Blue Orange games

My son just received a game from the company Blue Orange.  It is a high quality game made of wood pieces and non-toxic paint.  The company tries to be sustainable in their game production and plants two trees for every one they use.  We like the game we got so much that I’ve ordered a [...]

35 years of walking to work!

My Dad was just honored at his job for having been there for 35 years.  While that’s impressive, what really makes me proud is that he’s also been walking to that job for 32 of those 35 years.  Being the scientist that he is, I asked him to run some numbers for fun and here [...]

Sign the petition to support the Kid Safe Chemical Act

The Environmental Working Group wants to collect 75,000 signatures to show that Americans support the Kid Safe Chemical Act.  We don’t think that current chemical legislation is adequate (see my letter) and believe that all chemicals should demonstrate safety before they can be sold.  The EWG has already gotten 40,000 signatures in one week.  Consider [...]

Rug shopping

I have found shopping for household items to be more challenging with a health and environmentally conscious mindset, but I’ve enjoyed the challenge and am much happier about the things I’m bringing into my home.  This past week, I was shopping for a 5×8 rug for my entry way and a rug pad.  I thought [...]

Not your usual pregnancy book

I have read many pregnancy books–the typical week by week guides, natural and organic pregnancy books, books about labor and delivery.  None are like Having Faith, written by Sandra Steingraber.  When I first got the book from a library in stack of other books I was anxious to read, it went straight to the bottom.  [...]

Bike to work!

I’m so proud of my husband.  Two years ago, around Earth Day 2008, he bought a bike and started biking to work.  We live about 7 miles from his job and at first, the ride was challenging, but now it’s much easier for him.  When the weather is good, he bikes 4 days/week (he works [...]

The Body Toxic

As you can probably tell, I’ve been reading a lot lately.  I just finally have the time to tackle some subjects I’ve always wanted to read more about.  One of those topics I’m very passionate about is toxic chemicals in our environment and how to best avoid them.  If that is interesting to you too, [...]

Recycled wrapping paper

During the holiday season, I feel horrible about wrapping my presents.  Traditional wrapping paper is not only made from virgin wood pulp, it is also often not recyclable (check in your area to be sure!)  From a tree, to wrapping your present, to a landfill.  This is not something I want to support!
Since finding this [...]

Recycled paper products

I have tried recycled toilet paper over the years and found it uncomfortable.  Try as I might, I couldn’t bring myself to switch to it permanently.  But recently, I’ve felt more and more convicted.  Most paper products are made from virgin wood pulp, much of which comes from North American forests.  In fact, 98% of [...]

Al Gore on Letterman

Al Gore was the guest on Letterman on November 3.  The eight minute segment is fantastic.  Very concise, good information about the climate and the effect humans are having on the earth.  I’m really impressed with the depth of Al Gore’s knowledge and his ability to explain things so simply.  Despite the seriousness of the [...]