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At-Home Learning Tools

by onepartsunshine, in category Green School and Office

In these uncertain times of Covid and quarantine, many families are finding themselves in unfamiliar territory with online or at-home schooling. As a homeschooler for the past ten years, I am no stranger to the challenges of learning at home. Whether you have made the switch to homeschooling or your child will be learning remotely through public school, you may find yourself and your child struggling with the change. The best advice I can give you is to put yourself in your child’s place.

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Sticking it to Non-Stick: A Guide to Non-Toxic Cookware and Bakeware

by Cindy Young, in category Eating Green

You do not need to use non-stick cookware. I have not owned a single non-stick pot or pan in thirteen years, when I decided to avoid non-stick coating at all costs. Why? Because it is full of pretty nasty stuff. Toxic chemicals in non-stick coatings have been linked to cancer, birth defects and more. Read more for ways that I avoid non-stick coatings and for a shopping guide to safer bakeware and cookware options.

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Is Your iPhone Poisoning Your Baby? Safer iPhone Cases to Minimize Baby’s Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

by onepartsunshine, in category Green Technology, Shopping Guides

At nine months old, my daughter was intent on getting her hands on anything that is not appropriate for babies. My cell phone was her biggest obsession. According to HealthyStuff.org, researchers evaluated the level of toxic chemicals in 36 different cell phones and found chemicals of concern in every single one. So to minimize the amount of toxins that your child is being exposed to, cover your phone with a case that is low in toxins.

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Gift Ideas for the Naturalist Mom

by onepartsunshine, in category * FAVORITE POSTS *, Gift Ideas, Green Holidays

With Mother’s Day only a week away, I thought I would post a list of gift ideas for moms who love nature and the outdoors. This post is in no way a hint for my husband and children (did that sound believable?). If you know an amateur naturalist or someone who loves hiking, gardening, nature art and photography, reading about the outdoors, or just being outside, then read on. I made sure to include ideas that are no-cost and low-cost. I also tried to include gifts that are eco-friendly and don’t involve purchasing more stuff.

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Creating an Anxiety-Free Closet

by onepartsunshine, in category Green Clothing

My closet is not a comforting place. When I enter it, I am overcome with anxiety. The sheer volume of clothes is enough to put me into a state of panic. I am also overwhelmed by the piles of clothes that are one or two sizes too small for me; the bargain purchases that I wore once; and the poorly made and misshapen clothes that make me feel like staying at home when I wear them. I have read a plethora of literature about decluttering and why it is so important. So now is the time to clear the clutter from my closet and to replace those items with quality, sustainable clothing.

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Plastic-Free Coffee

by onepartsunshine, in category Eating Green, Shopping Guides

If you are anything like me, you need a little boost in the morning, especially after a sleepless night with a cranky toddler. And the last thing you want to do is worry about scary stuff in your coffee. Conventional coffee makers and Keurig machines have a great deal of plastic in them. When you expose plastic to boiling hot water, the plastic degrades and releases toxins such as BPA and phthalates.

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Shopping Guide: Natural Deodorant for Men

by onepartsunshine, in category Health and Beauty, Shopping Guides

After more than six years, I am still using my homemade deodorant, and I am still loving it! It is not an anti-perspirant, but it keeps the smell in check and it lasts all day. It even works to neutralize smells if you forgot to put it on in the morning. My husband, however, is not in love with my deodorant. So, I am on a mission to find a nice, “manly,” natural deodorant for my husband. One that is free of nasty ingredients such aluminum and parabens. I’ve done some research and found the following options.

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Give Your Kids a Tribe (instead of more stuff)

by onepartsunshine, in category Parenting

I have learned many important lessons during my eleven years as a parent. When you have to be somewhere, plan to leave at least 30 minutes early in order to get there on time. Embrace your kids’ individual personalities instead of trying to fit them into a preconceived idea of the perfect child. Laugh at their nonsense knock-knock jokes. Put together that ocean puzzle with them for the thousandth time because you will regret not spending the time with them later. And give your children a tribe instead of more toys.

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Shopping Guide: Organic Children’s Pajamas

by onepartsunshine, in category Green Clothing, Shopping Guides

So you bought the organic mattress and the organic sheets. You found a beautiful wooden crib and painted the nursery with VOC-free paints. You are confident that your sleeping baby will be resting on materials free from harmful chemicals. But what about those fabrics that separate baby from the bed? Pajamas and other clothing come closer to baby’s skin than just about anything else, so it is important to choose jammies that are made with the safest materials.