Mommy Goes Green

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this April, PBS KIDS GO!’s Design Squad is launching the nationwide 2010 Trash to Treasure competition on April 5th. Kids across the country ages 5-19 are challenged by the award-winning series to recycle, reuse and re-engineer everyday materials into new inventions. Three young innovators will win a trip to Boston to see their designs built and have the process chronicled for an upcoming episode of the engineering TV series. 

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

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I’m not normally a resolution type of gal, but this year I felt compelled to make a few resolutions for 2010. While my husband and I made several family resolutions, I made just one personal resolution – to take better care of myself. 

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. 

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I apologize for the lack of postings the last two weeks.  What started out as a short holiday vacation turned into forced time off due to a broken computer.  I should have it back in the next couple days and will be back in the swing of things. 

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

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FREE is a great word, especially in this challenging financial times.  The good news is that there’s a lot of free stuff out there – you just need to know where to find it.  All of these sites endeavor to reduce landfill waste by encouraging members to give away their unwanted goods to others who can use it. 

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.

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The EarthCare Challenge will chronicle the challenges of 6 contestants aspiring to live more sustainable lifestyles – in reality game show style.  During the 45 day Green Makeover, green lifestyle experts will guide the finalists.  The contest will take place entirely on the Internet, through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and fans will be able to vote for their favorite contestants.  One grand prize winner will be awarded with their own personal collection of eco-friendly home furnishings, worth $5000.

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.

This post may contain affiliate links, please see my disclosure policy.