Earth Month Day 24: Reuse and Swap kids clothes with Thredup

Clothes don’t grow. Kids do.

Many people use springtime as a good reason to do the deep cleaning, reorganizing and purging.  It's also a time that we realize just how much excess we have.  And if you have kids, you know how quickly the out-grown clothes pile up! Last year I was discussing how my closets were overcrowding with a friend - we have both have two kids but of opposite sex of each other so we decided to swap clothes - my infant boy clothes for her preschooler girl clothes.  Not too long after that, I discovered thredUP.com - the online children's clothing swap site!  I thought that was just the coolest thing ever!  I had tried to sell my gently used clothes on Ebay and didn't have too much success.  I have also donated bags and bags to Salvation Army but with the increasing cost of new clothes (and the constant need to get larger sizes!) it would be nice to get something in return for the clothes.  That's were thredUP comes in... you give, you get, it's fast and it's easy!
thredUP is where families swap kids clothing (and toys!) online. Join thredUP's FREE online community to exchange stuff your kids no longer use, for clothing that fits & toys they'll love!

From Thredup.com:

Here's how easy it is to thredUP Picking Boxes of Clothes:
thredUP is the best way to clear out your kids clothes and toys that they no longer use. Take the clothes and toys your child has outgrown and prepare to thredUP—all on your schedule (monthly, quarterly, seasonally, annually). We've found that most parents list new boxes regularly once they learn how easy it is to do. Here's how:

•Receive a pack of FREE USPS flat rate boxes automatically sent to you (free of charge) upon registration.
•Sort clothes by making groups of the same size, season(s) and gender.
•Separate by clothing item type (tops and bottoms) and brand. Keep outfits and matching items together.
•Stuff USPS boxes with your organized groups of used kids clothing.
•Tell us about the clothing in each box in our "Build a Box" template.
•List your box and then wait for another member to pick it!

At thredUP we are committed to helping you exchange fantastic pre-loved clothes and toys. Real world clothing swaps are time consuming and hard to organize. We’ve created one for you that’s always available and always being updated with new listings from parents just like you.

•Navigate our listings similar to surfing eBay, iTunes or Amazon. Sort by gender, size, brand, season or type of item
•Find baby, toddler, or pre-teen clothing, and toys for all ages
•Pay $5 + shipping ($10.95) and it's yours
•Get your box sent directly to your doorstep by the parent who listed it
•Add listers to your Favorite Senders list and filter search results to view only boxes that your favorite senders have listed
•View community ratings to ensure high quality items and picking boxes with confidence

All you'll ever pay for basic swapping is $5 + ($10.95) shipping per box of kids clothes. At more than ten items per box, that's like $1.50 per item. No hidden charges. No recurring fees. You can decide at anytime to stop swapping clothes.



Building your box is super easy - you just simply select the categories your clothes fit into (group your clothes by size when building a box) and the brand names and write a brief description of the items.  You don't need to include photos or do anything special.  Once I got my clothes sorted and tested to see how many fit into the box, I was able to list a box on thredUP in minutes then just packed the box up.  My first few boxes got selected within a few days and my recent boxes got selected the NEXT DAY!  Sending them is even easier!  thredUP generates your shipping label and a USPS pickup will be automattically scheduled for the next day.  That's it - DONE!  SO EASY! Now I have more space in the closets too!

Now I have a credit in my account and I'm ready to start selecting boxes to see what goodies I can find!!

This is the ultimate way to reuse and reduce waste in our landfills!

Use my referal code http://www.thredup.com/Carmichael Nitzky69564 and receive a $5 credit!

*~ Sprout ~*

Earth Month: Recycle your Shoes and get $20

What do you do with shoes when they are out of style or you no longer wear them?  I usually donate them to Salvation Army but it would be nice to get something in return. Now you can! Shoes.com has a program that will give you $20 towards your order of $80 or more when you recycle your old shoes (restrictions apply).  Shoes.com and Naya have partnered with Soles4Souls to give you the opportunity to make a choice that matters. By giving to those less fortunate, you will receive.
Through the Renew Your Soles program, donate a pair of gently worn shoes and receive $20 off an $80 purchase at shoes.com. These shoes will be distributed to people in need in over 127 countries. The idea is that together, we can all leave a softer footprint while helping others.

1.All you need to do is put a gently worn pair of shoes in a box (even the box that contained your new shoes).

2.Fill out the form (found by clicking the box above) and include in your box.

3.Attach the label provided and send your package. Postage is not included.

4.You will receive an emailed coupon for $20 off an $80 or more purchase* on shoes.com.

5.Soles4Souls will also send you a receipt in the mail for your tax deductible donation.

*Exclusions apply.

Soles4Souls is a non-profit charity that distributes donated shoes free of charge to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class or any other criteria.  Check out this program and Renew your Soles today - click the ad at the top of this post.

Plus - check out this promo:

Save 20% on your purchase* at Shoes.com with code 25SALE plus Free SHipping. Valid 5/12 - 5/16/2011. Exclusions apply.Save 25% on your purchase* at Shoes.com with code 25SALE plus Free SHipping. Valid thru 5/16/2011. Exclusions apply.

Check out these Eco-friendly shoes:

Or get into shape with Sketchers Shape-ups:

Earth Month Day 22: Earth Day History

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 ~*

Earth Month Day 21: Earth's Best Cereal Giveaway!

** GIVEAWAY CLOSED - SEE RESULTS BELOW**

It's never to early to start eating organic, healthy food - why not make their first solid food Earth's Best Organic Cereal!  To celebrate Earth Day (and Month!) I will be giving away 4 boxes of Earth's Best Organic Rice and Oatmeal cereal to a lucky reader.

Here's how to enter:
1. You must be a follower of Sprout's Green Family on GFC or Networked Blogs (see links to the right)
2. First Entry: Please read through my Earth Month posts and tell me which post is your favorite or an idea that you will try soon - leave a comment below

**please leave your email address in your comment so I may easily contact you if you win!!

Extra Entries:

• Follow Sprout's Green Family on Twitter (@sprout5) leave a comment with your Twitter handle
• Tweet (once daily) and leave the tweet address in comments below:  Check out the Earths Best Organic Cereal #Giveaway from @sprout5 - enter now: http://bit.ly/dJkR6V ends 4/30 pls RT
• Like Sprout's Green Family on Facebook leave a comment below along with your FB name
• Make a purchase of $5 or more from my blogsite or Sprout's GREEN Store and list item(s) purchased in comments below (worth 10 entry comments!!)
• Check out My First Art Gallery and tell me what you think in the comments below (1 entry)
• Refer a friend to follow Sprout's Green Family on GFC, Twitter, or Facebook - have them leave a comment below telling me you sent them after they have followed (worth 3 entries!)

Giveaway ends on 4/30/11 at 10:00pm EST. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified by email.

Want to purchase something now?  Click on any of these or go to
Earth's Best on Amazon.com

















Results of Giveaway:
Winner is:  Comment #2

Earth Month:EPA's Pick 5 for the Environment

Saving the entire planet is a huge task that could not possibly be accomplished by just a few people but if we all do something small to help protect the environment we live in, our collaborative effort can be BIG!  That is the mantra of the Environmental Protection Agency's Pick 5 for the Environment program.

Pick 5 for YOUR environment!



Environmental action can mean doing different things in different places, but it begins by taking the simple steps where you live. Doing your part means doing what you can do. By choosing five or more of these ideas and sharing your own, you are joining thousands of others who are doing the same. Together we can make the biggest difference, so make your actions count today!

Pick 5 is the U.S. government’s official web portal to make your environmental action count. Pick at least 5 eco-actions you can take where you live, and watch the green grow around the world! Register your choices and share ideas and inspiration with others who have done the same – all from one easy location!

Check it out today and pledge to make 5 small changes to help make our environment more green:
http://www.epa.gov/pick5/index.html

*~ Sprout ~*

Earth Month Day 19: Educational Insights Giveaway

Awesome Colored Smencil Giveaway to new Educational Insights fans!

I discovered Educational Insights last year during a Twitter party and became a fan on their Facebook page. I ended up winning their Laundry Jumble game and I was so excited!  My kids were even more excited and really love playing the game.  I learned more about their toys and absolutely love their products and their educational value.  They're products blend education and fun in the best possible ways!  They even have a new table-top clear compost container so kids can actually see things break down into soil! (more on this in a later post...)

Today I found out that they have a great little giveaway for Earth Day - For Earth Week, they will give away their Colored Smencil - scented pencils made of 100% recycled newspaper and wrapped in individual biodegradable tubes - to EVERY new Facebook fan who posts a hello on our site AND to the friend who referred them will receive one free Smencil!



All you have to do is go to: http://www.facebook.com/educationalinsights and leave a comment on their wall and say that I referred you.  That's it!  BTW - they have an AWESOME Facebook page and always have fun contests and giveaways!  See - they even make it fun for parents and teachers!  :)

Here are some other great finds from Educational Insights:

Earth Month Day 18: Simple Switches to Green your Kitchen

Green your Kitchen! Are you wanting to go green but not sure where to begin?  Start in your kitchen by making some simple switches to your cleaning and kitchen supplies.  So many traditional cleaning supplies are full of harmful chemicals and toxic fumes - these are not only harmful to the environment, they are REALLY harmful for your family.  Many also use petroleum and petroleum by-products - another negative impact on our environment.  We also don't think about the fact that many of these cleaning products end up in our water system!  Many eco conscious families abandon traditional store bought cleaning supplies and opt to make their own or use more natural solutions like baking soda (my personal favorite!), vinegar, lemon juice and essential oils.  If you are not ready to go full-on natural or just want to use better store-bought products, here are some great choices that use natural ingredients, work well and even smell great!  Click on any of these links for more info or to purchase at Amazon's great low prices:

Earth Month Day 17: Aveeno Be an Active Natural Pledge + Coupon!

Aveeno's new program, "Be an Active Natural" encourages everyone to take small steps towards sustainability and for Earth Month, they have a great pledge that you can take on their facebook page.  You can pledge to Educate others on sustainable living, Commit to cleaner air by purchasing plants, and Live by planting a tree to lower your neighborhood's CO2.

By pledging to take these steps, you can also earn points to redeem for great rewards like AVEENO product samples, coupons, sustainable tote bags and more.  You can also get a $1 off coupon just for "liking" Aveeno on Facebook.


“Like” AVEENO on Facebook, at
http://www.facebook.com/aveeno?sk=app_192486454119700

For Earth Day this year, Aveeno created a pop-up forest in one of the most famous urban environments in the world, New York City’s Times Square. On April 7 – 8, hundreds of trees were placed in the middle of New York’s concrete jungle, creating an educational, green oasis and marking the AVEENO Brand’s commitment to raising awareness for healthy living and environmental sustainability.  I wish there were more areas in NYC this GREEN!!




*~ Sprout

Earth Month Day 16: Free Tree on Earth Day from Lowe's!

Planting a tree is one of the best things you can do on Earth Day and Lowe's is making this even easier by offering a FREE TREE on Earth Day, April 23 for their "This Tree is One in a Million" program.  All you have to do is stop by your local Lowe's that day and pick up your tree - then take it home and plant it!
For more details and to find the Lowe's nearest you, go to Lowe's Website

*~ Sprout ~*

Earth Month Day 15: Eco Friendly Seed Starting Project

Last weekend we started some of our vegetable seeds and instead of buying the little seed-starting pots, we decided to reuse our egg cartons, since they are the perfect size.  It's super easy to get your seeds started AND be eco-friendly!This is a GREAT project for kids!  First, get some organic potting soil and organic seeds so you know there will be no chemicals in your veggies.  If you can't get them at your local plant store or nursery, you can get them through Amazon.com at great prices and have them shipped in just a few days (2-days if you have Amazon Prime Membership - click the highlighted text for more info). 

I like to start my tomatoes, peppers, peas and carrots early to give them a boost towards their harvest dates and I also got my herbs and radishes started early. Radishes can grow in cooler temps so they are a perfect early spring seed!  Radishes and Basil both sprout quickly so they are great for impatient kids!! (and adults!)

To get your "recycled" seed starter ready, simply cut the top of the egg carton off to allow light to get into the seeds.  Fill the egg holders with soil all the way to the top - soil will condense when you tap down the planting and add water.  Next poke a shallow planting hole with your finger in the center of each dirt area - the depth should be according to planting instructions on the see packets - usually it's about 1/8" - 1/4" for most veggies.

Next - sprinkle a few seeds into each depression.  Usually 3 - 5 seeds is plenty to ensure that you have at least a few sprouts per planter but too many will overcrowd the planters and will require more water and quicker transplanting.  If you plant more than one type of seed in each egg carton, you can label the pots with a sharpie marker or make mini-plant labels with cardboard and toothpicks!

Next - sprinkle some soil on top of the seeds just to cover lightly, then tap down lightly to firm up the soil.  Then it's time to water!  Go lightly with water at first, just to allow the water to absorb into the fresh soil.  We use a water spray bottle and spray at a distance so as not to disturb the freshly planted seeds.  You can add more water in a few minutes after it has soaked in, making sure the soil is consistently moist.  Moisture and temperature are very important for seeds to sprout!

Finally, close the egg carton and cover entire thing with plastic - to make this totally recycled, we reused our veggie bags from Whole Foods, which are the perfect size and opacity, and slide the entire egg carton into the bag - allowing for some air to circulate.  Place in a bright window sill and check on them every day, spritzing them with more water to keep them moist.  The plastic will help to keep the soil and seeds moist but make sure there is some air movement so mold doesn't form.  When the seedlings are about and inch tall, you can carefully transplant them into the garden (if it is warm enough) or into larger containers to encourage good root growth before transplanting into the garden.

Happy Planting!

*~ Sprout ~*

PS - Don't forget to enter the Earth Day Giveaway!!  Low entries still...

http://sprout5.blogspot.com/2011/04/earth-month-day-8-seventh-generation.html

Earth Month Day 14: Why Go Green By the Numbers

I recently read an article on Treehugger's website that I thought I would share - this will really make you think about the impacts we are having on our planet and why going green really does matter!


Source: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/how-to-green-why-to-go-green.php


Why to Go Green: By the Numbers


•1 pound per hour: the amount of carbon dioxide that is saved from entering the atmosphere for every kilowatt-hour of renewable energy produced.

•60 percent: the reduction in developmental problems in children in China who were born after a coal-burning power plant closed in 2006.

•35 percent: the amount of coal's energy that is actually converted to electricity in a coal-burning power plant. The other two-thirds is lost to heat.

•2.5 percent: the percentage of humans' carbon dioxide emission produced by air travel now, still making it the largest transportation-related greenhouse gas emitter.

•5 percent: the percentage of the world's carbon dioxide emissions expected to be produced by air travel by the year 2050.

•1.5 acres: the amount of rainforest lost every second to land development and deforestation, with tremendous losses to habitat and biodiversity.

•137: the number of plant, animal and insect species lost every day to rainforest deforestation, equating to roughly 50,000 species per year.

•4 pounds, 6 ounces: the amount of cosmetics that can be absorbed through the skin of a woman who wears makeup every day, over the period of one year.

•61 percent: the percentage of women's lipstick, out of the 33 tested, found to contain lead in a test by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

•36: the number of U.S. states that are anticipating local, regional or statewide water shortages by 2013.

•1 out of 100: the number of U.S. households that would need to be retrofitted with water-efficient appliances to realize annual savings of 100 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 80,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

•3 trillion: the number of gallons of water, along with $18 billion, the U.S. would save each year if every household invested in water-saving appliances.

•64 million tons: the amount of material prevented from going to landfill or incineration thanks to recycling and composting in 1999.

•95 percent: the amount of energy saved by recycling an aluminum can versus creating the can from virgin aluminum. That means you can make 20 cans out of recycled material with the same amount of energy it takes to make one can out of new material. Energy savings in one year alone are enough to light a city the size of Pittsburgh for six years.

•113,204: the number, on average, of aluminum cans recycled each minute of each day.

•3: the number of hours a television set can run on the energy saved from recycling just one aluminum can.

•40 percent: the percentage of energy saved by recycling newsprint over producing it from virgin materials.

Sources: Consumer Reports, Environmental Health Perspectives, Raintree Nutrition, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and EPA Water and EPA Recycling, Worldwatch Institute, Energy Information Administration, Ready, Set, Green, Earth911.org, The Telegraph, Yahoo! News

Earth Month Day 13: Whole Foods 30 Ways in 30 Days

Whole Foods is helping you to be more Eco Friendly this month with their 30 Ways in 30 Days month long celebration.  You can test your green knowledge with their trivia quizzes (even I have a few things to learn from these quizzes!), download their calendar packed with something green to do each day of the month, use their earth month shopping list to help you make better choices when grocery shopping, and learn more about their featured Green products.

Check out these goodies and more at: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/earthmonth/

Also, read their great Blog - The Whole Story - packed with great ideas!

*~ Sprout ~*

Earth Month: Day 12 - Simple recycling idea for plastic forks

Do you have plastic forks from take out/delivery food?  Here is a great idea to recycle them - use them for plant tags!  My kids and I planted seeds yesterday and made our own plant tags with recycled cardboard (from my Tazo Tea box).  My son wrote the names on the tags (he's 4 and just learning to write) and we set them inside of the fork tongs, stuck them into the pots and Voila!  Now we know what seeds we planted!
Note: you can do the same with the plastic spoons and knives too by writing the plant names on the plastic with a Sharpie marker.

Happy Recycling!
*~ Sprout ~*

Earth Month: Day 11 - More Eco-friendly Seed Starting Supplies

If you are getting antsy to start your outdoor gardens, make sure you have the right eco-friendly tools to Green Your Gardening Routine! Here are some great things to have (click on any of the items for more info or to buy):
eco friendly gardening

















Organic Seeds:













For the kids:














Don't forget about my Earth Day Giveaway!  Make sure to leave a comment to enter
http://sprout5.blogspot.com/2011/04/earth-month-day-8-seventh-generation.html

*~Sprout~*

Earth Month: Day 10 - Get Ready to Plant

Reuse household trash to start your spring sprouting!

A few nice warm sunny days in the early spring is all it takes for many people to start itching to plant or start seeds.  I got my herbs started several weeks ago as I am impatient to have fresh basil again!  If you have a sunny window it's easy to grow herbs and start many seeds indoors.  You don't even need to have fancy pots or specialty "seed starting" boxes or kits - there are many things you can reuse to start seeds - here is a short list:

• plastic jugs (like half-gallon milk jugs) - just cut the top off and pierce a few small holes at the bottom; you can also use the top part as a scoop for your dirt!  No waste here!
• yogurt cups/containers
• egg cartons - perfect for seedlings that you plan to transplant outdoors
• egg shells - when using eggs for cooking, gently break only the top part of the shell with a sharp knife to keep most of the shell in tact, wash it out well, let dry.  These are also perfect to start seeds then they can be planted - shell and all! into your outdoor garden
• cans - any cans like empty coffee cans, cleaned out food cans, even soda cans - just make sure to punch holes in the bottom for drainage
• take out coffee cups
• you can even create little seedling pouches by making soil balls using old shirts, cut into small circles or squares, then place dirt inside and enclose bundle by tying with string or twine.  Cut a small area out and plant seeds.
• To keep the soil moist to promote better seedlings, reuse your plastic bags or zip lock bags - I find that old zip lock bags (large or small) work really well to create a mini-greenhouse by fitting them over the top of planters
• You can also get creative and decorate your containers - get the kids involved - have fun!

Get some more ideas from Greenopolis: http://greenopolis.com/goblog/canarsiebk/5-household-items-you-can-reuse-start-seeds

*~Sprout~*

Earth Month Day 9: Pretty Little Reusable Shopping Bags!

So Much Prettier (and Friendlier) than any plastic bags!

Several years ago a friend brought me back a gift from Paris - a tiny nylon pouch that opened up into a beautiful orange reusable shopping bag.  I had switched to reusable bags (or bringing my own reused brown paper bags) but so often I would forget to bring them with me or didn't have one with me when I had to stop by the store.  So this nylon bag was the perfect solution!  It was just the right size for my typical urban grocery shopping trips (I don't have a car so I shop more often and only buy what I can carry!).  The best part is that it folded up into a wallet sized pouch - so there was no reason not to always carry it around in my purse or backpack!  Now it seems that this handy little reusable is all the rage and come in so many beautiful and fun designs so they are great for any style and even great gifts!  Check out a small sampling that I really like from Amazon:




























Happy Shopping!
PS - don't forget about my current Earth Day Giveaway - enter now!
*~Sprout~*

Earth Month Day 8: Seventh Generation GIVEAWAY!

Green Cleaning Giveaway!

Seventh Generation is a leader in sustainable products, packaging and manufacturing whose main mission is to protect human health and the health of the environment.

From their website:
We believe our products are healthy solutions for the air, surfaces, fabrics, pets and people within your home–and for the community and environment outside of it. As a pioneer in corporate responsibility, we want our products to make a difference—from their development through to their production, purchase, use, and disposal. We are always evaluating how to reduce their environmental impact, increase performance and safety, and create a more sustainable supply chain. We believe it is our responsibility to set a course for a more mindful way of doing business, where companies act as partners with other stakeholders to create a brighter future for the whole planet.


I have used their products for years - not only do I love what the company stands for, I have found their products to work well - and I have used everything from their cleaning supplies and trash bags to diapers and feminine products.

In honor of Earth Month, I have decided to giveaway a Seventh Generation cleaning package to one lucky reader!  On Earth Day, April 22 at 9:00pm EST I will randomly select one commenter to receive the following:

• Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dish Liquid
• Seventh Generation Disinfecting Mulit Surface Wipes
• Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner

 
Entry Requirements:

1. Please follow this blog on GFC and leave a comment below letting me know you are a follower
2. If you do not belong to GFC, please follow via Networkedblogs and leave a comment below with your email address

Extra Entries:

• Leave a comment and tell us what you are doing for Earth Day this year or give us a tip on being more eco-friendly all year long!
• Sign up for our newsletter (located on right) to receive email updates
• Like Sprout's Green Family on Facebook
• Follow Sprout's Green Family on Twitter: @sprout5 and leave a comment with your twitter handle below (Pst.. you can tweet once per day until the giveaway ends!)
• Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with your tweet post address:

        Enter the #Earthday Seventh Generation Giveaway: http://sprout5.blogspot.com/2011/04/earth-month-day-8-seventh-generation.html pls RT


Giveaway ends Friday, April 22 at 9:00 EST - I will notify winner by email shortly afterwards.

Disclaimer:  I did not receive any compensation for this giveaway or review of product - this is just me trying to boost my blog by giving away free stuff!  If you have a product you would like me to review and/or have items to giveaway, I am  more than happy to discuss with you - please contact me by email

Thank you!
*~Sprout~*

...Update: 4/23/11 - we have a WINNER!  #40 Just Another Hat!!  Congrats!!  I will contact you by email.

Thank you all for your comments and follows!!!

Earth Month Day 7: Eco-friendly Art Supplies

Color your World Green!

Art supplies can contain many harmful chemical and toxic fumes but fortunately there are great non-toxic options available.  When shopping for art supplies, always look for products that have the ACMI Non-Toxic Seal (AP or CP).  Also look for materials and supplies that are made from recycled products, are refillable, or can also be recycled.

Check out these great eco-friendly art supplies:






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Earth Month Day 6: Earth Day Printables for Kids

Educate your young kids about the importance of plants and nature with Sesame Street and have fun doing it with this freebie from Earth's Best - a four page printable packed with coloring, matching and pattern games.
Download yours here:  http://www.earthsbest.com/node/534

You can also receive a Sesame Street Plant a Tree with Me book FREE with 3 UPC codes!

Timing: April 1 – May 31, 2011

To Redeem:
•Purchase 3 Earth's Best® Sesame Street products including NEW Earth's Best Sesame Street Organic Fruit Yogurt Smoothies (offer does not include frozen foods)

•Complete official redemption form

•Mail in redemption form with proofs of purchase, plus $1.49 for shipping and handling.

http://www.earthsbest.com/special-offers/plant-a-tree-for-me-book

Have Fun!
*~ Sprout ~*

Earth Month Day 5: Amazon Green

In 2008, Amazon.com launched their new Amazon Green section, listing all eco-friendly, natural and sustainable products they sell.  If you are looking for a specific eco-friendly item or just browsing for books to help you live a more green, sustainable life then Amazon.com Green should be your starting point.  They have made it so easy to go green by offering millions of Green products and great prices. They have everything from home improvements to books to toys and clothes.

AmazonGreen is a cross-category program that includes a list of products that customers have selected as the best green products offered by Amazon.com and a place for customers to discover Amazon's entire green product selection. Customers can easily find products that meet U.S. environmental rating systems, including EPEAT® (the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool), ENERGY STAR®, WaterSense and USDA Organic, when shopping on Amazon.com. 

Check it out: Amazon Green



Also see Amazon's Earth Day 2011 - it's a great page sharing Amazon's top ways to live green.



Go Green!
*~Sprout~*

Earth Month Day 4: Learn about Landscape Architecture

National Landscape Architecture Month

As I mentioned in my first post this month, April is National Landscape Architecture Month.  As a landscape architect myself, I feel it is part of my duty as a steward of the land, to educate those who do not know or understand exactly what landscape architecture is. 

Do you know what Landscape Architecture is?

From the American Society of Landscape Architects:
Landscape architecture encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environments. Types of projects include:

• Academic campusesLandscape architects have advanced education and professional training and are licensed in 49 states.
• Conservation
• Corporate and commercial
• Gardens and arboreta
• Historic preservation and restoration
• Hospitality and resorts
• Institutional
• Interior landscapes
• Land planning
• Landscape art and earth sculpture
• Monuments
• Parks and recreation
• Reclamation
• Residential
• Security design
• Streetscapes and public spaces
• Therapeutic gardens
• Transportation corridors and facilities
• Urban design
• Water resources

Want to learn more?  Check out the latest Landscape Architecture Magazine - this month's digital issue is FREE for anyone to read:

http://www.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issue=416163142&o=ext&RF=LAM_April2011

I will have many more posts this month on individual topics related to landscape architecture - this is just a taste!  Stay tuned for more!

~* Sprout

Earth Month Day 3: Where to recycle electronics

Americans rely so much on electronic equipment - from tvs to kitchen appliances to computers/laptops to ipod and all other digital gadgets - and these devices all have relatively short life spans due to constant technological advancements and upgrades.  Recycling electronics helps reduce pollution that would be generated in order to manufacture a new product as well as reducing the need to extract valuable and limited virgin resources. Recycling also reduces the energy used to produce new electronic products. Fortunately, many companies and manufacturers recycle electronics as well as many municipalities.

Amazon.com supports the responsible disposal and recycling of electronics products.


Check out their complete list of guidelines for each state for Recycling Electronics

I find this list to be incredibly useful - so if you are not sure what to do with your used electronics, check it out for your state.
And if you want to recycle your computer - check out this book available through Amazon.com: