Published on April 1st, 2009
Art supplies are wonderful and versatile. What other items offer fun play, creative expression, and learning all in one…for very inexpensive prices?
With art supplies children have the world at their fingertips. There is so much that can be done, be made, be transformed…but with toxic ingredients like lead showing up in kids’ products you want to be sure that the creative supplies are not only fun but safe for the little ones.
Stubby Pencil Studio offers the biggest selection around that I have found, of eco-friendly, non-toxic art supplies and old fashioned games and toys. Perfect items to stuff in Easter baskets.
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Published on March 31st, 2009
I’m all for everyone getting a set of backyard chickens. I love mine! It’s an easy step in sustainability. Plus, it’s great to see your kiddos literally play with their food, but in a more natural setting.
However, are you just getting those cute lil fuzzy birds for your children for a holiday? No coop, a little bread, and that’s all you need?
Not so much, folks. You can pick up chicks without putting their health in jeopardy. And give yourself a big ol’ pat on the back while you do.
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Published on March 26th, 2009
Here at Eco Child’s Play, we LOVE Stubby Pencil Studio when Kate Rosenthal, mama of twin girls started her quest for safe art supplies, she found a wonderful niche to fill. I had the opportunity to meet with Kate a while back and see her in action. We spoke about her quest for safe products, the new CPSC/lead regulations, and how one person’s vision has turned into a busy home business.
With Easter coming, we have baskets to fill and my first thought was of Kate and her wonderful shop. So hop on over to Stubby Pencil Studio and order up some of these fabulous eco friendly art supplies and toys (If you are in the Portland area, you can arrange pick up). You’ll feel good knowing that your children are getting safe, sustainable products and our Earth will breathe a bit easier as well.
Start with your choice of basket or packaging (Stubby Pencil offers two basket options this year and also carries Envirosax). If you already own baskets (or buckets, bins and bags) reuse those of course. If not, opt for a container that can get lots of reuse (and you know your world best, so pick: a galvanized metal bucket, a cloth shopping bag, a wicker basket, a hat turned upside down, a kid sized wheel barrow, etc…
Some of our favorite basket filers: Read the rest of this entry »
Published on March 25th, 2009
Ah, Easter memories. I remember those brightly colored plastic dye sets. You know the ones. All that packaging, plastic parts, and chemical dyes. The cute little bunny labels and little plastic egg dipping spoons.
They are still available, of course. And for busy working mother types, this is tempting. Especially for the craft and creatively impaired such as myself. But they are essentially the opposite of what I believe in: made from chemicals, created and shipped from China (can you say carbon footprint), and packaged in and made from gobs of plastic.
So I was happy when my mother in law passed along a clipping from none other than Ladies Home Journal. Not exactly the site I’d go to for green advice, but they had this short article about how to dye eggs naturally with ingredients found in your kitchen. How cool is that?
Here are the directions:
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Published on March 25th, 2009
Packing a lunch without using plastic can be a challenging. With all the Ziploc baggies and plastic containers out there makes it hard to avoid. Packing a healthy lunch is one thing but having to worry about packing a plastic and waste free lunch is where it can get difficult.
Look no further…LunchBots are here to the rescue! 100% stainless steel and non toxic lunch containers.
LunchBots was created by a mom who couldn’t find any non-plastic containers to use and no longer wanted to worry about which plastics are safe. Sound familiar?
Jacqueline Linder of LunchBots began the company with the idea that we could eliminate the use of Ziploc bags and other plastic containers that are harmful to the environment. Plus, she wanted them to be unique and have a great design so kids AND parents would love them.
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Published on March 25th, 2009
Envirosax have a whole line of bags just for kids and they make great eco-alternatives to Easter baskets, like this adorable pink bunny bag at Stubby Pencil Studio. The bags are pretty big, 17 3/4 inches by 15 3/4 inches and will hold the equivalent of 2 plastic grocery store bags full of stuff.
The Envirosax kids bags are perfect for filling with Easter goodies then reusing for school, sports, as an overnight bag or a shopping bag just for the kids. Each kid could get their very own bag as they come in several designs other than the bunny, including: Piggy, Rusty, Dino, Marshmallow, Flower Power, Tubby or Wingnut. Designs both boys and girls will love. Read the rest of this entry »
Published on March 24th, 2009
Quiche is one of the expected foods at nearly any Easter brunch. The challenge? How to make this egg filled dish without animal products?
If you do opt for traditional quiche… please consider cage free, hormone free, organic eggs and meats. Or find a neighbor who raises chickens and gather your own in the hen house (or take a page from Cate and raise your own). If you are coloring eggs this year, consider natural dyes for a fun change.
Another idea: if you want a traditional egg quiche, cold dye raw eggs, then blow out the egg and use it in your quiche. This way you get both pretty, dyed eggs and something to eat while using less.
The Recipe: Read the rest of this entry »
Published on March 23rd, 2009
I have never been one to go all out for Easter. I have friends that treat it like it is Christmas all over again. I think that’s crazy. I have always just thrown some candy in the Easter baskets and bought a few goodies they’ll need for the upcoming Spring and summer seasons- like a summer outfit or two and some outdoor toys: balls, garden gloves, sandbox toys, etc. Simple stuff. This year I am putting forth the extra effort to make sure it is simple and sustainable. Read the rest of this entry »
Published on March 17th, 2009
One of the great organic candy companies has suffered the consequences of the economy and is going out out of business. College Farm Organic will soon be no more. This announcement is on their site: “On February 3, 2009, The Quigley Corporation announced plans to consolidate operations by closing the Simon Candy plant in Elizabethtown, PA. The decision was based on factors of increasing costs, competition from low-price imports, and the current economic situation. This closing will cause the discontinuation of the College Farm line.” Read the rest of this entry »
Published on February 25th, 2009
Editor’s note: The following post was originally published on Green and Clean Mom. “Green & Clean Mom can inspire you to try a little harder, be a catalyst for change and to offer you some new tips and news on how to be the green, sexy and sassy mom…I know you are!”
Vacationing with children – it just about killed me. Our sleeping schedule was wacky, the stuff we had to pack and organize, and my daughter got sick and the money. Oh, my goodness the money to go to Disney and Sea World and shucks rent a car and eat for two weeks – I know why we don’t vacation often. My son got to experience flying and he loved climbing the mountain in Arizona, seeing his grandma (the highlight of our trip), eating some great fondue from the Melting Pot, shaking Buzz Light Years hand and riding his first roller coaster. I just hope he remembers it all. My daughter, well she played and played and enjoyed swimming and being with mom and dad. She won’t remember anything but we gave her some experiences to help her development and best of all (besides seeing grandma) she loved Sea World. Read the rest of this entry »
Art supplies are wonderful and versatile. What other items offer fun play, creative expression, and learning all in one…for very inexpensive prices?
