Category Archives: Holidays and Celebrations

Unique, Wacky and Gently Green Holidays to Celebrate in MARCH

  By Donna DeForbes | February 27, 2015 - 5:00 am |
Leave a comment
Unique and Wacky Holidays in March | Eco-Mothering.com

Some people only think about an eco lifestyle on Earth Day, April 22. However, a little research showed me that every month has a few unique and earth-friendly holidays that can be cause for celebration. Pick whichever ones appeal to you, then get out there and celebrate! March is National Nutrition Month, which means it’s time to put into practice those healthy eating habits that fell by the wayside with your New Year’s resolutions. This month is also Music in our Schools Month, Craft Month, Caffeine Awareness Month and Women’s History Month. March’s Celebrations by Date: March 2 – Old Stuff Day It’s a day to wax nostalgic and bond with others over old items or memories. You can also take this time to declutter your boxes of old stuff, recycling or donating what you can. March 6 – Day of Unplugging It’s time to step away from the computer, … Continue reading →

Poem for a Green Valentine

  By Donna DeForbes | February 11, 2015 - 5:00 am |
2 Comments
eco-mothering-heart-leaf

Poem by Donna DeForbes (originally published February 2012) This Valentine’s Day I send out a plea To celebrate the holiday ecologically, Showing love not only for your Jordan or Janet But for the finite resources of this planet. The one billion cards mailed each year Require far too many trees, I fear. Opt for tree-free paper, e‐cards or a text, A Valentine tweet leaves the forests less vexed. When it comes to chocolate, look for Fair Trade Ensuring that the workers were not underpaid. Seek out a natively grown or organic flower Because “fresh” red roses come imported in a pesticide shower. If you take your loved one out to dine Choose local food and organic wine; Don’t knock it ‘til you try it This carbon‐reducing, sustainable diet. Whether you prefer your meals baked or fried Head for a place that is green certified. Each year thousands of habitat acres … Continue reading →

Unique, Wacky and Gently Green Holidays to Celebrate in FEBRUARY

  By Donna DeForbes | January 30, 2015 - 5:00 am |
Leave a comment
Unique Holidays in February | Eco-Mothering.com

Some people only think about an eco lifestyle on Earth Day, April 22. However, a little research showed me that every month has a few unique and earth-friendly holidays that can be cause for celebration. Pick whichever ones appeal to you, then get out there and celebrate! No worries if you think Valentine’s Day is overrated. February is filled with other things to celebrate. It’s Heart Month — a time to learn about staying heart healthy — and it’s also Library Lovers Month, Bird-Feeding Month and Bake for Family Fun Month! February’s Celebrations by Date: February 2 – World Wetlands Day Wetlands protect our coastlines, act as a natural sponge against flooding and are abundant with biodiversity. Sadly, 60% of our wetlands have disappeared since 1900. What can you do? Head to WorldWetlandsDay.org to enter the photos contest, print out posters or download teaching materials. February 5 – Western Monarch … Continue reading →

Unique, Wacky and Gently Green Holidays to Celebrate in JANUARY

  By Donna DeForbes | January 2, 2015 - 5:00 am |
Leave a comment
Unique, Wacky and Gently Green Holidays in January | Eco-Mothering.com

Some people only think about an eco lifestyle on Earth Day, April 22. However, a little research showed me that every month has a few unique and earth-friendly holidays that can be cause for celebration. Pick whichever ones appeal to you, then get out there and celebrate! January is National Blood Donor Month — Honor a life, save a life, find a blood drive near you. Afraid to give blood? So was I. Read about my first blood donation, which was a bucket list item for my 40th birthday. January is also Creativity Month, Hot Tea Month, National Soup Month and Be Kind to Food Servers Month. January’s Celebrations by Date January 1 – Commitment Day First celebrated in 1960 as an extension of New Year’s resolutions, this day is more about committing to someone else: making a vow, keeping a promise, spending more time. It’s also a great day … Continue reading →

The 12 Days of My Eco Christmas

  By Donna DeForbes | December 26, 2014 - 5:00 am |
Leave a comment
from Eco-Mothering.com

(This post was originally written December 2008. It has been edited.) Bought a real Christmas tree from a tree farm. Find out why this is a greener option than reusable, artificial trees. Made an enjoyable evening of decorating said tree with family while drinking hot cocoa and listening to A Dean Martin Christmas. Saved carbon emissions (and avoided annoying shopping crowds) by buying most gifts online. When buying from sellers on Amazon, chose those closest to Rhode Island so that less energy would be expended in transportation. Gave a homemade and eco-friendly candle as a holiday gift in the office exchange. The candle was made from unscented soy wax molded in a recycled aluminum can decorated with paper scraps and hemp string. Celebrated a snowy Winter Solstice with friends. We turned off our electricity for several hours, lit candles and drummed at sunset. While the energy saved may have been minimal, we … Continue reading →

Taking the Shame Out of Regifting

  By Donna DeForbes | December 9, 2014 - 5:00 am | ,
1 Comment
Benefits of Re-gifting | Eco-Mothering.com

Regifting is a touchy subject. Even though about 50% of adults consider it acceptable, the practice is often shrouded in shame and secrecy. The belief is that a gift should be bought brand new — but why? What is this cultural obsession with newness? Newer doesn’t make us happier. According to the Story of Stuff, our national happiness peaked sometime in the 1950s, even though we consume twice as much as we did back then. Yet we continue to buy new stuff for ourselves and for others, especially around the holidays. The Truth About Buying New It uses up our planet’s natural resources. (One-third of our resources have been consumed in the past 30 years.)* It adds to landfills. (Every person in the United States makes 4.5 pounds of garbage per day.)* Typically, newer products are not made as well and don’t last as long. It costs more money. The … Continue reading →

Unique, Wacky and Gently Green Holidays to Celebrate in DECEMBER

  By Donna DeForbes | November 28, 2014 - 5:00 am | ,
Leave a comment
Unique, Wacky and Gently Green December Holidays | Eco-Mothering.com

Some people only think about an eco lifestyle on Earth Day, April 22. However, a little research showed me that every month has a few unique and earth-friendly holidays that can be cause for celebration. Pick whichever ones appeal to you, then get out there and celebrate! December is Human Rights Month — Created by the United Nations in 1948 to promote awareness about human rights worldwide, Human Rights Day is observed on December 10. It commemorates the day the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Select a preferred human right or country and learn what you can do to help. December’s Celebrations by Week: Tuesday after Thanksgiving – Giving Tuesday In 2012, several organizations came together to promote the idea of giving, particularly after the consumerism of Black Friday. Donations that first year reached $10 million. Here are five ways your family can give on this day. … Continue reading →