Crafting in a Green World

I've just discovered the blog, Crafting in a Green World. As the website explains:

Crafting a Green World features do-it-yourself projects that incorporate reused, recycled, and natural materials. Find knitting, sewing, crocheting, and other project ideas for eco-friendly and fashionable clothes, crafts, gifts and more.

Anyone who reads our little blog knows I'm always on the look out for eco fabrics and supplies so the Fabulous Fabrics series of posts by Skye Kilaen got me particularly excited. Here's a sample:

Michael Miller Organics
Near Sea Naturals
Hemp Linen And Twill From Earth Friendly Goods
Oliveira Textiles
Harmony Art Organic Design
Organic Cotton from Mod Green Pod

I'm also always trying to add to my list of green tools and supplies and they highlighted a couple that are new to me:

Smencils - scented pencils made from 100% recycled newspaper.
Kleen Earth"s Recycled Stainless Steel Scissors
Environmentally Friendly Packaging from Treecycle

No Drugs Down the Drain

I've been trying to figure out how to dispose of our unwanted and expired prescription drugs for some time. You'd think it would be relatively straight forward. I thought perhaps the pharmacies that sell you all those drugs might have take back programs, but not that I could find. By the way, you should never flush unwanted medications down the toilet or drain as they can end up back in the water supply.

Then yesterday on The Martha Stewart Show there was a segment with Simran Sethi, host of Sundance Channel's The Green, called The Truth About H2O. It was packed with great information, and by following a link to the Environmental Protection Agency on the Martha Stewart website I finally figured out I can take my unwanted medicines to a household hazardous waste collection center or event. Sure, makes sense now but I didn't connect them before.

If you live in the Los Angeles area, here are some S.A.F.E. (Solvents/Automotive/Flammables/Electronics) Permanent Collection Centers.

Another great resource I found was No Drugs Down the Drain, a California public outreach program to alert residents to the problems associated with flushing unwanted medications down the toilet or drain. It also provides information about safe and proper disposal options.

Claire's back!

I know I'm behind the curve on this one - but give me a break, I've just had a baby. I'm thrilled to discover Claire Robertson recently started blogging again after taking a year off. Her blog, Loobylu, along with I Like were the first two blogs I ever read and introduced me to this whole blogging thing.

I spent some time tonight catching up and I love the idea of a No Spend Month. What would I give up? My daily Starbucks for sure - but they have a drive through and I don't have to struggle with the car seat... or risk waking the baby...

What else? Magazines, thift shops, Amazon, Ebay... now I'm starting to depress myself. Oh and Etsy. Did I mention Claire has opened an Etsy shop?

Shut Up and Drive

Finally, some organic bedding and clothes for kids with a little bit of attitude. Pixel Organics has a line of "supercharged" organic cotton sheets even my five-year-old would be impressed with.















I'm also loving the Scary Fish receiving blanket, beanie, and pants.
















Via ecofabulous.

Harmful Baby Bottles?

Pat Morrison today on National Public Radio had a segment covering the news from a new study that shows chemicals in plastics including those in baby bottles and sippy cups may be harmful. All this hits very close to home these days with a 2 month old at home. You can listen to the segment on the NPR website.

Jennifer, over at my new favorite blog, The Smart Mama, has a great explanation of the issues and some ways to reduce your exposure.

A Smart Mama

Any breastfeeding mom living in the Los Angeles area hopefully knows about the Pump Station, a breastfeeding center and store on Wilshire in Santa Monica. I say hopefully because the place is a true sanctuary, or as they describe themselves, nurtury, for new moms. Their services include lactation consultations, breastfeeding groups, pump rentals, and classes and you only have to scan their online store to see the amazing range of products they offer.

I’ve been spending a lot of time there recently with my new little one and on Friday I attended a talk called The Smart Mama’s Green Guide: Reducing Your Baby’s Toxic Chemical Exposure by Jennifer Taggart. While the information Jennifer provided on lead and mercury exposure, pesticides in foods, harmful plastics, and toxic cleaning supplies was overwhelming and sometimes plain scary, she was also quick to give simple and straight forward solutions or alternatives to a lot of the issues she bought up. Check out her website and blog at The Smart Mama for some of the same sound advice.

Meanwhile, I’m off to buy a home lead testing kit.

make it new

I have been very inspired for a little creative redo as of late.

Loving this dress refashioned from a button-down shirt by cathy (from a tutorial she found via moki and her school of craft, originally on crafster)





(another shot here)

and this skirt



by melissa of all buttoned up.

It feels like time to spring-clean our closests and outfit the girls for summer at the same time!

Fig Organics

Remember the cat dress?

In keeping with my children's recent obsession with undershirts...

More goodness from Fig Organics


$28 at Black Wagon

(And they have one of the most fun websites i know)