Some of these environmental quotes are from modern times, and some are ancient by today’s standards. No matter when they were said or written, it’s astonishing how significant these words remain. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret…
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EMF Safety: Protecting Your Family from Electromagnetic Radiation
Editor’s note: In early 2013, Christie Anne Martin wrote an in-depth article on the different types of radiation (ultrasound, electromagnetic radiation from cell phones, wifi, etc.) that many families are exposed to. Five years ago, the landscape was quite different from now with smart homes, wifi in every public place, and family members with multiple…
Kid-Friendly Garden Projects to Try this Spring or Summer
Are you looking for creative ways to get your kids outside the house and off those devices? Maybe you’re struggling to encourage your kids to eat healthy? Kid-friendly garden projects can accomplish both… and then some. Your kids will learn about science, nature, and even some math when tending to their plants. Kids who play…
Easy, Eco-Friendly Easter Basket Fillers
Easter is just around the bend, so we’re sharing eco-friendly Easter basket fillers you can feel good about and your little ones are sure to enjoy. When we look beyond fake plastic grass, single-use toys, and think outside of the candy aisle… there are plenty of options for a greener, healthier Easter. Opt for eco-friendly Easter…
The Dangers of Endocrine Disruptors and How to Avoid Them
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals found in everything from personal care and cleaning products to canned goods, cookware, and plastics. These chemicals interfere with hormones and reproduction, and they may even cause serious neurological issues. In nature, plants and animals often mimic other species. Sometimes they look like the environment in order to blend in, or…
Best Homemade Cleaners & Green Cleaning Hacks
Ah, those first attempts at scrubbing the bathtub with homemade cleaners instead of the store-bought standbys our moms taught us to clean with. Vinegar and baking soda may have seemed a little underwhelming compared to their chemical counterparts… but that was before we knew how to use them effectively. That’s why we’ve rounded up the…
Fun Outdoor Winter Activities for the Whole Family
Editor’s note: We’re delighted to welcome back Naturalist David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation and Ranger Rick. Today, he’s sharing outdoor winter activities for the family. If you have young animal lovers, be sure to check out his previous article on observing wildlife safely. It’s no secret that today’s kids are staying indoors more as…
Do You Have to Be Crunchy to Use Cloth Diapers?
When a stranger learns that you cloth diaper your baby, do they automatically add you to the “crunchy” category? Honestly – we all make judgements every day, every hour, every minute. In a social situation we consciously – or unconsciously – size up the people around us. When I see a woman in a perfectly…
Fewer Toys, More Fun: Why Kids Benefit from Having Fewer Toys
As grown ups, we’re often overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices we have to make in a day. Life is really no different for our children, on their own scale. Kids benefit from having fewer toys, and you can benefit from creating intentional (and minimal) play options for your child. Is it crazy that…
Why is Baby Crawling On Hands & Knees Important for Development?
Many parents ask, “Should I encourage my baby to crawl?” Especially if their child seems more interested in walking as an early mode of movement rather than crawling. But skipping the baby crawling on hands & knees stage may cause your child to miss some important developmental boosts – both mentally and physically. Baby Crawling…
Experience Gift Inspiration: Guided 365 Photography Course
As you know, we love a good experience gift here at Green Child. One that never ends up in a landfill… an experience is often what your recipient really wants but won’t buy for herself. This type of gift can range from a CSA membership to massage certificates to surf lessons to annual passes at your…
How You Can Protect Your Child From Pesticide Exposure
With the rise in popularity of organic food, there is an inevitable countermovement of naysayers who argue that pesticides, despite being toxic, are not harmful to humans — despite the lack of research into the long-term effects of exposure. As a parent, this discourse can make the already chaotic nature of raising a child even…
30 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Impact on the Environment
Our society revolves around convenience. So when you try to reduce your impact on the environment, sometimes you have to make a slight mindset shift. Maybe it’s more convenient to buy a bottle of water while you’re out for the day. But what are the effects of that convenient choice? Probably a $2 hit to…
Keeping Your Kids Safe During Home Renovations
When most people think of planning a home renovation, they think of things like choosing a room, hiring a contractor, deciding on a budget, choosing the décor, and of course, enjoying the end results. What many fail to realize are the present dangers that can come from a renovation – especially where demolition may be…
10 Ways to Reduce E-Waste
There are mountains of e-waste in China. Some of it is there to be recycled, but most is waiting to be shipped off to e-waste landfills in Africa or other parts of Asia. The term electronic waste refers to any electronic device that is no longer wanted or has become obsolete. Electronics classified as e-waste can…
Teach Your Kids How to Save Energy with a Simple Checklist
Life is full of teachable moments. From planting a garden to doing laundry, parents use everyday tasks to teach kids how and why things are done. When a concept “clicks” and a child takes an interest, everyone benefits; the child gains experience and the parent gets to lighten his or her load. This summer, consider…
Stargazing with Kids: 101
Orion. Andromeda. Pegasus. Ursa Minor. The night sky is full of stories, adventures, and curiosities. Not only is gazing into the sky one of many ways to encourage your child’s natural love of learning, it’s also a step toward raising thoughtful, introspective, universe-conscious people. Why not take the family out and turn your heads to…
Shopping with Intent: How to Be a Conscious Consumer
Ok, so you may have just read this headline and said, “Girl, I went to Tar-jay at 9:00 last night, childless and husbandless, and had a grand ol’ time!” I hear you! It’s cheap. It’s easy. It’s fun. But it’s actually a major contributor to debt, “stuff” culture, and our ever-crowded landfills and e-waste dumps….
8 Awesome Facts About Renewable Energy
Green energy is a simple concept. It’s using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, water, or geothermal to generate electricity instead of traditional sources. Some of the most beneficial facts about renewable energy are that it produces fewer pollutants, runs cheaper, and can also create jobs.The only downside of green energy is that it pushes…
The Backyard Biologist
This summer, you can help your kids sharpen their science skills by encouraging them to go outside and do what they do naturally. It’s an age-old parenting conundrum that takes center stage when summer rolls around each year: How do you keep your kids both educated and entertained? Here’s an inexpensive and easy idea: Head…
Camping and Wildlife: How to Safely Observe Animals in their Natural Habitat
One of the most exciting parts of camping is the chance to experience the wonderful diversity of wildlife that populate our forests, grasslands, mountains and deserts. That doesn’t mean that it’s always easy to spot wild animals. Here are some tips for maximizing your chances of having an incredible wildlife experience while you’re camping. …
Your Yard Matters for Hummingbirds and Other Crucial Pollinators
If April showers bring May flowers, then what do May flowers bring? Hummingbirds! The National Audubon Society encourages hummingbird fans nationwide to grow native plants that help these cherished birds thrive. Audubon’s one-of-a-kind bird-friendly native plants database makes it easy to find the right plants and where to purchase them, by simply typing in your…
A Beginner’s Guide to Cloth Diapering
Considering cloth diapers? The great news is… modern cloth diapers and accessories are extremely versatile and much easier to use than you might think. While cloth diapers require a little more money up front than their disposable counterparts, they last through use by multiple babies. You can save them for your future children and/or even…
New Mom Gifts that Honor Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood
Growing, birthing, and caring for a baby are intense processes. Honoring the work women put into creating our children is crucial… that’s why we’re sharing our ideas for new mom gifts that really show thought, care, and love. Postpartum Healing Kits If you’re not ready to spend the time or money on DIY healing kids,…
