Tree Hugging Family » Earth Day http://www.treehuggingfamily.com Family Life On The Green Side Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:39:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 What readers are doing for Earth Day… http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/what-readers-are-doing-for-earth-day/ http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/what-readers-are-doing-for-earth-day/#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:00:53 +0000 Jennifer http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/?p=3762 Post from: Tree Hugging Family

]]> We recently had a fun giveaway here at Tree Hugging Family – Disneynature’s Earth Giveaway, where I asked readers to share their Earth Day plans. Some of the answers were really nice, so I wanted to share.

Mary: “My family and I are extremely energy and resource conscious so for Earth Day – no TV or un-necessary energy/electric consumption! In addition, we plant flowering trees, etc and recycle with a vengeance!”

Brian N: “In a way that makes a real difference – not just turning off a light switch – we are going vegan….for our health, for the earth, and for the slaughtered animals.”

Carol H: “I will be celebrating with my job. I work in public health and we are having a nutrition conference out of town that day. We are giving to each participant an Ecousable water bottle (thanks to the idea from yours truly) and green shirts with frogs on them that say something about going green. My family is planting a vegetable garden for the first time this year!”

Jodi Plume: “We’ve already started actually. Last week we cleaned up a nice stretch of the stream behind our house & our road. We collected a bag full of trash, then sorted the recyclables. We’re planning on going to see Disneynature’s Earth movie with out Earth Scouts group and are also planning some other trash pickup’s with them. Then my kids and I will also be planting a veggie garden this year. :) ”

Anne: “My husband and I are planting a herb garden on our balcony and we are taking part in some tree planting in our community! We will also be planting my mom and dads garden for them this year!”

Melissa: “This year I will try to make conscious living contagious. I plan on bringing a bunch of seedlings, herb and vegetable seed packets, etc. as Earth Day gifts for my co-workers. Each will have a small info card about the day and also a request to “pay it forward” and do something nice for someone else. (I believe joy and giving are contagious as well.)”

Dawn: “This year my husband and I are making a more conscious decision to recycle all that we can, walking our recyclables to the recycling center at least once a week. We are trying to use our towns public transportation more, and we have made a definite decision to use only reusable grocery bags. We have also started hand washing most of our clothes and hang drying them. And we are planting our first garden, trying to learn more about edible landscaping and such. We are trying to do our part, to make up for our ignorance in the past.”

Amajean: “Earth day is probably THE biggest holiday for my family all year. I teach a “Green Kids Awareness” class at my children’s school and this year we are having an upcycling contest all month. On earth day the children are going to host an earth day ’swap’. In addition to exchanging the trash to treasures they’ve made they are going to bring old toys that they don’t use anymore, clothes etc. that are in good shape for trading. What doesn’t go home with someone new will go to the Thrifty store. The kids have also been learning about the environmental impact of meat, cheese and grocery products. We have a vegan recipe that we are going to prepare from as much locally acquired materials as possible (my fam grows veggies in containers inside year round)

We plan on going on a field trip to the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden Colorado and checking out the Disney Earth movie after that!

It gets worse…. my kids have made special ‘compost tea’ for all of our plants at home – we have them ALL named. Mordechai the Basil is our favorite….. so we are going to have a tea party with our plants before bed, at which we intend to meditate with several friends meditating with their plants in their homes across the country at the same time for more positive energy for the earth – kind of like the 1111 meditation. (g00gle it if you don’t know bout it – its pretty neat)”

Crystal Jackson: “We are homeschoolers and will be learning and celebrating Earth Day all week long. We plan to tie dye shirts for our family to wear to all the festivities, field trip to our recycling center, building our new compost bin, finishing up our square foot garden, and ending the week at an Earth day festival on Saturday.”

Jessica: “My family and I ( husband and 6 year old daughter ) will be celebrating Earth Day by baking all of our friends organic carrot cake and sharing our knowledge of being an earth friendly family! We are throwing a small get together Earth Day Party and giving out recycled grocery bags for shopping for each family!”

I actually liked many more of the Earth Day comments, but there’s not room for all of them. I picked the ones above as faves because they highlight long-term changes, which is vital, I think to celebrating Earth Day. Hopefully some of these reader comments will inspire you to live greener and to set your own Earth Day goals.

[image via stock.xchng]

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]]> http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/what-readers-are-doing-for-earth-day/feed/ 0 Plan for 365 days of green this Earth Day http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/plan-for-365-days-of-green-this-earth-day/ http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/plan-for-365-days-of-green-this-earth-day/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:00:57 +0000 Jennifer http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/?p=3742 Post from: Tree Hugging Family

]]> If you read here regularly you’ll know that I’m not totally on board with any of the earth-minded holidays. It’s the whole too-little, too-commercialized, too-much-at-once issue. Earth Day, if celebrated correctly would be celebrated each and every day. This Earth Day make it a goal to live green 365 days a year. Following is an easy green calender of ideas for you and your family…

APRIL

Learn: About indoor pollution and how to keep your air fresh and healthy. Double points for researching the benefits of growing your own fresh air.

Plan a goal: On Earth Day, plan your green goals for the year. Make small green goals, make large green goals, but figure out how you’re going to avoid the Earth Day-one day trap and instead focus on how to celebrate green all year long.

Celebrate: A green Easter and a fab Arbor Day.

Just for kids:


MAY

Learn: Everything you ever wanted to know about green weddings. Weddings can be a major strain on the environment, and I’m betting you know someone with a summer wedding coming up – maybe even you. Educate yourself and others about smart green wedding choices.

Plan a goal: Set up a household recycling center this May. With summer coming the kids will be home and this is a great time to get eco-organized. Recycling is vital for a green family.

Celebrate: Your community. Make a plan to green your neighborhood.

Just for kids:


JUNE

Learn: About summer energy (and money) conservation with ten easy ways to beat the heat.

Plan a goal: Make this summer a little more plastic-free. Ditch plastic in the kitchen, snag some reusable ice pop molds, and learn how to make 32 unique homemade Popsicle recipes.

Celebrate: Early summer flowers with a cool project - candied flowers.

Just for kids:


JULY

Learn: About organic foods. From which organics are best, to the health benefits, to how to save money on organics, July is a great time to get educated about this topic because farmers markets and local farms are in full swing operation, plus, summer naturally feels like a good time to eat healthy.

Plan a goal: Start incorporating organics into your family’s diet. Don’t go nuts (you’ll drive yourself mad) but do choose some products in organic form each time your shop.

Celebrate: Mid summer with an awesome eco-barbecue or an easy green picnic or potluck – now that you’ve learned about organic foods it’ll be a snap.

Just for kids:


AUGUST

Learn: All about trees this August. You can learn how people affect trees, read a killer book about trees, travel to see some neat trees, or just get out there and hug your favorite tree. 

Plan a goal: Plant some trees that will thrive where you live.

Celebrate: Your kids before they head back to school. Involve them in green issues, take them on a hike, cook up some eco-food with them, and snag them some eco-friendly school and lunch gear for their return to school.

Just for kids:


SEPTEMBER

Learn: If Weatherization Assistance Programs are for you. If you need help keeping your home warm in the winter these programs can help plus they focus on energy efficiency tips and products.

Plan a goal: Green your beauty & bath routine.

Celebrate: World Ozone Day – learn about the issues surrounding global warming.

Just for kids:


OCTOBER

Learn: About the most common excuses why people don’t go green – note; avoid these. Ask a non-green friend about their reasoning and try to inform them of your side.

Plan a goal: Cut back on your paper towel use this month (maybe switch to cloth altogether).

Celebrate: A spooky green Halloween. Try an organic pumpkin, look for eco-friendly treats, and make homemade costumes.

Just for kids:


NOVEMBER

Learn: About why a less consumer based winter holiday season rocks. Now is the time to really focus on avoiding commercialism because it’s going to be knocking at your door big time.

Plan a goal: Plan to participate in Buy Nothing Day or at the very least start making some of your own  homemade holiday gifts.

Celebrate: Thanksgiving sans the meat this year. If that’s not quite for you, you can still green up your Thanksgiving day in other ways. Try some nature crafts for your table or 

Just for kids:


DECEMBER

Learn: Why vegetarian meals are good for your health and the planet. What we eat does affect the entire world. You can gather amazing tips and facts for going meatless (and organic) at the Sustainable Table website. 

Plan a goal: Incorporate two vegetarian meals weekly. Here are some easy veggie recipe ideas for meat-eating families.

Celebrate: A super green Christmas or Hanukkah.

Just for kids:


JANUARY

Learn: Sustainable housing is a huge topic, but one worth learning about. You can minimize your impact on the planet, live cleaner, and even get cool tax breaks for greening your dwelling. For tips related to all of the above visit Best Green Home Tips.

Plan a goal: Stop buying dishwasher detergents with phosphates.

Celebrate: A peaceful Martin Luther King Day and a green New Year’s Eve.

Just for kids:


FEBRUARY

Learn: Reusable bags are one major green topic everyone should learn more about. If you’re not taking this super easy green step (using reusable bags) what’s stopping you? This green lifestyle choice is so easy it’s a crime not to try.

Plan a goal: Yes its chilly, but there are still plenty of good reasons to get outside during winter. Make it a goal to stay healthy all year long by incorporating regular outdoor activity into your life.

Celebrate: Valentine’s day by avoiding paper greeting cards.

Just for kids:


MARCH

Learn: About why commercial, conventional cleaners are so bad for your health and the environment.

Plan a goal: Green audit all your green cleaners, safely toss the icky ones, and then make your own  natural, toxic-free homemade cleaners.

Celebrate: See 60 eco-friendly ways to celebrate spring and you also might want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with some greener than usual brew. 

Just for kids:

NOW: Share some of your green goals for the year in the comments…

[images via stock.xchng (altered by yours truly)]

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]]> http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/plan-for-365-days-of-green-this-earth-day/feed/ 3 Arthur Goes Green This Week http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/arthur-goes-green-this-week/ http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/arthur-goes-green-this-week/#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:45:42 +0000 Jennifer http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/?p=3739 Post from: Tree Hugging Family

]]> In honor of Earth Day, PBS KIDS GO! is airing 5 special eco-friendly episodes of Arthur. This event kicked off today with an episode called the “The Cherry Tree” – “Muffy will do anything to have a gigantic Dream Bouncy Castle at her birthday party, or so she thinks. When her favorite cherry tree is cut down to make room for the castle in her yard, she starts to have regrets. Then to make matters worse, she learns that cutting down trees contributes to climate change as well!”

To learn more about green living kids can tune into the “PBS Kids Share the Earth Day Celebration” going on all this week. Arthur and his gang are covering lessons about planting trees, composting, recycling, energy conservation, and more.

The Earth Day show sounds pretty cool; “The Blackout” – “It’s the hottest day in Elwood City, when a total blackout leaves its residents without any electricity. Arthur and D.W. don’t think they will survive without air conditioning and television. Luckily, the Molinas next door step in with a few ideas for keeping the temperature cool and the food preserved–and even having fun under the toughest of weather conditions.”

Kids can also take the Arthur go green challenge online. There are all sorts of tips offered in a kid-friendly manner; from greening your clothes, to food choices, and energy use, kids can pick up all sorts of tips. They can even grow their own “groovy garden,” join the rainsavers club, and more.

Visit PBS KIDS GO! to see all the green for kids going on this week.

[image via PBS KIDS GO!]

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]]> http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/arthur-goes-green-this-week/feed/ 0 Go ahead and say, “Screw Earth Day” if you want http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/go-ahead-and-say-screw-earth-day-if-you-want/ http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/go-ahead-and-say-screw-earth-day-if-you-want/#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:00:01 +0000 Jennifer http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/?p=3732 Post from: Tree Hugging Family

]]> Just a quick head’s up folks. Long time readers here at Tree Hugging Family may know that each year I post my ambivalence towards Earth Day. Am I on board? Is it enough? Not enough? Should we ban it all together?

Each year I tend to land more on the side that says, “One day is bull; every day should be Earth Day” so I was happily surprised to see the Grist campaign this year – Screw Earth Day!.

I posted all about this event at Blisstree Green, so if you want, go check it out. In this post there’s info on how you can score a Grist book for free too (which rocks) so even if you’re so on board with Earth Day that it’s not even funny, the post is worth a look.

Coming up later today - the winners of the Disneynature’s Earth Giveaway!

[image via Grist]

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]]> http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/go-ahead-and-say-screw-earth-day-if-you-want/feed/ 1 See A Movie – Plant A Tree! http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/see-a-movie-plant-a-tree/ http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/see-a-movie-plant-a-tree/#comments Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:00:12 +0000 Jennifer http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/?p=3719 Post from: Tree Hugging Family

]]> I recently posted about Disneynature’s Earth – a great new movie opening on Earth Day 2009. However, being me, I left out one very important point about this flick.

Disneynature is celebrating the release of their premiere film, Earth, by planting a tree in honor of every moviegoer who sees the film in its opening week. This is just one more cool reason why you and the whole family should go see the movie Earth. Besides being a family-friendly nature film, a good time, and a reason to justify overly calorie laden popcorn, it’s great that your outing will help to plant trees.

CONTEST REMINDER!

This post is also your official reminder that our Disneynature’s Earth Giveaway is over very soon. If you haven’t entered to win the great Disneynature’s Earth giveaway package, I’d hop to it. All comment entries must be posted by April 17, 2009 – midnight my time (west coast) – yup folks that’s tonight.

Enter the Disneynature’s Earth Giveaway!

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]]> http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/see-a-movie-plant-a-tree/feed/ 1 Just for Fun – Jelly Beans for Earth Day http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/just-for-fun-jelly-beans-for-earth-day/ http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/just-for-fun-jelly-beans-for-earth-day/#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2009 21:00:18 +0000 Jennifer http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/?p=3687 Post from: Tree Hugging Family

]]> So the die hard candy fans out there might know that April 22; Earth Day, is also National Jelly Bean Day.  Odd but true. Actually seeing as how NJBD launched way back in the 1860s, one might say that National Jelly Bean Day is also Earth Day.

Still, the point now is that these events fall on the same day. If you’re interested in celebrating both events, I’d snag some eco-friendly beans. Such as…

Surf Sweets Jelly Beans: Made with organic fruit juice and sweeteners, 100% Vitamin C per serving, no corn syrup or GMO’s, gluten free, made in a nut-free facility.

Green Beans Natural Jelly Beans: Green Beans are new and all-natural; the colors are bright and shiny – not muted like some organic candies. Flavors include: Black Cherry, Orange Punch, Strawberry, Vanilla Bean, Grape, Lemon, Pomegranate, Blueberry, Peach, Apple, and Root Beer.

Lotus Organic Jelly Beans: Made with natural colors and flavors, plus packed in an oxygen barrier pack, with special consideration of organic products’ natural susceptibility to infestation and mold, and discoloration caused by oxidation.

Vegan Jelly Beans: Made without beeswax, gelatin, insect-derived “confectioner`s glaze,” or any other animal-derived ingredients commonly found in jelly beans. Also made with non-bone-char processed sugar, corn syrup, corn starch, vegan natural and artificial colors and flavors, carnauba wax.

Organic Jelly Beans, 3-pack: Organic, gluten-free, and allergen free. Lemon, Grapefruit, Orange, Cherry and Grape flavors.

Sadly, I’m not a jelly bean fan. I’m more a chocolate kind of girl. Too bad national chocolate day doesn’t coincide with Earth Day. BUT if you are a fan, the above choices are pretty darn good.

[top jelly bean image via stock.xchng]

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]]> http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/just-for-fun-jelly-beans-for-earth-day/feed/ 0 Earth Day Recipes & Treats http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/earth-day-recipes-treats/ http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/earth-day-recipes-treats/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:00:53 +0000 Jennifer http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/?p=3670 Post from: Tree Hugging Family

]]> Gather the kids and make one of these great Earth Day recipes or treats for the big day – or for any day you need some earth-minded-food fun.

NOTE: As always, any conventional ingredients you see can be switched out for organic.

Really adorable Earth Day Globe Cookies!

An entire Earth Day meal plan: Mushroom Kebabs, Fresh Fruit and Nut Coleslaw, Angel Hair Pasta and Asparagus, and Earth Day Dirt Cups

Four cool Earth Day meal and treat ideas from Earth Day Milkshakes to Green Juice.

Sticky Sweet Organic Vegan Green Apple Cupcakes

Fruity Frog – super duper cute!

Candied Flowers – beautiful and fun, especially for this time of the year.

Veggie Chips – good for taking along if you’re headed out to an Earth Day event.

Dirt Cake – complete with flower pot and worms!

Earth Day Bars – packed with sweet goodies, but still semi-healthy.

Cut-Out Cookies in a Flower Pot – this would make a great Earth Day gift.

The cutest Earth Day Garden Carrot Cake you will ever see – I’m not joking. I’m talking carrot patches and picket fences!

32 Unique Homemade Popsicle Recipes & Ideas

5 Green Recipes for Spring – This whole Earth Day meal slide show has amazing recipes for a mango and cashew salad; asparagus and potato soup; sugar snap pea salad with quinoa and citrus vinaigrette; artichoke risotto with garlic and sage; and old-fashioned strawberry cobbler.

BONUS: If you are headed outside on Earth Day (as you should be) you might like to read 10 tips for an easy green picnic or green potluck.

Are you cooking on Earth Day? What?

[image via Family Corner]

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]]> http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/earth-day-recipes-treats/feed/ 7 Green Fun for Earth Day or Any Day http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/green-fun-for-earth-day-or-any-day/ http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/green-fun-for-earth-day-or-any-day/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:18:40 +0000 Jennifer http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/?p=3667 Post from: Tree Hugging Family

]]> If you’re still considering what might be fun for Earth Day, or any old day you want to do some eco-good, try out these easy ideas for the whole family…

1. Plant a tree! You knew I’d say this, but really, tree planting is fun, good exercise, and healthy for people and the planet. To learn more about tree planting in your neck of the woods read the following:

2. Learn your personal footprint… You can and should take the time to learn how big your environmental footprint is. There are many carbon footprint calculators out there, many appropriate for kiddos. After learning about your own (or your family’s) footprint, brainstorm about how to reduce your impact.

3. Take At Least One Green Hour for Kids. Kids who get outside are healthier and more prone to appreciate and protect the planet. Plus getting outside is fun for everyone.

4. Take some tips from the kids – last year we asked some kiddos how to go green. See what they said (yes, it’s super cute).

5. Participates in a beach clean-up. If you live near a coastline, or have the means to travel to one, you can read Start A Sea Change for easy tips about how to get involved with keeping our coast and oceans clean and safe.

Don’t forget to enter the Disneynature’s Earth Giveaway!

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]]> http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/green-fun-for-earth-day-or-any-day/feed/ 0 Earth Day Activities for Youth http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/earth-day-activities-for-youth/ http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/earth-day-activities-for-youth/#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:17:54 +0000 Jennifer http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/?p=3630 Post from: Tree Hugging Family

]]> If you’re looking for something fun and Earth Day related for the littles in your world, no worries; I’ve got some cool activities rounded up. Some we’ve talked about here before and others are brand spanking new.

FUN EVENTS & IDEAS:

Go see the new Disneynature’s Earth movie premiering on Earth Day or rent a nice earth-minded flick.

Find a major Earth Day event for the whole family at the Earth Day network.

COOL EARTH RELATED YOUTH PROJECTS:

Get involved with the Earth Day Groceries Project- we discussed this here last year, and everyone loved the idea. I still think it sounds like fun. Kids get to gather paper bags from a local store, decorate them up in true Earth Day style, and take them back to the store so that consumers get a taste of green on Earth Day.

Water Use Earth Day Project for Kids

Older teens and college kids can get involved with greening the local college campus.

Anyone remember Journey North? We talked about it last February and being that it’s a year-long event I figured I’d bring it up. Kids can hook up with Journey North, learn about nature, and discuss the natural world with kids all over the country. Great earthy fun.

According to the Earth Day website, following are some of the best youth groups for kids to join. Kids involved with these groups are dedicated to fighting climate change and creating positive changes for the planet.

SUPER EARTH DAY CRAFTS:

Make a Hummingbird Heaven in Your Yard

DLTK’s Crafts for Kids – all kinds of Earth Day arts and crafts (coloring pages too).

Happy Earth Day Coloring and Activities Book

Tin Can Herb Pots

Laundry Bottle Pet Food Scoop

Recycled Toothbrush Bracelets

[image via stock.xchng]

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]]> http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/earth-day-activities-for-youth/feed/ 0 Disneynature’s Earth Giveaway! http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/disneynature-earth-giveaway/ http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/disneynature-earth-giveaway/#comments Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:01:38 +0000 Jennifer http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/?p=3621 Post from: Tree Hugging Family

]]> Welcome to April Tree Hugging Families! It’s officially Earth Day month and to celebrate I’ve got a great Disneynature’s Earth giveaway package for one lucky reader.

ABOUT THE NEW MOVIE:

I recently posted about Disneynature’s Earth – but in case you missed it, here’s a quick recap. Disneynature’s Earth is a brand new Disney flick premiering on Earth Day, April 22, 2009. As noted previously, this flick is narrated by James Earl Jones and follows three families of animals through their daily lives – whales, polar bears, and elephants. This movie is just one of the great ways you and your family can celebrate Earth Day this year. See the movie trailer!

ABOUT THE PRIZE:

One Tree Hugging Family is going to win an amazing prize package courtesy of Disneynature. This Earth-branded prize pack is valued at $60, and includes a canvas tote, a reusable grocery bag, a biodegradable tumbler, a tree seedling, and more!

HOW TO WIN:

Leave a comment on this post telling me how you and your family are celebrating Earth Day this year.

RULES:

  1. If you don’t follow the ONE how to enter rule above I’ll delete your comment. Yup, comments that say something lame like, “Hey, enter me” will be deleted.
  2. Anyone (minus yours truly) can enter once starting… NOW.
  3. Comment entries must be posted by April 17, 2009 – midnight my time (west coast).

I’ll randomly draw a winner on April 18th, post the winner here, and send the winner an email with more details.

Good luck!

[images courtesy of Disneynature’s Earth]

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