I was happy to hear about the launch of a new magazine for mamas who care about the environment and healthful living, called Mindful Mama Magazine.

The magazine, which will be available through health care practitioners, at bookstores, boutiques and natural food stores in July, will actively promote (according to a recent press release):

o Simplicity
o Products that are non-toxic to mom and baby
o Products and services produced using sustainable practices
o Companies that make efforts to green their workspace
o Companies that actively work to reduce their carbon footprint
o Companies that donate a portion of profits to a good cause
o Mother-owned businesses or parent-friendly workplaces

And if that isn’t good enough, there are articles posted on their blog by experts in areas you’d recognize, such as the author include Giuditta Tornetta, author of Painless Childbirth and Elizabeth Pantley, author of numerous parenting books, including the No Cry Sleep Solution.

They’ve also launched the first social networking platform just for like minded mamas, “to connect moms directly with birth professionals and wellness practitioners-including obstetricians, midwives, doulas, birth educators, yoga instructors, massage therapists and naturopathic doctors.” This seems like a great resource for expecting moms to learn what services are available in their area, and to network with other moms who care about what they do.

What I am particularly impressed with is a feature that will be included in each issue. Mindful Mama will include a sustainability grid, where moms can compare their favorite products for social responsibility, environmental awareness and best business practices.

And for you mamas who are inspired to write and would like some fabulous eco-booty as a result of your efforts, read on. One of my favorite singer songwriters, Ani Difranco, is encouraging mamas to write in response to the question, What Does it Mean to Be a Mindful Mama? beginning on July 1st. Over 25 leading companies have teamed together to offer $10,000 in gear and eco-friendly prizes to their favorite submissions. The grand prize winner of the essay contest will receive two tickets to see Ani perform in NYC; All expenses paid, including a babysitter. (This has to be one of the best contest rewards I have ever seen-).

I’ve often wondered about Ani Difranco since she became a mother. In college, I got my first Ani tape from a friend, and I was instantly a fan. It’s no exaggeration to say that in spirit she accompanied through the 90s, empowering me to realize the power of being a woman (Board Room), the difficult situations with male “friends” (Gratitude), and inspiring me to channel feelings about injustice in the world into action (countless songs), among many other things. Her music and my rising independence as a woman seemed to walk hand and hand for a long while. So when I heard she had a child, I wondered how she was navigating that right of passage and transition into motherhood. I had hoped to read about her, but being the mother of two small children myself, I’ve never gotten around to it. I was happy to read that she is supporting the launch of this magazine and site, and I can finally get updated on her transition.

So in addition to what seems like a great new magazine, blog, social networking site and contest, they’ve posted an interview with Ani from the Telluride Bluegrass Festival (which I have always dreamed of attending).