v 4 issue 47: Make Mine Organic

This weeks issue is totally non-toxic from organic clothing to respect for our environment, now that's peace of mind!


Cover by Gina Oh










1 Simple to use and utterly organic. Just tuck baby into the center pocket & fold over each flap which is secured in place with Velcro. This is one swaddle baby can wiggle in, but won't want to wiggle out of. - babybonkie.com.

2 Combed cotton thermal (organic of course!) comes to life when it meets merma pillar. Choose from 4 colors of fabric and add the merma-critters of your liking. Make it organic and any way you like. Free white/natural hat with purchase thru 7/17.

3 DJ Nappy spins outs the Zzzz, but Gizmoroo pumps up the jam by throwing in colors of orange, brown, & blue. Earth friendly and funky. Comes as a tee, or snap it up with a onesie. Enter code: TTWREVIEW for 15% off your total purchase thru 7/20.

4 Ooh, the benefits of bamboo: anti-wick, anti-microbial, hypo-allergenic... Topped off with a pair of big loving eyes, this towel captures the sweetness & gentle nature of both the panda and the fabric. One of many great products from BamBoo Hugs. Enter code: TOTS for 15% off your purchases

5 Absorbent and absolutely adorable. Wrap baby up in a fully enclosed bamboo hooded robe after a tubbie for gentle-loving cuddling sessions. So cute you won't want to take them out. bamboobino.com.

6 The kaleidoscope button romper is a playfully printed piece...full of color & fun. Slightly cinched at the waist with buttoned straps and a shorted bottom half. Find this soy & organic blend fashion statement @ babystar. Enter code: 20twinkle09 for 30% off your total purchase, thru 12/31/09 WOW!

7 When a plain old bodysuit has got you down, spice things up with a few ruffles. The skirted bodysuit from B nature isn't your average summer attire...it's cool, flirty, organic fun. Enter code: TTWaug for 10% off your purchases thru 8/31/09.


This week’s mom GREEN Tips:
Shopping for Organic Food on a Budget Tips:

Focus on high-pesticide count foods first. The most common conventional fruits and veggies that contain harmful chemicals and pesticides include apples, potatoes, nectarines, and spinach. Plan on spending a little more than usual on these items, and cut back on others to balance your budget.

Which conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables are okay if organics are not available? Check out this guide to fruits and vegetables containing the most pesticides @ foodnews.org

Become a bulk buyer. This is especially useful when you're buying whole grains and lentils that can be stored easily for a few months. Bulk buying programs are also available at many coops and natural food stores, so don't be afraid to ask about discounts. This is a great way to incorporate healthy whole grains in your diet if you're not already eating them.

Choose natural or generic over premium brands. This is easier to do at supermarkets such as Trader Joe's and even Whole Foods in some cases. Look for the store's brand over the premium for savings, and take advantage of manufacturer coupons whenever possible.


Green Cleaning Supplies:
How green are your green cleaning supplies? Manufacturers of commercial cleaning products are not required to list all of the ingredients used. So, while the new green products may be less toxic, that does not mean they are non toxic. In order to find the greenest and least toxic of the commercial cleaners available, read the labels. Learn what the warning labels mean. Don't assume that all of the environmental and health claims made by these products are true. Check the ingredients list. You can also check out the Eco Label center at GreenerChoices.org to see how a particular product rates.

We recently had the opportunity to try out some Eco Mist Solutions products and absolutely love their Kitchen cleaner. It is totally unscented, non toxic and made with plant based ingredients. Now that is a cleaner you can trust!

Teaching Kids to Respect the Environment
One of the best ways to get your kids to respect the environment is to show them the impact of their actions on the world around them. Our children have key role to play in protecting the future of our planet. As we teach our children about the world we need to teach them about their role as stewards of the earth. Kids appreciate that kind of information especially when they feature prominently in the information being presented.

One example of how we can start teaching children to respect the environment in simple and tangible ways is to examine the way we dispose of our garbage. Garbage disposal is a chore many kids are given because it is simple to do – carry the garbage out to the curb. Why not introduce your kids to the whole concept of what we do with garbage so that they might think twice about how they discard items, especially recyclable ones.

Kids should be informed that our garbage can hurt us. Certain chemicals if disposed of incorrectly can be released into the environment and contaminate our air, water, and possibility the food we eat. Examples are thermostats that contain mercury, oil paints and pesticides. Examine with your child the household items around your house that may be hazardous to the environment if not disposed of correctly. If unsure about some products, talk to the retailer or read product labels carefully to find out if safe disposal methods are recommended.

Encourage your kids to recycle paper and all other recyclable items around the house (look for the recycling symbol that is on many items, like plastic containers).

Discuss the fact that the country is running out of landfills and scientists are still trying to find safer and more affordable ways to burn garbage. Our best strategy is to reduce what we throw away and reuse or recycle as much as possible.

Teach your kids about the products that pollute our environment like our cars and get into the habit of walking or riding a bike to destinations, whenever possible. The next time you decide to buy a car think about the eco-friendly hybrid car (powered by gas and electricity) and involve your kids in the research process for your next eco-friendly vehicle.

When you are outside with your children take the time to highlight the distinct beauty of nature. Point out to your children the picture perfect blueness of the sky on a clear, bright day. In early spring find where lilacs or other pungent and lovely spring flowers are growing, and encourage the kids to sniff the unique scents of these spring treats. Cultivate a love for nature by awakening in your children an appreciation for the natural world.

With these tips, your children will learn to not only embrace nature but will grow into adults that will respect the environment because they know, understand and appreciate what is at stake. Your kids will develop an appreciation of their responsibility not just as conscious inhabitants of earth but as caring stewards who respect the grandeur and balance of Nature.