Power House provides an introduction to sustainable energy sources and teaches basic concepts and principles in physical science. Using the kit will teach you about, and how to use heat and light energy from the sun, wind power, and electrochemical and plant energy.

The Power House kit allows you to build a model house complete with solar panels, windmill, greenhouse, and desalination system. The experiemnts actually work and were developed by physicist Uwe Wandrey. There are plenty of easy-to-follow activities included in a 96-page full color manual that highlights 70 experiments and 20 building projects, organized into the following nine chapters:

1. The Heat Trap: Construct and experiment with a greenhouse.
2. The Sun Collector: Collect the sun’s rays to heat water.
3. The Sun Burners: Make a solar cooker while learning about the principles of light before you cook rice and bake bread.
4. The Water Vampire: Desalinate water, plant watercress, produce sauerkraut and make chewing gum.
5. The Heat Absorbers: Learn how heat of evaporation provides cooling, conduct experiments about air humidity, build a hygrometer and test a refrigerator.
6. Power Plants: Grow beans, make a potted plant feed a candle, harvest sunflower energy, build an oil press, and assemble an oil lamp.
7. The Energy Converters: Extract electric current from sunlight and metals in acid, build a light telephone, galvanize a nail and split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
8. The Forces of Magnetism: Generate electric current with magnetic fields. Build a current indicator, electric and solar motors, a transfer switch, and a crane. Lift pencils with the sun and learn about levers. Build an electric car.
9. Wings in the Wind: Build a sail car and learn how wings and sails transform energy. Learn to sail with the wind, by the wind, and against the wind and examine a mixed energy vehicle.

Who could use this kit…

• Homeschoolers
• People interested in realistic model building
• Folks interested in learning more about sustainable living and green energy
• Schools
• People who like to do science experiments
• And more

With the holidays coming up this might make a great gift too – for the right person. It says that the Power House is for ages 12+ – I’m going to work on it with my son Cedar who is 8 1/2. I figure Cedar loves to build and he loves eco-topics so this is right up his alley, even though he’s a little young. When he saw the kit he almost exploded with excitement so that’s a good sign.

After we take a closer look I’ll post what we think and what ages I think it’s ok for.

The kit contains: foam house and plastic greenhouse parts • frame • base • wood glue • solar panel • compass • wire • LED (light emitting diode) • battery holder • small light bulb and holder • solar motor • magnifying glass • propellers, iron core • ring magnet • thermometer • test tube holder • measuring beaker • sand paper • copper foil • zinc plate • wire mesh • many small parts such as paper clips • screws • clips • lead sinker • washers • wing nuts • iron powder • wires • tubing • rubber bands • yarn • wooden components • cutouts for devices • and full-color, illustrated 96 page Experiment Manual with 70 experiments and 20 building activities.

Look for our review soonish, but until then you can visit the Green Power House page for more details or pick it up at the Discovery Store.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

“For the president to talk out but not just say what we should do but what will happen if we don’t stop littering…We should have one day a month that should be green day. Start putting a lot more commercials about the environment. Start putting posters up and I know it may sound extreme but maybe even paint the White House green…We should star putting a program about “green” on national TV also, so we can inspire other states, communities, families and countries.”

That’s what one child said when asked about how the public should be better educated on green issues in the new report, “Growing Up Green.” The report, a first of its kind, focuses on what kids ages 11 and 12 think about the current eco-issues.  Growing up Green is by no means a typical report looking at typical American kids. The children surveyed go to Merrill Middle School in Des Moines, Iowa – which according to the report is “one of the greenest schools in one of the nation’s greenest cities.” So their answers are related to their world and immediate surroundings, not the typical surroundings that the average American kid is emerged in.

However, what’s cool about this report is that it shows what kids who are exposed to green think about and how they choose to make a difference. The report reflects some excellent examples as to why we really need to focus on kids and get them on board with green living now not later.

In the report, the children answered more than 40 questions (many open ended) that offer insight into the role environmental conservation and sustainability play in young people’s lives, and they wrote essays explaining what they think it will take to protect the environment, who should lead the charge, and why it matters.

Some findings from Growing Up Green:

• Most students agree that the local, state and federal government has an important role to play when it comes to eco-issues, but the kids were split on whether it’s through legislation or encouraging the public to be more environmentally conscious.
• Many students said that individuals need to take simple steps in their own lives to protect natural resources.
• The students identified a need to raise public awareness of the problems and also to make more of the public understand how they can help.
• The students generally believe that involving more youth in environmental issues will make an impact in the future.
• Many of the students said government leaders and businesses should find new and different ways to protect the environment.

I read through most of the report and was amazed at he insights these kids have. It’s astounding what children consider when given the tools to do so. If you didn’t think that kids have the ability to change the world and keep it green, you will after reading this report. You can download the report “Growing Up Green” for free (pdf) and read all about it including many other cool quotes from eco-minded kiddos.

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

What is the Green Sprouts Festival: This is a fun, festive, eco-friendly, and educational one-day event for the whole family that celebrates and promotes the nurturing of life through nature. Topics are all earth-friendly in nature and range from pregnancy to childhood allowing parents to learn about eco-friendly, community-involved, natural, and healthy options for raising their families.

Interactive activities & seminars: A wide variety of informative seminars and interactive activities are planned that will help you learn more about how you can raise your family in a healthy and sustainable environment. Topics include…

• Baby Shower Alternatives
• Natural Childbirth Options
• Lead Poisoning Prevention
• To Vaccinate or Not
• Baby Sling Alternatives
• Connecting Community & Co-Ops
• Child Care Alternatives
• Saving Green while Staying Green
• Introduction to Education forums
• Natural Pediatrics Health
• and more…

An insane amount of exhibitors are attending and there will be booths related to tons of cool gear, services, and educational experiences. Some highlights I pulled out from the HUGE list of exhibitors include:

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Art Therapy
• Birthing Services
• Breastfeeding
• Doula Services
• Energy Work & Healing
• Herbs and herbalists
• Holistic Practitioners
• Mercury free dentistry
• Natural birthing options
• Spas – Beauty & Day
• Outdoor Recreation
• Arts and Crafts
• Kids Activities
• Ecotravel Activities & Education
• Baby Carriers & Slings
• Baby Clothes
• Babywearing
• Bamboo Clothing
• Children’s Apparel
• Diapers: Cloth & Alternatives
• Eco Baby Gear
• Organic Clothing
• Recycled Clothing and Products
• Toys: Handmade, Plastic-Free
• Grocers – Organic & Natural
• Organic and Natural Food Delivery
• Vegan & Vegetarian Goods & Services
• Alternative Energy
• Bamboo Home accessories
• Carbon Offsets
• Energy Conservation & Green Power
• Fair trade products
• Native & Organic Gardening
• Pesticide Free yard care
• Solar Products & Services
• Weatherization
• Wind Power
• Alternative Transportation
• Car pooling
• Co-ops
• Daycares
• Early Education
• Environmental Education
• Green Parenting
• Socially Responsible Investing

Awesome right! Above is just the tip of the iceberg too. There’s also going to be live music and sing alongs, lady bug nature walks, baby sling fashion show, children’s clothing, book & toy swap, arts & crafts, and more.

An eco-friendly event: Green Sprouts is a zero-waste event. Receptacles will be available for recycling objects such as aluminum, plastic bottles, glass, and paper. Composting receptacles will also be available for food items. A diaper changing area will be available on-site. Green Sprouts is asking folks to limit bringing disposable items and that you practice a pack-in/pack-out approach for any items that can’t be recycled or composted. They also encourage public transportation for getting to the event.

Dates & Time: Saturday, September 26, 2009 – 10 AM to 5 PM

Where: Peninsula Park, Portland, OR

Admission: $3.00 suggested donation that will benefit Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative

I’m for sure going. I’ll be that girl with the long hair running around taking pictures and notes about all the new cool green gear I see (for future posts of course). I know we have some NW readers here so let me know in the comments if you’ll be attending – it’d be awesome to see some Tree Hugging Family Readers there!

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

This amazingly easy and cute reusable sandwich wrap was made by Betz White, author of Sewing Green and she’ll show you how to make it step by step.

Make some Cloth Snack Bags.

Make a lunch box out of an old Nintendo – yeah it’s true.

Oilcloth Lunch Bag Tutorial – so cool and you can reuse an old tablecloth.

Reusable-Upcycled Lunch bag – made with a reycled bird seed bag.

Make a lunch bag out of old jeans.

Make a sweet as candy Vintage Pillowcase Lunchbox.

Make some other eco-friendly snack bags.

Make your own insulated lunch bag.

Make an ADORABLE burlap bag! So flipping cute you will faint. This one was made of an old coffee bag, but you could use any sort of burlap.

Add in some homemade cloth napkins.

NOTE: Since most homemade lunch sacks are fabric, don’t forget to make some little reusable covers for your ice packs or your bags will get too wet. Basically, make an ice pack cover like you would a snack or sandwich bag.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Kids with ALL more often had elevated levels of common household pesticides then the mama-child pairs without ALL. Obviously the research can’t prove that pesticides cause the cancer, but the findings are evident that we should take a careful look at what we’re exposing our kids to both in food products and household items like cleaners.

Almost worse was that during the course of the study pesticides were found in the urine of more than half of the study’s participants BUT the levels were simply higher in kids with cancer. Along with the clinical tests, surveys were taken and 33% parents of kids with cancer noted that they used pesticides at home, while just 14% of mamas whose children were healthy used pesticides in the home.

This study is not the first of its kind. Past studies, have also found links between a link pesticides and cancer in children. This study though is the first to study typical household pesticides and cancer. Hopefully this research will pave the way for further research and maybe one day a ban on all these toxic products companies sell to families. Until then you can keep pesticides and toxins out of your home by…

• Cleaning green.
• Choosing organic foods.
• Picking body care products that don’t pollute.
• Keeping your indoor air quality clean.

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

If you’re looking for decent priced green clothes that are new you’re more limited, because one, eco-friendly clothing can be more costly but consider that you want your kids in healthy clothes. Also, as noted here before green clothing manufactures seem to think people are either age birth to five or teen to adult. Kids clothes of the greener kind are WAY harder to find, but you do have a few options…

Check out normal stores BUT look for the organic label. I’ve found organics in my son’s size (he’s a typical eight year old size) at places like Sears and other department stores. Most of the time these stores don’t make it easy to find the eco-options, but there are often some available.

For actual places to get eco-friendly clothing for kids (older than babies) check out…

Earth Creations has  bunch of tees for kiddos in nice designs (see above) and many are on sale for $10! Yup $10. Nice.

Hanna’s Dream – some insane sales on right now too!

Greenedge kids – lots of stuff even in size 12! Wow.

Sarah Waldo Organics – a bit more $ and girl based, BUT so cute; perfect for a special back to school piece or coat – sizes up to 10 I believe in most pieces.

Organic for Your Kids – UK based but has some older sizes.

Revenge Is… who I’ve reviewed here before now has a really cute kid tee for a good price.

Also see: earth friendly shoes for kids.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Doing it yourself is the cheapest route when it comes to play kitchens. You get to choose which eco-friendly materials to use, and often stuff around the house works for this project so costs can be low to free. My absolute favorite DIY play kitchen of all time is Lili’s Play Kitchen via Ohdeedoh shown above. Cost – about $30. Your child’s amazement – priceless! Seriously, how gorgeous right?!

Build An Eco-Friendly Play Kitchen – amazing DIY kitchen with easy $12 instructions!

Totally sweet re-purposed entertainment center! So creative and a great idea for keeping furniture out of the landfill.

The most beautiful blue play kitchen. This looks so pro I can’t believe it. Good instructions given too.

I love Via Toy Box and they have a sweet homemade kitchen that uses their pretty cubes. This one will cost a little more due to the cube purchases, but all cubes are made with beautiful baltic birch plywood that is sustainably grown and harvested and finished with eco-friendly paints; you could do this in any configuration and color scheme you like, and it’s quality that will last.

Hopefully this gave you some summer inspiration. Later maybe I’ll post some places to get less expensive eco-friendly play kitchen accessories to go along with your bright new kitchen!

Which kitchen is your favorite? I still like the first one the most, but that blue one is pretty darn enticing.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

What’s noteworthy at the site:

Rainforest Heros is packed with tools for adults that make teaching kids about rainforests easier. For example at the Teacher’s Lounge, you can download an awesome Kids Action Toolkit that’s designed to answer your students’/kids questions about rainforests, climate change, Indigenous land rights, animal and plant species, and the latest causes of deforestation. There’s also a neat FREE movie you can watch with your kids, Forest Family Forever!, that tells the story of a thousand year old grandfather tree who teaches his sapling grandson about the wonders of the rainforests and what kids can do to save them. Lastly are lesson plans, ideas, fact sheets and more – all created to help you pass on rainforest knowledge to the kiddos.

The kids corner is made just for the littles and has activities, action steps, news about what other kids are doing and more.

The Jungle Gym section of the site is made for fun and learning with a Kids’ Art Gallery, Crafts and Recipes, Games, Coloring Books and more.

Best of all is a heroes area that highlights what kids all over are doing to save the rainforests. Kids learn best by example, in my opinion, and when they learn from other kids it drives the point even further home.

Visit Rainforest Heroes today and get the whole family involved in rainforest action.

[image via Rainforest Action Network]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

It’s a tough call because the things that make you a green parent are debatable. For instance are you greener if you use cloth diapers but fail to recycle, or are you greener if you recycle, grow and hand make your own organic baby food, plus buy only natural toys BUT you use disposable diapers? Which parent is greener?

What do I think defines green parenting?:

I think there are some key elements to green parenting such as…

1. Being hands on and encouraging your littles to love nature. If you’re not getting your kids outside and teaching them about the planet you’d like them to conserve, the lesson is screwy, don’t you think?
2. Making choices by weighing the risks of your actions – i.e. is it better to buy a set of plastic Legos (affordable) and be able to afford organic milk or is it more important to buy an all natural, toxic-free toy (not always affordable) and skip the organic milk? I side with the organic milk on this one. I can’t always control what my son plays with, but he’s past the age of putting Legos into his mouth while milk does go into his mouth daily and non-organic could affect his health.
3. Doing the basics – I do think that green parenting at the very least means encouraging recycling, making green cleaning choices, and doing away with disposables when possible. For example, we’ve never had paper napkins in our house, and I’m hoping my son will grow up and continue to use cloth napkins – small choices add up. The above (green cleaning, recycling, and knocking disposables) are easy things that any parent can try.
4. Talking about why we make the choices we do. My son, at age eight years, can tell you all about pollution, recycling, organic foods, tree planting and more. Yeah, he tells it in his own words but he gets it to a level that an eight year old can get it. Talking about green living is maybe one of the most important parts of being a green parent in my opinion.

I can think of other things, but the above make the most sense to me. Green choices are tough. Parenting is tougher. Add them together and it’s a lot to deal with which is why I advocate small steps here at THF. Of course I also encourage large steps, but I think if you do what you can it’s an awesome start. Maybe later I’ll gather up a list of green parenting steps – from small to large.

What do you think? What defines green parenting in your opinion?

[image via me - my son Cedar on a hike]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

You can do something about this though. Some cool nature gear may be just the thing to help your child connect better with nature. Following are some ideas for nature gear you can buy or find around the house…

Binoculars – Terra Kids Pocket Box – Pocket Magnifying Glass: All these items are made by eco-friendly Haba and will encourage your little one to become more involved with nature.

Let’s Go Rock Collecting – Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks & Minerals – Kid’s Garden Tool Set – All of the above items will help your little one to collect rocks. My son Cedar is a rock collector and the two books above are Cedar’s favorites. The gardening tools are great because they allow your little to dig through the dirt. He’s more into it so he has a collection box, but unless your little one REALLY gets into rock collecting, you don’t really need a display/collection box. You can use an old ice cube tray or egg carton for young and new rock collectors. You can also use a tackle box or make your own rock collection box with recycled paper as well.

For nature outings, kids need a nice little journal. They can jot down cool stuff they find or draw pictures. The ecoKIDS 100% Recycled Paper Sketchbooks (shown above) are a good journal choice and for drawing tools try Crayon Rocks Soybean Crayons or Forest Choice Pencils in 12 colors.

The Nature Bag is a great summer-time toy and an all around perfect outdoor kit for kids. The kit includes: a Fair Trade 100% certified organic cotton shoulder bag, an all season activity booklet, 2 leaf viewers, 8 color cards, recycled notepad, recycled pencil, soy based crayons, hemp twine, organic cotton blindfold, and a rubberwood magnifying glass. The kit also comes with various outdoor suggested activities like scavenger hunts, bug searches, and clay imprints.

Other cool gear to have on hand:

• Magnets – if your child hold a magnet to the soil, he can see if iron is hiding in the soil. You can also put some soil onto a piece of paper and hold the magnet under it. If there’s enough iron, the soil will move around like magic.
• Water spray bottle – water changes everything. Here in Oregon, you’d be hard pressed to find a kid who doesn’t know what nature looks like wet, but when we lived in New Mexico, kids were way impressed when you’d spray water on typical nature items. A spiderweb, rocks, plants, and more change their look and color when lightly sprayed with good old H2O.
• A small mesh strainer for digging through soil and or streams and ponds.
• Any other nature books – books on plant identification, bird watching, or trees are all great choices. You can visit your local library to find some good ones.

Can you think of any other great tools that kids could use for fun nature adventures?

Post from: Tree Hugging Family