The 8th Mindset - Focus of Actions

Hello world!!! Yes...I know I've been MIA for the past couple of months, which is the exact reason why I'm doing this post today!

I came across this video of Derek Franklin offering some great advice for those of you ready to set some new goals for 2011 - staying focused!!!

Now last year around this time, I made a vow to live a more sustainable lifestyle in efforts to help preserve the world in which my daughter will grow up in. If I was to give myself a grade on that goal, I'd give myself a C-.

While I did make efforts to purchase more eco-friendly products and downsized my SUV to a more fuel efficient vehicle, my attachment to labels and fear of the unknown has led me to become a repeat offender when purchasing some not so eco-friendly products.

I'll admit, I started the race with a strong start...but my lack of focus has led me astray a few times, so I really don't feel that I've reached the goal I set for 2010.

For 2011, I vow (no really this time) to live a more sustainable lifestyle and chronicle my journey with you...so that hopefully, I can pass on some knowledge that I learn along the way to help lead others down this path of sustainable living.

Enjoy the video...and here's to a Happy and more sustainable New Year!!!

The Story of Cosmetics

How to eat an Orange by Parent Earth

My cute little cousin is in this video, so you know I have to show it off! She's the cute little curly haired girl in the pink t-shirt.

The Green Half

The Green Half brings eco-conscious people and businesses together. This site only presents offers from companies committed to becoming more green. Plus, they donate 10% of net certificate sales to various local nonprofits. People get great deals, businesses get loyal customers and deserving organizations get support. The Green Half network also provides a portal to sustainable and money-saving products and resources in areas such as water and energy efficiency, waste management, organics, recycling, disposables and more.

Great edition to baby's toy box - Apple Park

I'm always on the hunt for great eco-friendly toys for my daughter, Misa, to play with and came across this great company called Apple Park!

Apple Park was founded in San Francisco with a vision to create environmentally responsible and luxurious products for babies and children. Apple Park's Picnic Pals were inspired by classic children's toys, reinvented with the finest eco-friendly materials available. 

The products are not only safe for small ones, they are good for the whole earth. They have the cutest little toy animals. My favorite has to be the finger puppets:

Living Green: Georgia's Eco-Future

ATLANTA – September 9, 2010 – Channel 2 takes an in-depth look at Georgia’s environmental outlook. The half-hour special will focus on what Georgia has done to protect the environment and what we need to do to keep Georgia “living green”.

Channel 2’s Heather Catlin, host of “Hot Topics”, reports on environmental issues that Georgia faces including the quality and conservation of water, and the mysterious disappearance of bees and the major impact this could have on the food chain.

The special also reveals how far Georgia has come in our commitment to the environment and it breaks down how Georgia stacks up against other states when it comes to recycling, air quality, water quality, and local green business.

And, the special shows some of the next big, green ideas including one local company that has developed technology making plastic bottles biodegradable while another local company has taken on recycling styrofoam, one of the most harmful products to the environment.

WHAT: Living Green: Georgia’s Eco-Future

WHO: Heather Catlin, host of “Hot Topics”

WHEN: Wednesday, 8 p.m., September 15, 2010

WHERE: Channel 2, WSB-TV

Other Information:
About Channel 2, WSB-TV The ABC Affiliate is part of Cox Media Group and ranks as Atlanta’s number one local television station.

Ecolife 2010! is coming to Atlanta - September 25th - 26th

Ecolife 2010! is coming to Atlantic Station (in Atlanta) on Saturday, September 25 - Sunday, September 26, 2010, from 10am to 6pm each day.


Ecolife 2010 is Atlanta’s largest eco-lifestyle event. It’s two full days of family outdoor edutainment, fun & music by DaveFM. It’s a fun way to learn more about really living an eco-friendly life with the newest technologies, products, and practices. Free admission for everyone, rain or shine.

Live
Its hard to imagine actually putting solar panels on the roof of your house to save energy - or sleeping on a 100% all natural latex mattress versus those made using synthetic, petroleum based materials. Come learn how to live and apply the newest in eco-friendly & healthy living to our lives at Ecolife 2010! From quality organic products, to alternative transportation....you can even experience how to prepare healthy meals -“farm to table” in your own kitchen with live chef cooking demonstrations and yummy samples of healthy & exotic new recipes every half hour from local chefs in the Chef’s Corner!

Grow
Be amazed and learn through interactive exhibits, Eco Option speakers & demonstrations for adults & kids of all ages. Eco Options Speakers will provide invaluable information on careers in the green economy to “greening it up” around your home. Captain Planet appearances both days from 11am to 3pm to energize the kids and promote saving the planet, and visit birds of prey with Hawk Talk from 11am to 2pm both days. Ecolife 2010 is designed to equip us and help us grow with practical information and healthy living options to preserve a great quality of life. By living smarter, being more conscientious of our impact and working together as a team for the good of our planet, our natural resources, we can make a difference for our generation and the ones that follow!.

Sustain
Do something now! Ideas are good, but let’s get to work to sustain our resources. That’s why Ecolife 2010 is hosting ecoDepot a collection of Household Hazardous Waste, Prescription Meds and e-Scrap on Saturday, September 25th, presented by Atlanta City Councilmember, Carla Smith in partnership with LivingGreenPages, Live-Thrive Atlanta, Atlanta Recycling Solutions and Clean Harbors. We can all make a difference by properly disposing of harmful items, and keeping them from the landfills. We encourage attendees to go home with either a compost bins, a rain barrel or both. Norseman Environmental in partnership with Atlanta City Watershed Management and Atlanta Curbside Recycling are offering discounted bins and barrels available on Saturday, September 25th, while supplies last!

Celebrating with Atlantic Station
This year’s ecolife event is a part of Atlantic Stations’ Five Year Anniversary Celebration. Since its opening in 2005, Atlanta’s premier mixed-use neighborhood has truly become a gathering place for local Atlantans and visitors to the city. This was a perfect opportunity to bring Ecolife 2010! – Atlanta’s largest eco-Lifestyle event that promotes healthy and sustainable living to Atlantic Station; a truly innovative community that has become a symbol of Atlanta’s growth as a vibrant, world-class city, and is a leading example of new thinking and responsible growth.

Come join the fun at Ecolife 2010!

Kuroshio Sea - 2nd largest aquarium tank in the world

How beautiful and amazing is this scene! For those of you with stressed out lives...please take a moment to watch this and take it all in. So peaceful!

Kuroshio Sea - 2nd largest aquarium tank in the world - (song is Please don't go by Barcelona) from Jon Rawlinson on Vimeo.

The ugly side of beauty products - What's in your cosmetics?

I came across this video clip on ABC news and am totally grossed out about some of the things I use to put on my face and into my body without even knowing it!!! I must say that I've been the victim of the red lipstick...I can't even image how much red lipstick I've consumed over my lifetime. This video is a great reminder of why I've chosen my new eco-friendly lifestyle! Ladies beware....what you're about to see will change how you view your everyday beauty products forever!!!

NASA | Satellites View Growing Gulf Oil Spill

Are Bicycle Cities the new green?

Driving around Atlanta, you'll start to notice that there are more areas popping up with bicycle lanes to accommodate our fellow bike riding citizens. Take Atlantic Station for example, where I have yet to actually see anyone riding a bike. The concept is great and even though it hasn't taken off yet in our beautiful traffic congested city, could Bicycle Cities be the new green? Gaston, South Carolina has a planned bicycle-only development, which will not allow cars, will be home to 10 eco-friendly houses and 4.5 miles of interconnected bicycle and walking trails. Read about this bicycle city here. I'm not sure if I'm ready to trade in my car garage for a bike rack but to each his own. Would you be open to moving to a community like this? I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on this one!

How to make safe Natural Sunblock

Ladies (and gents) pool season is among us and though I dread sitting out in near 100 degree weather, pretending to look cute while sweating profusely....I have a child who loves going to the pool! This year, I plan to go the au natural route (for sunblock of course) and see if natural sunblock is just as good as the store bought ones.


Cruising on eHow, I actually found three recipies for natural sunblock that you can make yourself:

 

Things You'll Need:

• Coconut oil
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Aloe vera juice
• Helichrysum Oil
• Chamomile Oil 

Option 1: There are many different recipes for natural sunblock. One simple type of natural sunblock is a combination of aloe vera juice and coconut oil, mixed in half and half proportions, and applied to exposed areas of skin every hour or so.

Option 2: Helichrysum is an essential oil that is very effective as a natural sunblock, but is also very potent. It can be mixed with coconut or olive oil and applied every few hours. Approximately 4 drops of Helichrysum Oil should be used for every 100 drops of coconut or olive oil.

Option 3: A slightly more complicated formula for natural sunblock is as follows: 1 oz coconut oil, 1 oz extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 oz aloe vera juice, 5 drops Helichrysum Oil, and 3 drops Chamomile Oil. This mixture should be applied every hour or so for best results.

Demand Complete Reform of the Failing Kimberley Process to Prevent Conflict Diamonds

People always wonder what they can do to help create change in this world. They see terrible things happening in the news and say "wow that's such a shame" and then it's back to the hustle and bustle of their everyday life. Well if you are one of those people, here is your chance to contribute...use this link to sign the petition to ask for reform in the Kimberly Process. See info below from the co-founder of Brilliant Earth:

Over the past few months, shocking events have occurred that demonstrate the flaws in the international system to keep conflict diamonds off the market. We are writing to share some news you may not have heard, and to ask that you take a moment to help put a stop to outrageous human rights abuses that have taken place in Zimbabwe.



The Kimberley Process is the international certification scheme intended to combat the problem of conflict diamonds. Established in 2003, the Kimberley Process is supposed to ensure that diamond mining does not contribute to war, oppression, and suffering. Certification by the Kimberly Process adds the international community's "stamp of approval" to a diamond's origins and opens the door to the global marketplace.

The Kimberley Process is currently certifying Zimbabwean diamonds as "conflict-free" despite clear evidence that mining for the gemstones has led to serious human rights abuses. As we shared on our blog, the Zimbabwean military under President Robert Mugabe has seized control of the country's diamond mines and has used forced labor, murder, and torture to keep production going. The profits from these diamonds are helping Mugabe's authoritarian regime continue, and rough gems are being exchanged directly for arms that go to supply Mugabe's military.


The Kimberley Process has shown that it is unwilling to take action and continues to certify Zimbabwean diamonds. Meanwhile, the diamond industry continues to back the Kimberley Process. Recently, industry veteran Martin Rapaport resigned from the World Diamond Council, a diamond industry trade group, in protest over how the industry has turned a blind eye to human rights abuses in Zimbabwe's diamond fields. Even though Rapaport helped create the Kimberley Process, he lamented that it "has become a process for the systematic legalization and legitimization of blood diamonds."


When oversight systems break down, it is up to retailers and consumers to make their voices heard. Both should demand to know with certainty the origin of every diamond in the global supply chain and the conditions under which each and every diamond has been mined. At Brilliant Earth, we have been working since 2005 to build a more eco- and people-friendly model for the production of fine jewelry. Today, we ask that you join in our efforts.

Please sign our petition demanding complete reform of the Kimberly Process. The Kimberley Process must broaden its mandate to sufficiently address human rights abuses in the diamond trade. Most importantly, it should incorporate worker exploitation, violence, child labor, and environmental destruction.


Please take a second to forward this petition to friends, family, and anyone considering the purchase of a diamond.


Sincerely,


Beth Gerstein


Co-founder of Brilliant Earth

Conflict free diamonds are a girls best friend

Well, well...just when I thought buying diamonds would conflict with my new eco-friendly lifestyle, revelation in the form of an e-mail saves me from my grief and leads me to Brilliant Earth, a jewelry company committed to providing only the highest quality luxury products without sacrificing social and environmental responsibility. Music to my soon-to-be conflict free diamond encrusted ear lobes!!! Brilliant Earth's mission focuses on three important facets:



Providing Quality
Brilliant Earth provides the highest quality jewelry originating from pure sources and harvested using socially responsible practices.


Fostering Change
Brilliant Earth provides education about the social and environmental issues affecting the jewelry industry and identifies ways to help.


Promoting Growth
Brilliant Earth supports underdeveloped communities ravaged by the jewelry industry by donating a share of our profits.

Sustainable way of living (introduction)

GA Lawmakers Pass Water Bill

The Georgia 2010 Legislature passed the Georgia Water Stewardship Act, a water conservation plan based on recommendations from the Governor’s Water Contingency Task Force. A majority of the Act’s provisions take effect in July 2012 and coincide with a federal court order requiring that Georgia reach a water-sharing agreement with Alabama and Florida by July 2012 or face significant reduced withdrawals from Lake Lanier. The water conservation measures include:

• By August 2010, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (EPD) must examine its programs and identify opportunities for water conservation.
• Beginning in 2011, outdoor watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Farms, personal food gardens, nurseries, golf courses, and athletic fields are exempt from this provision.
• By 2012, public water systems serving at least 10,000 individuals, and by 2013, all other public water systems, must conduct a water loss audit applying EPD’s minimum standards and best practices.
• By July 2012, builders will have to use high-efficiency plumbing fixtures in all new construction and “submetering” to measure water use.

The Act also creates a 12-member committee to investigate opportunities to create additional water supplies, including reservoirs.

INFO: Contact Alice Miller-Keyes at 912-262-3185 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              912-262-3185      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Preserve the Planet: Go for Green Furniture

In the wake of dramatic climate changes and global ecological downgrade, more people have resorted to using green furniture. The manufacture, materials, marketing, and distribution involved in these eco-friendly furniture have significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, logging activities, and land waste disposal, thus, supporting earth preservation initiatives.

Most eco-friendly furniture such as beds, desks, chairs, and tables have bamboo plywood as its base material. Being the fastest growing plant in the world and considered a type of grass, bamboo is perhaps the most efficient material to use in eco-friendly furniture. In addition, it does not require replanting, unlike traditional hardwoods. Mature bamboos bear an extensive root system that continually sends up new shoots without any external manipulation. Highly adaptable to eco-friendly manufacturing processes, bamboo plywood is exceptionally durable and lasting.

Along with bamboo, the inner structure for most green furniture is made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified woods such as maple. The FSC safeguards the forests by focusing on specific practices associated with growing and harvesting trees including the provision of stream buffers, the prevention of soil erosion, and the protection of wildlife. Thus, consumers can be assured that FSC certified materials come from eco-friendly processes that do not contribute to the destruction of the environment.

Going for eco-friendly furniture does not only help reduce damages to the environment, it can also be an active statement to pursue environmental preservation initiatives. Celebrities such as George Clooney, Edward Norton, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Natalie Portman have actively endorsed eco-friendly alternatives such as hybrid cars and green furniture. It just goes to show that anyone can do their part to help save the planet.

Resource Box:

Viesso, a Los Angeles, CA-based company, offers eco-friendly alternatives for traditional furniture. Typically made from recycled organic materials and safe processes, Viesso’s green furniture are both stylish and durable. Learn more about The Viesso Way by visiting http://www.viesso.com/ or call (310) 453-3604 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (310) 453-3604      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

5 Great Green Gifts for Baby’s First Birthday

Inhabitots has some really cool green gift suggestions for baby's first birthday. Check them out here: 

 

Playsam Organic Streamliner Toy Cars

Your little one can race into his second year with these slick Scandinavian toy cars made from German beechwood and finished with non-toxic, clear enamel gloss. They’ll love wrapping their little hands around any of the four varieties of these cars available: Classic Streamliner, the Streamliner F1, the Streamliner Rally, and the Streamliner Cab, and making them go Vrrooommm all around the house!

+ Organic Streamliners $45 each at Huset

+ Playsam   

Woodpecker Walker from Plan Toys

Help tiny tots hone their walking and balance skills, and start them off on the right foot with the adorable Woodpecker Walker from Plan Toys — which celebrates each small step with the clickety-clack sound of cheery woodpeckers. Made of organic rubberwood and topped with non-toxic paints and stains, this green toy boasts adjustable wheels to moderate and accommodate the speed of wee cruisers on a mission.

+ Woodpecker Walker $85

+ Plan Toys  

Uncle Goose Alphabet Blocks

Early childhood just wouldn’t be complete without a great eco-friendly set of alphabet blocks — and no blocks help tots spell the ABC’s of green like Lindenwood’s Uncle Goose Blocks. These heirloom quality toys are handcrafted in Michigan from local, sustainably grown basswood and non-toxic inks are used for the lettered embossing and beveled edges. Classic and modern at the same time, tots will love learning their letters and building towers with these colorful, tactile blocks.

+ Uncle Goose Alphabet Blocks $39.95

+ Lindenwood, Inc.   

Earthentree Eco Wooden Pull Toys

Shiny happy turtles that will follow your tot wherever they go — these gorgeous, eco-friendly, lead free pull toys will be quite a hit in your little one’s playtime regimen. Made from sustainable Hale wood by Channapatna artisans in India and stained with vegetable based dyes, Earthentree toys get their eye-catching luster from a traditional non-toxic lacquer technique. When Tommy the Turtle is tugged along, his shell rotates!

+ Tommy Turtle Pull Toy $30

+ Earthentree Toys  

Anamalz Bendable Wooden Animal Toys

Young revelers will love learning about different animals while playing with and manipulating these fun and personable, bendable wooden Anamalz. Available in farm, prehistoric and wild animal varieties, all species are handmade with sustainably harvested, Forestry Stewardship Council-certified maple. These toys will grow with your child — initially acting as educational, sensory engaging figurines and evolving into interactive toys that foster imaginative play.

+ Anamalz wooden figurines $5.99-$6.99 at Oompa

+ Anamalz

Global Warming 101

Green Tweens + Teens

Teens + tweens can SEE the change and BE the change. The results from a survey conducted by Habbo, the world's largest virtual world for teens, and Greenpeace International, of nearly 50,000 teenagers worldwide were released, revealing that 74 percent of teens believe that global warming is a serious problem and they are more concerned about the environment than any other global issue, including drugs, violence or war.

Green teens are growing in sheer numbers around this issue and have become a powerful force for change. Here are a few campaigns lead by teens or created for teens advocating for a more eco-friendly existance:

Teens Turning Green is a student led movement devoted to education and advocacy around environmentally and socially responsible choices for individuals, schools, and communities. They lead the Green Prom Project, encouraging girls to wear vintage pieces to prom.

Teens for Healthy Schools was launched in the Spring of 2008 as another program of Search for the Cause, harnessing the inquisitive nature of teens to investigate their schools and find the greener alternatives available to replace toxic products and practices. More and more schools are signing up to join this force for change.

The EarthSeeds Initiative is a network of experts that provide growing organizations with the resources they need to thrive in sometimes hostile environments.

The Roots & Shoots program is about making positive change happen—for our communities, for animals and for the environment. With tens of thousands of young people in almost 100 countries, the Roots & Shoots network connects youth of all ages who share a desire to create a better world. Young people identify problems in their communities and take action. Through service projects, youth-led campaigns and an interactive website, Roots & Shoots members are making a difference across the globe.

Enviroteens was created by 13-year-old Katy Short-Hamiwka because she wanted to make an eco-difference in her community. The ambitious teen wanted to find some way to get involved in the green movement and donating money just wasn't an option. Instead of giving up, she created EnviroTeens.com.

Inconvenient Youth is a place where teenagers 13-18 can share their inconvenient ideas and action steps in order to help solve the climate crisis.

It is Cool the Earth's mission to engage kids and their families in climate change by motivating them to take simple, measurable actions to conserve energy. Collectively, these actions, and an increased awareness of energy, will make a significant impact on global warming. Cool the Earth is a grassroots, school-to-home program that was founded in 2007 by Marin County parents, Carleen and Jeff Cullen, who were inspired to take action after seeing the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth."

GreenMyParents is a revolutionary, nationwide program to help young people teach their peers and parents how to work together to help the economy, earn money at home, and save the planet through simple, everyday actions. Scheduled to launch Earth Day 2010, this movement enables youth to bring their insightful perspective on how to reduce their parents’ use of resources and save money at home to make a huge difference in saving the planet and securing their future.

Eco-friendly celebrities

1.  The Dave Matthews Band offsets pollution produced by their tours by funding projects including tree plantings and constructing wind farms.
2. Harrison Ford, Vice Chairman of Conservation International, has a Central American ant named for him and has won awards for his environmental efforts.  
3. Barenaked Ladies and Neil Young run their tour vehicles on biodiesel.
4. Sting founded a Rainforest Foundation to protect rain forests and the indigenous residents that reside there.
5. Brad Pitt founded a program to build green homes in New Orleans.
6. Darryl Hannah owns a solar-powered farm in Colorado.
7. Vegetarian and PETA supported Alicia Silverstone launched a  “green” website. Check out The Kind Life .
8. Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson arrived at this years event donning a custom-made tuxedo made of hemp.
9. Ed Begley Jr. lives in a home entirely powered by the sun and currently has a green living reality show on Planet titled, Living with Ed.
10. Leonardo DiCaprio opts to fly on commercial flights instead of private jets, drives a hybrid and has an eco-friendly condo in NYC.
11. And last but certainly not least, Jay-Z teamed up with U.N. and MTV to bring attention to the world's water crisis 

Natural Watercolors Non-Peel Off Nail Polish By Honeybee Gardens

The cabinet underneath my sink is filled with OPI nail polish in every color of the rainbow, but they're not very eco-friendly so I need an alternative to solvent-based nail enamel. If you're in the same boat as me, head on over to the Eco Luxe Life store where they sell Honeybee Garden's unique water-based polish which is totally odor-free! No more nasty fumes. But perhaps best of all- there's also no need for toxic smelly nail polish remover - this product removes with rubbing alcohol- vodka/grain alcohol or their Odorless Polish Remover! It's amazing what you can find when you take the time to look for it. The downside is that they only have 6 colors.

The Secret Lives of Princesses

I'm always on the hunt for great books to add to my daughter's library. Reading to your child is a great way to build their imagination. Everyone knows about Cinderella, Snow White, and other fairy tale favorites. But there are many princesses who have been so well hidden, most of us never heard of them. All of that is about to change. The Secret Lives of Princesses by Philippe Lechermeier and Rébecca Dautremer is a treasure trove of incredible behind-the-scenes stories that reveal the secret lives of the world’s most mysterious princesses. Not your typical princess story, this gorgeous collection offers a fun, sophisticated and witty alternative to ordinary tales and delights the eye with its lush, exotic art and a bold, vivid design. I think this book will be a great addition to the shelf. You can purchase the book at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Top Green Cleaners Already in Your Pantry

The question that I come across a lot from my family and friends about my new "green" lifestyle is the cost. They want to know how I'm going to be able to afford switching all of my non-environment friendly products to eco-friendly ones. It's called a process folks!!!! Obviously, I'm not going to make a mad dash to the store to purchase every green product I see. As I run out of items, I will replace them with more eco-friendly alternatives. My goal is to become an Eco-Diva...I'm a work in progress right now. Plus, there's a lot of great information out there on the internet that teaches you have to make your own household cleaners, which will ultimately ending up saving you some money. Here's a few helpful tips on how to use the items that you probably already have stored in your pantry:

1. White Vinegar. Such a simple substance is remarkably versatile for cleaning throughout the house. Vinegar's mildly acidic nature helps it break down dirt and grime, and kills bacteria, mold, and germs. Its pungent odor, which disappears as soon as it dries, is nontoxic, unlike most commercial cleaning solutions. Be careful when using it on tile grout (too concentrated can be damaging), and never use it on marble or other porous stone surfaces.
   
   
   
   • Laundry. Use 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar during the laundry rinse cycle instead of a commercial fabric softener. It'll cut down on lint and also break down the harsh chemicals of the detergent, which is great news for those with sensitive skin. For added greenness and savings, invest in reusable dryer balls (found at Target and many supermarkets and pharmacies). They may look like doggie chew toys, but they're phenomenal at fluffing up your clothes.
     Cost Comparison (per load):
     Fabric softener (washer and dryer): $.08
     Dryer balls and vinegar: $.02
   • Kitchen. Use a solution of one-part vinegar to one-part water (1:1) to clean kitchen surfaces. (Again, due to vinegar's acidic nature, test on grout and tile before using, and shy away from marble.) Instead of expensive dishwasher detergent, toss half a cup of vinegar in the bottom of your dishwasher.
     Cost Comparison (per dishwasher load):
     Dishwasher cleaner: $.15
     Vinegar: $.10
   • Bathroom. Pour three cups of vinegar in the toilet to get rid of rings. For continuous cleaning, pour three cups into the back tank once a week to keep the bowl fresh. Vinegar works great against soap scum and hard-water stains, even ones that have been around for years.
   
   
2. Lemon. Commercial cleansers have long sung the praises of citrus, hyping the presence of lemon prominently on their labels. It's no wonder: Lemon's cleaning powers extend beyond a fresh scent. Its acidic properties can cut through grease and grime better than most manmade products.
   
   
   
   • Living Room. Use a ratio of one-part lemon juice to two-parts olive oil (1:2) for an all-natural furniture polish; finish off with a soft, dry cloth (recycled, of course). If you have cats, lemon peels in your potted plants can deter them from digging -- or worse.
     Cost Comparison (per ounce):
     Furniture polish: $.42
     Olive oil and lemon: $.35
   • Kitchen. Halve lemon and sprinkle with baking soda to scrub dishes. Dump leftover lemon (or orange) peel into your garbage disposal to eradicate nasty odors.
     Cost Comparison (per cleaning of garbage disposal):
     Commercial cleaner: $.43
     Leftover lemon peel: $.25 (or free, if you've already used the rest of the lemon)
   
   
3. Baking Soda. This seemingly benign white powder serves dual purposes: as an abrasive cleaner and a frontline odor fighter.
   
   
   • Kitchen. Make a paste with water for tough stains on your counter, or store an open box in the fridge to keep it smell-free. To more easily clean the stalactites that have formed in the microwave, boil two tablespoons of baking soda in a mug of water, then simply wipe out the gunk.
     
   • Laundry. Use a water-and-baking-soda paste on most fabrics to remove stains. Or put pure baking soda into sachets (stuff old socks or pantyhose) to remove odors from olfactory offenders like stinky sneakers.
     
   • Bathroom. Sodium bicarbonate can even help clear drain clogs. Just dump a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of that other clean-all, vinegar. This may take a few tries, but it should clear even the nastiest of clogs -- with a lot less fumes than chemical methods.
     Cost Comparison:
     Commercial drain cleaner: $3.00 (per suggested use -- I usually used the whole container, at $6 a pop)
     Baking soda and vinegar: $1.50

The Green Dollhouse by Plan Toys

I love this green dollhouse by Plan Toys! I think it's a brilliant way to teach your little diva the importance of sustainable living at an early age.  Here are some of the accessories that you can purchase along with the house and a description from their Web site. 

Description

• The solar passive designed dollhouse features a wind turbine and a solar cell panel with electrical inverter for generating electricity, a rain barrel for collecting rain, a green fa?ade which helps control the appropriate temperature of the house, and a shade canopy that can be pulled down preventing or allowing the wind and sunlight coming through. Also, recycle bins are included in the set.

Playtime Ideas

• The Green Dollhouse is designed to help children learn how to live in harmony with nature. Children will learn how appliances in the Green Dollhouse assist their daily life without damaging the environment. They will also learn how electricity can be generated from alternative natural sources such as the sun and wind.
• The dollhouse is divided into several rooms which children can customize with furniture and accessories.
• Children can act out stories about a family living in the Green Dollhouse. Through role playing, they can show the important roles and relationships of each family member.

You can purchase it here for $190 for just the house or $240 with the furniture included. I'm adding this to my daughter's birthday list.

A job well done!

When you are a single mother, like myself, your job is never done...ever! Even when your tired and running on empty, you have to muster up the energy from somewhere to play the role of both sexes. So after my latest attempt in trying to talk my adventurous little climber from the ledge of her crib, I finally decided to convert the crib into a toddler bed for fear that one day, she just might jump...

The task sounded simple enough, I mean really how hard can it be to take off the front part of the crib and replace it with the three little pieces that came with it?! Well three and a half hours into it, I found out that I'm no Bob Villa and I that I needed step by step directions (which by the way is not available anywhere online). So my mission commenced for the night and the next day I went to the furniture store to ask for the directions.

After being assured by the sales clerk that it's a very simple task to do, I went confidently back home to do a quick one, two change. Check out the before and after pics.

Can someone out there please give me a virtual round of applause or a pat on the Mac (pun intended there)


Before:

 After:

Eco-friendly trailers? Really?

Blu Homes just released another energy efficient prefab home. The Blu |Balance home is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 16′ foot ceilinged residence with many customizable options and tons of green features. The whole home comes shipped to you on 2 trucks and is then unfolded on site and can be bolted together in only 5 days. Retiring on a beach somewhere in Florida sound more enticing by the minute. These prefabs look great! What's next?!

Organic zodiac tees for the babes on sale now

If your not a member of Zulily - a Web site that offers daily deals for moms, babies and kids, I suggest you sign up now to get the scoop on great deals. Today's deal features organic zodiac tees for the babes. How cute!!! I should get my little Scorpio one.

Healthy and organic Mexican

Rosa Mexicano is pushing out a special events program designed to "stimulate the mind and cultivate the palate." Their first event, Healthy and Organic Mexican is going on May 19th - June 13th. Click here to check out the menu for the event and to register. Reservations required as space is limited.

Must read - The Longest Way Home Blog

I've been reading this guys blog for awhile now and really feel compelled to send you guys over to check him out. His blog is titled "The Longest Way Home" and he describes himself as,  "A guy traveling the world in search of a place called home." This man fascinates me! What a compelling concept! The blog is basically his intimate journal entries detailing his experiences travelling all over the world. Oh how I wish I could be a world traveler like him...but my bills beckon for me so back to work I go!

What a lovely idea - outdoor picnics

When I was little, my days were filled with outdoor play from the time I woke up until the streetlights forced me to go home for dinner. There were times when my brother and I didn't even want to go home for lunch...EAT?! For what?! We're slaying dragons right now!!! I love the idea of children playing outside and using their imaginations (with supervision of course...the world has changed since the good ol' days). Now, lets be clear, I'm not an outdoorsy type of girl but I ran across this picture of an outdoor picnic and absolutely love this concept.

I am sooo stealing this idea for my summer picnics!

World's First Stainless Steel Baby Bottle

4 oz Stainless Steel Baby Bottle 

From the makers of the world's first stainless steel baby bottle here comes your chance to own the same brand of bottle that Matthew McConaughey, Tori Spelling and Brooke and Charlie Sheen own.  

The unique bottle design allows for easy heating and cooling of liquids. The lid is a 2oz, durable stainless steel design providing a built in measuring cup. BPA , PVC and Phthalate free. 

BPA , PVC and Phthalate free. Compatible with most narrow necked nipples.

Winner of a Disney iParenting Media and a Mom's Best award!

The blowout sale is while supplies lasts and is on a first come basis. The only reason for this incredible sale is that there is an imperfection in the Yellow color hue and it looks more Green than Yellow. 

The retail value is $19.99 but on Green Envy Deals you receive 40% off so you better hurry and get one for yourself, maybe your next door neighbor, for your friend's upcoming baby shower and maybe an extra one for yourself because who wants to be seen with the same baby bottle everyday.”

There is a limit of 6 bottles per person.

The hottest eco-friendly designers

 

 Eco-friendly designers are making sure to leave their mark in the eco-verse but using certified organic natural materials for their fashions. Here's a list of some of the hottest eco-friendly designers to keep your eye on:

Beau Soleil

Beau Soleil was started by Anne Salvatore Epstein in 2005 when she discovered she was pregnant and wanted to embrace a simpler, modern and organic lifestyle. With her past experience at Marc Jacobs, Epstein knew well the typical manufacturing process of garments and how it affected the environment. She uses organic cotton, bamboo and recycled leather trims as just some of the fabrics in her line.

Linda Loudermilk

Named one of the top 20 innovators to watch by W Magazine, Linda Loudermilk's designs are changing the way people think of eco-friendly fashion. Her luxury-eco line of clothing includes designs for men and women that go far beyond the typical jersey dress. You'll find suits, dresses, jeans and more in sexy cuts and fashion-forward trends.

Stella McCartney

Did you know that fave fashion designer Stella McCartney also had an organic line? The high-end pieces feature everything from pants, suits and dresses, to laid-back tops and chunky sweaters in organic cotton, hemp and other sustainable materials.

Enamore

It wouldn't be right to include a lineup of fashion without including some organic lingerie too. Enamore, an eco-friendly line produced out of the UK, features a collection of lingerie, intimate wear, accessories and clothing too. Enamore uses hemp, organic silk, soy and organic cotton in its designs.

Gaiam

The lifestyle company known for its yoga and wellness products also has an eco-friendly line of clothing for women and babies. Clothing ranges from sleepwear, loungewear and intimate apparel to tops, jackets, sweaters and robes too.

Alternative Apparel

Since 1996, Alternative Apparel has been perfecting the perfect tee. Now the line of men's, women's and children's clothing offers an array of eco-friendly clothing made from organic cotton, eco-heather (made from organic cotton and recycled polyester) and eco-vertigrain (organic cotton, recycled polyester and naturally-occuring rayon.)

J Brand Organic

Denim divas will flip to find out that their adored J Brand jeans have an organic line too, appropriately named “Green Label.” And with cute jeans like the ones above, there's no doubt you truly can get the best of both worlds.

Organic by John Patrick

Just launched in the spring of 2007, the Organic by John Patrick collection for both men and women is still in its infancy. Organic wool, cashmeres and vegetable-dyed leathers are just some of the fabrics incorporated into the collection that's been receiving rave reviews since its debut. This high-end designer combines the ultimate in luxury, sustainability and classic cuts.

Loomstate

When it comes to organic jeans, Loomstate is one of the more well-known brands. But the company also features tees, sweaters, jackets, dresses and other apparel for both men and women too.

Saint Grace

Saint Grace is a collection of modern, organic basics. The tees, jersey dresses and even cashmere items are a favorite among Hollywood starlets like Scarlett Johansson and Lindsay Lohan.

Eco-Ganik

This California-based manufacturer is all about contemporary women's wear. Eco-Ganik features tunics, dresses, woven tops and bottoms and knits and jersey wear too. Eco-Ganik is also a member of the Organic Trade Association and the Organic Trade Association Fiber Council Committee.

Bodkin

This up-and-coming fashion label is one to definitely keep on your radar. The women's clothing line is constructed of organic cotton, organic wool, artisanal vegetable dyes and recyleced-PET nylon among other natural fibers. The modern yet classic cuts are both fashion-forward and understated.