ParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gifParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Plant a Garden, Pack a Picnic: An Earth Day Family To-Do Listhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/22/planting-a-garden/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/22/planting-a-garden/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/22/planting-a-garden/#commentsFiled under: ,

Watch a video to learn how to make earth day crafts with your kids!
planting a garden

Plant a garden or a tree as a family! Credit: Getty Images

Tired of trying to explain global warming and begging your kids to turn off the lights to conserve energy? Why not try celebrating Earth Day by having some family fun?

Whether you're looking to celebrate your family's eco-consciousness or seeking ideas to help keep the planet green and clean, our experts offer some ideas for reducing your family's carbon footprint, painlessly.

"Hug it Forward" To Build Schools
"Hug It Forward" has added environmental value to embracing your kid. In honor of Earth Day, the non-profit organization will donate $1 for every hug to build a school in Guatemala. Already, seven school projects have been completed since 2009 and three more are under construction. Just register your kid's hugs on the website and a Google map will follow the hugs as they are "hugged forward" from person to person across the globe.

Picnic for the Planet
Join families across the world who are packing up picnic baskets and heading outside to their favorite spots to enjoy good food and the company of other families celebrating Earth Day. Just log in to "Picnic for the Planet" and find families in your area to gather together and celebrate "the planet we live on, the food it provides and the people we share it with."

Show Your Green Moves
Grab your kids and head to the family recycling bin where you can teach them to do squats while holding the bin. Or, refill milk jugs with water as you and your kids do bicep curls, says Stephanie Mansour, CEO of Step It Up with Steph, who has turned fitness into a green routine. Pull out the yoga mat and do tree poses, or head with the kids to the mall and let them pick out a reusable stainless steel water bottle in their favorite color.

Make it a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Rally the troops -- your neighbors, friend's kids and the other little kids on the block and head out on an Earth Day cleanup mission, recommends VolunteerSpot.com. Lead the troops to the soccer and baseball fields to roundup cans and bottles for recycling. Or, plant a neighborhood garden with the idea of donating the produce to a local homeless shelter later in the summer. Then capture the neighborhood eco-campaign on camera, which will create a lasting imprint of the fact that one small group of kids (and their parents) can make a difference.

Dive Deep for Good
You don't have to rent wet suits, flippers and oxygen tanks for the whole family to participate in the Professional Association of Diving Instructors "Dive for Earth Day," to increase awareness of and raise funds for protecting the world's oceans and support underwater and shoreline cleanup efforts. Just submit a video showcasing your family's favorite do-good ocean life experience and a short essay about how you are making a positive impact on the aquatic environment. Winners receive a $5,000 grand prize, which is quickly handed over as a donation to diving association, who are promoting awareness of the environment.

Become Recycling Fashionistas
Teach your kids what it means to live sustainably, by "repurposing" their wardrobes, Lynda Fassa, founder of GreenBabies.com, tells ParentDish. Team up with neighborhood families with kids of varying ages and hold a community clothing swap. Wash and arrange clothes by size and gender and invite participants to do the same. Arm everyone with 10 tickets to choose whatever they like. Donate the rest to Goodwill.

Want to get the latest ParentDish news and advice? Sign up for our newsletter!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>conserve energyearth dayfamily timeplant a gardenplant a treeMary Beth SammonsFri, 22 Apr 2011 11:00:00 ESTYour Baby: Going Green From Head to Toehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/22/going-green/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/22/going-green/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/22/going-green/#commentsFiled under: , ,

going green

Credit: Corbis

From organic food to eco-friendly fashion and hybrid cars, more and more people, including new parents, are "going green" these days. But, with so much information out there, the lifestyle change can often be overwhelming.

"There are certain things that are obvious," said Dr. Benjamin Kligler, a board-certified family practitioner and director of research at the Continuum Center for Health and Healing in New York City. "For example, watching fish consumption because of mercury is a great place to start from keeping your baby from toxic exposure."

According to the Food and Drug Administration, moderate seafood consumption (12 ounces a week) during pregnancy is OK as long as fish known to be high in mercury, such as shark and swordfish, are avoided.

As many parents know, a good part of the pregnancy is spent getting the nursery ready. This may involve everything from painting to stripping floors. If that's the case, Kligler suggested getting out of the house.

"If there's construction going on in your house, mothers-to-be should probably move out during that time," he said. "Also, use low-volatile oil content paints. The paint doesn't have as much solvents, it's easy to find, and it's only about five percent more expensive than regular paint."

The bottom line -- be aware of what kind of chemicals you're exposing your body to.

"Things get exposed through the skin," Kligler noted. "It's not just about what you eat."

Once the walls are painted -- it's time to furnish the nursery. One must-have "green" item is the mattress, according to pediatrician Alan Greene, author of Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care.

"The first thing I would choose is an organic mattress because a baby's face is so close to the mattress all day."

If you're wondering what the difference is between an organic mattress and a conventional one -- it all comes down to the chemicals. Some of the materials used to make synthetic mattresses include: Flame retardants, polyurethane, foam, polyester, plastic and formaldehyde, noted Greene. He also stressed that children sleep on mattresses for more than 12 hours a day so using a green mattress, free of chemical additives, is important.

Going Organic

Another huge part of going green is what you put in your mouth and your child's mouth.

"If there was one time in a life to have organic food, it's from conception through that first year of life," said Greene.

Here's a list of his Top 5 essential organic foods:

1. If you're going to eat beef, make sure it's organic to avoid all the growth hormones.

2. Organic milk is also a must because of the pesticide and antibiotic use. Some studies have also found organic milk has more antioxidants and healthier fats compared to regular milk.

3. Organic potatoes. Regular potatoes have the highest average amount of pesticides of any produce item -- even after peeled and washed, noted Greene.

4. An apple a day -- but, only if it's all-natural. Apple trees are often sprayed with organophosphate pesticides, which are actually nerve agents used to kill insects. Exposure to this agent can alter brain function and kids are the most susceptible.

5. Soy also falls under this category. Most of the soy crop planted in the United States is genetically modified (87 percent). So it's a good idea to always buy organic soy.

When it comes to breast-feeding or bottle-feeding, both Kligler and Greene strongly agree that breast-feeding is the best option. But, for those moms who opt to bottle-feed, there are a few green guidelines to follow.

"Breast-feeding isn't right for everybody, so if you're not going to do that, organic formula is a good way to go," Kligler said.

And what kind of bottle you put the formula in is also very important.

"I do suggest using a bottle that is bisphenol-A (BPA) free, said Greene. "Studies in animals have found it's very clear that BPA is an endocrine disrupter."

Up next on the list -- household cleaning products.

"Go into your cabinets and throw out everything that has a long list of ingredients you can't understand," said Kligler.

Once you've accomplished that task, it's time buy some new supplies.

"Go for environmentally friendly products," said Greene. "Studies have shown during pregnancy the use of certain cleaning products can lead to a higher risk of asthma."

Greene, who's a father of four, practices what he preaches. He told FoxNews.com that his family uses cleaning products from the Shaklee Corporation, a company that has been producing natural cleaning products for the last five decades. Shaklee's Get Clean household line offers everything from disinfecting wipes to dryer sheets, which are all made from "pure" ingredients.

Last, but not least -- diapers.

"Some people get really obsessed with diapers," said Greene. "But when you calculate the whole thing out (whether you're using cloth of disposables), it's about equal to burning 54 gallons of gas. That's all the diapers for an entire year. So, you can relax a little bit. There are a lot of things that have a bigger environmental impact."

The big take home message, according to Greene, "There is not a separation between the environment and us. Everything you breathe in, eat and put on your skin has an effect."


More stories from FoxNews.com:
Celebrities Who Promote Breastfeeding
132-Pound Toddler
Best and Worst Easter Treats

Want to get the latest ParentDish news and advice? Sign up for our newsletter!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Going greenGreeningthe editors at FoxNews.comFri, 22 Apr 2011 09:30:00 ESTNursery Style Ideas That Don't Cost a Fortunehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/04/nursery-ideas/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/04/nursery-ideas/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/04/nursery-ideas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

removable wall art

Removable wall art lends versatility to a nursery's decor. Credit: Kenziepoo, Flickr

Decorating a stylish nursery doesn't have to require dipping into your child's college tuition fund. To help keep costs low, but style high, ParentDish asked some design pros for a few secrets to create a contemporary look for your baby's room.

First, think about color, which has gotten more sophisticated in recent years. Pink and blue have been replaced by silvery greens, pale yellows, grayish lavenders and even straight gray tones.

"It used to be more cutesy or gender specific," says Esther Sadowsky, owner of Manhattan's Charm & Whimsy. "Now parents want things to go with the rest of the apartment."

Los Angeles designer Sarah Barnard says parents are more fashionable than ever before.

"They're probably not going to be satisfied with a cartoon theme," she says.

One way to jazz up the walls without making a long-term commitment is to use stick-on art such as Wall Pops. Designers, including Sadowsky, love this type of wall art because it can add instant interest and color to a wall and then be peeled right off in a couple of years when you or your child gets tired of it.

Check out craft stores like Michaels and even Home Depot for supplies. Wall Pops come in funky, vintage prints and bright colors that can be combined in many nursery-friendly ways.

When it comes to furniture, think long-term. As hard as it is to imagine, your baby will be out of diapers and moving from a crib to a bed before you know it.

"My opinion is that it's very expensive if you have to buy two rooms of furniture for the same child," says Northbrook, Ill.-based designer Jeff Smoler. "I try to do to it so all the furniture has a dual function."

He recommends a chest of drawers with a detachable changing table and a crib that converts to a youth bed.

Barnard says many parents now want their nursery to be environmentally friendly, too. She recommends second hand furniture, low VOC paints, natural bedding supplies (such as organic cotton sheets and blankets) and even natural latex crib mattresses for nurseries because she believes natural products are healthier for babies. She doesn't want anything that gives off that "new car smell" in a baby's room.

If you insist on buying new furniture, Barnard suggests spending a little extra and buying something well-made that can be passed down to a future generation.

Related: Making your child's room unique

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>baby styleBabyStyledecorevergreenideas for nurseryNurserynursery beddingnursery ideasNurseryDecorEllen Rooney MartinMon, 04 Apr 2011 11:30:00 ESTBoy, 6, Bagged From Contest for Bringing His Lunch to School in an Eco-Unfriendly Ziplochttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/03/boy-6-bagged-from-contest-for-bringing-his-lunch-in-an-eco-unf/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/03/boy-6-bagged-from-contest-for-bringing-his-lunch-in-an-eco-unf/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/03/boy-6-bagged-from-contest-for-bringing-his-lunch-in-an-eco-unf/#commentsFiled under: ,

eco friendly bag picture

Is your kid's lunch packed in an eco-friendly container? One Canadian school says it better be. Credit: Getty

Think you're keeping things green by packing your child's lunch? Better not have any Ziploc bags wrapping that PB&J.

A 6-year-old's plastic sandwich baggie has sparked a fierce debate over just how far schools and teachers can go to spread the green-is-good message.

The parents of a Laval, Quebec, kindergarten student are irate after their son was shut out of a contest to win a stuffed animal because he brought in an environmentally unfriendly sandwich bag in his lunch sack, Canada's National Post reports.

Marc-Andre Lanciault tells the newspaper the family was unaware of the school contest or any environmental policy until his wife, Isabel Theoret, was making their son Felix a sandwich and he begged them not to put it in a plastic bag.

"He said, 'No mommy, you can't do that. Not a Ziploc,' " Lanciault, CEO and founder of the technology company INBOX International, tells the Post.

The family typically sends his lunches packed in a Tupperware container, but it was in the dishwasher, and so they opted for a plastic baggie.

Lanciault tells the Post that when he questioned Felix's teacher, she told him, "You know, Mr. Lanciault, it's not very good for the environment. We have to take care of our planet and the bags do not decompose well."

Through tears, the newspaper reports, the boy told his parents the school had held a drawing to win a stuffed teddy bear and only children who didn't have any plastic sandwich bags could enter.

Lanciault tells the Post he objects to the fact that a school would penalize a kindergartner for his parents' choice to use non-recyclable lunch containers and that the only valuable environmental lesson his son learned from the experience was to fear plastic bags.

"If we want to teach people about the environment, I can understand that," he tells the Post. "But surely there's a better way than to penalize kids. The goal wasn't achieved, anyway. At the end of the day, my son doesn't know why he shouldn't use a Ziploc bag. It's not only the bag, it's the whole idea that we're being brainwashed from everywhere. They told us Ziploc bags are bad, so we've stopped thinking about it and just started applying the rule."

The baggie blow-up rippled across blogs in Canada and the United States after Lanciault accused the school of "propaganda" on his blog.

The Laval school board hasn't responded to repeated interview requests, the Post reports.
Experts however, say contests held to increase awareness of the environment need to be done in a positive manner.

Schools tread into dangerous territory when they start enforcing environmental messages without understanding the complex scientific arguments behind them, Jane Shaw, president of the John W. Pope Center for Higher Education Policy in North Carolina and co-author of "Facts, Not Fear: Teaching Children about the Environment," which was adapted for Canadian audiences, tells the Post.

Schools should focus on teaching kids the fundamentals of science so students can explore environmental issues themselves and draw their own informed conclusions as they get older, Shaw tells the newspaper.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>eco-friendlyenvironmentgreenlunch bagLunchBagplasticschool lunchSchoolLunchziplocMary Beth SammonsThu, 03 Feb 2011 13:00:00 ESTGo Green, Save Your Family Moneyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/31/go-green-save-your-family-money/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/31/go-green-save-your-family-money/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/31/go-green-save-your-family-money/#commentsFiled under:

atm cash machine picture

Next time you're at the ATM, skip the receipts. Credit: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Small Choices, Big Difference: How can you save the planet and save money at the same time? AOL Kids & Family Coaches, Thomas Kostigen and Elizabeth Rogers, authors of 'The Green Book,' share some of their ideas on how everyone can go green -- and save a little green to boot.

Fire Up The Microwave: Keep your microwave clean and you'll be able to maximize its energy. Microwaves are more than four times more energy efficient than traditional ovens. If everyone in North America cooked exclusively with a microwave for a year, we'd save as much energy as the continent of Africa consumes during that time.

Get Rid of Junk Mail: The average U.S. household receives 1.5 trees' worth of junk mail each year. To reduce the amount of junk mail sent to you, register with Mail Preference Service. It costs a buck, but you'll save a lot of trees from being thrown right into the trash!

Switch Hair Products: Consider using a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner instead of buying each separately. You'll not only save on money and packaging, but you'll likely save time and water. If one in seven households followed this advice, the amount of plastic saved in one year could fill a 27-story high football field.

Bank without paper: ATM receipts are one of the top sources of litter on the planet, so don't print the receipt. Ask your bank for paperless statements. Some will even pay you a dollar or donate the money on your behalf. If every household took advantage, more than 17,000 high school graduates could attend public university for a year.

Work it at the car wash: Washing your car in a commercial car wash is better than doing it yourself. Commercial washes use up to 100 gallons less water, and they often recycle and reuse rinse water. If we all made the switch some 12 billion gallons of soapy water could be diverted from entering the country's waterways.

Unplug the tube: Between 10 and 15 percent of a TV's energy is still used when it's powered "off." If every home unplugged all their televisions when they weren't being used, we'd save more than $1 billion in energy bills. To make it easier, connect your TV to an outlet connected to a wall switch.

Send a message: If you can, send a text message or e-mail from a handheld device or cell phone, instead of a computer, especially quick, one-line notes. You'll save yourself time and conserve energy. Compared to sending a text message, e-mailing and IMing from a computer uses more than 30 times the electricity per message.

Use and refill water bottles: The average person in the U.S. drinks eight ounces of bottled water per day. Considering that plastic is made from petroleum, it takes 1.5 million barrels of oil annually to satisfy our thirst. Use and refill a single water bottle anytime you leave the house.

Takeout with less: When you order your meals to go, request less packaging. Whether the takeout is just for you or for your whole family, tell the restaurant the precise number of utensils and napkins you'll need rather than letting them guess. You'll save millions of plastic forks, knives and chopsticks from the trash.

Stop wasting food: On average, every American throws away about 12 pounds of uneaten poultry annually. If over the course of a year each household purchased just one less pound of chicken, the total water saved by not having to produce and package it would be 66 billion gallons -- more than all of California uses in a week.

Buy a used car: When buying a new car, think hybrid. But if you decide to buy used, you'll help save even more energy -- as well as over 2,150 pounds of steel. If one in a 100 potential new car buyers chose used instead, the amount of steel saved annually could reconstruct the Golden Gate Bridge, twice a year.

Excerpted from "The Green Book" by Thomas Kostigen and Elizabeth Rogers, Copyright (C) 2007 by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen. Excerpted with permission from Three Rivers Press, a division of Random House, Inc.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>the editors at ParentDishMon, 31 Jan 2011 03:00:00 ESTEco Dog Toys for Your Furry Palshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/10/eco-dog-toys-for-your-furry-pals/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/10/eco-dog-toys-for-your-furry-pals/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/10/eco-dog-toys-for-your-furry-pals/#commentsFiled under: ,

If your dog could talk, he'd tell you he wants to save the planet by chewing on toys like these from Dodo. Credit: West Paw Design


Just because he spends most of his time on the floor doesn't mean your favorite canine isn't willing to do his part to save the planet.

West Paw Design carries a full line of eco-friendly dog toys made from recyclable Zogoflex and fabric and stuffing made from recycled soda bottles.

Our puppies' favorites are Dodo, a stuffed toy with a robust squeaker, and Būmi, which is stretchy and so durable West Paw offers a one-time free replacement if it gets damaged.

Available at West Paw Design for $7.88 to $13.65.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>dog toysdogsDogToysecoeco-friendlypet toyspetsPetToysshoppingHoney BerkWed, 10 Nov 2010 14:00:00 ESTNon-Toxic Antibacterial Cleaners Take the Worry Out of Cleanhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/20/non-toxic-antibacterial-cleaners-take-the-worry-out-of-clean/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/20/non-toxic-antibacterial-cleaners-take-the-worry-out-of-clean/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/20/non-toxic-antibacterial-cleaners-take-the-worry-out-of-clean/#commentsFiled under: , ,

method antibacterial cleaner picture

Germs, be gone! Credit: Method


Before we had kids, we didn't spend much time thinking about germs. But now ... Let's face it, kids are germ-y. So, we admit to being a little obsessed with germs these days.

But here's the thing: Most of the commercial antibacterial and disinfectant cleaners out there are chock full of chemicals we can't even pronounce, let alone want around our kids. But, thanks to the good folks at Method, we no longer have to choose between sanitary and safe.

The new Method ANTIBAC line of cleaning products combine sweet-smelling essential oils and tough cleaning power, in a disinfectant formula that kills 99.9 percent of nasty household germs, including influenza A, staphylococcus aureus, salmonella enterica and E coli.

Available in a bathroom cleaner, kitchen cleaner and all purpose cleaning disinfecting wipes, each version smells great. But, what's even better is the peace of mind they leave behind.

Available at Method and retail stores for $3.99.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cleaningcleaning productsCleaningProductshousehold cleanersHouseholdCleanersnon-toxicnon-toxic household cleanersNon-toxicCleanersNon-toxicHouseholdCleanersshoppingHoney BerkWed, 20 Oct 2010 14:00:00 ESTGo Green, Save Cash With National Costume Swap Dayhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/08/go-green-save-cash-with-national-costume-swap-day/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/08/go-green-save-cash-with-national-costume-swap-day/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/08/go-green-save-cash-with-national-costume-swap-day/#commentsFiled under: ,



Looking for a way to come up with an amazing costume for your child this Halloween that won't leave you living on candy corn and popcorn balls til your next paycheck arrives? Or just want to do your part to help raise a little eco-awareness in your kids?

Take part in National Costume Swap Day. Swap.com has partnered with the nonprofit Green Halloween to launch the nationwide community event, slated to take place Oct. 9.

Besides saving money, swapping the costumes of only half of the children who celebrate Halloween would reduce annual landfill waste by 6,250 tons, equivalent to the weight of 2,500 midsize cars, according to Green Halloween.

For info on setting up a swap or finding one in your area, visit greenhalloween.org/CostumeSwap.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>costume swapCostumeSwapgoing greenGoingGreenhalloweenhalloween costumesHalloweenCostumesswap partySwapPartyLesley KennedyFri, 08 Oct 2010 14:00:00 ESTBeehives Wooden Toy a Buzzworthy Pick for Preschoolershttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/28/beehives-wooden-toy-a-buzzworthy-pick-for-preschoolers/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/28/beehives-wooden-toy-a-buzzworthy-pick-for-preschoolers/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/28/beehives-wooden-toy-a-buzzworthy-pick-for-preschoolers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Beehives wooden toy

A real honey of a toy. Credit: Moolka


Inspired by real bees and their natural habitats, the colorful and adorable Beehives from Plan Toys entertains children while helping them develop fine motor skills, coordination and concentration.

Beehives challenges preschoolers to return each bee to its color-coordinated home, using the included wooden pincers. The toy is designed using a modular system concept which allows for play using various configurations and at different levels.

Beehives also provides parents with a great opportunity to teach their children about the wondrous bee and its role as nature's hardest worker.

It's made of natural, chemical-free recycled rubberwood and finished with natural latex glue and non-toxic water-based paint.

Available at Moolka for $29.99.

Related: Innovative Bugaboo Convertible Stroller to Hit Stores Next Spring

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>beehivebeesplan toysPlanToyspreschoolersshoppingtoyswooden toysWoodenToysHoney BerkTue, 28 Sep 2010 14:00:00 ESTEco-Friendly Teethers Are Groovyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/14/eco-friendly-teethers-are-groovy/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/14/eco-friendly-teethers-are-groovy/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/14/eco-friendly-teethers-are-groovy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Eco Friendly Teethers by rocklovepeace

Naturally adorable. Credit: rocklovepeace


Just because your baby missed Woodstock, doesn't mean she can't get a little rock, love and peace.

Give her these heirloom-quality rocklovepeace wooden teethers to soothe her sore gums, and she'll be feelin' groovy in no time.

Many plastic baby toys contain toxins that are harmful to your baby and the environment. These eco-friendly teethers are handmade in the United States from sustainably harvested cherry wood and finished with all natural ingredients.

Choose from rock (star), love (heart) and peace (peace sign) designs or buy the set, which includes all three. All teethers come packaged in an adorable, biodegradable bag.

Available at rocklovepeace for $17 each or $38 for the set.

Related: Save Big on the Coolest Kid Fashions

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>babiesbabyrocklovepeaceshoppingteethingtoysHoney BerkTue, 14 Sep 2010 10:30:00 ESTEco-Friendly Mats Make Nap Time Healthierhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/06/eco-friendly-mats-make-nap-time-healthier/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/06/eco-friendly-mats-make-nap-time-healthier/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/06/eco-friendly-mats-make-nap-time-healthier/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Eco friendly mats for children to sleep on

Cotton beats vinyl every time. Credit: SewnNatural


Say no to PVC, phthalates and any other nasty toxins that may be lurking in your child's vinyl or polyester nap mat.

SewnNatural carries a full line of eco-friendly nap mats that are perfect for preschool, day care or anywhere you'd like a clean and safe place for kids to rest or play on.

Designer cotton fabric tops cotton batting inside, and a sturdy hemp/organic cotton underside means these mats look great while feeling soft and comfy. And don't forget to ask to have your child's name embroidered on her mat, so she can feel extra special.

The best part: Your kids will rest easier, and so will you.

Available at SewnNatural for $85.

Related: The Cutest New Eco-Friendly Toy for Kids

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>daycareeco friendlyEcoFriendlynapsorganicpreschoolpreschoolerssewnnaturalshoppingsleeptoddlersHoney BerkMon, 06 Sep 2010 14:00:00 ESTCustomize Your Own Eco-Friendly Beverage Bottlehttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/30/customize-your-own-eco-friendly-beverage-bottle/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/30/customize-your-own-eco-friendly-beverage-bottle/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/30/customize-your-own-eco-friendly-beverage-bottle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

eco friendly beverage bottle

Drink, enjoy, and fill it back up! Credit: SIGG


Sick of buying countless brown paper bags and plastic water bottles to get through the school year? Yeah, so is your landfill.

Make the switch to reusable lunch boxes and beverage bottles that are eco-friendly and safer for you and your family. All SIGG products are made of pure aluminum, so they're equipped to weather bumpy bus rides or backpack tosses. And, when you're ready for a replacement, your old SIGG bottles and containers can be recycled.

There are more than 100 styles of SIGG lunch boxes and bottles ranging from solid metallic colors to funky retro designs. Even better, now you can customize your own SIGG with a photo of your choice or a unique graphic that you've created.

Available at mysigg.com.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>siggwater bottlesWaterBottlesJessica SamakowMon, 30 Aug 2010 14:00:00 ESTCut Down on Waste With Reusable Produce Bagshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/05/reusable-produce-bags-produce-less-waste/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/05/reusable-produce-bags-produce-less-waste/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/05/reusable-produce-bags-produce-less-waste/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Reusable Produce Bags

Let us stow your lettuce and veggies for you. Credit: Baggu


Baggu's reusable produce bags may be the best thing to crop up this season.

These nylon mesh bags are extremely lightweight and durable, and feature a fold-over flap to help make sure your fruit and veggies stay put. And, when they're not in use, fold them up, secure with the attached elastic loop and stow them away with your Baggu grocery bags.

The best part? They'll help you keep plastic produce bags out of landfills.

Available from Baggu for $3 to $4.

Related: Tighter Belts? Find Kids' Gear for Less With Online Clothing Swap

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bagguenvironmentgroceriesgrocerygrocery shoppingGroceryShoppingreusable bagsReusableBagsshoppingHoney BerkThu, 05 Aug 2010 09:59:00 ESTDisposable Tableware Made With Sugar Cane? Sweet!http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/22/disposable-tableware-made-with-sugar-cane-sweet/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/22/disposable-tableware-made-with-sugar-cane-sweet/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/22/disposable-tableware-made-with-sugar-cane-sweet/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bon appétit! Credit: Branch


Take your next picnic to a whole new level with WASARA disposable tableware, a line of gorgeous Japanese-designed products made to fit comfortably in the hand, while beautifully framing your culinary creations.

But not only do the WASARA plates, bowls, cups, tumblers and serving trays look great, they're also "green," made from tree-free renewable materials -- think sugar cane fiber, bamboo and reed pulp -- so they're fully biodegradable and compostable.

Now, if we could just figure out how to keep the ants off the blanket.

Available at Branch for $9 and up.

Related: Girls' Sports Dolls are Positively Playful

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>homepicnicshoppingtabletablewarewasaraHoney BerkThu, 22 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST10 Things You Never Thought of to Combat Summer Boredomhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/13/10-things-you-never-thought-of-to-combat-summer-boredom/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/13/10-things-you-never-thought-of-to-combat-summer-boredom/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/13/10-things-you-never-thought-of-to-combat-summer-boredom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

girl with flowers

Beat the summertime blues with some fresh ideas. Credit: Getty Images


Ah, summertime. Those long, lazy days of sleeping in, lounging around and generally taking it easy. Who doesn't look forward to the end of the school year and the beginning of day upon day of doing absolutely nothing?

But as much as we enjoy the summer months, they can sometimes find us woefully unprepared for the inevitable moment when the sweet taste of freedom takes on the bitter taste of boredom. All those unstructured hours stretching out ahead can incite panic in a parent without a plan.

Don't let this happen to you. Once the novelty of wearing pajamas all day has worn off, be prepared with our list of 10 things you never thought of to combat summer boredom. Whether you're staying home or traveling far and wide, keep this list handy and you just might make it to fall with your sanity intact.

Continue reading 10 Things You Never Thought of to Combat Summer Boredom

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>car gamesCarGamesfamily reunionsFamilyReunionskids activitiesKidsActivitiessummer activitiessummer fumsummer ideasSummerActivitiesSummerFumSummerIdeasSandy MapleTue, 13 Jul 2010 16:00:00 ESTSoda Maker Gives You Fizzle Fo' Shizzlehttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/12/soda-maker-gives-you-fizzle-fo-shizzle/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/12/soda-maker-gives-you-fizzle-fo-shizzle/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/12/soda-maker-gives-you-fizzle-fo-shizzle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fizz-It-Yourself. Credit: SodaStream


Put an end to fizz that goes flat in the fridge.

Save money, time and the environment with the SodaStream Jet Fountain soda maker, which turns tap water into seltzer or soda in fewer than 30 seconds. Just fill the bottle, twist it onto the base, push the button to fizz and -- lickety split -- you've got a liter of sparkling water to drink as is, or flavor to taste.

Best of all, the SodaStream comes with two reusable bottles, so you'll never have to lug a heavy soda bottle home again or hassle with empties in the trash or recycling bin.

Available at SodaStream for $99.95.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>shoppingsodaHoney BerkMon, 12 Jul 2010 15:00:00 ESTRecycled, Reusable Bottle Filters Waterhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/06/recycled-reusable-bottle-filters-water/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/06/recycled-reusable-bottle-filters-water/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/06/recycled-reusable-bottle-filters-water/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fill 'er up. Credit: The Container Store


It's time to finally break the one-use bottled water habit.

The Bobble Water Bottle by Karim Rashid, a reusable water bottle with a built-in carbon filter that removes chlorine and organic contaminants, serves up cleaner- and fresher-tasting tap water.

Made from 100 percent recycled plastic, the brand is BPA- and phthalate-free, and comes in six cool colors.

It's recommended that you change your filter after two months or 40 gallons of water -- about 300 refills. So, now you can keep your kids hydrated when you're out and about without damaging your wallet or the planet.

Available at The Container Store for $9.99.

Related: Bug Off! Soap Keeps Pests at Bay

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>environmentoutdoorswaterwater bottleWaterBottleHoney BerkTue, 06 Jul 2010 14:00:00 ESTBug Off! Soap Keeps Pests at Bayhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/01/bug-off-soap-keeps-pests-at-bay/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/01/bug-off-soap-keeps-pests-at-bay/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/01/bug-off-soap-keeps-pests-at-bay/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Get your goat on. Credit: Beekman 1802.


Do you bug out when the bugs are out?

Keep the pesky critters at bay the natural way with Beekman 1802 Bug Repellent Bars. Made from goat milk that's naturally scented with citronella, eucalyptus and other essential oils that bother bugs, these bars are completely chemical-free and good for your skin.

Shower with one of the small squares before a long day outdoors, or simply rub one on your pulse points for shorter exposures, and let your body heat release the scent of the oils.
Share
Wonder who's behind the product? Meet the goats and the guys who make the soap in upstate New York on Planet Green's "The Fabulous Beekman Boys."

Available at Beekman 1802 for $14.75.

Related: Cute Kid Shoes With a Custom Fit

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bugsmosquitoshoppingHoney BerkThu, 01 Jul 2010 14:00:00 ESTMoo-tissehttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/24/moo-tisse/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/24/moo-tisse/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/24/moo-tisse/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Perfect for preschool Picassos. Credit: Amazon


Keep your budding Basquiat clean and green with eco-friendly art smocks from 3 Sprouts, available in cow, monkey and frog designs.

Made from nontoxic materials such as organic cotton, recycled nylon and felt spun from recycled water bottles, these durable smocks will stand up to paint, glue and whatever else your preschooler can dish out.

Now, if only you could figure out how to keep their hands clean.

Available at Amazon for $24.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>artecopreschoolshoppingHoney BerkThu, 24 Jun 2010 14:00:00 ESTFather's Day Gift Idea: Fair Trade Soccer Ballshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/16/fathers-day-gift-idea-fair-trade-soccer-balls/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/16/fathers-day-gift-idea-fair-trade-soccer-balls/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/16/fathers-day-gift-idea-fair-trade-soccer-balls/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kick it out of the stadium with this year's Father's Day gift. Credit: Fair Trade Sports


Goooaaalll! Is your dad wrapped up in World Cup fever? If he's like many of the dads we know, he's probably in a fútbol frenzy this week.

Lucky for him, Brazil plays Ivory Coast on Father's Day, which gives him a great excuse to skip Sunday brunch and head straight to the nearest sports bar with his buddies. Lucky for you, Fair Trade Sports offers a full line of eco-certified fair trade soccer balls in lots of cool styles. This way, even if his favorite team loses, Earth wins.

And if dad's idea of football involves the Giants or Steelers, or if a game of hoops is more his speed, a Fair Trade eco football or basketball should do the trick.

Available at Fair Trade Sports, $29.99 and up.

Related: Father's Day Gift Idea: Recycled Tie Wallets

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>basketballdaddadsfathers dayFathersDayfootballgiftssoccerHoney BerkWed, 16 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST