I spent this weekend at the biggest conference for bloggers in the world, Blogher or as we know it on Twitter #blogher09! Bloggers streamed into Chicago from all walks of life, including a few Eco Childs Play bloggers. I was able to attend the conference thanks to my sponsor, Goddard Child Development Centers.
Yup, Goddard’s going green and I’m in support of anywhere that children congregate going green so I was happy to accept their sponsorship. And, I enjoyed seeing all the women who attended Blogher sporting babies in slings, lugging breast pumps and promoting green living, including the Blogher organizers.
While I did my best to have a green conference, I have some tips for myself for attending Blogher next year or for any other trip I take.
1) Bring a reusable water bottle. (Since, the highly intelligent Homeland Security rules suspiciously view Moms with 2 car seats, a diaper bag and 25 toys will mostly likely be also carrying a bomb in a water bottle.) Not only is this an excellent choice for the plane, where you can ask the flight attendant to fill it up once on the flight, but it also is handy when wandering around the conference looking for something to drink that doesn’t come in a disposable container.
2) Recycle the soap and shampoo. This is a program that the organizers at Blogher put in place and I was thrilled. You know those tiny little bottles they put in every room? Well, after the conference all of those little bottles were redistributed to a shelter. What a great idea! Many hotels have adopted the idea. Check when you make your reservation to see if you are staying at one that does.
3) Don’t “Pump and Dump”. The TSA has modified the rules regarding breast milk. Bring your breast pump, a cooler and plenty of bottles. You are able to take more than 3 ounces of breast milk through security now, whether you are traveling with your baby or not!
4) Bring home your recyclables. Ok this sounds a bit radical and, I admit, I don’t bring ALL of them home. I try to stay away from disposable goods at home and away, but I must admit, I did stuff a few plastic bits and pieces of cardboard I my suitcases to reuse in art projects at home and then recycle.
5) Walk as much as possible. On a business trip in a strange city it’s almost de rigueur to grab a cab. Grab a map instead or ask the front desk just how far that appointment is!
Blogher made a big effort to go green this year. I’m trying too!
These are some great ideas. I’ve done a good amount of traveling this summer and had a hard time staying green. While being green can be convenient at home, it can be tough on the road.
This is good news about Goddard. I recently got a catalog for outfitting children’s schools and daycare centers and the number of PVC products was alarming. Aside from being linked to any number of health issues it is also being banned in toys and mattresses… And when I asked the staff, several times, about the large scale use of PVC I did not get a reply in any form.
Some great ideas to consider when travelling. I always find that if you spend enough time planning your trip, it’s less likely you’d need to buy any disposable items.
So True Maria and Cara,
There were so many green bloggers at BlogHer I learned a few new green tricks too- like keep the container in which your toothbrush comes- makes a great travel case!
Great suggestions and congrats on your sponsor! I would also throw in check out your hotel on http://www.EnvironmentallyFriendlyHotel.com to make sure they are doing their part by going green! They list a hotel’s green features all the way down to if they compost!
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for posting a great question on such an important topic. The health and safety of children is a Goddard School’s top priority. Goddard Systems, Inc. conducts thorough research on the items used on our classrooms. Our schools use the highest quality products available and all are tested and approved by the CPSC. The large soft climbing or gross motor equipment in question does not contain PVC, poly vinyl chloride. These items are products of Children’s Factory, who ensures that all materials contain only the finest virgin materials and contain no latex. The outside hygienic covers use three different materials depending on use and preference: nylon reinforced vinyl, expanded vinyl materials including Naugahyde®, and cotton chintz. The fabrics are tough enough to be used by our active preschoolers and durable enough for our teachers to sanitize regularly.
If you have any further question, please contact Sue Adair at 610.265.8510 or sadair@goddardsystems.com. Thanks again for your question.