Green Options » Sonya http://greenoptions.com/author/sonya/ Post archive of Sonya Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:00:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en http://greenoptions.com/author/sonya/ http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/f7cf7b95a0444aaab00a2455e300612d?s=65&d=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D32 Green Options » Sonya Get A Rain Barrel For Water’s Sake http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/21/get-a-rain-barrel-for-waters-sake/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/21/get-a-rain-barrel-for-waters-sake/#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:00:33 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/21/get-a-rain-barrel-for-waters-sake/ Do you have a rain barrel for your home?

More and more homeowners are using rain barrels to conserve water while collecting soft, non-chlorinated rainwater to nourish grass and plants.

This weekend, in Calgary, Canada, Clean Calgary Association, in partnership with the City of Calgary, will hold its 8th Annual Rain Barrel Sale.

With spring coming, local residents there are thinking about their lawns and gardens. Water usage in Calgary doubles in the spring and summer due largely to lawn irrigation.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/21/get-a-rain-barrel-for-waters-sake/feed/ Top 10 Ways To Go Paperless http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/20/top-10-ways-to-go-paperless/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/20/top-10-ways-to-go-paperless/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:26:21 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/20/top-10-ways-to-go-paperless/ It can be challenging going paperless at home or work, right?

One Jackson Hole, Wyoming business, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, has announced a “Go Paperless” initiative for Arbor Day, April 24, 2009.

The company wants to reduce office paper flow and save trees in honor of the national tree planting holiday.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/20/top-10-ways-to-go-paperless/feed/ The Seven Sins of Greenwashing http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/15/the-seven-sins-of-greenwashing/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/15/the-seven-sins-of-greenwashing/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:05:09 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/15/the-seven-sins-of-greenwashing/ A new report claims that the increasing number of ‘all-natural’ and ‘organic’ products on the market may be guilty of “the seven sins of greenwashing”.

TerraChoice Environmental Marketing released its report The Seven Sins of Greenwashing today. The report defines greenwashing as “the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service.”

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/15/the-seven-sins-of-greenwashing/feed/ Protect Your Child’s Eyes From Sun And Injury, Say Experts http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/14/protect-your-childs-eyes-from-sun-and-injury-say-experts/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/14/protect-your-childs-eyes-from-sun-and-injury-say-experts/#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:55:06 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/14/protect-your-childs-eyes-from-sun-and-injury-say-experts/ Increased sports activity and exposure to ultraviolet rays means an increased risk to your child’s eyes, say experts at The Vision Center at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

New research shows that children’s eyes can be damaged from sun exposure like their skin. This damage may lead to increased risk of developing diseases including cataracts or macular degeneration as adults.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/14/protect-your-childs-eyes-from-sun-and-injury-say-experts/feed/ Newborn Style: Cozy Cocoon Body Socks http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/08/newborn-style-cozy-cocoon-body-socks/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/08/newborn-style-cozy-cocoon-body-socks/#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 03:07:18 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/08/newborn-style-cozy-cocoon-body-socks/ I’m always looking for baby clothing that’s organic and stylish.  A recent shopping find is the company Cozy Cocoon and their Organic Leopard Baby Bunting Cocoon available through eConsciousMarket.com.

This baby body sock for swaddling newborns is made from 90% organic cotton knit and 10% lycra which parents can roll up, tuck and hold their baby in.

Cozy Cocoon uses:

  • Organic materials.
  • Recycled, reused or resalvaged materials/fibers in production.
  • Biodegradable materials/fibers in product line.
  • Vegan or Animal-free materials/fibers.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/08/newborn-style-cozy-cocoon-body-socks/feed/ The 2009 Great American Cleanup Starts Today http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/03/the-2009-great-american-cleanup-starts-today/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/03/the-2009-great-american-cleanup-starts-today/#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:53:01 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/03/the-2009-great-american-cleanup-starts-today/ Are you looking for a community, environmental project for your family?  Keep America Beautiful is launching its 2009 Great American Cleanup today with its campaign “Green Starts Here”.

The Great American Cleanup begins today with a national launch event in Waveland, Miss., which will help  restore a hurricane-ravaged town along the Gulf Coast. It will continue through May 31 with additional national events being held in New York City on Earth Day and Nashville on May 14.

Millions of volunteers will work to rid streets, waterways and public spaces of litter and illegal dumpsites.  Communities will green up parks, schoolyards and other public spaces and hold recycling drives and educational events.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/03/the-2009-great-american-cleanup-starts-today/feed/ New Organics Campaign Aimed At Young Families http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/27/new-organics-campaign-aimed-at-young-families/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/27/new-organics-campaign-aimed-at-young-families/#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:18:16 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/27/new-organics-campaign-aimed-at-young-families/ A new U.S. organics education and marketing campaign is aimed at families with young children.  The Organic Agriculture and Products Education Institute (Organic Institute) has launched ‘Organic. It’s worth it’, its first national consumer campaign.

“The mission of this campaign is to answer consumer questions about organic with the clear message that organic is worth it in every way from health care and economics to farming and the environment. It will increase consumer trust, knowledge and purchase of organic products,” says Christine Bushway, president of the Organic Institute and executive director of the Organic Trade Association (OTA), the campaign sponsor.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/27/new-organics-campaign-aimed-at-young-families/feed/ How To Choose A Summer Camp? http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/24/how-to-choose-a-summer-camp/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/24/how-to-choose-a-summer-camp/#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:09:01 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/24/how-to-choose-a-summer-camp/ Are you finding it challenging to choose a summer camp for your child?

Choice Camps, a Boston-based summer camp and youth travel referral service, has just launched a great resource for parents - ChoiceCamps.com.  It’s a website designed to improve the way families find summer camps and teen travel programs online.

Says Nick Riotto, co-founder of Choice Camps:

“Until now, there has been no comprehensive, trusted resource for families to find safe, reliable, and top-rated summer camp and teen travel programs online. Through our online and phone components, it is our goal to inspire families to send their kids to camp, help them make informed decisions, and guide them in selecting an appropriate summer experience.”

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/24/how-to-choose-a-summer-camp/feed/ Is Your Home Healthy? http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/19/is-your-home-healthy/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/19/is-your-home-healthy/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:55:05 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/19/is-your-home-healthy/

Is your home healthy?  Residents in Calgary, Alberta, are getting answers to that question from the Healthy Homes Calgary program offered by Clean Calgary Association.

The new residential service provides free home visits to Calgarians who are interested in “creating a healthy living environment, while reducing the home’s eco-footprint.”  A staff member or trained volunteer shares tools and information city residents need to improve indoor air quality, energy and water efficiency, waste reduction and more.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/19/is-your-home-healthy/feed/ Economy Can Bring Families Closer to Nature http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/17/economy-can-bring-families-closer-to-nature/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/17/economy-can-bring-families-closer-to-nature/#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:28:02 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/17/economy-can-bring-families-closer-to-nature/ The current slow economy can actually bring children and their parents closer to nature, says REAL School Gardens. It suggests parents slow down, take a deep breath, and step into the backyard or a local park with their child.

“Connecting with nature calms and soothes both children and adults, and it is something that both children and adults can do for a wealth of benefits, for free”, says REAL School Gardens.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/17/economy-can-bring-families-closer-to-nature/feed/ Can You Afford Eco-Friendly Products? http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/12/can-you-afford-eco-friendly-products/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/12/can-you-afford-eco-friendly-products/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:07:04 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/12/can-you-afford-eco-friendly-products/ Can you afford to always buy eco-friendly products?  Really? Let’s face it, buying eco-friendly can be a budget busting experience at the best of times.

Now there’s a new eco-friendly place where you might be able to afford them.  Newly launched, Ecosteal.com sells modern, eco-friendly products featured one-at-a-time at 40-80% off retail price, until they sell out or 9am the next day.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/12/can-you-afford-eco-friendly-products/feed/ UK Celebrates Success Of Eco-Schools http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/09/uk-celebrates-success-of-eco-schools/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/09/uk-celebrates-success-of-eco-schools/#comments Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:09:41 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/09/uk-celebrates-success-of-eco-schools/ Over half of schools in England have achieved Eco-School status, UK Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.

“Schools have an important part to play in helping young people to build a greener future for us all and it’s young people that will lead the way in creating a healthy environment for future generations,” says Secretary Benn.

Run by Keep Britain Tidy, the Eco-Schools program encourages children and teachers to make their school more environmentally-friendly and sustainable.  They follow a simple seven step process covering themes including waste, healthy living and biodiversity.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/09/uk-celebrates-success-of-eco-schools/feed/ Greening Up The Family Pet http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/08/greening-up-the-family-pet/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/08/greening-up-the-family-pet/#comments Sun, 08 Feb 2009 23:43:55 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/08/greening-up-the-family-pet/ Is your family pet going green with eco-friendly pet care products?

Green pet care products are healthier choices for your family because they’ll likely be less toxic for your home, your pet and the environment.   While buying organic food and treats is easy, it can be challenging to source other eco-friendly pet care products.

Recently, I’ve discovered Marmalade pet care, a pet product design firm that emphasizes renewable/recyclable materiality.   The firm addresses ‘good design’ practices with “domestic sourcing; sustainable materials; efficient production and eventual recyclability of the product.”

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/08/greening-up-the-family-pet/feed/ Feeling Organic Baby Love http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/07/feeling-organic-baby-love/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/07/feeling-organic-baby-love/#comments Sat, 07 Feb 2009 22:39:36 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/07/feeling-organic-baby-love/ If you’re looking for an eco-friendly place for Valentine’s Day gifts, check out Organica Deluxe.

The online eco-boutique offers eco-conscious minded consumers gift options for every occasion: Baby, Wedding & Anniversary, Birthday, Thinking of You, Get-Away, Thank You, House Warming, Holiday and more.

“We created Organica Deluxe because we wanted a beautiful place to buy eco-friendly and organic for ourselves and our friends,” say owners Wendy James and Jane Hunter.

“We recognized that organic companies often miss the gorgeous and ever miss the green when creating packaging.”

One sweet eco-friendly gift from Organica Deluxe is their BABY LOVE gift set.  “This delightful assortment of organic goodies is filled with softness and love for baby’s sensitive skin,” says Organica Deluxe.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/07/feeling-organic-baby-love/feed/ Cocoa Camino: Chocolate With Heart for Valentine’s http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/04/cocoa-camino-chocolate-with-heart-for-valentines/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/04/cocoa-camino-chocolate-with-heart-for-valentines/#comments Thu, 05 Feb 2009 02:50:47 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/04/cocoa-camino-chocolate-with-heart-for-valentines/ With Valentine’s Day coming up, in our home thoughts are turning to celebrating with fair trade, organic chocolate like Cocoa Camino.

Cocoa Camino is a line of premium Fair Trade Certified and certified organic chocolate, cocoa and sugar products produced by the Canadian La Siembra Co-operative.  These products include chocolate bars, sugar, hot chocolate, cocoa, chocolate chips, syrup and couverture.  They’re sold in natural health food stores, pharmacies and grocery stores.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/04/cocoa-camino-chocolate-with-heart-for-valentines/feed/ Organic Cotton Clothing That’s Eczema-Friendly http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/02/organic-cotton-clothing-thats-eczema-friendly/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/02/organic-cotton-clothing-thats-eczema-friendly/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:28:22 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/02/organic-cotton-clothing-thats-eczema-friendly/ When Alison Rothwell’s youngest daughter developed severe baby eczema, she searched for eczema-friendly baby clothing.

Rothwell observed when she wore organic cotton baby clothing, it helped relieve her eczema.  After she outgrew her organic babywear, Rothwell shopped for funky organic kids clothing and couldn’t find any she fancied.  So the UK-based Rothwell decided to create her own and Arabella Miller was born.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/02/organic-cotton-clothing-thats-eczema-friendly/feed/ Misinformation Fosters Tooth Decay http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/28/misinformation-fostering-tooth-decay-says-survey/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/28/misinformation-fostering-tooth-decay-says-survey/#comments Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:44:19 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/28/misinformation-fostering-tooth-decay-says-survey/ Many parents and caregivers are uninformed that routine practices like providing healthy snacks and sharing utensils may increase their child’s risk of developing cavities, according to a new survey.

The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a leader in children’s oral health.

It found U.S. parents and caregivers are uninformed about cavity-causing bacteria and teeth-friendly snacks.   One result showed 96% of U.S. adults with children under 12 years old in their household thought a cracker was better for children’s teeth than a piece of caramel.  Starches, however, can also cause cavities like sugars, and caramels dissolve more quickly from the mouth than crackers.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/28/misinformation-fostering-tooth-decay-says-survey/feed/ Top 10 Eco-Best Seafood http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/27/top-10-eco-best-seafood/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/27/top-10-eco-best-seafood/#comments Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:58:29 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/27/top-10-eco-best-seafood/ Many eco-conscious families struggle with buying seafood that is both healthy for themselves and the environment.

“Choosing eco-friendly seafood is not only good for the oceans, it’s good for your family too,” says Katharine Burnham, spokesperson for the Environmental Defense Fund.

So what exactly is eco-friendly seafood? Anchovies are the Eco-Best Seafood, according to the Environmental Defense Fund’s research.  In its health facts, the fund says anchovies are high in heart-healthy omega-3s and have low contaminant levels.

Anchovies can be safely eaten by adults and children for more than four meals per month, research indicates.  They have “short life spans and reproduce quickly (and) are resilient to fishing pressure and remain plentiful.”

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/27/top-10-eco-best-seafood/feed/ Organic Bedding Gives Good Night’s Sleep http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/26/organic-bedding-gives-good-nights-sleep/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/26/organic-bedding-gives-good-nights-sleep/#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:05:16 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/26/organic-bedding-gives-good-nights-sleep/ Organic bedding and mattresses can go a long way to giving babies a healthier sleeping environment and new parents a good night’s sleep.

Take the Coyuchi Organic Cotton Percale Fitted Crib Sheet from Toronto-based Grassroots Environmental Products.

“Coyuchi bed linens are made from 100% certified organic cotton, which means the cotton is grown and processed without the use of pesticides, chlorine bleach, or chemical softeners,” explains the company.

Grassroots recommends washing the organic cotton sheets with baking soda or one of their Nature Clean products.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/26/organic-bedding-gives-good-nights-sleep/feed/ Green Baby Products From The UK http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/23/green-baby-products-from-the-uk/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/23/green-baby-products-from-the-uk/#comments Fri, 23 Jan 2009 23:52:45 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/23/green-baby-products-from-the-uk/

Are you pleased with your baby bodycare products?  One excellent source for natural bodycare and greener baby products is UK-based Ethical Superstore.

Says Ethical Superstore: “Grow up green with products that are ethically better for your baby and better for the planet, too…We’ve also got great books for green parents, organic baby food, natural bodycare, organic cotton clothing, soft toys and games.”

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/23/green-baby-products-from-the-uk/feed/