Potomac River (Photo credit: Justin.A.Wilcox)

America’s most endangered rivers list for 2012 was just released on Tuesday identifying the waterways most threatened by human activities. Pollution obviously plays a huge role. The Potomac River was at the top of the list, followed by the Green River, Chattahoochee River and many others. The Potomac River for example, provides drinking water to 5 million people and is “threatened by agricultural and urban pollution that will only get worse if Congress rolls back national clean water protections.” American Rivers president Bob Irvin indicated in a statement that the list, “underscores how important clean water is to our drinking water, health, and economy. If Congress slashes clean water protections, more Americans will get sick and communities and businesses will suffer. We simply cannot afford to go back to a time when the Potomac and rivers nationwide were too polluted to use.”

Daniel Beltrá’s Amazing Photos: See the BP Oil Spill Like Never Before. These images are incredible and sad at the same time. It’s been over two years since the Deep Water Horizon drilling platform exploded on April 20th, 2010. In fact, 2 years ago today, oil was still gushing into the Gulf of Mexico thanks to BP. By the time the gushing wellhead was capped, it had already released approximately 4.9 million barrels of crude oil. That works out to about 53,000 barrels a day. Photographer Daniel Beltrá captured a visual journal resulting in both shocking and stunning images. We encourage you take a trip down an unpleasant memory lane as you see the visual impact of the BP spill from the lens of brilliant photographer Daniel Beltrá.

5 Deodorant Alternatives. Yes, there are plenty of options in stores when you’re choosing deodorants and antiperspirants, but those of you concerned with the potential health risks, there are alternatives. Many are concerned with common chemicals found in deodorizers like parabens, formaldehyde and triclosan, most are concerned with aluminum content in antiperspirant which blocks pores and helps keep you dry. Although the National Cancer Institute says research is inconclusive, aluminum is rumoured to be linked to breast cancer and other life threatening diseases. Plus, aluminum mining creates more pollution. We recommend trying some of these alternatives; personally, I no longer use deodorant with any aluminum content. Here’s a homemade deodorant recipe you can try:

Tammy Luna’s deodorant:
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup arrow root powder or corn starch
• 5 tablespoons coconut oil
Combine baking soda and arrow root powder in a bowl and mix with a fork. Start with about 4 tablespoons of coconut oil and add it to the baking soda mixture, working it into a paste. You can store the deodorant in a small, air-tight container or put it into an empty deodorant stick dispenser.

Stay tuned for more green news.
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !

Take Charge Smart Surge Protector

Take Charge has 3 different solutions: the Smart Surge Protector, the Wallmount Timed Charger Docking Bay, and the Powerstrip Timed Docking Bay so we’ll examine all three more closely. Take Charge has a calculator on their home page and you can find out what you can save per year based on which devices you use one of their outlets for.

When I went to use the Smart Surge Protector, it took about 30 seconds to figure out how it worked. Basically, it’s an 8 outlet (3-prong) green power management tool. On the Smart Surge Protector there is a ‘control’ outlet, 2 ‘always on’ oulets, and 5 ‘switched’ outlets. The ‘control’ outlet actually controls the 5 ‘switched’ outlets, so if the ‘control’ outlet is powered off, so are the 5 ‘switched’ outlets. I decided the most practical use for it was the TV and all the components. I began by plugging the telephone into the ‘always on’ outlet. Then I plugged the TV into the ‘control’ outlet, put the DVR, XBOX, sound system and cable box into the ‘switched’ outlets and presto – if the TV wasn’t powered on, neither were any of the components. So really, the power button on my TV became the only thing I had to turn on and off to get the benefits of the Take Charge Smart Surge Protector. I was wasting energy when my TV was off for most of the 24-hour day. Now, thanks to Take Charge, when I turn it off there is no vampire power wasted even though it’s still plugged in. Plus, my annual electricity savings are now $21.46 for my TV, $1.69 on my game console, $19.49 on my audio system, $26.29 on my DVR, for a total of $68.93. Considering the cost for this product is only $29.95, you get your money back on energy savings within the first 6 months. And more importantly, you stop wasting electricity you don’t need.

The Take Charge Powerstrip Timed Docking Bay ($24.95) and the Wallmount Timed Charger Docking Bay ($22.95) both feature the PowerSaver Smartstrip with 3 hour timed charger docking bay and 4 outlets. There are three timer-controlled outlets and one ‘always on’ outlet. The timed outlets allow you to leave items like chargers for smart phones, Blackberry’s, iPods, iPads, digital cameras, etc. plugged-in without using electricity. Both docking bays extend the life of your battery and pays for itself in less than a year. The calculator on the home page at Take Charge will do the math for you so you know how much you’ll save when you purchase either docking bay based on which devices you plug in. What more can you ask for really – it’s a greener energy solution for electrical power and it saves you money.

Take Charge also provides an interesting analysis of the cost of vampire/standby power. “1 watt of standby power equates to about $1/year in consumption. This may not seem like much, but when you have 40+ appliances in your home drawing an average of 5 watts when they’re off, this can add up.” More importantly, up to 20% of residential electricity charges are related to vampire/standby power, representing about 1% of global CO2 emissions. The point is that there is absolutely no benefit to keeping devices plugged in when they aren’t being used. You’re wasting electricity and you’re wasting your own hard earned money on something you don’t need. It’s consumption with zero benefit.

We’re always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint and the Take Charge power outlets are easy to use and more than affordable because you actually save money on your energy bills. In fact, these eco-friendly products pay for themselves in less than a year. So you get your money back fast, then you start saving money, and you’ve reduced your energy consumption to help protect the environment. To say we recommend investing in a Take Charge product is an understatement. It’s a win-win situation.
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !

(image credit: reuseit.com)

1. Relieve irritation from bug bites, sores, and blisters: in a pinch you don’t have to run out to the pharmacy. A drop on a bug bite will reducing inching and it will help dry out blisters.

2. Pimples: Toothpaste will help dry out a pimple. Put it on at night and simply rinse it off in the morning

3. Cleaning your nails: Especially during garden season your hands and nails take a beating. Nails and teeth are both made out of enamel so toothpaste is a great way to not only clean your nails, but also give them shine and keep them healthy.

4. Getting kitchen odors off your hands: After chopping garlic or onions your hands often retain the scent of food after you’ve washed them. Simply rewash your hands with a little toothpaste and it will absorb the smell.

5. Stain Remover: This will work on carpet and clothing. Know that whitening toothpaste may bleach colored clothing. For laundry apply a little toothpaste to the stain and brush until the stain is gone and then wash as you normally would. When it comes to carpet, scrub the toothpaste into the stain and then dab with water immediately.

6. Shoe cleaner: Much like with clothing apply toothpaste to scuffs on running shoes or leather shoes, rub well and then wipe clean.

7. Remove crayon stains from walls: Rub the wall gently with a dap cloth that has toothpaste on it and the stain will disappear.

8. Silver and Jewelry polish: Rub toothpaste onto silver jewelry or other silver pieces and leave overnight. Wipe with a soft cloth in the morning and the pieces will shine like they are brand new. Toothpaste will also make diamonds shine, apply a little toothpaste on a cloth and then wipe off using water immediately. Know that toothpaste will damage pearls so do not use it on anything that has pearls in it.

9. CD and DVD repair: for minimal and shallow scratches apply a thing layer of toothpaste then gently rub and rinse clean with a soft cloth. Do not use until the disk is completely dry and do not submerge it in water.

10. Remove burn crust from irons: as time goes on irons tend to develop a thin crown crust on their bottom. Apply toothpaste and gently wash off the iron and it will be clean. Make sure the iron is completely cool before cleaning and do not use until it is dry.

Just think of the products you’ve just replaced by repurposing your toothpaste as an alternative. Remember to test the toothpaste before committing to using it. Even if you just use these tips when you’re in a pinch, they will come in handy. So, next time you’re putting together your cleaning basket, remember to put that tube of toothpaste in there before you start your spring cleaning.
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !

(image credit: foodnetwork.ca)

Ingredients
• 1 head of garlic, unpeeled
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pinch freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 sweet red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 red finger hot chili pepper, seeds removed, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 can whole, peeled, organic san marzano tomatoes, hand crushed (796mL)
• pinch of brown sugar
• 2 cups chick peas
• Zest of half a lemon
• handful of fresh parsley, minced
• 5 large mint leaves, stacked, rolled up and sliced into ribbons (chiffonade)
• toasted whole wheat pita, cut into wedges

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. Slice the top off of the head of garlic; lay it on some aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil and black pepper. Seal aluminum foil over garlic and roast for 40 minutes.
3. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add peppers and scallions into the pan, stir and coat with salt, paprika and cumin. Pour in the hand-crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, sea salt and freshly cracked pepper. Let simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Peel 4 cloves of roasted garlic and crush with a fork. Add garlic, chick peas, lemon zest, mint and parsley to the stew then stir until heated through.
5. Ladle stew into big bowls and serve with toasted whole-wheat pita wedges.

This recipe serves 2 so multiply accordingly for your dinner table. This is another wonderful dish to choose from in your Meatless Monday quest. As always, you can add your own personal flair to the flavours and change it up however you’d like. Compliment this dish with your favourite side salad.

Meatless Monday is a simple sacrifice one day a week for a big reward for you and the planet. To learn more visit meatlessmonday.com. If you don’t go meatless this week, there’s another Monday around the corner for you to jump on board.
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !

(image credit: howaboutorange.blogspot.ca)

Supplies:
• Cardboard
• Newspaper
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Glue
• Scissors
• Ribbon or cord
• Eyelets (optional)
• Hole punch

Instructions:

1. Stack two sheets of newspaper on top of each other. This will be a two-ply bag for extra sturdiness.

2. Cut out a rectangle that’s 15.5″ wide and 8.25″ tall. If your paper already has a fold in it, align the existing fold with one of the fold lines, unless you don’t mind an extra fold appearing somewhere on your bag. I cut out this rectangle, then flipped the paper over so the blue area would be on the outside of the bag.

3. ln a flap 1.25″ down from the top. Fold a flap 2″ up from the bottom. Then measure off and make vertical folds in the places shown in the diagram above. The front and back panels are 4.5″ wide, the side gussets are 3″ wide, and you’ll need a 0.5″ flap for gluing the bag together.

4. Cut two pieces of cardstock or chipboard to 4.25″ x 1″, then glue them on the widest two panels just under the top fold. These will reinforce the rim of the bag. Glue the top flap down along the length of the bag, covering the cardstock. Since the bag is two-ply, you’ll need to glue both flap pieces down one at a time.

5. Put glue on the outside of the 0.5″ tab and bring the left-most panel over to form the body of the bag, aligning the cut edge of the panel with the folded edge of the flap. Add a little more glue to make sure the outermost sheet of newsprint gets tacked down, too.

6. Upend the bag so the 2″ flap is now up. Fold the short sides inward as if you were wrapping a present. If it seems easier, you could also lay the bag on its side and crease those folds against the table.

7. Put glue on both flaps and fold them inward to form the bottom of the bag. Standing the bag upright and pressing down from the inside will help to secure them.

8. Cut a piece of chipboard to 4″ x 2.5″ and glue it to the bottom of the bag to reinforce it and hide the flaps if you want to be an overachiever.

9. Punch holes in the rim of the bag, adding eyelets if you like, and string some cord through the holes to form handles. Knot each end of the cord so it won’t pull out through the holes.

For images corresponding to the instruction steps, please visit howaboutorange.blogspot.ca.

You can make this eco-friendly craft using the things you have around the house. If you don’t have cardboard you could use card stock or even cut up a cereal box. When it comes to a hole punch, with a little angling you can use a standard three hole punch if you don’t have a single one. For the handles you can use yarn, rope, ribbon, or whatever you have on hand. Remember that you can dress up the bag afterward using leftover gift wrap bows or other odds and ends if you want a more festive looking bag. A great tip is to make a variety of bags using different sections of the paper (fashion, food, sports, comics etc…) so that you have them on hand for any event or birthday.  Happy crafting!
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !

Toronto Supermoon 2012 near Humber Bay Bridge (photo by Don Kittle Photography)

‘Dark Knight Rises’ Features Clean Energy Character. Apparently there’s a green character in the upcoming Batman sequel, Dark Knight Rises. Oscar winning actress Marion Cotillard co-stars in the virtually guaranteed blockbuster as Miranda Tate. Cotillard advised the Hollywood Reporter that her character is an ecologically minded businesswoman who “is fascinated by Wayne Enterprises. They go through difficulties, and she wants to help provide the world clean energies. She’s a good guy.” Let’s hope the role provides some education on clean energy so the legions of kids who will inevitably see the film (repeatedly) actually take something away from the movie besides just great action scenes. Cotillard herself is an actor/environmentalist who has worked with Greenpeace and is passionate about the protection of our natural environment.

Did you see the supermoon this past weekend on May 5-6? I did and it was quite something to behold. “A supermoon is the coincidence of a full moon or a new moon with the closest approach the Moon makes to the Earth on its elliptical orbit, resulting in the largest apparent size of the moon’s disk as seen from Earth.” In other words, when the moon is closest to the Earth it looks much larger. Really it’s an optical illusion because the moon isn’t any larger than it normally is; it just appears that way because of its proximity to the Earth. The supermoon, scientifically referred to as a perigee moon, appears to be about 14% larger than normal and about 30% brighter. The average distance between the Earth and the moon is approximately 383,000 kilometres; on May 6th it was about 356,955 kilometres away.

Making Carbon Neutrality Everyone’s Responsibility at Microsoft. Straight from the official Microsoft blog, Kevin Turner, Chief Operating Officer, at Microsoft had some green news to share. “Beginning in fiscal year 2013 (which starts this July 1), Microsoft will be carbon neutral across all our direct operations including data centers, software development labs, air travel, and office buildings. We recognize that we are not the first company to commit to carbon neutrality, but we are hopeful that our decision will encourage other companies large and small to look at what they can do to address this important issue.” Turner was passionate about the Microsoft resolve to create accountability and increase awareness. “In addition to our commitment to carbon neutrality, the part I’m most excited about is our plan to infuse carbon awareness into every part of our business around the world. To achieve this goal, we have created an accountability model which will make every Microsoft business unit responsible for the carbon they generate – creating incentives for greater efficiency, increased purchases of renewable energy, better data collection and reporting, and an overall reduction of our environmental impact.” Microsoft is imposing a carbon price on itself and holding internal business operations accountable.

And for those promoting healthy eating in their home, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day is coming up on May 19th. Food Revolution Day “is a chance for people who love food to come together to share information, talents and resources; to pass on their knowledge and highlight the world’s food issues. All around the globe, people will work together to make a difference. Food Revolution Day is about connecting with your community through events at schools, restaurants, local businesses, dinner parties and farmers’ markets.” The Food Revolution Day celebration “will focus on locally sourced, fresh food and promote the need for better food education.”

And that’s it for this edition of green news weekly.
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !

(image credit: familyfun.go.com)

1. Heat compress: Fill the sock with rice, tightly knot the end and place in the microwave for a minute and then place on whatever is ailing you. This is a great reusable way to make a heating pad in a pinch.

2. Dusting rag: soft cotton socks make for great cleaning cloths. Not to mention they fit over you hand well and can be washed for further use. This is much more eco-friendly
Compared to paper towels.

3. Skin Smoother: “Grind up one to two cups of oatmeal, put in sock and tie in a knot. Hold the sock/oatmeal ball under running bath water, then leave in the tub to soak with you. Oatmeal baths can help treat dry skin, sun-burn, poison oak or poison ivy.”

4. Polish your shoes: As was stated in a previous list with a little toothpaste you can clean leather or running shoes. Place the sock on your hand and use a mitt to clean and shine your shoes. Socks are soft and can be washed so it makes them ideal for the job.

5. Wash the car or bike: Using the sock like a glove over hand will help you polish and shine your beloved ride.

6. Pet toy. Throw some cat nip in it and tie a knot around it and watch your cat have some fun. And I’ve never met a dog yet that’s unwilling to play with an old sock (preferably worn by their owner).

7. Sock puppets. Got kids? This is a crafty way to make use of those old socks.  Click here for instructions on how to make the sock puppets pictured.

Before attempting any of these repurposing projects make sure the socks are clean and dry. Once you start finding ways to repurpose your socks, you’ll notice how many more tasks they can be helpful with. Although, these tips may seem rudimentary in many ways, they are examples of how people are reverting to what seems to be old-fashioned mindset. What seems basic is extremely on trend as reducing your carbon footprint is a step in the right direction. These projects are fun and creative ways to live a greener lifestyle.

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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !

kids cardboard playhouse (image credit: rustsunshine.blogspot.ca)

1. Surface protector: Lay down cardboard instead of drop cloths when painting. It is thick and absorbent so it will protect floors and other surfaces from damage.

2. Playhouse: By cutting some holes for windows and doors, a cardboard box can become a house, restaurant, doctor’s office or fire station. Kids will enjoy the fact that they can draw on their “walls” and it allows them to use their imaginations and creativity. Click here for instructions on how to build the kids cardboard playhouse pictured.

3. Finding leaks: Place a large piece of cardboard under your car if you suspect that it is leaking fluids. Not only this will this help save your garage floor or driveway, but you (or your mechanic) will have a better idea of what the problem is if you know the source of the issue.

4. Gardening kneepad: avoid stains that occur while gardening by kneeling on a piece of cardboard.

5. Checking for choking hazards: “Safe Kids Worldwide recommends that parents of small children use the standard 1.5-inch (3.81-centimeter. tube to determine whether a toy or object is too small for a baby or toddler to play with. If an object can fit through the tube, it can fit down a child’s throat — posing a serious choking risk.”

6. Pet toys: If you have a hamster, gerbil or other small rodent you can use pieces of cardboard rolls as tunnels for them. The cardboard will also double as a chew toy they will enjoy.

7. Garden walkway: place strips of cardboard in between rows of plants. This gives you a clear path to walk on and it will reduce your weeding.

8. Shipping: Remove all the labels for a shipping box and place your own on it. This will save you money as you do not have to purchase new boxes and it’s green because you’re reusing the box.

9. Recycle bin: If you have more recycle than your blue box will hold, simply use a large cardboard box. Not only will it help you get everything to the curb, but it will also be recycled as well.

10. Craft pallet: Use a piece of cardboard to mix paints or to put a dollop of glue on when crafting.

Remember, that these are just a starting point and once you reuse something you’re almost certain to find another use for it as well. Every time you can reuse something rather than just tossing it aside you are reducing your household’s carbon footprint and contributing to a greener lifestyle.

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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !

Photograph by Antonis Achilleos

Ingredients
• 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• clove garlic, smashed
• 8 fresh basil leaves, torn
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• large egg
• 12-ounce package firm tofu, drained and sliced into 8 pieces
• 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• loaf whole-wheat Italian bread, cut into 4 pieces and split in half
• 1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 pound baby spinach (about 8 cups)

Directions
Preheat the broiler. Combine the tomatoes, garlic, basil and 1 cup water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper and simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes.

Toss the breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons parmesan and the Italian seasoning on a plate; season with salt and pepper. Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. Dip the tofu in the egg, then in the crumbs, turning to coat.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook until crisp, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Place the bread cut-side up on a broiler pan; spread the bottom halves with sauce, then top with tofu, more sauce, the mozzarella and remaining parmesan. Broil until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted, about 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in the empty skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spinach, season with salt and pepper and let wilt, about 1 minute. Place on top of the cheese and cover with the bread tops.

Per serving: Calories 491; Fat 22 g (Saturated 5 g); Cholesterol 60 mg; Sodium 1,202 mg; Carbohydrate 50 g; Fiber 7 g; Protein 24 g

This is another wonderful dish to choose from your Meatless Monday repertoire. As always, you can add your own personal flair to the flavours and change it up however you’d like. Compliment this dish with your favourite side salad.

Meatless Monday is a simple sacrifice one day a week for a big reward for you and the planet. To learn more visit their website. If you don’t go meatless this week, there’s another Monday around the corner for you to jump on board.  Enjoy!
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !

This great green children’s craft is courtesy of collegepark.macaronikid.com. Let’s get crafting.

(image credit: collegepark.macaronikid.com)

Materials Needed:

• Empty toilet paper roll
• Black, silver, or gold paint (this will be the “metal” of your bracelet) or you can cover it with scrap construction paper
• Paint brush or sponge
• Scissors
• Glue
• Dried beans in lots of colors

Directions:

1. Take your toilet paper roll and cut it lengthwise. Then cut it in thirds. This will make three cuff bracelets.

2. Now you can paint the bracelet. You can make it silver, gold, or black. Or you can cover the toilet paper roll in scrap construction paper from your craft bin.

3. After the paint is dry, you are ready to glue on your “stones”. We used liquid glue but hot glue would work great also with older children. Add your beans in patterns or randomly. Make it just the way you want. When is glue is dry you are ready to wear your Mexican jewelry!

When decorating your bracelet, keep in mind the colours of the Mexican flag red, green, white and yellow. As you can see, even with a simple eco-friendly craft project, the decorating possibilities are endless so encourage kids to add their own personal flair. This DIY project allows children to use their creativity and it’s a great way to keep them busy on a rainy afternoon.

These Mexican Bean Bracelets are a fun project to make any time of the year and would even compliment last week’s shoebox banjo eco-friendly craft. Remember, children should be supervised when crafting and the beans should be kept away from young children as they pose a choking hazard. Have fun celebrating Cinco de Mayo with this easy green craft.
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Planet Forward is an online retailer of ethically-made, earth-friendly products designed for everyday use with a distinctly urban feel. Products include reusable stainless steel bottles, stainless steel thermal travel mugs, waste-free lunch bags, reusable shopping bags, Make-it-Yourself toxin-free Green Cleaning kits, organic fashions and other accessories. SALE 50% OFF ALL PRODUCTS – SHOP NOW !