Redefining Holiday Gifting: Making It Merry & Light

This is a piggyback post to my last one. While thinking about ways to be more smart and sustainable in our shopping approach, maybe it's time to consider what it is we are shopping for. 

I believe it's an important distinction to realize we are shopping for our loved ones, not "shopping for Christmas," "shopping to get done with shopping," "shopping to get the best gifts ever," or "shopping to keep up with Aunt Sue or Uncle Joe." 

We are shopping for our loved ones: to bring them joy, to show we care, to make them smile with delight because we know them. We know what makes them tick and makes their heart sing.

Unless we are a bazillionaires, our wallets need some consideration. So do our homes. The sentiment should be the sweetness and love of the season, not just of buying the shiniest, fanciest, most expensive thing on the list. Money ≠ love. There's no point if a week after gift giving season, the gift lays there collecting dust, in our house over-stuffed with stuff, while our wallets-credit cards-banks are over-strapped without cash.

Maybe making it a season centered around meaning and connection is just what you need this year--a year for some that's been hard economically. Here are some "merry & light" gifts to consider:

• Focus on Experiences Over Stuff: Create gifts of adventure by gifting classes (local or online), museum memberships, nature hikes, streamed concerts, or shared outings that create memories rather than clutter. Get creative by crafting an at-home “movie marathon” day, a kitchen cooking crazy day or gourmet event, an at home craft day make-a-thon, self-created scavenger hunts, or and indoor camping adventure. Creative coupons, countdown calendars, and mystery envelopes to reveal these future extravaganzas can even inspire kids to grab the magic and excitement in the novelty and togetherness of a planned day ahead. Think of all the ways you can creatively spark excitement and spread the magic in these gifts. 

• DIY and Upcycled Gifts: Encourage handmade presents by way of baked goods, knitted scarves, crafted ornaments, or scrapbooks of memorable moments. This is a great way to get creative using reclaimed or natural materials.

• Zero-Waste Products: Use some of the links from the last post to search out beauty, wellness, or kitchen goods with packaging made from compostable or recycled items. A gift that can keep giving could come from an eco-conscious brands that offers refillable or package-free options.

• Digital Gifts: We live in a digital world. Opt for e-books, audio books, or digital subscriptions. These gifts require no shipping and work with what your loved ones already have.

• Swap or Secondhand Celebrations: Organize a “give what you have” exchanges or a regifting party. I'm sure you have some great barely-used items in your closet, drawers, or basements that someone else would love. Lighten your load and makes someone's day. You can also take advantage of online tools like Bunz, Freecycle, or Facebook "Buy Nothing" groups to share-forward your items in search of something else.

• Donation Gifts & Gifts That Give Back: Give a charitable donation in your recipient's name. Make it a gift that pays it forward. These companies include a small gift for the recipient that accompanies the larger gift of the donation.

💠 World Wildlife Fund​

💠 Women for Women International ​

💠 Best Friends Animal Society​

💠 Heifer International​

💠 World Vision 

💠 Because International (with the mission to alleviate poverty)

💠 St. Jude Gift Shop

The benefits of going "merry & light" are many:

💝 The environmental payoff is significant through less packaging, landfill waste, and shipping costs and emissions. You can support local artisans and green businesses.

💝 Emotionally, you can land on a deeper sense of gratitude and meaning in the season. Likewise, it can lead to less stress and stronger bonds--things that last longer than the momentary excitement of the latest, greatest, bright & shiny, pricy gizmo.​

💝 Perhaps it builds new traditions in your family, having you craft "Santa Workshop" weekends, candlelight storytime, treasure hunts, baking for neighbors and loved ones, making pinecone bird feeders for your backyard friends. Think of the memories made by these! Plus, think of the warmth that comes from giving sustainable gifts of stewardship and family togetherness...and the gift on no over-spending anxiety when it comes to January's bills!

💝 Showcase the magic in less by wrapped gifts with extra flair, written clues, or puns and poetry. Make the presentation part of the surprise to make your gift unforgettable.

Downsizing doesn't have to be a downer. Lightening the load might also lighten our spirits. The magic isn't lost, but it is what you make it. It's a shift in perspective and discovering your own ways to make the season shine. THAT is the true gift for your people.

Images created using canva.com
​

Online Holiday Helpers for Sustainable Shopping

The shopping season is upon us. Anyone who has been around awhile knows I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Christmas. I was shopping a few weeks ago for some Thanksgiving table decor since we hosted Turkey Day at our house and I swear: Christmas ate Thanksgiving mid November. Probably before. It nearly gave me hives walking into the Christmas explosion within the stores. It threw me back a bit to this scene from one of the many Charlie Brown movies:

I think as we ease from one actual holiday to the next season--and actually being more in the moment of where we actually are--I usually get into the groove. Though I will say, the consumerism, expense, throw-away culture, and the hurry-scurry does get me a tad mental and moody. I don't want to be a Grinch, but sometimes I get sucked into that vortex of overwhelm as it counters the mood and mindset of simpler and less.

So I started pondering and researching some more sustainable choices. In this techno-era, why not utilize online tools to be our own little Santa's elves and holiday helpers to give way to sustainable shopping options. Shop smarter not harder--which truthfully, this is not just a December holiday thing, but an every day assistance. (And yes, I did use a little bit of AI and online tools to help me craft THIS list.)

Harnessing Online Tools for Greener Gifting:

• Giftster: Here you can curate wish lists and share out with family members. I've used this for years. It's great if you are shopping for extended family and everyone gets on board as members can include lists of interests, hobbies, sizes and more. There's also a Secret Santa element in it too for gift exchanges. Gifster has both an app and browser extension too. While this is not necessarily "greener" per se, it may help you streamline your shopping conundrums.

• Good On You: This site uses AI-driven rating system for fashion brands, which allows users to build gift lists with verified ethical and sustainable options.

• Ecosia Browser Shopping Extension: This add-on uses algorithms to highlight eco-friendly vendors and suggest low-impact gifts as users browse shopping sites. Users can filter by eco-certification, carbon offset, and more.

• Giftology Corporate Platform: This site incorporates AI and automation for companies to select sustainable, personalized gifts. This is perfect if you have a want or need to buy in bulk for clients or employees,

• GreenChoice: This is an AI grocery and product suggestion app/website which helps users build zero-waste lists centered around environmental and health concerns.

• The Ethical Shopper: This website helps users find products (especially beauty, home, and personal care items) that are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, with heavy support to brands that are environmentally transparent. 

• Even mainline shopping search engines like Google Shopping & Bing have filters for "sustainable,""eco," or "ethically made so you can narrow your search to your preferences on packaging, recycled materials, low waste shipping, and more.

Other Things to Consider:

• Utilize your smart phone tools by automating reminders within your calendar. Notifications centered around exclusive deals could help get you what you are looking for right when it comes out, putting you in a position of not missing out on items that sell out quickly.

• Focus on experiences instead of things. Tickets to a show or event, shared together builds community, cherished memories, and time together. Likewise, it reduces waste and clutter for those people who seemingly need nothing and serves as a "leave no trace" gift. 

• Always double check any “green” claims. "Greenwashing" is definitely "a thing" and many companies use false or loose advertising to draw you in. It's always good to really do your research--especially if you are using AI to help you out!

As you are entering this holiday season, take advantage of the tools around you. Look for ways to simplify your life so that you can truly enjoy the reason of the season and your time with family and friends. In doing so, may it help you shop with your values in mind and help you feel lighter, smarter, and more joyful this holiday season! 

Charlie Brown image screenshot from ​https://youtu.be/oyUcHxY6aJY?si=ZeVYKX-0cKeZdnws, Other image created in Canva.com

Happy Easter 2024

This weekend is Easter Weekend....if you are still looking for some last minute ways green your Easter scene, here are a few options for you. (Pro-tip #1--plastic grass, in not recyclable! If you have it, save and reuse it. Otherwise, find the crinkled paper version!!)

• Green Child Magazine's 50 Eco-Friendly Easter Basket Fillers
• Joyfy's Green Easter: Easy Ways to Be Environmentally Friendly
• Bounty Parents' Ditch the Egg-cess! 10 Ways to Enjoy a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Easter
• Puddles & Pines' Tips For a More Eco-Friendly Easter

Additionally, here this Easter weekend, whether you celebrate the religious side or the hippity-hop Easter bunny side Easter, may this weekend and spring bring you joy. Spend a little time out there in nature too. Find, see, and smell the flowers.

Images created at canva.com

Sustainable Gift Giving Meets Santa's Workshop

This past weekend I was in a vortex of Christmas crazy and creation this weekend. My eyes were a bit bleary, crossed, tired and hurting. My body was sore for over-sitting in worker bee mode. Santa's Workshop was at full tilt, no stops, knee-deep in Christmas construction. 

'Tis the season, right?

As time keeps ticking, we are getting closer to the mailing deadlines, priority shipping dates, and The Big Day. It can be overwhelming, trying to get it all together... especially if you are trying to "shop till you drop" to get those perfect Christmas or Hanukkah gifts.

If you are feeling like you are running out of good ideas, here's where shopping in an eco-friendly way. These two visuals can help with inspiration. Additionally, Green Action Centre's post "Sustainable Gift Giving" can help you go deeper with ideas on their ten categories listed in the infographic below. It may be just what you need to find that "something just right" for that "someone special!"

Images from https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ZK_7Ws_TD/ and https://greenactioncentre.ca/featured/sustainable-gift-ideas/

Saving the Planet, One Video Game at a Time

As I was writing about the draw of board games to activate environmental stewardship a bit ago, it got me thinking. We live in a digital world. What about video games?

No surprise...there's a wealth.

And there's some interesting science and articles behind it too, which can be found in these articles: 

• Playing for the Planet's survey on green games and their audience impact was given to over 380,000 players. Details of the survey's findings can be found in this February 13, 2023 post "Confirmed: Playing Video Games Can Lead to Climate Action."

• The Guardian's January 26, 2023 article: Can Video Games change People’s Minds About the Climate Crisis?

• Nico King's December 2020 article 20 Incredible Environmental Games from the Last Decade addresses the following topics: What are environmental games? What are the Different Types and Themes of Environmental Games? Why do we Play Environmental Games? List of 20 Environmental Games from 2010 - 2020, and How can Today's Video Games Help the Environment?
  

With the reach that the digital gaming industry has (1 in 3 people worldwide), it's no surprise that it serves as a venue to enlighten and inspire people about environmental issues.

One notable game is Playing 4 the Planet. It was launched in the fall of 2019 by the United Nations Environment Programme at the UN Secretary-General's Climate Action Summit. Playing 4 the Planet was an approach to heighten the awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals.  It is partnered with Games for Good, where the purpose is to create games with social change as central to the game.

Here is a list of other environmentally-themed video games. This list is by no means exhaustive, and no doubt more are coming all the time. Remember: not all games are kid friendly, so please do your research. Common Sense Media is a great place to do this.

ABZÛ -- Theme: Ocean Education

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure -- Themes: Environmental and Wildlife Education 

Anno 1800 -- Themes: Biodiversity and Climate Change

Beyond Blue -- Theme: Ecological Education

Bleached Az -- Themes: Ocean Pollution and Climate Change

Eco -- Themes: Conflict Resolution and Natural Resource Management

Fate of the World --Theme: Global Management

Fort McMoney -- Theme: Conflict Resolution

FutureCoast -- Themes: Climate Change and Climate Fiction

Get Water! -- Theme: Water Management

GreenSpace --Theme: Waste Management

Habitactics -- Theme: Wildlife Education

Horizon: Forbidden West -- Themes: Deforestation and Climate Change

Ice Flows -- Theme: Climate Change

Lumino City -- Theme: Renewable Energy

Morphy! -- Theme: Wildlife Education

Never Alone -- Themes: Cultural Awareness and Environmental Education

Niche -- Theme: Wildlife Education

Plasticity -- Themes: Waste Management and Recycling 

Save a Rhino -- Theme: Wildlife Conservation

Save the Park -- Theme: Environmental Education

Terra Nil -- Theme: Natural Resource Management

Working with Water -- Theme: Water Management

World Rescue -- Theme: Global Management

WWF Free Rivers -- Themes: Ecological and Geographical Education

Image created at Canva.com

Environmental Stewardship: Board-Game Style

Years ago when my kids were younger, I ran across the game Earthopoly. Of course I just HAD to get it! As the name suggests, it's the eco-friendly version of Monopoly. We even played it in my classroom one Earth Day, many years ago.

We all know board games are a great way to have some fun. But they also serve as a good opportunity to learn along the way.... and for some, maybe even save the planet. Many of the environmentally-slanted games that are out thereare cooperative games, showcasing the importance of how we all need to work together to solve the planetary problems. We either all win...or we don't. 

 

Additionally, by working together to build a better future, games such as these promote an element of proactiveness and hope, which counter the bleakness and apathy that climatory concerns can bring. Not to mention, many of these games insert a little scientific information along the way, making environmental education even more accessible. While you play, you build your strategic thinking skills as well as creativity and empathy. All of these skills are important for helping to solve real world dilemmas. 

Some of the popular eco games that are out there (listed alphabetically):

• 
  Arboretum
• Cascadia
• Daybreak
• Keep Cool
• Kyoto
• Nunami
• Oceans
• Pacific Climate Adventures
• Pandemic
• Photosynthesis
• Planet-E
• Renature
• Rising Waters (based on the Great Mississippi flood of 1927)
• Tipping Point
• Wingspan

Need to read more? Here are some great articles on the subject:

• Popular Science's article by Zoe Dutton's 1-23-2023: How Climate Change Board Games Could Turn Play Into Action

• The Guardian's article: Can Board Games Teach Us About the Climate Crisis? Game creators say yes

• Columbia Climate School's article by Sarah Fecht 11-18-2022: Columbia Student Presents Climate Change Board Games at COP27

• Happy Eco New's article by James D'Souza's 2-21-2023: Climate Change Board Games Inspire Hope

• Forbes' article by James Morris, 10-28-2022: Can We Play Ourselves Out Of The Climate Crisis? With The Daybreak Boardgame, Maybe

Image created at canva.com

52 Clutter Free Gifts

'Tis the season to be shopping... or at least that's what one would have you to think from anywhere from mid-November through the December holiday season. 

I was recently telling my college-aged daughter about my long-standing, complicated relationship with Christmas. It's a swirly mix of a full calendar events, to-do lists, and a bounty of extra preparations in an already run-around schedule. Then there's the commercialism and expense, the wants and needs, the environmental demands in more, more more STUFF...all combined with the "happiest time of the year." I feel this phrase can be a misnomer of heightened expectations, especially as you get older and people you love are no longer here. High expectations can also easily lead to disappointments as reality and human frailty and flaws are at play. There can be a lot of pressure at this time of the year: the perfect gift, the perfect dinner, the perfect family events. In the mix, sometimes the true meaning of the season gets lost in the frenzy and stress. At times, it can make me perfectly Grinchly. 

With all of that, I found myself apologizing to my daughter about my grinchly-ness because even on the cusp of total adulthood, she adores the season and all that goes with it. It's not my job to sprinkle my mixed feelings like snow in a snowglobe and dash her delight.

One thing that helps me to take a look at the gifts--both in my requests and in the ones I give. I know I'm fortunate and I really don't "need" more "stuff." My needs are fulfilled, with the exception of needing more time with the people I love. And when it comes to "wants," more and more, post-Covid in particular, I'm finding the wants also involve shared time over stuff. Time and togetherness are certainly clutter free. Perhaps this is why this list of 52 Clutter Free Gifts really spoke to me. 

May it serve some inspiration for you too, and help center you this season in the true meaning of the holidays.

Image from The Art of Simple FB page and created by https://www.becomingminimalist.com/: https://www.facebook.com/theartofsimple/posts/pfbid037QU9xenu3NVybhUguae4rLXF5miJPprDAWs4TVLL2EHTi8wQuLQEfmBqoF8zBaV6l

The Power of Purpose at Patagonia

Almost exactly a month ago on September 14th, outdoor-apparel company Patagonia released new of their new, one and only shareholder: Mother Earth.

Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, has long been donating 1% of Patagonia's profits to environmental causes. Not only previously green in their donations, but Patagonia is known to be green with their other company efforts as well, including their nature-centric vision and emphasis on repairing items. But in September of this year, Chouinard decided 1% was not near enough, and raised the bar another 99%, stating "the Earth is now our only shareholder." All money not going back into the business are profits that will be spend donating to tackle the climate crisis. 

[Psst...Patagonia is worth $3 billion!]

In honor of Patagonia's 50th year since he found it, Chouinard wanted to make a move to make a statement. Not wanting to sell the company in order to donate the money to the environment [and not wanting take the company public], he decided that he'd "go purpose" versus "going public." The company stocks are managed by the following two entities: Patagonia Purpose Trust and Holdfast Collective. The former gains the voting stocks with the plan to protect the company's core values. The latter is the nonprofit fighting against environmental hazards and fighting for nature. The Holdfast Collective also gets the non-voting stock worth $3,000,000,000. 1% will continue to go to grassroots environmental activists, just as before.

It's a bold and innovative way to do business. May more companies continue to follow suit, thinking of a world bigger than themselves and their own personal profits.

Video from https://youtu.be/GlzdVVthPUY, Tweet from https://twitter.com/patagonia, and headline letter from https://www.patagonia.com/ownership/

Seasonal Shopping: Gifts That Give Back

Finding that “just right” gift can be tough. 

Now, during this early- moving to mid-December time, the pressure is on. Email inboxes are filled up with marketing and sales galore... all while threats of global logistical issues are looming that package delivery might be slowed down. Time is ticking, you want to get gifts here if you're shopping by mail. You're wrestling the stores and the questions of  "should I mask or not" as talk of more Covid variants loom. Financially, you are working inside your gift-giving budget, trying to not break the bank, but meanwhile also trying to give a gift that sends the right message and speaks from the heart. 

None of this is an easy task! Holiday shopping is not for the faint of heart!

Additionally, you might also be wrestling slightly with the materialism side of life, wondering if the true meaning of Christmas is getting lost in the shuffle—especially if you are trying to spread that message to the little ones in your life too. Insert visions of the A Charlie Brown Christmas here!

But there are gifts out there that can possibly fit all the bills mentioned above. Gifts you'll enjoy, but they are also gifts that give back. Companies have made it part of their business model to include paying it forward where your purchase brings gifts not only to yourself but others. Some companies that fall in that category include: 

• 
  Bombas
• Be Kind (by Ellen DeGeneres)
• Thrive Causemetics 
• 4 Ocean
• Lush Cosmetics
• Toms Shoes
• 2 Blind Brothers 
• Boxed Lunch 
• Mango and Main
• Preemptive Love 
• charity.water

At least four of these companies were on my shopping list this holiday season.

In thinking about these companies, I knew there had to be more. And there are. Here are some links to lists of many more amazing companies that give back. If you are still shopping for that perfect gift, check these out! I'm sure there are tons more and I'd love to hear about them. 

• 40 Gifts That Give Back to Charity 2021 — Charitable Gift Ideas
• 10 Gifts That Also Give to Wildlife
• 45 Gifts That Give Back to Charity - Best Charitable Gift Ideas 2021
• Gifts That Give Back, Your Guide to Gifts That Support a Cause
• 20 Gifts That Give Back, So You Can Gift Twice the Joy | Real Simple

For more thoughts on gift-giving visit...

• 10 Strategies for Smart Gift-Giving This Year 
• The Best Holiday Gifts for Everyone (That Do Good, Too)
• How to Create Less Waste During the Holidays

"Gifts that Give Back" image created at www.canva.com; Peanuts Image from https://www.twincities.com/2012/11/26/12-days-of-minnesota-christmas-charlie-brown-went-from-the-funny-pages-to-our-hearts-w-video/, and "Season of Giving" from https://www.brogleys.com/post/a-season-of-giving

Birthdays & "Be Kind"

Birthdays always put a smile on your face. Especially if you are a kid--what a jubilant day! Your day! But even as an adult, and even as those numbers get bigger, it's that special day all of your own. It's a day of a little bit extra attention, a tad more novelty, and maybe even a surprise or two. If you are on Facebook, you know that they give out birthday notification for your FB friends, and it's touching to see all those people from every corner of your life who took a minute or two out of their day to wish you well. Love or hate Facebook, it's the one thing that they do really well.

I recently had a birthday, and it certainly was the novelty of the day that made it. The kindergarten and the second grade class that spontaneously broke into song when I walked in their doors. The well-wishes from colleagues and kids alike as I walked down the hall (having heard my name in the list of birthdays du jour). My daughter joining us at my son's soccer game with a bouquet of flowers. Birthday cards and gifts that were unexpected. Trips made in the few weeks before and after that were loosely tied to myur birthday to be special visits with special people. I think it's the novelty and the adventures that were missed most during the 18-20 months of the pandemic, where days rolled into each other with a very "Groundhog's Day" movie of each day being on solitary retreat. 

One of the many surprises along the way came from a dear friend of mine who sent me Ellen DeGeneres' "Be Kind" box. The arrival on my doorstep was a good surprise as it was, but I really loved the sentiment that Ellen put into the concept of the box of goodies that came my way. She's been long known for her charitable works and in 2016 she was the recipient of the People's Choice Award for Philanthropy. She was quoted as saying, "It is a little strange to actually to get an award for being nice and generous and kind, which is what we are all supposed to do with one another. That is the point of being human." 

"Be kind" has become her trademark and motto over the years. Approximately 3 years ago, Ellen created her Be Kind Subscription box. I got the Fall 2021 box from my friend. Yes, it's a lovely gift, but the elements in side and the meaning behind them are some of the most beautiful part. I found myself reading the booklet of the box's content and my heart filling up with the humanity and charitable association that backed everything. It had me diving into websites to learn more about these amazing brands that are affiliated with the contents of this Be Kind box:

• A bottle of ZenWTR -- where the bottle is made from "100% recycled, certified ocean-bound plastic" in order to reduce marine debris. 1% of their sales go to preventing ocean pollution & promoting recycling campaigns. 
• Earrings from The Sanctuary Project -- Their mission is to provide jobs and job training to women who have not only endured but survived trafficking, violence/abuse, and additiction. 100% of their sales are reinvested in this mission.
• An organic cotton zippered small pouch from Terra Thread -- Created by the father and daughter team Via and Vizan Girl to create environmentally friendly, fair-trade, carbon-neutral products, where the purchase supports Feeding America. The collaboration with Ellen's Be Kind Box this season will provide 460,000 meals to American who struggle with hunger.
• Exfoliating bath body scrubber from Daily Concepts -- An organic, vegan, biodegradable soy-based bath scrubber that tells you when it's time to replace when the label text fades. This company supports LAVA MAEX which provides Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Area homeless folks with mobile showers.
• Laundry detergent sheets from Miracle Brand -- Zero waste laundry detergent
• Self care items like the Modern Monet paint by number kit and Rose Quartz bracelet (the stone of compassion, peace, and unconditional love) from Charged Wellness (where you can opt into a donation to their monthly for a discount on your purchase). Both of these companies hold balance, creativity, self-renewal, and rejuvenation central to their mission.

With the holidays swiftly approaching, it may be worth considering checking out a Be Kind box or longer term subscription for your friends or your family....or visiting one of the affiliated companies included here. Next season for Winter there'll be a new box. Might be an interesting quarterly check in to see what good you can do for you (or a loved one) and our world. What a great way to "Be Kind" indeed!

Be Kind box from https://www.ellentube.com/video/get-groovy-with-zenwtr-and-the-fall-be-kind-by-ellen-box.html, Birthday image created at Canva.com

Green Your Day o'Green: Happy St. Patty's Day

As we have all learned during this last year, levity, fun, and humor have been the things that have severely missing. Given the weight of the last post, I thought celebrating the green o'St. Patricks Day may be the way to go. 

Go green this green holiday with these 20 ideas of  how to green up your St. Patty's Day in the greenest of eco-ways on this Irish day!

1. Don't go buying new green for your wearin' o'the green. Check out your closet and go with something you already have.

2. Want something new-to-you to wear? Visit a thrift shop and take advantage of the "reuse" industry.

3. Bow out of the glittery green hair sprays and face paints that are far from natural. Go re-usable with necklaces, hats, and accoutrements to jazz up your St. Patty's Day style.

4. Same for all of the plastic festive wear. #PlasticIsNotFantastic

5. Looking for some festive wear for your table? Use the real stuff or purchase the biodegradable variety of cups, plates, napkins, and silverware.

6. Make sure all recyclables get into your recycle bin.make sure beer cans, bottles, and other recyclables make it into the correct bin.

7. Drink eco-friendly Irish coffee.

8. Even better....take your own reusable mug.

9. Start the day instead with a green smoothie or some lovely green tea.

10. Make green the theme for your meals. Get a hefty dose of those leafy greens or other veggies in your meals du jour.

11. Going traditional feasting fare: go organic, local, grass-fed corned beef.

12. Or, move away from the meat-heavy traditional foods as meat-eating animals require a lot of environmental resources.

13. Get your green by getting outside and getting some Vitamin D, some Vitamin N(ature), and some exercise.

14. When indoors, turn off or unplug anything electronic you aren't using. Save that phantom electricity.

15. Same goes for the lights!

16. Go green with your cleaners (though, let's be honest, who's cleaning on St. Patrick's Day? Not this li'l leprechaun!)

17. Support green, eco-friendly businesses and restaurants. GreenAmerica.org is a great place to go to size that up.

18. Drink organic green beer....or at least support a local brewery.

19. If you are hitting the Irish pubs, skip the plastic straws in your beverages.

20. Likewise, if you are out and about, consider ride sharing to get home safe and sound.

All of the ideas are inspired from the following articles if you want to dive in and read more!

Kiss Me, I’m Eco-Friendly! 5 Tips for a Truly Green St. Patrick’s Day

Putting the Green in St. Patrick’s Day

REALLY Go Green with Eco-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Activities 

How to Green Your St. Patrick's Day

15 ShamROCKIN' Ways to Go Green this St. Patrick's Day (and every day)!

Art created at canvas.com 

When Less Is More

I've just finished reading"The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store" by Cait Flanders. In it, she details a life of minimalism and how she arrived there in one year with by imposing her own "shopping ban." In truth, it also details her several-year "journey of less" in all aspects of her life. Less shopping, less clutter, less debt, less food & snacking, less weight, less mindless TV watching, less social media, less drinking, less work, and much more.

Minimalism has always piqued my interest--as evident on my bookshelf (filled, ironically, way too many books) but in titles such as "Simplify Your Life" and "Inner Simplicity" (both by Elaine St. James), "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" (by Greg McKeown), and "Simple Abundance" (by Sarah Ban Breathnach). I've watched  "Minimalism: A Documentary About Important Things." But it sometimes is hard to be a true minimalist when you have teenagers and a husband and a dog, all of whom have differing opinions.

It wasn't intentional, but I ended up reading Cait Flanders book right after spending 30 man-hours this summer with all of the above participants (minus the dog) overhauling the basement. When you have teenagers,  you don't necessarily need the "Magic Treehouse" books, or Lincoln Logs, or Playmobile guys, or dress-up costumes, or stuffed animals anymore. It was a process that was probably at least 5 years overdue. I tend to be very organized, so I can organize a lot of stuff and not look like a hoarder. However, we had certainly surpassed that point in the basement. It was a big job. And it stunned me a little bit thinking of all the money over the years that had gone to all of this stuff we were getting rid of. But, as my husband reminded me, it served a purpose at the time, and that time had passed. This certainly was a strong tie in to Cait's own realizations and her journey as well.

I tackled the lion share of the job, but I couldn't even start the project on my own due to overwhelm. As a family, we created 4 blocks of time where all four of us worked for only one hour at a time, cranking through as much as we could in that hour. Those blocks of simultaneous 4-man-hours helped accomplish a lot in a concentrated time. They cut through my sentimental "maybe we should keep it" moments. They were far more cut-throat! Multiple truck-loads of stuff were donated--bags of books included. Old crafting items went to school to be up for grabs. Several bookshelves were grabbed from the curb by our neighbor. We still have a pile of stuff that we're considering selling (or it may come to donating) as I'm really just ready to offload those items.

The memorabilia was my hardest part, with boxes of never-scrapbooked items, but I organized those into one tub per child of keepsakes. Apparently I thought it'd be a good idea to save every kindergarten handwriting page my daughter ever wrote, so we had a lot of recycling as well.


The room is still a work in progress as we have some odds and ends to fix (one of which may involve a handy man), but it is a world of improvement. It's not overstuffed and cluttered. It's actually spacious and inviting. It goes with Cait's concept of "Whenever you let go of something negative in your life, you make room for something positive."

Likewise, as I was wrapping up Cait Flanders' book last night, I reflected on some of her broader thoughts. The basement overhaul has been tied also to my daily treks on the exercise bike (also in the basement) to improve my overall health and stamina--which in turn has started helping to shed a few pounds. This, in turn, has also led to more veggies on my plate. Cait's quote "Every small change you make pays compound interest. It helps you make another change, another mind-set shift, another decision to live in a new way" seemed to be whispering right to me. Ironically too, it's cropped up as I'm simultaneously reading James Clear's "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones."

Having never been much of a shop-a-holic, both Cait's book and my basement have led me even further away. I don't need more. We have enough. Along those lines, I'm trying to read more books on Kindle (including Cait's) as books are my shopping downfall! I'm grateful for what we do have, and I know that some of our stuff will be the same stuff we will later be getting rid of. The landfills truly don't need more, and I wonder how much I'm greenwashing myself with all my donations simply to avoid seeing someone else throw them away! In reading Cait's journey and taking my own, it makes you look at your priorities through a fine-toothed comb... and that was only my basement!

You can learn more about Cait Flanders on her website or by following #TheYearOfLess in social media. Maybe it, or my basement story, will inspire you to make the best out of "less" in your life.


Cait Flanders' book cover from https://www.amazon.com/Year-Less-Shopping-Belongings-Discovered/dp/9386832933 & all other photos from my phone & basement.

Revisiting the Concept of Scrubbing With A Smarter Soap

These days, it's all about washing our hands. It's our best line of defense against germs and disease to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.

Two companies have taken an environmentally sustainable mindset approach to soap that keeps the planet in mind. In doing so, they both attack the overuse of plastic, which then leads to plastic pollution.

I mentioned Forgo (from the Swedish company Form Us With Love) in my previous PBS Design Squad post. Forgo's innovation has us adding their soap powder with water to create a foaming hand soap. In doing so, it eliminates plastic pollution because of the refill and reuse concept. Forgo started on Kickstarter earlier this year with deliveries are expected for July 2020.



Another company with a similar approach is Blueland. Their approach is to add a tablet to water to create hand soap.. They also have other cleaning supplies that are tablet-based such as multi-surface, bathroom, or window/mirror cleaners. Blueland's mission statement is very environmentally-centered.



As more and more of our shopping happens online to be able to shop while keeping health in mind, these are two great approaches that may serve you and your family well while also helping our planet. I've not tried Blueland and Forgo is still coming, but these certainly are products worth checking out!


Videos from https://youtu.be/Nrfq2lI8P30 and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK6KmMaHJ-I, photos from https://www.blueland.com/products/hand-soap-starter-set-multi and https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/forgo/forgo-essentials-personal-care-reinvented

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day conjures images in tones of pink and red... not typically green. Green is typically more reserved for next month when Irish brogues come dancing off everyone's tongues.

But that doesn't mean you can't have an eco-friendly, heart-filled day.  Here are some thoughts to get you thinking of green ways to share the day with your loved ones.

All You Need for Valentine’s Day in 10 Infographics
From Natalija Snapkauskaite's 1/28/2014 post on Piktochart's Blog:
This article is made for all of us who are extraordinarily visual and love graphic data. You'll find infographics on the history of the day, where the Valentine dollars are going, worldwide traditions, typical social media personals, ways to say "I love you" in a multitude of languages and more.

Have A Green Valentine's Day!
From Mary Kate Ranii's 2/2/2017 Pennyslvania's Resource Council post:
Here you'll find some green gifts, dining, and ambiance ideas... who doesn't love the gift of an experience (where the memory will last a lifetime) or heart-shaped homemade cookies?!

14 Ways To Go Green This Valentine's Day
From Margaret Badore's 2/12/2014 post on Treehugger:
More good ideas (14 in fact) on ways to reduce waste and save money along the way with your loved ones. My favorite: #14 and giving the give of doing something to help someone out!

25 Ways to Set an Earth-Loving Mood This Valentine’s Day
From Katie O'Reilly's 2/12/2019 post in the Sierra Club Magazine:
This article is more for the gift-giver out there who'd like to find something special from a quality brand that places high value on sustainability.

Green Team Gazette Past Posts on Valentine's Day
This is always a good way to go through the archives and get some classic, timeless ideas!


There are lots of ways to show someone you love them. It wouldn't hurt to show the planet a little love along the way this Valentine's Day!

Image from http://greenubuntu.com/how-to-enjoy-an-environment-friendly-green-valentines-day/ and https://www.activekids.com/parenting-and-family/articles/9-nature-themed-valentine-s-day-ideas

Cereal for a Cause

Inventions and innovations of any sort come out of need. What if a need could be solved by a breakfast cereal?

That certainly is an innovative way to solve a problem. And, it is the approach that Nature's Path Organics have decided to take regarding endangered sea turtles. They created Envirokidz Turtle Splash cereal, a regular healthy and organic style cereal with a twist. With each box you purchase, you get a code you can register online in order to "symbolically adopt a real sea turtle." Also, while you are there on their website you can learn other ways to help sea turtles such as passing on plastic straws, finding or organizing a beach clean up, or donating to SEE Turtles.

The day I investigated this, the website counter revealed that 270 turtles had been adopted via Turtle Splash Cereal codes.

Target and Thrive Market are two places you can buy a box of your very own. However, in investigating this, it looks like Turtle Splash is just the newest in an already long line of Envirokidz from Nature's Path. They have 17 other cereals designated to do the same, many of which are vegan or gluten free. Their mission statement:

"Here at EnviroKidz our mission is not only to make delicious organic food for kids, but to help save animals and the planet. That’s why each box features real life animals – animals who we support every time you choose one of our cereals, bars, or oatmeals."

For most of their cereals & foods listed here, they work with partners at 1% For the Planet, where 1% of the sales benefits animal partners working to save endangered animals and their habitats, along with educating children worldwide. Other Envirokidz Cereals & Foods.

• Envirokidz Panda Puff Cereal
• Envirokidz Choco Chimps Cereal
• Envirokidz Leapin' Lemur Cereal
• Envirokidz Cheetah Chomps Cereal
• Envirokidz Amazon Flakes (benefits macaws)
• Envirokidz Gorilla Munch Cereal
• Envirokidz Koala Crisp Cereal 
• Envirokidz Jungle Munch Cereal

• Envirokidz Crispy Chocolate Rice Bars (benefits koalas)
• Envirokidz Crispy Peanut Choco Rice Bars (benefits lemurs)
• Envirokidz Crispy Berry Blast Rice Bars (benefits cheetahs)
• Envirokidz Crispy Peanut Butter Rice Bars (benefits pandas)

• Envirokidz Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars (benefits chimpanzees)
• Envirokidz Chewy Strawberry Granola Bars (benefits macaws)

• Envirokidz Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal (benefits elephants) 
• Envirokidz Brown Sugar Maple Oatmeal (benefits caribou)
• Envirokidz Chocolate Chip Oatmeal (benefits chimpanzees)

Image from https://www.naturespath.com/en-us/products/envirokidz/turtle-splash/ and https://www.mommykatandkids.com/2014/05/natures-path-envirokidz-cereal.html

Barbie As Environmental Leaders

I was a big fan of Barbies when I was a kid. It makes sense--it was the 1970s and Barbies were an "it toy" for girls. I had a 2-story doll house that someone had made, and one of my prized parts of it was the staircase that my dad had built to set next to the garage so Barbie and Ken and the crew could get up to the 2nd floor. (I mean really, what kind of house like that didn't have steps?)

I also had the fuschia Corvette and the barbie camper, and I remember zipping around both all over my house

Fast forward 30 years, and the Barbie camper & car made their way under my adult Christmas tree for my preschool daughter. Cleaned up by my dad after years of living in the attic, the vintage "Barbiemobiles" were in lovingly restored.

However, my daughter, always more of a tomboy, was never a fan of Barbies. Instead, her stuffed animals went tooling around our house in the Barbie camper. Barbie had been replaced in our house by my critter-lovin' girl.

Wildlife Conservationist
Barbie

Fast forward another good dozen years or so, and there's potentially a new generation of Barbie-camper-drivers out there. Mattel and National Geographic have teamed together to create a new Barbie product line based around "exploration, science, conservation, & research." In the mix is "Ecologist Barbie" (or officially named "Wildlife Conservationist" Barbie). My daughter has well passed the age of driving her stuffed dogs around in the Barbie camper, but I love this idea. Barbie routinely has gotten her feminism on and taken on new adventures, and here we are again, with a new role of scientist and explorer in her credentials and curriculum vitae.

Nature photojournalist

Nalini Nadkarni, forest ecologist and canopy scientist, is part of the current promotional team of Mattel & National Geographic highlighting the explorer series of the new Barbie line and the wildlife conservationist Barbie. Other Barbies in this series include an astrophysicist, an entomologist, a polar marine biologist, and a nature photojournalist.

Polar Marine Biologist

Nalini, had long tried to get Mattel to embrace an idea of "Treetop Barbie." They didn't buy into it, so she created a line of her own via resale shops and constructing her own outfits in the early 2000s. Although not affiliated with Mattel, she got them to let her continue and she sold approximately 400 over the years.

Entomologist Barbie

From her 2009 TED Talk (where she discussed her created her own repurposed Barbies from thrift shops that she outfitted in outdoor gear to produce the dolls on a small scale): "My feeling is that we have taken this pop icon and have just tweaked her a little bit to become an ambassador who can carry the message that being a woman scientist studying treetops is really a great thing."

Astrophysicist Barbie

About 15 years later, she was finally invited to serve on National Geogrpahics and Mattel's advisory committee to come up with an "adventure series" of Barbies. What better way to inspire girls to embrace alternatives to traditional gender roles and careers. 

To read up more on Nalini Nadkarni's current venture with Mattel, check out these two articles:

• NPR's October 18, 2019's article "Tree Scientist Inspires Next Generation ... Through Barbie" (Be sure to listen to the 13 minute interview on the page)
• Washington Post's January 17, 2020 article "She started climbing trees as a kid. Then this ecologist helped create scientist Barbie."

Plus, don't forget to check out the Barbie Explore page on Mattel.com.

Or, watch Nalini's 2009 TED Talk to learn more about the inspiration for Conservation Barbie:

Video from https://www.ted.com/talks/nalini_nadkarni_conserving_the_canopy?language=en, Barbies from https://barbie.mattel.com/shop/en-us/ba/barbie-wildlife-conservationist-doll-gdm48, other pics from my camera.