Monday, April 22, 2013

#EcoMonday Earth Day History 101

Every year on April 22 we celebrate Earth Day - a day set aside to think more seriously about our impact on the earth and a day to pledge to make changes that will decrease negative impact. It is a day that hopefully will incourage changes that will last the whole year and become part of our daily lives.  The first Earth day was in 1970 to bring attention to environmental issues and make them a priority on the federal level.  Not only did this first event bring together supporters from all walks of life, it did what it's founder intended and then some - the EPA was created and the Clean Air,Water and Endangered Species Acts were established.  Now in it's 41st year, Earth Day has grown into an international event and one that is as closely tied to community initiatives as it is to politcal agendas and is now even more broadly celebrated as economical issues have come into play.

Here is a history of Earth Day from Earthday.org:

The idea came to Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, he realized that if he could infuse that energy with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, it would force environmental protection onto the national political agenda. Senator Nelson announced the idea for a “national teach-in on the environment” to the national media; persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair; and recruited Denis Hayes as national coordinator. Hayes built a national staff of 85 to promote events across the land.


As a result, on the 22nd of April, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common values.


Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, city slickers and farmers, tycoons and labor leaders. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. "It was a gamble," Gaylord recalled, "but it worked."


As 1990 approached, a group of environmental leaders asked Denis Hayes to organize another big campaign. This time, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. Earth Day 1990 gave a huge boost to recycling efforts worldwide and helped pave the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It also prompted President Bill Clinton to award Senator Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1995) -- the highest honor given to civilians in the United States -- for his role as Earth Day founder.


As the millennium approached, Hayes agreed to spearhead another campaign, this time focused on global warming and a push for clean energy. With 5,000 environmental groups in a record 184 countries reaching out to hundreds of millions of people, Earth Day 2000 combined the big-picture feistiness of the first Earth Day with the international grassroots activism of Earth Day 1990. It used the Internet to organize activists, but also featured a talking drum chain that traveled from village to village in Gabon, Africa, and hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Earth Day 2000 sent world leaders the loud and clear message that citizens around the world wanted quick and decisive action on clean energy.


Much like 1970, Earth Day 2010 came at a time of great challenge for the environmental community. Climate change deniers, well-funded oil lobbyists, reticent politicians, a disinterested public, and a divided environmental community all contributed to a strong narrative that overshadowed the cause of progress and change. In spite of the challenge, for its 40th anniversary, Earth Day Network reestablished Earth Day as a powerful focal point around which people could demonstrate their commitment. Earth Day Network brought 225,000 people to the National Mall for a Climate Rally, amassed 40 million environmental service actions toward its 2012 goal of A Billion Acts of Green®, launched an international, 1-million tree planting initiative with Avatar director James Cameron and tripled its online base to over 900,000 community members.


Happy Earth Day and let your thoughts and energy on this day be continued all year long!
*~ Sprout ~*

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Purify your indoor air naturally with plants

Many of us spend so much of our day indoors - especially in the winter time.  It is obvious that the air indoors is not as "fresh" as outdoors but do you know that there are many chemicals and toxins that prevent us from getting really fresh air indoors?  Synthetic materials release many volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)  into the air - chloroform, ammonia, acetone and formaldehyde, just to name a few. These toxins are found in almost every item in the home from furniture and carpet to cleaning solvents.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five threats to public health (1).  On their website, the EPA also states: Children are more susceptible to air pollution because they breathe a greater volume of air relative to their body weight. To make matters worse, schools tend to be at a higher risk of poor indoor air quality because they can have 4 times the occupants as a regular office building for the same amount of floor space and generally less maintenance making air quality in schools an area of a particular concern.(2)

Poor indoor air quality can lead to or contribute to a host of problems including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, sinus congestion, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma (3).  If you already suffer from any of those symptoms, entering or residing in a room with poor air quality can cause you to become more sensitive to allergens, dust, and VOCs.  Learn more about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) at the EPA's website: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html

So...What do we do to control or reduce indoor air pollution and improve air quality?  Grow Plants!

Plants remove air-born toxins through tiny openings in their leaves called stomata as they absorb carbon dioxide then release oxygen in a process called photosynthesis.   Plants also emit water vapor that creates a pumping action to pull contaminated air down around a plant’s roots, where it is also converted into food for the plant.  This was studied in the late 1980s by NASA, lead by Dr. Bill Wolverton, and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) when they researched to find ways to purify the air for extended stays in orbiting space stations (4). The conclusions of the study not surprising proved that the plants did clean the air but what was groundbreaking was that the plants also were greatly successful in reducing the high levels of toxins found in closed environments (sealed buildings) - the study showed that many houseplants remove harmful elements such as trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. Formaldehyde is used in many building materials including particle board and foam insulations and can be found in furniture, carpet and drapes. Additionally, many cleaning products contain this chemical. Benzene is a common solvent found in oils and paints. Trichloroethylene is used in paints, adhesives, inks, and varnishes.

The advantage that houseplants have over other plants is that they are adapted to tropical areas where they grow beneath dense tropical canopies and must survive in areas of low light. These plants are thus ultra-efficient at capturing light, which also means that they must be very efficient in processing the gasses necessary for photosynthesis. Because of this fact, they have greater potential to absorb other gases, including potentially harmful ones.   Dr. Bill Wolverton highlights the NASA / ALCA study as well as the best plants for removing toxins in his book, "How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office". 
I highly recommend this book if you are interested in the study and want to learn more about the cleaning abilities of houseplants.


Bamboo Palm
Based upon Wolverton's book, here are the TOP 10 plants most effective in removing: Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Carbon Monoxide from the air:

Bamboo Palm - Chamaedorea Seifritzii
Chinese Evergreen - Aglaonema Modestum
English Ivy Hedera Helix
Gerbera Daisy Gerbera Jamesonii
Janet Craig - Dracaena "Janet Craig"
Marginata - Dracaena Marginata
Mass cane/Corn Plant - Dracaena Massangeana
Mother-in-Law's Tongue - Sansevieria Laurentii
Pot Mum - Chrysantheium morifolium
Peace Lily - Spathiphyllum

Warneckii - Dracaena "Warneckii"

These plants are all pretty common and can be found at your local florist or plant store.
Wolverton recommends having two or three plants in 8- or 10-inch pots for every 100 square feet of floor space to successfully remove toxins and provide enough fresh air for living comfortably. An average living room size is 16'x16' (5) which is 256 square feet - this would require about 5-7 medium sized plants to adequately reduce indoor toxins, based upon Wolverton's study.  You may think this is a lot, but if you choose larger plants or plants with larger leaves, you can effectively reduce pollutants with fewer plants.

So while the weather is cold and we are spending more time indoors, think about the air quality and consider adding a few houseplants to give you a little fresh air indoors.

Sources:
(1): http://www.epa.gov/
(2): http://www.epa.gov/region1/communities/indoorair.html
(3): http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html
(4): Download and read NASA's study: Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement, 1989
(5): http://www.dimensionsinfo.com/average-living-room-dimensions/

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Easy #Halloween Monster-mallow Treats

It's the MONSTER_MALLOWS!

I recently did some online searching for fun, quick, easy ideas for Halloween treats to try something new - there are so many great ideas from every creative corner... I found tons! I saved all my favorite ideas to my Pinterest board (check it out here: http://pinterest.com/sprout5/halloween/ ) then revisited the ideas with my kids to decide what to make.  The loved the decorated marshmallow creatures and it fit my requirements of quick and easy (and very few ingredients / needs).

Here is how we created them:  We purchased large marshmallows, a tube of decorating frosting and some food safe markers.  I had some left over colored fondant (I always have a stock in the freezer!) and rolled some small balls to use for eyes plus we used cheerios which are always on hand as well.  We "glued" the eyes on with a generous amount of icing (used the small circle tube attachment on the frosting tube) and placed the Cheerios over the icing so the icing pushes through the center of the Cheerios.  We used fondant as well to make eyes on some and used black food-safe markers to dot the eyes.  The rest of the facial features were also drawn on with markers.  This was a 20 minute activity so it was the perfect time frame for 3 and 6 year olds and when we were done, we had a pile of fun monsters treats for Halloween!

These monsters can be used to top cupcakes, cake, or cookies and make excellent pops by simply sticking a lollipop stick in the bottom.

Note - for better performance of the markers, let the marshmallows sit in the open to dry slightly on the outside.  If the marshmallows are too soft, it is harder to draw a line.  Also, don't press too hard with the markers.  Storage: keep them in a closed container until ready to eat.

Enjoy!
~Sprout

Purchase these items to make your own:

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Reuse your old socks - make #Halloween Sock Spiders!

Green Halloween Craft Idea: Sock Spiders!

Do you have single socks or worn-out socks taking up space in your closet or dresser?  For some reason, I have a mound of these and even though I use them for cleaning - they just seem to multiply!  Since I have a lot of black socks, I thought I would reuse them and create "Sock Spiders" to use as Halloween decorations.  This past weekend, we walked over to Michael's Craft Store and purchased some black pipe cleaners and what my son calls, "googly eyes" then came back and collected all those socks.  We stuffed the end of the socks with other socks or old ripped t-shirts (you could use cotton, paper or tissue) and folded the open end of the sock over the whole thing and tucked it into the open end.  Then we poked through the bottom with 4 pipe cleaners to form the legs.  I sewed the end of the folded sock top to make a smooth bottom.  My son stuck the googly eyes onto the top then I pulled some thread through the top using a needle and hung one over the doorway to the kitchen.  They turned out so cute!  We can use these every year now AND I got rid of all those lonely socks!  Way to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!!

If you have black, purple, red or brown socks that have patterns or colors on them. you can have some fun - here is a sock spider using argyle socks!
 If you make your own recycled Halloween decoration, please share by posting a comment and if you have a photo, please send it to me and I'll post it here!
Thanks!
Happy GREEN Halloween!

Want more Green ideas? Go to  http://greenhalloween.org/`

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Feel Better with Natural Cold Care #ecowed

Feel Better Naturally!

It's that time of year again... cold and flu season. Protecting yourself against the inevitable by getting enough sleep, eating right and reducing stress never seems like enough when you get sick... So I thought I would share five great natural remedies that will help you get by and make you feel better - NATURALLY.



1. Boiron Coldcalm
Take Coldcalm at the First Sign of colds! Coldcalm temporarily relieves cold symptoms such as sneezing, runny rose, nasal congestion and minor sore throat. It is a homeopathic medicine that works naturally and is Fast-acting when taken at the onset of symptoms.  Coldcalm does not have side effects,  drug interactions, or contraindications, and does not just "mask" symptoms  This is a Non-drowsy formula and is regulated as a OTC (Over the Counter) drug by the FDA.  Amazon's current price is an unbelievable $8.25 for a 3-pack plus you can save even more by signing up for "Subscribe and Save". Click here to buy now
Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Coldcalm Tablets for Colds, 60-Count Boxes (Pack of 3)



2. Ricola Cough Drops
Great tasting. Naturally soothing and refreshing. Ricola Sugar Free Lemon Mint throat drops combine refreshing, natural Lemon Mint and Ricola's delicious mixture of Swiss alpine herbs. For over 75 years, Ricola has been making pleasant tasting natural herbal products for natural relief of the discomfort due to sore throat and minor irritation due to coughs, hoarseness, dry throat, and loss of voice. Ricola is nature's way of calming coughs and soothing sore throats. This item is also offered through Subscribe and Save from Amazon - Ricola Cough Drops, Natural Herb , 21 Drops (Pack of 12)

3. Bioron Chestal Cough Syrup
Chestal Cough Syrup is an effective homeopathic cough syrup that naturally brings relief to a wide array of coughs. Safe and natural, with no side effects, Chestal treats all kinds of coughs, does not interact with other medications, does not contain stimulants, non-drowsy, great honey taste, honey and sugar base soothes the throat.  I like it because it tastes great and works well!


4. Traditional Medicinals Tea
Nothing is more soothing than a cup of herbal tea - especially when you are sick.  Traditional Medicinals has an incredibly great line of organic teas that are highly effective, taste great and even are produced with solar power!  Try this sampler that includes Throat Coat, Echinacea Plus, Breathe Easy, and Gypsy Cold Care varieties.  This is also available by the case (of 6) with Subscribe and Save to save more:
Traditional Medicinals Seasonal Herb Tea Sampler 16-Count Boxes (Pack of 6)


5. Nature's Way Echinacea Supplements
Echinacea herb supports the Immune System and promotes general well-being in cold and flu season. Echinacea (comon name is Purple Coneflower) grows wild in the midwest, and was used by Plains Indians more than any other herb. Echinacea supplements are a great preventative measure to help boost your immune system before you get a cold, but it may also help during a cold as well.  (Please discuss this with your doctor before taking)  Amazon also offers this item through Subscribe and Save!

For more homeopathic children's remedies, check out my past post:
http://sprout5.blogspot.com/2010/06/top-5-homeopathic-natural-remedies.html 

Have a great week and Be Well!
~ Sprout

Friday, September 14, 2012

Get a Free Kids Konserve Reusable Lunch Tote!



Annie's Homegrown has teamed up again with Kids Konserve to help eliminate lunchtime trash at school!  They are giving away One free 100% recycled cotton Kids Konserve reusable lunch sack is available with TWO PROOFS OF PURCHASE from any of the following companies’ eligible items: Annie’s Homegrown (any item), Honest Kids (8-pack carton or 64oz. bottle), Seventh Generation (disinfectant sprays and wipes), OR Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt (yogurt 6-pack or 4-pack, or Squeezers). Products must be purchased between August 1, 2012 and October 31, 2012.

If you have more than one kid you can get up to 3 free bags (as long as you have 2 receipts / barcodes for each bag)!

All you have to do is go to the following weblink, fill out the form and send along with the TWO required proofs of purchase per lunch sack in the form of an original receipt with products listed or a physical cut-out of the UPC barcodes from any TWO of the above qualifying packages, to: Annie's Lunch Sack, 1610 Fifth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. Offer good in U.S and Canada only. Limit three lunch sacks per household or address. Must be 18 years or older. Supplies are limited to 15,000 bags. Offer expires October 31, 2012 or while supplies last. Allow 8-10 weeks for delivery.

http://www.annies.com/backtoschool

What products are eligible?
You'll need to purchase any TWO items from the following companies’ eligible items: Annie’s Homegrown (any item), Honest Kids (8-pack carton or 64oz. bottle), Seventh Generation (disinfectant sprays and wipes), OR Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt (yogurt 6-pack or 4-pack, or Squeezers). The two items can be from the same company as long as they are qualifying items.






Need to buy these products: Click below.

 

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Stock up the pantry with these organic deals!


Nature's Path Organic Mesa Sunrise Cereal, 10.6-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6)
Organic products make far less impact on the Earth as no synthetic pesticides fertilizers or antibiotics are used and no chemicals are added to the food afterwards. It means less pollution in your world and in your body. Organic goes further towards giving you what nature intended--clean, pure, and real food.  Amazon.com offers hundreds of great organic products at fantastic prices, especially small bulk items to fill your pantry in preparation of the new school year!

Here are a handful of products at some amazing prices to get your school year off to a great start:


 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Get a FREE sample filled tote plus more back to school deals at Drugstore.com

Drugstore.com has some great promos going on right now that are not to be missed!

Save more when you buy dorm-room and back to school essentials like pens, markers, batteries and more.  Click here to see the best deals:
Save up to 50% on Back to Campus basics at drugstore.com! Offer ends 08.31.2012.

Another great deal:
Save up to 40% on Tide laundry detergent at drugstore.com! Offer ends 09.30.2012.

By far the best is their sample filled tote FREE with any $40 purchase in the sports and nutrition department.  Stock up on Balance, Zone and Cliff bars - perfect for on-the-go meals for you and your students!  Optimize your workout with sports nutrition samples that include nutrition bars and protein and performance supplements! Offer ends 08.31.2012 or while supplies last. Click here to shop for eligible items to get your freebie now:
Get a free sample-filled FRS tote ($40 value) with any $40 purchase in the sports and nutrition department at drugstore.com! Offer ends 08.31.2012 or while supplies last.


Don't miss out on these great deals - And if this is your first purchase on Drugstore.com, New Customers – spend $50 at drugstore.com and get free shipping + a $100 Restaurant.com gift code! Offer ends 12.31.2012.

or: New Customers – spend $25 at drugstore.com and get free shipping + a $50 Restaurant.com gift code! Offer ends 12.31.2012.


drugstore.com - new customer offer