For a video about last year’s winner and his Home Dome invention check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAaMQuEFl8

I know, it’s general, but it leaves room for the many things it may encompass and is flexible to accommodate my changing needs.  I am a better mother if I “put the oxygen mask on myself first”.  This year, for me, this means:

• Taking my vitamins EVERY day. 
• Drinking a glass of water every time I nurse my son. 
• Kicking my soda addiction - so far, I’ve mostly given up Coke but have switched to a different bubbly drink.  At least it’s caffeine free and free of high-fructose corn syrup.  
• Eating more fruits and vegetables – not hard to do since I’ve been averaging about one a day. 
• Eating lunch before 3 pm - for some reason I get lunch for my daughter at a reasonable time but then get busy with something else before I make my own.
• Exercising regularly – I’m not going to saddle myself with some ‘lose X pounds’ resolution (although I am still working on losing that baby weight!)  I want to exercise for the great ‘high’ I get from finishing a 5 mile run or completing an hour of kickboxing and for the example I provide to my children. 
• Washing my face every night – I just feel better getting up in the morning with a clean face. 
• Skip the razor and just get a bikini wax – I’m so done using a razor.

While these are mostly related to my health, that’s because 2009 was filled with health challenges.  What about you?  In what ways do you take care of yourself?  It could be spending more time with your girlfriends, establishing a regular date night with your spouse, getting a monthly pedicure, or simply being content with what you have.  I think I’ll add that last one to my list, too. 

In the meantime, enjoy the last of your holiday vacation and I look forward to going green with you in 2010!

The Freecycle network is comprised of local groups where you post a message containing the things that you want to give away.  You can also search for things that you’d like to get – for FREE!

Listia is an online auction site where you use credits to bid on free auction items.  You get credits by posting your own free items.  Join now and get 100 free credits to get started.  I found all kinds of different items from electronics like an LCD television and Kindle to Amazon and Starbucks gift cards. 

Kashless is also an online auction site where use you reward points to bid on free items.  You can earn reward points by listing items, inviting friends to participate, creating saved searches and more.  Currently, there are over 650,000 items in 100 metro areas.

Interested in being a contestant?  Submit a 3 – 5 minute video answering these questions:

1.  Would you consider yourself to be Eco-Oblivious as opposed to EcoChic?

2.  Show three examples that demonstrate why you are the most Eco-Oblivious or EcoChic contestant.

These ‘guidelines’ allow you to be as creative as you can.  For more information, check out the EarthCare Challenge website.

It’s the start of a long rainy season in Oregon and while native Oregonians don’t carry umbrellas ( I’m not even sure I own one! ) , I know the rest of the world isn’t quite as strange as us.   If I were to buy an umbrella, it would be one of these beauties, produced in an environmentally friendly manner.

The multi-floral above is the Coby Eco Umbrella found at Crate and Barrel.  It’s automatic, water-proofed and crafted of recycled and sustainable materials, from the 100% recycled cover to the bamboo handle and hemp strap. $19.95

Radley, a London based retailer, has a line of eco umbrellas with tons of style.  They are made with recycled polyester and a rubber handle.  In the U.S., the line is available at Lord & Taylor and Radley’s U.S. Store located in Garden City, New York.  $50

Black may be a little boring but it’s a classic.  Each part of this umbrella from Green Home is made from recycled materials! The fabric, which is composed of recycled plastic, is produced by crushing and heating the plastic to make the fabric fibers. Using recycled plastic not only decreases air pollution, but creates a safer, non-poisonous, high quality product.  The eco-friendly handle is composed of 65% shredded wood. In addition to decomposing within 2-3 weeks after placing it into soil, using shredded wood decrease the use of petroleum in the production process.  $38

• the use of non-toxic materials and dyes
• the use of organic and/or recycled textiles and materials
• the use of eco-friendly packaging
• commitment and adherence to the standards of fair-trade

You can sign up for a daily email blast listing their deal of the day to make sure you don’t miss any of their great deals!

For 2 days only – Friday 14th of August and Saturday 15th of August, buy any bag or pouch from the ranges listed below and receive the same item absolutely free!

Candy, Botanica, Retro Graphic, Flora, Monochromatic, Oxford, Kid’s Series, Greengrocers, Organic Series

Quote code: MAD98 when ordering to receive your additional bags. Valid for online orders only at www.envirosax.com.

When ordering, you must order two of the same item and apply the coupon to get 50% off both items. If you order only one, the free product will not be automatically included.

1. Make sure the moving company uses eco-friendly trucks in order to cut down on pollution-forming emissions.

2. When packing, be resourceful and use cotton t-shirts and other clothes for wrapping valuables.

3. Biodegradable peanuts are available at most office supply stores, offering another eco-friendly way to ensure your precious breakables arrive in one piece.

4. Use ecological cleaning supplies that are not only environmentally friendly but will leave your new home gleaming and reduce fumes and residue that can harm the earth – and your family’s health.

5. Use lightly used recycled boxes that can be obtained free at your local grocer or FlatRate Moving.  Not only does going the recycled route leave less waste in landfills, but it saves you a considerable amount of money in the process.

6. It’s important to remember to recycle all moving materials after unpacking and settling into your new abode.

7. Ask whether or not the moving company will donate gently used clothing to a charity so you don’t have to make the extra trip.