green living

There are 10 easy ways that homeowners can take action now and save money while helping the environment. Below is the ROI calculations for a Green Home Tune-up. To see more tips and ROI calculations please check out http://www.greenandsave.com -- We welcome any feedback. Thank you

For the complete ROI tables and topic page with details on over 50 ways to SAVE Money and the Environment visit: Home Remodeling ROI.

This project comes directly from GLT and the Equinox Fitness Center on 10th Ave between 17 and 18th in NYC. This wall is roughly 650 square feet of our standard 2'x2'x3" depth panels. Planted with a variety of low light tolerant plants the arrangement allows for a variety of textures and colors. The red was an excellent contrast to the custom metal rail and mahogany stairs. Throughout the wall there are roughly 3800 plants. The upper and lower portions of the wall will be flanked by water features making this high class club more like a spa setting then a stretching area. A combination of water and live plants is a very relaxing way to wind down.

In the GLT news room things are heating up at two extremes of the globe. The green wall is finding popularity in Anchorage Alaska as indoor displays and upright gardens, great way to bring vegetation indoors! And in the South GLT has partnered with Mark Aston and the ICS Group (Tel: 310-377-7800) to incorporate GLT's Green Roof and Green Wall Technologies in Barbados and surrounding islands. In "Entertainment News", I always wanted to say that, Urban Farming (LA) has officially announced partnerships with both GLT and Warner Brothers to incorporate the green wall into urban areas creating editable crop production. GLT is also a proud sponsor of the Go Green Expo NY (www.gogreenexpo.com)featuring green technologies through out the show and you can expect to see the first commissioned custom art work by Susan Rowley to be on display. The commissioned piece will include a 6' one of a kind sculpture incorporating the GLT Green Wall. The owner of the piece has asked to remain anonymous due to their "A" list popularity. Reach us at www.agreenroof.com

National Geographic's The Green Guide: This is one of the easier-to-navigate sites to cover our favorite topic, broken down by rooms of the house. Each section includes a general magazine-style article, a video and a product guide. Their quizzes are fun and you get information and feedback after each answer.

Cross-posted from my site. Enjoy.

The most important job I have right now is being a good mama. Though I love my career and have great passion for what I do, I have been struggling to not be busy, so that I can savor each moment of being a mom yet again in my (gasp) late 30's. I know how fast it goes, as my son Zane is now up to my collarbone and says things like "Dude - don't mess up my hair!" So... I love my kids, cuddle them, play with them, read to them and try my best to be very PRESENT.

These are some of my favorite Mama Resources and tips.

1. Vaccines - http://www.909shot.com
Regardless of your choice to vaccinate or not, please be an informed parent. If you do choose to vaccinate your children, make sure you get single dose vaccines (such as just measles instead of the MMR.) Combo vaccines contain thimerosal which is a derivative of mercury.

2. Disposable diapers and wipes - While I like the thought of cloth diapers, I have issues with the water usage as we live in the desert. I tried G Diapers (they leaked and I found them to be messy,) and we travel pretty regularly. My disposable favorite is Seventh Generation diapers (I also buy their wipes by the case in the refill packs instead of the plastic tubs). They are chlorine-free, hypo-allergenic, and fragrance and latex-free. I used them with my son and have been using them with Zoe. Neither kid ever had a diaper rash. I order them online through Amazon (http://www.amazon.com) and pay about $40 per case of diapers and $36 per case of wipes.

3. Cleaning supplies and laundry detergent - I also order most of these products by the case through Amazon as well and love Seventh Generation's cleaning products and laundry soap. You save a ton of money by buying in bulk and most Seventh Generation products are eligible for free shipping over a certain dollar amount. As babies put EVERYTHING in their mouths, think about what chemicals may be present, and remember if you can't pronounce an ingredient you probably shouldn't be using it around your children anyway.

4. Baby Food - I bought a hand crank food mill that came with a carrying case so we can take it with us when we eat out and travel. As little bodies are far more susceptible to environmental toxins, organic food that is thoroughly washed is a must. It is imperative to "train" your kids in eating the right foods from the get go. My 8 yr. old son loves artichokes, salads and salmon because he's always eaten what we've eaten. If you must purchase pre-made baby food, try a brand like Earth's Best organic baby food. (http://www.earthsbest.com)

5. If you can't afford to purchase all organic clothing, bedding, etc. for your little ones, think about buying a few key pieces (Zoe has an amazing blanket made of bamboo that is her favorite), then buy second-hand. Kids outgrow their clothes in about 5 minutes anyway, and I feel more comfortable knowing that something's been through the wash a bazillion times before. Plus it's a great way to recycle. Have a clothing swap when you're done or donate them to a woman's shelter or other organization.
A few of my favorite organic baby sites - http://www.sagecreeknaturals.com/, http://www.sckoon.com/,
http://www.kee-ka.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=W...

6. Toys. Think simple and washable. These are some of Zoe's favorites - she especially likes the green bean.

Under the Nile has a great selection of healthy toys (which is where we got ours). (http://www.underthenile.com/)

7. Bath time - Not only should we be conscious of what goes IN our children, but what goes ON them should also be considered. I've been using the baby products from Avalon Organics (body/hair wash, lotion and sunscreen.) A little goes a long way and it doesn't irritate her fragile skin. (http://www.avalonorganics.com/?title=Baby)

8. Book - Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child. This book has been one of my kid bibles. It covers homeopathy, naturopathic as well as conventional treatments for childhood ailments. Well worth the $16.29 from Amazon!

Treasure your children. Savor each moment and take responsibility for their well-being. Teach them through example, with the understanding that they too will probably recycle and feed their own children organic food one day because you did!

Love and laughter.

Mama Champion