FLOR baby area rug above - FLOR products are made with renewable and recycled content and are recyclable at the end of their life.

Skip the carpet: Carpet fibers trap in plenty of allergens. When I was building a house one of the flooring experts we talked to said you can never, ever get your carpets truly clean, no matter how powerful a cleaning machine you rent. A better choice is to choose a sustainable wood floor. If wood floors sound chilly, you can also get an area rug. Many are being made with postconsumer materials nowadays and you can clean these much easier than attached carpet.

Skip the wallpaper: Most wallpaper contains PVC. Your choices – go with a low to no VOC paint, choose some fun non-toxic wall decals, or head to MOD GREEN POD - one of the few companies making toxic free wallpaper.

Skip the plastic blinds: First of all if you’ve got another choice than plastic why not choose it? Secondly, I think plastic blinds look tacky. Better than plastic blind choices include certified organic textiles, hemp curtains, shades made from paper, reeds, bamboo and other grasses, and FSC-certified wooden blinds and shutters. Be sure to look for coverings made with non-toxic finishes and low impact inks as well. Read more about eco-friendly window coverings.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Kids and teens can have just as big an impact on the earth’s health as adults. More actually I’d wager. They’re small now, but have a long life of either negative or positive impacts to make on the planet. The lessons they learn, the tasks they try, the options they choose will be long lasting and passed on to their children as well.

Save the earth: A list of eco-ideas to offer kids and teens…

Assume one choice can change the world. If you don’t believe this is true, take a look at what these kids accomplish. Each choice you make does affect the planet.

Boycott one toy. Choose a toy that you like, but that’s over-packaged. Write a letter to the toy company that says you won’t be buying or playing with their toy until they shape up.

Carry an eco-lunch.

Donate, don’t toss used toys.

Eat less meat – you’ll save energy, resources, and have better health by cutting out even one or two meat-based meals a week.

Follow the three R’s at all times (Refuse [or reduce], Reuse, and Recycle).

Get hooked on nature.

Hop around with frogs (and learn about power) in the Generation Island online game. (7th-8th grade level game).

It’s Getting Hot In Here – voices from the student and youth leaders of the global movement to stop global warming

Jot stuff down on homemade recycled scratch pads.

Kick your school into gear. Most schools could be doing more to recycle and reuse materials. Could yours? Why not check it out.

Learn to drive eco-style.

Mail earth-friendly e-cards, instead of paper.

Never leave a room without turning off the light.

Outfit yourself in style; but make sure it’s a earth-friendly style.

Plant one tree, or some wildflowers, or a pizza garden. Help something new to grow.

Question adults – seriously, adults close to you don’t know everything, they may even be harming the earth. Question what the adults you know are doing and offer healthy planet alternatives.

Recycled backpacks for school.

Sticky and non-toxic fun.

Try fun plant experiments.

Understand what goes on at your recycling center.

Visit Junk Creations to see kid creations made of old recycled goods. 

Whip up some recycled musical instruments and start singing. (Not for teens by the way – this tip is best for little ones)

Xtream Frisbee – recycled style.

Yell at a litterer – ok, don’t yell, but tell them to pick up their trash.

Zoom into an environmental career (it’s never too early to start thinking about your work later).

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

This book is perfect for kids ages 3 yrs – 6 yrs and is not only a board book (think sturdy for little hands) but is made with 100% recycled materials. The text and images covers ideas such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, using both sides of your drawing paper, and how to make plants grow. This is a super primer on green living for little ones. Also, the pictures are way cute, bright and bold.

This book is available at Amazon.

[images via Candlewick Press]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Save the earth: A list of eco-ideas to offer kids and teens…

Assume one choice can change the world. If you don’t believe this is true, take a look at what these kids accomplish. Each choice you make does affect the planet.

Boycott one toy. Choose a toy that you like, but that’s over-packaged. Write a letter to the toy company that says you won’t be buying or playing with their toy until they shape up.

Carry an eco-lunch.

Donate, don’t toss used toys.

Eat less meat – you’ll save energy, resources, and have better health by cutting out even one or two meat-based meals a week.

Follow the three R’s at all times (Refuse [or reduce], Reuse, and Recycle).

Get hooked on nature.

Hop around with frogs (and learn about power) in the Generation Island online game. (7th-8th grade level game).

It’s Getting Hot In Here – voices from the student and youth leaders of the global movement to stop global warming

Jot stuff down on homemade recycled scratch pads.

Kick your school into gear. Most schools could be doing more to recycle and reuse materials. Could yours? Why not check it out.

Learn to drive eco-style.

Mail earth-friendly e-cards, instead of paper.

Never leave a room without turning off the light.

Outfit yourself in style; but make sure it’s a earth-friendly style.

Plant one tree, or some wildflowers, or a pizza garden. Help something new to grow.

Question adults – seriously, adults close to you don’t know everything, they may even be harming the earth. Question what the adults you know are doing and offer healthy planet alternatives.

Recycled backpacks for school.

Sticky and non-toxic fun.

Try fun plant experiments.

Understand what goes on at your recycling center.

Visit Kid-Friendly Fridays at Daily Tomorrow.

Whip up some recycled musical instruments and start singing. (Not for teens by the way – this tip is best for little ones)

Xtream Frisbee – recycled style.

Yell at a litterer – ok, don’t yell, but tell them to pick up their trash.

Zoom into an environmental career (it’s never too early to start thinking about your work later).

Post from: Tree Hugging Family