{ gathering home }

September Eco-Question -- Green Cleaners

Do you ever make your own natural cleaning products? I've got a few easy recipes here -- just scroll down to Green & Clean Recipes. And, I can recommend this book: Better Basics for the Home

2008 Co-op America -- People's Choice Awards

Follow the link to vote for your favorite green business.
Co-op America's Peoples Choice Awards
The winner will be announced at the San Francisco Green Festival and via Co-op America's e-newsletter. Speaking of: Why not start a green festival in your town? It's a great way to promote sustainablility and meet some wonderful people while you're at it!

Lawsuit Filed Against Artificial Turf Manufacturers

  With football and soccer season underway, it's a good time to wonder about what many of the high school and college athletes are playing on. Some say there's more to artificial turf than meets the eye and the California Attorney General, Jerry Brown, agrees. The AG recently sued several manufacturers of "fake" grass, claiming that they failed to disclose lead hazards. The lawsuit, in which the Los Angeles City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo and the Solano County Dist. Atty. David W. Paulson have joined, names Beaulieu Group of Georgia, AstroTurf of Georgia and FieldTurf USA Inc. of Florida. The three companies said they were working with California officials to settle the lawsuit and emphasized that their products are safe.  AstroTurf, one of the best known artificial turf manufacturers, said in a statement that it "has demonstrated its industry leadership by proactively developing new products that are below the most stringent standards for lead in consumer products." The turf still contains lead, which is amazing in 2008! Interestingly, the turf is less dangerous when new but as it gets older, it breaks down to dust that contains and spreads lead. See full story in the LA Times.  Let me know what your kids or your school athletes play on and if you're concerned.  Comment below, thanks!

Pets are Cute and Cuddly

BUT, sometimes they can be trouble! For a natural solution to pet odors and other not so cuddly issues visit vinegartips.com

A Midwest Gardener's CookBook

A Midwest Gardener's Cookbook comes highly recommended by the author of the previous post -- Gwen Charles. It's a charming book filled with anecdotes and information; recipes and reminders.
I've ordered it and I can't wait to start reading and learning. Join me?

Suggestions for Success (with your CSA and other produce)

by Gwen Charles

Planning

Keep favorite recipes on hand:
Take out your favorite recipes- make a list with your family to post on your fridge. Add an extra veggie to the recipe.

Make a weekly or bi-weekly menu: When you receive your box of produce, sit down and make up a quick menu using the foods that are there. Make a shopping list of items that you may need to pick up to complete the recipe. See if you can make more than one serving of a recipe for lunch the next day or to freeze for another night when needed.

Use everything!

Helpful Links for New Moms

New moms need all the help they can get. Below you’ll find links to sites with safe products and information on food, health, and well being to help you begin your exciting journey into motherhood.