What's Around the Corner?

I usually don't like to think about the new school year until about 24 hours before it starts, as my children are usually the first to go back - well before Labor Day - in the sweltering, humid days of August in Chicago.

But I've been thinking about the next school year for weeks now, for a few reasons, but  mostly because I am determined this will be the greenest school year ever, not only for my family, but also for our school.

When my children started attending elementary school there was no Earth Day celebration and every once in a while someone would ask me, "what are you planning for Earth Day?" Of course, as a Green Business Owner that's usually my busiest time of year and I am no where near the school or available.

However, this past year we held our first Earth Day Celebration with the help of the 7th grade science class. It was a great event and I was really honored to work with and talk with all the students.

This year I am determined to have multiple events. And as these events take planning, I am thinking about them and about school.

I think the following events are great learning opportunities for children, and I thought I would share them with you as maybe you don't know about these special days and would at least want them on your calendar, so you can attend an event or plan one yourself!

Green Halloween (Sept/Oct)
Food Day (October 24)
America Recycles Day (November 15)
World Water Day (March 22)
Earth Day (April 22)

Beyond these events, I'm also interested in having a green school year. That inspired me to write a small article for the August issue of Mindful Metropolis on some simple ways to have a greener school year.

Do you know any other events everyone should know about? Please leave them in the comments.

Thanks for caring about the environment and each other!

Good Treats for Halloween!

Last weekend I spent a fun afternoon at the Lincoln Park Wholefoods for Chicago's first Green Halloween Event. I met a lot of great people including my two new friends Bert and Brett from Surf Sweets, a Socially Responsible Company that makes treats even Moms and Dads will like.

Surf Sweets has a variety of gummy snacks for kids that are 87% organic, with no corn syrup, GMO's, or artificial flavors, and are gluten free. While they still have sugar, it's a great alternative to traditional candy and a welcome treat to a mom with a gummy obsessive child! My son goes crazy for gummies and jelly beans (which I never like even as a child).

The guys at Surf Sweets don't just provide sweet treats. They are involved in helping kids and the planet. Their causes include World Oceans Day, an organization that helps educate people about our connections to and the importance of our oceans; Tree Swing, an organization committed to reversing the trend of childhood obesity by promoting exercise and good nutrition at home, school, and community, Green Halloween, an earth-friendly way to celebrate Halloween, and Kids with Food Allergies, providing education, caring, and support for families.

Please visit their site! You can buy their treats online or at a Wholefoods near you. Surf Sweets treats are a great choice for Halloween candy to pass out this year, or just to have around the house.

Three Simple Ways to Create a Greener Halloween

Want to put some green in your child's Halloween this year? All the candy and plastic getting you down? Here are three simple tips to making this year's Halloween a Greener Holiday.

1. Greener Costumes.

Okay, you don't sew. Neither do I. But I really don't like those plastic, polyester costumes at the store either. Depending on how old your child is, a great place to look for costumes is Good Will or any second hand store. Not only do some stores actually have old costumes and dress up clothes, you can find some great home made costumes too.

If your child is a little older and wants to participate in the creation (like my eldest - 8), they can take different pieces to create something new: a punk rocker, zombie bride, hobo, clown, you name it! Don't forget Free Cycle online, a great resource for just about anything, including costumes.

And please don't get traditional costume make up. Make up is so poorly regulated and can have so many toxic chemicals, even heavy metals, in them. If you are looking for toxic free make up the best source is The Environmental Working Group, and their cosmetics database; an excellent organization, always looking out for your health and safety.

2. Green Halloween Party!

This is a great year for a Green Halloween party. Not only is Halloween on the weekend (perfect time for a party), but you can actually bake or buy great treats that you can't hand out to trick or treaters. I love caramel apples, but that's not something you can get into a Halloween bag. At your Halloween party you can slice organic apples and pour melted caramel over them for a great treat. And apple cider - yum! So many great treats.

And get rid of all the plastic! You can easily buy recycled brown paper bags (or cute cloth bags) and include special treats. I personally love decorating with streamers because they are made from paper that I can recycle or compost! Paper decorations are always a better choice. Best of all, save your decorations for next year. Reusing is the best option.

The best source for planning a green halloween party is www.GreenHalloween.org.

3. Greener Candy?

Greener Candy? Is it possible? Where do you get it? Well, it all depends. You can be thinking of healthier candy, i.e. those without high fructose corn syrup, organic candy, like the Organic Trick or Treat Candy Mix at the NaturalCandyStore.com, or you can be thinking of fair trade chocolates. In any case you can find all that good stuff at The Natural Candy Store online. You can always shop at your local store, because many more places will have organic and fair trade items now in days. However, the selection may be lacking. Online is best if you are short on time and want the biggest selection.

You can also look online for local candy stores and call ahead to find out what they offer. It's always greener to shop locally.

Finally, don't forget to have fun! Having a Greener Halloween just takes a little planning. But once you start, it gets easier and easier as it becomes a habit. In the future you will be full of so many great ideas you will be writing your own blog! Remember to share your old costumes too. See, now I've got you thinking!