A healthy child makes for a happy family, so be sure the toys in your home are made from safe, environmentally friendly materials. Find out where and how they were made. Look at the labels and ask questions. Toys made from recycling materials, organic cotton and sustainable wood (FSC certified) are good bets. Look for…
DetailsRepairing your favorite pair of shoes or a well-worn article of clothing is a wonderful way to hang on to the items you really love. It’s also greener than buying new, and often quite inexpensive. For example, it may cost just $5 each to repair a torn strap on a leather purse or clean and…
DetailsWhen was the last time you went to the library? If you are like many of us, it’s been awhile. Why not make it an adventure and schedule a day trip to your local library to see what you might find? What awaits you is hours and hours of free entertainment and enrichment. Libraries offer…
DetailsBy guest columnist John Brautigam Will the 21st Century be the era of the Green Economy? Maine’s experience reveals a promising start in that direction. Maine is a state with a strong heritage of conservation and respect for the environment, making the Green Economy a natural fit. But in this economic climate, many are asking…
DetailsFor those celebrating weddings, baby showers or other big occasions, traditional gifts aren’t the only option; alternative gift registries are popping up everywhere. Check out registries that emphasize homemade or non-material gifts over traditional store-bought items, www.alternativegiftregistry.org. Another cool possibility is a registry that enables donations to causes chosen by the person who sets up…
DetailsWith more mobile phone applications becoming available every day, there are thousands that can help eco-conscious consumers make greener choices. Here are just a few of the options. iRecycle Access more than 800,000 recycling and disposal resources for 240+ materials, plus the latest in green news to match your lifestyle. Search by location and find…
DetailsAre you dreaming of an eco-friendly home that’s part of a community dedicated to sustainable living? A cohousing community may be just what you’re looking for. Cohousing differs from traditional home ownership in that the community is carefully planned and managed by the group to care for both residents and the land. Homes are clustered…
DetailsAcross the planet, people are getting creative about how and where they work. One of the latest trends among independent professionals is sharing office space in dedicated coworking facilities. People who might otherwise work out of their homes have the chance to share desks, equipment and camaraderie. A great way to conserve resources and be…
DetailsWe asked our friends on Facebook to share some of their favorite recent reads that address sustainability issues. Here are some highlights of their responses. This list just scratches the surface, so be sure to look for more recommendations in our monthly e-newsletters! Employees First, Customers Second: Turning Conventional Management Upside Down by Vineet Nayar…
DetailsThis modeling clay is easy to make and kid-safe (as in, completely edible), perfect for hours of creative play. If stored in an airtight container, the mixture will retain its elasticity indefinitely. This recipe yields 6 cups of modeling clay that rivals any store-bought variety. Get the kids to help you make it, and show…
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