Guest Post | Eco-Mothering

5 Ways Families Can Slow Down in a Fast-Paced World

By Donna DeForbes | December 12, 2013 - 5:00 am | Beyond Childbirth

This is a guest post by Jamica Bell. It’s a busy world we live in, especially at this time of year. From long work hours and rushed meals to buzzing from one activity to the next, taking time out can feel like an impossible task. However, not making the time for each other can be hugely detrimental to your family relationships. Switching off from the rush of life and other distractions will not only improve your closeness, it can also provide many health benefits. Even families with the craziest lifestyles can “unplug” together in an effort to re-connect. Why Slow Down? It improves relationships. By removing some of the distractions of your daily life, your family will be able to communicate and engage with each other on a deeper level. Snatched bits of conversation around a rushed dinner table simply don’t compare to an in-depth, uninterrupted chat with your loved … Continue reading →

The Three R’s of a Green Wedding

By Donna DeForbes | November 25, 2013 - 5:00 am | Holidays and Celebrations

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This is a guest post from Monica Nolan. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Many of us have heard this saying over and over again until it has been ingrained in our heads. First, we were told to reduce the amount of water and electricity we use. Then, we were told to reuse things instead of buying new. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, we were taught to always recycle when possible. With more momentum than ever before, the green movement is making its way into every aspect of our lives. Holidays, birthday parties, housewarming parties, and even weddings are getting thrown into the green movement mix. And we begin to realize that simple, small changes can have a lasting impact on our earth. Below are some tips for adapting the three R’s for an eco-friendly wedding. Reduce When planning a green wedding, one important aspect to take into account is the amount … Continue reading →

Environmental Lessons from Nature That Children Will Understand

By Donna DeForbes | November 21, 2013 - 5:00 am | Nature

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This is a guest post by Cathy Warren. Albert Einstein said that it is the supreme art of the educator to awaken joy in creativity and knowledge. As a parent with an eye on environmental awareness and social responsibility, teaching children to love and respect nature can be more impactful when they understand we are all connected in this world. The idea of thinking globally and acting locally will resonate with a child when the projects can go from fun to profound, then back to fun. It is that link between insight and enjoyment where the joy is awakened. We may have multiple economic and environmental reasons why a tree is important but, for a child, a tree is for climbing. This is where lessons on conservation begin. Seeing Nature’s Beauty Creating art projects is one of the first things that a child learns in school. Art teaches more than … Continue reading →

Update your Home Décor with These Green Painting Tips

By Donna DeForbes | November 14, 2013 - 5:00 am | Home and Garden

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This is a guest post by Angelo DiGangi. Want to revamp your home décor in the greenest way possible? Look no further than refinishing an existing piece of furniture. After all, nothing’s more eco-friendly than using what you already have. Whether you’re repurposing a bookcase from office files to playroom toys, or relocating an old bedroom bureau to serve as entryway storage, sometimes new life can be had with little more than a fresh coat of paint. Here are some tips for making furniture projects greener from start to finish. Choose Greener Paint Starting with an eco conscious paint product will aid your efforts immensely. YOLO Colorhouse is an EcoOptions certified paint with low-odor and zero VOCs. And because the paint base itself has no VOCs and the colorants used in the tinting process also contain no VOCs, you know you are getting as close to zero VOCs as possible. … Continue reading →

Steps Toward Parenting with Positive Reinforcement

By Donna DeForbes | October 29, 2013 - 5:00 am | Beyond Childbirth

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This is a guest post by Madoline Hatter. During the formative years of your children’s lives, you have much influence in how they view the world. In order to embrace certain attitudes or prevent others, much can be done on your behalf to help your kids develop a positive outlook on life. Using positive reinforcement over negative discipline can shift the way your child looks at any given task. Negativity Breeds Negativity When you focus on negative outcomes regarding misbehavior, the child’s focus is on that negative aspect of life. Too many negative thoughts can be detrimental to a child’s development as he or she learns to always look at the bad side. Instead of respecting you as parents, your children could fear you due to the disciplinary actions that could ensue for any given rule that is broken. Focus on the Positive Positive reinforcement doesn’t have to mean that … Continue reading →

Creative DIY Halloween Costumes

By Donna DeForbes | October 28, 2013 - 5:49 am | Holidays and Celebrations

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Creative Halloween Costumes | Eco-Mothering.com

This is a guest post by Sara Crawford. Halloween is this week, and there may be some procrastinators out there who need some quick ideas! The best Halloween costumes are the ones that are creative and memorable. There are many ways to recycle materials into DIY costumes, which is not only a greener option but a way to save some money. Anyone can take an old pillow case and turn it into a spooky ghost, but here are a few ways you can think outside the box and get a little creative. Cardboard Creations There are a million costumes you can make with some cardboard and paint. You could easily fashion a robot or Transformer costume. Your child could be a box of crayons, his favorite cereal or a box of popcorn. These costumes are always memorable and unique, and there are many different things you can do with cardboard. Does … Continue reading →

6 Simple Energy-Saving Habits for Your Family

By Donna DeForbes | October 22, 2013 - 5:30 am | Home and Garden

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This is a guest post from Kevin Bumgardner. Some easy energy-saving habits can help reduce carbon emissions. When you stick with these habits and use energy-saving services, appliances and optimal energy providers, you will increase your efficiency and save money. You — and the earth — are going to reap the benefits. When you become a good role model to your kids by making simple earth-friendly habits normal, you not only help them but pave the way for an environmentally responsible future generation. Turn Off Your Lights This is one of the most common (and easy) energy-saving habits. It takes several weeks to fully form a habit, so the more you are reminded to turn off the lights, the more likely you will do so on a consistent basis. Your lights might not draw a lot of power individually, but when you leave your entire house lit up for hours … Continue reading →

How To Green Your Next Vacation

By Donna DeForbes | October 15, 2013 - 5:30 am | Travel

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Eco-Friendly Travel Tips | Eco-Mothering.com

This is a guest post from Cliff Barre. Stepping out to explore new places and break the pattern of everyday life is what appeals to most travelers. And with a mind toward keeping things green, no doubt you’re also seeking for ways to minimize your impact. Below are some easy steps to make your next travel experience earth-friendly. Before You Leave Save Energy. You can minimize your ecological footprint before you even start your trip by cutting down on the amount of energy your house consumes while you’re away. First, unplug your electronic appliances. Even when they’re turned off, most appliances have standby modes that leak electricity. Unplugging them saves energy and saves you money. Second, turn the water heater and thermostat down to their lowest settings. Reduce your paper trail. Paperless booking saves resources and makes travel super easy. Many airlines now allow you to use your phone or … Continue reading →