Welcome, we are glad you are here. When we began to recycle as a family it felt quite overwhelming. The good news is, once you get the basics figured out this will just come naturally.

Step 1. Find out how your town or city does the recycling. Often all materials that can be recycled are put in one blue bag and picked up every week or two or you drive the bags to a central recycling station. I went online under our town and printed off the paper that told me what they accepted in the blue bag.

The main products that are accepted in the blue bag are newsprint (newspaper, magazines, phone books and catalogues), mixed paper and boxboard (office paper, cereal boxes, pasta boxes), corrugated cardboard  and  containers. (milk jugs & cartons, tin food cans, glass food jars, refundable beverage containers and plastic containers for shampoo, ketchup, mustard, peanut butter and detergent)

When you place these in the blue bag make sure you have rinsed all the food residue out of them.

Step 2. Set up a separate garbage bag or bin for the other household garbage that can’t be recycled. This will include plastic bags, plastic films (Saran wrap), lids, plastic toys, styrofoam, electronics, diapers, ceramics, scrap metal or wood, toxic items ( batteries, aerosol cans, paint cans) and soiled paper. (kleenex, pizza boxes with food on them)

This is a great bin to start getting you organized!

You will likely find with time that you start replacing the items that cannot be recycled with items that can. The recycle garbage is cleaner and has no smell.

Step 3. Set up a bin for composting. Anything can be used for this if you are going to empty it daily. If it will sit for a while in the house you will likely want to invest in a compost pail to keep the smell down. When you take the compost food outside it’s best to have some sort of composter. It can be anything from wood pallets stood on end, nailed together and wire wrapped around it to a composter you buy that sits on your deck. It depends on how much space and time you have. (as well as how many wild animals you want living around the compost area!)

 This is one of the more popular, basic composters to get you started.

Step 4. Have patience with yourself and your family. It does take a few weeks to make the transition from one main garbage to separate areas. The children seem to catch on the easiest. And remember every piece of garbage you recycle stays out of the landfill.

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From the point of birth there are many products and supplies involved that are not so environmentally friendly and with approximately 130 million babies born world wide every year[i] this can really add up.  Some of the items that hospitals and birthing centers use during birth include plastic lined mats (many of them), drugs, instruments and a host of other necessities to make the birthing process seem easier.  Then the baby arrives and the supply list grows with diapers and wipes, all the feeding supplies and clothes, the lotions and detergents, baby powders and blankets.  This of course doesn’t include the things that make baby happy such as a swing and toys, and don’t forget the crib and changing table and a car seat or two.  Wow, with a list like this how can anyone have a baby and be green without going back to the pioneer days?

A green birth is possible in a number of ways.  One way that some women choose to have a green birthing experience is to have their baby at home under the care of a midwife.  This eliminates the vast majority of all the waste the birthing centers generate and all you are out is a few sheets.  Admittedly this is not an option for everyone though; however, getting back to a more natural child birth is a move in the green direction.  This would include saying no to drugs and labor in the shower (it will help relax you too).  Planting trees[ii] is also a way in which we can offset the impact of childbirth and other CO2 (greenhouse gas Carbon Dioxide) emissions incurred with babies.

One of the biggest problems with our choices for babies today that is choking the Earth is the carbon footprint (CO2 emissions) of the American baby.  The carbon footprint is the impact that is put on the Earth with all the products we use and all that we do; it is the carbon that we directly and indirectly emit into the Earth.  A few startling statistics regarding babies[iii] and how our choices in America affect the world include the number of babies projected to be added to the world: between 2000 and 2050 it is projected the United States will add 114 million children in comparison to Africa who will add 1.2 billion; however, the carbon footprint will be about the same.   It should concern us that just one American child has the same carbon footprint as over 100 Haitian children.  Much of this in our personal choices for parenting and all the stuff we purchase because that is what we know.  Educating ourselves about the alternatives is the first step in making a difference in our impact on the Earth and preserving the Earth for our children. The next step is doing it.

Diapers and Wipes:  On the average an American baby will go through 3,800 disposable diapers in the typical 2.5 years before potty training and with 96% of American babies using disposables this adds up!  There are alternatives to the disposable diapers and wipes that are available and simple to use.  The first and most obvious is cloth diapers.  There is an ongoing debate regarding the impact on the Earth between disposables and cloth diapers after factoring in the water and energy for drying usage; however, the majority of the studies are sponsored by the disposable diaper companies.  Purchasing or making your own cloth diapers, washing them and then line drying them will not be putting plastic waste filled diapers in the landfill to sit there for nearly 300 years.  www.diaperpin.com and www.cottonbabies.com offers information and answers to frequently asked questions regarding cloth diaper use as well as reviews and links to places to obtain cloth diapers and supplies.  Not sure about going cloth but still want to find alternatives to conventional disposables?  Flushable diapers such as those made by gDiapers[iv] is one alternative.  gDiapers uses a Velcro closure cloth outer cover that comes in many colors and a snap in inner layer in which a flushable diaper fits into.  This puts the waste in the right place; the toilet, and it is safe for most septic systems.  Additionally, a folded cloth diaper will fit into the inner liner as well!  There are several brands of ‘Earth Friendly disposable diapers’ available online and in stores.  These diapers vary and some do not use the harmful absorbent gel most conventional diapers use, others are made from resins obtained from corn.  Some of these brands include: Seventh Generation, Nature Boy and Girl and Earth Pure and they can be obtained in some local health food stores, at www.amazon.com and other online resources.  The alternative to conventional wipes includes using your old tee shirts and cutting them into 4×6 inch pieces and using those for wipes.  Want something more convenient?  Seventh Generation offers Earth Friendly wipes as well.

Lotions, Soaps and Detergents:  When already using organic and all natural products the baby can use the same lotions, soaps and detergents that you do so there is no need to buy something separate.  Organic and natural personal care products are healthier for the Earth and our bodies and gentle enough for even a sensitive baby’s skin.  If you feel you must supply something different you can try Burt’s Bee’s line of baby products[v]. 

Feeding Options:  The most economical choice, as well as being the most natural and Earth friendly feeding option for your infant, is breastfeeding.  Requiring no outside energy and always being safe and sterile, breast milk is the greenest choice we can make for the feeding of our babies.  Beyond breastfeeding choosing organic formulas and baby food ensures the safety and nutrition of the food we feed our babies as well as the ethical and Earth-friendly way in which it was obtained.  Remember to recycle the packaging!

All the Other Stuff:  Some items we just can’t get away from and there really isn’t a more Earth friendly way of doing it; such as car seats.  We need our children to be safe when traveling.  Many vehicles today are offering options of integrated 5 point child harnesses in their vehicles; however these generally only go up to 50 pounds whereas the law in many states is 8 years or 80 pounds and a booster seat would still be needed.  Another way we can green up our car seat option is by purchasing less.  Buying a seat that can be used from birth and then converted to a booster for the older child would be a greener option; however, if they are available I certainly have not found them.  What are available are seats that can go from 5 pounds to 65 pounds and seats that go from 22 pounds to 100 pounds.  Buying seats such as these can reduce the number of car seats needed in the lifetime of the child.  The swing can be eliminated from the child care options as well.  A baby wants to feel secure and loves movement; the mother’s body is the perfect way to get this and with a baby sling this is simple and eco-friendly as well.  In most countries (other than America) the infant is carried by the mother in some type of sling.  This offers security and convenience.  Slings can be purchased or made and more information can be obtained online from www.amazon.com. Moby Wrap Original 100% Cotton Solid Baby Carrier

 The simplicity of reducing your infant’s carbon footprint is to look at all your options, go natural and practice the principals of ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’.  Reduce the number of items you use and send to the landfill.  This would include separate towels and wash cloths for the baby, the special lotions and detergents, the bottles and other un-necessary items.  Reuse what you can.  Buy clothing and supplies for the baby at resale shops, let baby wear the clothes that another baby in the family has worn and use a family crib or co-sleep and eliminate the crib all together.  Recycle everything that you can.  Old cloth diapers make great cleaning rags!  Every move in the green direction is an important move.

  

What:  Fair Trade is a system of exchange that strives for better equity and international trading.  The basic guidelines for something to be considered fair trade include: fair wages for work, environmental sustainability, providing public accountability, respecting culture identity, and educating consumers.  Essentially, what it comes down to is offering great products to people that are ethically made and that are affordable and unique.  Some of the products that are offered as fair trade products include clothing and food, furniture and home décor, toys and jewelry as well as many other items.

The Fair Trade Federation[i], a part of the global fair trade movement, is an association that works with the North American organizations who are committed to fair trade practices.  They accomplish this by building sustainable and equitable partnerships for trading as well as working to end global poverty. 

Knowing what fair trade is about is the beginning.  So, that all sounds fine, but why take the extra time and effort to look for fair trade items?  How do you know when they are fair trade and are these things readily available?  Why shouldn’t I just keep on shopping at my local stores like Wal-Mart[ii] for all my goods? 

Why:  We need to look at the difference between conventional products and the fair trade products from beginning to end.  By looking at particular common products we can start to get a picture of the reasons why to shop fair trade. 

• Coffee:  America lives on coffee and is the world’s largest consumer of the wonder bean.  What few of us realize is that the coffee workers most often work in situation much like the clothing industry’s sweat shop[iii].  The farmer is often paid less for the coffee beans than the cost of production spiraling him into poverty and debt.  Fair trade coffee assures us that the coffee we enjoy in the morning was purchased under fair conditions and certification[iv] and at fair prices.  Think about how you enjoy your coffee, and then think about the process involved as well as the people involved that allows you to enjoy your coffee.  When we purchase fair trade coffee we are creating community development, health and education as well as practicing environmental responsibility.
• Clothing:  Like coffee fair trade clothing assures us that the clothing we are wearing did not come from a sweatshop.  The materials used have come from environmentally responsible sources, the clothing was made under good conditions and the workers were paid fair wages.  When you slip on that trendy outfit do you know how it was produced?  Perhaps someone much like your mother, your daughter or your little brother or sister stitched up your trendy jeans in a hot warehouse where they work long hard hours and are paid very little or nothing at all leaving them in poverty so you can strut in style.  It may sound harsh but the reality of it is harsh.
• Toys:  Fair trade toys can address several issues that are surrounding toys today.  You may not be able to find the trendy toys that are advertised endlessly on the television as a fair trade toy, mostly because they are produced very cheap in China and shipped here to be sold at engorged prices.  You will also not find lead contamination in fair trade toys.  What you will find is hand made beautiful dolls, toys and games that are made ethically and environmentally responsible at fair prices.  These toys promote imagination and education as well as offering unique play experiences.

There are so many products that are fair trade that with a little time and energy you can support the global movement to provide great products and enrich the lives of those who make and provide these products.  By working together we can help put and end to poverty and take a step in the green direction as well.

How:  The how’s of fair trade are becoming easier all the time.  Look for the fair trade certification symbol, you will find it in many grocery stores’ coffee isle.  Additionally, shopping at places like Ten Thousand Villages with locations all over the United States is an easy and fun way to buy fair trade products.  A few great online locations for fair trade products include: the Global Exchange online store  and Ten thousand villages at www.tenthousandvillages.com.  For a list of fair trade certified members go to www.transfairusa.org/content/WhereToBuy/. 

It is time that we band together globally in our views and our actions.  By supporting others in the world and working to end poverty in all parts of the world we are also helping ourselves.  Often we think we are an isolated entity but really we are all connected.  America imports most of what we buy and supporting ethical practices we offer healthy and responsible ways of life for all.

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The chemical products that most of us use every day are, in fact, not very good for our environment. Do you ever think about what happens to all these substances once they get dumped down the drain? They all get dumped somewhere and more often than not they have some sort of side effect on environment around them. The good news is that there are green alternatives to just about every chemical compound that you use every day. 

For shower and tile cleaning, try using Seventh Generation’s Shower Cleaner or Method Tub n’ Tile Cleaner. Both products are eco-friendly, not tested on animals, and bereft of any harsh chemicals produced in labs.

A good, “green” way to control odors around the house is to use EcoDiscoveries’ AirZyme Air and Fabric Deodorizer.  This spray is made only with key, natural enzymes that break down odor molecules, instead of simply covering them up with various chemical smells.

When it comes to cleaning the toilet, Seventh Generation once again has a great green alternative available. Their toilet bowl cleaner smells great, does the job, and is only made with plant-derived substances.

When it comes to recycling, make sure that you take part in your municipality’s recycling program. Also, make sure that your family actively recycles everything that it possibly can. Though everybody knows that aluminum cans may be recycled, cardboard, glass, plastic bottles and paper can also all be recycled as well. Once you fully embrace recycling, expect to reduce the amount of trash you produce by 50%.

The best way to make sure that your family is doing all that it can, especially in larger families, is to have one or two people in the home be in charge of recycling. This person or persons is on charge of making sure that everyone recycles. They should be familiar with what can and cannot be recycled and be willing to keep an eye on the trash to make sure that nothing is going to waste. This can be a fun and exciting job for kids with an eye for detail.

You also want to make certain that you don’t simply throw out your yard clippings with your general trash. Yard clippings produce gasses that can cause major problems for landfills and should therefore be deposited in a special yard waste can if your municipality provides one. If that is not an option, your yard clippings (as well as appropriate fruit and vegetable kitchen waste) can be used to make excellent compost if you have a flower or vegetable garden. Simply place them in a compost pile ina corner of your yard or buy a composter that can easily contain it all in one place. You can then draw from your compost whenever you need mulch or soil for planting.

These are some great ways and great healthy products for you to try when you begin your green journey. You will feel great about even one little change you make in your home for you and your family.

                If you think you’re just too lazy to head over to your recycling center with your old cans, and bottles, consider reusing whatever you can. If you’re a bottled water drinker, try to refill those bottles with filtered tap water that you can keep in the fridge; re-use jam or peanut butter jars as toddler toys, or pencil holders. You’ll be surprised at how many things you can re-use! Buying previously recycled goods is another easy way to “recycle..” You can get paper products that are made with recycled goods by Seventh Generation. By reusing, and purchasing materials made with reused goods, you are doing your part in conserving the earths natural resources.

                You can create an easy “at home” recycling center using different colored containers for plastics, glass, metals, and paper materials. Have your kids label and decorate their bins, and use a “reward” system to encourage them to recycle. Having a “scrap” material box is another way for kids to get excited for recycling; scraps of paper, natural materials, and cardboard can be used to make art projects, and for other creative endeavors. School lunches can be recycled too! Websites like lunch in a box, show parents great ways to use Bento Boxes to make easy, healthy lunches that don’t use paper bags, or plastic to make. Nix the juice boxes for plastic containers, switch to cloth napkins, and you’re good to go!

                Making something “brand new” sucks up a ton of energy; there’s new materials that need to be created to make the finished project, machines are buzzing, things are getting measured and thrown out..just thinking about how much wasted energy is going into making one tiny plastic toy can be horrific! Creating goods out of recycled materials is one way to conserve energy, and by heading to your blue recycling bin after having that can of soup, or finishing that bottle of juice, you are doing your part in energy preservation.  Besides conserving energy, you are working to preserve our forests, rain forests, oceans, and other wildlife homes. When you recycle, the need for brand new goods is lowered, and we are able to cut back on chopping down trees, and heading into the wild for natural resources. If you can think of no other reason to recycle, think of the animals!

                By recycling, you are cutting down on landfill space. Our garbage piles up; each year over fifty BILLION tons of garbage pile up in landfills…if we all did our part in re-using, and recycling goods we could cut that back substantially. Solid waste also effects our ozone layer…the more we throw out, the crappier our air quality, and the amount of  carbons that are released into the air. Some of the best materials to recycle are: paper, electric goods, cans, and bottles. These are all common household items, and you can simply set up a smell free recycling center in your own home, to do your part.

Step 1:  Choose the size of compost you are wanting, larger back yard compost or small countertop compost.  The bin can be any container that allows air to flow and contains the matter.  Compost bins are available through many online sources as well as lawn and garden outlets.  A compost bin can be created using items around the home as well such as plastic tubs, barrels, wire fencing and wood and large cookie jars.  Yes, I said a large cookie jar!  Simply place your vegetation in the cookie jar in the correct portions and remember to stir your compost every couple of days.  Conventional countertop compost bins can also be purchased at local stores or at MasterGardening.com. This is a wonderful store that offers great products to get you started. Plus when your order is over $100.00 they offer free shipping! A charcoal filter (used for many air filters) can be cut and placed in the lid to help absorb odors and most store bought countertop compost bins come with these filters.  Stirring often, not putting in dairy or fatty items and keeping the proper moisture balance will also help reduce odor.  Although it is fine to have a countertop compost crock or bin located in your kitchen it is advisable to locate large compost bins and piles outside.  If it is necessary to locate a larger bin inside then I would put it in the basement or other area that is farther away from the living space or use vermicelli worms[i] to compost.  Larger bins that can not be aerated often can tend to smell.

Step 2: With the bin and the location ready you can start adding material to create your compost.  Alternate your compost with one part green to three parts brown material.  Examples of green material are grass clippings, kitchen vegetable matter, banana peels and even coffee grounds.  Brown material includes dry fall leaves, twigs and dry soil.  Remember to keep the proper balance.

Step 3: One of the most vital aspects of proper composting is the moisture level.  Too moist and the compost takes on an adverse smell and improper balance.  The compost should have the moisture composition of a wrung out sponge; about 60 – 65 percent ratio.  With the proper balance of green (high in water content) and brown (low in water content) matter the moisture level should be naturally balanced without ever having to add water.

Once you follow the three simple steps to beginning composting you will be assured that you have healthy compost at the ready for adding to your household plants, herb garden or vegetable gardens by following these helpful hints.

• If outside and exposed keep your compost in a semi-shaded area to help keep the moisture balance correct.  If your compost seems too dry sprinkle with water and more long term put an indent in the top so that water can collect.
• Turn your compost at least once a week to allow oxygen to get into the mix creating the optimum atmosphere for the essential bacteria.  A small indoor compost bin should be turned about every other day.  This can be done with a pitch fork, aerating tool or if using a closed bin you can spin the bin.  This will help to mix the compost to combine the green and brown with the compost that has already gone to ‘soil’ and allow oxygen into the center of the compost.
• To speed up the composting process make sure the particle size remains small.  If you would like to really speed up the process you can add lime or manure to the compost; never add both though because they counteract each other.

Now that you have the basics of your home compost[ii] with the three simple steps and a few essential tips you may find you experience problems; most of which have simple solutions that can correct the problems.  For instance, if you find your compost has an offensive odor you may want to add more dry material such as pine needles, straw, dry leaves and wood chips and aerate it well; chances are your compost is too wet or you are not getting enough oxygen to the center of the pile.  Additionally, if the compost pile does not seem to be heating up (an essential part of the composting process) you may want to add nitrogen rich material such as manure or grass clippings.  You may also want to poke holes in the pile and sprinkle with water to allow the center to get moist; chances are your compost is too dry.  Play with your compost until you find the right mix and conditions to suit your purpose and enjoy the fact that you are creating a useful product from your former refuse helping the earth and your garden or house plants.

For a list of what you can and cannot compost check out www.plantea.com/compost-materials.htm. You may be surprised by the huge number of household items that can be added to your compost including paper napkins and unpaid bills!

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The best approach is to try and make just one or two changes at a time, when your family has completed a change on the list move on to another.  Let the whole family get involved in choosing what changes you will make and when.  No two families are exactly alike and therefore the changes you make may not be in the order given or the same order in which other families make changes; do what is right for you and your family.  Remember, every change towards a greener life is a step in the right direction! 

This is a relatively small list of important changes you and your family can make to support the green movement and be natural stewards of the Earth.  For a more comprehensive list check out the book Its Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth Friendly Living by Crissy Trask.  The entire book is laid out into sections and check lists to help you live a green life that is easy to begin and easy to maintain.

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Today our bodies are bombarded with a huge number of contaminates and toxins.  They are in the air we breathe, the clothes we wear and even the products we use on our skin and hair.  What is the real risk of all the chemicals we are bathed in each day?  Should we really be worried?  After all, the health regulations of the product manufactures assure our safety right?  Take a look at these top 10 reasons to go green and decide for yourself.  The first 5 reasons are the reasons you do not want to go commercial with your products and the last 5 reasons are why you want to go green.

1. Lack of proper regulation.  Since 1938 the United States cosmetics industry has been self regulated and the manufactures are not subject to federal review or approval.  There are approximately 10,500 chemicals used in personal care products and only about 11% of them are tested for health and safety.  Many of the chemicals used are known to be toxic and are used in standard products.
2. Toxic Chemicals.  As mentioned above, there are proven to be toxic chemicals that are widely used in our everyday hair and skin products.  Some of them include: Parabens which mimic estrogen and linked to the development of breast cancer, Propylene Glycol which is used in antifreeze and brake fluid and is a known neurotoxin shown to cause liver and kidney damage.  Also used is Lauramide and other foaming agents are readily absorbed by the skin and when combined with Sodium Laurel Sulfate, another harsh chemical and foaming agent, is known to be a carcinogen.  For a usable directory of toxic chemicals used in common products go to www.hallgold.com/toxic-chemical-ingredients-directory.htm
3. Harmful Fragrance.  There is an estimated 5,000 fragrance additives that are in the many hair and body products that we use.  Most of the fragrances we adore are synthetically created and because it is not regulated they do not need to list the ingredients.  Fragrances contribute the headaches, nausea and allergic reaction.
4. Safety Labels.  The personal care manufactures are not required to safety test their products; however, they must contain a warning that it is not tested.  One way to avoid such label is to test the product for safety; unfortunately, the results of the test are not a requirement.  It is an alarming fact that a tested product that kills 50% of the animals tested, whether from inhalation or ingestion and still receives a federal declaration of being non toxic.
5. Animal Testing.  Approximately 73% of all animals used for testing in the United States are used to promote consumer products.  For a list of products that do not test on animals go to http://search.caringconsumer.com

There is the bad news, but the following is the good news, how you can fight against the harm conventional personal care products cause and go green with your hair and body.

1. Natural Ingredients.  Environmentally green hair and body products use all natural and organic ingredients in their manufacture.  Natural ingredients are in or produced by nature and use minimal processing allowing the natural essences and benefits to remain.
2. Natural Fragrance.  The fragrances used in the alternative personal care products are derived from essential oils and other natural sources instead of being synthetically produced.
3. No Animal Testing.  Environmentally green care products never test their products on animals and since there are no synthetic chemicals used in the production or manufacture process you can be assured of the safety.
4. Environmentally Sound Production.  Personal care products account for a large portion of the manufacture industry and the consumer industry.  By using environmentally responsible processes you can be assured that you are supporting a healthy Earth when purchasing the products.
5. Lessen your Carbon Footprint.  Because environmentally green products will never include petroleum in their composition and manufacturing process that is not Earth friendly you will lessen your personal impact on the Earth.  You can increase the positive effects by recycling the packaging.

   Try this Burt’s Bees Hand Repair Kit!

With a simple look at the difference between the commercial products that are cheap and readily available and the environmentally green products that support the environment and our health it should be easier to determine what you will buy when replacing your shampoo, conditioner, hair gel or styling mousse, your body lotion and even your hair dye.  Burt’s Bees and Jason personal care products offer all natural and organic solutions to many of your personal care needs.  Better yet, why not make your own personal care products.  Go to www.thriftyfun.com/tf55760863.tip.html to find recipes or purchase books such as Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles.  Much of what we spend hundreds of dollars on are inexpensive and simple to make and work better than the products we have used for years.