Commit to Non-Toxic Living with Green Virgin Products

  By Donna DeForbes | January 20, 2015 - 5:00 am | ,
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Non-toxic Household Cleaner | Eco-Mothering.com

Some people adopt a healthy, non-toxic lifestyle because they’re aiming to be the best they can be. Some people adopt a healthy, non-toxic lifestyle because it helps them overcome a medical condition. Some people, like Ken and Lola Marion, were inspired to go down the non-toxic road following the loss of a loved one. Ken and Lola’s research into possible causes of their brother’s untimely death from cancer led the couple to discover how everyday household products, from cleaners to laundry detergents, are filled with carcinogens. According to U.S. Poison Control Centers, cleaning products alone were responsible for nearly 10% of all toxic exposures.1 Multiply that exposure on a daily basis and it’s no wonder health problems such as allergies, asthma and bronchitis are on the rise. The Marions were inspired to create an affordable, alternative line of products safe for use on people and the environment; thus, in 2009, Green Virgin … Continue reading →

5 Simple Ways to be a Greener Parent

  By Donna DeForbes | January 13, 2015 - 5:00 am | ,
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Tips for Being a Greener Parent | Eco-Mothering.com

At Eco-Mothering, “guilt-free” means accepting your imperfection while still making conscious choices every day. So, how do you get started on the guilt-free road to a greener family? Perhaps with one of these green parenting basics. Spend Family Time Outdoors Being in nature is an ideal way to instill appreciation for our planet. Regular family hikes, outdoor games, biking, swimming, winter activities, time to just sit and observe wildlife… all these things make nature lovers of children. And that sets the foundation of kids beginning to care for their environment. In addition, being outside recharges us, soothes us and offers all sorts of health benefits, both physical and mental. Seems like a win-win for people and the planet, doesn’t it? To learn more about kids and the outdoors, check out this interesting article on “nature deficit disorder” by author Richard Louv. Breastfeed, If You Can I chose to breastfeed because I … Continue reading →

FRESH STARTS to a New Year in Body, Home and Parenting

  By Donna DeForbes | January 6, 2015 - 5:00 am | ,
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New Year Fresh Starts | Eco-Mothering.com

I’m not one to make traditional New Year’s resolutions, but I do like the idea of a fresh start that comes with every new year. Sometimes I will create a theme for the year. Other times, I will choose a few processes to change or some new journey to embark on. This year, for example, I’m detoxing from the sugary holiday food fest with a 24-hour fast followed by two days of fresh fruits and veggies. And I’m also feeling inspired by Richly Rooted’s post to make a year of simple living by doing one thing each month. I want you to be inspired, too! Here is a collection of posts — on body, home and parenting — toward making a fresh start in 2015. BODY 5 Signs You Need a Detox from Mix Wellness Easy Ways to Reset Your Nutrition from The Provision Room Healthy Alternatives to Common Grocery … Continue reading →

Unique, Wacky and Gently Green Holidays to Celebrate in JANUARY

  By Donna DeForbes | January 2, 2015 - 5:00 am |
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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 →

Year in Review: Top 10 Posts in 2014

  By Donna DeForbes | December 30, 2014 - 5:00 am | ,
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Top 10 Wellness Posts from 2014 | Eco-Mothering.com

As the year come to a close, I offer you Eco-Mothering’s most popular posts in 2014. The majority of them happen to focus on health and wellness, which seems to be a priority for my readers. Top 5 Power Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms Top 5 Indoor Plants for Improving Air Quality Why You Should Avoid Sugar When You’re Sick Top 5 Benefits of Co-Sleeping The ABCs of a Greener Lifestyle How to Safely Dispose of an Old Car Seat Top 5 Toxins to Avoid in Baby Products Natural Remedies for Children’s Allergies 5 Ways Cardboard Can Keep You Warm This Winter How to Host a Blessingway Birth Ritual  

The 12 Days of My Eco Christmas

  By Donna DeForbes | December 26, 2014 - 5:00 am |
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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 →

5 Ways to Be a Green Dog Owner

  By Donna DeForbes | December 19, 2014 - 5:00 am |
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5 Ways Dog Owners Can Go Green | Eco-Mothering.com

Adopt Instead of Buy Millions of dogs are put down every year in animal shelters. Shelter animals are often owner surrendered for numerous reasons (family allergies, didn’t get along with another pet in the house, etc.), and they just need a loving home. You can even rescue specific breeds of dog if you’re pining for a certain kind. Sure, puppies are cute, but puppies are a lot more work, and that adorable puppy stage doesn’t last long. Read why rescuing a dog is a better option than buying one from a pet store. Choose Eco-Friendly Products So many dog products are made from synthetic, chemical-ridden fibers or harmful plastics. Yet there is a good selection of pet supplies made from natural materials and recycled products. And, in most cases, these eco products are constructed better and last longer than the cheap ones you’ll find in most stores. From toys and bowls … Continue reading →

Taking the Shame Out of Regifting

  By Donna DeForbes | December 9, 2014 - 5:00 am | ,
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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 →