5 Tips for Growing "Green" Kids

1) Switch plastic baggies for reusable containers when packing your kids lunches. If you find it hard to pack a lunch without plastic then start teaching your kids about recycling and proper disposal. All plastic bags can be recycled in the bins in front of most grocery stores.

2) Save money and reduce your families exposure to harmful chemicals by cleaning with vinegar. At about $2.00 a gallon, vinegar really is a money saving option. The acidic Ph kills almost all viruses and bacteria, just switch up the concentration of vinegar to water depending on what you are cleaning. The all purpose cleaner we use at my daycare is 2 cups water, 2 table spoons vinegar and 2 drops tea tree oil mixed in a squirt bottle.

3) Compost! My garden has never looked so beautiful! You can buy a compost bin, make one from an old trash can or even just dig a hole in the back yard. Save all your organic kitchen scraps and yard waste, water occasionally and wah-lah, Soil!

4) Buy non toxic art supplies or make your own. Many store bought products contain preservatives that can be bad for our kids and our environment. Refer to my blog called "Recipe For Play" for instructions on making your own play dough and more.

5) Ventilate your home everyday to release toxic VOC's (volatile organic compounds) that build up. Let the fresh air and sunshine in for at least an hour everyday!