If your friend is still choosing plastic at the grocery store, GreenLemonaide has just the thing you need to help her (or him) get on the green-living bandwagon. The local business, created by local mama Stephanie Knight, sells green starter kits that introduce recipients to the wonderful world of reduce, reuse and recycle. Attractively packaged, these kits make perfect gifts for colleagues, clients, family and friends. » Read more
Green Lemonaide Makes it Easy to Help Others Help the Environment
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Glossary: Common ingredients in sunscreens and bath products
By Brenna Burke, ClementineNW, www.clementinenw.com
PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol)
are synthetic chemicals used as cleaning agents, thickeners, and skin conditioners in shampoos, soaps, lotions, sunscreens, and toothpaste. PEGs increase your risk for many cancers and often contain 1,4 dioxane which is a known eye and respiratory tract irritant and can cause damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. » Read more
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The Scoop on Green Cleaning Products and their Effectivness
When Green Really Does = Clean
By Heather Jones
Strolling the cleaning supply aisle is a guilt-inducing experience. I can’t take the wall o’ shame as I compare and contrast cleaning products with each other. Cheap and effective? Eco-friendly and pricier? Is it really eco-friendly? Will it actually work? I have a graveyard of “trial and error” cleaning products in my cupboards and it doesn’t need supplementation. What to do? » Read more
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Composting: It’s the New Black
Composting is the new black. That’s right, it has gone chic. Gone are the days of rotting piles of stinky yuckiness stashed out back on the farm. With the right accessories, compost has gone mainstream, making it much easier and for the average busy mama to pull off. As with many things, the right gear makes all the difference. » Read more
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Green Sprouts Organic Baby and Family Festival
In an event that seems just oh so Portland, the Green Sprouts Organic Baby and Family Festival is just around the corner on September 26th. In its fourth year, this green event aims to inform as well as entertain. There will be tons of vendors with information on everything from natural birthing options to water conservation. There will be live music and sing-alongs, Portland Parenting's Clothing, Toy & Book Swap and even a chance for Portland mamas and papas to win a $300 gift certificate good for an Ecohaus Eco Nursery Makeover. » Read more
6 Rules for Slimming Down... Your Car Use!
6 Rules for Slimming Down... Your Car Use!
By Jessica Davis
You’ve read one dieting article, you’ve read them all… or so you thought. The latest trend in Portland dieting is car-dieting. Perhaps you, like many others, for whatever the reason, (gas prices, eco-consciousness, lovely weather) woke up thinking, “TODAY is the day I start.” We consulted with SE Portland’s Sarah Gilbert—who did not drive at all for more than two years and still gets around sans auto with three kids every day—for advice on the new rules of dieting.
Diet Rule #1 » Read more
Green Cleaning Solutions for Home - make 'em yourself
Green Cleaning Products for Home
All purpose
Vinegar and water: Fill a spray bottle or mix in a bucket
Drains
Baking Soda, vinegar, boiling water: Pour baking soda down the drain, add vinegar. Let bubble a few minutes, then add boiling water.
Toilet
Baking soda and vinegar: Make a paste
Polishing Silver
Toothpaste
Cleaning Clothes » Read more
