Happy Holidays: Part 1

I am going to re-ignite Diary of A Wanna-Be Green Girl with a weekly series of holiday tips. The first one came to me today while I was coupon clipping. Old newspapers! Not only are they great for cleaning your windows with your water + white vinegar green window cleaner (Find the recipe in an archive post from Feb. of 2009 HERE) - but I had 3 papers, ... which gave me 3 comic sections... and actually, by surprise got a double of comics in one! So I had 4 comic pages - I can easily wrap 4 medium sized gifts (like books, cds, jewelry, candles etc) practically for free. All you really have to do is use 2 coupons from the paper to earn back what you paid for the paper (at most!) - and you can wrap for free.... think about if you start saving now? You have 6 weeks, 6 more Sunday papers to collect your cute and colorful comic strip gift wrap! Once they rip the present open, it can easily be put into your fireplace as starter, or into your recycle bin - which is where it would have went had you not saved it to wrap with! I'm not sure if regular gift wrap is able to be recycled because of the coating.... and I know it can be toxic to burn! This is not a new concept. People have been wrapping with newspaper forever! It's different though when you make a concious effort to say, "this holiday season I can save a butt-load by using what I already have!!"

Galveston Beach, TX "Catch of the Day"

I found this ad in the Rolling Stone Magazine. It's for http://www.surfrider.org/

I think it visually makes an amazing impression.

It reads, "In regions of the Pacific, plastic particles outnumber plankton six to one"

Toxic Shrek Glasses

So as the excitement of the new Shrek Glasses emerged in our household. We have been making special trips there (McDonald's) in order to collect them all. So far we have Shrek, Fiona, and Puss in Boots. All we need now is Donkey, but it seems as though we won't ever be able to make our collection complete. To be more specific, we will lose them all together because yesterday, June 4th, they were all recalled due to cadmium being present in the paint. Cadmium is found in nature, very toxic, and used to make red and yellow paint. I found it very annoying that the McDonald's website has a Q&A about this recall, and begins every answer with "they are not toxic".. well yes they are Mr. Ronald McDonald.  I don't think my kids will be too sad about having to go get a refund (as soon as they actually release HOW to get your money back on the glasses), because just as I sat the glasses down to take the picture of them for this blog entry, my daughter was freaking out telling me, "Don't touch them!" and "they'll make you sick mom!"....You know we all go there expecting, at our own risk, to be poisoned by McDonald's food..... you wouldn't think you'd carry the same risk buying some collectible glasses!

Magazine Mayhem!

I am obsessed with reading tabloid magazines. I love them. I really could look at them and reread them a million times... and I really do! I honestly probably have about 50 of them in my house right now. A new "set" from the 50 I read before. Those mags usually run from 1.99-3.99 a pop too! Ouch! Don't worry. I haven't spent a cent... and NO I haven't swiped them from the local Great Clips or Dr.'s office! My stepmom is in love with these magazines as I am. When she found out we shared this "love", she immediatley asked if I would enjoy getting them from her when she was done. Since then we have this magazine hand-me-down thing going pretty nicely. I don't care if they are from Dec. 2008 or last week honestly. People, Rolling Stone, In Style. I love them all. Sharing these mags not only saves $$ but it saves trees, and gives these mags a 2nd life! Not just a 2nd life in my case.... they are at least getting 3rds because my boss also loves them. So they are being passed from reader to reader... and hopefully when the last photo spread of Hugh Jackman has been turned, they will go into one of the dozens of paper/mag/phonebook recycle bins in every parking lot in the Center Grove School District. So next time you see that issue of Cosmo in the checkout lane.... text that girlfriend of yours. She's probably already bought it. Pass it around. Spread the love, save a buck, save the Earth!

Photo Caption - This is really my pile of magazines as of right now!! I've read every single one? Anyone up for some reading?! :)

Farm Fresh Delivery

At the wonderful luck of joining Groupon on Facebook I was able to purchase a 50% off one for something called Farm Fresh Delievery. Farm Fresh Delievery is a co-op that works with local farmers throughout the midwest and provides local, organic, fresh, and bulk foods and delivers them right to your door. It's like an online Farmer's Market!!! Every Friday for the last three weeks I have had a big nice plastic tub left on my doorstep. Inside it is filled with the fruits and veggies (and a couple times meat) of my choosing from the beginning of the week. Really you have the choice of almost anything you can think of, although because of availablility, the list changes weekly. Not only are we getting better foods because they are organic and fresh, but in more ways than just those are they eco-friendly!! The entire step to process the products to sell in the stores is eliminated, as is the packaging, and money used to distribute it all. Some things we have even come in bulk (ie: raisins and sunflower seeds).... this saves SO MUCH packaging. Do you realized how many little Sunmaid boxes it would take to equal the 1 lb of raisins I got for just a couple dollars?! Everything you buy, is guaranteed fresh and in pristine condition or you are compensated fully for the item. There aren't any delivery charges either.

See what my buzz is about!!!
Farm Fresh Delivery

The Raw Diet?.... just maybe

After having a Facebook friend today post about this energy providing "green smoothie" she was drinking... I inquired and found out the ingredients. Already eating a vegetarian diet, I thought that any other unique way to eat and gain energy (other than coffee!)would be wonderful. As I was given the laundry list of items in the smoothie... I began to wonder...if I can drink all of this mixed together in a tasty smoothie... I can REALLY increase not only the servings of fruits and veggies I eat a day, but I can also really add a variety where if I was eating each individually I would only eat one or two things. She directed me to a website she likes, Green Smoothie Girl and the term Raw Diet finally made sense to me. After browsing the website, I came to a CNN article about a woman named Angela Stokes, and how she made a huge life change by following a Raw Diet. That then took me to her personal website, Raw Reform. Now after 12 hours.... I feel like I have had an epiphany. After going to the store this morning and purchasing 1/2 of the ingredients for the Green Smoothie (I was happy to have already had 1/2 of what I needed!!) - I prepared enough for 2 meals... it was my lunch and dinner. I even gave a glass to my 5 year old daughter who gave her seal of approval, proclaiming, "THIS IS DELICIOUS!!!" Soy is a huge protein source for me. Soy would not be something included in a raw diet. That would be my first little hurdle, would just to be thoughful of making sure I got what I needed. I think I might try for a 2/3 raw vegan diet (breakfast & lunch) and eat my normal vegetarian diet for my 3rd meal of the day. This website Starting a Raw Food Diet looks like it's going to be a good resource for me to start... I'll let you know how it goes!!

This Filled my blender completely... feel free to improvise,.. change ANYTHING!!
This is 2 Meals worth:

1 Apple (cored)
1 Banana
1/2 Avocado
1 Celery Stalk
1 c. Carrots
1 1/2 c. Kale
1 c.(Frozen)Berry Mix (I used Strawberry/Blueberry/Blackberry)
1 c. (Frozen) Pineapple
12 oz water (I used 8 oz water 4 oz 100% Acai-Pomegranate Juice)
2 TBSP Ground Flax Seed (you could use the Flax Seed Oil - but I couldn't find it)
1 6oz cup of Greek Yogurt (not RAW but I added it)

If you do a Raw Diet, or are interested in trying it... let me know.. I'd love to have someone to dialogue with!

$1 Off Morningstar.... You're Welcome!

Click HERE for a $1 off coupon for one of the new Morningstar Farms frozen entrees!

~Green Events in Indy~ NOW - APRIL!!!!

Winter Market
Now - April 24
Saturdays @ Indy Winter Farmers Market
9am-12:30pm
FREE

Going Green Festival
Indiana State Museum
Friday 9:30am - 2pm; Saturday 11am-4pm
$7 Adults; $6.50 Seniors; $4 Ages 3-12

Meditation Hike
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Every Thursday 4-5 pm
Meet at the Efroymson Entrance Pavilion.
Click HERE for more information
FREE

Footprints: Balancing Nature's Diversity
Indiana State Museum
April 1st-December 31st
Tues.-Sat. 9am-5pm & Sun. 11am-5pm
$7 Adults; $6.50 Seniors; $4 Ages 3-12

Rain Garden Basics
Indianapolis Museum of Art
April 8th: 6-8pm
$30 - Public, $21 - Members

Green Spring Cleaning Workshop
Morris-Butler House Museum
April 13th: 5:30-7:30pm
$10/person, $7/members

Urban Composting: The Demise of the Stinky Trash Can
Indianapolis Museum of Art
April 15th: 6-7pm
$35 - Public, $30 - Members

Earth Day Indiana Festival
White River State Park
April 24th: 11am-4pm
Click HERE for more info
FREE

Arbor Day - Indy Free Tree
Monument Circle
April 30th: 8am-2pm
FREE

Arbor Day Celebration
Indiana State Museum
April 30th: 9:30am-2pm
$7 Adults; $6.50 Seniors; $4 Ages 3-12

My Baby's Getting Some PIZZA!!!!!

Poor Joel is always getting all the toppings ripped off of his pizza just so he can enjoy a slice with the rest of us. Pizza (the easy dinner) definitley isn't easy in our home. Daddy is a huge carnivore, Joel can't have any dairy products due to his lactose intollerance and I am a vegetarian. We literally need 4 different pizzas because Skylar is sure to be difficult as most 5 year old do!! Tonight is Joel's night. I was super excited to find this at SuperTarget here in Greenwood. My baby's getting some pizza tonight!

Earth Hour 2010 - JOIN IN!

It's that time of the year again, Earth Hour 2010 happens in 22 days - March 27th at 8:30pm! Join the rest of the globe and turn off those lights. Please take a moment to watch the Earth Hour Video and see how you can make a difference.
Earth Hour Video

You don't no stinkin' dryer!

Considering it hasn't gotten above 30 degrees in the last 3 months, hanging up your wet clothes to dry on a clothesline will probably make some denim popcicles before giving you nice dry clothes. And unless you have a private yard with something to tie a line to, it also can be pretty tricky. A clothesline isn't usually an option in an apartment complex either. So with the bad weather, apartment living, and a broken dryer our family has made do, improvised, and realize the energy stealing appliance is completely unnecessary! All you need is an extra shower curtain rod and you can turn a small bathtub area into a perfect place to hang your wet clothes to dry. We have been dryer-less for 3 months now. Another upside is, once you hang the wet clothes up, once dry, they are already on hangers, no folding needed,...and a side bonus - no wrinkled clothes you forget to get out of the dryer and no static cling! You can also avoid the poisonous dryer sheets that so many use. So if you don't have the weather/sun to hang outdoors, the space, or your apartment rules ban the use of a clothesline, you can still go greener, ditch that dryer and drip those clothes dry! You can also count on your clothes shrinking less and lasting longer, which will also save you money long-term. The environment and your pocketbook will thank you!

Bacon VS Bacon

For those vegetarians out there.... I am a huge fan of MorningStar Farms products. They are found in the frozen section. I buy the grilled chik'n strips, bacon strips, and veggie cakes. I use the bacon strips the most. I use it for breakfast with eggs, on my salads, in my chicken carbonara (with the grilled chickn' strips), on BLTS, in loaded mashed potatoes. The uses are endless. I can cook it in just a few minutes in my toaster oven. Last week, I ended up at Meijer instead of SuperTarget for some shopping, and didn't have time to hit up the frozen section and ended up grazing in produce. I saw the LightLife brand of veggie bacon (Smart Bacon) and snapped it up. Looking forward to a yummy BLTA (A=avocado) for lunch. But let me tell you.... NOT ALL VEGGIE BACON IS CREATED EQUAL! Blech!!!It never crisped up, remained floppy, whereas the MorningStar brand crips enough to crush and acts like "real" bacon would and not to mention tastes delicious. The Lightlife Smart Bacon perfumed my kitchen with the nasty smell of hotdogs. Hotdogs? Really? I immediatley threw it in the trash, along with the brand new package I had just opened that mealtime. This specific LightLife product is the reason for the bad sterotypes of veggie protein meat replacements! I can't speak for the other products in the LightLife line except the GimmeLean Sausage which is actually very good, but if you are in the market for a veggie bacon alternative, please take my word for it, save yourself the $ and go with Morningstar Farms. It is above the rest and gives me everything I would want from this type of protein Your palette and the piggies will thank you!

Do you really need your microwave?!

I can't believe it's been an ENTIRE YEAR since I posted to this blog. Shame on me. Well I am getting back on track because I love to write and blog and share. So I'll start small.
When we moved back to Indiana we decided that we would simplify our life as much as possible. This included decluttering as much as possible, in a way that we could minimize our trash, and go with a reuse and recycle approach. Also to make sure we lived in a completely toxic free environment, doing what we could within our control. Creating a balance of energy in our home using the practice of feng-shui and committing to family relaxation and meditation. One major change we decided to do was to get rid of our microwave. Many reasons. First it is a pretty large appliance that uses a LOT of electricity when in place in a kitchen. Unless unplugged after every use (which is actually what we were doing before), the microwave even when not in use is in fact using electricity for the clock feature. It is undesirable clutter in most kitchens for those who are not lucky enough to have it built into the cabinets. And lastly, just with knowlege I had learned it also damaged the nutrients of the food cooked in it. Of course food is most nutritious in its most natural and raw form anyway, but if you are going to cook your food, the microwave is going to take more nutrients away from your food that other cooking methods. We have been microwave free for 2 months now, and I haven't even for one second missed it. I purchased a nice tea kettle. It looks cute, and takes up a lot less space for heating a simple mug of water for some tea. Popcorn? Bagged popcorn is about the only thing we can't do, but we purchases kernels anyway and use our hot air popper that belonged to my grandma. That method is SO MUCH healthier anyways! So I urge you all to reevaluate your true need for a microwave. Is it really worth it? Please also read below the Top Ten Reasons to Throw Out Your Microwave!

This is from a study that I found here: The Proven Dangers of Microwave Ovens


Ten Reasons to Throw out your Microwave Oven

From the conclusions of the Swiss, Russian and German scientific clinical studies, we can no longer ignore the microwave oven sitting in our kitchens. Based on this research, we will conclude this article with the following:

1. Continually eating food processed from a microwave oven causes long term - permanent - brain damage by "shorting out" electrical impulses in the brain [de-polarizing or de-magnetizing the brain tissue].

2. The human body cannot metabolize [break down] the unknown by-products created in microwaved food.

3. Male and female hormone production is shut down and/or altered by continually eating microwaved foods.

4. The effects of microwaved food by-products are residual [long term, permanent] within the human body.

5. Minerals, vitamins, and nutrients of all microwaved food is reduced or altered so that the human body gets little or no benefit, or the human body absorbs altered compounds that cannot be broken down.

6. The minerals in vegetables are altered into cancerous free radicals when cooked in microwave ovens.

7. Microwaved foods cause stomach and intestinal cancerous growths [tumors]. This may explain the rapidly increased rate of colon cancer in America.

8. The prolonged eating of microwaved foods causes cancerous cells to increase in human blood.

9. Continual ingestion of microwaved food causes immune system deficiencies through lymph gland and blood serum alterations.

10. Eating microwaved food causes loss of memory, concentration, emotional instability, and a decrease of intelligence.

Have you tossed out your microwave oven yet?

What IS Clean??

Keeping my house clean for my family's health is very important to me. Picking up cleaning products with labels of danger and ingredients that I am unfamiliar with can be quite unnerving. Over a year ago I decided to throw out all of my commercial "brand" cleaning products and to buy empty spray bottles and make my own cleaners. It was super easy, and anyone can do it. A few of the items may be something you haven't purchased before, but they are not hard to find or expensive. This method of cleaning is neither toxic or expensive, it's actually cost EFFECTIVE, and better for the environment because it limits the packaging that you buy since you are reusing the bottles each time you make another batch. Of the items I do not make on my own, I have replaced them with products that are safe and Eco-friendly.

For my friends at work, who are interested to know these recipes, this blog's for you!

What you need:
Spray Bottles
Baking Soda
Washing Soda
Distilled White Vinegar
Tea Tree Oil
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap (I personally like the lavender for a nice scent)- or an eco-friendly liquid dish soap
Olive Oil

(I have copy/pasted these recipes directly from: HERE)


CREAMY SOFT SCRUBBER
Simply pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a texture like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn’t leave grit.

Note: Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to the mixture and store in a sealed glass jar, to keep the product moist. Otherwise just make as much as you need at a time.

WINDOW CLEANER
1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water
Spray bottle

Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.

OVEN CLEANER
1 cup or more baking soda
Water
A squirt or two of liquid detergent

Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda that the surface is totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top. Let the mixture set overnight. You can easily wipe up the grease the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven. If this recipe doesn’t work for you it is probably because you didn’t use enough baking soda and/or water.

ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER
1/2 teaspoon washing soda
A dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot tap water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

FURNITURE POLISH
1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)
1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.

VINEGAR DEODORIZER
Keep a clean spray bottle filled with straight 5 percent vinegar in your kitchen near your cutting board and in your bathroom and use them for cleaning. I often spray the vinegar on our cutting board before going to bed at night, and don’t even rinse but let it set overnight. The smell of vinegar dissipates within a few hours. Straight vinegar is also great for cleaning the toilet rim. Just spray it on and wipe off.


TEA TREE TREASURE
Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. I’ve used it successfully on a moldy ceiling from a leaking roof, on a musty bureau, a musty rug, and a moldy shower curtain. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will dissipate in a few days.

2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes two cups.

VINEGAR SPRAY
Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It will dissipate in a few hours.


Additionally, from my house to yours:

Instead of dryer sheets (very toxic - google it!) or liquid fabric softener, use 1 cup of white vinegar in your last rinse cycle of your washer. Your clothes will be soft and fresh, and no, they won't smell like vinegar!

We use straight washing soda in our dishwasher, and vinegar is the rinse aid.

I make my own baby wipe solution for my cloth baby wipes! Check my blog archive for that recipe!

I also recommend Charlie's Soap for your laundry detergent. It's fabulous, you only need 1/8 cup for each load, and it can get anything out!


What are / or where can I find these products??

You can get Charlies Soap, Dr. Bronners, and Tea Tree Oil all at Earth Fare.
Additionally, I have also found Dr. Bronner's at BILO and Target in the Organic Healthy & Beauty isles. Tea Tree Oil is also readily available at GNC. So far I have only found the Arm & Hammer Washing Soda at the Harris Teeter at Steelecroft (Hwy 160/49)- but haven't checked other H.T.'s. Here are some links for a few of the products as well.

Arm & Hammers's Washing Soda
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap
Charlie's Soap

Little Things Add Up...

You don't have to do big and earth-changing things to make a difference. I bet like me, you have a pile of receipts... you log them... or don't ever look at them again, and then they go into the trash right? Well, how many of those receipts do you REALLY need? How about those little ones from the gas pumps? Do yourself and the earth a favor next time and when it asks if you would like a receipt, select "NO"!!! It will be one less receipt printed, one less piece of trash for you to get rid of!

Clover Schools Goin' Green!

I thought this article was relevant and wonderful.... right from the local Lake Wylie Pilot! It is comforting to know that the school system my child is in, cares about something like this. Now between home AND school, she is not being exposed to the use of any toxic cleaning chemicals as much as possible. Healthier schools = Healthier children! Yay! (Click article to enlarge to read) or it can be found online HERE!

Green Living For Dummies

What an awesomely-green find! I credit my ingenious husband for this great stocking stuffer! -run one- -run all- to the $1 bin at Target. They have a huge variety of "For Dummies" books.... little paperback purse size or for perfect bathroom reading material (ha!) Green Living For Dummies... the "pocket edition" has great tips on why to be greener, how to make your home healthier and more efficient, minimizing trash, and greening your diet!

Make A New Years Resolution

Making a New Years Resolution can sometimes be hokey and unrealistic. For 2009 make a vow to change your life.... to better your family, your health, and the planet. Small changes over time add up big! Switch out some ordinary light bulbs to CFLs. Buy a faucet mount or pitcher purifier and give up your bottled water. Check the local thrift store or Goodwill before splurging for brand new threads at Target. Commit to educating yourself about something you are unfamiliar with such as organics, cloth diapering, or vaccinations. Take control of your life in '09 by "Greenin" your life up!

ps. after an almost 3 month hiatus I am back online! Stay tuned, I have lots to say!

*Peace*
Wanna-Be Green Girl

My last package of baby wipes...

When I began to cloth diaper a year ago, I also began with trying to only use cloth wipes. I am not sure why - but I did not stick to it... and looking back now feel a little guilty. I wonder how many wipes I have gone through this past year? I would have saved a lot of money as well as landfill space. I have gathered all of my old baby washcloths and old fleece baby blankets. I grabbed one more fleece baby blanket from the dollar section at Target tonight and have created a great little collection of cloth wipes. For wipe solution I am going with the "Fruit N Veggie" wipe solution recipe:
Fruit 'n' Veggie
1 teaspoon fruit or vegetable-based oil (apricot, olive, grapeseed)
1 tablespoon vegetable-based soap (Dr. Bronner's liquid castile)
1 cup water
1-2 Drops of Tea Tree Oil
I am also going to use the help of a wipe warmer... so I'll have my cloth wipes and several premade bottles of wipe solution (so as not to confuse my husband about what is to go on the wipes...it'll be made for him ahead of time!)... and then soak each set in the wipe warmer so they are ready for use! It's not much extra work because I am already doing a load of cloth diapers every other morning - and actually more convenient because I can wrap the cloth wipes in the cloth diapers instead of a trip to the trashcan...so I am on my last pack of wipes... and that makes me proud. Better late than never!

Bread Wars

We have bread wars in the home. I love whole wheat bread... the very healthy kind and pretty much my husband just wants the plain old white Wonder Bread...He always has to compromise... because the kids and I beat him 3 to 1 on the bread issue. The kids will eat bread without discriminating on color... it's just bread right?

However, I just noticed a BOGO free endcap at Harris Teeter and caught the side that was labeled largely "NO HFC"... so I took notice. In big letters it says "NEW!" and it's Arnold 100% Natural Whole Grain White (they also had wheat)...I spend too much time in the bread isle looking for healthy "white" bread ... w/out HFC... that is not made with bleached flour and I think my search has ended and I found it! Most importantly it's good... really good! The side of the bag is marked $2.79/loaf... so good price ... most importantly good ingredients. Our bread war is now over! Thank you Arnold!