I never knew that a DIY stain remover could change our lives until what my husband and I call “The Season of White Baseball Pants”. Our homemade stain remover has eliminated stains that most people would think impossible. At first, I was going to be the mom who didn’t care if the pants weren’t perfectly…
DIY / Crafts
DIY Powdered Soap Nuts Laundry Detergent Recipe
This recipe is great for clothes, is cloth diaper safe and does not contain borax.
Homemade Liquid Soap Nuts Laundry Detergent
This non-toxic laundry soap is easy to make and great for those with sensitivities to detergents.
Homemade First-Aid Ointment
Bumps, bruises, minor burns, scrapes and scratches. They are a part of life, and for many of us a particular name brand “triple anti-biotic ointment” has been burned into our brain as the ointment to use. We now know that brand uses a petroleum byproduct for its base, and petroleum isn’t one of the healthiest ways to…
A Sweeter, Greener Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day can be a tricky holiday. Some of us can’t stand the commercialism and waste… not to mention the unrealistic expectations on the partner in our lives, so we completely avoid all Hallmark Holidays. Others see it as a chance to eschew consumerism and show Mother Nature some love, by giving no-waste gifts or supporting…
How to Make Your Own Fabric Gift Bags
Since our super popular post about wrapping gifts sustainably, many of you have asked for a How-To guide for making your own fabric gift bags. So we’re delighted to say… Here it is! We are all about DIY — sewing, knitting, and furoshiki — but “doing” and “teaching” are two totally different things. So we asked DIY and organizing expert Elvie…
How to Wrap Gifts Sustainably
You’ve selected the perfect eco-friendly gift, now it’s time to wrap it without creating a bunch of waste. When it comes to wrapping gifts sustainably, there are tons of options to create a look that’s anything from crafty to upscale. When it comes to most things in life, presentation is everything. Why is raspberry glaze…
Give Toys with Love… Not Toxins
While it may feel overwhelming, safer toys are available. Here’s how to find them!
DIY Halloween Flying Ghosts
When it comes to Halloween decorations, the most eco-friendly option is to use what you have. These ghosts are whimsy enough, small kids will think they’re fun… not frightening. Here’s what you’ll need to make DIY Flying Ghosts: Materials: Sheet Scissors Hanger Marker Twine Wire Instructions: Cut your sheets into squares that are the size…
The Easy Way to Organize School Papers and Artwork
If the school papers and artwork are piling up, here’s how to organize it all with a system you can easily maintain. Most schools send home plenty of paper: spelling tests, math homework, artwork, notes, and reminders. That paper pile can quickly become an avalanche if you don’t have a plan for dealing with it….
DIY Fun with a Succulent Garden
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can’t go wrong with succulents. They’re low maintenance, and they come in quirky shapes and sizes. Kids are naturally drawn to their unexpected colors and textures. Make a a trip to your local nursery and let the kids select their favorite succulents. Use gardening supplies you…
Gift It Green Reusable Fabric Gift Boxes
Wrapping gifts in fabric just got (even) easier. If you’ve ever received a gift from me, most likely it was wrapped in some form of fabric. A cloth gift bag or a furoshiki style wrap… I love the simplicity, fun color options and reusability of fabric. The only downside to a fabric gift bag is…
Encourage Calm, Healthy Energy with Feng Shui in Your Child’s Room
Did you know that practicing the ancient art of Feng Shui in your child’s room can encourage happiness and fulfillment throughout each aspect of her life? Intentionally setting up the room according to Feng Shui principles can also provide a calming escape from the chaos of the world around them. The places you spend…
DIY For Young Book Lovers: Create Your Own DIY Magnetic Story Board
This DIY magnetic story board gets a ton of use in our home. It’s a wonderful way to encourage your child’s love for reading and boost language skills. There are few things as amazing as the imagination of a child engulfed in a book. You can help encourage a love of reading by getting your…
How (& Why) To Host a Green Bridal Shower
Celebrating the joining of two people is a beautiful thing. If you’re hosting a bridal shower, you can make it even more beautiful by giving your favorite bride a shower that’s both good for her and the planet. There’s no need to think you have to do everything listed here. Choose the tips that work…
Hosting a Summer Party with Eco Flair
Whether it’s a Memorial Day cookout, Fourth of July pool party, or any summer gathering in between… there are plenty of ways maintain your eco-friendly lifestyle while having a great time with friends or family. Here are some of our favorite ways to green your summer parties. Buy Local Fresh food is a highlight of…
DIY Organic Nuts & Seeds Bird Feeder Craft
Our backyard is a huge nature preserve, and one of my son’s favorite spring time activities is to sit on our patio and watch the birds darting in and out of the trees. After a few days of minimal visits from our feathered friends, we decided to entice them to visit our backyard. We grabbed…
How to Host an Eco Friendly Birthday Party
Sometimes we make green living more complicated than it should be. The concept is simple – a natural lifestyle should come “naturally,” shouldn’t it? And shouldn’t it be simple to celebrate an eco friendly birthday party? But our culture’s disposable mindset and obsession with consumerism can make it tough to live simply. Especially when it…
10 Ideas for Celebrating Earth Day Outside
When it comes to celebrating Earth Day with kids, showing is far more impactful than telling. Plan to spend this Earth Day outside, with activities that will stimulate your child’s mind, body, and soul through nature. In today’s high-tech world, many kids are learning more about nature from computer screens than from experiencing it with…
How to Grow Your Own Avocado Plant
When it comes to choosing healthy fats for your family, avocados are ideal. From one of baby’s first foods to the whole family’s Meatless Monday or vegetarian diet, this protein packs a list of health benefits: Fiber Potassium (more than twice the amount found in a banana) Vitamin E B-vitamins Folic acid We’re currently obsessed with…
Bloom Where Planted: Creative Spring Planters
Bring out your gardening gloves… spring is just around the corner! This season is the perfect time for unconventional gardening, growing, and greenery. These unique growing methods and creative spring planters will make your home or garden something truly extraordinary. Use kitchen containers and dishes for a delicious display. Teapots & teacups are great for…
The 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow from Seeds
Growing your own food gratifying, healthy, and saves money. Here are the 10 easiest vegetables to grow from seeds… plus a bumper crop of tips on how to grow them successfully. Starting food from seeds is easy, inexpensive, and fun. But planning a garden can be daunting and many gardeners do not know where to…
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality by Choosing Truly Green Cleaners
Do our cleaning products affect indoor air quality? We live in a less than pure world. And despite our best efforts, it’s nearly impossible to keep our kids from exposures to things like pesticides, car exhaust, second-hand smoke and mold. The good news – We do have control over what the EPA has deemed should…
Eco Easter: DIY Natural Easter Egg Dyes
Why should you go to the trouble of making your own natural Easter egg dyes? Well, for one thing, it’s fun. And for another, even if you don’t eat the eggs you color for Easter, conventional dyes have chemicals that can get on kids’ hands (and all over the kitchen) during the process. So, why…
