Tag Archives: environment

Go Green: Reusable Shopping Bags

Okay, so you’re being extra conscious of the things you use and trying not to waste resources or pollute. That’s great. If we all do just a little we can help make our planet a better place for the generations that follow us. While I’m still not convinced that “the debate is over” when it comes to global warming, I am glad that the discussion has led to less wastefulness. Improvement is always a good thing. With that in mind, you may regularly come across things that you can do without. What about “paper or plastic?” at your favorite store? … Continue reading →

Great Green Gifts

Here are some gifts that makes it easy to be green. Choose one or all for the people on your Christmas list, and your gifts may be remembered for generations to come. It’s an ornament; not it’s an herb; no, it’s both! Green Mountain Energy offers a very innovative gift. It is a Christmas tree ornament that can be planted. In the shape of a leaf, it is composed of paper pulp and seeds. The seeds grow into a cilantro plant. As a bonus, for each ornament that is purchased, the company will sow a tree seedling. One mature tree … Continue reading →

Steve Irwin—-The Ship

It’s been more than a year since “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin died from a stingray attack off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, but his legacy is being kept afloat in a unique way. A conservation group just renamed one of its ships the “Steve Irwin.” The newly named vessel will form the backbone of the U.S.-based Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s Antarctic mission. Group leaders say they plan to use the ship to disrupt Japan’s annual whale hunt, and they are sure the late environmental activist wouldn’t want it any other way. With the support of Irwin’s widow, Terri, the group rededicated … Continue reading →

Neighborhood and Environment for Single Parent Families

This is not going to be an article about how there are “good” neighborhoods and “bad” ones; nor do I want to promote classism and racism–instead, I wanted to talk about how environment does matter when it comes to having a healthy and supportive place to raise a family as a single parent. That doesn’t have to mean huge expansive lawns and 3-car-garages. Choosing a place to live where we feel safe, supported, and where our children have access to everything they need–all within our budget can be a big challenge for a single parent, but so incredibly important. I … Continue reading →

Can’t We Ever Have Anything Nice?

You know how there are things you say so often that they become part of the family lore? Your words become ensconced in the family vernacular and you hear them parroted back at you by your children—either in jest or just because it becomes the way the family speaks. My children like to tease me for one of my phrases that I have been saying so long it has become the pat response to messes and chaos… “Can’t we EVER have anything nice?!” I tend to keep a fairly neat house and I love to have things clean, fresh and … Continue reading →

Dreaming of a Green Christmas?

Can we go green for Christmas? There are some environmentally friendly ways to prepare for the holidays. One really good way to do so is by recycling things you have around the house as you package gifts for shipping. Start by using boxes you have instead of purchasing new boxes for shipping. Then, try these tips: Plastic Grocery Bags Use clean plastic grocery bags between items in a shipping box to cushion gifts and keep them from bouncing around. Bunch them up and stuff all the empty spaces full to help protect gifts and keep wrapping from becoming damaged, as … Continue reading →

George Clooney’s New Gig

From Darfur to Switzerland? It appears hunky George Clooney is spreading his knowledge of all things environmentally and socially sound to a more neutral country. According Clooney’s rep, the handsome and still bruised actor has accepted the job of executive board member of a new Swiss energy company that will “develop environmentally friendly techniques for car motors and other devices.” The new company is being created by a Swiss billionaire who is interested in pursuing new advancements in the clean production of hydrogen, solar energy and fuel cells. Nicolas Hayek, chairman of the Swatch Group (the largest watchmaker in the … Continue reading →

Squirrel Park – Lisa Campbell Ernst

Chuck and Stuart are best friends. They have so much in common – they like nuts, and they like to collect leaves. They love climbing trees, especially the oak in the center of town. A lot of people think it’s weird that they are friends – did I mention that Chuck is a squirrel and Stuart is a boy? I didn’t? Well, maybe you think it’s strange too. Well, back to that old oak tree. Chuck lives there and has all his life. It’s the perfect home for him. But as the town has grown, the trees all around the … Continue reading →

You Can Still Control the Environment, Even When You’re Away From Home

Earlier today, I wrote about how we can use avoidance as our ally when it comes to parenting. By anticipating trouble areas and understanding our child well enough to know what might set them off or force them to act out, we can avoid many misbehaviors and melt-down incidents before they ever happen. I realize that many parents are thinking, “sure, this is easy at home where I can control the environment and be aware, but I can’t control triggers when we’re out and about!” You’re right, you cannot control everything in your child’s environment wherever you might go, but … Continue reading →

Recycle This!

Are you ready for a few more simple tips anyone can use to help protect the environment? In a previous article, there was a tip offering a way to help stop wasting so much paper (and having so much paper clutter), by having more items sent via email instead of through the regular mail. Here are some more ways to avoid wasting paper: Guess what I’m doing right now? Well, besides typing this article. Okay, I am cutting up little pieces of paper. Yep. I’m cutting up all those notes sent home from school. At least one teacher tries to … Continue reading →