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Saturday, June 4, 2011
A Review of Celebrate Green
There's always a holiday or special occassion coming up- why not celebrate them in green style?
4th of July, summer fun celebrations...do them all in an eco way.
Celebrate Green has a lot to say about greening Halloween including some crafty things you can do yourself like make your own face paints, create fun costumes and decorations, even turn everyday ordinary objects into candy buckets and containers.
It’s also full of yummy recipes and fun ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The apple pie recipe for Thanksgiving, yummy and the suggestions for setting a sustainable table are great. Though I have to admit I have never seen a free range turkey or even a tofurkey in my local grocery stores and no I don’t have a Whole Foods near me. So I’ll just have to opt for going local and organic on the other foods because I am not giving up my turkey.
I really do love the Christmas ideas in Celebrate Green, the basics being reduce, reuse and recycle and then going DIY. Now that’s something I can do. I am the DIY momma. I think my motto is why pay for it when you can do it yourself?
Simple, fun old fashioned Christmas ideas are encouraged like popcorn strands for the tree, collecting pieces of nature for decor – twigs, pine cones, and live greenery.
One really great thing in the Christmas chapter is an extensive list of eco-friendly gift ideas. I found some ideas I might follow through on.
There was just one thing I was surprised by was the lack of crafts. I really expected there to be crafts. They have them on the website and often showcase them with articles and ideas about celebrating green so I figured there would be more how-tos in the book.
Nope.
Plenty of ideas and suggestions but only a few actual how to directions.
That’s OK though because the book is chock full of advice and ideas for turning your celebrations green.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Celebrate back-to-school with better-for-the-planet choices that can save money too
And while living an eco-friendlier lifestyle means buying less (and spending less), it also means buying smarter if you're going to purchase. Here are some tips for making better-for-the-Earth choices when it comes to schools supplies.
1. Before setting foot in the store or clicking on your favorite store's website, make a list of every item your kids need/want.
2. Next, have your children go on a hunt through the house for items on the list. (Checking with grandparents, neighbors and friends is encouraged.) If you're like most families, you've already got dozens of pens, highlighters, notebooks and other sundry items that you don't need to buy. Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and if you like, reward the family member who comes up with the most usable items.
3. Discuss with children who are old enough, why it's important to use what you have and avoid spending money and creating more waste. Perhaps you can come up with a challenge. Ask your kids to keep track of expenditures. If they can get everything for an amount you set, the family does something they enjoy together as a treat.
4. Set up a swap. This is a great way to save money as well as recycle not only clothing, but all sorts of school necessities. If parents are enthusiastic, most kids will be perfectly happy with new-to-them items!
5. Prior to heading to a store where you'll buy new, stop by one or two local thrift shops. You're likely to find lightly used three-ring binders, pads, scissors, desk lamps, back packs and electronics like calculators and of course clothes and shoes as well. Buying used means no packaging and no "gifts" for the landfill.
6. When buying new, seek out eco-friendlier alternatives. Even big box stores are carrying 100 percent recycled paper, recycled binders and notebooks, but you might need to seek them out. And if your local store doesn't have these goodies, be part of the solution by asking the manager if she would consider ordering some. Have favorite brands you usually buy online? Pass on the names to the manager.
7. Buying online makes choosing eco very easy. Do a search for an eco-friendlier option for any school supply. Here are just a few examples of what you'll find: Ecojot, carries awesome recycled journals and notebooks. ReBinder has 3-ring binders, Recyled Products offers lots of recycled pen and pencil choices, and backpacks made from recycled soda bottles can be found at many sites.
8. Get those coupons! Many people believe that eco=expensive. Sure, that can be true. But the fact is, coupons and deals abound. Google the name of the product or store plus the word "coupon" or "deal." Shopping in a locally-owned store? Contact your friends and get their lists, then ask the manager if you can get a discount for buying in bulk.
9. Buy only what you need. Those 12 for-the-price-of-6 notebooks are not a bargain if your kids never use them.
10. On the other hand, buying in bulk can save on packaging, so if you can buy a bunch for less, then split among friends, you'll not only save money, but help the Earth as well.
11. If purchasing new, according to the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, you will want to:
a. avoid backpacks with shiny plastic designs as they often contain PVC and sometimes, lead. (Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is unique among plastics because it contains dangerous chemical additives used to soften or stabilize it. Federal law has banned the use of phthalates one additive in PVC, in children's toys, but not school supplies.)
b. choose cloth or metal lunchboxes. Many lunchboxes are made of PVC, or coated with it on the inside-and don't forget cloth bags to hold sandwiches, cookies and fruit.
c. choose cardboard, fabric-covered, or polypropylene binders. Most 3-ring binders are made of PVC.
And when the gathering/swapping and/or buying is done, have some fun. Celebrate this year's eco-friendlier (and money-saving) choices with a family fashion show/demo or an old-fashioned ice cream social.
~Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Thinking electronic gift for dad? Think green!
The best gadget would use solar or human power, be made locally of recycled materials, come in no or minimal packaging (which is compostable), contain no harmful materials and would be fully recyclable when dad is done with it.
Dream on!
We have yet to reach electronics nirvana. But there are options that meet at least some eco-expectations. Choosing one of these is certainly better than ignoring the issue.
If given the choice between two items that perform in the way your dad wants, see if one of them is better on the green front.
Look for:
Products powered by the sun, gravity, human power or at the least, rechargeable batteries. Solar chargers are widely available as are items like cool, hand cranked flashlights and radios.
Products that are comparatively energy efficent. Computers, TVs and printers are some of the products that companies are working to make better in this department. Check out Energy Star labels where available.
Products made with fewer hazardous materials. All electronics contain hazardous materials (PCs, for example may contain lead, cadmium, mercury and flame retardants in plastic casings). This is why they should never be thrown in the trash. Look for electronics that meet European standards which, while not perfect are better.
Products containing recycled content. Moblie phones and computers are just two of the items available that use some percentage of recycled materials.
Another great idea is to upgrade what dad already has instead of buying a new unit. Adding a larger internal hard drive to his computer, paying for a professional "tune up" so the computer will run faster or purchasing extra memory for a camera are all eco-friendlier alternatives to buying new. And of course, buying the item used, but usable is another green option.
How about gifting dad with a surge protector that turns off power to idle devices eliminating electricity usage and saving money?
As a bonus gift for dad, whether buying electronics or not, offer to recycle any he's ready to get rid of. Electronics make up 70 percent of all hazardous waste and very little of what could be recycled actually is.
So collect dad's outdated gadgets, head to Earth 911 and find out how to recycle them close to home.
Enjoy a happy, green Father's Day!
~Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net
Friday, October 23, 2009
Get ready for an EEK-O-friendly Halloween (Part 2)

When it comes to decor, Halloween lines right up after Christmas. Americans spend $1.5 billion decking their homes with the latest in ghosts and goblins, much of it tossed when the holiday is over.
In reality, there is no need to purchase decor. This is a definite area of want. And while we know that most people are short on cash this year, many will still want to make some purchases.
Buy less. Whatever your budget, cut it by 25%. Will anyone really miss that life sized witch among all the other yard decor?
Buy what will last. Dollar stores do offer great bargains. But poor quality items are likely to end up in the landfill. Better to spend a bit more on fewer items that can become a part of your holiday tradition. Be sure to wrap carefully after October 31, to preserve for the future.
Look for local and handmade items, especially those produced from recycled/recyclable or sustainable materials. Check for local artists through http://www.etsy.com/
A great solution to the decor challenge is to go DIY (do-it-yourself), preferably using materials you already have on hand, can secure via swap or, best of all, select from nature. This is the perfect time of year to pull together items from nuts to branches to leaves and use them to brighten your home (see activities below). If you feel challenged when coming up with ideas, of course the internet is an incredible resource. Just do a search for "recycled Halloween crafts."
Wonderful ideas from Value Village including a t-shirt wreath and ghoulish goblets
Use recyled light bulbs to make pumpkins. You could hang these in a row or fill a basket on a table with them. Make a stand for each one and use to hold placecards.
Make this glass jug jack-o-lantern if you happen to have an old jug on hand.
Grab your tent pole sticks and make this scarecrow.
Goodie buckets can be used for trick-or-treating, but also for decor. Make several for your table and add branches with colorful leaves or berries.
Got extra clay pots? Make a scarecrow for the center of your table.
When it comes to table decor, simply bringing in a selection of natural items and arranging them in containers or even directly on the table, can create a stunning tableau. Best of all, everything can (and should) be returned to where you found it for totally wastefree decor.
If you're itching to purchase new lighting, look for LEDs or solar. (Get rid of the old ones by recycling them through http://www.holidayleds.com/.
Bonus craft: Shadow box picture frame chandelier

Shadow box picture frame or any frame that is deep enough for you to place items on the glass without them sliding off.
Of course, when it comes to Halloween activities, trick-or-treat can't be beat.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tips for a Green Halloween from the Authors of Celebrate Green

Halloween should be fun, but every year it gets scarier--for parents and the planet. From the discovery of lead in fake teeth and candy, to chemicals in costumes, to the garbage left in the holiday's wake, it's a wonder more of us haven't given up the festivities and spent October 31 watching It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
The good news is, there are loads of child- and earth-friendly alternatives to the usual Halloween fare.
The most important point when planning to green up any holiday or celebration, especially those involving children, is to get their "buy-in." And of course, your approach makes all the difference. Telling kids, "We're going green this Halloween--that means, no candy," isn't helpful. What can be is a discussion about the challenges that Halloween brings. Obviously, what you say (or don't), depends on the age of your children. But helping them to see the wider ramifications of their actions can help make transitioning to healthier choices more appealing or at least understandable.
Many kids are learning about eco-issues in school. They often want to do something about them, but need guidance on where to begin. Talking to them about the excess and waste associated with Halloween (and all holidays and celebrations) and discussing how they can make a difference, may spark their altruism and inspire them to act in positive ways.
A great way to start a discussion is to list each aspect of Halloween (costumes, treats, decor and activities), and brainstorm child- and earth-friendly choices to what you've done in the past. Then, encourage your kids to choose one or two of the ideas to implement this year. After Halloween, talk about what worked, what didn't and what you'll do next year.
Costumes
In the "olden days," (the eighties?), many kids made their costumes, often with help from parents. Making the costume was actually an enjoyable, bonding activity. Today, millions of people spend millions of dollars on costumes that are made from non-sustainable materials (like petroleum), that are worn once, then discarded.
But there are earth-friendlier alternatives. If you usually buy costumes, consider:
Making them. Kids are incredibly gifted and creative when we encourage them. There are almost no costumes that cannot be handmade. If your children are stuck on turning a popular TV or movie character into a costume, brainstorm how you can make it happen with items you already own or can get at no cost by borrowing or making. Be sure to check online for ideas.
Purchasing costumes made from more eco-friendly materials or at least not from plastics. Choose cotton, organic cotton, silk or hemp, for instance. Unfortunately, these alternatives are not yet widely available, but if you're interested in them, ask local stores to consider carrying them next year. And check at the end of this post for some great online sources.
Trading them. Arrange a costume swap with neighbors, check online at swap sites like Green Halloween, or see if you can interest a local child-focused organization in sponsoring a swap.
When Halloween is over, don't throw costumes away. Save them, dismantle and hold on to the "parts," trade or take them to a thrift store.
Treats and treasures
Halloween may be all about the treats, but happily, there are great alternatives that kids, when given the option, will happily embrace. You can't do much about the sweets your children receive on their foray around the neighborhood (although you can have the "Halloween Fairy" replace the confections with a wonderful gift when the children are brushing their teeth...shhhh...), but when it comes to what your family hands out, planning ahead so that you are not making a last-minute dash to the grocery store, will help you avoid limiting choices to what's on the shelves at the moment.
If you have a local natural foods store, check out their offerings. Take your kids along and choose a few items to sample if you don't normally shop there. Honey sticks are a favorite and are very inexpensive (never give honey to children under age 2). Many natural food companies make small "bars" in flavors kids love like peanut butter and chocolate. Assuming you have the time to order online, check out http://www.greenhalloween.org/ for dozens of alternatives.
One issue that often comes up when discussing organic or green choices is cost. While it is true that many healthier items cost more, there is a simple solution.
If you're not yet ready to totally embrace greener treats and treasures you can still help cut down on expense and waste by choosing one of these options:
Put out two bowls, one with conventional candy, the other with "treasures." Let kids choose one item from either bowl.
Hand children whatever you are giving them. Do not allow them to take as much as they want.
Let older children know that unwrapped candy can be composted.
Whatever you do this Halloween, taking time to plan and implement will make the holiday a lot less spooky!
Eco tips for a green Halloween
Plan, plan, plan. Sit down and talk about what you need to buy or make, then schedule time to do it prior to the night before Halloween.
Get your local school involved. For instance, see if they'd like to host a candy composting party. Children bring in leftover candy, unwrap it and place it in a compost bin. They can be rewarded with a healthy alternative treat or treasure (see above).
Talk to your neighbors and friends about offering healthier, more earth-friendlier alternatives.
Older kids might enjoy reverse trick or treating. Check it out here.
Plan a neighborhood Halloween party with likeminded parents. You can control all aspects of the event so it is as eco-friendly as you want.
Eco picks for a green Halloween
Costume ideas:
Organic cotton costumes for "wee ones" can be assembled by pairing themed onesies and caps. (Try Kee-Ka's pumpkin body suit with Under The Nile's veggie cap.)
Sarah's Silks, Nova Natural, A Toy Garden and Magic Cabin sell costumes made out of silk, rather than petroleum. While these are more expensive than others, they can be used for years for dress up and kids adore them.
Check out BoxWorks' ingenious new templates for making costumes out of old cardboard boxes.
Treats and Treasures
100% honey sticks DON'T GIVE HONEY TO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 2
Glee Gum "minis" or other individually wrapped small gums
Organic licorice bars, rope, and gum, (cut into pieces), by Tundra Trading
Adhesive "bandages" with pirate, black cat and other fun themes (one per child. Great for older kids!)
Coins (US or non-US)
Confetti-biodegradable, water-soluble
Cookie cutters - mini
Cootie Catcher Note Cards (one card per child)
Crayon "rocks" (soy-based)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Easy Ways to Celebrate Earth Day by the Authors of Celebrate Green
Turn your thermostat down two degrees and keep it there. And turn it off altogether tonight, heaping on the blankets if necessary.
Send Happy Earth Day e-cards to a half dozen friends.
E-mail your state or national representatives about a green initiative.
If you're in the supermarket, track down the manager and encourage him or her to source local products.
Make signs to put on the mirror over faucets to remind family members to turn off water when they are brushing their teeth. (You can save an average of nine gallons every time you do this.)
Cancel subscriptions to newspapers or magazines you don't really want.
Go online to CatalogChoice.org to free your mailbox from junk mail.
Call several people and arrange to carpool for an upcoming event such as a child's sporting activity or a club meeting.
Go online and join a group like Sierra Club, World Wildlife Fund, Kids for Saving the Earth, the Wilderness Society or Co-op America.
Make a family pledge to walk everywhere today.
Talk to the principal at your children's school about instituting environmental education in the curriculum.
Check to see that your tires are correctly inflated.
Sign the " Healthy Yard Pledge" at Audubon.org.
Top Earth Day Tips
1. Do one thing today to show others you care about the environment.
2. Volunteer on an environmental projects, there are no doubt plenty in your community.
3. Great day to start some seeds, whether inside or out.
Top Earth Day Picks
1. Books on the environment great for children of all ages from www.GreenSugarPress.com
2. Learn about composting with earthworms with your kids.
3. Let's Save our Earth, a non-competitive game.
~Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net
Monday, April 6, 2009
Eco-Easter Tips from the Writers of Creatively Green

Instead of buying a new plastic or woven basket made in a country far away, this year, how about using your imagination? Choose an item that can hold the goodies, decorate if you like and you've got a unqiue, no-cost container.
- A purse
- A backpack
- A scarf tied to a hobo stick
- A decorated paper bag or shoe box (add a handle if you like)
- A fabric bag of any kind
- A pot (decorate by drawing on a strip of paper the height of the pot, then fasten with tape
- A boot (Kids rain boots are especially cute. Tuck some fabric inside to keep goodies clean.)
- A paint can (again, add fabric inside if you like)
- Make our simple fabric basket. Instructions here.
If you're the traditional type and like the look of grass, instead of buying the plastic stuff, why not try:
- strips of fabric
- real grass, either wheat grass or grass from your yard
- shredded recycled paper
- green scarf
- strips of organic nori (seaweed availbalbe in paperlike sheets)
- green napkin, washcloth or dish towel
As for filling the basket, you're probably aware that Easter is the second biggest holiday for candy sales next to Halloween. Sweet treats are fine, but how about choosing high quality over quantity? And just one over handfuls? Fortunately, this year, there are many great Easter treats that are better for kids and the Earth.
Here are just a few:
- Organic vegan bunny and eggs from Allison's Gourmet
- Organic jelly beans from Nuts Online
- Baking your own cookies? Pick up organic food colors from the Natural Candy Store which also carries loads of other sweet Easter treats like Easter eggs filled with organic candy
Once the candy is taken care of, you'll most likely want other items to fill the basket. Considering the economy, you might come up with activites you can do with your child that cost nothing, write them on slips of paper and add to the basket. We bet if you ask your children in advance, what special activities they might enjoy, you'll have enough for months of fun.
Suggestions:
- Stay up late with you one night.
- Bake something special together.
- Make up a game.
- Make popcorn and enjoy a movie on TV.
- Sleep outside under the stars.
- Have a tea party
- Create a mural
- Create and enjoy an "art" day using only items you have on hand
If you do want to purchase some special items for the basket, instead of heading to the dollar store, consider whether spending $10 on plastic toys that will break quickly is better than spending the same amount on one quality item that your child might enjoy playing with long after the holiday has passed.
If you're with us that the latter is worth investigating, here are a few ideas:
- Seed packets and a garden implement or two
- Felted egg kit from A Child's Dream Come True
- Fair trade egg shaker from Down to Earth Toys
- Wooden play eggs from A Toy Garden
- Paper mache nesting eggs from Magic Cabin
- Organic finger puppets from I Play Baby Wear
- Handmade decorative eggs from you or Etsy
- Seeded paper or cards that can be planted from Botanical Paper Works
- More ideas for Easter baskets and festivities are available at www.CelebrateGreen.net/blog
Top eco tips for Easter:
- Dye eggs using natural food colors. Instructions here.
- Take the focus off "stuff" and keep it on fun. For instance, reverse roles and have kids hide the eggs and parents search for them.
- Avoid buying those cute, live chicks or bunnies for gifts. They'll grow up, and then what will you do? Instead, plan to visit a nearby farm where kids can get an idea of where eggs come from, without the complexity of taking on a pet.
- Make a contribution to the Earth this Easter by planting a tree.
- Fold cloth napkins into bunnies
Top eco picks for Easter:
- Egg-shaped, artisan sculpted 100% beeswax candles from http://www.bigdipperwaxworks.com/
- Organic turkey or ham from Diamond Organics
- Organic hemp napkins in spring colors (Fold cloth napkins into bunnies)
- Easter e-cards
~Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Celebrate Green

There's now a book that can help you green any holiday or celebration, Celebrate Green: Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family by daughter and mother team -Corey Colwel-Lipson (GreenHalloween.org) and Lynn Colwell is now available.
Download a Sample Chapter of Celebrate Green for Free.
Corey and Lynn love talking to their fans so feel free to contact them.
And make sure you drop by their blog

