• Last updated 5/2/13 by AdinaL

  This list is a work in progress! I hope this will be a great resource for new and old members alike.  ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick  Renewable energy incentives in your state 2009 Federal energy tax credits Low income weatherization programs Debt-Proof Living  Get Rich Slowly Consumerist Money Saving Mom MyFICO.com Resources Home Expense and Utility Assistance Weatherization Assistance – Helps families make their homes more energy efficient to reduce energy bills. LIHEAP – Low income energy assistance program WARM... read more

• Last updated 4/3/13 by Cynthia Mosher

  This resource list is intended to be a compilation of helpful MDC threads, Mothering articles and member-recommended website links of general interest to the Diggin' in the Earth forum participants.    MDC Threads  Compost 101 Seed Swap 2009-2010 Seed Starting Preserving 101: VEGGIES Preserving 101: FRUITS Seed Companies w/o Monsanto ties Monsanto-linked seed companies   Mothering Articles The Good Earth: A Farmer's View Rediscovering the Earth The Rabbit Restaurant and Other Gardening Secrets from My Daughter Homegrown... read more

• Last updated 2/6/12 by Mothering Editorial

Lynn Colwell from Celebrate Green demonstrates how to make fun and eco-friendly Valentine's Day cards and banners. Mother-daughter team, Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson, are green lifestyle experts and the co-authors of the book, Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family. For great green tips, crafts, recipes and more, visit them at www.CelebrateGreen.net   read more

• Last updated 3/7/13 by mamazee

by Sarah Juliusson of www.MamaRenew.ca – Find Mama Renew on Facebook & Twitter It’s 2011 friends.  In preparation for the new year, our family has been clearing, culling, and cleaning.  There was no conscious decision to do so, no commitment or declaration.  These binges are usually driven by me – the rest of the family dragged into my cyclical need for order (you know which monthly cycle I’m referring to!). Can I truly transform the junk drawer? This time we simply began – together – each of us equally invested in starting the new year... read more

• Last updated 12/6/12 by Melanie Mayo

By Laura Schmitt As I look over the marvelous pile of handmade gifts that lay in front of me, I think to myself "Look out Martha, there is a new crafter in town and she doesn’t even own a glue gun!" I am giddy with excitement over my crafty-ness and I’m further thrilled that I can say our family crafting has not only saved us money, but helped us to cut back on consumerism, recycle, and even better still, it has helped me to re-create meaningful family traditions in my life, as well as create a meaningful set of values to pass on to my children. In this text you... read more

• Last updated 12/18/10 by Mothering Editorial

If there is ever a time when commercialism seems inescapable, it's during the holidays. Now, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood has created a guide to help you find your way through the hectic holiday season. You can download your free copy here: www.commercialfreechildhood.org/holidayguide/home.htm. read more

• Last updated 3/7/13 by mamazee

  Even though we can't hear them as well as our children can, the trees are trying to tell us to stop cutting them down 1. Let your hands air dry after you wash them in a public bathroom. 2. Ask for a ceramic mug for your low fat decaf latte. Often clerks default to paper if you don’t mention you’re staying put. 3. Keep a travel mug in your bag for when you want your drink-of-choice to go. 4. Bring your own plates to school dinners. 5. Carry a handkerchief to blow your nose and your kid’s nose. (Old-fashioned is the new... read more

• Last updated 3/10/13 by AdinaL

I first met Cindy La Ferle six years ago when I was working as the creative nonfiction editor for Literary Mama and a story she submitted, “Fragile Season,” was so beautifully written and full of compassion that I instantly wanted to meet her. Though we’ve never met in person, we’ve been in touch ever since. I’m delighted to welcome her to Mothering Outside the Lines. A different version of this essay appeared in Writing Home, Cindy La Ferle’s award-winning collection of motherhood essays and family newspaper columns. For more information, visit Cindy La Ferle’s... read more

• Last updated 1/17/12 by NWRaven

Here are safe from Monsanto seed companies. Abundant Life Seeds (Cottage Grove, OR) Amishland Seeds Annapolis Valley Heritage Seed Company canada Baker Creek Seed Co. (Mansfield, MO) Berlin Seeds - they don't have a website. Atleast I didn't find one. Botanical Interests (Broomfield, CO) Bountiful Gardens (Willis, CA) Diane's Flower Seeds (she has veggies now, too) Fedco Seed Co. - phasing out seminis seeds. (Waterville, ME) Garden City Seeds Good Seed Company (Oroville WA) - cold hardy, short-growing season plant seeds Heirloom Acres Seeds -I've heard... read more

• Last updated 12/20/11 by Mothering Editorial

By Corey Hope Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell On Halloween 2006, a neighbor placed small bottles of bubbles in Corey's daughters' hands and in that instant, an idea was born. "Why," Corey wondered, "does Halloween have to be all about the unhealthy stuff? Is it possible to keep the fun, but lose the total focus on conventional candy?" Back home, watching her girls' joyful faces as they blew bubbles, she had her answer. In 2007, we launched Green Halloween™, a nonprofit, grassroots community movement to create healthier and more earth-friendly holidays, beginning with... read more