Long time “hankheads” may recognize this as an old Hank D and the Bee cartoon. However, it is a bit different–I made it mildly more disturbing, and added Wendy to the strip.
Happy Holidays!

Follow the rest of the Hank D and the Bee series at JoeMohrToons.com. For cartoon updates and other green goings-on, follow Joe on Twitter @GreenCartoons.

Hank D and the Bee: A Christmas gift for Bee is a post from: Eco Child's Play

1. Boulder Scarf

As a weaver and fiber artist, I am fascinated by SLOWCOLOR. The video above not only explains the company’s “trend toward more conscious gifting”, but the natural, handmade processes of the weavers, spinners, and dyers inspire me. I would love to go and visit SLOWCOLOR’s artisans! That would be my dream vacation!

We were sent a beautiful Boulder Scarf to review.

• The scarf that goes anywhere. A treasured companion on your life’s adventures: casual, elegant, for work, and for play. Men like this scarf as much as women.
• Gauze Weave
• 100% premium linen handloomed with pride and passion in India
• Hand Made: As this is a hand made product, slight size and color variation only show the human touch of a soul and heart at work
• Size: 24″x72″

I love my Boulder Scarf. It is the perfect size for how I like to wear my scarves, and the hand dyed linen is rich and beautiful. I can’t help but think of the hands involved in making this product.  Handloomed, natural plant based hand dyed, fair trade…a perfect gift for the eco-conscious!

Good News! We have one SLOWCOLOR Boulder Scarf to giveaway to a lucky reader!

GIVEAWAY REQUIREMENTS

RULES

• This contest is open to US residence only.  No P.O.Boxes.
• You have until 8:00 A.M. EST December 21st, 2011 to enter.

GIVEAWAY

• One winner will receive 1 Boulder Scarf of their choice (inventory availability dependent)
• Value $85.00 (incl. shipping)

MANDATORY ENTRY

• Visit www.SLOWCOLOR.com
• In your comment on SLOWCOLOR’s Facebook page mention what product you would choose and why, and which blog you read about this giveaway with a @tag back to this Eco Child’s Play’s Facebook page.

EXTRA ENTRIES
+ Follow on Twitter www.Twitter.com/beSLOWCOLOR
+ Like www.facebook.com/SLOWCOLOR on Facebook
+ Share this giveaway on your Facebook wall tagging SLOWCOLOR’s FB page (doing this correctly, your post will show on our FB page wall)
+ Comment on another SLOWCOLOR wall post.
+ Tweet this giveaway making sure to mention @beSLOWCOLOR

This giveaway is running in conjunction with Really Natural. Only one winner will be selected from both blogs.

2. Ito En Teas’

Do you know any tea lovers? ITO EN has many great gifts and stocking stuffers for those that adore tea. I love both coffee and tea and thoroughly enjoyed the ITO EN products we tried:

Ito En Teas’ Tea Lemongrass Green Unsweetened Tea:

• All-natural brew of premium loose Japanese green tea leaves and aromatic lemongrass–relax and rejuvenate with this refined and refreshing creation
• Unsweetened tea with no calories, 45 mg of caffeine per 16.9 fl oz, more than 100% RDA of vitamin C, high in tea antioxidants
• Drink for yourself to taste the distinction of a beverage alternative that is healthy and designed for an active lifestyle
• ITO EN’s knowledge, expertise, and experience help them in making an extraordinary ready-to-drink tea

Ito En Teas’ Tea Mango Oolong Tea:

• Has the full taste of oolong tea paired with the bright taste of mango–enjoy the pure refreshment of this invigorating blend
• Naturally sweetened with a touch of cane sugar– only 40 calories per serving, all-natural tea with no colors, powders, or concentrates
• Good source of natural catechin tea antioxidants
• Drink for yourself to taste the distinction of a beverage alternative that designed for an active lifestyle
• ITO EN’s knowledge, expertise, and experience help them in making an extraordinary ready-to-drink tea

Ito En Teas’ Genmai Green Tea:

In a marriage of two classic Japanese flavors, roasted rice adds a mellow nuance to the bright notes of whole leaf and freshly ground green tea (Matcha).

Teas’ Tea Polyfabric™ Reusable Tote Bag:

• Reusable Tote Bag contains recycled content.
• Material: Polyfabric™ is lightweight, durable, and environmentally-friendly.

Catechin Pens (made from recycled green tea leaves):

ITO EN has developed a wide array of methods for recycling used tea leaves and incorporating recycled tea leaves into a range of products and materials. Not only does recycling conserve resources but the antibacterial and deodorizing properties of catechins retained in the tea leaves can be utilized in products made from recycled tea leaves, thereby adding greater value.

We will be giving away one Teas’ Tea Matcha Can to one lucky winner!

Matcha, or powdered green tea, is traditionally used for the tea ceremony. An ideal matcha for every day, our signature Teas’ Tea Matcha welcomes with a crisply defined taste that finishes its flavor cycle with a measure of astringency. Used for “Ousu (usucha)” – Light matcha.

GIVEAWAY REQUIREMENTS

RULES

• This contest is open to US residence only.  No P.O.Boxes.
• You have until 8:00 A.M. EST December 21st, 2011 to enter.

GIVEAWAY

• One winner will receive  a Teas’ Tea Matcha Can
• Value $12.00

MANDATORY ENTRY

Visit https://www.itoen.com

In your comment on ITO EN’s Facebook page mention what product you would like and why, as well as which blog you read about this giveaway with a @tag back to this Eco Child’s Play’s Facebook page.

EXTRA ENTRIES

+ Follow on Twitter ITO EN

+ Like http://www.facebook.com/Itoen on Facebook

+ Share this giveaway on your Facebook wall tagging ITO EN’s FB page

(doing this correctly, your post will show on our FB page wall)

+ Comment on another ITO EN wall post.

+ Tweet this giveaway making sure to mention @ITO_EN

This giveaway is running in conjunction with Really Natural. Only one winner will be selected from both blogs.

3. STL Ocarina

Children love and deserve musical instruments; however, the noise they produce can be irksome to parents. One trick is to only choose instruments that are pleasant sounding, no matter how they are played. STL Ocarinas fit this description with beautiful, ancient sound.

We were sent two ocarinas to try:

Teacarina:  When I first opened up our Teacarina, I thought, what a charming little cup. This multifunctional instrument allows you to play and sip, which is sure to delight any child.

The Teacarina, a combination pottery teacup and ocarina, allows you to play simple tunes between sips of your favorite tea or other hot drink.

Manufactured in a range of beautiful colors, the Teacarina is a hollow walled, handle-less teacup that doubles as a soothing and intriguing musical instrument.

As with other ocarina, you produce music by blowing through an air chamber, changing pitch by fingering four holes of various sizes on the side on the cup.

Whale:  Super cute and would make a great stocking stuffer!

An ancient instrument with roots that lie in the dawn of history, clay ocarinas were played by the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas of South and Central America. A world away, ocarinas shaped like birds and animals and dating from as early as 5,000 BC have been found in India.

Would I buy this product? I think so. The products we were sent range from about $10-$20; however, they were shipped with styrofoam peanuts (not compostable). They come with simple fingering charts to help you play songs. They are simple and sweet, which is how I like gifts for children.

4. Children’s Stainless Steel Utensils – Sun Moon Stars Cutlery Set

We aim to live plastic-free in our household, but upon inspection, you will find the ubiquitous plastic containers, although BPA-free.  Utensils and dinnerware designed for children are often made of plastic, as parents fear breakables and expense, but it doesn’t have to be so.

Life Without Plastic is a great online retailer that can help you find safe alternatives for your family.

Our vision is to help all living beings, including the Earth, by working toward decreased reliance on plastic. We realize that plastic is not going to disappear any time soon. We recognize the benefits of plastic and the important roles it plays in society. We simply wish to build awareness about its dangers and the existence of healthier alternatives for household products. Healthier for the Earth, healthier for us all.

Life Without Plastic sent us a Children’s Stainless Steel Utensils – Sun Moon Stars Cutlery Set.  These cute utensils have wider handles that are easier for little hands to grip, and the whimsical designs are sure to delight.

Put the universe in your little one’s hands! Our brand new, and long-awaited, Children’s Stainless Steel Utensils are delightfully adorned with a smiling moon and sun reclining in a sea of stars. The fork’s blunt tines and the knife’s gently rounded edge are safe for small mouths, and the spoon is generously deep to hold the ideal gulp of cereal, yogurt and everything in between. They are the perfect size for small hands, yet large enough to grow with your child. Our eight year-old loves to use them.

I really like these utensils!  They are made in Korea from an ethical source.

Would I buy this product?  Yes.  I feel the price ($19.95) is reasonable, and I really trust Life Without Plastic! After reading about the company, I know I can buy anything on their site without compromising our health and environmental principles.

5. Made to Play!: Handmade Toys and Crafts for Growing Imaginations

During this time of year when parents and grandparents are looking for the best toys to give this holiday season, we are reminded that the best toysare simple and have been adored since children began playing.  The best toys inspire imagination and are handmade toys.

Joel Henriques, a crafty dad, has assembled a book of easy projects any parent can make with their children. Made to Play!: Handmade Toys and Crafts for Growing Imaginations includes simple to follow directions, photographs of finished products, and diagrams.

Delight young children and encourage play through unique handmade toys. From sewn and stuffed musical instruments to interlocking paper building blocks and wooden animal figurines, the projects in this book are meant to encourage open-ended play. Organized by kid-loving subjects, the toys here follow the themes of Zoo; House; Blocks, Cars & Trucks; Dress-Up; Music; and Art. Overall, the projects here are meant to stimulate imagination, build confidence through success and enjoyment, and enhance the bond between family and friends through the creation of unique, artistic handmade toys and crafts.

The thirty-five projects in this book include a variety of crafts, from drawing to sewing and light woodworking. The toys presented here are made out of wonderfully tactile materials—repurposed fabrics, wood, and paper—and invite opportunities for creative and imaginative play. Every project is easy to complete, made with accessible materials, and requires little time to make. The projects are simple enough that endless variation can come from the making of each, leaving enough room for you to make the item to suit your own personal interests.

Books like Joel’s are very inspiring.  When I make things with my children, I feel like a good, green parent.

Joel has even more projects on his website!  I can’t wait to make a bottle cap tambourine!

Disclosure:  The products described above were sent to us as free samples.  Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given.  No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews.  The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

5 Green Gifts: SLOWCOLOR, ITO EN, STL Ocarina, Life Without Plastic, & Made to Play is a post from: Eco Child's Play

During this time of year when parents and grandparents are looking for the best toys to give this holiday season, we are reminded that the best toysare simple and have been adored since children began playing.  The best toys inspire imagination and are handmade toys.

Joel Henriques, a crafty dad, has assembled a book of easy projects any parent can make with their children. Made to Play!: Handmade Toys and Crafts for Growing Imaginations includes simple to follow directions, photographs of finished products, and diagrams.

Delight young children and encourage play through unique handmade toys. From sewn and stuffed musical instruments to interlocking paper building blocks and wooden animal figurines, the projects in this book are meant to encourage open-ended play. Organized by kid-loving subjects, the toys here follow the themes of Zoo; House; Blocks, Cars & Trucks; Dress-Up; Music; and Art. Overall, the projects here are meant to stimulate imagination, build confidence through success and enjoyment, and enhance the bond between family and friends through the creation of unique, artistic handmade toys and crafts.

The thirty-five projects in this book include a variety of crafts, from drawing to sewing and light woodworking. The toys presented here are made out of wonderfully tactile materials—repurposed fabrics, wood, and paper—and invite opportunities for creative and imaginative play. Every project is easy to complete, made with accessible materials, and requires little time to make. The projects are simple enough that endless variation can come from the making of each, leaving enough room for you to make the item to suit your own personal interests.

Books like Joel’s are very inspiring.  When I make things with my children, I feel like a good, green parent.

Joel has even more projects on his website!  I can’t wait to make a bottle cap tambourine!

Disclosure:  The products described above were sent to us as free samples.  Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given.  No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews.  The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Gifts for the Crafty Parent: made to play! Handmade Toys & Crafts for Growing Imaginations is a post from: Eco Child's Play

Children love and deserve musical instruments; however, the noise they produce can be irksome to parents. One trick is to only choose instruments that are pleasant sounding, no matter how they are played. STL Ocarinas fit this description with beautiful, ancient sound.

We were sent two ocarinas to try:

Teacarina:  When I first opened up our Teacarina, I thought, what a charming little cup. This multifunctional instrument allows you to play and sip, which is sure to delight any child.

The Teacarina, a combination pottery teacup and ocarina, allows you to play simple tunes between sips of your favorite tea or other hot drink.

Manufactured in a range of beautiful colors, the Teacarina is a hollow walled, handle-less teacup that doubles as a soothing and intriguing musical instrument.

As with other ocarina, you produce music by blowing through an air chamber, changing pitch by fingering four holes of various sizes on the side on the cup.

Whale:  Super cute and would make a great stocking stuffer!

An ancient instrument with roots that lie in the dawn of history, clay ocarinas were played by the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas of South and Central America. A world away, ocarinas shaped like birds and animals and dating from as early as 5,000 BC have been found in India.

Would I buy this product? I think so. The products we were sent range from about $10-$20; however, they were shipped with styrofoam peanuts (not compostable). They come with simple fingering charts to help you play songs. They are simple and sweet, which is how I like gifts for children.

Disclosure:  The products described above were sent to us as free samples.  Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given.  No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews.  The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Green Gifts for the Budding Musician: STL Ocarinas is a post from: Eco Child's Play

1. Healthy Home Party Toolkit

Sometimes, it can be a drag educating friends and family about the toxic products they use.  Sometimes, I feel like I sound like Debbie Downer always bearing bad news about how unhealthy our homes and lifestyles can be.  Healthy Child Healthy World has a fun way to spread the word while educating those you love with their Healthy Home Party Toolkit.  You can celebrate healthy ways instead of always beating the toxic drum!

What’s a Healthy Home Party?

Healthy Child Healthy World, LUNA, Klean Kanteen, and Earth Friendly Products share your passion for creating healthy environments for children. We want to help you raise awareness through community education. With the information provided in a Healthy Home Party Kit, you can educate and empower your family, friends, schools, and community to protect children’s health and development from common toxics. YOU can make a difference by inspiring others to take Easy Steps to create healthier living environments.

Our Healthy Home Party Kit is available for a minimum tax deductible donation of ONLY $20, thanks to great sponsors such as: Klean Kanteen, LUNA, Earth Friendly Products, Organic Valley, Plum Organics and many more.

What’s in the Healthy Home Party Kit?

The Healthy Home Party Kit includes a ‘Wake-Up to 5 Easy Steps’ DVD, a 5 Easy Steps guide, one set of pocket guides, Healthy Child brochures and 5 Easy Steps flyer, ‘Creating Healthy Environments for Children’ fact sheet, 5 Easy Steps on ‘How to Host a Healthy Home Party’, and product samples and collateral from our sponsors.

This is such a great way to not only support Healthy Child Healthy World, but to educate your friends and family in a fun way!

Would I buy this product? Yes. $20 is a bargain for all of the samples and materials, besides it is more of a donation than a purchase anyways.

2. Songs from the Baobab: African Lullabies & Nursery Rhymes

If you are looking for a sweet cd of multicultural lullabies and nursery rhymes, Songs from the Baobab: African Lullabies & Nursery Rhymes. Representing 11 languages from 10 countries in Central and West Africa, this is a musical collection the whole family can enjoy.

Paris-based musician and educator Chantal Grosléziat recorded these pieces with singers from each culture. Paul Mindy arranged each piece with traditional instruments, including the kora, balafon, kalimba and rain sticks. The lullabies and rhymes make frequent references to animals and the natural world. For example, the Central African Republic lullaby “Dunga” urges the newborn to “take your strength from nature.” Family relationships, and in particular the loss of a parent, are find a place in these songs from cultures where disease, famine and war are part of everyday life. A song from Mauritania tells the baby, “your mother has gone to search for jujubes,” and a piece from Guinea evokes the sad fate of orphans, saying “Sali Wonde, nothing is eternal.”

The artwork in this book is truly beautiful, and I am endeared to the songs. I enjoy them for pure sound without needing meaning, and they create a nice atmosphere in the home when playing as background music.

Unfortunately, I can’t find anything eco-friendly about this product.

Would I buy this product?  Yes.  It would make a nice gift.

3. 100 Natural Remedies for Your Child: The Complete Guide to Safe, Effective Treatments for Childhood’s Most Common Ailments, from Allergies to Weight Loss

With a title like 100 Natural Remedies for Your Child: The Complete Guide to Safe, Effective Treatments for Childhood’s Most Common Ailments, from Allergies to Weight Loss, this sounds like a resource every green parent should own!  Dr. Jared M. Skowron’s remedies largely involve supplements, homeopathy, and diet recommendations.  The information is presented in a simple manner any parent can benefit from reading.

In 100 Natural Remedies for Your Child, pediatric naturopath Dr. Jared Skowron shows parents how to prevent and treat their children’s illnesses, from common ailments such as upset stomach, headaches, and minor infections to more serious problems like food allergies, diabetes, and asthma. While there is a time and place for conventional medicine, natural solutions, especially diet can be effective strategies for treating many of our children’s’ ailments.

100 Natural Remedies for Your Child includes:
• FOODS THAT HEAL: Dietary change is the core lifestyle modification in naturopathic medical practice. Dr. Skowron shows parents the power of nutrition and reveals how foods can help prevent and treat disease.
• TOXIC DETOX: From pesticides to plastics, natural medicine offers safe and proven methods for removing environmental toxins from our children’s bodies.
• SUPPLEMENTATION: Parents will learn which supplements are helpful for alleviating symptoms or preventing illness and what dosages are safe and effective.
• ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES: Instead of heading to the drugstore for an over-the-counter remedy when their child is ill, parents will learn how to use homeopathic remedies that save money and heal their child naturally

Out of curiosity, I looked at Dr. Skowron’s recommendations for sore throats. His first recommendations is elderberry syrup, which I completely concur is very effective.  He also discussed the appropriate time to add echinacea and astragalus, as well as myths about echinacea, which are rather pervasive considering the popularity of the herb.  Garlic is also recommended, but in my experience hard for children to swallow.  Dr. Skowron’s advice for strep throat is to use natural remedies in conjunction with antibiotics.  He also recommends you test your child when well to see if he/she is a carrier of the strep bacteria if they repeatedly suffer.  Some children host this bacteria “naturally”, and thus another virus or bacteria is actually to blame for the repeated infections.

Would I buy this book?  Yes.

4. Crayon Bungee, Crayon Strap

Have you ever flown on an airplane with a toddler?  Did you ever give them crayons?  Did they drop a crayon?

I can answer yes to all of those questions, and the drama that can ensue when you can’t fit your hand down between to the seats to fetch the favorite blue crayon and have to abandon the beloved color.

Crayon Bungee, Crayon Strap is a solution to fighting the effects of gravity on crayons.

Tired of crawling on dirty floors to retrieve dropped crayons? Every parent knows that coloring is a favorite activity enjoyed by little ones inside and outside the home. The challenge? Oops, a crayon rolls off the coloring surface and onto the dirty floor. The creators of the award-winning Toy BungeeTM have the solution: Crayon Bungee; colorful, functional, portable, durable, and non-toxic. Designed to keep crayons from rolling or dropping to the floor, Crayon Bungee brings a new fun factor to coloring, while keeping the crayons nearby. Just twist in the crayons, and anchor the strap. Mom and dad love not having to crawl on the restaurant, airplane or other floor to retrieve a fallen crayon! FUNCTIONAL DESIGN: Two ways to anchor tether using either suction cup for table tops (works on smooth surfaces), or looping strap for other surfaces, such as a stroller bar, restaurant highchair, airplane tray table or carseat. Crayons twist into end tubes, fitting snugly and limiting removal by toddlers. Holds 3 standard crayons. NON-TOXIC & DURABLE: Our products comply with U.S. and European safety standards, and are BPA, lead, latex and phthalate free. SWAP OUT: Clasp feature allows altering between suction cup and strap anchors while keeping crayons attached to tether. Anchors also attach to Toy Bungee toy and cup tether. Crayon Bungee: the new generation of essential take-along companions is here.

Would I buy this product? No. This is certainly not an essential must have, and the problem of dropping crayons is not one that I would spend $16 solving.  It’s also not eco-friendly and packaged in what appears to PVC vinyl.

5. iQ The Smarter Cleaner, Glass Cleaner and iQ The Smarter Cleaner, All-Purpose Cleaner

It used to be there were not many green home cleaning products on the market other than Seventh Generation, but now consumers have many choices.  One unique approach to green cleaning that goes beyond natural ingredients are concentrates you add water to, that way you are not paying for or contributing greenhouse gases from the transportation of heavy water.

Planet People makes iQ The Smarter Cleaner, Glass Cleaner and iQ The Smarter Cleaner, All-Purpose Cleaner.

The iQ cleaning system is a revolutionary approach to cleaning. The patented iQ REFill® (Reduced Environmental Footprint) reduces the plastic waste associated with traditional cleaners by 80 per cent by packing all the non-toxic cleaning concentrate into a small, recyclable cartridge. To make a bottle of cleaner, consumers just fill the re-usable iQ bottle with their own tap water and drop in the no mess REFill® cartridge.

What I find unique about both of these products is the refill cartridge attaches to the sprayer tube through the bottle opening, thus leaving no residue for you to try and dissolve. The bottles state the products are non-toxic, and they do list ingredients, although some are rather ambiguous like “color”, “fragrance”, and “preservative”. Thus, I cannot comment as to how natural or safe these products truly are.  The company’s website assures they use only “100% non-toxic and ecologically sustainable ingredients that pose no harm to users or the environment”.

Planet People also makes Concrobium Mold Control and Mildew Preventatives & Removers. I’ve actually been using this product for over six months and do not find it effective in the shower.

Would I buy these product?  Maybe the iQ cleaners; however, if I want to be sure my household cleaners are truly natural, it is best to just use vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, cream of tartar, etc.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

5 Green Product Reviews: Healthy Home Kit, Songs from the Baobab, 100 Natural Remedies for Your Child, Crayon Bungee, Planet People is a post from: Eco Child's Play

by Janelle Sorensen, Chief Communications Officer, Healthy Child Healthy World

Though most kids cover their ears and run away screaming at the mention of it, back-to-school time is here. And, if you’re a parent concerned with the health and environmental impacts of school supplies, you may want to run away screaming when you see the price tag on most eco-friendly products.

Have no fear, Healthy Child is here! We’ve collected practical advice from moms in our community to help you save money on green and healthy school supplies.

Check out these resources and share your tips in the comments!

CLOTHING

• “Tips for Thrift Shopping for Children’s Clothing” by Betsy Escandon, Eco-Novice – Betsy offers tips for back-to-school clothes shopping at thrift stores, a super easy way to save a ton of money. She recommends things like checking for special daily deals, finding stores in wealthier neighborhoods, and bringing a list.

• “School Uniform Shopping & Recycling” by Janet Dean, The Green Mom Review – Janet’s been coming across more and more brands of uniforms that are treated with toxic, anti-stain chemicals and in this post she reveals how she’s navigated this problem and provides readers with practical solutions for their own uniform needs.

SUPPLIES

• “Green And Eco-Friendly Back-To-School Shopping” by Sommer Poquette, Green And Clean Mom – Sommer claims back-to-school doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on new school supplies and clothing – even if they’re green. She offers five simple steps for you to choose eco-friendly school supplies, save money, and make everyone in the house happy!

• “Green It Back-To-School” by Sophie Uliano, Gorgeously Green – Sophie found affordable eco-friendly supplies at major retailers like Target and Staples!

LUNCHES

• “Green Lunches Can Save You Money” by Stephanie Ogozalek, Mommy Poppins  – Stephanie details how zero-waste lunches can save you money and offers some ideas for healthy foods to pack in them, too!

What are your tips for saving money on green and healthy back-to-school shopping?

——-

Be sure to check out the Center for Health, Environment & Justice’s 2011 Back to School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies to help parents choose safer, PVC-free school supplies. Over thirty-five categories of school supplies, from backpacks to lunchboxes and computers, are covered in the guide. A wallet-sized version is also available.

Also, your back-to-school supplies can be green and healthy, but what about your school? Global Green USA’s Green School Makeover Competition gives you the chance to help a school in your area by nominating it for a Green School Makeover. Here’s how it works:

• Between March 1st and September 30th 2011, enter your school for a chance to win a green school makeover. Use this form to enter your school and learn more.
• In December 2011, Global Green will announce one grand prize winner to receive $65,000 to renovate their school, plus approximately $65,000 of in-kind technical assistance, and four schools will each receive $2,500 towards their green school renovations.

Note: This is part of our Blog of the Week series where we feature a post (or several) from someone in our Blogger Network. Interested in being a part of it? Sign-up today!

How To Save Money On Green & Healthy School Supplies is a post from: Eco Child's Play

1. Green Kid Crafts: Canvas Puppet and Guatemalan Worry Dolls

One of the things I think I could do to become a better parent is to do more craft projects with my kids. Unfortunately, it is my nature to take on big projects. We’ve started a quilt, but in reality, finding time is hard.

Green Kid Crafts has a simple solution.  This monthly service sends you a little package with all you need to make an eco-friendly craft with your children.  Three craft kits are sent out each month.

Green Kid Crafts provides fun and sustainable do-it-yourself crafts for kids. Suitable for kids ages 2 through 8, three of our craft kits come straight to you every month, ready to open and enjoy!

• Craft materials are kid-friendly, earth-friendly, and safe
• You receive 3 different craft kits once a month – that’s a lot of sustainable crafting!
• Each kit includes everything needed to complete the craft (you just supply glue, markers, and/or scissors)
• Every month will feature unique, multicultural crafts to enrich and entertain your creative child
• Great gifts for eco-conscious parents
• Customize your kits to reflect the holidays and cultures that you wish to celebrate…

Green Kid Crafts is a carbon neutral business. We offset 100% of the carbon dioxide generated by our business and help fund the development of renewable energy projects across the United States.

This sort of thing is right up my daughter’s alley, and I like the way directions start with “Remember it’s about the process and having fun and not about the finished product!”

Would I buy these product? Probably as a birthday gift, but probably not for ourselves.  Although I like the idea, I think the artistic parent in me should really kick it into gear and design my own projects.  Green Kid Crafts are affordable at $5 a set.

2. Simplisse Gia Angled Nursing Pillow and Simplisse Gia Nursing Pillow Cover

I never had nor used a breastfeeding pillow in my five years of nursing.  When my first child was born, we lived in a very small cabin, and I had to seriously limit so-called “baby essentials“.  The bobby got bopped, and I preferred to sit in a chair with one leg bent up to help support the babe.  That being said, I have friends who thought a breastfeeding pillow was essential.

The Gia nursing pillow has a different shape than your standard boppy.  It is angled and not symmetrical.

An optimal feeding experience takes shape.

• Angled feeding may help digestion and reduce reflux and other feeding problems
• Wider, flatter pillow surface helps prevent baby from rolling down
• Patented, non-flat design positions baby at incline
• Grows with your baby with virtually limitless positions
• Quilted 100% Cotton, Anti-Bacterial and Stain-Resistant
• Machine Wash & Dry/100% Cotton Shell
• Use with or without cover

Would I buy this product? Probably not.  It is not made from organic fabrics and is stuffed with polyester.  A more eco-friendly alternative, if you feel you need a breastfeeding pillow, is the the Nesting Pillow, although it costs twice as much as the Gia.  I do think the angled design would put the baby in a more natural position for nursing, like my propped up leg did.

3. Scholastic Storybook Treasures

The set of Scholastic Storybook Treasures we were sent include three DVDs with 14 stories in all:

• Splat the Cat & Other Furry Friends
• Napping House & Other Stories That Rhyme
• Story About Ping & Other Fine Feathered Friends

Full of classic stories, I like how the presentations are not rushed. The text is also featured in the bottom of the screen, with each word changing colors to draw young children’s attention to the connection of print to the spoken word. It’s a “Read-Along” DVD.

Would I buy these DVDS? No, there is nothing green about them.  It is not that I am opposed to the content. I actually adore the stories. It’s that I would prefer to download a digital format for the iPhone or iPad.  I think that is a greener options.

4.  Altruette’s Nature Conservancy Hummingbird Charm

If you are looking for jewelry that also gives to non-profits, Altruette is thinking along those same lines. 50% of profits from the charms they sell go to the organizations they represent.

We were sent a Nature Conservancy Hummingbird Charm.

It’s easy to talk about going green. But protecting the earth requires more than just lip service. The nearly 60-year-old Nature Conservancy, which works in all 50 states and 30 countries, has preserved more than 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide. Wearing this charm helps ensure that “green” is more than a state of mind.

In 100% recycled Sterling Silver plated with 14k gold.
50% of the net profits from our charms benefit the causes they represent.

50% is a very high percentage for a company to donate, which I think is reflected in the price. The pendant we were sent retails for $145!

Would I buy this product? Probably not. It’s out of my price range, and I am not a charm bracelet person; however, it would really make a nice gift for someone that is into charms.  I commend Altruette’s high level of profit donation, but at the same time, I would just as well donate the money directly to the Nature Conservancy if that was my intent.

5. Under the Nile Endangered Species Organic Sea Turtle

Under the Nile is a company I trust and love. Not only do they make quality organically-grown Egyptian cotton products, they are always affordable!

Under the Nile’s natural toy collection features a line of endangered species plush.  We were sent an organic sea turtle.

Swimming the seas for over 200 million years, this ancient reptile is now endangered due to habitat destruction, entanglement in fishing gear and pollution. The extinction of this majestic creature could have widespread effects on the fragile coastal ecosystem. Size: 10″. Made with the finest 100% organic Egyptian cotton.

These toys are organic through and through, including the stuffing.  No polyester here!

Would I buy this product? Absolutely yes!  The price is right at $12, and it is the perfect little toy for a little person.  It is such a relief when doing these product reviews to get an authentic green toy!

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples, unless noted differently in the review. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

5 Green Products: Green Kid Crafts, Gia Angled Breastfeeding Pillow, Scholastic Storybook Treasures, Altruette Nature Conservancy Charm, Under the Nile Endangered Species is a post from: Eco Child's Play

With Earth Day and Easter falling so close together this year, as well as the bad news on artificial food dyes, natural Easter egg dyeing has never been more popular.

When I was younger and more ambitious, I used to spin wool and dye it naturally.  That’s why it amazes me it has taken this long for me to actually try naturally dyeing Easter eggs.  Of course, I made some mistakes (like using brown eggs), but overall it was easy and fun.

I used two posts to help me figure out how to dye eggs naturally:

• The Christian Science Monitor: Celebrate Earth Day with natural Easter egg dyes
• Crunchy Domestic Goddess: How to dye Easter eggs naturally – a tutorial

I was able to use food headed to the compost pile for our dyes, with the exception of the turmeric.  I followed this basic recipe:

1. Hard boil eggs by bringing to boil in a pot covered by an inch of water. Turn off  heat, cover, and let sit for 18 minutes.
2. Combine two tablespoons of dye source with one cup water. Simmer for 20 minutes
3. Strain dye, then add two tablespoons white vinegar to each cup of dye.
4. Place egg in a ceramic mug, fill cup until it covers egg by one inch, let sit at least one hour.

I used blueberries and turmeric in accordance to the above recipe, but for the shredded beets, I just wong the proportions.  I was surprised to find the blueberries and red beets yielded pretty much the same color.

Next year, I will experiment with actually cooking the eggs in the dye mixture.  I think the results would be better.  I can’t really say honestly how well the dyes worked, as I used brown eggs, but at least I don’t have to worry about artificial colors leaching into the eggs that my children consume.

Unfortunately, our eggs did not turn out. It was quite a disappointment.  Perhaps it was the brown eggs, perhaps it was the recipe.  The turmeric was the most successful, and none of the other dyes seemed to adhere to the eggs.  Not sure what I did wrong, but I’ll try again next year.

Hard Boiled Eggs Disaster: Natural Dyes for Natural Easter Egg Hunts is a post from: Eco Child's Play

1. RuMe Reusable Bags

I have finally integrated reusable bags into all of my shopping trips!  Once I started remembering, I couldn’t stop!

RuMe Bags are designed in Denver, Colorado and made in a fair trade factory in South Korea.

RuMe’s premier product, the reusable RuMe bag, is designed and packaged following a no-waste philosophy, so there is no superfluous packaging or waste. Most importantly, all RuMe products are designed in the U.S. and manufactured in South Korea in a government certified Fair Trade Factory that incorporates policies and standards that include, but are not limited to:

• A fair, living wage for all factory employees (2007 per capita GDP of South Korea is estimated at USD $24,600 per year by the CIA Fact Book).
• Employees have ample meal breaks, are not obligated to work overtime without proper compensation and may unionize if they choose.
• The factory is modern, clean, well lit and has emergency protocols in place.

RuMe’s manufacturing partner in South Korea belongs to the Fair Trade Commission.

I typically associate Fair Trade with farmers not factories, and since these bags are made of manmade polyester, the term threw me.

We tried out three RuMe bags:

1. Rume Pocket Reusable Baggies
2. Rume Reusable Kid’s Junior Tote Bag
3. Rume “Green Label” Eco Friendly Reusable Tote Bag-Macro Size

Many stores offer discounts for using your own bags, but our local food co-op took it a step farther.  Instead of offering a discount, customers are now charged 10 cents for paper bag (no plastic option) they use.  I think this is a great way to drive home the point that we should use reusable bags!

Would I buy these product? No.  In general, I avoid manmade materials like polyester.  Organic cotton shopping bags work just as well and are also machine washable. What I find most disturbing about the RuMe bags is they smell really bad. In fact, they made me sneeze when I opened the package.  That’s a sure sign of some sort of toxic outgassing.  I just can imagine how toxic the fair trade factory is that produces these bags if they still smell when I received them.  Somehow that seems to contradict the concept of fair trade.

2. Mighty Nest: Tree Hopper Blocks

If you are looking for truly eco-friendly products for your family, the Mighty Nest is a great resource!  From toys to skin care, you can trust the products featured here.

We were sent Tree Hopper Toys Blocks to try out.  These unique blocks are locally made in Chicago of sustainably harvested hardwoods from the Midwest.  They are sanded smoothly making them safe to play with without any sort of varnish or coating that could be toxic.

With Hopper Blocks kids will have a blast putting their creativity to work. They can build cities, robots, forests, castles, abstract sculptures and anything else they can imagine! Blocks come packaged in reusable cloth sack for storage.

A grown-up version of tinker toys. This set is much sturdier, more design-saavy and the possibilities go far and beyond. We also love that Tree Hopper blocks are made with local woods from the Midwest. They also included the design of windows on their blocks for better creating buildings and cities.

These blocks are unique (and should be added to our best blocks list!), as they can be combined like tinker toys (only slightly simpler and thus more developmentally appropriate for younger kids).  My son immediately put two blocks together and pretended it was a hammer.  These blocks inspire imagination!

Would I buy this product? Yes!  These are great blocks not only for their design aesthetics but for their truly natural, made in the USA qualities.

3. Pencils for Drawing/Writing – O’Bon Rainbow Series – 10 Pack (Green/Eco Friendly)

Pencils are made from wood, and although it is hard to imagine forests are clearcut for the little bit of wood in a pencil, they are.  Many pencil manufacturers buy their wood from Sierra Pacific Industries, which is notorious for irresponsible logging practices, such as clearcutting and use of herbicides on plantations. Forest Ethics has ranked the most common pencils; however, a more eco-friendly option does exist.

O’bon is making pencils from newspapers!

Each pack of Rainbow Series includes 10 premium 2B pencils made from recycled newspaper. These pencils feature groovy waves and circles in many bright, glowing colors that make them fun. The newspaper protects the graphite better than your ordinary wooden pencil. O’BON pencils mean a longer-lasting, higher quality pencil that everybody loves. Gear up for Back to School with these tree free pencils.

Would I buy this product? Yes. They are affordable (10 pencils for $5), but they do not contain erasers. I’m actually not a big fan of erasers anyways, and I have no idea what they are made of or how toxic they may be. I think that children can obsess with erasing, and that perfection should not be the goal when learning to write. In fact, when I was in art school, we weren’t allowed to use erasers!

4. SmartyPants- The Total Vitamin Treat: Pediatrician-approved Gummy Multi-Vitamin with Omega 3 & Vitamin D

Sometimes getting children to take their vitamins can be a challenge. Although I advocate for eating whole foods to get your daily nutritional intake, we all have met those picky eaters that need supplements, despite being offered only healthy food choices.  My son is one such eater, and my daughter is a vegetarian, so we do supplement.  Besides, I think vitamin D is important to take during the winter months.

SmartyPants is a gummy vitamin made with organic cane sugar.

Vitamin A (as palmitate), Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid), Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol), Thiamin (as thiamin mononitrate), Vitamin B-6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride), Folic acid, Vitamin B-12 (as methylcobalamin), Pantothenic acid (as D-calcium pantothenate), Iodine (as potassium iodide), Zinc (as zinc citrate), Fish oil (sustatinable anchovy & sardine sourced), Omega 3 EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), Omega 3 DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), Choline, Organic cane sugar, Tapioca syrup, Gelatin, Pectin, Citric acid, Sodium, Natural Flavors & Colors (Black carrot juice concentrate, Annnatto, Tumeric) Free of yeast, wheat, milk, eggs, soy, gluten, peanuts, shellfish, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and salicylates

These vitamins are made in California.  Furthermore, the company supports Vitamin Angels.  For every SmartyPants purchase, a 1:1 match is given to a needy child.

Would I buy this product? No.  They are not vegetarian, but they do contain potassium iodide, something we’ve been thinking a lot about lately.

5. PlanetBox Complete Stainless Steel Eco-Friendly Bento Style Lunch Box

My daughter has been in search of a quality bento box for a long time. She has searched the internet for a wooden one, only to find they are really expensive, lacquered, or really plastic with a wood grain appearance. She loved her Laptop Lunch, which I grew to hate as another plastic item in the house that did not last.  Furthermore, I suspect the Laptop Lunch was one of the BPA-free plastic bento boxes tested recently that leaked hormone-like chemicals.

We are so excited to have discovered PlanetBox:  ”Lunch transportation for the green generation”

PlanetBox Complete is the eco and easy way to pack healthy, waste-free lunches. Part bento box, part TV dinner tray, PlanetBox is the custom-designed, all in one solution for packing well-balanced lunches kids love. Made out of high quality stainless steel, its the safe, non-toxic alternative to plastic. Individual compartments ensure that foods don’t touch each other and that lunch arrives looking neat and appealing. The individual compartments remind parents to pack a varied lunch which includes fruits and veggies, and makes eating that lunch quick and easy for kids. Even though PlanetBox is designed for kids, it also works great for adults who want to pack a healthy lunch without overeating. Each set comes with a PlanetBox lunchbox; 2 lidded containers with a silicone rubber seal for packing wet, messy foods; a Carry Bag made out of recycled material; and a set of hip magnets to decorate the top of the lunchbox. The PlanetBox lunchbox measures 10 inches x 7.5 inches x 1.5 inches. The Carry Bag measures 11.5 x 9.5 x 2 inches, has a pocket to hold your own water bottle (bottle not included), and a separate compartment to hold a snack. Dishwasher safe. Not designed for hot foods. Safe, non-toxic, non leaching materials – NO lead, PVC, phthalates, or BPA. 5 year warranty on metal components, 1 year on soft goods. Not your old fashioned metal lunch box, PlanetBox delivers lunch transportation for the green generation.

Would I buy this product? Yes/No.  The PlanetBox is expensive ($59.95), but if it lasts as long as I think it will, I will never buy another lunch box/bag again for my daughter.  We are so excited about this product, but I am not sure I can afford to buy one for my son too.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples, unless noted differently in the review. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

5 “Green” Products: RuMe, Mighty Nest/Tree Hopper, O’bon, SmartyPants, PlanetBox is a post from: Eco Child's Play

1. Bathing in Grace Organic Bamboo Baby and Me Towel

Bamboo is well-known for its hypo-allergenic and anti-bacterial properties, so it only makes sense that baby’s first towel should be made from organic bamboo. Not only is bamboo good for baby’s skin, it is good for the planet:

A grove of bamboo release 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. When you cut a tree down you will need to reseed/replant. It will take decades for a tree to reach its full maturity.

In contrast, when bamboo is cut down it is not destroyed and does not need to be replanted. Bamboo’s root system remains intact and entirely renewable and sustainable. The bamboo simply re-grows and can reach maturity in four years.

This bath towel is super soft and luxurious, and the limited packing is printed on FSC paper.   The unique design keeps mom/dad dry while snuggling baby close.

Would I buy this product? No. At over $50, it is well beyond my budget, even though the towel is super nice.  Also, I do have concerns with bamboo is the chemicals used to remove the fiber from the stalk.  Even though bamboo grows quickly and does not require pesticides, the chemicals are toxic used in processing.  It can be processed naturally, and I do not have any information as to if this is the case for Bathing in Grace products. If so, that would explain the price!

Editor’s Note:  This was sent from Lynette addressing some of my concerns expressed above and confirming why the towel is expensive.  Eco peace of mind does come at a price!

My fabric is indeed man made(no chemicals used -all natural:))! It has a very high GSM of 600, which is the fabric weight(thickness)most towels are between 200-400). With the towel being made in the USA and using almost double the amount of fabric for my towel compared to average baby bath towel creates the price tag. I was certain after reading your rave review/write up on BabyBam that you would be in love with our fabric…

The below creds/info from my fabric supplier:

**We are AATCC, ASTM, ISO, EN and BS certified, and we follow these product standards. Our material and dye processes are certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

2. Rock & Roll Playground (Putumayo Kids Presents)

Putumayo is well known for their compilations. This summer, the label released a children’s CD in tribute to the early days of rock and roll.

Kids of all ages can shake, rattle and roll to music by a stellar group of established and up-and-coming artists. A charmingly illustrated read-aloud booklet also accompanies the CD, with notes about the history of rock & roll and the story of each song. The songs on Rock & Roll Playground were recorded in recent years but were inspired by the evolution of the genre…

Says Dan Storper, founder and C.E.O. of Putumayo World Music, “Putumayo Kids has become known for introducing children to the music of other cultures. Rock music exploded onto the scene during my childhood. It’s fitting that as we raise our five-year-old son William in New Orleans, the home of many rock & roll legends, that Putumayo is presenting a collection of rock songs that children in America and around the world are sure to enjoy.”

I am not a big fan of early rock and roll, but I do like Uncle Rock’s version of  ”Magic Carpet Ride”.

Would I buy this CD? No.  I think I would be annoyed by this CD if listened to repeatedly, as I am annoyed by some of these songs when done by the original artists.  I am a big fan of Dan Zanes and Taj Mahal, so that is a bonus of this compilation.

3.  Maggie’s Organics Tie Dye Chicken

Maggie’s Organics is one of the early pioneers of organic cotton apparel.  Famous for their affordable socks often found in grocery stores and co-ops, in 2008 the company partnered with a 100% worker-owned sewing cooperative in the US called Opportunity Threads.

Opportunity Threads uses scrap socks and fabric with “Certified Organic Fibers & filled with Reclaimed Polyester Fiber” to create Maggie’s Menagerie Animals.

Each animal is created using leftover materials from organic cotton sock production, and is stuffed with polyester mill scrap to make them incredibly soft. This ingenuity ensures that the Barnyard Animals play their part in preventing apparel products from ending up in landfills. Considering the EPA states that clothing makes up 5% of all the waste in the US, the creativity in recycling shown by this production process shows an exceptional commitment to the environment…

Maggie’s Organics President Bena Burda explains that, “[the stuffed animals] are fulfilling our dream of providing US workers a chance to build and run their own businesses. They are cuddly, fun, and an inspired creation that we all can share. Supporting worker-owned businesses that understand the importance of organic practices aligns with our mission to produce environmentally sustainable products and promote worker independence.”

These animals are affordable at $15, but as my daughter described our tie dye chicken, “It is ugly.”

Would I buy this product? No. As much as I want to support Maggie’s Organics and Opportunity Threads, as well as support their mission to change the apparel industry, I can’t get over the aesthetics.

4.  How to Grow a School Garden: A Complete Guide for Parents and Teachers

I’ve worked in public education for 15 years.  In all of those years, our school has never had what I consider a successful school garden despite having parents and staff members that  are avid gardeners.  Why is it so hard to have a school garden?  This book aims to help!

From Booklist

Bucklin-Sporer and Pringle, gardeners and educators, bring extensive personal experience and skill sets to this excellent manual for teachers and parents interested in creating school gardens. With step-by-step tasks, advice on everything from raising funds to garden designs, materials lists, and lesson plans that connect garden activities to curriculums and meeting school standards, this unique guide paves the way for getting a garden off the ground, so to speak, in a yearlong overview that covers ideas for building planting beds, delicious recipes, and composting. The bounty of information is presented in ways that will generate excitement and provide inspiration for teachers and their volunteer partners. Bucklin-Sporer and Pringle are also comprehensive in their approach to providing much needed guidance for communities and schools that have already embarked on creating school gardens, yet require assistance in moving forward. And for those new to the concept, the authors will awaken readers to the critical aspects of teaching children organic-gardening principles, the delights and solace of the gardening experience, and how to nurture a child’s understanding of ecology. –Alice Joyce

Given the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (S. 3307), we should see more schools needing resources such as this book.

Given the challenges the school year not coinciding with the typical gardening season of summer, I think one of the most useful aspects of this book is the chart on “Easy School Garden Crops”.  I also appreciate the recipes, ties to state standards, and sample garden budget, which would be very useful when applying for grants.

Would I buy this book? Yes!  I am anxious to share this book with my school, as it will inspire us to get our garden in better shape as an integral part of our children’s education.

5.  Heart of Haiti Candle Holder

Fair Winds Trading has partnered with Macy’s and  BRANDAID HAITI to feature handmade crafts from Haiti this holiday season.

Partnering is a strategy that demands trust and loyalty, and we build both. By aligning with leaders who share our passion, and with organizations that have a stake in a shared mission, we form tight, enduring partnerships to broaden our reach, deepen our investments and strengthen sustainability for all of those in our business model.

Fairwinds is a for-profit business but profits are not our goal: They are a consequence of doing our work well, and a strategy by which to continue working. Many of our partners are valued, profit-making ventures: Gahaya Links and Utexrwa in Rwanda, for example, or Macy’s and Starbucks in the headquartered in the United States. We share with these partners the conviction that economic empowerment built on entrepreneurship and sustainable business is the long-term route to a culture’s wealth.

Hearts of Haiti is helping artisans in the earthquake devastated country that is now being plagued by a cholera epidemic.

Working extraordinarily quickly, Fairwinds Trading, with their partners BrandAid, and the amazing artisans of Haiti were able to design, develop, produce and bring to market approximately 20,000 hand-crafted Haitian items within 100 days. This project provided immediate employment for 235 artisans and has generated income for packers, suppliers, and shippers, and significantly improving the lives of 2,100 individuals.

Would I buy this product? Yes.  It is aesthetically pleasing, and it is a gift you and the recipient can feel good about.  Plus, it is made from recycled steel, so it is eco-friendly as well.

Disclosure:  The products described above were sent to us as free samples, unless noted differently in the review.  Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given.  No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews.  The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

5 Green Products: Rock & Roll Playground, Organic Bamboo Baby Towel, Organic Tie Dye Chicken, Heart of Haiti, School Garden is a post from: Eco Child's Play