up, I encourage you to look beyond recycled school supplies and focus on other ways to green your back-to-school routine. Future articles in this series will include an update on our waste-free school lunch journey, green transportation, and even environmental education options.

Photo: humboldthead/Flickr

Watch: Recycled School Supplies

Melissa — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:00:02 +0000

If you’re getting ready for going back to school, whether your kids attend the local school or you are a homeschooling family, now is the time to look at greening your back to school routine. I will be writing several posts on an eco-friendly return to school over the next few weeks. Today’s topic is recycled school supplies and this video from Channel One News is a great introduction to what recycled products are out there.

Now here’s a question for all of you – are you considering the environment when purchasing your back to school supplies this year? If so, what are you doing to make this year different than last year?

Lead in Your Lipstick and Mercury in Your Mascara

Melissa — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:38:44 +0000

Did you know that your lipstick may contain lead and some brands of mascara have mercury? If not, learn more about lead in your lipstick and mercury in your mascara by reading my latest post at 1-800-Recycling, What’s in Your Lipstick?

Attention makeup wearers: Do you know what is in the lipstick you wear? A few years ago, an urban legend-type email went around asking women if they knew what was in their lipstick. Although Snopes.com has stated that this legend is mostly false, other watchdog organizations are concerned about lead in lipstick.

Green Teen Launches “Teenagers Care” Nonprofit

Melissa — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:11:51 +0000

After reading through this press release, it is obvious that Matt Pierce’s parents bought into the importance of Raising Them Green. Pierce is a green teen that launched the “Teenagers Care” nonprofit organization to raise money to help animals affected by the Gulf Oil Spill.

While I try to not copy and paste press releases in their entirety, this one includes an interview with Pierce and I feel that it is best read in its original format. Enjoy!

After a conversation with his dad about wanting to do something about the oil spill, teenager Matt Pierce started a non-profit called “Teenagers Care” to fundraise for animals suffering from this disaster. This one spark of an idea has spread in such a short time that, in less than two weeks, the organization has raised almost $5,000.

The spill just seems to get worse every day. It’s the hope of Matt, and other teenagers who care, that their efforts will help a little with the cleanup of the animals and beaches.

Where are you from, Matt?
I’m from Bradenton, Florida, and we live in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, in the summers. I attend Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey. I’m a very lucky teenager and really want to give back.

We have a local Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor where my brother Kevin has volunteered and we see a lot of wildlife and really felt we needed to do something about the oil-sickened animals in the Gulf. We get turtles in our yard all the time and see incredible birds and dolphins in Stone Harbor. Sarasota Bay near our house in Bradenton is an amazing place with pelicans, dolphins, and many other animals.

How do you feel about the Gulf oil spill?
It should have never happened. It’s a shame that the wildlife in the Gulf have to pay the price for BP’s carelessness. I can’t imagine oil on our beaches in Florida and Stone Harbor. When I see what has happened in the Gulf it makes me really wonder what we should be doing to help with our country’s energy problem. My generation has now seen the result of what can happen from off-shore drilling and why we need to find alternative energy sources.

What is your reaction when you see photos of birds covered in oil?
It’s hard to see majestic animals, such as the Brown Pelican, in such a state of distress and not do anything. I hope that through my fundraising efforts and by raising awareness with teens and adults that we can save the lives of many animals.

What kind of fundraisers have you been doing?
We have received some nice donations through our website and people have responded really well to our t-shirts. Some of the kids in Stone Harbor even had a lemonade stand yesterday and raised $127 in just 2 hours. They handed out free Teenagers Care/Help Clean Up The Spill wristbands. People have been very generous. I hope to raise a significant amount throughout the summer.

We love the pelican T-shirt. Who designed it?
I initially designed a t-shirt and my dad’s old company offered to enhance it for free. The response to the t-shirt has been very positive.

What has the response been to your idea to create Teenagers Care?
With Teenagers Care just starting up in the last two weeks the response has been amazing. I have learned an incredible amount in a very short time. This all started with a conversation my dad and I had driving on a trip to Washington, DC. I really wanted to do something about the oil spill and so far my friends and their friends have responded with great support.

How are you getting your friends to help?
My friends have been helping to sell and ship the t-shirts, solicit donations, send people to our Facebook page and the TeenagersCare.org website. They also have helped with brainstorming ideas for Teenagers Care. This weekend they will be helping at 4th of July events and throughout the summer to raise money for wildlife in the Gulf area.

How are you getting the word out about your organization?
Facebook has been a great resource. In just 10 days we have over 300 fans and 156,000 impressions. Our website has received 25,637 hits from over 11 countries in 2 weeks. It’s amazing how easy Register.com and Facebook are to work with. We also have been handing out free helpcleanupthespill.com and TeenagersCare.org wristbands driving people to the website.

How much have you collected so far?
In just under two weeks we have raised close to $5,000. Friends from around the country have offered to solicit donations. I would like to raise as much as $100,000 in the next few months.

Which animals are benefiting from your collection drive?
Initially we will be helping the Brown Pelican, through donations to local wildlife rehabilitation organizations. We also know that dolphins are in distress and plan to support grassroots groups that are saving them from the spill. We are in the midst of finalizing the first round of donations and groups benefiting from the effort.

What would you say to BP?
The oil rig should have never been placed into the Gulf if there were not functional fail-safe systems in place. It’s their responsibility to clean up the crisis that they have created and they should be held accountable for their actions. But, in the meantime, we as citizens must help wherever possible to save wildlife and clean up their habitat. BP just won’t be able to handle it all and people need to realize that fact. Louisiana alone has around 7000 miles of very jagged coastline not to mention the Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida coastlands. BP will need the help of local organizations to find animals and nature in distress.

Photo: lagohsep/Flickr

How to Become a Junior Park Ranger at Sunset Crater

Melissa — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:00:34 +0000

We are now one week out from our tour of Northern Arizona’s National Parks and the kids are still excited about becoming a Junior Park Ranger at Sunset Crater. The process was fun but also educational and so I encourage anyone that attends one of our nation’s National Parks to complete the Junior Ranger process with their children. Here is a quick run down on how to become a Junior Park Ranger at Sunset Crater.

Print out the Junior Park Ranger – Sunset Crater PDF file. If you don’t have a printer or end up at the National Park by chance, ask for a packet from the Visitor’s Center. Other children were piqued by what Alex and Ava were doing and asked for their own packet.
Fill out the first part of the packet. This includes reading and watching informational videos, displays, audio files, etc in the Sunset Crater Visitor’s Center. While listening to an audio file of the legend of the crater in the Hopi language, Ava gave me a perplexed look and said, “They’re speaking Spanish!” The audio files were presented first in the Native language of the various tribes of the region and then followed up with an English version.

Ava listening to a Hopi legend.

Interview a Park Ranger. We were able to complete this process in the Visitor Center but there were also Park Rangers on the trail. One of Alex’s questions was whether the lava flow made it to the park and the Ranger showed him a map of the Bonita Lava Flow, where we were about to take a hike. One of Ava’s questions was whether the Park Ranger had ever rescued someone – gotta love her zeal for Search & Rescue thanks to Pops.
Go out into the Sunset Crater area, right out on the Bonita Lava Flow, and start drawing pictures of the natural beauty that you come across. Note: a blue jay may or may not be present in July, regardless of what your son tells you.

Marveling at the Bonita Lava Flow.

Check off all of the features that you find while visiting the National Park. One of the trails was closed but the one that was open was about a one-mile loop and it was an easy hike. Yes I had to stop and rest a little but it was hot and I forgot a hat, thanks to my dad for allowing me to wear his hiking hat. However, the hike definitely fits within the easy category. A portion of the trip is wheelchair-accessible, which is a bonus for those with children needing the support of a chair for transportation.
Head back to the Visitor’s Center and turn in your paperwork. The Park Ranger will carefully go over your answers, correct any that are wrong (because you want to make sure you have the right information stored in your brain, right?), and marvel at the fact that you saw a blue jay in July.

Going over the answers.

Take your National Park Service Junior Park Ranger oath and wear your new badge with pride.

Taking the Junior Park Ranger oath.

That’s it. The process is that simple but allows the kids to learn more about the place that you are visiting while giving them the rewarding feeling of being a part of something that is oh so important – protecting our nation’s National Parks.