Must-haves for 'green' moms...
It's not enough anymore to just teach your kids to look both ways before crossing the street, pick up after themselves and play nicely together. Modern moms need to teach children lessons on how to help preserve the environment for years to come.
"The best way to teach is to lead by example, so if you want your children to grow up to be eco-minded adults, show them how to do it by 'greening' your own habits now," says Emily Smith, Vice President of the Disney Online Mom and Family Portfolio. "Disney Family.com offers easy, everyday advice and tips for eco-conscious moms. Fortunately, plenty of inexpensive products and resources can help your family live a more environmentally responsible lifestyle."
Disney Family.com offers a list of the top six "green" products that can easily be incorporated into your everyday family routine.
* Reusable water bottles - You want your kids to drink plenty of water because it's good for them, but you're concerned that all those plastic bottles ending up in landfills aren't good for the environment. The solution - reusable water bottles. Easily available in stores, reusable water bottles like those used by cyclists and hikers are a great alternative to disposable bottles. By using them, you help reduce the waste stream and save money on more expensive bottled water. To really go eco-friendly, try a stainless steel bottle that is naturally durable and BPA free.
* Composting machine - Turn your leftover table scraps into compost and you will rank as the "Queen of Green" in your children's eyes. A composting machine makes the job super easy, but you can also make compost with a simple composting barrel, available in any home improvement or garden store.
* Reusable razors - Did you know that about 2 billion plastic razors end up in landfills each year? That's the estimate by the Environmental Protection Agency. So replace your limited use disposable razors with a reusable one that allows you to keep the handle and only switch the blades. You'll reduce the amount of trash going into the waste stream and your legs may thank you since reusable razors are often better quality than disposable ones.
* Reusable shopping bags - Plastic bags wind up in waterways and harm wildlife, or end their life in landfills where they'll remain forever. Paper bags are biodegradable but resources are required to make them. Reusable, cloth shopping bags are better for the environment. And you can make your own fashion statement by choosing fun, funky or fashionable totes to function as your shopping bag.
* Compact fluorescent light bulbs - Not only do CFLs consume much less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs, they last longer too. You'll save money on your energy bill - not to mention your annual household light bulb budget - by replacing the incandescent bulbs in your home with these energy-saving alternatives.
* All-natural cleaning products - Long gone are the days when "natural cleaner" meant "good for the environment, but not so good for cleaning." Today, a plethora of products made from natural ingredients are gentler on the environment than harsh chemicals, but as powerful at cleaning as common chemical cleansers. You can find everything from laundry detergent and dish soap to window cleaner and even degreasers - all made from natural products.
For more tips on how you and your family can easily become "greener," visit Disney Family.com where you'll find advice, tips and products to help you live a more environmentally aware life.
"The best way to teach is to lead by example, so if you want your children to grow up to be eco-minded adults, show them how to do it by 'greening' your own habits now," says Emily Smith, Vice President of the Disney Online Mom and Family Portfolio. "Disney Family.com offers easy, everyday advice and tips for eco-conscious moms. Fortunately, plenty of inexpensive products and resources can help your family live a more environmentally responsible lifestyle."
Disney Family.com offers a list of the top six "green" products that can easily be incorporated into your everyday family routine.
* Reusable water bottles - You want your kids to drink plenty of water because it's good for them, but you're concerned that all those plastic bottles ending up in landfills aren't good for the environment. The solution - reusable water bottles. Easily available in stores, reusable water bottles like those used by cyclists and hikers are a great alternative to disposable bottles. By using them, you help reduce the waste stream and save money on more expensive bottled water. To really go eco-friendly, try a stainless steel bottle that is naturally durable and BPA free.
* Composting machine - Turn your leftover table scraps into compost and you will rank as the "Queen of Green" in your children's eyes. A composting machine makes the job super easy, but you can also make compost with a simple composting barrel, available in any home improvement or garden store.
* Reusable razors - Did you know that about 2 billion plastic razors end up in landfills each year? That's the estimate by the Environmental Protection Agency. So replace your limited use disposable razors with a reusable one that allows you to keep the handle and only switch the blades. You'll reduce the amount of trash going into the waste stream and your legs may thank you since reusable razors are often better quality than disposable ones.
* Reusable shopping bags - Plastic bags wind up in waterways and harm wildlife, or end their life in landfills where they'll remain forever. Paper bags are biodegradable but resources are required to make them. Reusable, cloth shopping bags are better for the environment. And you can make your own fashion statement by choosing fun, funky or fashionable totes to function as your shopping bag.
* Compact fluorescent light bulbs - Not only do CFLs consume much less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs, they last longer too. You'll save money on your energy bill - not to mention your annual household light bulb budget - by replacing the incandescent bulbs in your home with these energy-saving alternatives.
* All-natural cleaning products - Long gone are the days when "natural cleaner" meant "good for the environment, but not so good for cleaning." Today, a plethora of products made from natural ingredients are gentler on the environment than harsh chemicals, but as powerful at cleaning as common chemical cleansers. You can find everything from laundry detergent and dish soap to window cleaner and even degreasers - all made from natural products.
For more tips on how you and your family can easily become "greener," visit Disney Family.com where you'll find advice, tips and products to help you live a more environmentally aware life.
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check out my green acres blog on the wnykids blog voted best blog in buffalo 2009!
http://blog.wnykids.com
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