Top 5 Tips for a Greener Dorm Room

As we head into fall, many parents of older kids are starting to think about getting them ready for college. “Back to school” for college means so much more than backpacks and lunchboxes – it’s recreating their whole life in a dorm room.

How can you help your little coed live a greener life away from the nest? Here are 5 simple tips for a greener dorm room. Continue reading →

farmer’s market adventure

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about free or low cost things I can do with Z. The end-of-summer days are still long and she’s just given up her nap. That means Mama’s gotta fill two more hours of daylight with fun and enriching things to do. Or just things outside of our too-small house.

This week we went to the local farmer’s market which just opened up a few blocks from us.
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One Small Thing: Buy a House Plant

Okay, this is embarrassing to admit, but since it’s just us here I’ll go ahead and share. I kill plants. Not intentionally. I just have a black thumb. I mean, I’ve even managed to kill cacti. Do you know how hard that is to do? Apparently not that hard because I’m a Serial Cactus Killer.

I have the best intentions; I just have a problem with either under- or over-watering. And too much – or not enough – sun. And plant food? Forget about it. I console myself with the fact that I have been able to give Z the correct amount of water, sun, and food – usually.

Plants in your home can actually remove VOCs (volatile organic chemicals) from the air. VOCs are harmful chemicals and are found in paints, varnishes, paint strippers, aerosol sprays, new carpets, glues, hobby supplies and dry-cleaned clothing. In other words, in (almost) everything. The bad news? They can cause a wide range of health problems for you and your pets. The good news? Simply getting houseplants can help. Plants remove VOCs from the air by taking the bad air in through small pores in their leaves, cleaning it and sending it out again as oxygen. Magic!

Have I sold you? OK, here’s the best part: it’s easy to get your Green Thumb on. Continue reading →

Greener Back to School Shopping List

The last week of my daughter’s preschool brings long summer days, lazy mornings and the mad scramble for summer childcare coverage. What August also brings is the beginning of the Back to School race for parents of elementary, middle and high school kids. It’s really only a few, short, stressed-filled weeks away!

Here’s a Greener Back to School Shopping List with 6 simple ideas to help you be a little more eco-friendly without any extra effort.
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Pamper Yourself: Eco-friendly Home Pedicure Tips

No joke. Mani/pedis are the last thing most moms have time to think about or do. It’s only when you’re at the pool or the beach, the shoes come off and suddenly you’re reminded about your gnarled, poodle-like claws as you quickly hide them in the sand. (Oh, and also? You need to shave.)

Which brings me to BlogHer. BlogHer is an amazing conference that connects and inspires bloggers. This year Green Mommy in a Plastic World is hosting an exclusive spa getaway for a few select Mom bloggers.

Since you may not be attending BlogHer (If you are, come find me!), I want to make sure you get a chance to do an eco-friendly spa pedicure at home. (Might I suggest doing it at night after the kids are asleep while watching reality TV? We Moms even have to multi-task our guilty pleasures.) Continue reading →