• Last updated 3/8/13 by mamazee

During the course of the back to school giveaways, I’ve been so inspired by your voices as you make the pledge to make zero-waste, earth-friendly lunches for your kids. Here’s another great tool: beautiful Abeego wraps, made of hemp/cotton fabric infused with a blend of beeswax and plant extracts. And aren’t they so pretty? FIVE winners will win TWO Abeego wraps each. I’ll pick winners on this Friday, August 27th. Here’s how you enter to win: 1) Leave a comment below (feel free to share lunch ideas) 2) For a second chance to win,... read more

• Last updated 3/8/13 by mamazee

One of my best memories from childhood: picking out my Aladdin lunchbox each year of elementary school. I especially loved my metal Popeye lunchbox…although I’m pretty sure it’s now moldering in some landfill, because my mom was not the type to keep things hanging around, and it was the ’70s…the decade when there was actually a commercial that urged people to throw their empties into the nearest pond. I’ve grown up, but Aladdin has along with me…they have a great line of recycled and recyclable reusable food storage containers. And they’ve launched the... read more

• Last updated 3/7/13 by mamazee

As the weather turns cold (it was 37 degrees in Ashland last night and 51 degrees in our house this morning) in southern Oregon, we’re talking about personal consumption and lifestyle choices on Mothering Outside the Lines this week. James spent the better part of an afternoon installing a Microsoft Hohm device to monitor our energy output. We now have a rectangular screen a little bigger than an iPod on the kitchen counter reporting how much electricity we’re using at any given moment. The kids check it obsessively. “Mom! Oh my God! It’s up to .04 cents an... read more

• Last updated 3/7/13 by mamazee

I’m in love with Colin Beavan. Even though I don’t know how to pronounce his name. “This guy, Colin Beaver, is amazing–” “It’s bev-an,” James interrupts. “Whatever. He’s amazing. He stopped generating trash. He made his own vinegar. He started baking bread, eating food within a 250-mile radius, and he even turned off his electricity. Plus he’s a really good writer. He’s funny and down-to-earth and inspiring. You have to read this book.” “Okay.” James is agreeable as long as my diction is correct. I took No Impact Man out of the... read more

• Last updated 3/7/13 by mamazee

Earlier this week Mothering blogger Jennifer Margulis wrote of the “No Impact Man” project, and asked us to share the steps big and small we have made in our own lives.   Having watched the No Impact documentary, I was particularly struck by the effect of their radical life changes on their relationships as a family.  His wife in particular just blossomed over the course of the year – and I was struck by the renewed focus on family & the quality of their time together. Yesterday I found myself with a double Chariot stroller full of crabapples and our final... read more

• Last updated 3/7/13 by mamazee

You can find Kris on Twitter, Facebook (Kris Underwood), writing occasionally at her blog and sometimes at the Imperfect Parent Blog. I like to cook, particularly when fall comes around. Maybe it’s just something in the air. Or maybe it’s just the realization that winter is coming and we have that instinct kicking in to store food away for the season. I don’t know. I wanted to make apple butter, but didn’t want to do the actual canning process. I mean, that takes a lot of time that I found I have not had lately. Plus, my canning pot is sort of busted.... 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 3/7/13 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 2/27/13 by AdinaL

  Cartoon courtesy of Andy Singer The Oregon legislature is considering a ban on plastic grocery bags. If the bill passes, single use throw-away bags will be outlawed at all retail establishments. A similar bill failed last year, partly because the grocery industry was not on board. This time, though, it looks like even the grocery stores are behind the ban. What’s changed? For one thing, several communities have managed to effectively ban plastic bags. Last November L.A. County banned plastic bags, joining Malibu and San Francisco as... read more

• Last updated 2/12/13 by Amy Paolinelli

    I’m definitely a frugal person, and with 3 kiddos I simply haven’t been able to justify the price tag associated with regular manicures and pedicures.  In fact, I think my 6 year old daughter has had more of them than I have thanks to her Nana!  So what is this do-it-yourselfer herbal loving Mama to do?  Well, I do my own of course, and I now find that my daughter can’t seem to get enough of these at-home spa treatments!  Saves me money, while allowing her and I to bond and create special memories!    The recipes that follow are all super easy and... read more