Lifestyle

Greener Clothing Choices

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BACKGROUND ON THE ISSUE

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Making, processing, transporting, using and disposing of our clothing amounts to a major impact on the environment.  Cotton production accounts for 25% of US pesticide use as well as enormous amounts of water. Demand for synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon, has steeply increased over the last 15 years. The manufacturing of these synthetic fabrics is an energy-intensive process requiring large amounts of crude oil and releasing emissions into the air and water.  The EPA considers many textile manufacturing facilities to be hazardous waste generators.

Green Celebrations

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BACKGROUND ON THE ISSUE

Having a baby and raising children provides ample reasons to celebrate. From the baby shower to the birthday parties, from religious holidays to school graduations, the stuff begins to roll in faster than even the most eco-conscious parent can keep up with.

It starts simple. The baby shower. It’s like a bridal shower—hard to turn your back on all of that free STUFF!  Yet, I’ve spoken to few people that didn’t end up with at least one (sometimes two) baby wipe warmers from such affairs.  It’s starts with the baby wipe warmer, which perfectly exemplifies the item most parents would never buy for themselves, but all of the sudden looks good when perusing the isles of Babies“R”Us trying to find a gift for a baby shower. Once you have a baby wipe warmer there is a lot more pressure to head, mindlessly, towards filling it with disposable baby wipes.

Birthday parties are no different.  People want to gift children and it is hard to tell them “no.” And as children get older, it becomes impossible to deny them gifts.

So, what is an eco-conscious parent to do?

Transportation Alternatives

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BACKGROUND ON THE ISSUE

There are many things wrong with cars: pollution, traffic congestion, cost, and safety issues are just some of the deleterious impacts of our vehicles. These issues are particularly pressing for our children who will inherit an earth seriously impacted by global climate change.

Green Lifestyle Basics: Energy, Water, and Carbon

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BACKGROUND ON THE ISSUE

In October of 2006, the U.S. population reached 300  million, nearly doubling since 1950. Our consumption of resources more than doubled in that time. Overall energy consumption nearly tripled, petroleum consumption for vehicle use rose more than 300%, wood consumption was up 171%, coal consumption increased by 128%, and water use was up more than 127%. Despite accounting for just 5% of the world population, Americans use at least ¼ of most natural resources globally. Interestingly, America is the only industrialized country in the world still experiencing population growth.

Green Parenting 101

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Being a parent means you want the best for your child. It comes naturally to many to begin, then, to think about sustaining a healthier planet and community for your children.  Yet, it also happens that many parents simply stop trying to make the world a better place because they feel too overwhelmed just coping with daily life.  Being “green” doesn’t have to be hard. Even better, it can be fun, save you money, and instill values in your children.

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