I Need to Go Shoe Shopping?
Nov 12, 2009 Environmentally Friendly
I’m not a big shoe collector. Most of the year in Poway I got by in my sandals, occasionally wearing sneakers when we were lucky enough to get rain. I wear heels even more rarely, although I do have some.
I’ve come to realize that here in Yucaipa boots might just be a good idea for winter.
The thought occurred to me the other morning while walking my daughter to school. I could feel the cold air on my feet even through my sneakers. That’s on a dry morning, temperatures in the 40s, and it’s not really even winter yet.
So I’m starting to look at boots. Seems strange to me, even though I already bought some for the kids. I haven’t had boots in years.
I kind of like the looks of Earth’s Mirage 2. Looks nice and warm. But then there’s the Keen Kaley, which looks more stylish to me.
They’re honestly both a bit more than I’d like to spend. I haven’t spent that much on a pair of shoes in a long time. I’m trying to keep this one reasonable for our current budget, while balancing style, environmental friendliness and function.
Oh, and I have no intention of driving all over town for the right shoes, wasting gas. Thank goodness for the internet, where I can figure out what I’d like and if it can be bought on a regular errand or if I have to have it shipped here.
Why Do Kids Love Play Silks?
Jun 4, 2009 Environmentally Friendly, Going Green
My favorite toys for my kids are always the ones that encourage active play or creativity. I’d rather avoid the ones that are supposed to be used in one particular way… even if that rarely stops my kids from coming up with other uses.
But I think one of the best gifts my daughter ever got for her birthday from a friend was some play silks. 2 years later and she still keeps pulling them out. They’re holding up well.
Play silks are such simple toys really, just a beautiful piece of silk. But the simplicity is the real delight. They get used to create costumes, mostly. It’s amazing how many costumes can come from a single piece of fabric, and yes, a bride can wear a green veil and look wonderful.
Play silks can be found at sites such as Magic Cabin or Amazon
At the ages my kids are at, I really think they’re happiest when they’re being creative, and that’s why I think they love the silks so much. They may beg to watch television or play on the computer, but once they’re involved in creative play, they’ll go on for hours. Watch TV or play on the computer, and I can count on multiple requests for snacks and other signs of boredom.
Tags: creativity, green toys, imagination, kids, natural toys, parenting, play silks
8 Tips to Prepare for a Greener Summer
May 12, 2009 Environmentally Friendly, Going Green
Summer is getting close. While some places are still getting tons of rain, I’m dealing with temperatures in the 80-90s. Yeah, you can be jealous, but droughts suck and that’s what we have.
It does bring to mind, though, that it’s time to get ready for summer. And so I’m presenting some tips today.
1. Use the air conditioner less.
Yeah, this one goes on all the going green lists, doesn’t it?
Use fans rather than the air conditioner when you can. They use a lot less energy and really can help cool you. They don’t actually cool the house, but they do make it feel better. You can also fill 2 liter bottles with water, freeze them, then place in front of the fan to make a cool breeze.
Figure out how warm you are willing to tolerate your home, and set your air conditioner’s thermostat to that. Your home does not need to be 75 degrees F all summer long. You may not even need to keep it as cool as 80. Figure out your personal limits and try to adapt to warmer temperatures.
Our air conditioner is generally not turned on during the day even if it’s 85 degrees in the house. We may use it to cool the house for sleeping, but it takes a really hot day to get it turned on during the day. It’s not as bad as you may think to adapt to warmer temperatures, even when it’s humid. Humans have been doing that for millennia.
2. Block the heat from getting into the house.
I’m not just going to say “use the air conditioner less” and not tell you how. I’m saying flat out do what you can to keep the heat from coming into your home in the first place.
There are a few strategies you can use.
If you have the inclination, make quilted covers for your windows. These have the advantage of keeping the warm in during winter as well as blocking sunlight. Just remember that the sun’s rays will steadily fade the colors in the fabric and don’t be disappointed when that happens.
Cardboard boxes are an unattractive but good option too, especially if you have some empty ones already around the house. Such a simple thing to repurpose.
Mylar also works well in windows, and has the advantage that it can be put in carefully enough that you can still open the windows without removing it when the day cools sufficiently. If you want to go cheap stores that carry camping supplies may have Mylar emergency blankets for as little as $1 each.
You don’t have to block all your windows if you don’t want to. Definitely get the ones that the sunlight pours directly into in the morning. These generally add the most heat to your home.
3. Prepare your propane grill
You may love charcoal more than propane (my husband certainly does!) but propane burns much more cleanly when you barbecue. If you really need to use charcoal consider some of the natural charcoal
4. Try a solar oven.
I really, really want to do this one this year, as does my husband. We just haven’t agreed on which type to make. I’m all for a simple one, he keeps looking at more difficult ones. He’s afraid the cardboard boxes used in many models won’t hold up to the heat – no matter how many instructions say they’re what to use.
You don’t have to make your own if that’s not your style. You can buy solar ovens
5. Keep that garden going.
If you have the space, I hope you garden. It’s one of the best and most affordable ways to combine exercise and organic produce.
If you’re in a drought area, try to think of ways to use less water in your garden. You can install drip irrigation
If the garden isn’t working out, this is the time of year to really enjoy that local farmer’s market.
And in general, whether or not you’re in a drought area, try to use less water.
6. Plan your travel carefully.
Flying is a great way to travel long distances quickly, but it’s not green by a long shot. Drive or take the train when you can.
Consider taking vacations that really let you enjoy nature too. Camping is a wonderful family activity that can help even the youngest of children really appreciate nature. Just be sure to respect the campgrounds, stay on the paths and if you bring it in, take it out.
7. Line dry your laundry.
Yeah, sure, it doesn’t look that good. It saves a lot of energy, though.
You may have to battle your homeowner’s association if you live in some areas. Check the rules you have to deal with first. Then remember that you can still line dry indoors if you choose.
Clothesline
You might even consider joining the Clothesline Challenge.
A lot of sunscreens rely on some chemicals that aren’t good for you or the environment. Check out the sunscreens listed at the Skin Deep database to figure out which brands you would like to try. Soleo
What tips do you have for a greener summer?
Tags: block windows, keep cool, saving energy, solar cooking, solar ovens, summer, sunlight
Google’s Mowing with Goats
May 8, 2009 Environmentally Friendly
I just had to smile at this post on Google’s blog about their decision to mow some of their property with goats. How utterly practical!
They used a company called California Grazing for the job. The California Grazing site does a great job of explaining exactly why it is that goats are a green choice. Too bad the folks who take care of the fields near us and just spent days getting it mowed haven’t heard of them. I think the goats would have been a better choice. Certainly the school kids walking by would have gotten quite the kick out of seeing the goats at work.
Perhaps the best part is that this apparently cost Google about the same as having the area mowed. Not bad, not bad at all.
Where to Find Local Food Resources
May 6, 2009 Environmentally Friendly, Gardening, Going Green, Home and Family
I’ve talked a bit lately about my garden. I love being able to grow my own food. In fact, my husband came home the other day with an early Mother’s Day gift for me – more plants for the garden. I liked it.
I know, of course, that gardening isn’t for everyone. So today I wanted to get into local food sources. If you can’t garden, if you don’t want to, if your garden fails, whatever the reason, buying local is a great option.
Farmer’s markets are often an easy choice. There may be several in your area. The USDA has a page all about farmer’s markets, and it may be a place for you to start searching if you haven’t spotted them already on your own. But it definitely doesn’t have all of them listed. I searched for a farmer’s market I know of in my area, one that has been going on for years, and it wasn’t listed.
Local Harvest is another great resource. Once again, they didn’t have my local farmer’s market listed, but it did show another that I know of nearby.
Local Harvest can also help you to find a CSA to join in your area. Community Supported Agriculture groups are a great option if you don’t mind prepaying and not knowing what exactly you’re going to get. I haven’t tried one yet myself, but every time I read about someone who has, the selection impresses me.
The Eat Well Guide offers similar resources.
If you want to learn more about sustainable eating, I suggest checking out the Sustainable Table website. It has some great tips that will help you understand why you want to avoid conventionally farmed foods when you can.
Tags: csa, eating local, Gardening, local food, sutainable food
