Mommy Goes Green

Today, you can join the WORLD by taking part in Earth Hour.  At 8:30 pm (in whatever time zone you are in) – turn off your lights for just 1 HOUR.  Government facilities, national landmarks, museums, organizations and celebrities are all joining the movement for action on climate change. 

It’s one simple way to talk to your kids about the importance of taking care of the resources we have.  Make it fun by getting out flashlights to play hide and seek or board games.  My kids will be in bed by then so I plan to light some candles and have a glass of wine.  Aaaah.

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Last night, I watched Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution with mixed emotions.  Jamie was in Huntington, West Virginia – the city named as the unhealthiest in America because over 50% of the occupants are obese.  During this episode, he visited an elementary school to prepare fresh food lunches and teach the children and parents about healthy eating habits.  

Jamie demonstrated to several children what is in “chicken” patties.  He took a whole chicken and cut off the breasts and wings.  Then he cut up the rest of the chicken – including skin, bones, and all the other yucky stuff – and put it in a food processor.  Once blended, he made a patty out of it and covered it in bread crumbs.  He then asked the children if they wanted to eat it and they all said YES.  It was disturbing.  ( “chicken” patties will never cross the threshhold of this house again )

He showed a classroom of first graders basic vegetables like potatoes and tomatoes and the children could not identify them. I was part angry ( with the parents ) and part sad ( for the kids ).

Jamie was required (by school guidelines) to have both rice and bread with the lunch he was serving the children – I’m not a nutritionist but doesn’t that seem a little unbalanced?

Seriously – these children only had spoons to eat their lunch.  They didn’t even know how to eat with a knife and fork.  Is that unreasonable?  My 3 year old can use a fork and knife to eat.

The bottom line is that these problems are not just with one school, in one city in America.  It’s a problem in every school, in every city in America.  It’s also a problem in our homes.  It’s just easier to cook boxed, canned, and processed food.  Food isn’t given the priority that it should be and it’s making our bodies sick. 

I’m currently reading a book from Dr. Sears titled, ‘Nutrition Deficit Disorder’ (NDD), and it parallels the concepts in this show about the relationship between food and health in children.  It talks about the connection between NDD and all the other ‘D’ diseases like ADD, ADHD, and OCD.  I’m only a couple chapters in but I will definitely be sharing with you what I’m reading as I think you’ll be amazed at how much what you feed your children affects their ability to learn, control their behavior and overall health. 

I absolutely recommend you check out Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution – there are 4 more episodes so tune in Friday, April 2nd for the next one.

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Here’s a great way to get your plants watered AND reuse empty wine bottles (or any long necked bottle).  Just put the Wine Bottle Plant Nanny stake into a container and insert the filled bottle of water.  Provides a steady supply of water as the plant needs it – perfect for those of us who forget to regularly water our plants!  Makes for a unique gift, too.

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Stormwater drains are created to collect rain or melting soak that doesn’t soak into the ground.  Unfortunately, that water often collects other things while it flows down the road into the drain.  These pollutants include oil, leaves, chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers, and animal poop. 

Ever wonder what happens with water ( and pollutants ) that goes down the storm drain?  Do you assume it gets treated by the wastewater treatment plant?  Likely not!  It often goes directly into your local streams and rivers.

You can take several steps to make sure you don’t contribute to dirty waterways:

• sweep your driveway and sidewalk and then recycle or compost the debris – don’t hose it down as the water runs into the storm drain
• don’t wash your car at home – use a commercial car wash – they use water more efficiently and dispose of it properly
• wash tools and toys over a grass or dirt area so the water can soak into the ground
• don’t use chemical fertilizers or pesticides – use natural solutions
• clean up pet poop and put it in the trash
• if you drain or fill automobile fluids, make sure you catch it and dispose of it properly
• educate your kids – don’t let them throw things down the drains 

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In my stocking this past Christmas, I received this Eco-First reusable coffee cup.  The problem?  I’ve never used it.  My husband claimed it for himself and has used it every day since.

The concept is self-explainable -  tote along your reusable coffee cup and forego the paper cup at your favorite coffee shop or at the office.  The Eco-First cup is heavily insulated to keep drinks warm and is BPA free.  It’s dishwasher and microwave safe – unlike other travel mugs.

WHERE TO BUY:  Available exclusively at Bed, Bath and Beyond in brown, pink and green. $7.99

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