Environment, Organics, Fair Trade & Recycling at Big Green Purse

Rebuild Sustainably After Natural Disasters Strike

Diane MacEachern — 2013-06-12T10:27:32-07:00

If there's any silver lining in the dark weather clouds hanging over most of the country right now, it's in the opportunity they're creating to transform our cities and towns into the energy-saving, water-saving, safe and healthy communities they should be.

Greensburg, Kansas provides a perfect example of how a town sheared down to the very ground it was built on has become a model of sustainability, not just for the U.S., but for the entire world.

At 9:45 pm on May 4, 2007, an EF5 tornado whipped through rural Greensburg, essentially destroying the entire town. (Photo at right from the GreensburgGreentown.org website; see more amazing photos on the blog of professional photographer Galen Buller.)

Within days, the community decided to rebuild their homes and businesses sustainably. Yes, they wanted to get their lives back on track. But they also wanted to create a "model green town" for the future. They formed a non-profit organization called Greensburg GreenTown, with an ambitious and inspiring vision (taken directly from their website, GreensburgGreentown.org):

Vision

Greensburg GreenTown exists to:

Make it easier for residents to ascribe to and adhere to green practices, and to make green living appealing to people.
Engage as many residents as possible in the enthusiastic pursuit of making Greensburg a model green community.
Establish incentives in order to maximize the participation of businesses and residents in rebuilding Greensburg as a model green community.
Bring in resources and support from around the country to make the dreams of Greensburg as a model green community a reality.
Make it easier for builders, building supply companies, and local businesses to do business as green as possible.
Work to spur economic development with a green emphasis.
Serve the residents in an unbiased consumer advocate capacity, striving to get them the best value for their money as they rebuild their homes and businesses.

The impact that vision had on rebuilding led to substantial environmental gains for the community. When homes were rebuilt, they included:

* 400 dual-flush, low-flow toilets and dozens of water-saving sinks, estimated to now be saving up to 2,500,000 gallons of water per year over the pre-storm toilets

* 260 low-flowshowerheads, saving the average family of three up to 2,700 gallons of water per year

* 300 sets of microfiber kitchen and bath cloths, saving every family that uses them money they might otherwise spend on paper towels (TADGreen, which donated the cloths, estimates that if each household in the U.S. replaced one roll of paper towels with an E-cloth, we could save 544,000 trees annually).

Residents also received instructions on how to use non-toxic products to clean their homes; reusable shopping bags to minimize use of disposable plastic bags; and subscriptions to Mother Earth News for regular information on topics like organic gardening and solar energy systems.

Meanwhile, a reclaimed lumber project was launched. Instead of dumping fallen trees in a landfill, the wood was salvaged so it could be used for furniture and trim. And thanks to energy efficiency improvements made when homes were rebuilt, the average Greensburg home now uses 41% less energy than a standard code home.

On the business side, the town launched the Chain of Eco-Homes Project, a series of demonstration homes that feature a variety of building techniques, sizes, prices and energy-efficiency features. The Eco-Homes Project is intended to be the cornerstone of a new eco-tourism industry in Greensburg, where one of the first homes completed is also serving as an eco bed-and-breakfast for people who come to see and learn from these innovative Kansans.

Greensburg still has work to do to completely realize the inspiring vision it laid out when it created its Greentown idea. But it won't be alone. According to the non-profit Worldwatch Institute, in 2012, there were 905 natural catastrophes worldwide, 93 percent of which were related to tornados, hurricanes, floods, drought and other natural disasters. Here in the U.S. Hurricane Sandy and the devastation it caused in New York and New Jersey received much of the publicity, but the drought in the Midwest and floods in many other parts of the country have also left a wake of destruction that needs to be cleaned up and reclaimed.

And there's more. As recently as last month, two massive tornadoes of equal power to the one that flattened Greensburg tore through Oklahoma. The first destroyed the city of Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City; rebuilding it is estimated to cost $2 billion. The second ravaged an area 20 miles from Moore, with damage estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

All of these communities can learn from Greensburg, and they should. While it can be hard for a home owner, local government, or business to feel they can afford to make sustainability upgrades to their existing homes and buildings, it only makes sense to do so when they're rebuilding from scratch.

It also makes sense to do so as more and more scientific research links severe weather events to climate change. "Climate change" describes the alterations to climate and weather patterns that are occurring due to the build-up of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases in the atmosphere. CO2 comes from burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. The only way to reduce CO2 build-up is to cut back on our use of fossil fuels. Greensburg, Kansas is showing us how to do that. Tornadoes, hurricanes and other extreme weather events are showing us that we must.

Climate Change Affects Our Health, Our Homes, Our Families and Our Future

Insulate Now to Reduce High Air Conditioning Costs

Diane MacEachern — 2013-06-03T08:29:45-07:00

Most people don't think about insulating their homes until the fall. With winter looming, consumers know that higher heating costs will hit them right where it hurts - in their pocket books.

But guess what? As climate change increases, it is becoming more expensive to cool your home in the summer than heat it in the winter. Here's a copy of my 2012 electricity bill, which shows how much electricity I use month to month and compares 2012 overall to 2011. (I have an electric heat pump for both heating and cooling). I use almost twice as much energy to cool my home in July and August than to heat it in November and December!

All of which is to say that, as we face another blistering summer, now is a smart time to think about insulating your home to keep hot air out and cooled air in.

The Mark Group, a company based in the United Kingdom but with offices in Philadelphia, Delaware, and New Jersey, is sponsoring this post to let you know what energy-saving options you can take advantage of right now. They include:

* Home Energy Assessment - Is your attic leaking energy, your basement, or both? Do your windows and doors need extra insulation? What about the cracks around your chimney? In 60-90 minutes, at no charge to you, the Mark Group will take a thermal photo of your home to help you identify where it makes the most sense to insulate.

* Home Energy Audit - This is a more extensive analysis of where your home is losing air that's been heated or cooled. It also tests and analyzes the amount of energy your appliances use. After the audit, you'll receive a comprehensive home performance report that includes recommendations for energy saving improvements. The cost of the audit depends on where you live; both New Jersey and Pennsylvania help consumers offset your out-of-pocket expenses.

* Air Sealing & Insulation - Heat rises in the winter and builds up in the attic in the summer. To save energy and money, seal gaps and cracks around the perimeter of the attic floor, where the interior wall studs intersect with the attic floor, as well as around recessed lighting cans, ceiling fans, and other openings. Once all the gaps are sealed, you and your energy advisor can figure out whether you need to add additional insulation to prevent conditioned air from escaping through the attic floor. You can follow a similar process to insulate your basement and crawl spaces.

* Lighting - Take stock of the light bulbs you use indoors and out. A variety of energy-saving compact fluorescents (CFLs) and LEDs can help you minimize the amount of money you're spending on lighting. Plus, I love the fact that, once installed, many of these bulbs last for a decade or more. I'm too busy to keep changing light bulbs, aren't you?

* Solar Hot Water and Electric - Is solar energy right for you? It depends on the home you live in, what part of the country you live in, and how much direct solar "gain" you can capture on your roof or in a system near your house. An energy audit can also let you know if you should consider solar and how much it will cost.

Summer or winter, insulating your home saves energy, increases your comfort levels, and helps you do your part to save energy and help reduce climate change. You can get much more information from the Mark website. In the United Kingdom, you'll find them here. In the U.S., start here.

Even if Mark doesn't have an office in your state or community, you'll find the website highly informative, and you'll be able to compare what they offer to similar companies that serve your neighborhood. Note that the Mark Group received the 2012 Super Service Award from Angie's List. Whomever you do business with, make sure they are reputable, experienced, and affordable.

Full disclosure: The Mark Group underwrote this post in order to let me offer you insights on the importance of insulating your home any time of the year. The opinions expressed are my own. As you know from reading my blog, I am a strong proponent of energy efficiency and believe we should all do as much as possible to reduce the amount of energy we consume. Thanks!

In My Element at Element Hotel in NYC

Diane MacEachern — 2013-05-29T08:25:30-07:00

If you're looking for an eco-friendly hotel for business travel or vacation, put the Element chain at the top of your list.

I recently was offered the chance to spend three nights at the Element Times Square West in New York City in exchange for providing my unvarnished feedback on the hotel's environmental attributes. Many hotels "talk the talk" when it comes to being green; did Element actually "walk the walk?" Here's what I found out.

LOCATION

The Element chain is relatively new; though it's part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts family, there are only 10 Elements in the U.S. and a few abroad (though more are on the drawing board). The upside is that you can earn Starwood points if you stay there. The downside is that you won't yet be able to find an Element everywhere you travel.

Fortunately, one place where you can find it is in Manhattan - Times Square, to be exact. In an effort to make my trip as "eco" as possible, I traveled there by bus rather than plane from Washington, D.C. where I live, to 7th Avenue and 34th Street, right across from Macy's original department store. I was then able to walk about 10 minutes to get to the Element (on 8th Ave. and 39th). The train into New York's Penn Station would have also put me within walking distance. And if I'd driven? It would have taken me around four hours, the same amount of time as the bus. But if I'd driven an electric car, I could have charged it at the charging station right across the street from the Element's entrance.

From the Element, I could get anywhere - either on foot, via the subway or by pedaling one of the bicycles the hotel makes available for free to patrons. I actually walked just about everywhere I went, covering almost 10 miles total during my three-day visit. On one afternoon, I headed uptown, through Times Square, all the way to Central Park. On another day, I walked over to the High Line, a magnificent elevated walk way that runs from the edge of Times Square to the art district in Chelsea. When I wanted to go to a club down in Greenwich Village, it was easy to hop on the nearby subway. From an environmental point of view, transportation couldn't have been more accessible or efficient.

WHAT MAKES THE HOTEL "GREEN?"

The hotel itself was mostly a treat. The check-in staff couldn't have been more friendly, and the lobby was bright and airy, with urns of filtered water and baskets of apples set out for people to grab coming or going. Monday through Thursday, guests are invited to a complimentary wine tasting. A knowledgeable concierge is on hand to help book theater tickets or provide maps.

Russell Porter, the hotel's Director of Sales, gave me a tour to help point out the Element's various green features. All the walls, he said, are painted with Benjamin Moore Natura Zero VOC paint throughout. That means no nasty fumes contributing to indoor air pollution. The building is in the process of becoming LEED certified, a designation awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council for "leadership in energy and environmental design." Compact fluorescent and LED bulbs provide lighting throughout. Furniture is made from soy-based fabric. Needless to say, there's no smoking anywhere in the building. In fact, smokers are supposed to smoke 25 feet away from the building when they go outside. All the wall signs are green, a subtle reminder of the goal to minimize the building's impact on nature.

One thing I got a kick out of was the fitness center. In addition to various free weights, treadmills, and weight machines, it includes a stationary bicycle that will re-charge a cell phone battery as the pedals revolve. I'd love to see bikes like that at my fitness center!

One thing that gave me a headache - literally - was the "natural fragrance" being dispersed in the hotel lobby. I am somewhat chemically sensitive, and much prefer to be in a space that is fragrance-free. I believe the fragrance in the Element was intended to smell like green tea; whatever it was, I contracted a splitting headache within minutes of entering the lobby. Fortunately, my room did not emit that smell. I imagine it would be much more difficult for someone who is highly chemically sensitive.

MY ROOM

I had an incredible view from my room, which was on the 37th floor of the hotel. Looking out windows that opened for fresh air, I could see the Empire State Building in one direction and the Hudson River in another. I'm used to staring at dark, narrow alleys when I stay in New York, so that fabulous vista was a real pleasure.

The room itself seemed to be the standard size for a New York hotel room - there was just enough space for the king-sized bed, a narrow desk and chair, and a flat screen tv. Evidently, the Element caters to people who might stay long enough to want to cook or keep a lot of food available, as each room is also equipped with a refrigerator/freezer, cooktop, dishwasher and kitchen sink, along with a coffee pot. The appliances are all energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR models, and the sink faucet conserves water. Several bins make it easy to recycle paper and trash.

The liquid soap was a Seventh Generation, non-toxic product. But the dishwasher was using a pod of powder that seemed decidedly less eco-friendly to me. It would be easy to switch to the Seventh Gen dishwasher cleanser.

The hotel provided a basket of coffee pouches and tea bags, too. They could easily be organic, but they weren't.

THE BATHROOM

The eco-friendliness continued into the bathroom. The toilet was a dual-flush, water-saving model, and the low-flow sink faucet and shower head conserve H2O as well. I appreciated the fact that liquid soap and shampoo in the shower were dispensed by bulk containers rather than those annoying individual plastic bottles so many hotels ply to their guests. The Element does provide small bars of soap for the bathroom sink, but collects them, sanitizes them and donates them to charity rather than toss them after a guest leaves. Element encourages guests to reuse their towels rather than get fresh towels every day, an energy- and water-saving measure that many hotels worldwide have adopted.

One issue I had with the bathroom was that the mirror was a bit hard to reach when I was trying to put on make-up - and there were no other mirrors that were both easily accessible and well-enough lit to do the job. I would have appreciated having access to a bright make-up mirror somewhere in the room or the bathroom.

FOOD

Though there is no restaurant per se in the Element, the hotel provides a hearty, free continental breakfast each morning, including juice, coffee, tea, locally sourced fruit, yogurt, granola, bagels, bread for toast or peanut butter sandwiches, pastries, muffins, and breakfast burritos consisting of eggs and cheese with or without turkey sausage. Though the plates and bowls are disposable, the Element composts them, along with its food waste. It's a bit of a mob scene, with people pouring in in their PJ's or work-out clothes as well as their suits and heels to grab a bite before heading out for the day. On the other hand, everyone was pretty friendly, and I enjoyed the chance to say hello to the visitors from England, France, Italy, Germany and many other countries the Element attracts.

FINAL ANALYSIS?

Overall, I'd definitely stay in the Element again. I've come to expect that most hotels are using energy-efficient light bulbs and encouraging guests to re-use their towels, but Element's focus on non-toxic building materials, easy in-room recycling, use of recycled fabrics for furniture and emphasis on locally sourced food for its breakfast bar put it a step above its competitors.

That said, I hope they tone down the use of that fragrance in the lobby - it's overpowering and really not necessary. I'd love to see organic teas and coffees in the room and at the breakfast bar, another mirror in the bathroom, and more chairs in the dining area to accommodate more people at breakfast.

It also occurs to me that, in keeping with their environmental theme, the hotel could prepare a "green attractions" guide to make available to guests to help people get out and see some of the eco-sites in New York City: the High Line, the Zoo at Central Park, the Botanic Gardens, etc.

Those quibbles aside, the Element is setting a terrific example for other hotels aiming to be "green."

Get more suggestions for a "green" vacation here.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I was not paid to review the Element hotel in New York, but I did receive free accommodations for the three nights I was there. As I hope you can tell, that benefit did not influence my review of the hotel.

EcoCentric Mom Box Review: Ooh, Aah, and Yum

Diane MacEachern — 2013-05-28T09:03:36-07:00

Every Ecocentric Mom Box comes packed with a selection of interesting, useful and tasty treats that help me make healthier, more eco-friendly choices when I shop. Here's the lowdown on what's in this month's box:

FOOD FIRST

Kallari Organic Chocolate Bar - I've written before why it's so important for chocolate to be produced organically. And when you shift your spending to organic chocolate, you encourage more conventional manufacturers to become more organic, too. Your purse power aside, Kallari chocolates make the shift worthwhile just because they taste so good. The 70% cacao bar included in this month's Ecocentric Mom Box was smooth, creamy and very flavorful. Plus, I love the fact that Kallari is produced via a cooperative of 850 indigenous Kichwa families in the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. The cooperative shares 100% of their profits among 21 rainforest communities to "maintain our way of life in one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth." Try a bar!

Gnu Bar - This "flavor & fiber" bar tastes good (well, it is chocolate...see above) and actually seems like real food, as opposed to many power or nutrition bars.

Orgain Certified Organic Nutritional Shake - If you're the type who prefers to drink your breakfast or have a power shake after a workout, Orgain is worth a look. In addition to a sample shake, the Mom Box included an offer code to receive 40% off the sales of price of Orgain online.

CLEAN UP

I appreciate the various cleaning products Ecocentric Mom has introduced me to over the past few months. Here are a few new options I'm trying out, thanks to the May box.

Fisika Soap - This handmade olive oil soap lathers up nicely but leaves no sticky residue the way some soaps do.

Branch Basics - This concentrated liquid spray cleaner is gentle enough for your hands but effective enough to treat clothing stains and kitchen grease.

doTerra Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Lemon Essential Oil - Essential oils come in handy when you want to make your own home cleansers, mosquito repellents, and pot pourri. doTerra recommends using its lemon essential oil for all that - plus in a tea or by itself to soothe a sore throat.

MAKE UP & SKIN CARE

Elma & Sana Argan Oil Lip Balm - The argan oil for this product is purchased directly from certified organic cooperatives in Morocco. It feels very rich and emollient, and the peppermint flavor does not overwhelm the balm.

Coco Plum Soothe Spray - Just in time for summer, this skin spray will help relieve sunburn, rash, and itch. It's crafted from organic green tea, aloe vera, and a clend of essential oils.

Purely You Minerals Satin Plum Eye-Shadow - Purely You Minerals handmakes all natural, gluten free, and cruelthy free products. No nano particles, either. Not into eye shadow? Try some of their other products, including blush and lip balm.

Pura Botanica's Botanic Bath Infusion - Rose Retreat - Bath infusions are three-in-one bath therapies that combine restorative minearal sea salts, fragrant essential oils, and herbs and flowers. Pour the infusion under running water in your tub, then sit back, breathe deeply, and relax...

Water Wipes - These soft, water-based wipes can be used when you don't have access to cloth for baby's bottom, a kid's sticky face, or to remove unwanted make-up at the end of the day.

COUPONS & GIFT CARDS

One of the "extras" in every Mom Box comes in the form of discount coupons. This month's cards included:

Indigenous - A $15 gift card from this clothing company that makes stylish sweaters, tunics, scarves and more out of organic and fair trade cotton and wool in South America.

GreenDeals- A $5 gift card you can use on pretty much any of the daily deals offered on this site, where a variety of eco-friendly products are vetted by Green America.

GoGreen Marketplace - A $5 gift card you can use on any of the products offered in this marketplace, from cosmetics and cleansers to clothing and accessories.

Not a member of EcoCentric Mom? It's easy - just sign up here!

Full Disclosure - EcoCentric Mom pays me to review their Mom box every month and provide my honest opinion to them and to you, our readers. I also receive a very small commission if someone decides to subscribe to EoCentric Mom from this blog. These small fees help me to continue to provide you with helpful and timely information. They in no way influence my opinion of the products I review. Thanks.

What Makes EPIC So "Epic"? Great Animation, Green Message

Diane MacEachern — 2013-05-24T13:24:12-07:00

Tiny, champion Leaf Men. Evil, creepy "Boggans." A talking snail and a comical slug. A handsome rogue who can ride a sparrow faster than anyone around. A teenage girl who tries to run away but learns to ride a hummingbird instead. And a big magical forest that will die unless the Leaf Men, the runaway and the slimy things prevail.

PLUS animation so vibrant and lively you'll feel like you're defending the forest, too - rather than watching it unfold in 3-D.

That's EPIC in a nutshell, a fantastic eco-blockbuster opening Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to Team ENERGY STAR, I was invited to attend the movie's star-studded "green carpet" premiere in New York City - along with several of the celebrities who voiced the movie's characters. Team ENERGY STAR hopes EPIC raises awareness about the importance of protecting the planet and stopping climate change, especially among kids.

EPIC puts it in a bigger context: of good vs evil,the need to safeguard the natural systems that protect life on Earth, and the importance of working together to make a difference. Says Ronin, the Leaf Men's leader, "We're all leaves on the same tree." In other words, as individual as each and everyone of us is, we're all living on the same planet. If we don't protect it, who will?

But back to the celebrities. Before we get to the names you'll recognize (hint hint: Amanda Seyfried, Colin Farrell, Aziz Ansari...), here's a photo of the people who are the real stars to us green moms who were in the audience: the kids for whom the movie was made.

Though I left my children at home, several of the moms who attended the premiere with me had their kids in tow. Not to be outdone by our offspring, here we all are on our way in to the theater (from left: Lori of Groovy Green Livin, Shane of Environmental Booty, Tiffany of Nature Moms, me, and Leigh of Green4U.)

Said Lori, "The movie grabbed me from the start. The imagery was breathtaking-enhanced by 3D glasses. My boys were sitting in front of me and they didn’t move from beginning to end...One line I heard during the movie that hit home was “We all have the power to make a difference." I have to agree!

Shane was captivated by the sheer awesomeness of the animation. "From the very first scene, I could tell that it was something different. Throughout the entire movie, I just kept thinking to myself that the 3D imagery was so beautiful. That beautiful imagery, mixed with the soundtrack and many surprising action sequences, makes Epic the perfect, can't miss, family movie."

Leigh agreed that "EPIC The Movie is Epic! ... it is like nothing you have ever seen before. The forest came alive in the scene and you were taken into the world that we live near all the time but never saw quite the this way in a movie. Epic is visually amazing but it also tells a great story."

Tiffany captured everyone's enthusiasm in her review: "I absolutely ADORED this movie," she raved. "I laughed, I cried, and I was mesmerized by the images and story. My daughter loved it as well and is saying it is her second favorite movie of all time (after Wreck it Ralph). I don't think I have ever seen a more beautiful animated movie actually. Blue Sky Studios and director Chris Wedge did a fantastic job creating a fantasy world hidden within our own world."

Speaking of the director, after the premiere, we bloggers had a chance to sit down with him and some of the film's stars, including Amanda Seyfried, the voice of M.K., the runaway girl turned heroine; Colin Farrell, who plays Ronin, the leader of the Leaf Men; and Aziz Ansari and Chris O'Dowd, the hilarious voices behind the snail and the slug. (Colin Farrell is 4th from left; Amanda Seyfried is the blonde next to him; I'm third from right in back row, with director Chris Wedge, the tall man in the blue shirt on the end of the back row.)

Harriet of Climate Mama joined us for the roundtable, where she pointedly asked the celebs how they thought we could get Hollywood to pay more attention to climate change.

"Chris Wedge (the director) reminded us that through social media, we are all very powerful. He suggested that if enough people remind the studios what we like and what we want to see, the studios will listen."

Added Chris Wedge,

"The idea behind the movie was that we would go to a place that seems familiar to us, but we would see the magic inside of it. And when I wanted always to get in touch with that from an emotional perspective, I thought about the times that I just walk into the forest, whenever I'm by myself, and just stop and listen and just feel it, because you can feel the presence of some kind of nature power going on all the time.

There's a little movie going on with the squirrels that are chasing around and the things are growing out of trees, and it's always happening, and you can feel the presence of that.

So, my hope was that a kid would go out and see like, wow, those birds making all that noise, that's not just a sparrow chasing a crow away from its nest, it's Leafman and Boggins that are fighting, that would be it for me. There's magic out there that we just don't pay attention to."

Recommends Leigh: "When you leave the movie and you are talking to your kids about the theme of the movie and the environment, use it as a time to talk to them about other environmental issues like climate change. What if there was a big storm in the forest at the end of the movie and the moon was blocked? What can we do to make sure the forest stays the way it is?"

"Have your kids write their thoughts down to enter the Team Energy Star contest for a chance to win great prizes," she suggests. "Kids are so thoughtful and have such great passion for the environment, let them share it in the contest. Even if they do not want to enter have them go to the Energy Star website and learn more about what they can do to help save the forest we live in."

They can see what some other kids think about the movie and ENERGY STAR in this fun video produced by the Boys and Girls Club of America, who took their cameras and questions to the green carpet, too.

Do Your Kids Think Saving Energy Is Important? Enter Contest by May 31.

Diane MacEachern — 2013-05-23T10:26:04-07:00

Team ENERGY STAR, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's program to help kids and families understand why saving energy is important, has launched a contest to encourage kids to tell us in their own worlds why energy efficiency makes a difference.

To enter, all kids need to do is share their stories on the Team ENERGY STAR web page. The "story" can be told in words, pictures, video, slides, animation, drawings...the sky's (almost) the limit! The deadline for entering is May 31.

EPA and ENERGY STAR will recognize those who tell the best, most inspiring stories with a variety of energy-efficient electronic prizes from LG, including:

· Smart phones

· Feature phones

· 27 inch LED televisions

· Computer monitors

· MP3 Docking Stations

PLUS: YOUR CHILD'S NAME IN LIGHTS

Winners’ names and photos will be broadcast on LG’s billboard in New York's Times Square in conjunction with a Twitter Party on June 7, #TeamENERGYSTAR.

Go to the Team ENERGY STAR website now to get more details and encourage your kids to share their story! (http://www.energystar.gov/team)

Want more background on Team ENERGY STAR and EPIC, this summer's blockbuster eco animated feature film? Here you go!

Saving Energy is Easy & Fun With the Help of Team ENERGY STAR

Diane MacEachern — 2013-05-16T04:33:53-07:00

What does it take to get kids to save energy? Even if it’s just a simple reminder to turn off the lights, that message can get old after awhile – which is why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is inviting kids and families to join Team ENERGY STAR. Team ENERGY STAR makes saving energy fun for kids while giving parents free resources they can use to explain why energy efficiency needs to be a priority at home. The program is particularly unique because it empowers kids to help protect the climate and our air through easy-to-implement, money-saving actions.

It also provides them an outlet for sharing their passion for preserving our environment. This year ENERGY STAR has partnered with the parents group PTO Today and LG Electronics to share Team ENERGY STAR with kids across the country. PTO Today has even brought in the heroic characters from a new summer animated eco feature film, EPIC, which is sure to excite kids of all ages. The movie, voiced by Amanda Seyfried, Beyonce Knowles, Colin Ferrel, and other celebrities you'll recognize, features a young girl who finds herself transported to a beautiful natural world, a world she needs to protect.

Kids who sign up for Team ENERGY STAR and share their story through www.energystar.gov/team will be showcased in social media by EPA. They can also enter PTO Today’s contest for best story. Winners will receive ENERGY STAR certified LG electronics, including cell phones, TVs and MP3 docking stations. Plus, they’ll get their name and photo up in lights on LG’s Times Square billboard in New York City.

Team ENERGY STAR’s summer outreach has inspired dozens of moms and families to get their kids involved, as demonstrated by this blogging carnival, written mostly by moms who are concerned about the health and climate impacts using energy has on our families and communities -- and who believe we all can do something to make a difference.

YOU + YOUR KIDS = HEROES!

Harriet of Climate Mama writes, “As summer approaches and we look forward to enjoying family activities like camping, hiking, walks on the beach, fishing, swimming and biking – all of which nature helps make more magnificent – our families are also confronted by new and daunting challenges that nature is angrily throwing our way: extreme weather, floods, droughts, forest fires, allergies on “steroids,” and super storms. What’s making these weather events worse and how can we “fight back” against these new challenges? Where and who are the heroes that will help us?” Harriet asks. The answer is not Iron Man or the Avengers, but “you and your kids,” along with Mary Katherine, the young girl who saves the day in EPIC, the eco animated film she’ll definitely be taking her kids to see this summer.

Shane of Environmental Booty sees the potential for her kids to be heroes, too. “Team ENERGY STAR puts the power in kids' hands to help protect the climate through easy-to-implement, money-saving actions and provides them an outlet for sharing their passion for preserving our environment,” she writes.

Last year, Shane’s daughter won the ENERGY STAR challenge, and she is encouraging kids this year to enter the contest, too. “The first 200 families to submit an energy-saving story will receive 2 tickets each to see EPIC, courtesy of Fox. Kids will also get the chance to earn some great prizes from LG Electronics USA and maybe even see their name in lights in Times Square.” Sounds like fun!

It IS fun, says Dominique at My Work at Home World, which is why this initiative is so successful. "Ever wondered how to get your kids involved in saving energy AND the environment? ENERGY STAR has a simple and FUN answer! Team ENERGY STAR! Team ENERGY STAR makes learning about how to save energy fun and can help SAVE THE WORLD! What kid (or parent?) doesn't want to be a hero?"

SUMMERTIME IS THE PERFECT TIME TO GET STARTED

Allyson at EcoNews Network agrees that summer is the perfect time to take energy efficiency seriously. It’s “the season where energy consumption skyrockets,” she notes. “That’s why it’s important to get our kids to hop on the energy efficiency bandwagon. They can finally do something eco-friendly, especially while at home on their summer breaks.”

With the average home giving off more than 20,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year and homes spending more than $2,000 per year on energy bills, she says, “our children should know how and why it’s important to save energy. Kids might think saving energy is boring, but there’s a way to make it fun, and that’s where Team ENERGY STAR comes in handy.”

Linda of Asian Mommy agrees. “Team ENERGY STAR is a great way to inspire kids and families to save energy. I hope all Asian Mommy readers will visit the website and join.”

Dorinda at Raising Green Richmond Kids is another mom who appreciates that “Summertime is a great time of year to talk to your children about energy conservation as energy use goes through the roof. At our home our children know about the little things they can do to help save energy around our house. We have talked about turning off the lights and TV when leaving a room, dressing warmly so we can keep the thermostat down a degree or two.” ENERGY STAR makes it easier to help kids understand how they make a difference.

Paige at Spit That Out the Book recalls that “Every summer when the air conditioners in my neighborhood go into full blast mode, we experience frequent power outages. It’s amazing how much energy it takes to power just one street! That’s why it’s important to consider the small steps of energy saving and upgrading broken appliances with ENERGY STAR certified products.” She also appreciates that “Team ENERGY STAR empowers kids to help protect the climate through easy-to-implement, money-saving actions and provides them an outlet for sharing their passion for preserving our environment.”

I raise a red flag over at Moms Clean Air Force. "Summer brings many great experiences and memories for families—barbecues, swimming, hot nights and summer movies. It also brings a familiar and unpleasant sight for many communities—a smoggy skyline and poor air quality that can make it tough for kids to breathe," I report. "Fortunately, you don’t need to be an expert on smog to be able to explain that one way to clear the air is by shifting to cleaner sources of energy like solar and wind. It’s even easier to explain that using energy more efficiently – using less energy to do the same job – is something that everyone can do at home. Plus, using energy more efficiently helps reduce the gases that cause climate change."

Calley at The Eco Chick is worried about extreme weather events. “With summer approaching quickly, it’s time to start thinking about hurricane season again in Florida; except Florida isn’t the only place where hurricanes can strike. Our biggest fear when moving to Tampa was of hurricanes and having to run from them each year. What we realized is that these storms can strike anywhere and are likely to cause more damage to those areas that are not prepared. Scientists have been indicating that climate change may be to blame for increased hurricane strength, making them even more dangerous. With Hurricane Sandy devastating areas of New York it makes me wonder what this year’s hurricane season will look like.” Calley offers “7 Things You Can Do to Save Energy,” including joining Team ENERGY STAR.

Katy at Non-Toxic Kids also worries that “the Earth’s climate is changing in ways that can have serious consequences for public health. Climate change will likely increase the number of people suffering from illness and injury due to more pollution, extreme heat, floods, storms, droughts and fires as well as allergies and infectious disease. The elderly, the very young, the disabled, and the poor alone are especially vulnerable, as are people with heart disease or asthma. Climate change is also expected to cause more severe allergy symptoms because a warmer climate promotes the growth of molds, weeds, grasses and trees that cause allergic reactions.”

THE BENEFITS OF SAVING ENERGY THE ENERGY STAR WAY

Lisa from Condo Blues knows first hand that saving energy saves money. “In 2008, I did a DIY home energy audit using the energy audit tool on the Energy Star web site. The tool suggested a low and a high energy savings goal. My husband and I decided to try reducing our energy use by the high goal, 20%, as a year long project.” That sounds ambitious right? Even so, says Lisa, we reduced our home energy use by 32%. We beat our goal and have been happily averaging 15 Kilowatts of electricity a day ever since.” Why was Lisa so successful? She says it’s because she didn’t try to tackle energy efficiency alone. “It was a family effort,” she reports, like the kind ENERGY STAR promotes, and it made all the difference.

Claire at EcoFriendly Link backs up Lisa’s personal findings with some amazing national statistics. “In 2012, ordinary Americans reduced their utility bills by a staggering $24 billion” by being energy efficient, she says. When you save energy, “you use less power. So you generate less pollution and improve air quality. Climate change threatens human health, society and ecosystems…and is likely to make allergies even worse.” What she likes about ENERGY STAR is that “you don’t need to sacrifice features, style or comfort,” which is why she is referring her readers to ENERGY STAR for ideas on how to save energy and find energy-efficient appliances.”

Jennifer at The Smart Mama is on a whole-household quest to save energy. She's in the middle of a major remodel, and figures buying ENERGY STAR appliances is the smart thing to do (well, after all, she is "the smart mama!"). "Most of our energy - about 70% of the electricity we use - comes from power plants burning fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels causes greenhouse gas emission - the gases that contribute to climate change." That alone would be reason enough to get on the ENERGY STAR bandwagon. But Jennifer goes on to note that "burning fossil fuels spews out a host of chemicals that cause severe health concerns for those living near and far from the power plants...Much of the mercury contaminating our seafood is a result of mercury released from fossil fuel burning power plants. We are all part of this amazing interconnected web, and our personal choices do matter."

Clay and I teamed up at Ways 2 Go Green to sound a hopeful note. We write, "It's never too early to talk to your kids about saving energy." And the sooner the better! "The lights we use, the electronics we charge, and heating and cooling systems we turn on and off all have an impact and contribute climate change. That's why it's so important to instill energy efficient habits in kids from an early age, and teach an awareness of the impact our energy use has on the environment."

Meanwhile, Micaela at Mindful Momma reports that her 8-yr-old son Liam is taking the mission to save energy to heart. He's also trying to save polar bears, animals whose habitat is literally out from under their feet due to the impact climate change is having in the Arctic. "I've talked with him about all the little things he can do to reduce his personal contribution to climate change (and try to stop the polar ice from melting). Things like turning off the lights when he leaves the room, shutting the refrigerator door quickly and biking to soccer practice instead of driving. Even though individual actions like that may seem tiny, I think it's important to make sure kids realize that they do play a part in protecting the climate."

SAVING ENERGY PROTECTS OUR HEALTH

Anne at Flour Sack Mama sounds the alarm on health concerns related to the energy we use. “Anyone out there not know what an inhaler is? Does someone in your family use one or do you know of a young child who must tote one around for after-school activities? It's become commonplace, hasn't it?”

Anne then asks, “Would you like to be part of an effort to clean up whatever's in the air that could be making children sick? You can start today by simply conserving energy. Little habits like teaching children to turn off the light switch when they leave the room, or home maintenance efforts like installing programmable thermostats and picking ENERGY STAR certified appliances -- can all save your family money while helping clean up America's energy conundrum. We all want a comfortable lifestyle, don't we? None of us intended for our comfortable lifestyle to make children or the planet sick, did we?”

Sommer of Green and Clean Mom acknowledges that “It is hard for (my) children to completely understand that the majority of electricity comes from power plants that burn fossil fuels. They cannot see the power plants to understand this but I explain to them that when we burn the fossil fuels this causes greenhouse gas emissions – which affect the environment. I try to explain that when we don’t have to use as much energy we are helping to not burn as much fossil fuel and this not only saves mom and dad money but means that there are less greenhouse gas emissions and that is good for the environment.”

Why Team ENERGY STAR? Why EPIC?

Amity at Green Child Magazine recommends Team ENERGY STAR as a “fun way to get your kids involved in an environment-saving activity.” “Join Team ENERGY STAR to teach children about the importance of saving energy and stopping climate change using easy, money-saving actions!”

Like many of the other moms, Leigh at Green 4 U is looking forward to taking her daughter to see EPIC. “Kids need good role models but kids also love movies and entertainment. There are so many movies out there about princesses and other excessive things; it is great to see a movie that teaches children about environmental stewardship.”

Leigh is also excited about the contests ENERGY STAR offers – because that’s how she herself got involved. “Winning a recycling poster contest was one of the first steps in my green journey. I love the idea of having kids think about energy conservation and why it is important. If you have kids no matter what age, sit down with them and talk about energy conservation, talk about what you can do as a family, let them research things you can do as a family to reduce your energy consumption and let them help implement it in the house. Encourage your kids to submit an entry to the ENERGY STAR contest. Even if they do not win, the excitement of entering and the conversation you will have together around the entry is worth it.”

Sian at That's Amasian appreciates the helpful resources Team ENERGY STAR provides to parents (like her!). "Why? It's the question that plagues all parents of toddlers and preschoolers," she notes. "Kids are endlessly curious about literally everything under the sun and beyond. When we don't have the answers, especially on important issues that affect us all, and that we all can act on (ahem, climate change), I'm grateful for resources for parents, like Team ENERGY STAR. It's an education program that motivates kids and their parents to make energy conservation a fun, family activity. And, it's created by the U.S. EPA so you know that it's backed by accurate information and honest intentions."

Lori at GroovyGreenLivin makes it clear why programs like Team ENERGY STAR matter. "Burning fossil fuels causes greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change – a real and urgent challenge affecting people and the environment worldwide. Using energy-efficient products and practices reduces the amount of carbon pollution added to the atmosphere and can lessen the effects of climate change.” In 2012 alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 50 million cars — all while saving $24 billion on their utility bills.” Those are some pretty impressive stats.

Mary Clare of In Women We Trust asks a key question: “Who is setting the direction of our energy program?” Mary’s hope is that, through efforts like Team ENERGY STAR, America’s youth will become educated enough about the importance of energy efficiency and renewable energy to put our country and the world on a clean energy course. “The EPIC ENERGY STAR program provides posters and online/offline games to give kids tangible things to do and learn how to use less energy, thereby lowering family monthly bills. Once energy consumption is lower, then it’s far easier to replace our national energy needs with safe, clean, and renewable energy.”

Jenn at MNN.com applauds the message behind the EPIC movie that "everyone can make a difference for the planet." “I like that motto,” she says. “Even at the tender young ages of 10 and 7, my girls have already seen how great our local playground looks after a clean-up, or how the little efforts we make at home to cut energy use can add up to big savings at the end of the month.” Jenn hopes her readers will sign the EPIC pledge and share their stories for how they plan to protect the planet.

Tiffany at Nature Moms declares that, “For me it is all about the story. Movies transport me to another world and I get to live someone else’s exciting, dangerous, and inspiring life for a couple hours. I love my own life too, don’t get me wrong, but ever since I was a kid I have just loved living in the fantasy worlds created in books and movies. I have already started my mental list of movies that I absolutely must see this summer and at the tippy top is the animated eco film called EPIC…It looks to be the ultimate in story, fantasy, and fun while also having a hugely important message about the environment and stewardship. We have to get messages like this across to kids in a way that really reaches them and resonates with them. It is getting harder to do with all the distractions that abound today but I think this movie will accomplish it. If I can pair my love of movies with my passion for environmentalism AND take my kids along for the ride…well, sign me up for opening day!”

Nikki at Modern Eco Life is looking forward to the movie, too. EPIC...helps teach kids an important environmental lesson: "protecting the planet is cool," she writes. "The 3D movie tells the story of an ongoing battle deep in the forest between the forces of good and the forces of evil. When a teenage girl gets magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a heroic team to save their world...and ours." Like Nikki says: Cool!

Kim at The Soulicious Life remembers that, “When it comes to living a more eco-friendly existence, simple energy-saving practices were some of the first habits I adopted. To be honest, it goes way back to childhood when my mother - no doubt trying to control the cost of utility bills - was constantly on us to turn down the thermostat and turn off the lights. Now, I instill those same simple practices in (my child). After all molding the next generation’s little brains around energy-saving techniques is never easier than it will be now!”

JOIN TEAM ENERGY STAR TODAY

Erin at Healthy Home Magazine reminds us all that "Team ENERGY STAR makes it easy and enjoyable for the whole family to save energy and money while they do their part to protect the climate. With help from ENERGY STAR and the heroic team from the upcoming filml, EPIC, everyone can make a difference for the planet."

Lindsay at Crunchy Saving concurs, but has an additional reason to join up. "As a homeschooling parent, I am always looking for fun ways to teach my children. I love to use a combination of things such as hands-on learning, interactive learning, as well as traditional school settings. I check out new websites for the kids all the time. I loved the Team ENERGY STAR web page...we received some great educational materials about saving energy." Why bother with the suggested activities? "They're fun!" says Lindsay.

Urges Bri at Eco Baby Mama Drama, "Parents, please take this opportunity to not only educate your children about our duty to take care of the planet and be responsible but to also show them that saving energy is the right choice to make for everyone everyday and can be fun too! Encourage your children to share what they have learned with their friends and set a good example through their actions and be a proud member of Team Energy Star! Together we can all make this effort EPIC!"

I hope you'll join Team ENERGY STAR today. To sign up, head over to the Team Energy Star page to download the pledge and pick up other useful resources like the 'Go Green Night Games' or the Team Energy Star Action Kit. I hope you’ll inspire your child to share a story about why saving energy is important, too.

On Twitter? Join Team ENERGYSTAR June 7, 2013 for a lively Twitter party to share information and ideas on how to get kids, in particular, involved in saving energy. EPA will also announce the winners of the story competition during the party. Use Hashtag #TeamENERGYSTAR to join the fun!

FULL DISCLOSURE:
I am writing about Team ENERGY STAR because I support the program and because I believe it is important to educate the public about energy efficiency and climate change. I am thrilled to also be working on contract to help educate the public about energy efficiency and Team ENERGY STAR.

Mother's Day: Shopping Spree or Shopping Shift?

Diane MacEachern — 2013-05-09T10:53:39-07:00

Mother's Day has become a gigantic shopping event. Next to Christmas and Valentine's Day, consumers spend more money for Mother's Day than they do for any other holiday in the year. This year, according to the National Retail Federation's annual Mother's Day survey, Americans will spend $20.7 billion! That amounts to an average of almost $170 per mom, an 11% increase over last year.

As a mom myself, I love the attention I get on Mother's Day. Who wouldn't want to be surrounded by family, showered with love, and coddled with breakfast in bed, a luxurious morning just reading the paper, and no rushing around to do chores?

But as the founder of Big Green Purse, where I advocate using consumer clout to change the world, I consider Mother's Day a tremendous opportunity - not to buy a lot of stuff, but to take a stand against excessive consumerism and in favor of the products and services that offer the greatest environmental benefit.

DOES YOUR MOM REALLY NEED MORE STUFF?

One of the most powerful and eco ways to use your money is to keep it in your purse or pocket! Most people have enough "stuff" - in fact, many of us are so overwhelmed by clutter that it adds to the stress of managing our households when we get more things we have to find a place for.

Years ago, when our two children were still toddlers, we established a "no gifts on Mother's Day" rule (we do the same thing on Father's Day). I truly appreciate my kids' desire to treat me special on Mother's Day, but for me that means that we have brunch or dinner together, maybe go for a hike or have some other family outing, and tell funny stories about my most memorable/ridiculous "mom moments." When my son and daughter were in elementary and middle school, Mother's Day was also a "no bickering" day. There was no better gift than the 24 conflict-free hours they gave me that one day of the year!

Now that my "kids" are young adults (seen above, with me in the middle in case you can't tell who the 20 somethings are!), we continue to enjoy this same tradition (well, minus the "no bickering" rule, since they don't bicker much any more). We will have a relaxing day, enjoy dinner together, and tell "mom stories." Simple, sweet, and definitely not stressful. I can't imagine anything better.

IF YOU WANT TO GIVE A GIFT, CHOOSE THE GREENEST OPTION

Still, there are millions of people who can't NOT give a gift on Mother's Day. And there are plenty of moms who want to receive an actual present. According to the same National Retail Federation survey, two of the most common gifts given this Sunday will be electronics, and flowers.

ELECTRONICS

If you're giving electronics, check this valuable Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics before you buy. The Guide evaluates leading consumer electronics companies based on their commitment and progress in three environmental areas: Energy and Climate, Greener Products, and Sustainable Operations. The Guide scores companies on overall policies and practices - not on specific products - to provide consumers with a snapshot of the sustainability of the largest electronics companies, looking at the way companies use (or phase out) toxic chemicals, save energy, promote recycling, and help reduce climate change.The Guide does not endorse one company over another.

The most recent Guide was published in November 2012. The Indian company Wipro ranks highest in all categories; the way this business operates provides a useful point of comparison to the other companies Greenpeace evaluated. Wipro may not be easily available at Best Buy or other stores where you shop - but HP, the next highest ranking manufacturer, is.

Of course, you don't necessarily have to buy new. "The most sustainable devices are the ones you don't actually buy," notes Greenpeace. "Work to extend the life of your existing electronic gadgets, buy used products, and purchase what you truly need."

Recycle as part of your present to Mom

Whether you buy new or used, recycle Mom's old equipment as part of your present to her. Discarded electronics are the fastest growing segment of the waste stream, but they add more than metal trash to the garbage. Most electronics contain circuits made from heavy metals that can contaminate the groundwater and soil. You can recycle pretty much any phone, tablet, monitor, hard drive, laptop, and fax machine at Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot.

For other convenient recycling options, this list will make it easy for you.

FLOWERS

I'm a sucker for beautiful bouquets of cut flowers. But I've learned to value flowers that are locally grown and seasonal over blooms that have been imported from abroad. Why?

Seventy percent of U.S. flowers are imported from Latin America, where growers in Columbia, Ecuador and other countries use pesticides that have long been banned in the U.S. A 2002 survey of 8,000 Colombian flower workers revealed exposure to 25 carcinogenic or highly toxic pesticides that are not used in the United States.

Often, women flower growers suffer impaired vision, asthma, and miscarriage or give birth to babies marked by lower birth weights and higher blood pressure. Thirty-five out of 72 Ecuadoran children tested by the Harvard School of Public Health experienced organophosphate pesticides in the womb while their mothers grew flowers. These children later suffered both higher blood pressure and poorer spatial ability than kids who escaped prenatal exposures. Overall, according to a study by the International Labor Rights Fund (ILRF), two-thirds of Colombian and Ecuadorian flower workers suffer work-related health problems ranging from impaired vision and neurological problems Some women give birth to stillborn infants, or see their children die within a month after birth.

Meanwhile, the International Labor Organization estimates that 20 percent of flower workers in Ecuador are children, who are more vulnerable to chemical hazards than adults because their immune systems and vital organs are still immature. According to Environmental News Network, imported roses can contain as much as 50 times the amount of pesticides that are legally allowed on the food we eat. The U.S. requires imported flowers to be bug-free, but unlike edible fruits and vegetables they are not tested for chemical residues. So even if you’re not growing these flowers yourselves, you may still be bringing the chemicals used on them into your home.

If you have the option, buy flowers that are locally grown by American farmers who must obey U.S. regulations about pesticide use and application.

If you prefer to order flowers online, shop at Organic Bouquet, whose EcoBloom Certified roses will also be delivered with free bars of Endangered Species chocolate.

California Organic Flowers offers another online option. Stores like Whole Foods, food coops, natural food stores, and conventional grocery stores that have made a commitment to going green may also carry organically grown buds. If you don't see them, ask for them.

DIY

You can also make a beautiful bouquet to give to Mom yourself. Even if the flowers haven't started blooming in your part of the country yet, take a pair of clippers out to the yard and snip off a variety of different kinds of leaves. Mix light and dark greens, oval leaves with those that are spiky, long fronds with shorter sprouts. Place them in a tall vase, if you have it, or wrap a juice bottle with a decorative towel and ribbon to make a festive container.

THREE LITTLE WORDS

Regardless of what you give, tell your Mom you love her. All else pales compared to the gift of telling Mom exactly what she wants to hear!

Happy Mother's Day.

Is Glade Air Freshener Bad for Babies?

Diane MacEachern — 2013-05-07T13:52:12-07:00

"Cleaning product companies aren’t required to disclose the ingredients they use in their products, and what they’re keeping secret from you could be hazardous to your health," reports Women's Voices for the Earth (WVE), the respected non-profit research group that investigates toxic chemicals in the common household cleansers we use.

In their "Dirty Secrets" study, WVE commissioned an independent laboratory to test twenty popular cleaning products for hidden toxic chemicals from five top companies: Clorox, Procter & Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser, SC Johnson and Son, and Sunshine Makers (Simple Green). WVE found reproductive toxins, carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and allergens -- none of which were listed on the product label.

"Consumers deserve to know what chemicals they are being exposed to, so that they can easily avoid products that may cause allergic reactions or serious long-term health impacts like cancer, birth defects, or pregnancy complications," WVE declares - and I agree. That's why I support WVE's effort to get Congress to pass new federal legislation that requires cleaning product manufacturers to disclose all the ingredients they use in their products directly on the product label.

I also support WVE's effort to persuade companies like Glade to list ALL ingredients in their product on their label. You may think Glade helps clear the air. According to WVE's research, here's actually what Glade is putting into the air:

Toxic Chemicals Found in Glade (according to WVE research)

(These are just a few of the hundreds of fragrance chemicals that may be part of a Glade fragrance)

Synthetic musks. Test results in WVE’s 2011 Dirty Secrets report found one of these toxic chemicals hiding out in Glade. Musks are:

persistent (they don’t break down in the environment)

bioaccumulative (they build up in our bodies)

potential hormone disruptors

may break down the body’s defenses against other toxic exposures

showing up in our blood and breast milk

Allergens. Test results in WVE’s 2011 Dirty Secrets report also found several allergens in Glade products. Tens of millions of people are sensitized to these chemicals, which cause reactions that range from red bumps, itchiness and wheezing to severe breathing problems.

What Can You Do?

* For starters, skip synthetic air fresheners. WVE's research focused on Glade, but in all likelihood most spray air fresheners contain chemicals that have negative side effects similar to Glade's.

* Clean your house or your car with hot water and a combination of fragrance-free liquid soap or baking soda, followed with a spash of vinegar and lemon juice. These are cheap, safe, and won't cause the health problems associated with many synthetic fragrances.

* Find the source of unpleasant smells (rotting fold, mold build-up) and get rid of them, rather than try to mask their smell.

* Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, half a lemon or orange, and some apple peels to a small pot of water; simmer on the stove to enjoy a relaxing scent that won't make you sick.

Send Glade a Letter Asking Them to Clean Up Their Act

Women's Voices for the Earth has drafted a letter you can send to Glade urging them to reveal all the chemicals they use in their product - including those that can make us sick. Send it, and pass it along to your friends and theirs.

Thanks.

Join Team ENERGY STAR & Get Ready for This Summer's Eco Block-Buster

Diane MacEachern — 2013-05-01T09:24:54-07:00

Team ENERGY STAR is on a simple but extremely important mission: encourage kids and families to save energy at home. How? By empowering them to protect the climate and reduce air pollution through easy-to-implement, money-saving actions.

Team ENERGY STAR works in large part because it makes saving energy easy and fun. Check out www.energystar.gov/team and you’ll see what I mean. Kids and their parents can download interactive materials, including a comprehensive Action Kit and the ENERGY STAR Home Check-Up list. Kids are also encouraged to share their energy-saving stories on energystar.gov/team. If they do, they’ll become eligible to win all kinds of great energy-saving electronics that reinforce the message that saving energy can change the world.

CHANGE THE WORLD? REALLY?

Yes! In fact, that “change the world” part is important. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in 2012 alone, consumers and businesses, with the help of ENERGY STAR, reduced utility bills by $24 billion and prevented 242 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Talk about impact!

IT'S FUN, TOO.

Now for the fun part. This summer, EPA is teaming up with PTO Today (a national nonprofit that helps independent parent-teacher organizations) to reach more kids than ever before. PTO Today is working with the makers of the new eco-animated film EPIC, and bringing in the heroic characters of the film to make Team ENERGY STAR more fun than ever.

The film stars Steven Tyler, Colin Ferrell, Beyonce Knowles and Amanda Seyfried, a line-up that will surely excite the whole family. By joining the team kids will get the chance to earn cool prizes courtesy of PTO Today, LG Electronics USA and 20^th Century Fox. The first 200 families to submit an energy-saving story will receive 2 tickets each to see EPIC, courtesy of Fox. Kids will also get the chance to earn some great prizes from LG Electronics USA and maybe even see their name in lights in Times Square. All the kids have to do issig up at energystar.gov/team and click on “Submit your energy-saving success story.’ Bloggers who blog about this could end up at the New York City red carpet premiere of EPIC.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

EPIC is sure to be this summer’s blockbuster. Here’s the story description:

EPIC is a 3D CG adventure comedy that reveals a fantastical world unlike any other. From the creators of ICE AGE and RIO, EPIC tells the story of an ongoing battle between the forces of good, who keep the natural world alive, and the forces of evil, who wish to destroy it. When a teenage girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she teams up with an elite band of warriors and a crew of comical, larger-than-life figures, to save their world...and ours.

I’ve watched the trailer and it’s really captivating, with exciting animation and a powerful storyline to teach kids environmental messages and come away thinking, “Protecting the planet is cool.”

If you’re a parent…

Please sit down with your kids and together visit the Team ENERGY STAR web page. Download any number of the educational activities, have fun doing them while you talk about why saving energy makes sense for your family, and encourage your child to tell his/her story so other kids will get inspired to do the same. Talk about this on your Facebook page, pint tips on Pinterest, and encourage your friends and schools to join Team ENERGY STAR, too.

If you’re a blogger…participate in our Carnival and maybe go to the red carpet premiere of EPIC.

If you blog, please let your community know about Team ENERGY STAR and encourage them to get their kids to share their stories. If you can get your post to me by May 15, it will be included in a blogging “Carnival” or round-up I’m hosting on May 16.

HOWEVER, if you can get your post written and posted by May 8, you could be chosen to attend and blog from the red carpet premiere of the film EPIC in New York City on May 18. Bloggers who attend the premiere will also be invited to lunch at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and blog from a press conference/round table with stars from the movie, including Colin Farrell, Aziz Ansari, Amanda Seyfried and Chris O’Dowd. (Transportation and lodging are not included, so I understand if this only makes sense if you live in the Northeast area.)

In appreciation for your commitment to helping people save energy, anyone who blogs about Team ENERGY STAR will receive:

· Four free movie tickets to see EPIC, which will arrive in theaters Memorial Day weekend

· An energy efficiency gift bag, including a long-lasting, ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulb from LG Electronics USA, and Team ENERGY STAR educational materials and activity booklet

· The chance to win a brand-new LG refrigerator recognized as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2013 (retail value of $3,000)

· Additional exposure through the Big Green Purse-hosted blog carnival May 16

· More exposure through ENERGY STAR’s social media channels (they have over 19,000 Facebook fans and over 25,000 Twitter followers)

If your kids submit a story, please feature it in your blog post. You can write a blog post about Team ENERGY STAR, submit a story, or both.

It’s All About Saving Energy

It’s apt that this outreach is TAKING place at the beginning of summer – the season when energy consumption goes through the roof, and perhaps many days when the air is so polluted we’ll have to keep our kids indoors. As you know, these problems are getting worse the more the climate changes.

Your actions, in addition to making saving energy seem like it’s fun and worthwhile, will also help new audiences understand how serious climate change is and what they can do to make a difference.

Thanks for joining Team ENERGY STAR!

The bloggers listed below are already planning to post about team ENERGY STAR and the EPIC premiere. Please join them!

Climate Mama
Condo Blues
Crunchy Savings
Eco Baby Mama Drama
Eco Friendly Link
Eco News Network
Eco-Novice
Environmental Booty
Flour Sack Mama
Good Girl Gone Green
Green and Clean Mom
Green Child Magazine
Green 4 You
Groovy Green Livin'
Healthy Home Magazine
In Women We Trust (already posted)
Mindful Momma
Modern Eco Life
Moms Clean Air Force
Mother Nature News (MNN) (already posted)
Non-toxic Kids
Spit That Out The Book
The Green Parent
The Smart Mama
Ways 2 Go Green

Raising Green Richmond Kids

Plus:

That's Amasian
Asian Mommy (already posted)

And of course, yours truly, here at Big Green Purse.

Want to add your blog to the list? Just let me know that you plan to join us for this important effort to educate kids and families about climate change and saving energy. Thanks!