Receipt? No thanks!

I can't count the number of times I've gone into a store, purchased something small.  The cashier gets my change and asks if I want my receipt.  I say "No thanks", and in the trash it goes.

It wasn't until an email I received that I contemplated how wasteful this was.  It's not just me, it's most people that don't even take their receipts, and if they take them they will likely end up in the trash or wadded up at the bottom of a purse.

There is a poll up on this site HERE asking your thoughts on paper receipts, along with some great information.  I encourage you to head over, give it a read and share your thoughts.

I think it's a great subject.  I can't believe that I've never considered the impact.  Imagine all that could be saved form eliminating something that most people don't use anyways!

Updated Dirty Dozen

The Environmental Working Group offers a handy printable guide that lists the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 fruits and vegetables, ranked by pesticide load after washing and or pealing (as each item would typically be eaten).

The news here is that there has been an UPDATE!  Spinach, Potatoes and Blueberries have made their way onto the list, as well as some ranking shuffles in the top 12.

Click here for a PDF guide to the Dirty Dozen & Clean 15.

If you are interested, the full list of 47 fruits & veggies is here.  This has not yet been updated, but will give you a great 'big picture'.

The Shopper's Guide to Pesticides ranks pesticide contamination for 47 popular fruits and vegetables based on an analysis of 87,000 tests for pesticides on these foods, conducted from 2000 to 2007 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. Nearly all the studies used to create the list test produce after it has been rinsed or peeled. Contamination was measured in six different ways and crops were ranked based on a composite score from all categories.
The six measures of contamination we used were:

• Percent of the samples tested with detectable pesticides
• Percent of the samples with two or more pesticides
• Average number of pesticides found on a sample
• Average amount (level in parts per million) of all pesticides found
• Maximum number of pesticides found on a single sample
• Number of pesticides found on the commodity in total"

*This methodology explanation is directly from their site. Click to learn more.

Composting is fun!

We have been recycling for some time now.  The only need we had for trash services was to get rid of food waste.  Well, we didn't think that was so green, so we decided to stop that.

We canceled our trash service and ordered two composters.  We chose the Soilsaver composters because they have great reviews and are also very affordable.  We were able to purchase two of these (including shipping) for $80.  That's less that what we would spend in trash service for a year.  I can't begin to tell you how great it is to be saving that money and watching the trash man drive right on by our home every week!

When we decided to start my husband did all sorts of research about what composters were good, what to put in them, what to do with them once we started them, etc.  He loved it!  He even wrote us up this handy list of what's compostable to put on our refrigerator.  I would like to share it with you :)

It's a PDF for easy viewing and printing: Compost List

When the composters arrived we were so excited to get them put together.  My husband got out all of the parts and headed straight to Lowe's.  These composters are 100% recycled plastics (very sturdy!) and so are the nuts and bolts.  We wanted something a bit stronger for those, so he picked up some outdoor nuts and bolts in the same sizes (any store employee should be able to help you out!).

After my husband got them all put together he did a little photo shoot!  Check it out, we compost kids!  The one on the left works fast too ;)

As soon as the snow cleared and the ground thawed, my husband took them outside to set up.  We chose this spot at the back of our home.  Close enough for convenience, far enough for comfort :)

These really aren't big, they are roughly 2.5'x2.5'.  If you have a yard at all, you have enough room for one of these!

To install, my husband dug down a little (a few inches deep in the general shape of the composters).  He then set some pavers (patio stones or bricks) in the ground and then made sure everything was level :)  Then he placed the composters on them and put the dirt back around it to keep it snug.  What you see around them is mulch.

Below you can see the door of the composter. We faced the inwards for easy and least messy access.

 He then filled up the bottoms with a few inches of leaves.  We did this because we started composting in the winter.  From what I've read, you don't need to do this in the summer time.

While I was out I couldn't help but take a picture of my Vinca Vine :)  It's in bloom and I just adore it :)

Once we got our composters in, it was time to compost!  We now toss in all of our food scraps (that are are on the OK list).  We keep a little container on our counter and dump it daily.  Actually, our son loves doing this.  We have a bucket on our back porch (just off the kitchen/dining room) to dump it into, and then when it's full, we take it to the composter.  I realize this step could be left out, but it works for us :)

Based on our reading, we should turn our compost (with a pitchfork, turner or shovel) at least a few times during the summer.  No more than every other week is what we've read.

We are very excited to have our own compost for our garden.  Next on our list is a rain barrel!

Green Cleaning

I recently did a post about avoiding harmful chemicals in cleaning products.  I have been working with Earthbound Farms and while browsing through their funny Greenman videos, I found this gem.  Enjoy.

Meet the Greenzys

At the start of Earth Week I told you about a great event going on.  There are several blogs involved and today is my day!  I would like to introduce you The Greenzys!

The Greenzys are a brand new line of plush animals with a story to tell (book!)  Each stuffed animal is green, made from soy fibers, non-toxic dyes and bears the green heart shaped planet logo on it's belly.  My son *loves* that :)

Before I go further, please check out this adorable video.

How cute are they!  And how catchy is that tune?!  I for one think that these characters would make an adorable show.  I don't let me kids watch much TV, but when I do, I would appreciate a show like this.  To be clear, I have not heard anything about it being a show, I just think it would be great.

On to the book!  It's a beautiful story about how the way the planet has been abused and the destruction that it has caused.  Okay, so not in so many words, and not quite that dark, but that's the point.  It is a bout a beautiful old tree that is clinging to the last of her seed in hopes of carrying on.  She has been choked out by pollution and reaches out for a helping hand.

In come the Greenzys.  They don't know each other, but when they are united, they soon realize that they can do something to help and they do!  Meet them!  There (left to right - starting on the top) Holly, Violet, Willow, Peat, Yew Yew, Poppy, Mango & Rooty.  We have Peat and love him.  Actually, my son has Peat.  He has taken to Peat and even takes him to bed with him, which is HUGE.  My son's best friend Motta Motta, has been the only one to keep that place, so to share that with Peat is a big deal :)

As part of the book and plush animals, each one comes with a code to hop on their site and plant a tree in parternship with the Arbor Day Foundation!  You can even print out a certificate, if you do, please use the back of an old piece of paper or recycled paper.  What a great way for kids to see how they can make a difference too.


My children love their Greenzys and they would like to share one with you.  You have the chance to meet and love Willow.  Your children will love how snuggly she is (the soy fibers are FAR different than the typical synthetics!)

Willow is an elephant from India and a born leader. She’s always first in line when the Greenzys head off on a mission and cheers them on by blowing her trunk like a trumpet! It’s a tough job, though, leading seven young, inexperienced animals -- especially when you’re a rookie yourself! But, it’s worth the effort to Willow. She treasures her Earth home and wants to take care of it.   Her favorite green activity is collecting rain to water her plants and using her trunk as a waterspout!

----Update! We have a winner!----
The giveaway portion is over :) Thank you to everyone that participated!
Congratulations to Hippy! Enjoy!

Here's how to win!
Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!
Tell me what you like about The Greenzys or why you think your child would enjoy it.  Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow us & The Greenzys and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Meet the Greenzys @EFFblog & @TheGreenzys http://bit.ly/1jtGb1 #earthday #giveaway" Leave a comment with a link to your status. Tweet daily for more entries!

*Post a picture (or link) showing your family doing something green!

*Follow the blog and post letting me know that you are :)

*Join our new email newsletter for notices on special events coming up for the blog.

*Put the our Blog Button on your blog sidebar or web page. Leave a link!

*Like the Eco-Friendly Family blog on Facebook, leave a comment.

*Like The Greenzys on Facebook, leave a comment.

*Post about this giveaway on your blog or other social media (message boards, Facebook, etc!). Leave a comment with a link.

and as always, Good Luck and Enjoy!

US Only. Giveaway ends May 3rd. I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided the book and plush to review for this giveaway. No money or other perks were given. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here. For giveaway guidelines please look here.

California Baby

Last spring when our family went to the zoo in Cincinnati, I was worried about sun exposure on my little ones.  I remember it was SO hot that weekend.  Beautiful, but hot.  I was just as worried about chemicals though.  I didn't want to put anything on my children that was going to harm them.  I hopped on the Skin Deep Database and did a little research and decided on California Baby.  We ran to the nearest Target and then lathered up!

Here we are about to walk into the zoo!  My sister-in-law was there with us too.  It was a lovely trip.  We had a great time.  The kids enjoyed the animals and we enjoyed being out together as a family and seeing the kids have fun.

I loved the sunscreen.  My children were out in the sun for hours (with breaks of course) and didn't turn a bit red.  My son especially shows red very easily.  I was thrilled.  I haven't used anything else since.  I must admit, it was more expensive than anything else on the shelf, but with good cause.  It has lasted me and it works very well.  It has a great rating on the database and I feel safe using it.

I have been excited to try out other California Baby items ever since, but sadly I can't find them locally.  I was recently sent some samples to try out and I love them!  The Calendula Shampoo & Bodywash smells so good and is so gentle & I love the handy stick sunscreen too.

California Baby trades harsh ingredients like sulfates, DEA, gluten, soy, dyes, synthetic fragrances and numbing agents for natural bubblers like Soapbark and Yucca as well as master blends of calming essential oils. Each California Baby products, such as the Light & Happy Bubble Bath is non-irritating, no-tears, biodegradable and safe for infants, children and sensitive adults.

I would like to share with you all that California Baby has teamed up with one of my favorite organizations, Healthy Child Healthy World.  If you recall, I posted a video from them a while back.  If you haven't seen it, please do!  It is well worth watching.

Healthy Child Healthy World is an amazing non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about toxic chemical exposure on children's long-term health and development.

For more information about this partnership, please visit the California Baby website.

Happy Earth Day!!!!

Try something new today!

Pick up a new 'green' habit. 

Read a new book or a new blog that will inspire you!

Pick up some organic produce at the store.

Try a meatless meal!

Plant a garden, a flower, anything!

Bring your reusable shopping bags.

Swap out your OLD lightbulbs for new long lasting CFLs.

Try a cloth diaper on your baby.

Walk or ride a bus.

Have fun and enjoy the outdoors!

Tell me what you're doing today to make a new change!

Happy 40th Anniversary Earth Day!

Almost Free Eco-Tote

This eco tote from Cafe Press is sort of free.  It is just $1.25 for shipping and it's cute too :)

Bubbly Fun

I enjoy a nice soda from time to time.  There is just something about a little fizzy drink that is fun and refreshing.  I don't like wasting my money on store bought sodas and I certainly don't like the waste that goes along with it.

I've talked about SodaStream before.  I love my machine and I am excited to try it out with some natural flavorings.  I love the savings it gives me and I love that I can mix up my own concoctions and share them with my family (kid friendly!).

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and with fun and family in mind, SodaStream would like to offer one of you the chance to have some fizzy fun for yourself!

They are offering one of you the chance to win a Fountain Jet Start Pack!  It includes a machine, 1 carbonator, two BPA free bottles and two flavors of your choice.  *Please know that their current flavorings contain Splenda.

----Update! We have a winner!----
The giveaway portion is over :) Thank you to everyone that participated!

Congratulations to Christina! Enjoy!

Here's how to win!
Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!
Head over to the SodaStream site and tell me something you've learned about why choosing to DIY is more green (They have lots of fun facts!).  Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow us & SodaStream and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Fizzy fun giveaway from @EFFblog & @SodaStreamUSA http://bit.ly/1jtGb1 #earthday #giveaway" Leave a comment with a link to your status. Tweet daily for more entries!

*Follow the blog and post letting me know that you are :)

*Join our new email newsletter for notices on special events coming up for the blog.

*Put the our Blog Button on your blog sidebar or web page. Leave a link!

*Like the Eco-Friendly Family blog on Facebook, leave a comment.

*Like SodaStream on Facebook, leave a comment.

*Post about this giveaway on your blog or other social media (message boards, Facebook, etc!). Leave a comment with a link.

and as always, Good Luck and Enjoy!

US Only. Giveaway ends April 28th. I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was NOT provided the product to review for this giveaway. No money or other perks were given. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here. For giveaway guidelines please look here.

Support Handmade

There is a lovely group of ladies that I know who work very hard to put together pieces of handmade heart.  They are hosting an Earth Day event and I thought I would share them (and their talents) with you.

They all offer something amazing and unique to their shop on Hyena Cart.  I would like to mention that you need an account to purchase (like most online stores), so if you see something you like, sign up now to be ready to grab the item, because when they're gone, they're gone!

Check out some of these great items! 

More is on the way, so be sure to check out their shop and blog.

Also, in addition to the Hyena Cart EcoNest congo, many of these ladies maintain their own shops.  You can find beautiful items like these.  (Click the image to go to their listings.)

FCC Disclaimer: I was NOT provided the product to review for this giveaway. No money or other perks were given. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here. For giveaway guidelines please look here.

Little Green Books

I've talked before about Little Green Books.  Reading to children is such a great thing to do.  They love it, we love it and it's a great chance to bond with your child and teach them valuable lessons.

When I first discovered Little Green Books, I was really happy to have a way to join a love for reading with a love for the Earth.  My son is 5 and is like a little sponge.  He just takes in so much.  He really loves these books and while they still consume resources, knowing that they are made from recycled waste and printed with vegetable inks helps me rest a little easier.

For Earth Day this year I wanted to do my best to reach out to families and children.  As parents we hope that we do a good job and raise our children to be respectful adults.  I think that's where a love for green living comes in for me.  I want my children to appreciate all that is around them and all that they are provided with.  I am happy to have teaching tools specific to their young ages, like these books.

I would like to share a little about these books and thank to Simon & Schuster for giving you the chance to share them with your little one as well.

The Little Green Books line is full of great titles featuring lovable characters and Earth friendly messages.

I Can Save The Ocean
Max the Little Green Monster is an adorable character that finds out that he can take steps at home to help save the ocean and all of the beautiful creatures that live there! Sweet lessons and lovable illustrations for little ones that want to be little green monsters too.

Little Monkey (& Little Panda)
I just adore these books. They are plush (made from recycled Polartec fleece) & cotton.  My 7 month old daughter just loves snuggling and chewing on them. The illustrations are feature large patterned images and she loves looking at the contrasting colors. The stories are short, sweet and feature playful (and energetic) Little Monkey and Little Panda.

This is Our World
An adorable book with built in surprise (puzzles) for your little one.

My son especially enjoyed the puzzle pieces in this book, though I admit he has lost track of them by now.  This book is an Earth Day journey picking up the Earth and everyone coming together to do their part for our planet.

In addition to the Little Green Books series, they have teamed up with Nickelodeon's Big Green Help to bring a whole line of character themed books.  Even though my son is limited in his TV time, he still knows the characters and was thrilled to see these books.  He thought they were very cool, and if I remember anything about being a kid cool = good and good = they'll listen!  (Each book below is linked to Amazon for more information.)

These books are great. They teach about beautifying city lots, planting trees, starting up recycling programs, the dangers of greenhouse gases and more. These books are inspired by some of children's favorite Nickelodeon characters including the Wonder Pets, Spongebob, Dora, Diego and Blue's Clues. These characters get children excited about and involved in learning about greening our Earth. My son was very excited and my daughter especially loved being able to point out the animals.

Thanks to Little Green Books, one of you can win a great Little Green Books starter set!  You'll get all of these great titles that I have had the pleasure of reviewing for you.

----Update! We have a winner!----
The giveaway portion is over :) Thank you to everyone that participated!

Congratulations to Loving being Home! Enjoy!

Here's how to win!
Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!
Tell me how you get your children excited about or involved in green activities.  Do they have favorites?  Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow us and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Kids love green too @EFFblog http://bit.ly/1jtGb1 #earthday #giveaway" Leave a comment with a link to your status. Tweet daily for more entries!

*Follow the blog and post letting me know that you are :)

*Join our new email newsletter for notices on special events coming up for the blog.

*Put the our Blog Button on your blog sidebar or web page. Leave a link!

*Become a fan of the EFF blog on Facebook, leave a comment.

*Post about this giveaway on your blog or other social media (message boards, Facebook, etc!). Leave a comment with a link.

and as always, Good Luck and Enjoy!

US Only. Giveaway ends April 27th. I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided the product to review for this giveaway. No money or other perks were given. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here. For giveaway guidelines please look here.

Eat right and love your body.

Eating organically is a great way to know what is going into your body. With traditional farming, there are all sorts of chemicals used to keep things out, put things in and who knows what else.

I started browsing the internet for more information (I am a Google addict!). I found a familiar face - Earthbound Farm. I recognized their logo from the produce at my local store and the handy reusable tote that I scored last year as part of their earth day promotion.

This year Earthbound Farm is at it again with the help of Greenman.

Greenman helps Sue through a series of eco-disasters like choosing non-organic produce, harsh chemical cleaners, processed foods, water wast, trashing recyclable items and more.

If you would like to check out the whole lineup you can do that here on their Youtube channel (they're shorts!).

Here's one showing of their newest cook book - The Earthbound Cook

As a way to kick off Earth Week, Earthbound Farm is offering one of you the chance to win some great coupons and a copy of their book Food to Live By.

----Update! We have a winner!----
The giveaway portion is over :) Thank you to everyone that participated!

Congratulations to Amy! Enjoy!

Here's how to win!
Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!
Head over to Earthbound Farm's Earth Day page, explore the kitchen and tell me something that you've learned from Greenman (not from the video shown here).  Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow us and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Choose organic with @EFFblog & @earthboundfarm http://bit.ly/1jtGb1 #earthday #giveaway" Leave a comment with a link to your status. Tweet daily for more entries!

*Follow the blog and post letting me know that you are :)

*Join our new email newsletter for notices on special events coming up for the blog.

*Put the our Blog Button on your blog sidebar or web page. Leave a link!

*Become a fan of the EFF blog on Facebook, leave a comment.

*Become a fan of Earthbound Farm on facebook, leave a comment.

*Post about this giveaway on your blog or other social media. Leave a comment with a link.

and as always, Good Luck and Enjoy!

US Only. Giveaway ends April 26th. I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was NOT provided the product to review for this giveaway. No money or other perks were given. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here. For giveaway guidelines please look here.

Yummy Spoonfuls

What we feed our children is something that is very important to me, as I believe it is to all of us.  I am pleased to see that more and more healthy and organic foods are making their way into the mainstream, especially in the baby food section.  I plan on covering a lot about this topic in the next few months.  To get us started, I wanted to mention a new company that I've heard about and had the pleasure of trying - Yummy Spoonfuls.

Yummy Spoonfuls began in the kitchen of wife, mother, businesswoman, and founder Agatha Achindu. Agatha is a strong believer in the old adage, "When you know better you do better", so she is passionate about educating parents on the importance of introducing their children to healthy eating at the earliest stages of life. In addition to being a mom and the CYO (Chief Yummy Officer) of Yummy Spoonfuls, Agatha dedicates her time to developing workshops and traveling across the country offering parenting groups healthy eating seminars.

As I mentioned, I was given the chance to try out Yummy Spoonfuls.  As with all food products, I tried it out myself before giving it to my children.  The foods had nice texture and good taste.  The color was appealing too.  I am pleased (an impressed) at the variety that they offer too.

After trying them myself, it was time to test it out on the taste buds of my little angels.  I sat my children down for lunch and handed the older two some fruit purees.  They LOVED them.  My son is technically too old for this (he's 5), but I gave him the apples, since I figured it was pretty darn close to apple sauce, right?  They both devoured their tubs!

Yummy Spoonfuls is 100% organic, USDA certified and a member of the Organic Trade Association!  They ad no salts, preservatives, additives, sugar or fillers.  They are also dairy and gluten free.

If you would like to try Yummy Spoonfuls for yourself, you can order online HERE, or find them at these retailers.

I would like to mention the downfalls.  It is more expensive than most organic baby foods, but being frozen is a huge benefit nutritionally.  They are served in plastic (BPA free) containers.  It's not my favorite choice, but that's often part of buying a manufactured product.  I would also like to mention that if you order online, they are shipped in a styrofoam container with dry ice.  I am no shipping expert, so I can't say if this can be done in a more eco-friendly fashion or not.  I thought I would mention it though, as it is not something that I would choose and would sooner look for it locally.

Lastly, if you love Yummy Spoonfuls, you may want to look into their Yummy Mommy Club go save up to $80/month on their products by signing up for a membership.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided the product to review for this giveaway. No money or other perks were given. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here. For giveaway guidelines please look here.