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How can I be green this summer?
So it's sand box time or even better; the beach. It's time to pick up some shovels and buckets at the store. Or is it? You can save the environment and your money by using kitchen and recycled items for playing in the sandbox. Old yogurt containers work great for sand castle peaks. You can also use a wooden spoon or flour scoop for shovels. If you don't have the supplies around your house, consider picking up a few creative kitchen tools from a local thrift store. Or buy used sand toys at a local children's consignment store. Have fun!
Summer Exploratory Toys
A few online resources offer creative and interactive toys to make summer fun. At www.thinkbutton.com you can find activity based toys for all your little explorers. Another source is www.tishtashtoys.com where they encourage imagination through their toys. For free options, go to some children's websites like www.nickjr.com, www.discoverykids.com, or www.pbskids.com.
Summer Clothing
In a quest to find inexpensive organic or fair trade summer clothing, it became apparent that several mainstream retailers, like Wal-Mart, are now selling organic clothes. Other online resources offer organic clothing. One of my favorite resources is www.nau.com.
If cost is a factor, then consider broadening the scope beyond just organic and consider fair trade and made in the USA products. At www.dharmatrading.com, you can find a wide array of reasonably priced clothing and accessories that are either organic, fair trade, or made in the USA. They offer ready to die clothing that can be fun to decorate. The site has a lot of information on the different decorating options.
Summer Craft Idea: Organic Dies for Clothing:
You can have some fun with your summer wardrobe by simply use fruits or vegetables to die them. Consider buying some summer items through www.dharmatrading.com and have fun dying them.
Summer Bathing Suite Resources:
Here are some great and yet fashionable suites that are organic or made from recycled material:
http://www.thegreenloop.com/Anna_Cohen_String_Bikini_p/ac-stringbikini.htm
Another green option for bathing suites is to buy used. Consider shopping at a local consignment store or a return center like Nordstrom Rack.
Summer Sun:
Protect your loved ones from the Sun this Summer. At www.coolibar.com they offer gear, accessories, and clothing that shields the harsh rays of the Sun. For great organic Sun block, visit www.californiababy.com.