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Allergy Season is almost here

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This time of year people start to make plans to spring clean and get ready for outdoor activities.  In the excitement of the season so many people suffer from Asthma or allergies. It is a beautiful time of year and also can be a very miserable time of year for so many. We can’t control the pollen count, but we can take action in areas of our life that can help alleviate some of those triggers.  According to the EPA here are some indoor triggers for Asthma.

  • Secondhand Smoke
  • Dust mites
  • Molds
  • Cockroaches
  • Pets
  • Nitrogen Dioxide
  • Outdoor Air

Second to secondhand smoke Dust mites are high on the list.  Dust mites are tiny microscopic creatures that can reek havoc on your system if you are allergic to them.  It is actually the feces they leave behind that cause the reaction.  Dust mites feed off dead skin cells from humans.  They multiply at such rapid rates that it is hard to completely rid your home of them. Since much of our time is spent sleeping each day ( average 8 hours) it is helpful to have a mattresses or covering over your mattress that will keep dust mites from infesting your bedding. So that your time asleep against your bed and pillow doesn’t aggravate your allergies or sensitivities, which can lead to Asthma attacks.

If Dust mites weren’t enough of an issue there is the issue of  chemicals. Chemicals  in the materials used in  production of and in the flame retardant treatments of mainstream mattresses.  Who wants to sleep on a chemical infested bed right? Yet so much of the general public is not educated on the harmful chemicals that are in the mattresses and bedding.  Chemicals that can cause health issues. The Naturepedic company states that children who are exposed to chemical pesticide residues, which are found in traditional mattresses, are linked to higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Naturepedic was founded by a quarter century environmental engineer familiar with hazardous chemicals. Through in-depth research, Naturepedic has identified and selected the most natural and non-toxic materials that make sense on a practical level. All Naturepedic products follow these principles and priorities:

Priority #1: No harmful chemicals.

Priority #2: No allergenic materials.

Priority #3: Practical design (e.g. easy-to-clean waterproof cover).

Priority #4: Natural, organic and renewable materials wherever possible.

Priority #5: Third party independent testing and verification.

Naturepedic backs up its product development with scientific data. In particular, Naturepedic products are regularly tested for chemical emissions and are certified by GREENGUARD® to meet their strict standards for children.

Mattresses not only have a toxic effect on our system while sleeping but also off-gas and causes your indoor air quality to be toxic as well.  Why not put your new bundle of joy on a toxic free / dust mite free mattress so that you can rest assure that your little one is getting the best quality sleep and development possible.  Check out our line of Naturepedic products at www.mypumpkindoodle.com

Does Your Sweetie have a Green Heart

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February is here and everyone is thinking about Valentines Day!  This time of year tons of waste end up in the landfills.  Cards, boxes, gift wrap and plastic are thrown away.  It is in line after the religious holidays for waste.  How can you fill your loved ones eyes with amazement and sentiments of love and not damage the environment? We have some really wonderful Green Valentines gifts for those of you that have a Sweetie with a Green Heart!

Glass Straws make a great gift! 52 Million plastic straws are thrown away each day. Do your part to help prevent plastic from going into the landfills.  Your sweetie will love our decorative dots drinking straws!

Set of Decorative Dot Drinking Straws

We have a great selection of Eco fabric clothing and accessories  for that special someone in your life. Mom deserves a little Eco luxury!

Dad’s need a little Eco Valentines Gift too! Spring is on it’s way and Dad will love these soft and lightweight shorts for the warmer weather!

Bamboo Viscose Shorts

Have a special someone that likes to garden?  We have the perfect Eco Garden Gift! These are recyclable too!  Comes in 9 attractive colors!

Simple Herb Garden

How about your little angel wearing these adorable non-toxic soft soled shoes on Valentines day!

Soft Soled Baby Paw for Girls & Boys

Give the gift of love to your favorite Valentine and for the environment! It will mean so much more to your Sweetie with a Green Heart!  We have a wide selection of Gifts for the entire family and Pets too! Check us out! www.mypumpkindoodle.com

A New Year – A New Attitude

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I came up with my trademark “It’s Hip To Be Green” because Green to me is a state of mind.  It is a new movement that hopefully isn’t a fad, but even if it is a fad, a trend, doesn’t mean it can’t become a new attitude for the new year.  Green is growing and becoming more aware of what is beneficial to us all.  As the news continue to report the challenges of the politicians debating over Global Warming, Clean Energy and health care, and now the shooting, it draws me back into the meaning of being Green!  Sure, recycling, re-using and reducing are all very important issues, but what about our feeling and attitude towards others and the acceptance of the differences in this country and the world.  Really what makes the Green movement so viral is the compassion and commitment to the planet as a whole, not just one part of it.   Green is a state of being!  A new year is here and so many of the T.V shows are talking about making this new year a better year.  While making those new Green Resolutions think about Green as a way of life a state of being.  One that works with the harmony of nature and the cycles of the planet.  Making more green house gasses only to then have to create a weather machine to control the damage seems to be moving out of the Green way of life and more into the controlling nature just to be able to continue our old habits of polluting the planet and destroying the natural flow of life.  Its all well and great to do the 3 r’s but the major issues on this planet will take far more than the just the 3 r’s.  It will take changing our old attitude and having a new attitude of live and let live, of being aware of what is going on in the world.  Seeing the hunger, the homelessness, the species of animals dying, the neighbor that is cold and jobless.  It becomes a eye opening experience to step outside of our need to only take care of “me” and becomes a taking care of “us” mentality.

Lets worry less about what we want to  have and more about what we have!  We have an amazing planet and amazing wildlife and amazing people and cultures on this earth that is worth preserving, worth protecting.  When I see groups of people trying to prove Global Warming isn’t happening, I want to ask them this huge question ” There is  toxic water and toxic air,  homelessness and hunger, and why are we only focusing on one of the issues?” Can’t we just agree to disagree and work on the matter that we feel is most important to us. Because shooting people or even posting targets at people that don’t agree with us is just causing the major issues of the world to go untreated. It is a waste of precious time.  How many people died today from hunger while you are busy debating if Global Warming is real or not…

We teach our children to accept others as they are, we teach them to get along in school and in play, but somewhere along our growing up we lose site of this and only want to prove that our beliefs are right.  We target others that don’t believe as we do and we aren’t practicing what we are teaching our children.  A New Year a New Attitude  a Greener Attitude!

After the Holidays are over-How to be Green!

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Trees are decorated, gifts are wrapped and holiday plans made, shew glad that is done. But what do you do with all the waste when its done?  In the past we just gathered it all up and tossed it in the garbage, not even giving a thought to what happens next.  Out of site out of mind… so the saying goes. Yet decades have gone by with that mindset and where has it gotten us?  To the place where we are now with too much waste –  mounds of trash and toxic air and water.  So what can you do to reduce this impact on the planet and still enjoy your holidays? Changing habits isn’t easy but it can be fun!  After awhile you will find that it isn’t so much a hassle anymore, it will just become your new habit. Here are some great suggestions on what to do when the holidays are over:

  • Re-use wrapping papers and gift bags and bows if you can, if not recycle them
  • Use cardboard boxes for kids to be creative with and make pretend toys
  • Recycle cardboard boxes or save to use for storage
  • Recycle your live Christmas Tree by mulching it or setting out for the city to mulch- let it compost on it’s own – wild animals love it
  • Recycle plastic bags or re-use them – some people make decorations from them
  • Clean out old items clothing, coats, toys and gift them to Goodwill or Freecycle
  • Re-gift  it is the Eco thing to do!  It’s hip to be green so go for it
  • Compost your uneaten food and scraps.  Remember to eat leftovers- it saves money and the environment
  • Re-use decorations, ornaments, trimmings
  • Donate the packing peanuts to the nearby UPS Store they like them
  • Donate used Holiday cards to your local school or daycare- they make crafts from them next season
  • Save un-savable gift wrap and bows for your home craft projects, it save on buying them later – kids love it!

It is estimated that 3 Million tons of waste is created during the holiday season- that’s a lot of trash. The Religious Holiday season is the most wasteful time of the year and even more of a reason to begin with new habits of disposing of waste. This is the time of year most people put recycling on hold – and also a time when it is needed more than ever!  It really can be fun and educational and a great way to teach your children how to be Green. Even the little steps we make will add up if we all take action. Happy Holidays! www.mypumpkindoodle.com

Green Your Kids Holiday Gifts

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Black Friday is here and consumerism at it’s highest.  Huge sales and irresistible promotions. How do you shake the holiday spending drive?  I have to say it is very tempting all the commercials, sales and the rush you feel when you’ve got all your shopping done and saved money.  Part of being in the Green mindset is to realize that this is the very issue we are trying to change.  The ad’s the marketing gimmicks and the way they work on your desire to have more and more. The credit card companies and stores depend on the money they make during holiday season as it is the biggest spending time of the year.  Kids learn very early on these marketing ploys to draw us in to buy.  Commercials get to kids advertising plastic and disposable  toys that will end up in the landfill in no time, rarely are they ever passed down to another child. Children grow up more aware of the environment when they are given toys and play supplies that are more environmentally friendly.  They grow up healthier when given toys that are free from PVC and phthalates, which off gas. Some toys despite regulations, still have toxic paint on them. Children spend long hours playing with these toxic toys.

Our commitment is to the environment, and we sell toys that are not only non-toxic, but quality made and ethical, they have a lighter footprint on the environment.  Some of our toys have replacement parts.  Replacement parts are rare in the toy industry where disposable is the norm. Our Maple Landmark Toys uses sustainable wood in its handmade toys and uses non-toxic paints and finishes. They offer repair and replacements for their toys. When you buy Maple Landmark Toys you are paying for quality that can be passed down for years of use. When comparing pricing, I think you will find our Toys are very comparable to toys made of plastic that are not ethical made and are toxic.  You know the old saying” you get what you pay for”.  I think that is so true in some respects.

Name Train Set
Maple Landmark Name Train Set

Little Colorado Company is also a Green company that not only produces Green Toys in the USA but also ships it’s toys with recycled packaging inside and out. They also use only wood harvested from ethical resources and any MDF used is certified Green.  The quality of these two companies is unsurpassed.  Their commitment to children’s safety and the environment is not compromised by the quality and value you receive with these toys.  Children’s imagination is developed with pretend play and with these ethical Green Toys, you can allow your child to develop naturally without all the electronic plastic on the market that doesn’t allow for much imagination.

Little Colorado Playhouse Kit
Little Colorado Playhouse kit

Remember the cost of plastic toys on the environment and you child’s health when you purchase a gift for a child. Our toys are ethical, well made, non-toxic and affordable.  Check out our complete selection of Green Toys at www.mypumpkindoodle.com

Climate Change isn’t Happening?

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I was in a debate with someone this week ( which is totally rare for me to do) and I was told that she thought that Climate Change was happening because of solar activity and polar changes.  Ok, no one can be 100% sure what the cause is and it could be more than one thing causing it. I’ll give her that.  However, the fact is, we have a huge problem other than climate changes. We have toxic water, toxic air, toxic food and toxic chemicals in just about everything we use.  We have mountains of trash in our land and oceans, we have oil spilling out in our oceans and we have cruise lines dumping sewage in our oceans.  If that isn’t enough to consider this a problem, we have disease and birth defects because of all the chemicals we use. No one is including this into the “Climate Change” definition.  I call it Ecological deterioration because it is so much more than climate changes. We can’t even grow true “Organic” food due to aluminum in the air.  So if climate change was caused by the polar shifts and solar activity, then does that mean we just continue with our habits as they are?  Does that mean we vote different because someone has said that climate change isn’t caused by our polluting the air?  I fail to see how just that reason minimizes the major issues we have on this planet.  Clean Energy is more than just climate change. Clean Energy keeps people out of dangerous mines, it keeps oil from spilling out in our oceans and deterioration of our natural resources and wildlife.  Alternative technology keep trees in the Amazon rain forest from being cut down, it cleans the air, helps with erosion  and protects waterways and sea life.  It helps us grow healthier food and keeps chemicals out of our bodies.

Whatever name you want to give it. We have an enormous issue to deal with and so will our future generations.  We have to act now climate change or not! I hope that economics and future debt issues don’t get in the way of our future survival on this planet and the health of the next generations.

Mothers all over the world making a difference

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Mothers all over the world making a difference

September 30, 2010
| by itshiptobegreen

This year has been a difficult one in many ways.  It has been a year of economic changes, challenges and discord among the parties.  It has been a year of devastation to many due to the Gulf Oil Spill and the many lives it has effected or killed; human, plant and animal.  It has been a year of record heat in some areas and devastating cold and flooding in others.  One thing I’ve noticed about myself and other Mothers around the world,  we are getting more outspoken about our children’s health and future on this planet.  I feel a deep passion within me, that just has to speak out, about the issues that have been procrastinated to the point of ridiculous proportions and do something about it.  It saddens me that all this procrastination on laws being hung up in government quick sand just may cause us to not make the changes in time to prevent major irreversible climate devastation..  I see it everywhere, Mom’s taking the stance to do something to make some kind of noise loud enough to be heard.  Some have radio talk shows, some t.v shows, some blogs and some get into government and me, I write letters to the White House, my local and state government.  This is the time that women around the world feel compelled to stand up and be heard.  For so many centuries women had the back seat, and then the passengers seat in matters such as this.  I’ve seen decades go by where women’s rights have been fought for and won. I’ve seen women get stronger and more powerful over the years. Still we have not been heard enough and haven’t stood up and said ” I’m not going to let you ignore me”, but now we are!  But, this isn’t a battle over women’s rights this is a fight for our children’s future. This is a great time for women all over the world to unite and say ” I want to see change now so that my children will have a future!”. One thing about Mom’s, we will fight for our children’s safety. Now is the time. I hope that the clean energy bills will be passed and I hope that everyone goes out and votes this November, this is a very important election.  Vote for the change that we need to get the world cleaner air and safer food for everyone, but especially for our children.

Women are responsible for 85% of the purchases made in households. With that much buying power we have the ability to make changes based on our purchases.  This is why, as a Mom, what we buy for our children and our families has a huge impact on the changes that occur in the marketplace.  By buying Green, Non-toxic, chemical free products, we are speaking out with our buying power and the manufacturers are following suit.  We can also call manufacturers and tell them we want Greener products.  Ask them why they are not producing a more eco friendly product.  I have called manufacturers to tell them they need to offer replacement parts , use Greener plastics and I’ve written HP and told them they could do better in the Green department.  If a company gets enough calls they will listen.

On the other side of purchasing, Women also have power by refusing non essential items when purchasing.  I refuse plastic bags ( and they really try hard to get me to take one), I refuse plastic eating utensils, I refuse plastic toys at fast food restaurants, and I refuse to have my bed sheets changed everyday when I travel.  Mom’s, we have the power to make a huge difference in our children’s lives now and in the future.  Let’s take advantage of the power and be heard!

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Using What is in Abundance

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Using what is in abundance

August 26, 2010
| by itshiptobegreen

Riding down a sunny road the other day I passed this huge patch of Kudzu and it made me think about all the great products that are coming out of Kudzu nowadays.  We can eat it, make baskets from it, make paper from it, use it for medicine and so much more.  Bamboo is much like Kudzu in its usefulness and that it is as invasive and grows at the same rapid rate.  Weeds also considered invasive, are becoming more popular as people begin to see the beneficial benefits of weeds for eating  or  for medicinal uses.  So, as usual, my mind keeps rolling around ideas and I just couldn’t keep from wondering how things might be different , on this planet, if we had chosen to use the natural resources we have that grows the fastest and most abundantly instead of using the resources that take decades to grow.  We spend so much money and effort on developing chemicals that will kill invasive plants, chemicals that turn our soil toxic, it seems like if we could take advantage of the invasive plants we would be saving the environment and our own health as well as contain invasive plants.

One of the most widely used herbicides is Atrazine and it is estimated that 76 million pounds of this chemical is used each year on crops such as corn in the US each year.  This chemical has been found in our rivers, streams and drinking water.  There is much debate over the its link to cancer, birth defects, and hormonal imbalance.   It has been reported that higher than federally allowable levels have been found in drinking water in several US States and the EPA has not warmed the public of this health hazard.

So, next time you reach for the weed killer, remember that there is no such thing as an un-useful plant, weeds are just plants we don’t understand their benefit and usefulness. There is a useful purpose for every living thing on this planet and in our attempts to discard the undesirable, we have caused havoc on our planet and our own environment.

If I need to get rid of a “weed”  I use boiling water or pull it.  I’ve taken a different perspective on weeds… they’re now just part of my yard and I don’t feel the compulsion to run out and get weed killer anymore. Hopefully one day we will change our perspective on the usefulness of natural resources and begin to work with nature instead of against it, and use the most abundant ones instead of the resources that are the most difficult to replace. As a mother, I not only care about the environment now, but also for the future for my children.  I feel that being a Green Mom isn’t just keeping toxins out of your children’s food and environment, it is taking proactive steps towards a more peaceful, clean and thriving planet.

Back to School Lots of Waste-How do you deal?

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Back to School means lots of waste – how do you deal?

August 5, 2010
| by itshiptobegreen

Back to school means notebook paper, notebooks, post it notes, pens and pencils, and printer cartridges that all has to go somewhere right?  How can you teach your children to use wisely and dispose of the used school supplies properly? Buying sustainable school products is also a wonderful way of teaching your children to be more Green.  Even with using sustainable products disposal is still an issue.  Here are a few suggestions:

  • Buy post consumer content or sustainable fiber paper.  Banana paper notebook paper and stationary is a great substitute for wood paper.  You can also buy 100% recycled paper for your printer and copier. Also, don’t forget to use both sides when possible and recycle when done.
  • If possible buy Green printer cartridges and if not you can recycle your used cartridge either by mail or  at a local store such as Best Buy.
  • Pencils and pens can also be purchased made from recycled or sustainable materials.
  • Post it notes now have recycled content and` you can purchase  100% recycled content.  This is a great way to Green, as post it notes are used in mass quantities.  And you can recycle them when done.
  • Notebooks can now be purchased that are made from post consumer content and fully recyclable.
  • For art supplies you an also buy sustainable paper  and non-toxic paint.  Especially for smaller children that put their fingers in the paint or mouth it is very important
  • When using printer paper choose the gray scale to use less ink.
  • Computers are great for filing electronically. Less paper and file folders to use.
  • File folders and hanging folders can also be purchased in post consumer content.
  • Highlighter pens are another school item that is toxic.  You can purchase highlighter pencils in eco-friendly lead instead of ink based. There are also ink highlighter pens that are non-toxic and Xylene-Free (non-toxic and non-flammable)
  • Students now have to have a flash drive usually for school.  You can also purchase these in sustainable materials such as bamboo.
  • Turn off computers, printer, calculators and lights when done to save energy
  • If buying a computer is on your list of school supplies, try to find the most energy efficient one. Also, some computers now come in eco friendly casing.

It may seem overwhelming at first, but not too bad once you learn what to look for, as most stores now carry some type of Eco friendly supplies.  Remember It’s Hip To Be Green even at school.  Check out our eco school supplies at www.mypumpkindoodle.com

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Spring is in the air

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Spring is here! Time for Gardening

March 20, 2010
| by itshiptobegreen

Spring is here!  Time to start thinking of outside activities and gardening, if you haven’t already started your garden.  Composting your leftover food is a great way to get compost ready for your garden. There are many ways to compost. You can buy a composter, they range from simple and inexpensive to expensive, just throw your food in and it does the work for you or build one yourself.  You may ask how does that help the environment?  Well it helps your garden grow better by providing nutrients to the soil.  It keeps rotting food out of plastic bags which end up in the landfill which leech methane gases.  Ordering beneficial insects to keep those pesty insects away is another great way to green your garden. There is a beneficial insect for every pest insect, and the great thing about beneficial insects is that they help your garden, but also can help you.   A Praying Mantis, for instance, eats mosquitoes, flies and moths along with the pests that eat your garden.  They are an all purpose pest control.  They are very easy to hatch; place your order and when they arrive you attach them to a tree branch and nature does the rest. If you don’t like the thought of using insects to rid your garden and yard of pests, there are many types of natural and organic pest control methods.  There are even natural and organic weed control products.  I use corn gluten in the early spring to prevent the weeds from taking root.  It saves me time by not having to spray weed killer and it is very easy to use, just spread it like grass seed.  We’ve become so accustomed to using chemicals that for many people they have a false idea that going Green with your gardening and yard care is more time consuming and expensive.  Some products may be more expensive, but I find that many are very reasonably priced.  Many you can make yourself.  I’ve used boiling water to kill weeds before – works great!   It really can be easy to Green your garden and yard.  I, for one, like not having to breathe those smelly chemicals. Here are a few more tips for Greening your yard and garden :

  • Buy non treated grass seed or organic grass seed
  • Use compost for your top soil for your garden
  • Use newspaper/cardboard to prevent weeding in your garden
  • Use beneficial plants to help rid your garden of pests
  • Use compost tea ( juice from your composter) as liquid fertilizer

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