8 ways we choose to be more green. You can too.

I've been trying to be more green (Aren't we all????), so I have made a few simple changes lately, that I'm hoping will at least take the edges off my carbon footprint.

1. We're using reusable sandwich bags and containers. I mean, this doesn't seem like a big deal, but to us, it's saving money, time and (hopefully) the planet. We have this one by Bumpkins and a bunch like it. They just go in the washer, and to the counter to dry. They make me so happy ;)

2. We're drying clothes on a rack. Either inside or outside. It works. Obviously, they smell better when dried outside in the sunshine on a hot, breezy day, but either way, amazeballs. And, even though it takes longer, who doesn't LOVE LOVE LOVE climbing into a clean bed with sunkissed sheets??

3. We're using castile soap. A lot of it. Also, not a big deal. But this stuff does everything. It cleans our bodies, toilets, floors, tables, sinks, clothing, dog, countertops and toys. I'm partial to this unscented one, so I can add my own essential oils, but they're all great. Natural ingredients, mostly organic, and they don't hurt the planet when going down the drain.

4. We changed our energy source. Use this link and put in your electric company and home information. It will make the switch for you. It's also cost effective if you choose the 20% fixed for 6 months option. Nothing about your life has to change, but you're going more green than you know. DO IT!

5. We're growing our own vegetables and herbs. Tomatoes, cilantro, basil, oregano and parsley are growing on my deck now, and I'm working on starting more. Also, supporting local farms, and family owned businesses. I get deliveries from South Shore Organics every 2 weeks, which are located locally and only use family owned and run farms. It adds to our local economy, which sustains our community. And the less the produce travels from the ground to your table, the better it is for you. Fact.

6. We're using natural skin care/sunblock. These 2 things are very simple to do, and decrease chemicals we put back into the earth. Shea moisture and Badger sunscreens are the simplest way I've found to do this. And NO ALLERGIC REACTIONS!!!!

7. We're using essential oils, coconut and almond oils to heal our family's ailments instead of medicine. Also, things like olive leaf, colloidal silver, vitamin d, c, e and zinc make life a lot easier, and are healthier for the environment than chemicals. We're not experts yet, and, tips are welcome :)

8. We're baking bread. Not all the time, and we're still learning. But I am doing it, and it's what counts.

I'm sure that there are more things I'm doing, and I'm not thinking of them now, but as you can see, these things aren't very hard. They're actually easy and enjoyable for the most part. And they're making me feel a bit better about how we live :)

Thanks for listening.

Secrets I've learned. Usually from mistakes I've made.

My kiddos

I've decided that from now on I'm going to include posts containing recipes I've either learned or made up, things that work in our house and things that don't. I have an extremely picky 5 year old step daughter who adamantly refuses to eat vegetables, and a very agreeable 5 month old who doesn't give me much trouble, so some the things I do definitely will only work for some babies, but I'm telling you, if it works in my house when it comes to preschool aged children, then most likely, it'll work for anyone. The other thing I should mention is that Anthony is allergic to wheat, soy and milk we found out recently.  So, most of the things I make are free of gluten, soy and dairy.  If something contains something from this list, I will note that it is not free of allergens.

Homemade chicken nuggets

First, I have a habit of hiding veggies in anything Delina will eat.  Zucchini and squash in chicken nuggets, carrots and sweet potatoes in mac and cheese, broccoli and spinach in meatballs and hamburgers and my favorite, any veggie I have in the house goes in my tomato sauce when we make homemade pizza.  My food processor is my best friend.  I'm not kidding.  All these veggies can easily be hidden if they are pureed, and if you do it right, they won't even taste a difference. 

Homemade Meatballs
With Gluten free Pasta

I also make all my own baby food.  This is another reason I love my food processor.  I will share secrets about this as well.

Last... cleaning supplies.  I make them myself, or use green, if I can't make a better one myself.  I will give you my thoughs on this... I also will definitely let you know when I find an awesome product you should know about!!!