Over the years of organic gardening with children, I have learned to relinquish some control to perfect rows, perfect spacing, etc. Now, I have added seed and plant selection to the list of gardening enjoyments I now share with my children. It all started when the seed catalogs started arriving at the end of winter. Both of my children took an active interest in the pictures, so I suggested they start circling varieties they wanted to grow. Now that we are planting, they have a vested interest in our efforts, and I believe this will carry over to trying new foods and healthy eating from our organic garden.

The folks at ZRecs, one of my favorite parenting blogs, have started a new blog called Gardenaut. Although this site is not focused on kids gardening, many of the contributors have children, which can be seen participating in their family’s gardens. Gardenaut is full of resources, such as finding small farms in your area or searching for plant info. The posts can be read by region or state, and the photographs are beautiful.

Image: Safe Gardening

Related posts on gardening with kids:

• Green Family Values: 10 Tips for Organic Gardening with Children

• Little Organic Gardeners Need Little Tools

• 60 Gardening Ideas for Kids

• A Birthday Garden

• Great Children’s Literature: What’s This? A Seed’s Story

• Great Children’s Literature: A Handful of Sunshine

Shortly after last week’s primaries, Obama stated:

I think the way we have run this war in Iraq has lessened our ability to move our allies. It has led us to ignore the critical needs for us to focus on a sound energy policy in this country. It has left us unable to lead on critical global issues like global warming. And it has led us to neglect what ultimately is the most important thing to keeping America safe, and that is having an economy that is the envy of the world and that gives us the resources and the power to project ourselves around the world.

I couldn’t agree more. Not only is the Iraq War being fought over false pretenses, but it has strained the US budget and distracted Americans from the greatest threat to national security: climate change. Many lives have been lost in Iraq, although Americans have been largely shielded from the realities of this war by the media. The media will not be able to shield Americans from the increasing effects of climate change.

Of course, Obama is not perfect when it comes to energy policies. In 2007, he reintroduced the Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2007, which supported research and plant construction in order to convert coal into diesel engine fuel. This is not the right climate solution to lessen our foreign oil dependency. Considering that “Illinois basin coal has more untapped energy potential than the oil reserves of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait combined“, is Obama supporting liquid coal fuel for political reasons?

This presidential race is not about race or gender. This race is about climate change, and which candidate will lead America to become an environmental role model in the world. As Obama stated in his interview on CNN, “…if the United States regains its — its sense of who it is and our values and our ideals, that we will continue to set the tone for creating a more peaceful and more prosperous world.”

Image: Flickr-Barack Obama

Related posts on Barack Obama:

• Video: Obama on Climate and Energy : Red, Green, and Blue

• Obama’s New Carolina Ad Rejects Gas Tax Break : Red, Green, and Blue

• Clinton Takes Jabs at Obama’s Energy Policy : Red, Green, and Blue

My son, like many boys, adores trucks. He enjoyed William is Going Green when his sister read it to her, but there is one thing about the story I find a bit awkward. I do think that city garbage trucks should have hybrid motors, but as mentioned in the book, the cost to convert a truck is expensive and not readily available. William’s reward for rescuing a cat is not the solution for most city garbage trucks, and I think it is a little misleading to children who really want to see change. Perhaps there is another way William could have gotten a new hybrid motor from recycling proceeds, donations, gas taxes, etc. Maybe I am too much of a realist, but I like my green children’s fiction to address the realities of environmental change. This part of the story didn’t bother my children at all, and they really did like it.

This book is made with 100% wind power and is FSC certified. I truly appreciate the publisher’s efforts to use green practices when publishing a book designed to educate children on environmental issues. This is the first William book in the series, and we’ll have to wait for the next book to see what happens now that William has gone green.

Other reviews of Eco Kid’s Books:

• Eco Kids’ Books: Trout Are Made of Trees

• Children’s Literature: Journey for the Planet

• Children’s Literature: My Bag and Me

• Great Children’s Literature: Mbutu’s Mangos

Image:  The Guardian 

When greenwashing is aimed at adults, environmentalists generally find it annoying and sometimes — if it is sufficiently transparent — amusing. But when children are the targets, the environmentalists find it infuriating. So when Mattel recently issued a news release promoting its new line of Barbie BCause accessories for the doll — hats, handbags and the like — it was too much for the blogger on Eco Child’s Play, Jennifer Lance.

The piece that caught the NY Times’ attention is
The Ultimate Greenwashing: Barbie Goes Green.

Herbs that Alleviate Morning Sickness

Ginger is well-known for its nausea reducing qualities, and many women have had success with ginger tea for relieving their morning sickness. The herb I found most useful was peppermint. I drank my own blend of herbs for a pregnancy tea (I’ll be posting that recipe soon!), and the peppermint really made me feel better. You can drink the tea cold or hot, depending on what makes you feel better. Fennel seeds also relieve queasiness, whether in tea or simply chewing on the seeds. Slippery Elm is another herb that may calm your stomach.

Foods that Alleviate Morning Sickness

Almonds are the best food for morning sickness. The key is to not eat too much at one time during the first trimester, yet you should never leave your stomach empty. My midwives suggested keeping a jar of almonds by my bed, so that every time I had to get up to go to the bathroom, I could eat a handful of almonds. Chewing the almonds for as long as possible before swallowing them releases the enzymes in your mouth, where they are absorbed faster by your body. Almonds are actually an amazing food for anyone, as they are high in protein and may provide important nutritional support to combat diabetes, cholesterol, inflammation, and obesity. Other enzyme rich foods, such as papaya and pineapple, can also help with morning sickness. There is also a link between low blood sugar and morning sickness, so it is important to eat small snacks throughout the day.

Lifestyle Practices that Alleviate Morning Sickness

Gentle walks in the fresh air, even though you may not feel up to it, really do help alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness, as well as prepare you for labor. My midwives recommended at least a mile walk a day, as exercise is important during pregnancy. Delivering a baby is the hardest physical labor I have ever experienced and being in the best shape possible made the experience easier. Yoga also helps alleviate nausea, and you may find your pregnant body more limber than you are used to. Drink lots of water, at least a half gallon a day, and nap and rest as needed.

The best way to alleviate morning sickness is to take care of yourself! Eat well, rest, and stay active with gentle hikes and yoga. A few months of nausea is a small price to pay for healthy child!

Image:  Care2 The Healthy Crunch of Almonds

Related posts for new moms:

• Natural Newborn Baby Advice: Olive Oil and Meconium

• Exercising for Two

• Prenatal Yoga DVDs

• Breastfeeding Experience from A Green Girl and First Time Mom

Organic, Vegetarian Corn Chowder

Melt in a medium saucepan:

• 2 Tablespoons butter (use oil for a vegan version)

Add and cook until softened (about five minutes)

• 1 chopped large onion
• 1 chopped bell pepper
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery

Add and cook for another five minutes:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• pepper to taste

Add and cook 10 more minutes:

• 1 cup vegetarian soup stock

Puree half of the vegetables and stock in a blender. Return to saucepan and add:

• 1 cup milk (plain soymilk for vegans!)

This recipe is easy to adapt for vegans, and even though I am not a vegan, I always use soymilk in my recipes. We ate the entire pot of this corn chowder the first time we made it, and I look forward to making it again with corn from the garden in August.

More kid-friendly recipes:

• Mmm…Vegan Chocolate Cake

• Kid Friendly Recipes: Vegetarian Potato Leek Soup

• Beans and Rice, I Could Eat a Plate Twice

Streets are for People sponsored this anti-car petition on an actual car in Ontario.

We the undersigned do hereby demand that not one more dollar go to promote, support, or perpetuate car culture. We want bike lanes, public transit and a train system. We want our public space back. We want local food, clean air, sustainable industry, a liveable future for our children, and an end to oil wars. We want to dance in the street. We want a government that values life over money.

Over 4,000 people have signed the car.

Via:  Spacing Toronto

Image: Peyton Chung

I’ve just discovered a toy company I adore: HaPe Toys. This company features eco-friendly safe toys that “support children throughout every stage of development, starting at a very young age to help nurture and develop their natural abilities.” HaPe carries brands such as Quadrilla, Anamalz, and Woody Click, as well as Bamboo Collection. My family recently acquired Bamboo Collection’s Contina.

Bamboo Blocks

Contina blocks are similar to Kapla blocks, in that they are more like planks than standard unit blocks; however, Contina blocks are made from sustainable bamboo. These planks come in eight different natural colored finishes and can be combined to build many structures, given that you get 100 blocks in a set. You can stack them or line them up, and I am not sure if Eco Dad or my children had more fun when we first opened our Contina blocks.

Bamboo Collection uses Latin names for their toys, as they are designed for the world’s children. When I did a search on Intertran for the meaning of contina, I got the following results: “to touch, border on, to keep together, reach, befall, grasp, affect, infect, to keep in, surround, contain, confine, include, to hold back, restrain”. This definition opens up even more possibilities for these great blocks.

Bamboo Collection is the world’s first collection of bamboo toys. Although I advocate for wooden toys over plastic ones, I sometimes question whether the wood is sustainably harvested or if the toys were made from scraps of wood from construction projects. With bamboo, I don’t have to worry about sustainability, since a bamboo tree (it is really a grass) can grow back completely in three years after being cut down.

Related posts on block play:

• Every Child Deserves a Set of Blocks

• European Toys: Old Fashioned Block Play Develops Intellect

• “Green” Toys From the Discovery Channel Store

Mother’s Day began when social activist and poet Julia Ward Howe wrote the original Mother’s Day Proclamation after the Civil War in 1870.

In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality,
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.

This day began as a call to action, and it is only fitting this Sunday on Mother’s Day families take action on climate change and let their voices be heard.  1Sky is asking mothers and their children to create images to send to Congress urging them to remember the implications of climate change on the next generation.  The images will be compiled and be taken to DC to be displayed and given to Congress.

Mother’s Day weekend is our chance to expand the climate movement—to invite parents, young people and community groups to come together and send a powerful message that resonates with our political leaders. We all share the same cause—the welfare of future generations—and together, we can make climate action a moral imperative for our elected officials.

1Sky’s Mother’s Day events are perfect for the eco mom, who really doesn’t want gifts, but she wants change.  Finding a way to stay active with children can be challenging, as chaos and rubber bullets keeps me from taking my children to protest marches; however, we can paint or attend a Mommy Meetup.  I created an event involving hiking and photography in my community.  Even No Impact Man has joined the 1Sky Mother’s Day crusade. You can register for events or start your own event at 1Sky or email ada@1sky.org to learn more. Make your eco mom proud!  This Mother’s Day, give the best gift of all: bold action on climate change.

A bumper crop of Afghan opium was produced in 2007, which is expected to be repeated in 2008. Despite these record poppy crops, farmers are deeply in debt. The average Afghan poppy grower’s per capita income is about $300, and farmers have to borrow money for seeds, fertilizer, food, and basic necessities from traffickers. The farmers are unable to pay their debts when their crops are eradicated, or they are pressured by local governments and westerners to stop growing. Westerners don’t keep promises to provide free seeds for substitute crops, and creditors demand child wives in payment for debts. The growers’ daughters are called “opium flowers“, and moneylenders seek them out in case of crop failure or family emergency.

It is a traditional Afghan custom for a family to pay off a debt by marrying a daughter to a relative of the creditor. Now the practice is being used to pay off debts to drug traffickers. Mr Isamuddin, 68, stopped growing poppies because of a government crack down; further up the valley helicopters sprayed the poppy fields with insecticide. He explained, “”If people here cannot earn enough to feed their families, they will start growing opium again.”

Even though production of Afghan opium is high, world demand has not increased largely. Afghanistan is accused of stockpiling opium, and the US supports aerial spraying programs for eradication. Afghan and British officials oppose aerial spraying, as it would increase support for the Taliban for fear the herbicide would poison growers and their families. The Bush administration supports expansion of eradication programs, whereas Afghanistan wants to emphasize long-term crop substitution for opium poppy plants.

One goal of the drug war is increase prices in order to deter usage, only the ones profiting from such prohibition are the drug traffickers. The farmers have tried other crops, such as wheat, but poppies bring in 10 times the amount and are hardier than grains. It is the only reliable cash crop they know. Opium growers ask for advances on their crops from the drug traffickers, which they are then unable to pay. Sayed Shah was forced to pay his debt to a trafficker with the marriage of his 9-year-old daughter. According to Newsweek:

Shah borrowed $2,000 from a local trafficker, promising to repay the loan with 24 kilos of opium at harvest time. Late last spring, just before harvest, a government crop-eradication team appeared at the family’s little plot of land in Laghman province and destroyed Shah’s entire two and a half acres of poppies… “I never imagined I’d have to pay for growing opium by giving up my daughter,” says Shah…”It’s my fate,” the child says.

Poppy eradication causes many Afghan daughters to be turned into child brides. Whether a farmer loses his crop to Drug War eradication or his substitute wheat crop fails, US policies should not be causing such practices to continue in Central Asia. “Until the end of my life I will feel shame because of what I did to my daughter,” said a former poppy grower. “I still can’t look her in the eye.”

Image: Afghan Hope Charity

The first time my daughter contracted pink eye, it was clear she had gotten the infection from her best friend. I read extensively online about the infection, and I decided it would go away on its own, despite cautious warnings on websites to take your child to the doctor. I did not want her receiving antibiotics, and I vaguely remember using homeopathy when I contracted pink eye in college. After several days of pink eye misery, I discovered homeopathic Similasan Pink Eye Relief Drops.

Similasan Pink Eye Relief Drops use the active homeopathic ingredients of Belladonna 6x, Euphrasia 6x, and Hepar Sulphurius 12x. According to the principles of homeopathy, the remedies consist of extremely small doses of natural substances that mimic the symptoms of the same illness in healthy people when given in larger doses. The idea is that “like cures like”, thus the symptoms for pink eye (inflammation and redness of the whites of the eyes and inner eyelids, excessive discharge, sensation of grittiness, redness and burning) are likewise produced by the Belladonna, Hepar Sulphurius, and Euphrasia.  Similasan explains:

In homeopathy, however, the dosages are not concentrated enough to poison the body. In fact, the dosage level is only enough to cause the body to detect the presence of the ingredient and then react to it. The body then reacts by triggering the immune system to heal the underlying problem…Rather than imposing a chemical drug on the body with the hope of temporarily masking symptoms, homeopathic active ingredients attempt to stimulate a physiological reaction of the body’s healing mechanisms. In other words, homeopathy encourages the body to maintain proper health by imposing a gentle stimulus.

I have successfully used homeopathy with all members of my family, including pets, but it is important to seek medical care when needed (not giving medical advice here!) During this last round of pink eye, my daughter only missed one day of school compared to a week previously. Similasan Pink Eye Relief Drops work quickly to eliminate symptoms, and these drops are available in almost every drugstore. Every time I have used homeopathy with my kids, the results have been great.

More posts on natural health care for children:

• Homeopathic Poison Oak/Ivy Relief

• Herbs for Kids

• Seasonal Allergy Relief For Kids – The Natural Way

The four dams on the Klamath River in far Northern California are under relicensing, something that only occurs every 50 years. The dams are owned by billionaire Warren Buffett, who purchased Pacificorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, three years ago. Many Californians were hopeful this purchase would mean the end to the dams, but their concerns for the salmon fell on deaf ears. Once again, Warren Buffett rebuffed salmon advocates.

On Saturday, May 3, 2008, American Indian tribes and salmon fisherman failed to gain a private audience with Buffett and were ignored at the Berkshire Hathaway Inc. meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. Protesters shouted, “Un-dam the Klamath! Bring the salmon home!“, while shareholders enjoyed complimentary cocktails Friday night. For two years, an unprecedented alliance of tribes, businesses, conservation groups and commercial/recreational fishermen has tried to reach an agreement with Buffett for dam removal. Buffett said that his company would not decide the fate of the Klamath dams, but Berkshire will defer to regulators in California and Oregon. Ironically, dam removal is cheaper than building the fish ladders regulators are recommending.

Salmon fishing has been canceled this year and declared a “disaster” in California and Oregon, largely because of the Sacramento River; however, the previous fisheries disaster was due to the Klamath salmon population. This year’s closure amounts to a loss of $255 million and 2,263 jobs to California coastal communities. Just as hard hit, or even harder hit, are the Native Americans in the region, many who traveled to Omaha in protest of the Klamath dams. “It’s the fight for the salmon, and it’s the fight for our species,” said Yurok member Frankie Myers. The salmon have not had full access to the Klamath River since the first dam was built in 1916.

Related posts on the Klamath River and Salmon:
Why the Klamath Dams Don’t Provide “Green” Energy
Sobering News for This Fish Lover

Aussie Klara Marosszek has developed a commercially viable hemp building material. Fire and pest resistant hemp concrete is made by mixing hemp hurds (the pithy core of the stem), lime-based binder, water and a little sand. This is not a new technique, as century old bridges in France were made from hemp concrete.

Via: Treehugger

Related posts on hemp and marijuana:

• 5 Pounds of Pot Recycled in San Jose

• Pasties, G-String and Skirt, All Made from Hemp: Meet The “Pastie Lady”

• Audio: Rep. Ron Paul on Medical Marijuana Legislation, in His Own Words

Astonishingly, 77 percent of mothers in the US breastfeed their newborn babies. I would have suspected the number was far lower, due to the intolerance of public breastfeeding that still exists in some parts of the country, and I am partially correct. 77 percent of mothers breastfed their babies in the first month of life, according to a survey results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). This is up from 60 percent in 1994. “The report shows that the initiation of breast-feeding is at an all-time high,” said Karen Hunter of the CDC.

Breastfeeding rates remain unchanged for children six months of age. According to the New York Times:

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that mothers breast-feed exclusively for the first six months of their child’s life and continue breast-feeding with baby food as a supplement until at least the child’s first birthday.

The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Family Physicians also recommend six months of exclusive breast-feeding but suggest supplemented breast-feeding until the child is at least 2.

Both of my children were breastfed until they were well over three-years-old.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastmilk is the perfect food for a newborn baby. The benefits of breastfeeding for at least the first year of life are numerous to mother and child. Breastfed babes have stronger immunes systems, higher IQs, less allergies, less ear infections, less anxiety, etc. Breastfeeding may also prevent some forms of breast cancer in the mother. Breastfeeding promotes a close bond between mother and child. It benefits the environment too! Most importantly, breastfeeding saves lives!

Ban the Bags

Breastfeeding rates are amongst the lowest in families of low economic status and mothers under twenty-years-old. The improved statistics on breastfeeding are likely a result of doctor’s educating their patients about the benefits of breastfeeding; however, most hospitals send parents home with free infant formula, sometimes in a diaper bag. “That’s a problem because at least five studies have shown that when a doctor or nurse hands the family that bag, even if they take the formula out, that mother will have less success with breast-feeding,” said Dr. Barbara L. Philipp, associate professor of pediatrics at Boston University.

Ban the Bags is a campaign to stop hospitals from distributing free infant formula to all new mothers. There are many risks associated with infant formula, including BPA leaching. By stopping the inadvertent promotion of formula feeding by sending it home with new mothers, it is hoped that breastfeeding rates beyond the first month of life will improve.  Of course, I do believe that free infant formula should be available upon request, but only after much support has been given for the initiation of breastfeeding.

Image: Flickr: Raphael Goetter

Related posts on breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding Benefits the Environment Too!
Breastfeeding Saves Lives!
Breastfeeding Reduces Anxiety in Children
Is Breastfeeding to Blame?
Sesame Street, Breastfeeding, and the Pump
Initiation of Breastfeeding by the Breast Crawl

Tofu Vegetarian Pot Pie

Prepare the crust

Combine:

• 1 cup unbleached white flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• dash of salt

Cut into flour mixture:

• 2/3 cup chilled butter

Add:

• 5 to 6 Tablespoons cold water

Knead until the dough holds together (you may need to add a little extra water), but do not overwork it. The warmth from your hands will soften the butter, and you will lose the flakiness of your crust.  Divide the dough into two balls and chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator or 10 minutes in the freezer. Roll out a top and bottom crust.

Time for the veggies and tofu!

Cut into cubes and saute in canola oil:

• 1 package of firm tofu

Steam or boil the vegetables. Suggested vegetables are:

• cubed potatoes
• carrots
• corn
• peas
• kale

Vegan golden gravy time

Toast on medium low heat:

• 1/3 cup whole wheat flour

Add and cook for a few minutes until bubbly:

• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup canola oil

Add and whisk until thickened:

• 2 cups water
• 1 Tablespoon Tamari, soy sauce, or Bragg’s liquid aminos

Assemble the pot pie

Combine veggies, tofu, and gravy in a large bowl. Lay out the bottom crust in a deep pie plate, and then add the veggie filling mixture. Place the top crust on, and poke the center with a fork. Bake at 375 for 40 minutes. This recipe is a combination of pot pie recipes found in the Horn of the Moon and the New Farm Vegetarian cookbooks.

More great kid-friendly recipes:

• Easy Organic Chocolate Coated Butterscotch Bars

• Beans and Rice, I Could Eat a Plate Twice

• Organic Oven Roasted Jerusalem Artichokes

• Organic, Vegan Blueberry Oat Muffins

These homes in the ancient city of Maymand, Shahr-e Babak, Kerman-Iran were carved into living rocks 12,000 years ago, representing the peaceful coexistence of man and nature.  The underground homes protect inhabitants from extreme cold or heat in the desert.

See more photos:  Fars News Agency 

Sources:  The Globe and Mail, 

When I first saw the press release about a “green” Mattel collection of accessories called Barbie BCause, I thought it was an April Fool’s joke. Apparently not. Mattel’s new “playful and on-trend” collection of hats and bags for young girls will be released “just in time to celebrate Earth Day in style.” Which is pretty ironic, really, given that Barbie dolls themselves are made out of plastic and are packaged in even more plastic. And not the kind of plastic you can throw in the recycling bin, either.

Barbie™ BCause is a line of accessories for girls made from excess fabric and trimmings from other Barbie products:

which would otherwise be discarded, offering eco-conscious girls a way to make an environmentally-friendly fashion statement with cool, patchwork-style accessories.

The eco-conscious young girls I know of steer clear of Barbie. My daughter just gave away her Barbie that her grandmother had bought her (without my approval, of course) while wearing her “Free Tibet” t-shirt. Truly green families will not be fooled by Mattel’s greenwashing. If a green girl wants a patchwork bag, she will make it from her own clothing she has outgrown and not Barbie’s.

“Barbie is always a reflection of current cultural trends and issues, and girls are increasingly aware of making a green statement,” said Richard Dickson, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Media and Entertainment, Worldwide, Mattel Brands. That’s right, Barbie is reflecting the trend of going green. Mattel realizes it wants a piece of the eco-friendly toy pie, but this ploy screams of greenwashing, especially considering the line will only be sold at Toys R Us. MJ sums it up well:

If Mattel really wants to be green, why not reduce the ridiculous amount of packaging they use for displaying their dolls? Why not only sell the collection at eco-conscious retailers instead of exclusively at Toys “R” Us? Oh right, because it’s Barbie.

And what’s with the stupid name BCause? I’m so tired of products targeted to children not using proper English. Haven’t toy makers ever heard of environmental print and the role it plays in young children’s literacy development?

Image: marketing.blogs

Related posts on Barbie and Toys R Us:

• Barbie Doll Art: 32,000 Boob Jobs a Month

• Toys R Us New Toys - Eco Friendly; Still Made in China

• Toys R Us Goes Green, But Questions Remain