recycling

A Plan for Change

by Stacy on March 7, 2010

I thought I would provide a list of all the areas we will be covering as we work on greening our homes together. This way, you’ll have an idea of what to expect and you will also have a chance to give your input on any areas you don’t see listed that you would like to cover. [Just leave a comment or send me an email with your idea] I’ll post the Master List on the Green Our Homes Page (soon) so you can refer to it anytime you like. As we cover each entry, I’ll update the Master List to point to the specific post.

Here’s the topics we’ll be addressing

Replacing Hazards in our Home

{Making their appearance in alphabetical order}

- All Purpose Cleaners
- Antibacterial Soaps
- Automatic Dishwashing Detergent
- Batteries
- Carpet Cleaner
- Drain Cleaner
- Face & Body Lotion
- Floor Cleaner
- Furniture Polish
- Glass Cleaner
- Laundry Detergent
- Make Up
- Mold & Mildew Remover
- Oven Cleaner
- Pesticides
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Toilet Cleaner
- Tub, Tile & Sink Cleaner

Reducing Waste

- Baby Food Jars & Plastic Tubs
- Cans
- Cardboard Boxes
- Diapers
- Dry Cleaner Bags
- Glass
- Magazines & Newspapers
- Paper Towels
- Plastic Bottles
- Plastic Shopping Bags
- Plastic Produce Bags
- Sponges
- Toilet Paper * (as suggested by Jen & Joey Go Green)

Around the House

- Air Quality
- Building Materials * (as suggested by Jen & Joey Go Green)
- Composting
- Flooring
- Gardening
- Gray Water
- Home Decor Items * (as suggested by Jen & Joey Go Green)
- Home Fragrances
- Landscaping
- Lawnmowers * (as suggested by Jen & Joey Go Green)
- Light Bulbs
- Programmable Thermostats
- Rainwater Collection
- Recycling
- Repurposing
- Water Conservation
- Water Filtration
- Water Heaters * (as suggested by Jen & Joey Go Green)
- Water Softeners
- Windows
- Upcycling

Whew, well I think that gives us a decent starting point. Look this list over and let me know which feature your most anxious to explore or any additions you would like to see added. I can not wait to get started tackling this list.

Share

{ Comments on this entry are closed }

Let’s Green Our Homes

by Stacy on January 19, 2010

My passion for nature and drive to live as green as possible started at a very young age, you might even say it started before I was born. I like to think I was Eco, when Eco wasn’t cool – but that’s a different story (and one that I intend to tell you all about in a series of post in the near future). But today, I’d like to focus on something important that I think we should all try to the best of our abilities, and that’s making our home as green as possible.

You may not have cared too much about being eco-friendly or trying the next green craze, but I’ll bet that started to change the day you became a parent. Suddenly, you began to approach everyday items with a newfound perspective. I’ll bet you childproof certain cabinets in your home because of the harmful chemicals you’re storing inside them or that you restrict excess sugar and fat from you child’s diet because you know its unhealthy for them. I’m sure you’ve been concerned with all the lead found in children’s toys the last few years and you probably reuse particular items around your home for creative uses with or without even realizing it. If any of the above are true, then I’d like to help you take it to the next level. I’d like to make you aware of some of the negative impacts of our current routines and of many of the quick swaps we can make to change our habits. I’m of the belief that even the smallest steps make a big difference (think butterfly effect) and the more steps I take in the right direction, the brighter the future I can guarantee for my children, and isn’t that what we all really want for them? A bright future and a healthy planet for them to live it on.

In this segment, I will chronicle the steps I’m taking and the changes I’m making in my home to live a more natural, greener life. I’ll report my findings to you – total cost savings, long term benefits and time associated with each change. Hopefully, I’ll educate someone on something along the way and maybe even convince some of you to make a few changes in your life.

I know I’m not the only one on this personal mission and I welcome any and all of your methods towards living a greener life. If you’d like to do a guest post about the steps you’re taking at home or just a quick email/comment about what you’re doing – I’d love to hear each and every story!!

If you have an idea about a step you’d like me to try and then talk about, that’s cool too. I’m open for suggestions. If you represent a green company with a product that supports a greener lifestyle and would like to have it featured in this series. Great, I’m willing and eager to try the latest and greatest green living gizmos. Email kidsstuffworld@gmail.com to get the ball rolling. I’ve got a great list of products lined up – countertop water filtration systems, diy soda makers, green batteries, natural cleaners, IPhone Apps and several projects I’ve completed around my home that I’d also like to share with you.

Occasionally, you might see me talk about a tip you consider old news or common sense, but bear with me because the results of all of our actions (small steps remember) are going to surprise you!

Can’t wait to start this journey with you,

~ Stacy

Share

{ Comments on this entry are closed }

KSW’s Handy Dandy Gift Guide

by Stacy on December 2, 2009

Handy Dandy Christmas

Cuisinart Countertop Water-Filtration System from Amazon ~ $146
Hot and Cold Water at your fingertips! Great for families with kids, health minded folks and earth lovers who want to cut out bottled water for good
Solar Light from Bed Bath & Beyond ~ $15
Ladies will love these color changing solar powered jewels for their lawn. Great for folks who love to garden, lay by the pool, or relax in their own backyards
Snow Cone Maker from Bed Bath & Beyond ~ $30
Perfect for Moms who love to party with their kids or kids who still love to party with their Moms
Paper Recycling Center from Discovery Store ~ $17.50
Parents need every opportunity they can get to bond with teens and tweens, and bonding that includes crafting is always A-OK with me :)
Sodastream Jet Starter Kit from Amazon ~ $100
Give a gift that will help save a large family some $$$ this year, this soda maker has so many flavor options they’ll never go back to the $4 name brands
All in One Tailgate Cooler from Bed Bath & Beyond ~ $140
Talk about having it all – this compact cooler has a removable cooler, a propane grill (no messy charcoal to worry about) and BBQ tools – Guys will LOVE it!
Snow Fort Mold from One Step Ahead ~ $7
Perhaps the ultimate family bonding gift, for just $7 you can build your very own igloo or defensive wall. Winter will never be the same at your house
Folding Recycling Bags (set of 3)from Gaiam ~ $16
I applaud all great efforts to make recycling easier for everyone, but these might be my favorite. If you know someone who cares about recycling, chances are they’ll love these too.
Set of 6 Jumbo Stacking Mugs from World Market ~ $15
Not only do these make the mornings more fun, but they also promote group activities {say, family hot coccoa night } and save on much needed kitchen space

Trust me, I know how hard it can be to find the perfect gift for all your loved ones during the holiday season. That is why, KSW has scoured the web looking for the perfect gifts. Best of all, if you don’t find what you’re looking for … we’re offering to find it for you! Drop us a message me on FB, Twitter, or by email and we’ll try and find something truly special for all those hard to shop for folks in your life ~ Happy Holidays!

There’s more Handy Dandy Gift Ideas listed here

Share

{ Comments on this entry are closed }

A story and A song

by Stacy on April 15, 2009

Just Do One

As spring ushers along, I find all of my thoughts are turning Greener. The color Green, all things outdoor, and ways that I can become just a little Greener. Lucky for me, I’ve found a wonderful resource to help me on my way.

The Just Do One website is an outstanding source of information on how to be a little greener without being overwhelming. When you break it down into doable items, like they do, helping the planet really doesn’t seem that hard. You do it, just like you’d do anything else, one step at a time. Great concept, don’t you think?

Just Do One recently held a video contest and I just have to share the winning videos here. They’re both under three minutes so please take a moment to check them out, you’ll be glad you did.

This first video is from a small boy named Da Vinci who tells us all about how his family does their part and provides some creative suggestions on how you can too.

This second video is a cute parody about a Guy & a Girl doing their part to help the environment – turns a guy & his girl (The World). Honestly, I could watch this one a hundred times. It’s a catchy tune that would really make my day if it were on my IPOD playlist.

Enjoy!

Share

{ Comments on this entry are closed }

Please Bear With Us

by Stacy on February 8, 2009


Posting to Kids Stuff World will be a bit sporadic the next few weeks. Please bear with us, as I transition from my life in Germany to my new home in Texas. My computer will be in transit until mid-April but not to worry – I have a few things planned for working around that. Don’t expect to see me much happening here next week, but after that posting shouldn’t be non-existent, just … sporadic (yes, I like that word)

In the meantime, I invite you to take a look around, read up on some of our older posts and get to know KSW a little better. While you’re here, leave a comment or two ~ I’d love to hear what you’re all up to. Here’s a few great finds to get you started:

Reader Faves

~ Whimsical Sunrise Nursery
~ Obama Letters to newborns (find out how to get yours)
~ Adorable DIY Owl Pillows

KSW Faves

~ Ten Ways to Beat Stress
~ Free for Download Too Cute Owl Stationary
~ Ways to Reuse Glass Jars
~ Quick N Easy Dump Truck Cake
~ Coastal Girl’s Nature Scavenger Hunt

Wish me luck,

Stacy

Share

{ Comments on this entry are closed }