Green Child Magazine Fall 2011

October/November 2011

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Features

Breastfeeding Supply Guide 20 Reducing Your Body Burden 40 Practically Green 56

Articles Go Green Halloween 26 Eco Beauty 60 Dining Out Vegan 65

EcoFab 10 Great Stores 12 Design 14 Look, Listen, Read 16 What’s in Season 66 Nutritional Nuggets 68 Recipes 72 photo submitted by Robert Radifera

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from our publisher & editor Fall is upon us and the term, “Leaves of Change” comes to mind. Changing of the seasons means so much to so many people. This is the time of year when many families change into “holiday mode” or change out their summer wardrobes for their winter ones. Change is truly in the air. As I look around I see many of the leaves are beginning to change their colors, the air is cooler, and the animals are readying themselves for winter. My children are changing everyday as well. They are growing and learning and I am so delighted to be experiencing that with them. We only get to be parents to our children once and I want to make sure to not to miss even the slightest change.

I am also happy to see a change in the way people think. It seems that with every year, we as a society, change a little about how we view the Earth and our role on it. I can remember growing up, that many people thought nothing about what we were doing to the Earth. Sure, some people recycled, but the waste was unbelievable in comparison to how we live today. Maybe we have a lot to make up for since our youth, but I really do believe we can do it! Also, I know we can teach our children to do better than we have. They seem to have so many more resources at their disposal than I did growing up. So pat yourselves a little on the back, you are doing a good job.

Our magazine has gone through some changes as well since our last issue. The August/September issue was my debut issue as Editor with Green Child Magazine and this is my debut issue as Publisher. Also, we are happy to welcome Jenny, our blog manager, to the Green Child Magazine family. We are so happy to have her and we hope you have enjoyed the blog content as well as the giveaways. Be sure to enter...they are so much fun!

So I guess my message for this issue is “change.” Maybe it is more of a mission. I think we can all make a difference, no matter how small, with just a few little changes.

Warmly, Amber editor@greenchildmagazine.com

ON THE COVER: Photo by Rebecca Deaton Photography Hair/make-up, Apryl Rossi Clothing by Lillipops Thank you Nashoba Valley Winery for the use of their beautiful orchard.

BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE CORRECTIONS: - beatrix ny Backpack available at beatrixny.com - recipes courtesy of www.AnAppleADayNutrition.com - Green Gifts Guide can be found at www.GreenGiftsGuide.com

Craft

Halloween Smash Box

By Heather Valentine | thesewingloft.com

Materials: • Box • Box Cutter • Ruler • Paint & Basic supplies • Marker or Pencil Instructions: 1. To create the angle on your box measure 3” across the opening at one edge. Then up 1” from the bottom.

Take your ruler and connect the lines. Repeat to other side. Connect lines across the side. (This is your cutting line.)

2. On the bottom of the box, sketch out your face. Have fun here. I created mine to look like a Jack O’ Lantern.

3. It is best to cut the face first. Then the sides. Please take care when cutting. *Note: since no bag would fit through the nose, I painted it on later.

4. Paint box in your desired color.

5. Set aside to work on bags.

Heather Valentine is the inspiration behind The Sewing Loft. The mission of all products is focused around the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reclaim, Recycle. To tell her your thoughts or share photos of the project, go to facebook.com/thesewingloftfb or visit thesewingloft.com.

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Next, make your bags. To make 3 smash bags, cut out 3 of each shape at right.

Materials: • Heavy weight fabric • Scraps of fabric in contrast colors • Heat & Bond Ultra • 1 2lb bag of Black Eyed Peas • Trims • Thread, Sewing Machine, Iron **Note that I used old jeans & cargo shorts for the base of each bag and old tee shirts for the pattern on the front. (No fabric was purchased)

Instructions: 1. To create the base for the 6 bags cut 12 squares 5 1/2” large. (For contrast, I used the denim for the bottom of bags and the cargo shorts for the top) 2. Transfer the pattern pieces provided to a cardstock. (I used a cereal box.) These are your templates for the top of bags.

3. Apply Heat and bond to wrong side of each fabric for your design. Example: Black for bat & hat; Yellow for moon.)

Draw & cut out shapes. *Remember to use the mirror image.

4. Following the directions on the Heat & Bond package, peel the backer away and apply design to the front side of your bag. *Be careful, not to iron on the wrong side of fabric. Once in place, the bond is strong and it will not come off. If you would like to add machine stitching or apply any trims, now is the time!

5. To join the bags together, line up front and back wrong sides together. Stitch along 3 sides of bag. (I used a standard Zig Zag stitch in contrast color.) Be sure to back stitch at the start and stop of seam.

6. Fill bag with approx 3/4 cup of Black Eyed Peas and stitch the last side closed. * Do not over fill. You will not be able to stitch the last seam closed.

7. Clip all loose threads for a finished look.

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Craft

Upcycled T-shirt

Notebook

By Jenelle Montilone | www.trashn2tees.com

Materials: • T-shirts • Scissors • Popsicle Stick • Composition notebook or sketchbook with board book cover • Aleene’s Super Thick Tacky Glue Instructions: Make it: 1. Lay the book open on the T-shirt (arrange it over the featured logo or design). Cut through just one layer of the shirt, about 2” outside the edge of the notebook.

2. Lay the T-shirt panel face down on your work surface. Apply glue liberally across the front cover of the book.

Spread a thin and even layer over the book cover using a popsicle stick. Be sure the glue reaches the edges, but avoid getting any glue on the pages.

3. Fold the T-shirt fabric over the front cover and press it evenly into the glue.

4. Flip the notebook and spread glue across the spine and back cover. Then pull the remaining T-shirt fabric over the back cover, smoothing any wrinkles.

Let it dry. Optional: Press the notebook between heavy textbooks to keep it flat!

5. Trim the fabric around the edges of the book cover.

Use glue to touch up any edges that are pulling away from the fabric.

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Hey Parents and Teachers!

Want a free way to help the environ ment, while earning money for charity and teaching your kids about recycling?

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!

We'll award two points to the school, community group, or non-profit of your choice for every piece of packaging you collect.

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community groups

For every piece of packaging you colle ct. We make affordable, eco-friendly products from your waste!

Sign up today, visit: www.terracycle.c om Participating Products:

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

TerraCycle速, the TerraCycle Logo速 and Brigade速 are all property of TerraCycle, Inc. used under license. 息2011. www.terracycle.com

EcoFab Letter Learning Cards

Greeting cards designed to help young kids improve their reading, writing, spelling, and handwriting skills in a fun and stress-free way.

Printed on recycled paper, in the US, with non-toxic ink. www.letterlearning.com

USB Flash Drive

Green APPenings

Leafsnap - This free mobile app uses visual recognition software to help identify tree species from photographs of their leaves.

Available for iPhone and iPad. www.leafsnap.com

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We love this USB flash drive with renewable bamboo casing. This device is earth friendly, small enough to store away, but not small enough to lose, and features that “eco-tech� factor. www.greenapplesupply.com

EIO Kids Cup

Using canning jars, this BPA free toddler cup is spill-resistant and valve free promoting correct sipping. Cap and sleeve fit most 8oz canning jars. www.eiokidscup.com

Rock Love Peace Teether

Handmade in the USA from sustainably harvested wood and sold in a set of three. Set comes in a biodegradable jute bag. www.vannybean.com

Kleynimals

Fun, heirloom quality, food-grade stainless steel teething “keys” are designed for babies 6 months+.

Lead, phthalate, BPA, and cadmium free, they can also be engraved. www.kleynimals.com

Guitar Wooden Baby Rattle Teether Eco-friendly and made from

sustainably sourced maple, this guitar is perfect for your little eco rockstar. www.smilingtreetoys.etsy.com

Boon Wrap

Kids can use regular dishes with this protective “body armor.”

Suction cup base secures most average-sized bowls. BpA-free, Phthalate-free and PVC-free. www.booninc.com 11

Great Stores

We are so excited to feature a great consignment shop! What better place to find one in the green city of Portland, Oregon? www.sweetpearesale.com

Family owned, Sweetpea’s is a consignment/ trade shop located in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood in Portland, Oregon.

Specializing is lightly used children’s, women’s and maternity clothes and accessories, as well as a wide selection of new locally made creations. The Thayer family is proud of their 100% consignment policy. They do not buy items for resale; they simply sell them for their owners.

The Thayers acquired this shop almost two years ago after being frequent customers themselves. Sweatpea’s is a family business that has a real connection to its customers and the neighborhood. Since acquiring the shop, the Thayers have made a few updates inside the shop and have added a website, but all the price tags are still written by hand.

The neighborhood is very supportive of the shop and we have no question as to why.

The items are priced to sell and it is a located in a very supportive child-friendly green neighborhood. It is also close to public transportation. With 800+ consigners, everyone is sure to find a great item for their child at Sweatpea’s. Many of the consigners buy merchandise in the store with their credits.

If you live in the Portland area, be sure to head on over to see the Thayers (they work in the shop) in Sellwood. Can’t make it to Portland? Check out their website for some great local finds, www.sweetpearesale.com.

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Design

Blik

www.whatisblik.com

Blik, the innovative maker of self-adhesive surface graphics, and Threadless, the international communitydriven design company, have collaborated once again to launch new self-adhesive Pattern Wall Tiles.

These “green” wall tiles are eco-friendly, non-toxic and free of both PVC and phthalates. The environmentalist in you will love them. They are fully removable and will leave no residue. This brand new fabric material is environmentally safe and biodegradable over time.

pushes Blik in an innovative direction,” said Blik co-founder Scott Flora. “The tiles encourage people to unleash their creativity by cutting, moving and combining patterns. I love their versatility and see the tiles becoming popular with consumers who live and work in small spaces.”

There are currently five self-adhesive sets available that will bring bursts of pattern into standard home and office spaces in a whole new way. Featuring designs from the Threadless community of 1.5 million artists from around the globe, the Pattern Wall Tiles are the first in a series of new Wall Tile designs produced by Blik.

“It’s great to continue our relationship with Blik and our quest to cover the world in patterny goodness through these new wall tiles!” says Threadless founder Jake Nickell. “Magic!”

Pattern Wall Tiles are sticky without the icky. Get on board with these eco-friendly, self-adhesive pattern tiles from Blik and Threadless.

Pattern Wall Tiles were developed for surfaces that are not ideal for full coverage of pattern or paint - create an accent over a bed, behind a chair, on an interior door or kitchen cabinet or frame a small section of a wall. The sets don’t require messy glue and can be repositioned and moved easily.

They are completely customizable and can be cut, crafted, and arranged in a number of ways. Rotate them, combine patterns and use on any smooth flat surface. Each individual Pattern Wall Tile is sold in a set of two or four tiles that cover 16 sq feet of space.

Based in Venice, CA, Blik is the leading designer and maker of innovative self-adhesive, removable surface graphics. Co-founded in 2002 by architect Scott Flora and food editor Jerinne Neils, Blik was an exploration into the concept of the “wall as canvas.” Currently, the packagings for all Blik products are recyclable. Pattern Wall Tiles is just one of the many steps Blik is taking to become greener in the future.

“Pattern Wall Tiles are a fresh new concept that

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The full Blik product line is available online and at retailers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.whatisblik.com

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Look, Listen and Read

Creating Healthy Children

By Karen Ranzi, M.A., CCC-SLP

Creating Healthy Children is a book meant to improve your family’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. In this book, Karen Ranzi guides you on the path to creating happy and healthy children, confident of their disease-free future. Rather than medicate your child’s diseases, infections, and learning difficulties, Karen’s unique and proven approach simply eliminates the causes of health and weight problems through the healthful raw food lifestyle. Using past experiences, medical knowledge, and highlighting experiences from families, this book is an inspiration to raising and healing your family. www.SuperHealthyChildren.com

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Self-Sufficient Living

By Jerome D. Belanger

Self-sufficient living can mean a healthier life, a way to protect the earth, or a way to save money. This guide helps readers find their perfect degree of self reliance in the areas of food, shelter, energy, clothing, and more. For both the urban and rural dweller, it covers gardening, cooking from scratch, preserving food, raising animals, generating or supplementing energy, essential tools and equipment, and foraging for wild foods. This book can help you become more self-sufficient, eco-friendly, and save money. Great for individuals living in urban and rural environments. www.idiotsguides.com

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Look, Listen and Read

Where Do Recyclable Materials Go?

By Sabbithry Persad

Have you or your child ever wonders what happens to an item or items that has been recycled? This cute, engaging, and informative book answers many of those questions through the eyes of a family while looking for their dog. Along the way you and your child can learn amazing facts about what we recycle and how it becomes something new. Great for the child who wants to learn more about they way things work. www.garbologykids.com

The Story Tree and other nature tales

With Storyteller and Singer Jenni Cargill-Strong These delightful earth-loving tales and songs will inspire care for the environment, retain a child’s interest for years, stimulate a child’s imagination and shorten road trips. Each story and song has an environmental moral while maintaining a relatable imaginative tone.

Parents love it as much as children. Available on CD or MP3. www.storytree.com.au

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Breastfeeding is Green!

By Kate Gulbransen

Considerable attention has been given to the countless health reasons for breastfeeding, but have you ever considered breastfeeding as an environmental issue? Besides protecting the health of mothers and babies, breastfeeding is an important way of protecting the health of our planet as a whole. Here are just a few of the important ways that breastfeeding helps Mother Earth.

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No Greenhouse Emissions Did you know that livestock is responsible for nearly 20% of greenhouse emissions? Cows produce considerable methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide, making infant formula one of the most emissions-intensive foods. Breastmilk, in contrast, is produced efficiently through a mother’s fat stores, making it a carbon-neutral food source.

Energy and Land Conservation Every dairy cow producing milk for infant formula requires about one hectare of land in addition to the land needed to produce cattle feed. Dairy farming contributes to land and water pollution, deforestation as well as soil erosion. Some infant formula is made from soybeans, which require significant pesticides and chemicals for fertilization. Soy farming is also a huge contributor to deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.

Reduced Chemical and Toxin Exposure While there have been a few recent headlines about environmental contaminants detected in breastmilk, research shows that the risks of not breastfeeding outweigh the concerns. There is a far greater risk of contamination of infant formula, which has been subject to numerous recalls over the last decade.

Formula packaging and bottles can also contain toxic chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA) that can leach into milk and harm the environment.

With increasing societal awareness of the importance of conservation, it’s surprising that breastfeeding doesn’t get more attention as an environmental issue and one of our most valuable natural resources.

As advocates of greener living, protecting and supporting breastfeeding is one of the best ways we can contribute to a healthier planet and society.

Zero “Food Miles” Breastfeeding requires zero transportation or factory processing, making it the ultimate in eating local.

In contrast, infant formula requires the shipment of cow’s milk to multiple factories for processing, packaging and distribution thousands of miles away.

The entire manufacturing and distribution process consumes significant fuel and energy. In contrast to breastmilk, which always comes out at exactly the right temperature, infant formula also requires energy and water for proper heating, preparation and sterilization of bottles.

Green Packaging While breastmilk comes in the most eco-friendly packaging imaginable, the packaging and production of infant formula consumes significant resources and contributes to our growing landfills. If every baby in the US were fed infant formula from birth, the packaging alone would require over 100,000 tons of metal and nearly 1500 tons of paper! The manufacturing of plastic feeding bottles also consumes significant petroleum, and it takes hundreds of years for these bottles to break down in landfills.

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Breastfeeding SUPPLY GUIDE

ecoMilk Nursing Top Made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes, these tops are stylish and luxurious. Openings allow for easy and discreet nursing. We love the way these feel on our tired mommy bodies. www.milknursingwear.com

Butterfly Wrap Hand sewn from eco-soy and organic cotton fabric, the super-soft Butterfly Wrap stretches and changes to fit and flatter your changing body. Use as a maternity shawl, nursing cover, or a skirt. bamboobieswholesale.com

Bamboobies - Soft, thin, eco-friendly and these reusable nursing pads are discreet for everyday wear. These leak-proof nursing pads boast a cute heart shape as well as ultra soft feel. www.buybamboobies.com

Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow and Nest Egg Filled with buckwheat hulls, this nursing pillow allows you to get your baby in a proper position and stay there. Nest Egg gives extra support when needed or great for on-the-go. Gives moms stable support no matter the size, shape, or position.

Pillow and cover are made with 100% GOTS organic cotton. www.blessednest.com

Simple Organics Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover Made of 100% organic linen, the nursing cover boasts as terrycloth pocket for quick cleanups and storage. Rigid neckline allows for eye contact while nursing, has adjustable neck strap, and can adapt for other uses. www.bebeaulait.com

They also believe that green living doesn’t require that we compromise quality or aesthetics. They practice fair trade and social responsibility, with the goal of enhancing lives in every community we touch.

On January 24, 2009, Suzanne Hamilton, Heather Hamilton’s dear sister-in-law, mentor, fellow entrepreneur, and friend - passed away, leaving behind a beautiful legacy and her precious-3-month-old daughter, Zoe Anne.

Heather had been working on an organic product line for months, and she and Suzanne had discussed the need they saw as mommies for a truly natural, organic line that combined luxury, health and wellness, and social responsibility. Most product lines they had come across failed in at least one of these areas.

Heather originally had picked out another name for this product line, but was never content with it. One day after Suzanne’s death, during some quiet time, the name “Zoe Organics” dropped into her heart.

She knew it was right. As she continued to reflect on that name, she was amazed at how it captured the entire essence of the company. Zoe means “life,” and even more specifically, “life as God intended.”

Suzanne knew how to celebrate and live life better than anyone Heather had ever known. It was contagious. How fitting that her own daughter was given the name “Zoe,” a part of Suzanne that will keep on living. Suzanne spent the last months of her own life fully dedicated to her sweet baby girl.

And in that same spirit, Zoe Organics seeks to celebrate and cultivate life, and in doing so honor

Virtual Bra Fitting Shopping online seems to be all many mothers have time to do, since the world wide web doesn’t close when the kids are in bed. Now you can confidently buy a nursing bra online too! By answering a few questions, “The Booby Whisperer” will evaluate your needs and recommend a bra that is right for you. mommynewsblog.com/virtual-bra-fittings

Milk-Saver - This discreet milk-saver collects your leaking breast milk when you nurse, allowing you to store extra breast milk effortlessly. Rigoriously tested to ensure zero chemical leaching and contains no BPA or phthalates. www.mymilkies.com

Zoe Organics Nipple Balm Safe and non-irritating for both mom and baby, this Nipple Balm is make with soothing and restorative oils, butters and herbs.

No need to wash off before feedings. www.zoe-organics.com

Mother TuckerTM This compression tank soothes and shapes your postpartum-middle while allowing you to nurse your baby with exceptional underwire-free support.

Allows for easy nursing access. www.bellybandit.com

Breastfeeding SUPPLY GUIDE

Organic Milkmaid Tea Organic and Kosher, this tea was created to help encourage milk production and continued lactation. Deliciously comforting for mothers whether served hot or iced. www.earthmamaangelbaby.com

My Brest Friend with Organic Cover With its wrap around design and back rest, this pillow is popular with many nursing mothers. Boasts an adjustable fit that helps it to stay in place while nursing.

The organic cover made of cotton and bamboo gives mothers peace of mind about the environment while nursing. www.mybrestfriend.com

HygeiaEnJoyeTM Professional-Grade Breastpump - Double pump that is designed for long-term and frequent pumping needs. Comes with Hygeia’s satisfaction guarantee, can be battery operated, shared with multiple mothers, and is recyclable. www.hygeiababy.com

www.TheMilkTruck.org The Milk Truck is a public artwork project that is part of the Pittsburgh Biennial at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. The project is the creation of Jill Miller, artist and faculty member in the School of Art at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Truck will also make regular rounds on its “Pump Route” to offer a private, clean space for women to pump breast milk at work. It will also visit businesses and events that are breastfeeding-friendly to celebrate their commitment to the health and welfare of babies in the Pittsburgh region.

The goal of the truck is to use humor to attract attention and begin a conversation about a mother’s right to breastfeed in public, which is protected by laws in many states.

This public artwork project is in process of becoming a reality through public support and donations.

Using a combination of tactical theater, humor, and social services, The Milk Truck’s primary mission is to help hungry babies eat by providing a supportive environment for women to nurse. The Milk Truck is a mobile breastfeeding unit that allows mothers to feed their babies in places where they have been discouraged. The truck will be dispatched when a woman who is breastfeeding anywhere is hassled or asked to nurse in a bathroom.

Calling, texting, tweeting or posting the problem and location will summon The Milk Truck and activate the “mobile breastfeeding unit”. The Milk 24

Maternally Green

By Mary Oscategui, CBP [IABPP], CGP [IMI] Maternity Professionals have an important responsibility to protect their clients from any potential harm in order to support a healthy pregnancy.

Since the industrial revolution we are being introduced to progressively more and more new chemicals. An accumulating volume of evidence continues to expand linking environmental contaminants to health issues relating to fertility, pregnancy, birth, and young children.

These include stress, anxiety, infertility, birth defects, premature births, asthma, allergies, learning disabilities, obesity, and many more.

Every year, 1,800 new chemicals are introduced in North America with little or no toxicity testing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, man-made chemicals collect in our bodies, leading pregnant women to worry about what may be reaching an affecting their unborn children.

A report from the Environmental Working Group highlighted the fact that “287 industrial chemicals have been found in the cord blood of unborn children - an average of 200 in each one. Among the toxins were found 28 industrial waste byproducts, 47 consumer product ingredients, and perhaps most disturbingly, 212 industrial chemicals and pesticides that were banned 30 years ago”.

Just as babyproofing is designed to prevent children from injuring themselves or doing damage around the home, a certified greenproofer™ or greenbirth educator™ is a maternity eco-consultant that meets with expecting or new families to provide education, support, and resources in order to protect their clients and their children from unsafe exposure to toxic and potentially toxic substances in their home, on their body, in their food, and in their environment. They use an individualized approach to assess, motivate, educate and prepare clients for non-toxic living. They also provide the guidance to help pre-conceiving, expecting, and new parent clients achieve their personal green goals.

As a Greenbirth Educator™ or Greenproofer, a maternity professional can expand the services they already offer by incorporating new knowledge to protect their clients from potentially harmful substances in their products, food, and environment.

They could also add an entire new line of business to their company, bringing a new group of clients who often choose to go green in connection with the birth of a child.

You can find maternity green professionals located near you at The International Maternity Institute, where referrals, green certifications and training programs are available. For more information, visit www.maternityinstitute.com.

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Green Your Hospital Stay

By Shannon Harlow

Moms as of recent have an unbelievable amounts of options for birthing their babies as did they even a generation ago. From hypno to water birthing to the scheduled c-section, 21st century moms enjoy a “have it your way” birth. It’s no doubt that most of us envision a completely lux, non-toxic, green environment that’s as beautiful as the bundle of joy that is soon to be in our arms. But for some, the best of the best is a bit out of reach. So, we have to DIY our green birth experience to ensure that our birth story is not only peaceful but green too.

The hospital is not always top of mind when it comes to having the green birth of your dreams. On the whole, hospitals are covered in chemicals. According to The Center for American Progress, “Many potentially toxic chemicals are used in large amounts not just for patient care, but to clean the hospital itself. These traditional cleaning products, floor strippers, and disinfectants often contain bioaccumalative toxins or PBTs that can contribute to environmental pollution during manufacturing and lead to poor indoor air quality when they’re used.

In fact, the Environmental Working Group’s study on umbilical cords found an average of 200 industrial chemicals pumping towards babies in utero. So, how do we help combat this after the birth? It’s not as difficult as you think if you plan ahead. Sure, you have your nesting to do and your body isn’t keeping up with your to do list, but making your birth environment as green as possible will be well worth it in the end.

For starters, what’s done is done. Your room will have been cleaned for you but you can ask your nursing staff to ensure that during your stay, no additional cleaning of the room will be done. And, if you can, open a window upon arrival and let your room -off-gas. But let’s back up a bit. What do we bring with us to ensure that it’s even greener? Your suitcase should be filled with the greenest of the green so we don’t have to utilize any additional hospital chemical products.

That hospital bed is surely to be draped in sheets and pillow cases washed in industrial washers soaking in 26

harsh chemical based cleaners so it’s a better option to bring a couple of sheets with you as well as a few pillow cases. You can surely pick up some organic sheets for not too much more to make them even greener! And what about what goes on mama? No woman has ever looked her most fabulous in one of those hospital gowns, but thanks to a few companies, she now has her pick of a gorgeous organic hospital gown, sized and ready for breast feeding. And take a minute to think about your shower, personal hygiene and beauty supplies. You’re going to bring some with you anyway, why not make sure they are non-toxic and fragrance-free to guarantee that your breast milk is devoid of toxins.

photos courtesy of Hot Mama Gowns

Ok, now your beautiful, sweet baby (or babies) has arrived and you need to make sure that this blessed angel is also covered...literally. One of the most important green choices you can make is to cloth diaper your baby. And, bring your diapers with you to the hospital. The hospital staff may balk, but you’re the mama! What about those wet wipes for your first bit of meconium? You have a few options here. You can pick up a pack of chlorine free wipes or you can even make them yourself with paper towels, non-toxic baby shampoo, a little olive oil and a recipe found on the internet (trust me they’re fabulous). Speaking of non-toxic baby shampoo, bring that too! And make sure that you provide your nursing staff with your choice of baby wash and communicate your wishes.

Don’t forget about the baby’s attire either. Organic hats and onsies are available nearly everywhere these days but you’re always sure to find some in cyberspace.

And, since I know how foggy pregnancy brain can be here’s a handy list of what to pack to make sure you don’t forget how to green your hospital stay. Good luck mom!

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Green Your Hospital Stay PACKING LIST:

ORGANIC CLEAN SHEETS ORGANIC CLEAN PILLOW CASES ORGANIC HOSPITAL GOWN NON-TOXIC LOTION FOR MOM NON-TOXIC NIPPLE CREAM

Nature’s

Gifts

NON-TOXIC SHAMPOO FOR MOM NON-TOXIC SOAP FOR MOM NON-TOXIC CONDITIONER FOR MOM MAXI PADS/TAMPONS (re-usable or non toxic) CLOTH DIAPERS NON-TOXIC BABY WIPES ORGANIC ONSIES

Baby Williams

ORGANIC GOING HOME OUTFIT NON-TOXIC BABY SHAMPOO NON-TOXIC LOTION ORGANIC HATS/CAPS ORGANIC BABY SOCKS NON-TOXIC HAND SANITIZER ORGANIC SWADDLING BLANKETS ORGANIC NURSING PILLOW (WITH COVER)

Baby Hayward

Baby Venable

Baby Ritchey

Hot Mama Gowns

Baby Hutchinson

Homemade Mothering

Why Be Green?

By Maureen Smithe Brusznicki

Kids are notoriously curious. As the mother of a 3 year old daughter and 1 year old son, I often find I am inundated with questions like “Why are there so many birds over there?” or “Why are we putting vanilla in the cookie dough?”

Sometimes it seems like every answer I give just brings more questions from them. I welcome their inquisitiveness because they should feel comfortable exploring our world, and I’m happy that they look to me to help them understand how things work.

In the spirit of encouraging their sense of wonder, I often make a point of over-explaining answers to their questions. I’ve found that this practice not only fosters deeper conversations than might otherwise be possible with such young people, but it also offers them insight into topics they might not have considered before. Plus, explaining the reasons behind a rule or an expectation helps kids accept responsibility for their actions.

Around the time my daughter turned 2, she started asking a lot of questions about our planet and where we live. I took this as the first opportunity to teach her about being a thoughtful and kind steward of our planet. She already knew we were making a lot of eco-friendly choices like cloth diapering, using homemade cleaning products and walking instead of driving, but I don’t think she understood our reasons for doing so. I’ve learned that rather than just telling kids to turn off the lights or shut off the water, it is more effective to explain why: 30

“Turn off the lights when you’re not in the room so you don’t waste energy.”

“Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth because we need to conserve the water on our planet.”

“Instead of driving to the grocery store we are going to ride our bikes because driving the car costs money and hurts the air we breathe.”

“We are bringing these plastic bottles to the recycling bin so they don’t end up in the landfill.

Recycling let’s us use these bottles again.”

When I started doing this with my daughter, I noticed a dramatic improvement in her actions.

She now corrects everyone in our family, and if she notices a light on in an unoccupied room, she is very quick to turn it off and let us know why. I am very proud of her level of awareness, and I know she is setting a good example for her younger brother. Such mighty little eco warriors!

Maureen Smithe Brusznicki is a wife, mother and friend to Mother Nature. When she’s not playing with her kids, experimenting with homemade cleaning products or cooking in the kitchen she likes to blog about living a healthy and simple life at Homemade Mothering. Follow her on twitter and join her on Facebook.

Green Child in the City: Delightful Donating www.tristinandtyler.com

In a super busy city like New York, going green with kids can be a challenge! I’m a mom, wife, lawyer and the producer of Tristin & Tyler’s Tales from the City! a short form series that highlights New Yorker’s who are going green. Even with all of that on my plate, I make it a priority to teach the hosts of the series, my 7 year-old twins Tristin and Tyler, simple ways to live an eco-friendly life and we share what we discover through our fun series!

Tyler donate their time to plant trees in New York City!

So grab your child, think of what you can share with others, and just do it! Want to check out Tristin and Tyler’s Donate Denim episode? Visit tristinandtyler.com!

In New York City, there are not a ton of people doing their best to conserve resources or care for the earth.

Sometimes it’s pretty disheartening because Tristin and Tyler see people littering, and they always notice when someone fails to recycle properly. But even city slickers and their kiddies can take steps to help the environment!

In the first episode of Tristin and Tyler’s series, the boys donate their jeans to a local organization for recycling. Donating is one of my favorite ways to teach kids to go green! Donating is great because 1) kids learn the value of repurposing items and keeping them out of landfills and 2) kids learn philanthropy; why not give things to people who need them more than you?

Why is Donating Green?

For us, the point of donating was making sure that the boys’ jeans did not end up in a landfill somewhere for years to come. In addition, there may be a child somewhere in South America who needs a pair or maybe the jeans get a second life as insulation!

Either way, the jeans aren’t in a landfill for years!

What Else Can You Donate?

Are you a parent that can hand down clothing to other siblings? Well then there is no need to donate clothing yet, right? No problem! You can donate toys, old furniture - just about anything can be reused by someone else! My favorite thing to donate, especially with children, is time. In a future episode, Tristin and

A native New Yorker, mom, wife and lover of all things kid-inspired, Tiffany Casanova is a busy mom working as an entertainment lawyer and producer of short-form kids videos and a kid’s web series called Tristin and Tyler’s Tales from the City! which features her 7 year-old twins as they interview New Yorkers finding unique ways to have fun and go green! The series is featured on green websites and blogs Tiny Green Bubble, Keen for Green and Funtastically Green. Check out her blog “Tiffany’s Take” and her fun series at www.tristinandtyler.com. Contact her at tiffany@tristinandtyler.com.

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photo by Kristen Brundidge

Why Yoga for Kids?

By Michelle McIntyre | www.luv2doyogaplay.com Yoga simply defined is the coordination of specific postures with breathing, meditation, and concentration to focus and calm the mind. There is an increasing interest in the use of yoga for children to quiet the mind and increase health and well-being. The increased awareness of the potential benefits of yoga for children has resulted in a variety of programs that address stress and anxiety by treating the body and mind. I have had the pleasure to teach children over the past ten years in both school and after school programs, yoga studios, as well as camps and hospitals.

Emphasis on individual abilities rather than competition makes yoga appropriate for all children including 32

those with physical limitations and lack of involvement in organized sports. Yoga provides a non-threatening and gentle method to increase physical fitness and enhance health and well-being. Research results have reported yoga is great for calming children, reducing obesity, reducing discipline problems, decreasing anger and panic attacks, and enhancing imagination, concentration, and academic performance. Health problems such as headaches, stomachaches, constipation, and colds are reportedly improved with a yoga practice as well as a decreased need for medication for children with attention deficit disorder.

As a children’s yoga instructor, I adapt each class to

the children’s developmental and physical needs. The focus in class is less on the perfection of postures than the cultivation of compassion, non-judgment, connection between breath and postures, and introducing the foundations of a life-long practice.

Common components necessary when teaching yoga to children include the environment and atmosphere, parts of the yoga session, and recommended length of class. The environment may be a room away from distractions with the lights low and soft music playing.

The parts of the class I have created include breathing exercises, poses, age-appropriate games, and relaxation. For example, a favorite breathing exercise for the five to eight year olds is becoming a deflated balloon and then visualizing someone coming to their mat and blowing air into their balloons. The children inhale the air through their nose and grow to become beautiful balloons, which then “float� off their mat around the classroom.

The frequency of practice is recommended at least one time per week. Ideally, four to six times per week is best to enjoy the cumulative benefits of yoga. Class length depends on the attention span and developmental age of the students.

photos by Kristen Brundidge

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Fashion

Lillipops www.lillipopsdesigns.com

Lillipops was born from the desire to dress my children in eco-friendly, fashionable clothes that didn’t A) look like they came from the recycle bin and B) didn’t require robbing a bank to buy them. I’ve always been one of those people who loves to troll the thrift stores, and this germ of an idea started brewing.

Once I saw past hideous cuts and focused on the raw materials, a whole world of design possibilities opened up for me. I’ve since branched out into organic and authentic vintage textiles, but there is still a love and respect for turning something awful into something beautiful.

Inspiration is the easy part. I’m inspired by virtually everything around me. Sometimes I feel like a sponge... just soaking up imagery, colors, and “feelings”. Right now, I’m obsessed with travel. I’ve been researching elements of traditional global clothing to incorporate into modern children’s wear. Sometimes the smallest detail or method of construction can inspire an entire collection!

Jayme Lillie

Lillipops Designs photos courtesy Rebecca Deaton Photography

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Blue Eyes and Bare Feet

Eco Kids

Sophia & Kiara Kofoed www.howkidscanhelptheworld.com

Sophia

Kiara

Sophia

Sophia

When Sophia was six years old she wrote a book called, Isabella Makes a Difference. It is an inspiring story about a girl who wants to help the world and how sometimes you just need to find the right way to make that happen. Now that she is nine, she is sharing her book, illustrated by her sister, Kiara, with the world as a way to make money for schools.

Isabella Makes a Difference is a story about never giving up. This book can be used as a way for organizations to earn money for schools and also as a way to provide ideas and resources for kids, like Sophia, who want to help the world. “Many people think that elementary school age kids are too young to make a difference in the world but that is not true!

We can and want to make a difference too!,” said Sophia at age 6.

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Sophia also made a website (with her mom’s help) as a place for kids to connect and talk about projects and organizations in where younger kids can be part of right away. Sophia also provides a place to see some of her favorite organizations that are friendly to little kids wanting to help.

Sophia and Kiara are on a mission to make helping the world something feasible for little kids. Bravo to them for the amazing work they are doing to help the world.

If you would like to learn more about Sophia and Kiara and ways your child, and family, can make a difference, be sure to visit howkidscanhelptheworld.com.

Reducing your Family’s Body Burden

By Katy Farber | www.non-toxickids.net

What chemicals are lurking deep in your body? Sure, you eat organic food, limit processed foods, and try to buy more natural body care products. But have you ever wondered what your toxic chemical load, or body burden is? Do you shudder to think about all the food you ate and the products you used in the 80s and 90s? I sure do.

It was much safer to simply wonder about this.

I had to do it. Really. I’d been writing about toxins in everyday products such as baby lotion, antibacterial soap, sunscreen, and in our food, water and air intensively for 3 years on my blog, Non-Toxic Kids.

When a friend from the Vermont Public Interest Research Group asked me if she could forward my name to participate in a body burden study, I thought, I have to do this.

It was time to put my body where my mouth is, so to speak. The study was a long process involving a chunk of hair, a urine sample, and lots (lots!) of blood. In the end, I learned that lifestyle alone can’t protect us from chemical exposures, but certain changes can help.

Here’s how to reduce your family’s chemical body burden:

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POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHERS (PBDE): • Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter vacuum.

We need to buy a new vacuum; ours does not have a HEPA filter. Consumer reports rated HEPA filter vacuums and the information can be found here at consumerreports.org (for subscribers). Be sure to vacuum in areas of potential PBDE dust, such as behind TVs, around couches and under the bed.

• When buying electronics, especially computers, opt for companies who do not use PBDEs. There are several TV and electronic manufacturers who now don’t use them, such Apple, Dell, Sony, Sharp, Samsung, Panasonic, Lenovo, Phillips LG Electronics, Toshiba Personal Computing an Hewlett Packard. When buying a computer, buy one from a company that is the best for indoor environmental health, such as Apple, who phased out PBDEs years ago and uses no PVC or mercury in their electronics.

• And when buying furniture, ask if the foam contains

PBDE. IKEA phased out bromated flame-retardants from all their furniture and mattresses and should be a safer bet. The best choice is organic mattresses and furniture made from natural materials such as wool and organic cotton.

• Consider buying an air filter. The toxic dust that settles can be vacuumed up, but the airborne dust remains. Consider buying an air filter with an allergenic filter to catch the most possible toxins from the air.

ORGANIC PESTICIDES • Buy as much organic produce as your budget allows, but especially those in the “dirty dozen” the fruits and vegetables with the highest amounts of pesticides. These are listed at the Environmental Working Group website, www.ewg.org.

• Wash and rinse your produce. This will hopefully eliminate any accumulated bacteria and lessen the amount of pesticides present.

• Consider organic prepared foods if you buy them, such as pasta sauces. Conventional foods contain pesticides from the conventional vegetables used to make it. Better yet, make your own sauces with local produce from your garden, or your neighbor’s.

BPA (BISPHENOL A) • Get rid of all plastic Tupperware in your house (recycle it).

• Buy Pyrex, Anchor, or other glassware to hold leftovers (clear glass works best so you can see what left-overs are there without opening it.)

• Don’t microwave any food or drink in plastic, this leeches BPA into food and drinks.

• Use stainless steel water bottles and travel mugs.

• Use less (or no) canned foods. The lining in canned food contains BPA in considerable amounts in some cases. Consumer reports just released a report on the BPA in canned foods, and it is present even in some organic brands claiming to be BPA free!

PROTECT FAMILIES FROM UNNECESSARY CHEMICAL EXPOSURES There is no way we can shop our way out of this problem. Even with a lifestyle where I follow most of the above recommendations, I have most of these toxins in my body, in some cases in large and troubling amounts.

There are thousands of untested chemicals in everyday products. Our current regulation system does not protect families from harmful chemicals and their serious health consequences. We need a shift of burden here in the U.S., from consumers, non-profits, and the government to the manufacturers who are making profits by using untested and unsafe chemicals in their products. The European Union has done this with their REACH legislation, passed in 2004, and we need to follow their example. Here are ways you can act to support changes in our legislation, regulation and management of chemicals in the U.S. • Support the work of the Environmental Working Group, Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families and the Washington Toxics Coalition. These groups release regular reports showing the affects of toxic chemicals on developing babies, toddlers, children and pregnant mothers and advocate for legislation that protects families from harmful chemical exposures.

• Tell your representative and senators in Congress that you want them to reform TSCA by passing the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011. Better yet, make an appointment to talk in-person with their staff in the local office if there’s one near you.

• Join Momrising, an organization dedicated to promoting issues of critical importance to families, often has action steps in the area of chemical legislation and safety.

We have the power to make our world safer and healthier for everyone. It’s time to use it, collectively, to pass the Safer Chemicals Act of 2011, which would require that manufacturers prove a chemical’s safety before it is used in the marketplace. The result?

Less pollution from toxic chemicals in our homes, schools, workplaces, and ultimately, in our bodies.

Katy Farber is a teacher, author, blogger and mother of two from Vermont. You can find her green parenting blog at Non-Toxic Kids.

Katy’s first book, Why Great Teachers Quit and How We Might Stop the Exodus, was released in July by Corwin Press. Her second book, Change the World with Service Learning: How to Organize, Lead and Assess Service Learning Projects, was released in December, 2010. She is releasing new guide for busy parents called Eat Non-Toxic: A manual for Busy Parents in October. See the ad in this magazine for a discount.

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Your Green Child John

Anaya

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Frankie

Adelyn Claire

Jasmin & Hariot

Jimmy

Javier

Gracie

Aspen Jewel

Carmine

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Kaiya

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Rachel

Mistic Renee

Zoe

Your Green Child

Lucas

Nila Kali

Nolan

Joshua

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Children in Waiting

Ronika Ronika is very outspoken, outgoing and energetic. She also takes pride in her appearance and is very trendy and fashionable. Ronika loves being exposd to new things, like stores and restaurants and loves shopping. She also loves to dance and is on a praise dance team at church. Ronika is very sociable and even though she struggles academically and has an assigned tutor she states that she likes attending school. Ronika loves to eat but does not like chinese food, she likes to be treated with respect and does not like being talked down to. Ronika would like to have very close knit family with both a mother and father, she does want to be in the same home as her brother, Kordel.

AdoptFlorida.org Kordel Kordel is quiet, well spoken and very intelligent. He communicates well and is very easy going. Kordel likes to play video games and is into technology. At school, Kordel is very sociable and has many friends. He does well academically and his favorite subjects are math and science. Kordel likes to go swimming. He loves to eat, especially desserts, and likes to watch television and play on the computer. Kordel would love to have a family with a mother, a father and children his age. Kordel has a sister, Ronika, he is very close to and he wants them to be adopted together.

AdoptFlorida.org

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Children in Waiting

Jarrett “Bet I Can Make You Smile” Upon first meeting Jarrett, what you notice immediately is his “great big smile” and joy for life. He’s very sweet and funny, and can brighten almost any situation with his irresistible happiness. Jarrett loves listening to music, and will often start to sing and dance right along with it! His good nature and positive outlook help you to see the beauty in everyday life, and the joy he brings is tangible. Jarrett needs a patient two-parent home that has experience with his special needs; a family willing to be consistent and to nurture Jarrett’s potential in life.

AdoptFlorida.org

Owen, 16 & Matt, 13 Brothers who have a very strong and loving relationship, they were born in the Bahamas and are very proud of their island culture. They enjoy eating seafood and Caribbean foods, and do very well in school, making mostly A’s and B’s.

Owen enjoys sports more than his little brother and is in the track team at his high school. Owen additionally likes playing video games and loves buying and wearing different sneakers.

Matt enjoys listening to music such as Hip/Hop and Rap. Like his brother he also enjoys playing video games.

Owen is very protective of his little brother and does not want to be separated from him. Matt looks up to his older brother and would be devastated if he were separated from him.

Owen and Matt are friendly and have a good sense of humor. Both boys are very shy and quiet when you first meet them, however they warm up after getting to know them. They would benefit from a family who will be supportive of their goals and help them continue to achieve good grades in school. They would like to be able to remain near the Gainesville, FL area. They are good hearted boys who deserve a forever family who will provide them with unconditional love and support.

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48 photo courtesy of Brie Ritchey

Greener Costumes

Get Creative! - Traci Brosnaham fashioned her son’s Mad Hatter costume using fabric scraps, short pants and a used women’s shirt tailored as the jacket. Too cute!

Wild Child - Your child can be the king of the wild things with a white fleece suit, fleececovered bottle cap buttons, and crown made from a box. courtesy of Jenelle Montilone

It’s a Hoot! - Using cut out fabric scraps adhered to a vest and construction paper mask, your child will have everyone saying “whoo whoo.” courtesy of www.recreate.org

Let Their Imaginations Soar - Let your child use play scarves to become a pirate, princess, a genie, a super hero, or whatever they may dream. courtesy of www.sarahssilks.com

Taking on the Jellies - Long pieces of fabric, an umbrella, and monochromatic sweatsuit, make for the cutest jellyfish we have seen on land or under the sea. courtesy of www.recreate.org

Get Thrifty - Head to a local garage or thrift sale and pick up a great costume at a great price! courtesy of Tiffany Voss

The Growing Costume - Let your child use the same costume year after year, but in a new way! A robot It’s A Stinger - Old yellow shirt, painted black one year can be a robot dragon the next, and a zombie robot dragon after that. Kids are so creative. stripes, black elastic on the bottom, crumpled courtesy of Melissa Dimock newspaper for “poof,” black pants, a set of antennae & wings, your child will be the buzz of the neighborhood. courtesy of Sarah Keeter

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Go Green this Halloween www.GreenHalloween.org Halloween is big on fun but, unfortunately, it’s also big on unhealthy traditions and waste. Many moms worry about the impact of this holiday on the health of their kids and the planet. And for good reason.

Almost $6 billion a year is spent on costumes, candy, décor and other accessories, most of which are made from unhealthy, unsustainable materials, by people who may not be paid living wages or treated fairly. Most of the stuff – what isn’t consumed - winds up in landfills. And scary news about high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, lead laden accessories just fuel parent’s concerns.

But our goal is to show families that it’s easy and affordable to keep the fun, while losing the unhealthy, un-Earth-friendly traditions. It’s not about telling parents how they should celebrate - it’s about inspiring them to make choices that make sense to their families, their budgets and their schedules.

And when many families make healthier and more sustainable choices for Halloween – taking even the smallest of steps - big impacts can be made for the short and long term.

How easy it is to celebrate green Busy parents need greening to be simple. Whatever the choice may be (goodies, costumes, décor, etc.), adding an eco-friendly twist shouldn’t increase stress and chaos to an already hectic holiday season. But making healthy and green choices is, in fact, easier than it seems. The key is thinking (and acting) outside the conventional candy box.

• Plan ahead. Halloween is a fairly last minute holiday, resulting in a lot of knee-jerk choices that aren’t good for kids or the planet. But if you make a habit of thinking ahead, you can find exactly what you want while saving time, energy and reducing stress. One idea is to create a reoccurring appointment in your calendar for each October 1st. Decide what you are going to give away this year and, if necessary, order it 50

online or pick it up. If you have the bandwidth to coordinate with a few friends or co-workers, you can save money by buying online, splitting the quantities and dividing the shipping charges. If the recycled plastic tops or eco-themed temporary tattoos are a hit, make it easier on yourself by giving the same thing away next year. (Make your green goodies a tradition.)

• Take a different road. Who said goodies have to be bought at grocery stores? Most of us run out to the grocery store the night before Halloween to pick up that 10 pound bag of candy (or two), but what if we realized that great, green goodies can

be found elsewhere, too? What about picking up some seeds while you’re at the nursery? Or some cool glass beads when you drive by the art supply store? Playing cards with magic tricks, recipes and Halloween jokes can be found at bookstores and toy stores.

• Include the kids. Going green is a family affair, so make it easier on yourself and include the kids by asking for their ideas. When they’re involved from the get-go, they’re more like to stay involved and to have positive attitudes.

• Relax. Going green isn’t an all or nothing deal and busy moms have a lot on their minds and plates. So start with simple green steps that will work for your family this year. You can always add more the next time around. Holidays should be about the fun, not about the stress. Even green choices, if stressful, won’t be sustainable over the long haul.

Putting some green into your Halloween does not have to be difficult or costly. In the continuum of being green, all families can hop on board! You can start wherever you are. For example, if your family eats organic and shops mostly locally, Green Halloween® offers additional ways you can make your holiday even healthier and more green with tips even seasoned health-conscious parents will find useful. If your family has yet to try healthy alternatives, this is a great year to start. The Green Halloween® website (www.GreenHalloween.org) offers even green-newbies fun, easy and affordable ways to start new holiday traditions your whole family will enjoy. Being a part of Green Halloween® means trying one new tradition–or trying them all.

By going green for just one part of your Halloween, you’ll be making a difference you and your family can be proud of.

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter founders of Green Halloween® and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net

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Hallow Rice Cereal Treats

Knocking on a neighbor’s door dressed up in costume and yelling out “Trick or Treat” is one of those magical childhood experiences you want your child to have…but how do you maintain their vegan diet when your neighbor’s treats are not vegan?

Establish a rule before you head out that treats can only be eaten back at home. You can go through the haul to see what your kids can enjoy.

If you aren’t sure, check out PETA’s online list of vegan candies (www.petakids.com/candy.asp).

Be prepared to offer your own goodies in case you don’t come home with acceptable options. Vegan, dye free and preservative free sweets can also be found online at www.YummyEarth.com and www.NaturalCandyStore.com.

Or forget the commercial goods! It is easy and fun for the kids to make their own treats at home giving them their own personal twist. Give these a try!

3 Tablespoons Non-dairy Margarine 40 large Vegan Marshmallows (yes, vegan! www.SweetandSara.com) 5 cups Rice Cereal Puffs Melt margarine in pan over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Remove from heat and gradually add rice cereal until coated.

Scoop out onto greased 9 x 13 pan and spread evenly. When cool, let your kids use Halloween shaped cookie cutters to make the shapes they want.

Pumpkin Pie Popsicles Creamy and cool. Tastes just like a pumpkin pie!

5 cups of cooked Pumpkin (canned or homemade) ½ cup of Maple Syrup ½ cup of Coconut Milk cream ½ teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice* Popsicle molds Blend all ingredients together and spoon into popsicle molds. Freeze until hard, about 6 hours, and enjoy! *Make your own Pumpkin Pie Spice by mixing together: ¼ cup Cinnamon plus 1 Tablespoon of each: Ground Cloves, Ground Nutmeg, and Ground Ginger

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Treats!

Courtesy of Louise, An Apple A Day Nutrition

Caramel Apples 1 cup Non-Dairy Margarine 2 cups Sugar 2 cups unflavored Soymilk 1 cup light Corn Syrup 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract 6 Apples Chopped Nuts (Optional) Candy Thermometer Wooden Popsicle Sticks Greased Cooking Sheet Remove apple stems and push popsicle sticks into center. You can also use 4-6 inch twigs that can support the weight of the apple. Hook candy thermometer to inside of pot making sure the end does not touch the bottom. Combine first 5 ingredients in pot and bring to a boil. Stirring often, bring to a boil until temperature reaches 280 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Dip apples in caramel mixture until evenly coated and roll in chopped nuts, if desired.

Place on cooking sheet and cool in refrigerator.

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www.practicallygreen.com

Sometimes the prospect of going green can be overwhelming, and knowing where to start can be difficult. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were someone, like a coach, to help guide us to be greener?

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Practically Green is an online guide to help people become greener in their everyday lives, using a point system that’s backed by science. Like a diet plan, this system helps people trim the waste while providing a support system and tracking your progress.

• Bottom Line: Practically Green is designed to make healthy green living easier and more enjoyable for the millions of people who want to be greener as well as for the companies who are trying to reach them.

What makes Practically Green unique?

• Assessment Tool. PG’s full lifestyle diagnostic (a.k.a. the Quiz) focuses on the respondent’s daily life. Answers illuminate four areas of green living - Energy, Health, Stuff, and Water. Results segment people into one of ten green profiles, from Barely Green to Superbly Green.

• Actions. A proprietary recommendation engine provides people with a customized, manageable list of suggestions to do next: Actions. A registered user can check off completed Actions and select more for her Green Action Plans.

• Impact Points. Actions vary in terms of impact.

Their proprietary points system translates complex science about impact into something real that people can understand: 150 points = big impact; 5 points = small impact.

• Robust Interactive Database. PG’s Actions database pulls together expert and real-life data, all in one place, to help people make decisions to change. In addition to why it’s green and how to do it, what products and services are really green and which do people like? This helps protect people from greenwashing and other bad experiences, by directing them to solid companies with genuinely green products and services.

• Social Networks. Integration with Facebook & Twitter makes the process a whole lot more interesting and fun. And research shows that when friends make recommendations and share progress, people are more likely to take smart positive steps themselves.

Inspired by life...and LEED® Susan Hunt Stevens’ son was diagnosed with serious food and environmental allergies when he was one year old. She embarked on a serious green home-life makeover, beginning with food, organic mattresses, personal-care and cleaning products. On a quest to make important, healthy decisions for her family, Susan marveled at how inconsistent, confusing, elusive, dull -- and just plain erroneous -- the information often was.

Her project led to a major home renovation, a popular mommy blog, and to the graduate program in sustainable design at Boston Architectural College. There she learned about LEED, a rating system for green design and building. Susan began to wonder why there wasn’t a similar system for real people and their families. The vision for Practically Green was born.

The Future After a little over one year, Practically Green has grown from an operation in Susan’s dining room to an incubated, funded start-upor in Cambridge, MA. This online “guide to be green” is attractive not only individuals, but large companies too. With social sharing and a system based on science, Practically Green will likely be the way everyone learns to go green in the near future.

blog.practicallygreen.com www.facebook.com/practicallygreen twitter@practicallygrn

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This Mom is Going Green Follow Kristy on Her Adventures for a Greener Family

Adventurously Green. According to practicallygreen.com, that is where my family is on our quest for environmental responsibility. We scored a 7 on their quiz. I’ll be honest, I was a bit surprised. More on that later.

I’m Kristy, I’ve been married to my husband Joe for over 11 years and we have two little boys, Zane, 3 and Ethan, nearly 2. I’ve always been interested in eating healthier and avoiding unnecessary chemicals. However, the biggest change came about five years ago when my husband was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We switched to almost all organic food and body care products. Good news, it seemed to work, he went from maybe having 10 years to his blood work coming back clean. It also seems to be a snowball effect. Once you start changing one part of your life, others seem to follow.

Later with kids, the baby food jars started to pile up. It seemed wrong to throw them all away. After seeing a commercial on television about how many times around the earth you could wrap plastic bottles; I couldn’t stand it anymore. I located a place nearby that collects paper, plastic, metal, glass, and cardboard. We now take a truckload every two to three weeks. Now we only have one garbage can of trash every week, for a family of four.

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We live on a 40 acre piece of property in northeast Ohio, so growing our own vegetables is not a problem. At least it is not a problem in the summer. The key is to plan ahead and grow enough to can or freeze the produce to last through winter.

You then need to make sure you have storage for the food. It is a labor of love for sure, but enjoying early spring asparagus you grew in the middle of December is worth the work.

The question was posed not too long ago, “Why? Why go through the hassle of collecting the recycling, and dropping it off somewhere? Why spend the extra money on organic foods?” My answer was, “Why not?” Unless they start a terra-forming project, this is the only planet we have. Yes, that sounds cliché, but why not take pride in the world we live? Our planet is amazingly beautiful, if doing a few small things helps keep it that way, why not? Of course, not pumping all sorts of chemicals and artificial additives into my babies just makes sense. Don’t misunderstand, my children have had fast food, and candy; but if I can keep most of their food natural and chemicalfree, I don’t beat myself up over the occasional “treat.” Our children are our future, and like any mom, I believe my children will make a difference.

They are going to be important, and I want there to be a healthy world for them to inherit.

I would love to be more green. Part of what holds us back is the expense. I realize that most projects save money in the long run, but that initial price tag can be off-putting. Another hurdle is convenience. It is easier to throw away plastic utensils then carry them back home with you.

So, this brings me back to the quiz. It never occurred to me that the few “small” steps I was taking would make such a big impact, or such a high score according to anyone. It surprised me that other people don’t make some of the same changes. Now, I want to up my game, let’s find out how easy it would be to check off a few more projects.

I’ve found the positives are easier to focus on; you feel like you are accomplishing something.

Check back on Kristy in our next issue to see how she is doing on her green ventures.

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LAUNCH YOUR CAREER IN MATERNITY At the International Maternity Institute, you’ll receive maternity education and business training through our online courses that will allow you to start a successful maternity practice as a baby planner, green birth educator, greenproofer, sleep consultant, pre and postnatal stress management, and maternity coach. We train you step-by-step to develop a practice or to apply your training to further your current career journey.

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Mommy & Me Fall Eco-Beauty Ideas

By Christy Funk Halloween will be here before we know it and I know that families who are concerned about the toxins in face paints for their children will appreciate the natural recipes you can do from home. But as mommy gets her kiddos ready for the big day, what can mommy do to make her beauty routine less toxic? Let’s take a look at some healthy ways to go green for mommy and me!

TIPS:

WHAT TO AVOID AND WHY:

Ease into it. When choosing eco-friendly skincare start with your moisturizer and eye cream over your cleanser since a cleanser rinses off. With makeup, the key products to start off with are mascara, foundation and lip color since those are the products that tend to have some of the most toxic ingredients. Just imagine how many tubes of lipcolor we eat a year! Make it n on-toxic.

Parabens:(methyl, ethyl, propyl, isobutyl and butyl) skin irritants, hormone disrupter and have been lined to breast cancer D&C and FD&C colors: coal derivative linked to cancer PEGS: Synthetic polymers of ethylene oxide (propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol) and is so toxic the Environmental Working Group says workers need to wear protective clothing when handling.

It is the same chemical as anti-freeze.

Phthalates:(dibutyl and diethylhexyl) used as plasticizers, human reproductive disrupter. Banned in Europe.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): a skin and eye irritant, may cause of dry skin and eczema. It’s what makes most bubble bath soaps bubbly. Used as car engine degreaser.

Bismuth Oxychloride: skin irritant and used in the majority of “natural” mineral makeups.

Lead: neuro-toxin and found in over 60% of lipsticks in the U.S.in 2007. The FDA does not have a safety limit of lead in lipstick, so research to see if and how much lead your lipstick has. It is not listed in ingredients.

Mercury: labeled as thimerasol and found in mascaras. Can cause brain damage.

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Use fewer items. Do a product inventory test one day by counting up all of the products you use from the time you get in the shower to the time you leave your home. You may be surprised at how many items you are actually using on a day-to-day basis. Even when using eco-beauty products it is still a good idea to simplify your routine to let your skin breathe.

Try something from the kitchen. We have jars of coconut oil in our bedrooms and bathroom as a simple moisturizer for our body as well as a great makeup remover. Organic oats make a great exfoliating scrub by simply mixing a teaspoon of oats with water in your hand.

FALL 2011: When transitioning from summer into fall, think deeper hues on the face. This doesn’t mean rich colors on eyes and lips, but maybe a richer focus on one area of the face. A deep red lip or even wine berry stain on the lips can be off-set with a champagne shimmer on the eye and a simple winged black eyeliner for a true retro look. Another popular look is the smoky eye and a nude mouth. We tend to think that a smoky eye is typically shades of gray, but play around. Try velvety plums, forest greens or even suede browns. Just smudge the deepest shade close to your lash line and then blend with one or two more complimentary shades until they gradually get lighter up into the brow bone. Finish all of your looks with a flushed cheek color that looks natural and healthy. Apricots or warm roses applied to the apples of your cheeks will give your face a glow and pull your fall makeup look together!

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Mommy & Me Fall Eco-Beauty Ideas, continued

GREEN HALLOWEEN I never really understood Halloween until I had children, then it was instant nostalgia of the joys I had of dressing up and trick or treating. We always had homemade costumes and made my mom do our makeup for whatever creature we wanted to be. Now with my children I just want to make sure that if they are using makeup it is non-toxic. To take off any face-painting makeup, simply use a cleanser (Episencials Bubble Bath works wonderful as a makeup remover) or even coconut oil which will melt off the most stubborn standard makeup.

Lyra Face Crayons are made in Germany, adhere to Europe’s strict guidelines for safety and work brilliantly! They are creamy, glide on the skin without easily smearing off and come in great colors. These crayons are a Belly Sprout favorite and a staple in our house for our kids.

D.I.Y. Recipes can be made with simple spices in your kitchen. You can use natural food colorings in place of these ingredients, but just note that they are very sheer colors. You will get much more vibrant colors from the actual fruits and spices. For the base use a pure cocoa butter and add in the following: Yellow; add about a pinch of Tumeric to the base Light Green; add a ¼ of a mashed avocado to the base Berry colors; use any juice from raspberries, blueberries or even beets; add to the base

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Christy Funk is the owner of Belly Sprout, Orange County’s first natural parenting store and resource center. Her quest for natural living began 14 years ago and her passion is shared with her community at Belly Sprout, teaching, sharing and inspiring families to make healthier choices. As a professional makeup artist for over 12 years, Christy has been researching natural options for the last 8 years and is helping women not only make the switch but continues her artistry work with her clients. She shares a home with her husband and two boys, aged 5 and 7 in Orange County. www.bellysprout.com

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Nutrition Advice You Can Trust

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.

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•Maternal Health •Food Aversions (“Picky eater” or sensory issues) •Weight Concerns •Food Allergies or Intolerances •Failure to Thrive, Poor growth and weight gain •Reflux An Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting Louise Goldberg RD, CSP, LD, CNSC Online: www.AnAppleADayNutrition.com Email: Louise@AnAppleADayNutrition.com Phone: 713.478.3823

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Dining In The V-Zone

by Steven Todd Smith | Kiss Me, I’m Vegan!

“Let thy kitchen be thy sanctuary, thy sanctuary be thy kitchen.” That’s the famous saying...right? Regardless, it’s true. You are in control of the food that goes into your kitchen, that’s made in your kitchen and eaten in your home. How do you dine out vegan and still stay in control though? What happens when the menu seems to tell you otherwise? Here are a few vegan dining tips to keep you in the V-Zone outta the house: 1) Get specific, get proud, don’t be afraid to ask. The customer is always right. You’re spending money to enjoy your meal and time in an establishment - it’s their job to take care of you, and that’s what they look forward to (it’ll keep you coming back!).

Make sure you’re ready to explain what “vegan” means, for those who don’t know and for those who think they know: no meat (no fish), no dairy, no cheese, no eggs, no honey. Most of the time, ordering a meal just involves an easy substitution or an alternative addition. If there’s a “oops” with your order, stick to your guns and values: politely point out what you don’t eat and ask if the cook can prepare your meal without the offender(s). Smiles and thank yous are encouraged. Everyone will be happy and you won’t go hungry. (Remember, Starbucks orders are more complicated.)

2) Call ahead of time. A simple call in the week or few days before to ask the cook if he/she could prepare some delicious vegan dishes for your dining experience is usually embraced as an opportunity for variety. An upscale steakhouse in NYC, excited by the request, prepared a four-course meal for us once, including an amazing garlic broccoli rabe appetizer and zucchini linguini entree, both not on the menu.

3) Stick with 100% Veg! Vegan or not, there are SO many scrumptious vegan restaurants and eateries around the country, looking for our support and

patronage. You can’t go wrong if you know the creamy topping is from cashews or the Piccata is seitan and not from a moo-er, cluck-er, or oink-er.

Check out www.happycow.net and the many other resources (print and online) for dining veg.

4) Challenge. The. Chef. There are very few places that are devoid of vegan options. But for times when the search turns up empty or when veggies are cooked in butter, conjure up your Iron Chef/ThrowDown challenge - along with compliments for the chef for stepping outside of his/her comfort zone to prepare a meal for you. Bits of advice along with support and encouragement should get you a meal that works for you and also boosts the chef’s morale.

Bon Appetite Vegano!

Lindsay Wolf, founder of Kiss Me, I’m Vegan! www.kissmeimvegan.com, is a vegan blogger extraordinaire actress, and animal activist, devoted to making this world a yummier and more compassionate place!

Steven Todd Smith HHC, co-founder and head guest blogger at KMIV, runs a holistic health coaching practice, Ahimsa Life Coaching, www.ahimsalifecoaching.com, and is ready to help create happy, healthy, balanced, and green lives for those in search of their best self!

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by Louise Goldberg RD CSP LD CNSC An Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting www.AnAppleADayNutrition.com | 713.478.3823

What’s in Season?

Ahh Autumn…as the temperature drops outside, nothing is more comforting than entering a home where the warm smells of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg greet you at the door. With so many holidays around the corner, it is a great time to grab a stepstool and get the kids cooking beside you in the kitchen.

Forget about the mess. Everything can be cleaned up later but the happy memories will last a lifetime.

Here are a few of our favorite holiday dishes. Let us know what your family favorites are too!

Roasted Root Vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in the vegetables and a splash of maple syrup adds a rich flavor. You can use any combination of root vegetables that are available.

I have substituted butternut squash and pumpkin in place of the sweet potatoes.

It all works! Check out your local farmers market for more options.

2 carrots 2-4 parsnips 1 large sweet potato 1 large yellow or white onion 2 medium (or 3-4 small) turnips 4 shallots ¼ cup maple syrup 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Peel the first 6 ingredients, chop coarsely and add to large mixing bowl. Add maple syrup and olive oil, then mix together.

Pour onto oiled jelly roll pan and spread flat. Evenly distribute salt over top. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Vegetables should be tender and beautifully browned.

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Apple Crumble:

This dessert transforms the crunch of a recently harvested apple into warm chewy goodness. There are many types of apples available this time of year so use the one your family likes best. We favor the Pink Lady, Fuji and Braeburn varieties. The other ingredients in this recipe allow the natural flavor of the apple to shine through.

2-3 pounds of Apples (enough to fill a 9 x 13 pan) 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 Tablespoons Sugar ¼ cup Almonds or Walnuts, chopped ½ teaspoon Nutmeg 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Topping: ½ cup Flour ½ cup Oats 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil or Walnut Oil Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel, core and cut apples into bite size pieces. Toss first 5 ingredients into bowl with apples. Then spread out in a 9 x 13 pan. Mix the topping ingredients together and sprinkle evenly over apple mixture. Bake for 35 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then top with non-dairy vanilla ice cream.

Cranberry Sage Quinoa with Pecans:

The fresh cranberries in this dish add just the right amount of tartness without overpowering the subtle sage. If you can’t find fresh berries or herbs, dried works just as well. This quinoa combination can work as either a main course or a side dish, perfect for those of you who have both vegans and non-vegans at your Thanksgiving table. The ingredients can also be doubled or tripled if you need larger amounts. ½ cup Quinoa 1 cup Water or Vegetable Stock ----1 Tablespoon fresh Sage, chopped finely (or 1 tsp dried) 3 Tablespoons fresh Cranberries, chopped (2 T. dried) 2 Tablespoons Pecans, chopped 1 Tablespoon oil ½ teaspoon salt Rinse quinoa in strainer to remove any grit. Bring water or stock to a boil, add quinoa and cover. Cook for 1215 minutes until you see the quinoa has ‘burst’ open.

In separate pan, add oil and sauté the sage, cranberries and pecans for 4 minutes. Add cooked quinoa to pan and stir. If quinoa is too dry, add an additional drizzle of oil. Salt to taste and serve.

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Nutritional Nuggets

by Louise Goldberg RD CSP LD CNSC An Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting www.AnAppleADayNutrition.com

I keep hearing about Chia Seeds. What are they and how do they compare to flaxseeds?

Chia seeds were made familiar to us in the 80’s and 90’s as sprouts growing in novelty planters. They are now gaining popularity for their high quality nutritional content. One tablespoon of whole seeds is packed with 2900 milligrams of Omega 3 fatty acids, 3 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. Unlike flaxseeds that must be ground up for your body to access their nutrients, chia seeds can remain whole, which extends their shelf life. You would need to consume double the amount of ground flaxseeds to reach the same nutrition; however that is still only 2 tablespoons. At this time, chia seeds are generally more expensive and may only be found in specialty stores. Both are packed with nutrition so whether you do 1 tablespoon of whole chia seeds or 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds, you can’t make a bad choice here!

My kids used to be good fruit and vegetable eaters when they were younger and suddenly they are refusing those foods. I don’t want to ‘hide’ veggies in their food but I want mealtime to stop being a battle. Help!

It can be a very frustrating time for parents when their children start refusing healthy foods, especially if those are the p rimary foods available in the house.

If your children previously consumed fruits and veggies without complaint and suddenly start saying no, this may just be their way of expressing independenceand a sign they are developing their own taste preferences. I can certainly appreciate your feelings about not ‘hiding’ healthy food within other things 68

they like. It is important for them to continue to see fruits and vegetables in their true form so they are able to recognize them later. That being said, it is also important meals do not become a battle. It is exhausting for you and leads to more resistance from the kids.

Here are a few suggestions: 1) When introducing a new food, explain what it is and try to find a fun fact about the food that would make for interesting conversation. “Did you know an avocado is also called an alligator pear?”

2) If you offer a food they have rejected in the past, don’t remind them! Their taste preferences and feelings about foods are constantly changing so you never know how they will respond. Let them decide on their own each time you offer.

3) Encourage them to participate in meal planning.

Bring them to the store or farmers market with you and have them make selections. Pull up a stool, grab kid-safe utensils such as the ones available from the Curious Chef (www.curiouschef.com) and get them chopping and slicing. The more exposure they get to these foods, the more familiar and comfortable they will feel about them.

4) Make it fun! My boys love the Today I Ate A Rainbow kit (www.TodayIAteARainbow.com). It comes with a chart you can post on the refrigerator listing examples of fruits and vegetables by color. Your kids place a magnet on the rainbow chart for the corresponding color of food they ate. When my boys missed a color one day, they started making suggestions to ME for what we should eat the next day so they could put up all the colored magnets.

Recognize this is a part of normal child development and in the meantime, don’t give up, continue to offer and be a good role model. Good luck!

A friend of mine recently suggested I start pumping and add rice cereal to a bottle before bedtime to help my son sleep longer during the night. Will this really help?

I do not recommend giving any foods or liquids besides breast milk or formula to an infant before 4-6 months of age. (rice cereal should not be given to a child before 4 months of age ***without discussing with a pediatrician FIRST***) Because their digestive system is immature, whole proteins can slip through their gut causing the body to view it as something dangerous. Premature exposure to solid foods puts him at an increased risk for developing food allergies and other serious illnesses. In addition, any cereal that gets added to a bottle displaces important nutrients in the milk or formula that he needs to grow right now. Babies wake up at night to eat because their stomachs are small and they have high caloric needs that can only be met with frequent feedings, typically about every 2-3 hours.

If you are nursing, you may feel like you are feeding more often because breast milk is well used by baby and gets digested quickly, leaving him feeling hungry sooner. Have no fear! As he grows, so does his stomach capacity. He’ll soon be tolerating larger volumes and therefore feel more satisfied for longer periods of time. Your nights will be quiet and peaceful once again…until he starts teething…

I am pregnant with my second child. I, personally, am not allergic to anything but my first son just developed a peanut allergy. Should I avoid eating peanuts to prevent our next baby from getting exposed just in case she is allergic too?

This is a question I receive frequently and I wish we had more conclusive research to tell us exactly what we should do. We do know that the previous recommendation for avoiding foods to prevent allergies is outdated and there has been no evidence to prove this works, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding. In some studies, it was found that avoiding exposure to certain allergens can in fact, increase the risk of becoming food allergic. If your child is at high risk and you are nursing, you may find it helpful to keep a food diary to record the foods you eat daily. If your infant experiences symptoms of a food allergy,

it will be easier for you to track down the culprit using the log. Consider working with a dietitian who has experience in elimination diets to guide you safely away from the allergen which is causing problems but also ensure you meet your nutrition needs for breastfeeding.

Is there a special diet my daughter should follow to reduce symptoms of ADHD or prevent having to use medication?

This is a controversial topic because only a limited number of studies have been able to link food and food additives as the cause of hyperactivity in children.

Those studies showed a small percentage of children with ADHD had improved behaviors after eliminating certain foods from their diet. What do we know for certain? Yes, food most assuredly has an impact on a child’s concentration and behavior. With any child, regardless of an ADHD diagnosis, skipping meals or missing out on important nutrients can affect their learning and ability to focus. General healthy eating guidelines should apply for all children: 1) Eat regular well-balanced meals and snacks, if going for long periods of time between meals.

This means a source of protein, whole grain, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats.

2) Limit or avoid processed foods with long lists of preservatives, added sugars and food dyes.

There is little to no evidence to support the myth that kids become hyperactive after ingesting sugary foods; however, these items tend to be high in calories and less nutritious anyway.

3) If your child is an inconsistent eater, discuss with your pediatrician or dietitian whether a multivitamin is appropriate to temporarily fill in the nutrient gaps.

If you suspect a particular food or food additive may be to blame for your child’s behavior, keep a record that includes both the food your child ate and the consequent behavior. Consider eliminating the foods that contain that ingredient for about 2-4 weeks. If you notice a consistent improvement in your child’s behavior during that time, discuss with your pediatrician or dietitian.

Louise Goldberg is a registered dietitian, specializing in child, maternal, and family nutrition. She is also a board certified pediatric nutrition 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 Louise@AnAppleADayNutrition.com or post it at Green Child Magazine’s Facebook page or An Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting’s Facebook page.

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Freshly Picked

Avocados:

Packed Full of Nutrition!

By Brenda Cusick | www.AvocadoDiva.com

A recent straw poll of self identified “Crunchy Parents” showed that well over half of them feed their babies avocados as their first solid food. Why? Avocados are smooth, creamy, and make them one of the first fresh fruits a baby can enjoy.

200 calories or 1 slice of cheese at over 100 calories.

So the next time you are making a sandwich or toast consider adding 2 or 3 thin slices of avocado instead of cheese, butter or mayonnaise for a real boost of 20 vitamins and minerals at ½ to ¼ of the calories.

Sodium and cholesterol free, avocados contain folate, fiber, potassium, vitamin D and iron. A serving of avocado (about 1/5) has 19 micrograms of beta-carotene as well as 3.5 grams of unsaturated fats, known to be important for normal growth and development of a baby’s brain and central nervous system.

For more information about avocados and their nutritional value – you can visit the California Avocado Commission at www.avocado.org/nutrition.

How to serve? Simply mash with a fork, or push through a sieve. Add a bit of breast milk to make a smooth consistency – and serve to baby. As she grows, you can combine avocado with banana to make a combo treat.

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But avocados aren’t just good for baby, they are great for momma too! One ounce of avocado (about 1/5 of a normal sized fruit) has 50 calories.

Compare that to an equal amount of butter at over

Avocados make a great addition to lunch boxes as we head back to school. Avocado’s are the only fruit filled with protein – and they have more potassium then bananas (almost 3x the amount). Pack a half an avocado with a little spoon for your child’s lunch with a wedge of lime or lemon to squeeze on it!

You’ll have the coolest “tween” at the lunch table with this green-lunch!

If your family is doing “Meatless Mondays” or perhaps doesn’t eat meat on Fridays for faith reasons, the avocado can be a great source of plant-based protein.

Use avocados as the “meat” in tacos. For more recipes and ideas, you can visit AvocadoDiva.com.

Freshly Picked

Grow an Avocado Plant A F U N P R O J E C T T O DO WITH YOUR GREEN CHILD

By Brenda Cusick | www.AvocadoDiva.com The next time you eat an avocado, save the pit and use it to grow an avocado plant. It’s easy to do and you can watch it grow roots in a glass of water – and sprout a green stalk and leaves out of the top.

To begin, gather the following: • A clear glass or jar • 4 toothpicks • 1 avocado pit After you have eaten your avocado – save the pit and wash it carefully. Take the toothpicks and firmly poke them into the pit in a circle around it’s middle (see photo). Fill the glass with water and suspend the pit so the bottom sits in water. The bottom of the pit is the “fattest” side. The pointy part is the top. The top should sit above the rim of the glass.

Many people want to grow their own avocado tree from a pit; however, that is pretty hard to do. Modern avocados you buy in the store are grafted and hybrid so its rare to actually be able to grow a pit that will be able to grow fruit. You can grow a pretty houseplant!

To grow a houseplant, you need to transfer the roots, pit and stalk to a pot with lots of organic soil and rocks on the bottom. It must drain very well, as avocados do not like mushy soil. Once your plant grows a nice, tall stalk – (about 8-10 leaves and a foot tall) – you can pinch off the top and it will stay smaller and bushier.

For more information and to watch a video explaining how to start your pit, and how to transfer it to a pot later – please visit www.AvocadoDiva.com and click on the video “How to Grow an Avocado Plant”.

Now place the jar and pit in a bright, sunny spot and watch it grow. In about 4 – 5 weeks it will grow long, white roots out of the bottom and into the water. The top will split and grow a single, long sprout with 2 green leaves.

Here are a few tips to help ensure your pit will sprout: 1. Wait until the avocado has gone really, really ripe to open it. If you can bear it - let it go too ripe.

Sometimes the pit will even split and/or start a root inside the avocado! These are best to use.

2. If you can get a “heritage” avocado – (e.g. – a non-Hass variety) they often grow better – as they are not as hybrid.

3. (This is for a parent to do). Use a sharp, clean knife and cut away some of the brown skin on the bottom of the pit – to help it start to root.

4. Use filtered or bottled water. If you don’t have that - you can always leave the water out overnight to dissipate most of the chlorine.

5. Keep the jar filled so that the bottom of the pit is always in water.

6. Don’t let your pit experience huge fluctuations in temperature. Avocados are a tropical fruit - so they like a warm, consistent temperature.

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Rawthentic Food Recipes

By Priscilla Soligo | www.rawthenticfood.com

We love pizza night in our ‘Soligo’ home and this healthful living foods pizza recipe will be sure to rival any cooked version! Each of the layers of sauces and toppings compliment each other. Watch out because they go fast!

Mini Pizza Crusts with Red Bell Pepper Basil Pesto, Garlic and Dill Cashew Cheese, Marinated Chipotle Portobello Mushrooms, ‘Caramelized’ Onions, Fresh Rocket and toppings.

Garlic and Dill Cashew Cheese

Ingredients: 2 Cups cashews (pre-soaked for 2 hours) 3 Tbsp Nutritional yeast 2 Tbsp Lemon juice ½ tsp Garlic (minced) 1 tsp dill (dried, or fresh) 1 Cup Filtered Water (or as needed) Pinch Celtic, or pink Himalayan salt 72

In a high-speed blender blend all ingredients until smooth, creamy and well incorporated. Add extra filtered water if needed to achieve desired ‘cheese’ consistency.

Cheese should be quite thick and not thin and runny.

Red Bell Pepper Basil Pesto Ingredients: 2 Cups fresh basil leaves (packed) 1 Cup pine nuts 2 Tbsp Olive oil 2 Garlic Cloves 1 Red Bell Pepper (seeded and chopped) 1 Tbsp Nutritional yeast Pinch Celtic, or pink Himalayan salt 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar (unpasturised)

Place red bell pepper into a food processor and process with the S blade. Add in everything except for the pine nuts and process. Place pine nuts into the food processor and pulse. Do not over process. You are looking for a pesto with some texture for your pizza topping.

Mini-Pizza Crust Ingredients: 2 Cups Zucchini 1 1/2 Cups Sprouted buckwheat, or sprouted sunflower seeds, or a combination 4 Tbsp Olive oil ¾ Cup Flax Seeds (ground) 2 tsp Oregano (dried) 2 tsp basil (fresh, or dried) ½ tsp sage (ground, dried) ½ tsp fennel (ground, dried) 1 tsp Onion powder Pinch Celtic salt, or Pink Himalayan salt In a food processor process the sprouted buckwheat, or sunflower seeds, or a combination. Remove and set aside into a bowl. Add into the food processor the zucchini and blend until it is smooth. Add in the salt and oil and blend again until well incorporated. Add back into the wet mixture inside the food processor the sprouted buckwheat, and/or sunflower seeds as well as all of the other ingredients except the ground flax seeds. Process until well incorporated, but not over blended. You are looking for some texture in your crust. Add in the ground flax seeds and pulse a few more times.

Pour mixture out into a large bowl and let sit for 10 minutes (if you place in the fridge it will become less sticky.) Make four circles, or pizza crusts on the teflex non-stick dehydrator sheets aprox ½ cm thick and continue until all of the mixture has been used up.

Dehydrate at 115 for aprox 6 hours then flip over using another dehydrator tray with the mesh grid only (no need to use the teflex sheet). Let the other side dehydrate for aprox 8 hours, or overnight. When you have your desired consistency take them out and allow them to cool.

Mini pizza crusts can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container, or plastic resealable bag for aprox two to three months.

Marinated Mushrooms Ingredients: 2 Cups Portobello Mushrooms (thinly sliced) ¼ Cup Lemon Juice 4 Tbsp Olive Oil 4 Tbsp Tamari (wheat free soy sauce) 2 Garlic Cloves (minced) ½ tsp chipotle chilli (or more if you like it hot!)

Optional: 1 red Chilli (chopped) In a glass bowl mix together all ingredients except the mushrooms. Add in the mushrooms to the wet ingredients and be sure to coat each piece with the marinade.

Leave in the fridge for 2 hours and then place mushrooms onto dehydrator teflex sheets and dehydrate at 115F for 6 hours, or until desired consistency.

“Caramelized” onions Ingredients: 1 Red Onion (medium size, sliced thinly into rings) 2 Tbsp Coconut nectar (low glycemic Index sweetener) Pinch Celtic, or pink Himalayan salt In a large bowl place onion rings inside and the salt and massage through. Drizzle on the top the coconut nectar and work through, massaging onion rings to coat with the coconut nectar and the salt well. Leave in the fridge for 2 hours and then place onion rings onto dehydrator teflex sheets and dehydrate at 115F for 6 hours, or until desired consistency.

Assembling your delicious Pizza Spread out the ‘cheese’ onto the base of the pizza crust and then place chunks of ‘pesto’ on top. Next, add some mushroom slices and ‘caramelized’ onions followed by some of the pizza topping suggestions below. Buon Appetito!

Toppings: Fresh pineapple chunks (excellent in this recipe!), kalamata olives (or sundried tomatoes), rocket (arugula), and extra torn up pieces of fresh basil.

Priscilla Soligo is the founder of Rawthentic Food, a

company dedicated to organic plant-based raw food health. Her degree in early childhood development and gourmet raw culinary and nutrition studies combines her love of children and raw food together. Priscilla is a mom, a supporter of local organic farming and is currently producing her first e-book.

Email: info@rawthenticfood.com Web: rawthenticfood.com Facebook: Rawthentic Food

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Maca-Roons With Coconut (Makes about 30 small ice-cream scoop macaroons, or 15 Medium) Ingredients: 3 Cups Coconut flakes 1 1/2 Cups Cashews (ground down to a meal in a food processor) 3/4 Cup Maca powder 4 Tbsp Coconut nectar 4 Tbsp Almond butter 4 Tbsp Coconut butter (different to oil as it contains coconut meat too, if you use oil only 3 Tbsp) 1 tsp Vanilla essence 1/2 tsp Celtic, or pink Himalayan salt (optional) 1/2 Cup Filtered water Place all dry ingredients, coconut flakes, cashew meal, maca powder and salt into a large bowl and mix by hand - remember to think good thoughts! Add in wet ingredients, coconut nectar, almond butter, coconut butter, vanilla essence and water and mix thoroughly by hand. Until you have dough like consistency that you can easily pull apart in your hands.

Using a small ice-cream scoop, scoop out the maca mixture and place onto dehydrator mesh sheets/ trays (no need for the teflex sheets) and place into the dehydrator at 115F for 5 hours, or until your desired consistency is achieved.

Place macaroons into the fridge in a tightly sealed glass, or plastic jar/tub. These will keep in the fridge for weeks and can also be frozen for a longer period of time. Alternatively, if most of their oils have been dehydrated you can leave your marvelous macaroons out on the counter in a tightly sealed jar for a few days before putting them in the fridge. They won’t last long, as they are so melt-in-your-mouth-maca-malty good!!

Maca, (otherwise known as natures viagra!) is a peruvian fruit with an abundance of nutritional properties. It is well known as being a hormonal adaptogen; meaning, it helps to regulate hormones, increase stamina and vitality and reduce premenstrual tension in women.

Holy Mole This Is The Best Guacamole!

I named this recipe this name because our family just loves this one! Inspired by our trips to see my in-laws 74

in Arizona when they are not in Canada, it goes great with Mexican Seed Crackers, or any yummy raw crackers you can get your hands on! Wonderful as ‘stuffing’ for vine ripened tomatoes too.

Ingredients (nut free): 2 Large, or 4 small ripe avocados 4 Tbsp Lime Juice (or lemon, however we prefer lime in this one) 3 Tbsp Chopped Coriander ½ Cucumber diced into small chunks (for crunch texture) 2 tsp Onion Powder Pinch White Pepper Pinch Mexican Spice, or Cayenne Pepper (I omit this when making it for Luca) Good Pinch Celtic Salt Mash all ingredients together in a bowl with a fork and eat, or refrigerate.

If you are making this ahead of time (in the morning for the afternoon) and want to prevent it from turning brown leave a couple of the avocado seeds in the guacamole.

Raw Organic Whole Food Education Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free, GUILT FREE!

www.rawthenticfood.com

Recycle Your Kitchen Stuff

By Marina Chernyak

Recycling everything and anything that’s not biodegradable is the latest mantra. The more we recycle what we already own, the less we’ll need to buy, and the less that’ll get manufactured. Eventually, if everyone on this planet used only what he or she required and recycled the rest, we can save this planet for our future generations. Here are some things that you can find, in your own home, to recycle and avoid buying new.

• The next time you order something from a deli, save the plastic containers along with their lids. Y ou can use them to make drip trays to place under pots in your garden.

• Soak seeds in a thin layer of water in a Styro foam container; they sprout more quickly than if you use any other type of container.

• Tear up Styrofoam from food containers into rough bits to layer the bottom of your garden pots for good drainage.

• Poke holes in the cap and neck of plastic and screw-cap wine bottles to make plant waterers.

• After using up tinned foods, don’t throw away the cans; use them to make creative pots for plants, with a few holes at the bottom.

• Collect fruit and vegetable scraps in a large container or a pit in your garden. Add leaves, twigs and other organic matter and cover over with soil for decomposition into compost.

• Poke holes in old, worn out plastic buckets, plastic jugs and juice jars. Fill them up with water and leave them in your garden for slow watering of plants and seedlings.

• Redecorate food tins and cans to hold paint brushes, pens and pencils, toothbrushes and paste, shaving blades and so on.

You can also donate redecorated tins to schools to store supplies.

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• Store beads, buttons and seedlings before transplanting in cartons.

• If you buy stuff that comes in decorative glass bottles, reuse the bottles to store spices, sugar, salt and other items.

• Remove the top and one side of a large cereal box. Place another cereal box within it and shave the sides diagonally to create a strong magazine holder.

• Mount a large cereal box near your kitchen counter using thumbtacks. Cut a square hole towards the bottom. Stuff the box with grocery bags from the top; you can pull them out from the bottom.

• Store leftover sauces, gravy, soup stock and other liquids in old sauce and ketchup bottles • If you have decorative beer or wine bottles, make candle stands out or vases of them.

• Fill small water bottles with juice for school lunch boxes.

• Wash and flatten aluminum foil with a cold iron.

You can reuse it for several purposes later.

• Use aluminum foil trays for baking, feeding your pets and as a base for holiday food packages.

Marina Chernyak, who is a freelance writer and writes mainly about specialty products like decorative mirrors, foyer table, retro wall clocks , vanity mirrors and lot more.

Good World Games www.goodworldgames.com

Since the earliest cavemen reveled in head-butting contests, people have been turned on by games.

Games in and of themselves are great; but games that also do good are awesome. Good World Games had the crazy idea that maybe games are more than about having fun and entertaining your brain for a few minutes here a few hours there, although that is important stuff. What if games can change the way people behave in their real world lives? What if games can get people reflexively helping out noble causes as naturally as they do laundry, brush their teeth, or drive to work? What if giving just became apart of what we do everyday?

launched Hammerhead Shark park and Humpback Whale park as well.

The game is also educational, teaching children the importance of environmental and animal conservation and their own responsibility in caring for the Earth. There are thousands of items to build your park. From long grass to manta rays to fourhorned antelopes; every single in-game object has an educational fact or statistic to learn, which is revealed by mousing over the object. Upon starting a park, the player is educated about the causes of the hero animal’s endangerment and what they can personally do to help save the species.

Good World Games recently released MyConservationPark, an innovative, planet-friendly social game allowing players to nurture their own virtual wildlife preserves based on many of the world’s threatened species and habitats. What sets them apart from other social games is that they donate 15% of all in-game purchases to their non-profit conservation partners, including Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, WildAid and Orangutan Outreach.

MyConservationPark tasks the player with an important mission: protect your “hero”, an endangered animal, from a growing number of threats invading your park while enriching the park with fauna and flora so as to create a sustainable habitat. The more livable your animal’s habitat and the more you balance the local eco-system, the more Conservation Cash and Good World Gold you earn. Players can earn this virtual currency, or purchase it with real money, in order to buy virtual goods in the store such as animals, rangers, land, structures, water and food.

Purchase proceeds from the Gorilla park go to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the Orangutan park proceeds go to Orangutan Outreach, and Tiger park proceeds go to WildAid. They recently

Good World Games, Inc. (www.goodworldgames.com) was founded in 2010 with the goal of creating socially conscious social games. They are building a movement dedicated to helping important global causes through fun and educational games offered to a wide and engaged audience. Their first game, MyConservationPark, is now available on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/myconservationpark. The game currently supports Orangutan Outreach along with a host of other conservation non-profits.

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helping you help the environment

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Broody Chick www.BroodyChick.com

Broody Chick Natural products is a Canadian company based in Victoria BC. It was created by a mother of 3 young boys who became tired of trying to find earth friendly chemical free products for her children, products that contained no unnecessary parabens, preservatives, petroleum bases or fake aromas.

Out of the desire to provide only the best for her children, Broody Chick was formed encompassing a range of skin care, creams, soaps and washes. At first, the products were made at home on the kitchen range, but soon the products became so popular with friends that, a small cottage industry was formed.

Now based in Victoria BC, all of the creams and soap products are still hand made by the founder and her family, sourcing the best basic ingredients from local suppliers (wherever possible to keep it Canadian) and distributed to like minded retail and grocery outlets, or via their web site.

Broody Chick can now offer a wide range of high quality, all natural skin care for the whole family, made with only natural ingredients, using the proven healing and therapeutic properties of essential oils, no harsh chemicals or preservative or unnecessary colorants. They are also very proud to introduce to North America the very first fully compostable and bio-degradable, disposable diapers and wipes.

A percentage of all profits are donated to help support the Victoria Hospital foundation for the child care and neo-natal units.

It is their mission to protect and preserve our children and they’re world. They make responsible, ethical choices to reduce waste, recycle, and preserve our environment. Broody Chick says, “We don’t need fancy packaging, we don’t want high prices. We don’t test on animals.”

“We try to choose wisely because we care.”

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Doctor Recommended

Taslie Skin Care Ltd. takes great care to create products that are gentle on the most sensitive skin. All our products are packaged in cute, fun, recyclable & biodegradable packaging.

NEW PRODUCT! ORDER NOW! Head to Toe Wash 210ml is a 3 in 1 product and can be used on the hair, body or as a natural bubble bath. This product is also available in our convenient “Grande� 16 oz refill size.

Taslie Skin Care Ltd. is accredited by Choose Cruelty Free and is a part of Living Safe

www.taslie.com

One Bottle One Dream www.OneBottleOneDream.com

Stephanie Armenia wants to encourage the habit of recycling early in life to ensure that children understand that their environmental choices matter and will have a direct impact on their earth. While reading her book, “When Will We Be Recycled, Momma?” children will vow to take pride in their earth and be responsible for recycling their own plastic water bottles.

The goal is to provide parents, after school programs and summer camps with an educational tool to start conversations about recycling plastic water bottles.

“When Will We Be Recycled, Momma?” helps children develop compassion towards plastic and understand the appropriate way to dispose of this valuable resource.

In “When Will We Be Recycled, Momma?” a water bottle named Jack is the main character who dreams of being recycled into a spaceship and blasting off to the moon. However, in order for his dream to come true, he must rely upon the family who buys him and ultimately the main character, Juju, to be responsible enough to recycle him. This action-and-attitude changing story that will empower children with the appropriate knowledge and action skills they need to keep our plastic water bottles out of our oceans and land fills.

If you would like to help kids take the One Bottle One Dream recycling vow, please visit www.OneBottleOneDream.com.

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Ask Green Grandma

By Hana Haatainen Caye | www.thegreengrandma.blogspot.com Lisa writes: What is a first step you can take to “go green” for your family? And how do you build it into your life from there without feeling overwhelmed?

GG: That is an excellent question, Lisa, and I applaud you for wanting to take that step! Starting the green journey can seem a bit overwhelming at first. I suggest you start with something small, like carrying reusable cloth bags to the grocery store.

As soon as you empty the bags at home, put them back in your car. If your kids are old enough, have them remind you to take them into the store with you.

Initially, there will be times when you forget them.

It certainly happened to me when I was starting my green journey! What did I do? I parked the cart and headed back out to the car to retrieve them.

When you do that a few times, believe me, you will start to remember to take them in with you. It requires a little bit of discipline, but it is worth it.

The next step can be equally as simple, but effective.

Stop buying paper napkins! If you sew, nothing could be simpler than whipping up a stack of cloth napkins from some fabric you have sitting around at home. Remember that stained tablecloth in the back of your closet you just couldn’t part with?

Repurpose it into a dozen or so napkins. If you are not the crafty type, head over to your local thrift store and peruse the linen section. Chances are you will find some cloth napkins donated by someone who has not quite embraced greener living yet.

After you get used to cloth napkins, try switching from paper towels to rags. Remember, every time you eliminate paper waste, you are making a difference! And with each new step, the journey gets easier! Before long, greener choices will be second nature, for you … and your kids!

Heather writes: How do you clean your house without using toxic chemicals?

GG: In order to skip the toxins, Heather, you need to back pedal to simpler times. Long before 82

chemicalbubbles scrubbed our tubs and dishwasher agents made our glasses sparkle, there was vinegar.

And baking soda. These two safe and toxin-free items, which you most likely already have in your kitchen cupboard, can clean nearly everything from windows to floors to kitchen sinks.

In addition, steam is another excellent option for toxic-free cleaning. Steam mops use microfiber pads that you simply toss in the wash after you finish cleaning.

Conventional cleansers are packed full of toxins that are not only bad for the environment, but bad for your family’s and pets’ health as well. Many of them introduce carcinogens and endocrine disruptors into your home every time you pop open the lids. There are many books and online resources extolling the virtues of vinegar that can help you get started on your way to toxin-free cleaning. I commend you, Heather, for caring enough about your family’s health to seek out a better way!

Hana Haatainen Caye, aka Green Grandma, is a wife, mother and grandmother who shares her passion for common sense greener and healthier living. Based on the most popular feature of her blog, Hana’s first book, Vinegar Fridays, will be released this fall. Visit her daily blog at www.thegreengrandma.blogspot.com for more helpful tips and practical advice, and keep the discussion going on the Green Grandma’s Facebook page.

Getting Ready for the Holidays As the Holidays are approaching, we often forget about some of the little things. Here are a few items you might want to consider getting before it gets too far into the Holiday Season.

Cool Dog Productions Digital Cards We take 20 of your favorites photos from the year and set it to some Holiday music to spread some digital cheer. They are easy to create, send and share. Stock cards and songs, and of course custom is available.

Psi Bands With the holidays often comes travel and stress. We love Psi Bands acupressure wrist bands for the relief of travel-related nausea.

Drug-free, adjustable, comfortable, and reusable they can be used for morning sickness too.

Let’s not forget, they are super cute! www.psibands.com

DIY Wood Fairy Door While intended for fairies, we think these are the perfect size for Santa’s elves. Kids will love to decorate these little doors for Santa’s elves to visit your house and report back to the North Pole. Easy to paint with Glob paints or crayons, they are certain to be a hit with your little ones. www.greenplanetparties.com

Green Holiday Cards There are so many ways to send invites to parties and send Holiday cards, why not do it green? InvitationBox.com offers a variety of designs, about 3,000, for all the Holidays that are eco-friendly, chemical-free, and super-stylish. www.InvitationBox.com

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zoë b sleepy hat With the holidays comes travel and often times a cranky baby due to missing some very precious sleep time. This on-the-go sleepy hat made with breathable 100% organic cotton, helps baby sleep in the stroller, in the car, or on the plane thanks to the flip-down mask that blocks out light and visual stimulation. www.zoeborganic.com

Kiss My Face Castile Soap With the holidays comes guests, and that often times means cleaning the house. Why not make it smell naturally good too? This 100% natural all-purpose soap will help start things off right and 10% of the profits go towards “Seeds of Peace.” www.kissmyface.com

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Zoe Organics www.zoe-organics.com

Zoe means “life,” and the mission of Zoe Organics is to celebrate and protect the lives of our children, family, community and planet. Zoe Organics uses only the most pure, organic ingredients because they believe in the necessity of eliminating toxins from our bodies and the environment.

They also believe that green living doesn’t require that we compromise quality or aesthetics. They practice fair trade and social responsibility, with the goal of enhancing lives in every community we touch.

On January 24, 2009, Suzanne Hamilton, Heather Hamilton’s dear sister-in-law, mentor, fellow entrepreneur, and friend - passed away, leaving behind a beautiful legacy and her precious-3-month-old daughter, Zoe Anne.

Heather had been working on an organic product line for months, and she and Suzanne had discussed the need they saw as mommies for a truly natural, organic line that combined luxury, health and wellness, and social responsibility. Most product lines they had come across failed in at least one of these areas.

Heather originally had picked out another name for this product line, but was never content with it. One day after Suzanne’s death, during some quiet time, the name “Zoe Organics” dropped into her heart.

She knew it was right. As she continued to reflect on that name, she was amazed at how it captured the entire essence of the company. Zoe means “life,” and even more specifically, “life as God intended.”

Suzanne knew how to celebrate and live life better than anyone Heather had ever known. It was contagious. How fitting that her own daughter was given the name “Zoe,” a part of Suzanne that will keep on living. Suzanne spent the last months of her own life fully dedicated to her sweet baby girl.

And in that same spirit, Zoe Organics seeks to celebrate and cultivate life, and in doing so honor mommies and babies everywhere.

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Heather Hamilton is a wife, mother and entrepreneur.

As a child, she was extremely sensitive and was allergic to…well, you name it! She also suffered from allergy-induced asthma and was on a special diet, meds and injections to control the allergies and asthma attacks. A severe asthma attack associated with an assumingly safe bubble bath will always be in her memory. A young child (or parent) should NEVER have to worry about a severe reaction caused by a children’s product.

Becoming a mother has led Heather to make more educated choices with regard to the health and well-being of her family. When she and a circle of friends noticed big gaps in the products available on the market, she became passionate about filling that void.

Heather grew up in the Napa Valley and spent a few years working as a massage therapist in the local spas. This added to her passion for health, wellness and all things spa related. While living in Orange County, she completed an MBA degree and then became trained as a birth Doula and interned with an amazing birth center.

Heather’s husband says she has fire in her belly - that must be where her dreams and inspiration come from. Zoe Organics was birthed out of a desire to combine a mother’s love and cares.

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

We Asked, You Answered: Featured Facebook Questions Do you have any green goals? Use reusable napkins?

Go meatless? Go vegan? Use less water in the shower?

• Jennifer Fisher produce less waste as a family bit not forgetting my bags, composting and shopping better.

• Jackrabbit Janitorial Help more offices start recycling programs!

• Melissa Schmeling Schomer Currently in the process of becoming vegan! Have officially cut out all dairy and pork but struggling with beef and chicken though • Empowering World Change That’s all I have: GREEN GOALS. REthinking everything and adopting greener habits.

• Marcella Kerbein My goal right now: To make veganism irresistible!

• Twigz Collect all organic scraps and compost them or put food scraps in the worm farm. It is amazing how much house hold waste is organic.

Who is your “green” inspiration?

• Alison Bryant Clark The Dalai Lama :) • ecofriendlygreenthings.com The everyday people who recycle regularly, bring reusable bags to the market, and make the small but vital changes we all need to make!

• Jane Graves Earthworms. They make beautiful rich soil out of scrapes! Amazing creatures. I love my worm compost!

• Ferris Duvall My 2-year-old son!!!

Did you have an “a-ha” moment to go green?

• Clean : : The LuSa Organics Blog I was green even as a teenager but it really gelled when I became pregnant with my first child. Motherhood is an awakening.

• Ana Williams Chandler Realizing throughout my life I was a plastic-bag hoarder -- I nabbed the habit from my mother and I knew it was time to stop when under my kitchen sink was polluted with bags. I switched to re-useable bags and slowly started changing all my consumption habits.

• Brandi Hicks When my son was diagnosed with autism at age 2. One of the hardest / best day in my life :) • Libby Shultz Eddings My son was born, and I finally realized that my actions would affect his life too.

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We create so much waste when we travel. How do you try to reduce waste while traveling?

• Holly Underwood Buy food at a grocery instead of fast food, so there’s less packaging to deal with. BYO cloth napkins, even cutlery. We found that using tortillas instead of bread for sandwiches creates a lot less mess if you eat while still on the road.

• Anne Hoelz we bring our own *everything*.

• Elaine Nichols If staying @ a hotel, put out the sign that says NOT to change sheets and towels...saves water not doing un-necessary laundry. Also some hotels have recycling instead of all just garbage • Jasmine Cusimano packing food and drink in reusable containers

We asked our fans to come up with a caption for this photo:

Tonia Nathan Tastes like Chicken!

Rheina-Julio Puma I eat my greens, see Mom! Ashley Clement Frey Go green :) Alex Fisher haha I was gonna say Go Green too :) Danielle Salazar om nom nom! j/k I just wanted to say how cute this baby is! oh ma gosh!!

Hana Haatainen Caye At least there are no GMOs! Mandy Paavola eating my greens Just Like Popeye :) Erin Teegarden It’s organic!

Nichole Patrick The doctor says I need to eat more fiber.

Rebekah Tobias (baby) “this is how it should be, now if only the grownups would learn!”...giggle giggle Janice Ditzler Baby Wears Lunch - Salad Dressing

Susan M Gruzs Oh... I should have cleaned it first!

Pure Joy Education, LLC Go Green...Eat Greens! :-) Pamela Kourafas an’ besides, my sweatshirt matches my stunningly beautiful VERY blueyes, Mom...

Heather Carty Sullivan ”Maybe I’ll wait till next week to become a vegetarian...”

Emily Shiffer ’You said green, right?’

Lorie Porter ”What...Is there something in my teeth?”

Kim Sotolar Landgraf ”Mom’s gonna’ freak when she sees this in my poop!”

Oh Rubbish ”AGHHHH! I am SOOOO going to need an ALLEGRA after this!”

Like us on facebook!

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The Natural Way to Ease Morning Sickness!

Preggie Pops:

aromatherapy , and our unique delivery system.

Preggie Pops also help alleviate dry mouth and provide comfort and energy during Labor.

www.threelollies.com 866.773.4443

Work from home!

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!

Tammy Bristol Barefoot Books Ambassador Leader GettingBarefoot@gmail.com www.GettingBarefoot.com

GreenGrandmaAd_quarterPg:Layout 1 3/10/11 12:07 AM Page 1

A blog community celebrating healthier and greener living... with a good dose of common sense!

From what you put on your babies’ bottoms to what you put in their mouths — along with tips on how to “green up” the whole household!

Product reviews, giveaways, guest posts, cleaning tips, and personal glimpses into what it is like to be a green grandma. http://thegreengrandma.blogspot.com

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