Holiday Traditions

Now that we have our own little expanding family unit (yes, you read that right, Green Mommy has another green bun on the way!) I’ve been thinking a lot about creating some new holiday traditions we can call our own. Of course, the greener the better. But since I have “pregnancy brain” and cannot think clearly, I’ve asked some friends – on Facebook, natch – to share traditions of their own.

Here are their great, green ideas. Continue reading →

Green Gift Guide

Even if you are stressing about the holidays, you have to admit looking at all of the holiday baking, cooking and decorating ideas is pretty fun. And don’t even get me started on the gift guides. Even if I can’t afford the same champagne that Gwyneth gets Jay-Z, it’s still fun to look.

But what if you want to go green this holiday? There are always “experiential” gifts that require no wrapping: tickets to a play or sporting even, a trip to the museum or theme park, or my favorite (note to husband) – cooking classes. But in case you do want to put something physical under the tree (or Menorah or wherever), here are a few green gift ideas to get you started. Continue reading →

Holiday Cleaning Tips: Getting Ready for Guests

I am super lucky when it comes to Thanksgiving: turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, cleaning — it all happens at my parents house in Florida. Typically, I can be found tending to Z and whatever bug she caught on the plane ride over, while my mom toils in the kitchen making amazing food that no one will be able to sit together to eat because the kids are running around like maniacs.

Still, I do try to help with cleaning — especially this year when we’re having extended family. What do you need to go from stress to sane? A good green cleaning plan! Here’s mine. Continue reading →

Fun Fall Activities for Kids and Family

I’ll never forget when I bought my daughter a zoo animal patterned water bottle while we were out on a walk. I said “Look, a lion!” — and Z looked for one out on the street. In her (then) one-year-old mind, it was entirely plausible that our neighborhood would be teeming with wild life.

While your child’s mind is so open to possibilities, it’s the perfect time to help her care about the environment by connecting her to it. We’ve already talked about summer nature walks, but just because the weather has cooled, the geese have flown south, and the leaves are a bit crunchy, doesn’t mean you can’t still explore nature. Take the time to slow down, throw on a jacket, and check out these fun fall outdoor activities for kids and family alike Continue reading →

Hosting a Green Baby Shower

Other than the cake, I’m not a big fan of baby showers. While I truly appreciate the love and attention of family and friends, the “games” feel designed to highlight how much weight you’ve put on (40 pounds? Who me?) and many of the gifts just ratchet up the anxiety of a first time mom (Why so many burp clothes? I’m supposed to use this to suction what out of where?).

Hosting a baby shower is another story. Not being the center of attention frees you up to eat more cupcakes – and have fun with a cute theme. Here’s one you may want to consider: throw a green baby shower!
Continue reading →

Top 5 Ways to Make Halloween Black, Orange and Green

When it comes to Halloween, I do not want to be an evil witch. Well, that actually is my costume (nothing more flattering than all black!) but I mean that there’s no reason to clamp down on your kid’s joy (and sugar high) just because you want to be more eco-friendly. That said, there are always ways to go a little greener without compromising on the ghoulish fun.

Here’s a few to get you started. Continue reading →

five green things we love – iPhone apps

In honor of Steve Jobs we thought we’d write up a little tribute to green iPhone apps this month. A lot of people feel that their smart phone has changed their lives for the better – and I agree. But I think that’s true for Moms especially. Now you can text your mother, play Words With Friends, buy a raincoat for your child, look into flights for the holidays, and get a recipe for the school bake sale – all while never leaving the playground.

And what’s more, you have an instant distraction for those times when you’re stuck in traffic with a whiny child. Or at the grocery store with a cart full of food and a whiny child. Or at a family event with a whiny… husband.

But what makes the phone extra fun is having some cool apps. So load up on these green apps we love! Continue reading →

Five Minutes to Green, Clean Laundry

If you’ve ever had a baby, you know that the crazy amount of laundry you suddenly have to do can kill you. I’m not talking metaphorically either. When we first had Z, the mountain of laundry was piled so high on the couch that I worried we might actually get crushed in an avalanche. (Sure I was high on pain killers and hormones at the time, but still.)

So let’s say you have five minutes free (because you decided “who really needs to go to the bathroom, anyway?”) and you want to tackle that laundry before it tackles you. Here’s what you do. Continue reading →

How to clean natural materials: bamboo, cork and cast iron

A lot of people are making the switch to more natural and sustainable surfaces in their homes. Which is great… until you actually use them. If you have a child there is a 100% guarantee that the beautiful new cork flooring you installed will be covered in oatmeal before you even get a chance to upload a picture of it to Facebook.

What to do? Here’s what to do. Continue reading →

8 natural ingredients you need to know

Mommies have to assume many roles throughout the day – teacher, nurturer, psychologist, plumber, chef and nose wiper to name a few. And to be a green mommy you also have to be a something of a scientist. Or it feels that way, anyway. Reading labels of natural products can leave you cross-eyed and in desperate need of a gin and tonic.

That’s why I like to lean on the Green Works scientists to help me understand what is in our products and why it’s important. Here’s a breakdown – in “lay mommy” terms – of a few of the most important ingredients to help you uncross those eyes. Continue reading →