Changes at Everything Green Home

Changes at Everything Green Home

Hello All,

As you may have noticed, I've been doing some major changes to my website.
First, I switched to a wind powered hosting company to have a lower toll on the environment And besides, I like the idea of wind power. It is a fabulous alternative energy source!
Second, I've had a great blow out sale and I've been rearranging some of Everything Green Home inventory. Some of these great sales are still going on right now!
Third, I moved my blog from blogger.com onto my own website. If you are reading here, please switch to my website for further reading. Click here for more great Everything Green Home reading and info :)

Merry Christmas!!!

Celebrate His Hope born into the world...My Redeemer Lives!

Major Clearance Sale!

Major Clearance Sale!

Everything Green Home has a major clearance sale going on right now. Many at-cost items and even some lower than cost.
We have Bamboo Blankets for $32.99 & Bamboo Robes for $36.99. Fire & Light hand poured housewares at unbeatable prices...yes, way cheaper than the factory seconds (and no flaws)!
King Size Certified Organic Sheet Sets for $79.99.
Bamboo Towel Sets for a rock bottom price, $21.99.
This inventory has to move and it's a great time to get a jump on all of your holiday shopping. Seriously, you won't find deals like these anywhere else. Click here to browse Everything Green Home's Major Clearance Sale. Hurry, there is a limited supply.

Everything Green Home is going to the Wind

Everything Green Home is going to the Wind
...Wind-power that is!

I just switched over my web hosting to a 130% wind-power company...yeah, that's over & beyond the call of duty ;)

RECs stand for Renewable Energy Certificates and when you can't hook directly to the solar panel power or directly to the wind power, RECs are available for purchase. When buying RECs it is important to purchase certificates that are verified by a third party and that the RECs that you purchase are retired from the market so they aren't resold to another person trying to support renewable energy.

Basically, when you buy RECs, you are supporting a renewable energy source to off-set the traditional source you currently utilize. To learn more about RECs and to see if you can get connected to renewable energy in your area, check out the EPA Green Power Locator.

Disciples of Mercy, the real deal.

Disciples of Mercy, the real deal.

Everything Green Home has been searching for a charitable cause that truly empowers communities of people and goes to an organization not bogged down with administrative costs and overhead that inevitably strip the charitable giving down to nothing.

Today's post is intended to highlight a wonderful work that I was introduced to at my church family reunion in Minnesota this last June. I was introduced to a organization called Disciples of Mercy. Disciples of Mercy is a ground level organization that tends to the physical and spiritual needs of the poor and destitute people in rural Kenya. There are several reasons why I'm highlighting this program:

1. I have spoken directly with people that have personally visited the DOM facilities that verify this program is exactly what it claims to be: a program that helps the poor and destitute people of rural Kenya.

2. DOM empowers people through practical skill training: they offer youth the opportunity to learn vocational training in carpentry, sewing, computer training and welding. These are valuable skills that will make a long lasting positive impact on the lives of those within this community.

3. DOM Health Care Center offers the very real necessity of Volunteer Counseling & Testing for those in the community who wish to know their HIV status, after which they can make informed decisions for their lives.

4. DOM has taken proactive steps to meet a vital need in their region through an orphan sponsorship program. Over 50% of Kenya's orphan population is in DOM's province, a result of the HIV pandemic. Currently, they have 168 orphans on a sponsorship program that provides medical care, education, clothing and basic shelter as well as supplements food supply where necessary. These orphans are in housed with distant relatives or community members to provide a home-based program.

The orphan sponsorship program gives people the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of real children. To give a monthly donation through AFCM International, a reputable and honest Christian organization (I'm also a member), and receive a US-based non-profit donation receipt for tax purposes click the giving link now. The giving link leads to a secure AFCM page (AFCM stands for Association of Faith Churches and Ministers) and be sure to specify the giving is for Disciples of Mercy(or DOM) sponsorship.

If you'd like to keep up to date on Disciples of Mercy sign up for their bi-monthly newsletter by sending an email: dom@africaonline.co.ke

Highlights on more great programs to follow.


thank you Disciples of Mercy for the use of the above picture.

Everything Green Home's featured Product

Everything Green Home's featured Product

I love it! Mr. Goo's Organic Baby Lotion is available at Everything Green Home. How could anyone resist this baby's face? ;) I know, I'm bias. What mother isn't?

My sister & I started a new company called Mr. Goo's Baby Products. This is our first product made from natural and organic ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, chamomile, green tea and rosemary. More wonderful products to come.

Check us out & please, leave a note :)

Organic Planet Festival here we come!

Organic Planet Festival here we come!

Getting geared up for the Organic Planet Festival! This will be Everything Green Home's first festival and I'm thoroughly excited. It will be fun to mingle with other folks interested in all things organic, listen to funky music, and eat some organic salad (Organic Planet Festival sports the largest organic salad in the world). The festival will be held on August 30th from 10:30 to 7:30 and is located at the foot of "L" street in Halvorsen Park on the Humboldt Bay. Tickets for sale in advance for $12 and $15 at the gate.

Pictured here: Organic Planet Festival 2009 official poster.

New EGH Banner!

Check out the new banner for Everything Green Home!

This banner will be displayed at our booth at the Organic Planet Festival August 30th. The Organic Planet Festival is Northern California's only organic festival. We are happy to be participants. Check us out. (More details later).

Run...It's a Grizzly Bear!!!!

Run...It's a Grizzly Bear!!!!


Yes, Grizzly Bears are aggressive animals, not the fuzzy cuddly we give to Baby. Watching the deliberate and graceful movements of one of these animals inspires much respect for their strength and beauty.


But I'm talking about a respectfully distant observation, like the one I just experienced at Yellowstone National Park. We were far enough away, & close enough to our vehicle, to actually see a real life Grizzly. Conservation of these wonderful animals and the land on which they live is vital to experiencing the greatness of America. I am so thankful that I was able to partake in watching a Grizzly Bear dig for grubs and it wasn't through the beloved television set. Our national parks are a treasure, beautiful and awe inspiring. Take a meaningful journey through one of the US National Parks.

Let the Green America Screening Begin!

Let the Green America Screening Begin!


Everything Green Home just sent off the 13 page application for Green America, formerly Co-op America. This starts the screening process which takes at least 8 weeks. Wow! The goal is for Everything Green Home to pass the screening and gain the Green America seal of approval. Once merited with the Green America seal, all green shoppers will know that Everything Green Home has gone through a rigorous screening and is approved for people and planet. Everything Green Home mission statement is as follows:

– Everything Green Home strictly chooses products demonstrating green qualities, such as non-toxic, organic, fair trade or made in the USA, sustainable material, recycled material, all-natural, or free of synthetics. Everything Green Home explicitly lists the green criteria for each product within that product description on the EGH website. Abiding by these guidelines, we provide the consumer with a non-toxic, sustainable, or otherwise green alternative to house-wares, unique gifts and baby products, thereby increasing the value of the green standard and presenting a more responsible consumer voice.

Just keeping you posted. Find the seal of approval at EverythingGreenHome.com in several months. Thanks, Charane

Do you Smell that? Composting Galore

Do you Smell That? Composting Galore



Well, composting season is in full swing. Plants are loving it, naturally!

Make sure you are equipped with a proper composting pail for in your house or, like me, suffer the consequences...stinky perishables bucket. I'm a die hard when it comes to keeping my perishables out of the trash but definitely fall short on keeping the path paved outside to my compost pile. Ultimately, I needed help. This stainless steel compost pail on sale now at EverythingGreenHome.com is the necessary equipment for any true compost keeper. Its carbon filters keep those unpleasant aromas in the pail and out of your kitchen space. No more embarrassing moments of: "What's that smell?"

Weaning: Hard for Baby, or Me?

Weaning: Hard for Baby, or Me?


I took a small break from Everything Green Home blog to wean my baby from the breast. Well, I didn't actually mean to take a break, but something peculiar happened. Baby took right away to the bottle. He had no trouble adjusting to the medical grade silicone nipple.

The problem arose for me rather than him. I found I began to have what I assume is labeled "the baby blues." Suddenly, I was a bit downcast for no apparent reason. I kept thinking, "He's never going to nurse again." I was highly unmotivated.

This was peculiar since I had anticipated a bursting forth of my new found freedom from the constant demands of nursing. And yet, that was not what happened at all. I was sad to see this stage of bonding between me & Baby coming to an end. To add further injury, Baby seemed to be utterly disinterested with the breast and even seemed to prefer the bottle. Oh, woe is me!

Now that stage act is over and we are both right back on track. Also, I love my Green to Grow Bisphenol A-Free & Phthalate-Free bottles. I have no worries about plastic leaching when I pop a ready made bottle in the microwave in the middle of the night. Next big adjustment, sleep through the night...

The Drive-by Diapering

The Drive-by Diapering

Drive-by Diapering may not actually be happening here, but it fully describes how I have to handle my baby with his new found mobile skills. He flips around, twists, and turns and often makes a break for it. Lately, I remove his cloth diaper with all its diaper goodies and quickly, I mean with some real quickness, wipe his bottom with a wet organic cotton baby wipe. If he makes a hard break for it and I'm not in danger of any immediate poopage, then I let him go for it. He streaks off with sheer delight. He truly is a nudist at heart.

A little later is when the Drive-by Diapering takes place. I load up my ammo (aka cloth diaper & diaper liner for added protection) and cruise around the house to find my target. When he's spotted, I quickly tackle him, pin him down and let him have it. Usually, there is a lot of yelling & flailing of the appendages, but the quickness of my Drive-by Diapering makes the drama relatively short lived. Then I am gone about my business and Baby crawls off fully clothed and presentable like every other diaper crawler.

10% Discount Coupon Storewide!

10% Discount Coupon Storewide!


Everyone loves a discount. Enjoy this Everything Green Home 10% Discount savings coupon through SustainLane. SustainLane is an online Green community I joined recently.

Use offer code: GREENSAVER10 at checkout & get 10% off storewide!

Lower Your Pesticide Intake

Is it Tuesday again?

Tuesday's Green Parenting Tip: Lower Your Pesticide Intake

Spring is here and the Farmer's Market is around the corner. If your local farmer's Market hasn't started and you're in the traditional produce section of the grocery store, be sure to avoid the heaviest hitters on the pesticide list.

Worst 12 pesticide contaminated produce:

1. Peach
   
2. Apple
   
3. Bell Pepper
   
4. Celery
   
5. Nectarine
   
6. Strawberries
   
7. Cherries
   
8. Kale
   
9. Lettuce
   
10. Grapes (imported)
    
11. Carrot
    
12. Pear
    

Next are the cleanest 6 produce:

1. Onion
   
2. Avocado
   
3. Sweet Corn
   
4. Pineapple
   
5. Mango
   
6. Asparagus
   

For a complete list and printable Shopper's Guide to Pesticides, check out FoodNews.org.

Thank you faeryboots for the use of the photo under Creative Commons license.

Tuesday's Green Parenting Tip

Tuesday's Green Parenting Tip

Spring is in the air! Utilize this wonderful blossoming change in season to air out your house. Let the fresh air get rid of any stagnant winter buildup in the house.

Fresh air is always a sure way to lift the spirits as well. For an instant smile, be sure to catch a sunny spring walk or play in the grass when the moment presents itself.

Earth Day 2009

Earth Day 2009

Celebrate the Beauty and Magnificence of the Earth today!

Stop and plant a flower, listen to the birds chirp, take a walk in a park or along a river bar and reflect on all the wonders of this amazing creation.

Watch the 2009 CTN Green Earth Day Video Mashup.

And below is 2008 Earth Day clip...









Video: Planet Earth Trailer produced by Alastair Fothergill and narrated by David Attenborough. Earth Photo: The Blue Marble seen from Apollo 17. Song: Sigur Rós - Hoppípoll

Tuesday's Green Parenting Tip

Tuesday's Green Parenting Tip

I recently started my baby on solids. I bought organic rice cereal to start and I've now moved into introducing veggies as well. The first veggie I fed him was organic peas from a jar.

I was cooking a yam for myself and thought, "Why am I feeding Baby veggies from a jar when I have fresh stuff like this?" Baby's next veggie, a Yam, of course. I stirred in some filtered water to thin (adding breast milk is probably best). Baby loved eating Yams with Mommy. Next on the menu, Avocados.

So, Green Parenting Tip:

Make your own fresh baby food. Simple, healthy, no wasted packaging or processing and no preservatives or other added garbage.

Thank you mbrubeck for the use of photo under Creative Commons license.

The Most Important Thing to Know about Composting

The Most Important Thing to Know about Composting



Actually, this might be a question for me rather than a statement.

The most important thing to know, for me, is how to keep the critters away. I have a compost pile just like the one my mother had when I was a kid. Unlike the one my mother had when I was a kid, mine gets literally ravished by the local band of raccoons. I can't keep the goods composting long enough to get any of that wonderful compost material to use on my veggies and flowers. It really is a sad case. But I refuse to get one of those clunky compost contraptions. Call me stubborn.

Truthfully, the most important thing to know about composting is to keep at it!

It's a wonderful learning experience and greatly rewarding to see table scraps nourishing your beautiful roses or snap peas. Plus, it greatly reduces the amount of garbage you have to haul to the dump, or the curb, for you city dwellers. So, if you haven't started one, get to it. And if you don't have the outdoor space for a pile, go for a compost bin. It really is worth it.

Happy Easter All!

Happy Easter all!

I just finished celebrating a most wonderful Easter day with friends and family.

It is amazing to celebrate the pivotal point of Christianity: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead which offers us our redemption. That same power which raised Christ from the dead comes to live in our hearts when we accept the free gift of salvation. I love celebrating this new life.

I believe Jesus Christ was the Son of God, died for our sins and was raised from the dead to offer us new life. Do you?

Let me know if you would like to know more about this amazing gift or leave a comment about your Easter experience. (Contact me directly: owner@everythinggreenhome.com).

Happy Resurrection Day!

Thank you Ihar for the use of the picture under the Creative Commons license.

Is this #3 Plastic Serious?

Is this #3 Plastic Serious?

What's with these plastics? Are you kidding? I mean, seriously, what are we thinking?

Healthy Child, Healthy World has a printable pocket guide to eliminate the confusion about plastics. The printable guide is useful for anyone wondering about #1 through #7 plastics; what are they made from and what's the concern?

The one that caught my eye on the list, and should be avoided by any means necessary, is the one we use most frequently for our babies! Specifically, #3 PVC, or Plyvinyl Chloride is used for Salad Dressing Bottles, Cling Wrap, Teething Rings, Pacifiers, Toys and Shower Curtains. According to the guide, the concern with the use of this type of plastic is that it can leach lead and phthalates, and it can also off-gas toxic chemicals. In my opinion, #3 PVC should be outlawed! Please avoid the use of #3 PVC plastics by seeking out alternatives. These chemicals are hazardous and our babies' developing bodies are vulnerable.

Green to Grow has alternatives for the bottles and nipples of standard ones that are made of #3 PVC. Also, instead of using the plastic teething toy, try Organic Cotton teething toys.

Those are a few suggestions, please research this topic further and find out for yourself the concerns as well as the perfectly acceptable alternatives available.