He taught you how to ride a bike, then later how to drive. He cooked his version of omelets, the “cheesy dadlet,” and made peanut butter sandwiches for you and your friends. He dropped you and your futon off at college and smiled proudly on graduation day.
With Father’s Day upon us, it’s time to give something back. Even if you believe that it’s a commercial holiday pushed on us by the greeting card companies–who can argue about a day set aside to make dear old Dad feel special? And why not get Mother Earth in on the gig, too? Here’s a bunch of great ideas for Father’s Day that won’t harm the planet and will show the paternal figure in your life just how easy and stylish it is to go green.
For what seemed like ages, eco-fashion meant oatmeal-hued flaxy hemp garb. Times are changing and this year’s New York fashion week even featured some earth-friendly couture designs. But great green fashion is still out of reach for many. So with an eye to greening the closet, we set out to define some easy-to-apply guidelines for eco-friendly clothes shopping.
When the word “eco-fashion” comes up we tend to think of organic cotton and other sustainable fibers, but as these are just starting to come onto the wider market—they’re not necessarily all that affordable or widely available. So with trying to avoid $245 organic Levis in mind, the key is to think outside of the organic box and shop conscientiously. Just by changing the way you shop can make a big
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As far as shopping bags go, the plastic versus paper dilemma is as puzzling as the one about the chicken or the egg. The truth is, the statistics on both types of bags are deeply disturbing. At first glance the alternatives seem less than convenient—-but after learning the facts and finding some easy solutions, we’re saying “neither thanks” to “paper or plastic?”
In South Africa plastic bags have been dubbed the “national flower” because so many are seen fluttering from fences and dangling in bushes—-some report that at times it looks like a snow storm. According to the National Geographic News, between 500 billion and one trillion plastic grocery bags are consumed worldwide each year. That 100,000 birds die annually from encounters
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Shopping for toys can feel unexpectedly harrowing due to fears of lead and, as hard as it is to believe, even the date rape drug GHB in toys. While many of us look over the lists we’ve happened upon over the last few months, how can you be sure that the toys you’re buying are safe?
To help inform on-the-go parents and friends, MomsRising.org, an organization that advocates on issues of motherhood and family issues, has set up a new service that allows you to get information about toys via your cell phone while you’re shopping!
With the help of HealthyToys.org, information is available online for more than 1,250 toys that have been tested for common chemicals. To access this info, simply text: healthytoys [toy name] to 41411.
So, for example, text healthytoys
It’s in your dust. It’s also in your blood. And your fat. Most likely it is in your child’s halloween costume, the milk of most mothers you know, and your computer. It shows up in all the dust tested in U.S. homes and could be affecting your thyroid, learning ability (it is neurotoxic), and endocrine system. It is a recognized carcinogen and developmental toxicant.
The ubiquitous chemical I am referring to is a fire retardant. There are three varieties, known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs: Penta, octa and deca.
• Penta is found in flexible polyurethane foams found in upholstery, mattresses, and pillows, as well as rigid foams in personal computers and television sets.
• Octa is used in the plastic housing of computer monitors and televisions,
When shopping for toys for a toddler, consider stocking up on the basic staples, just as you would for your pantry. Just as it’s always good to have flour, olive oil and pasta on hand, having the following toys available to your youngsters covers the basics and makes imaginative, age-appropriate, healthful play available any day of the year.
The toys listed below provide great flexibility, in which activities are limited only by a child’s imagination (which naturally is huge!)
Basic guidelines: Purchase toys made of solid wood that are either unfinished or have a non-toxic finish; purchase toys made of organic cotton, wool or hemp. Avoid any long or loose strings, small parts and sharp edges. Remember that toddlers tend to put toys (and everything) into their mouths, so
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