As a new mother, I am always researching various topics regarding child rearing and environmentally friendly practices. Here are a few sites that I frequent or find inspirational.
Healthy Child, Healthy World
Formally the CHEC (Children’s Health Environmental Coalition,) Healthy Child, Healthy World is an organization recommended here before, and it is certainly worth another mention. Founders Nancy and James Chuda tragically lost their daughter to cancer that they believe was induced by exposure to toxins. The Chuda’s passion for protecting future generations from environmental hazards has led them to some of the most famous names in politics, entertainment, and grassroots activism. Healthy Child has inspired scientific research and legislative action. Their board is comprised of the likes of Erin Brokovich Ellis, world-renowned pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, and Olivia Newton-John, among others. Healthy Child has a blog that provides useful information for parents who want to keep up on the latest eco-endeavours.
I love the site because there are many videos, articles, and glossaries for people wanting to educate themselves regarding current federal policy on environmental pollutants, or for those who just want to keep their home and family as healthy as possible. Also, any time I have emailed them with a question, they are always quick to respond with answers. According to Healthy Child, the U.S. EPA’s Office of Children’s Health Protection (the only govt. office assigned to oversee and protect the environmental health of our children) will possibly be dismantled soon. They are urging citizens to write to congressional leaders to guarantee funding for this branch: National Children’s Study
Eco Mom Alliance
I came across this site in my travels recently and it is a great motivator for mothers to empower themselves to be inspirational to their children. The Eco Mom Challenge, created by founder Kimberly Danek Pinkson, lists ten ways to start making a difference at home. Pinkson reminds us that embracing the concept of sustainability on all fronts – self, home, and planet – is what is going to implement true change in our lives. By taking care of ourselves as individuals and mothers, through communion and action, we generate positive health that permeates our lives.
Some of the tips mentioned on Eco Mom Alliance, such as “One Night Off” campaign, are great ideas to put into action. Reminiscent of Adbusters “Buy Nothing Day,” the concept of “One Night Off” originated with Australia’s “Cool The Globe” initiative, which advises choosing one night a week to turn off/unplug every energy-draining device in the house. While this saves natural resources, it inspires families to be creative with their time together.
Nature Moms
Tiffany Washko is a freelance writer and mother of three who cares about the environment. Working to minimize her family’s footprint and share her experiences with others, Tiffany maintains Nature Moms. Discussing everything from vaccinations to sippy cups on the blog, Nature Moms is a useful site to raise awareness and investigate the experiences of others on the ‘eco mom’ path. Grassroots mamas unite!
Holistic Moms Network
This is a good place to find local groups of parents who are holistically inclined. There are lots of articles on virtually every topic related to parenting. The links page on this website is a thorough and useful spot to check when looking for information relating to various topics: home-schooling, attachment parenting, vaccination safety, natural birthing, et cetera.
Enviromom
These ladies make me wish I lived in Portland so I could meet their group and hang with them at the park. For those in the Pac Northwest, there are lots of eco events happening and Enviromom keeps locals up to date. There are always interesting new ideas on the site, along with a tangible appreciation for a simpler way of life.
A few more great links: (sorry don’t have more time to elaborate on these, I’ve got twins needing to be fed!)
Nonchalantmom
Mindful Momma
Mothering Magazine Online
La Marguerite
Green as a Thistle (I don’t think Vanessa is a mom but props to fellow Canadians… speaking of which: Envirowoman is another!)
For a good reference source: BEST GREEN BLOGS
There are many more. Just check out the blogroll on any of the links above and you will find oodles of eco-minded folk out there.
Thanks for these, some great links, off to wander through them!
09/08/07 » 12:15 pm »
Oohh I like your site! Thx for checking in.
09/08/07 » 12:38 pm »
thanks for the useful links, I am a new mother too and I’ve been talking about my cloth nappy experience and other eco options on my blog… ciao!
09/10/07 » 7:20 am »
thanks! Moms certainly are concerned as these sites show. I’ll take a peek. I am a mom 2 two with a hubby as well at home.
09/10/07 » 4:32 pm »
Thanks for including me in the list of sites you found inspiring. I feel truly honored. In return I am so inspired by you and all the other new moms out in the green blogosphere. You are doing the most important work, preparing a new generation not encumbered by a legacy of bad habits like ours.
Cheers to all the new green babies,
marguerite
http://lamarguerite.wordpress.com
09/16/07 » 12:14 am »
Thanks for putting these sites together! They are right up my line of thinking. I try to search out great green blogs but with 3 little kids, I often don’t have time!
09/16/07 » 8:47 pm »
Thanks for the resources. I especially like the challenge. That’s something our kids would be interested in doing.
09/28/07 » 8:24 am »
I love these links. So helpful. I’m trying to go green an this is an excellent resource. I’ll add it to my blog. Maybe check these links out…
http://www.greenmom.info (Recommended product from Healthy Child.org’s blue butterfly program)
Thanks for the information.
10/01/07 » 10:01 am »
I want to tell you about our Eco Interactive program for families.
Eco Interactive in partnership with Kids Saving the Rainforest offers Carbon Neutral Travel Program for travel to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is an incredible destination for your next family vacation. In partnership with Kids Saving the Rainforest, The Eco Preservation Society and Rainmaker Conservation Project, the Eco Interactive Family Vacation Experience offers a travel experience that your family will never forget. Eco Interactive is a unique Eco Tour company that gives 85% to philanthropic projects in Costa Rica. Our current project is the Saving Mono Titi documentary about the endangered Mono Titi Squirrel monkeys in Manuel Antonio.
SavingMonoTiti.com
EcoInteractiveTours.com
KidsSavingtheRainforest.org
EcoPreservationSociety.org
Thanks you for your support! Help us spread the word. We can make a difference!!!
10/20/07 » 2:44 pm »
Pets bring a lot of joy to children, but the chemicals used to combat the fleas are harmful. Some are even neurotoxins. Not something that should be used near a child, or a pet. Chemical companies spend millions to promote these harmful substances. Even a well known actress does a commercial, and yet is involved with animal rescue.
Find my widely published article, GOT FLEAS? at this site:
http://www.liquorman.net/gotfleas
10/20/07 » 7:58 pm »
Hi,
As a Grandmother, I wanted to share with all the young Mother’s a company that has been “Green” for 50 YEARS!
I have been a part of this company for 24 of the 50 years, and my son’s have grown up with “organic, green, natural, before it was popular.
If anyone would like to contact me to know more, please e mail me at
covalesky@zoominternet.net
or visit http://www.projectmahma.com/susancovalesky
02/29/08 » 5:00 am »
Hello! We love your web site and wonder whether or not you are familiar with happy green bee — a line of cheerful organic cotton clothing and accessories created by Burt’s Bees founder, Roxanne Quimby. If you are interested in reviewing happy green bee clothing, doing a happy green bee giveaway, or receiving more information about our company, I would be happy to provide what you’re looking for. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks,
Yemaya
yemaya st.clair
happy greenbee, inc
cell: 206.963.7194
email: yemaya@happygreenbee.com
03/19/08 » 8:43 am »
Hello, I would like to host an eco-mom party for my friends and neighbors. Can you tell me how to do it? Is there information already put together that I can use and share with my group? Or are there individuals who can be guest speakers at a small event.
I saw a story on a gathering and I think it’s a wonderful idea.
Thanks for your efforts,
Anita
03/21/08 » 5:02 pm »
Hi fellow ecomoms,
I am enclosing a call for submissions that I am hoping you would be interested in mentioning on your blog. I am working on a book of children’s drawings, and your readers may have an interest in participating. Please let me know if you have any questions.Thank you in advance for your consideration.
GIA GIASULLO
mail gia@studioeg.com
site http://www.giagiasullo.com
PLEASE POST:
Seeking Children’s Drawings for Publication
I am a graphic designer (and a mom) preparing a collection of children’s rejected drawings to be published in book format. The drawings I am seeking are the ones that ‘didn’t make it’. The drawings that were abandoned, scribbled or scratched over, torn and / or crumpled with frustration. Please contact me at gia@studioeg.com if you are interested in participating and I will provide you with additional information about myself, this project and how your child’s drawings may be included.
09/16/08 » 2:58 am »
I loved them! Healthy Child, Healthy World….. very cool.
good round-up. thx
09/30/09 » 10:32 am »