by Blake Frino

With all of the harsh chemicals used in creating art, as well as damaging to the earth, it’s nice to find that there are great green art supplies out there for us to enjoy. It’s time to act on those crafty projects you have been procrastinating, like painting, drawing, or scrapbooking, all the while keeping the earth in mind.

If you’re working on a painting, dabble with M. Graham Walnut Oil Paints, which take the place of traditional linseed oil and was developed to provide a non-toxic, environmentally responsible alternative to solvent-based, rapid drying alkyd mediums. Offering minimal cleaning, brushes can be rinsed purely with a mild detergent. No harsh thinners or turpentine are necessary, reducing disposal of harmful chemicals and pollution. (more…)

by Michelle Bexelius

Birthdays… It’s that time of year that every child looks forward to. Well, we all enjoy the delicious food and desserts and of course the presents. This year we did things a little differently for my younger son’s birthday. I decided that I am no longer going to wrap all the presents and then throw all that paper away. It seemed like such a waste, and for what? Do they really care what the packaging looks like? I thought to myself, no, they usually just tear into the actual gift.

So, I got the largest basket in my house, a wide laundry basket I bought at Cost Plus and filled it with his unwrapped presents. I placed a very colorful blanket on top (one with vibrant squares that a friend made for him when he was a baby) and presented it to him as his birthday basket surprise. He was thrilled and so was I not to waste all the paper and time wrapping it. (more…)

by Liesl Bradner

Giving your sweetie plain, ole, run-of-the-mill store bought chocolates this Valentine’s Day may give them a stomachache and heartache. Instead, why not surprise them with organic, trade-free chocolates, flowers or gifts this year and fill both your hearts and the world with goodness.

Why purchase organic trade free chocolates you ask? Here’s the standardized answer: Through Fair Trade practices, these chocolates benefit cooperatives and small family farms, allowing for a commitment of social justice as you make a direct contribution to the livelihood of farmer families and workers who support traditional agricultural practices (small scale, shade grown, and chemical free). (more…)

by Dr. Trevor Holly Cates

This year for New Year’s my family and has decided to start off by remembering the importance of protecting our health and our valuable resources. Reduce, reuse, recycle — reduce waste, reuse auld (old) items as long as possible, and recycle (and use recycled products).

To start fresh, we’re cleaning house and getting rid of the things we no longer need. Passing on items (rather than throwing them out) to people and organizations that are in need, is one way of reusing and recycling.

When bringing new items into our home, we plan to choose carefully. We’ll select toys, clothing, household items and such that are well-made and of eco-friendly materials. Our hope is to buy less and keep things longer. (more…)

by Blake Frino

Christmas is just around the corner, and for those of you who have yet to decorate the tree, try going a little green. Use recycled and handmade ornaments, while wrapping the tree with LED lights, which use much less energy, reduce pollution from power plants and last longer.

LED white or colorful string lights can be purchased at select stores or online. These eco-efficient lights will make your tree shine so much more, especially with the fact that they won’t add to the greenhouse gas emissions.

When it comes to adding the little adornments, don’t worry about garnishing the whole tree. Unless you plan on putting it in the center of the room, you only need to fill up about half of the tree. Look for ornaments in second-hand stores or ask family and friends if they have any extra tree trimmings they no longer use. In the end, you will save money and reduce waste. (more…)

by Blake Frino

I recently went to a wedding in Colorado that encompassed eco-friendly elements. The wedding ceremony took place outside requiring no electricity, and while held in the same place as the reception, no extra driving was needed. Also, some of the hors d’ oeuvres were served on bamboo sticks, which is a renewable material.

There are many other ways to incorporate green into your wedding. Starting with the rings, one way to offset purchasing conflict-free diamonds (for info, visit www.amnestyusa.org/diamonds) is with family heirlooms or antique finds.

Having one location for both the ceremony and reception, perhaps a unique and local setting (i.e. art gallery, garden, organic restaurant) is a good way to compensate any environmental impact. (more…)