What strikes me as funny are all the eco-print books out there about changing the world. That’s a lot of books — most helpful but some of which end up in the trash no doubt. I’ve been seriously thinking about what to do with my book collection lately. I have tons. I do read and enjoy them but am thinking of donating some because I really have too many. This got me to thinking that “green” books may be better off with electronic versions. Still, there are some great green books out there; many I own so what can you …read more

With Christmas on the way it seems suitable to find yourself a Douglas Fir to hug; especially, if like me, you live in the Pacific Northwest. In New Mexico you’d see various sorts of trees used for celebrating Christmas — such as we had a Cedar tree two years back. In the Pacific Northwest it’s common to see the Douglas Fir used almost exclusively at Christmas time.

Douglas Fir trees make great Christmas trees because of their beautiful range of green to blue color, great needle retention, soft bushy feel and of course the scent. When you walk into a home …read more

W.A.T.C.H. just released their worst toys of 2007 list. If you are buying gifts for kids this holiday season than this list is a must read.
It’s not an all-inclusive list though. A good bet is to buck plastics and battery operated toys. Although, I know that’s not the most helpful stand-alone suggestion.
One blog that can help you do this is Eco Child’s Play this blog covers, “Natural toys that inspire your child’s imagination! A review of developmentally appropriate, ecologically friendly toys for young children and green family news.“ Jennifer who writes Eco-Child’s Play, (what’s with all the green Jennifers?) is …read more

If you’re in the mood for something sweet; then the cacao tree is just the sort of tree you should be hugging.

There is so much you can learn about this amazing and beautiful tree that it can be overwhelming. Cacao Web has some nice and simple information about this tree and b5media’s own Heather over at Chocolate Bytes also offers some handy facts along with more chocolate fun.

Here’s the perfect kid-friendly project for the family — one that uses real trees and real chocolate!

Kids will love collecting the nature items they need to make this as much as completing the actual project.

Look here to see full project instructions.
As I hope you gathered from the picture this autumn nature wreath craft is from Craft Ideas. They have many neat fall projects right now but I like this one because you get to go for a walk outside plus use recyclables and nature for art.
You can use a glue gun the project states but I’d bet any sort of plain old craft glue will work. Also, I’d plan on using whatever your …read more

I don’t know if anything looks nicer than a bright and shiny lemon tree. They have pretty leaves, flowers, and fruit. Lemon trees are thus triple threat hug worthy. Not to mention all the great dishes lemons can be used in.

The best part is that any tree hugging family can grow their own organic lemon tree!
Viva Terra has some of the most amazing eco items at their website; including a tiny Organic Dwarf Meyer Lemon tree. It grows full size lemons though so lemon dishes a plenty are good to go.

For the kids check out this giant lemon! Now that …read more

Seven trees — that how many trees the average American uses up in one year. Think about that for a second. 7 trees… that is a lot.
Maybe try seven steps to cut back your personal tree consumption. Trees do little for your diet anyhow.

Use reusable grocery bags. 700 paper grocery bags use up one tree. Use your reusable bag 700 times and there’s one tree.
Recycle your newspapers. After you recycle about 750-800 newspapers you’ve saved one tree.
The average wooden home is built with around five trees. If you build use an alternative method like adobe or straw bale. That’s five …read more

Well, that’s not exactly true — but some tree hugging families do. Like fellow blogger Mysti’s family. These adorable photos are of Mysti’s little boy Jaden hanging out and fishing.
He looks a tad concerned in this one — maybe camera shy?

And now he’s got his fishing game on…

Here he really looks happy to be in the great outdoors. He probably gets it from his mama who says, “At 8 months pregnant, I still hiked up to the waterfalls in the mountains in Central WY. Talk about an adventure!!!” Now that is true tree hugging style.

I love this last one.
A big …read more

Heather over at Chocolate Bytes is running a stellar contest where you win… Chocolate Leaves!
This is my contest entry; which doubles a nice autumn post for my tree hugging friends. It is autumn and that’s a great time for chocolate! Ok, anytime is a great time for chocolate. Try munching (or using) these green-based items. They also would make great gifts for a chocolate and nature loving pal.
Chocolate acorns! How cute.

Or try organic chocolate covered pumpkin seeds!

When it starts to get chilly outside you can curl up inside with Green & Blacks Organic Hot Chocolate.

Or warm up in a toasty …read more