In New York City, asthma is the leading reason for hospital admissions among the 15 year old and younger set. Research looked at where these children live, and were able to directly correlate less trees in the immediate environment with more asthma admissions. This research held up even after factoring in sources of pollution, socioeconomic status and population density.

Researchers note that tree density itself may not be entirely related, it may also have to do with the fact that children in tree heavy neighborhoods may play outside more often or the trees may improve air quality. Obviously more research is needed, but it’s a cool study all the same. It gives us yet another good reason to plant trees, and to encourage outdoor play.

The study was published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

[photo via Jennifer Chait's fuzzy neighborhood park series]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

See how right I am – just beautiful. Shawna notes that these shots, “Are from a camping trip we went on this last weekend to South East Utah. It’s called Buck Horn Wash! Very beautiful!” I agree.

Many parts of Utah are exceptionally beautiful. We’ve been there often and Cedar loves visiting. It’s a great family friendly state to visit with plenty of get up and go activities. During our trips there Cedar managed to sled, ice skate, and ski, all before he was five years old, and you cannot beat the summer scenery – I highly recommend you plan a family trip there. Winter or summer.

Look at these great kids!

You can tell that these are kids comfortable with being outside and loving every minute of it – which of course is what we’d like to see all kids doing.

Also FYI, Shawna has a new blog that looks like it’s shaping up to be a great resource for green families. The blog, Nature for Kids – looks like it’ll be covering outdoor activities and tips for easing outdoor adventures. My favorite page there is the Leave No Trace page – a great resource for green families. If you’ve never heard of Leave No Trace you’ll LOVE it. Even new, I’d say that Nature for Kids is worth a visit – especially since there are even more cool pictures to see there.

Big hugs to Shawna and her family for sharing their beautiful photos. Don’t forget, if you have photos of your family out enjoying nature, or doing any sort of green family activity, send them in, because we’d love to share them with everyone here at Tree Hugging Family. No worries if picture taking isn’t your best skill. I post my photos here – and you can’t get much worse than mine. We like all photos. 

[photos via Shawna - aka tree hugging parent]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

I’ve been considering trying to make this with natural veggie, plant, or fruit dyes, but I’m not sure how well it will work. If you do try to make painting soap with all natural dyes remember that not all plants are safe for kids to be slathering on their bodies.

If you aren’t sure that the plant is safe for your child (i.e. won’t cause an allergic reaction) then don’t use the dye in a body care product like this.

Gather together:

• 6 Tbs. cornstarch
• 2 Tbs. water
• Organic food coloring
• Your favorite essential oil – something mild like lavender or orange is good for children.
• 1 oz. unscented organic liquid soap – most natural food stores and co-ops sell clear organic liquid soap in bulk.
• A bottle or bowl for the soap paint

To make the painting soap:

1. Mix the cornstarch, water, and a few drops of oil. Stir well.
2. Add drops of color until you reach your desired shade. Mix the color in well.
3. Add the liquid soap to the mixture, mix, and adjust color if needed.
4. Store in your container.

Kids can use this to paint the bathtub and their bodies during bath time. It won’t hurt your kids or your tub. You can also put the kids in an empty kiddie pool outside and let them paint. Another option I’ve been considering is to buy organic soap flakes and use that instead of cornstarch and liquid soap. You could make little soap crayons (or balls). I haven’t tried it – but I bet it would work. Well, maybe.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family