Many of you know that my son was the main reason I started becoming more purposeful about the products we use in our home.  We were living in Edinburgh, Scotland, and on one particular afternoon as we were preparing to go home, my husband started cleaning our flat.  The chemicals he was using were so strong, I became nauseated from the smell and took a walk to get some fresh air.  I ended up at the local library and started doing some research about cleaning products and pregnancy.  I was astounded at what I was reading…afraid even that the small amount of time I was in our flat could have possibly done something harmful to our unborn baby.  I haven’t used a conventional cleaner since that day, five years ago.

Five years ago, finding “natural” alternatives to conventional cleaners was challenging because for the most part, there weren’t many companies offering greener options and finding those product was equally difficult.  Today, my biggest challenges include finding “green” products that are effective, and sorting through the abundance of options available to find products that are in fact better for our family and the environment.

We are long-time users of Seventh Generation’s greener, safer products.  Both of our children have grown up using the diapers and wipes and their Free & Clear laundry detergent is a favorite in our household.  Their cleaning products are effective and easy to use.  I also find that they last a long time, making the investment that much more valuable.  In the last couple of years, I also started using their personal care products and feel better about what I’m using in and on my body.

In the spirit of Earth Month, I was asked to participate in a cleaning challenge where I would replace my conventional cleaners with Seventh Generation’s cleaners.  As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Seventh Generation has partnered with The Lorax to help bring Dr. Seuss’ message of sustainability to today’s modern families.  You’ll find an image of The Lorax on many of the brand’s products, which was purported to remind families of The Lorax’s message and inspire environmental awareness as well as a love for reading.

Since we already use Seventh Generation’s products in our home, I thought I would go a step further.  Initially, I received Seventh Generation’s Natural 2x Concentrated Laundry Detergent, Disinfecting Wipes, Natural Dish Liquid, Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner, and Bathroom Cleaner. We also received a copy of Dr. Seuss’ book, The Lorax.  Since we do a LOT of laundry around here, I wanted to see if there was another way I could make my routine efficient.  While shopping at Sprouts a few weeks ago, I picked up Seventh Generation’s new Natural 4X Laundry Detergent. Could this little bottle still get me the 66 loads I can get with their full sized, 2X detergent? Ok…so I didn’t count the loads, but the detergent lasted forever!  Thankfully, I have a setting on my Whirlpool Duet Washer where I can adjust the concentration of the detergent using the Precision Dispense function.  The machine does all of the work and I felt like the detergent lasted a long time…well over the month.

The other step I took was to introduce my mother to some of Seventh Generation’s products.  While she has dabbled a bit in greener cleaning products, she’s never made a commitment to purchase them.  I gave her the Bathroom Cleaner and Multi-Surface Cleaner to use over the month.  She is very sensitive to smells, and despite the botanicals used, never felt like the scents were overwhelming.  After cleaning her bathroom and kitchen each week for a month with the products, she never felt like she had to use additional products to achieve the type of clean she prefers.

My husband and I are committed to raising our kids to be environmentally aware.  My son knows the importance of turning lights and water off and putting trash in its respective place.  We’ve been dabbling in gardening as a family and my husband and I are leading by example.  When The Lorax was released in theaters, we read the book as a family nearly every night.  We love it’s timeless message about being conscious of how our decisions impact the environment and really feel like greening our clean is one simple way we are making a difference.

For more information about Seventh Generation’s products, or to learn more about what you can do, visit their website (they also have a blog!).

The obvious question begs…what to do with all of that “stuff”?  Because my husband and I are certain that our family is complete, I’ve been slowly donating our baby gear to expectant friends and our local Salvation Army.  I regularly go through their clothing, pulling out what no longer fits to add it to my pile of donatable items.  And then there are those items that I’d really like to sell because I’ve either invested in them or they have some value.  I’ve dabbled a bit in Craigslist but the idea of meeting a complete stranger either in an agreed upon location or my home makes me wary.

Enter Palcycle, a brand new social commerce website that allows people to buy, sell, and trade items among trusted users.  Once you’ve signed up for an account (it’s free!), you simply import the contacts you trust and then start browsing and listing items you want to sell.  When you list an item, you can upload an image and a video, set your price and condition, and whether or not you’re open to a trade. Because the site allows you to link up your social networking sites such as Facebook and Google +, you could choose to link up your listings to these accounts.

There are a variety of ways I envision utilizing the site.  For example, I have some gorgeous dresses I bought for my daughter when she was a baby.  She barely wore them (as is the case with most nice childrenswear).  I’d really rather not just give them away to the Salvation Army.  So I can either try to sell them amongst my trusted network or trade them for “new” clothes for her.

While there are a variety of ways to free yourself from the things you no longer want, I like Palcycle for the social component.  It’s always optimal to buy, sell, and trade with people I know and trust.

Win It!  To celebrate the launch of the site, I have a$10 Starbucks gift card and a BPA-free reusable bottle to giveaway to one reader. Simply register for a free account with Palcycle!  Comments will close on April 4th at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow Palcycle on Twitter

“Like” Palcycle Facebook page

Follow me on Pinterest (It’s the new thing to do!) : )

Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win a @starbucks GC from @palcycle @rockinmama ” Daily tweets are allowed but please put the permalink so I can keep track.

Rockin’ Mama Facebook fans automatically receive an extra entry

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments

No compensation was received for this post. Products for review and giveaway also supplied.

I like Earth Day because of the awareness it brings to eco-issues like sustainability and conservation.  I can’t say that I did anything extraordinary today. But today, like every day, our family turned off lights to save energy, consumed wholesome sustainable foods, placed recyclables in the appropriate bin, and made it a point to reuse at least one thing.

Nickelodeon, the National Wildlife Federation, and The Motherhood joined forces this year for B Kind 2 Earth Day.  Their goal is to encourage people to promise to take one earth-friendly action on April 22nd and beyond.  Simply “Like” the Facebook page and begin sharing the good you’ve done or are doing for the Earth.

Need inspiration?  Why not participate in a beach clean-up, bring a reusable bag to the grocery store, walk or ride your bike one day a week to work, or dabble in composting.

What are you doing to help care for our environment?

No compensation was received for this post.

-Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955)

Photo Credit: Walmart

Photo Credit: Walmart

Walmart began it’s sustainability journey in 2005 with 3 broad but ambitious goals:  To be powered by 100% renewable energy, to have zero waste, and to offer products that sustain people and the environment.  Every initiative undertaken by Walmart has had sustainability as the foundation, because the company believes that customers should not have to choose between a product they can afford and a product that’s good for their families and the environment.  We know that organic, sustainable products in general cost more.  So how does Walmart continue to retain it’s everyday low prices?  The answer (to reduce operating costs), though at first glance seems simple, can be quite complicated.

Photo Credit: Walmart

What does sustainability look like in our home?  Inside and out, we’re striving to live healthier lives.  We start with the products we are using in and on our bodies.  Organic, fair-trade, and locally-grown define our purchases.   We also look at our consumption and waste habits and strive to reduce those through water and energy conservation.  As a family, we  also make it our goal each week to fill up our recycle bin while keeping our waste bin less than half full.

Photo Credit: 1876

Last week, I read an article that made me want to weed through our fridge and cupboard to rid our home of these 7 unsafe foods.  While I strive to purchase organics, I can’t say that even 50% of the foods we consume are organic.  I, along with many consumers, find that organics are generally more expensive than conventional foods and products.

Two weeks ago, I agreed to participate in a variety of organic challenges through Healthy Child, Healthy World, BabyCenter, and Stonyfield Yogurt.  Easy Organic Living is a new interactive community program designed to educate moms about the importance of organic living for health and to empower them with easy ways to achieve this.  Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my personal experience with the challenges I have decided to tackle.

The first challenge I broached was Save a Dollar Here, Shift a Dollar There.  Most people assume that organics are too expensive and don’t understand the benefits reaped through such an investment.  I strive to purchase the organic version of those 12 foods that are highest in pesticide residues but have never committed to the exclusive purchase of organic foods.

Some of the ways you can save money on organics include buying in bulk, eating leftovers, opting for water over juice or soda, consuming whole chicken as opposed to chicken breasts, buying seasonal produce, and consuming less meat.  The point is that if you can save in other ways,  you’ll likely be able to shift that money towards the purchase of organic foods.

While I believe that eventually we’ll get to the point where buying in bulk results in savings, we’re not at that point yet. But doing so could save you $500 a year.  Buying in bulk means overall, less packaging which is better for the environment.

I like to use coupons when possible and Mambo Sprouts is a great resource for finding organic coupons. You can also peruse your local natural market’s circular for additional promotions and savings opportunities. Lastly, check specific manufacturer’s websites for coupons.

If I had a little less self-control, I’d eat out almost every day.  I’m not the savviest chef in the kitchen which means all elaborate meals are created by my husband.  Since my husband knows this about me, he typically makes a little extra so that we have leftovers.  While I didn’t grow up eating leftovers (odd, right?), I am finding that it’s a saving grace for those nights when neither one of us want to cook or spend money dining out.

Water…every process in our body depends on it.  For the longest time, I cut out all other drinks, to ensure I was getting the appropriate amount to stay hydrated and functional.  These days I keep my reusable water bottle filled so that I can stay hydrated and avoid the temptation of soda or juice.

Additional ways you can save include buying local, seasonal produce, using the entire chicken (as opposed to just chicken breast), and eating less meat.

Do you purchase organic foods and products?  If so, what are your best tips for saving money?

No compensation was received for this post. I am part of the Easy Organic Living program co-hosted by Baby Center and Healthy Child Healthy World and sponsored by Stonyfield.

Over the years, I’ve tried a number of different eco-friendly cleaning products to find the one that gets the job done.  Method is a brand I’ve used off and on throughout the years because it’s effective, affordable, and most importantly safe!  In the midst of cold and flu season, Method recently launched their new botanical antibacterial line.

I can get a little crazy with the disinfectants, particularly during this time of year. Method’s new line includes All Purpose Cleaning and Disinfecting Wipes, an Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner, and an Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner.  Traditionally, chemicals like bleach and triclosan were used to kill viruses and bacteria like influenza A, H1N1, E. Coli, and Salmonella.  Method has partnered with CleanWell to create a botanical formula that kills 99.99 percent of household viruses and bacteria. The thyme and essential oils-based disinfecting technology kills germs on hard, non-porous surfaces like door knobs, sinks, faucets, toilets, garbage cans, food prep areas, children’s toys, high chairs, and changing tables.  Additionally, the bathroom spray is formulated to target soap scum and hard water stains while the kitchen cleaner is formulated to cut through grease and grime. Of all places, the bathroom and the kitchen are those likely to be highly concentrated with germs however, you could technically use all three products around your home to kill germs.

I tried out each of the three antibacterial products and found them to be pleasant in smell, effective, and easy to use.  I like the fact that I can use the cleaners on my children’s toys, high chairs, and potty.   I’ve often found that eco-friendly cleaners don’t “clean” as well as conventional cleaners. But I was quite impressed with how well the kitchen cleaner worked on my stove.

Method’s line of Antibac cleaners retail for $3.99 each and can be purchased at Target, Whole Foods, and select retailers nationwide. For more information about the company, including their sustainability practices, just visit their website.

This Wednesday the 17^th Jennifer, aka, @thesmartmama and Method, will host a Twitter party from 10p-11p EST.  Simply follow the @methodtweet and @thesmartmama for your chance to win some prizes.  The hashtag for the night will be #ecowed.

Win It! One of you will win a Fight the Flu Kit, courtesy of Method. Simply leave me a comment with something you learned on the site.  Comments will close on November 30th, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.  Products for review and giveaway were supplied by Method via Green & Clean Mom.

Phillips recently launched A Simple Switch, a website designed to help you cut back on your personal energy consumption.  After answering a series of questions (which takes about 5 minutes), A Simple Switch will assist you in finding your personal color, and offer tips on becoming “greener” in regards to energy usage.

After completing the survey, it was determined that my color is B…which isn’t bad because A is the goal.  The site then offers ways to improve your color (and energy efficiency) and informative articles on eco-topics.  I like the fact the site offers simple, daily choices that can be made to reduce our carbon footprint.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint! For more information, visit them on Facebook.

No compensation was received for this post.

Bosch wants to know, Watts Your Green Tip? At the beginning of October, the company launched a new Facebook contest and one person with the best green tip will win a green suite of Bosch kitchen appliances valued at $6,000 which will include the following:
Integra dishwasher (SHX45P05UC)

Evolution gas range (HGS7282UC)

Over the range microwave (HMV5051U)

French door refrigerator (B26FT70SNS)

Here is what you need to do!

From October 6 through November 19, 2010, create a video 1:00 minute in length or less showcasing your family’s top tip for green living. Whether it’s about saving water, saving energy, or recycling, you’ll help spread the word about how to make the world a greener place.

Once you’ve entered, share your green tip video with friends and family to garner votes for a greater chance to win. Maybe you’ll even inspire them to change little habits for a greener home; such as purchasing Energy Star products, turning off a light when leaving a room or waiting to have a full load of dirty dishes before running the dishwasher.

The contest ends November 12th, so start thinking about your best green tip!  If you enter, I’d love to check out your video!

No compensation was received for this post.

As an eco-minded mom to a child with food allergies, I find that shopping at natural markets such as Whole Foods makes it easy for me to pick out foods and products that are healthy and fitting for our family.  If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you’ll likely see me “checking in” about once a week!

You may not be aware of the fact that Whole Foods Market is not only committed to providing healthy, sustainable foods and products…they’re also committed to engaging with you and I through social media.  Next week, Whole Foods Market is participating in Social Media Week LA, who’s goal is to “[connect] people, content and conversations around emerging trends in social media.”

Next week, Whole Foods Market will host twEat ups at locations across Los Angeles and Orange County.  Stores will offer a variety of activities for moms and their children including a store scavenger hunt, healthy snack samples, and free yoga classes.  This is a great opportunity to go through the store to find out what’s offered and learn how you and your family can eat healthier and live greener.

Here are the scheduled twEat ups in Los Angeles and Orange County (note that they are each from 3-5 pm):

• 9/20 – Whole Foods Market West Hollywood (7871 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046) to RSVP, please visit http://tweatuphollywood.eventbrite.com
• 9/21 – Whole Foods Market Arroyo (465 South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105) to RSVP, please visit http://tweatuparroyo.eventbrite.com
• 9/22 –  Whole Foods Market Jamboree (2847 Park Avenue, Tustin, CA 92782) to RSVP, please visit http://tweatupjamboree.eventbrite.com
• 9/23 – Whole Foods Market Tarzana (18700 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356) to RSVP, please visit http://tweatuptarzana.eventbrite.com
• 9/24 – Whole Foods Market Venice (225 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291) to RSVP, please visit http://tweatupvenice.eventbrite.com

If you happen to attend the twEat up in West Hollywood on the 20th, you may recognize a familiar face! I’ll be sharing some easy, attainable tips on going green!

The organizers of Social Media Week are also hosting a “Twelethon” to raise funds for Inner-City Art programs. You can read more about the effort here.

Win It! I have two reusable FEED bags (proceeds from their sales go towards providing food for hungry children), each with a $10 gift card to Whole Foods to giveaway.  Simply leave me a comment with a question you have about going green.  Comments will close on September 30th, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.  Products for giveaway were supplied by Whole Foods Market.

I stumbled upon National Costume Swap Day and felt compelled to share the details of the day with you.  Regardless of the age of your child, inevitably he or she will either outgrown the previous year’s costume or refuse to wear the same costume two years in a row. And who really wants a repeat of the year before in pictures anyway, right? But if your children are anything like my children, those costumes only get worn twice (maybe 3 times if we’re having a great year).  Once for the pumpkin patch, once for Halloween Time at Disneyland, and one for the 31st.  Then those costumes go back into the closet never to be seen or worn again.

Did you know that if we all were to swap half of the costumes kids wear at Halloween, we’d reduce annual landfill waste 6,250 tons?  That is the equivalent in weight to 2500 mid-size cars!

National Costume Swap Day is October 9th although the Los Angeles Swap is on the 10th. For more information, just visit their website. And if you’re looking for ways to be greener this Halloween, check out this website!