Love is in the air.  Ah....Valentine's Day.  When I was a kid, it seemed that everyone had charming handmade valentines.  I'm not quite sure when it happened, but it seems that Valentine's Day has turned into a huge celebration of mass-produced, cheaply made C-R-A-P!  Don't get me wrong...I love me some nasty candy hearts...but there's seems to be a lot of gnarly Valentine's Day associated junk out there.

But yes, our kiddos all have to pass out Valentine's to the classmates.  Instead of the generic valentines with branded characters, why not make your own?  Yes, I realize that Valentines are insanely inexpensive, but that doesn't mean they don't come with a cost.  Think about where all those Valentine's are made.  Yea...China.  Just think about the "costs" associated with shipping a bunch of printed papers all the way from China (not to mention what might be used in the production & printing processes).  Here are a few ideas to make this year a low-waste Valentine's Day and show the earth a little love too!

• Print your own Valentines!  Yep - there are a ton of printable valentines out there.  Just google "printable valentines" and you'll be amazed.  Print them off on your own printer (onto recycled card stock, of course), cut them...and voila.  Unique made-from-home valentines!  (If you've been blessed with creative graphic talents, you can even design your own on the computer!)  There are also professional designers on Etsy who offer up designs - sometimes customizable - for download.  Prices vary, but it's still super-cheap and goes to support a designer!  My preschooler is using this adorable owl valentine, as just one example of a FREE printable. 
• Make your own Valentines!  Even if you are as craft-challenged as I am, you can cut a heart.  I promise.  Or draw a heart and have your kiddo cut it out.  Use recycled paper...or even better, scraps from other projects.  Have the kiddos write their name and you're done.  If you want to get a little fancier, find a template for a more intricate design. My 1st grader is using this design to create a 'valentine snowflake' with origami paper we already had and then gluing them onto another piece of coordinating origami paper.  Super-cute, I must say.
• Skip the candy.  I don't know when Valentines Day turned into as big a candy holiday as Halloween, but all those individually wrapped items create an awful lot of waste (and sugar highs).  In my opinion, it's just unnecessary.  Make sweet valentines and skip the sweet treat.  If you absolutely have to include candy, consider something like a sucker with a wax-paper wrapper instead of plastic.  Then, the wrapper and the stick are compostable!  (And, there are loads of cute DIY valentine options that include suckers.)
• Recycle!  Many of the cheap-o valentines are actually recyclable, so don't forget to put in your paper recycling bin after you read through them.  Or, consider keeping them and reusing them next year (just glue the old valentine - or a cutout part of the valentine - on a fresh piece of paper and write a new message on the back). Lenticular valentines (the groovy ones with changing images) and ones with foil on them are not recyclable though.

There are lots of easy, low-cost ways to make this year a low-waste Valentine's Day...it just takes a little bit of thinking about how to change things up from what's presented to us by the mass-marketing machine!

As I was folding mountains of laundry last night (which is my typically Sunday night activity), I came across a fascinating special on the Food Network.  At first glance, The Big Waste appeared to be your standard celebrity chef competition...four top-tier celebrity chefs, divided into teams and challenged to prepare a meal for 100 people.  But instead of heading to a gourmet food supplier, the chefs had to prepare the meal entirely from food that was headed for the trash - as unsellable or unusable food.  Yes - a gourmet meal for 100 foodies made entirely from waste!  At first I figured that the point of the show was to demonstrate the resourcefulness and creativity of these chefs...you know, making something from nothing.  But as I watched, I realized that the point of the show instead was to highlight the unbelievable amount of PERFECTLY GOOD food discarded every day.

The chefs visited wholesalers, small markets, specialty stores, orchards, farms, bakeries, organic farms, pick-your-own farms, grocery stores & more, and at every place, the sheer volume of discarded food was mind-boggling.  It was clearly an eye-opening experience for the chefs.  The shop owners talked how consumers just refuse to purchase produce that isn't 'perfect' - any little blemish on a carrot or peas pod causes it to be 'unsellable' and therefore to be discarded.  And, even worse, it appeared that all of the urban-based stores discarded their unsellable food to the garbage.  Yes - not only was it going to waste...but literally to the trash!  At the farms and orchards, the unsellable food was at least being composted, but one orchard owner stated that he thought that 40-50% of his crop went to waste...not because there was anything unsafe about it, but just because it happened to be a little misshapen, or have a crack in the skin, or a minor blemish....anything that made it seem less than perfect to a consumer.  Yes - 40-50%!!  It was ridiculous, and maddening!  At the pick-your-own farm, the farmer mentioned that people would often pick a cabbage (or peach or tomato), and then just toss it on the ground to rot if they found one that they liked better.  A chicken farmer said that he couldn't sell fresh eggs that were slightly bigger or smaller, or a different color than what is 'expected' by the consumer.  Absolutely insane.

Even though much of the unsellable food from farms may end up being composted, just think about all the resources that are essentially wasted in the production of this food that is discarded.  But, even worse, think about all the food that is discarded to the trash - food that is perfectly good, perfectly safe...but just not 'perfect.'

At best, it seems that we as consumers need to fundamentally change our attitude toward what food should look like and what we're willing to buy.  Think about what comes out of a garden - food of all shapes, sizes and colors.  Think about what heirloom tomatoes look like - bumpy, funky, unique.... and absolutely delicious.  (And think about what factory farmed tomatoes look like - firm, perfectly round, perfectly red...and tasteless and mealy.)  Just take a moment to think about the impact on food prices if farmers and stores didn't have to pad the price to account for the sheer amount of discarded food.  

Yes, I think there is a social justice component to this whole issue as well.  If the food consumer were not so discriminating, the price of fresh, healthy food would likely come down.  Do you ever wonder why nasty, processed 'non-perishables' are often times less expensive than fresh?  Perhaps the lack of waste since everything looks the same once it's processed and in a can has something to do with it?  Perhaps the lack of 'unsellable' food even offsets the amount of processing equipment, preservatives, etc...?  If the price of REAL food came down, perhaps even those of meager means would be able to afford it, rather than the processed food that so many in poverty tend to (or have no choice but to) eat.  It is fundamentally unfair that only those of middle and upper incomes can afford fresh produce - not to mention organic and non-GMO food. Access to healthy food should be a RIGHT, not a privilege, as it currently is.  Reducing the amount of food waste, and therefore bringing down the price of health food, would help to correct that injustice. Additionally, it seems to me that food that is usable, but not sellable, should be donated to food pantries or other organizations that serve those in need (whether they distribute it or prepare it).

At the very least, we need to make sure than any unsold food is composted!  I readily admit that I have no idea what the situation is for grocery stores or food distributors in the Twin Cities metro area, but I do know that industrial composting facilities are available.  So, there is absolutely no reason for any food waste from grocery store in the area to be going to the trash.  (The Big Waste was filmed in/around NYC.)  Perhaps most grocery stores do indeed send their unsold food to a composting facility, but my gut tells me otherwise.  I do know that there is a very small minority of restaurants that compost their food waste (which tend to be scraps and/or uneaten food, rather than just rejected food), but most do not.  And it would be so easy for them to do so.

I rarely get on a soapbox nor try to tell anyone what to do.  More often, I try to provide useful information to help folks make more informed decisions. But, I would encourage you to seek out this Food Network special.  It next airs on Jan 14 at 3 pm and Jan 15 at 4 pm (CT).  Program your DVR and watch it when you have laundry to fold!  And, the next time you are anywhere purchasing food, take a moment to think about whether you are rejecting food that is good, but may not look perfect.  Those less-than-perfect  items you reject may very well end up in the trash...not even composted!  Take a moment and seek out the store (or restaurant) manager and ask how much food waste they have and what they do with it.  Write a letter to the manager (or corporate headquarters) encouraging them to (1) donate usable unsold food, and (2) compost all other food waste.

How many of you have an old carseat taking up precious space in your garage or cluttering up your basement?  I know I do.  And it's always been a struggle to know what to do with them.  (First of all, they are expensive!)  But, for safety reasons, they typically are not accepted for donation or resale.  So, what to do if you don't want a big hunk of plastic, foam and metal dumped into the landfill?  (Although I am very thankful to said hunk of plastic, foam & met

Thanks to a partnership between the Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM), Clear Channel Outdoor Communications, Carver County and Adult Training & Habilitation Center's (ATHC) Eco-site, there is FINALLY an option for recycling old or unwanted carseats.

Simply bring them to our very own Settergren's Ace Hardware in Linden Hills (the old co-op building), and they will be taken apart and all the materials will be recycled!!  Yes...safely and completely recycled!  And, this program employs local adults with developmental disabilities as well.  It does cost $10 per seat, BUT you receive a $10 voucher for a $25 purchase at Settegren's.

THIS IS NOT AN ONGOING PROGRAM.  IT IS A SPECIAL EVENT...NOVEMBER 15 ONLY, in association with America Recycles Day.

Leading up to the holidays, I'm going to try to do a bunch of brief posts about fun or innovative products that are upcycled, recycled, or help us reduce waste or toxicity!  Perhaps they'll give you an idea for a fun gift, or maybe something for yourself!

Do you love the convenience of those dusting systems like the Swiffer, but can't stand the cost and waste of those disposable, one-use cloths?  Me too.  In fact, I shelved my Swiffer a couple of years ago for just that reason.  (But I do miss the lightweight & easy convenience of it.  My current duster seems to get so, well...dusty!  With no good way to clean it other than shaking it outside!!)  Well, check out these reusable polar fleece duster refills that I found!  They come in a package of two, are machine washable, and made from US-made Polar Fleece, which is made from recycled milk bottles..all for $9.50!  

Reusable cleaning pads for dry-mop (e.g. Swiffer sweeper)  and wet-mop (e.g., Swiffer Wet-Jet) systems are also available, complete with tabs to secure the cleaning pads in place! Handmade and offered through esty direct from the artist.

In full disclosure, I haven't actually tried any of these...just found them online.  It yet another one of those "Why didn't I think of that?!?" moments, but oh well.  At least someone thought of it.  It seems like a great idea though.  Let me know if you have tried these...or something similar...and how they worked for you!  

I've posted before about bispohenol-A (BPA), especially regarding children's products, but my pediatrician recently posted on Facebook (yes, my awesome pediatrician is on FB) an article that found that BPA exposure during pregnancy may have an effect on children's behavior.  Yikes! 

First - what did the study actually say?  The study, published in Pedatrics, found that girls born to women with relatively high levels of BPA in their urine demonstrated more behavioral problems at age 3 compared with those born to women with lower BPA level.  The study reported that  "increasing gestational BPA concentrations were associated with more hyperactive, aggressive, anxious, and depressed behavior and poorer emotional control and inhibition in the girls."

Second - what is BPA?  According to the IATP Safe Plastics Guide, BPA is a chemical that mimics the action of human hormone estrogen.  BPA has been shown to stimulate prostate cancer cells, cause breast tissue changes, cause genetic damage, contribute to miscarriage & birth defects, and has been associated with ovarian dysfunction and recurrent miscarriages.  And until recently, BPA was commonly found in products specifically aimed at babies and children!  However, in 2009, Minnesota passed a law prohibiting the sale of bottles and cups with BPA made for children under 3 years of age.  Six other states and the city of Chicago have passed similar bans, but most of these bans (including the one in Minnesota) apply only to cups and bottles intended for children under 3.  There are other sources of exposure to BPA - including the linings of most canned food, cash register receipts, and still many plastic bottles and containers!

So...what's the bottom line?  Avoid BPA for your kids...and FOR YOU as well, especially if you are pregnant and/or nursing.  In my humble opinion, there is still too much unknown about this chemical and what the long-term effects might be.  The kiddos - including in utero - are especially vulnerable...but it's something to avoid when you can.  But how?

• If you are using plastic for anything that touches something you consume (e.g., food wrap, dish ware, cups, bottles, food storage, etc...) make sure it says BPA-free.
  
• Avoid canned foods, especially beans and tomatoes, since most cans contain linings with BPA.  Eden Organics uses BPA-free cans for beans, but there are NO BPA-free canned tomatoes (due to their high acidity). Trader Joe's uses BPA-free cans for some of its offerings, but not all.  (TJ corn, bean, fish, poultry, beef are reportedly in BPA-free cans.) Opt for tomatoes and tomato sauce in glass jars, to avoid BPA exposure.
  
• Avoid anything from a dollar store or discount store that might end up in anyone's mouth...or come in contact with food or beverages.  There just so little control about what's in that stuff...and the monetary savings aren't worth it, in my opinion.
  

Do you want to recycle your organics, but don't live in a neighborhood where your hauler collects them?  Or, are you hosting an event at which you'd like to collect organics?  No, you don't have to befriend someone living in Linden Hills and dump your stuff in their green cart...although that's definitely an option!  But there are others:

• If you live in the Minneapolis, you can rent a compost cart (as well as a garbage and/or recycling cart) for an event for $20 each from the City of Minneapolis.  This fee includes delivery & pickup of the cart(s) as well as appropriate processing of the materials collected.  They will deliver/pickup from addresses within Minneapolis only.  The garbage and recycling carts look like the large black residential carts, and the organics carts are the same green wheeled carts used in the residential curbside organics collection projects.  For more information about container rental through the City of Minneapolis, click here.
• If you live in Hennepin County, you can borrow (for free!) a ClearStream portable recycling unit (PRU) from Hennepin County.  Each PRU consists of a metal frame, a plastic cover, and clear plastic or compostable bags, as well as labeling.  The PRUs can be used to collect recycling and/or organics.  The loan program does not include delivery of the PRUs, nor transport or processing of the collected materials.  (But, the materials can be brought to Brooklyn Park drop-off facility...see below.)  For details about the Hennepin County PRU loan program, click here.
• Any resident of Hennepin County can drop-off organics at the Brooklyn Park drop-off facility for FREE.  Yes, for free!!  So, if you live anywhere in Hennepin County and your hauler currently does not collect organics...you can still keep all those items out of the landfill and incinerator!  Just collect them at home in compostable bags, and bring them to the Brooklyn Park facility (Tuesday through Friday).  There is a limit of 5 days per person per day and proof of residency is required.  Hennepin County has 2 drop-off facilities - Brooklyn Park and Bloomington - but organics are accepted at the Brooklyn Park facility only.  Both facilities accept recycling, household hazardous waste such as electronics and household products for free, as well as other problem materials for a fee.  For a full list of what's accepted (and any fees), check out the guide from Hennepin County.

So, if you want to have your own zero-waste event - whether it's a grand holiday gathering, a birthday party, or even a dinner party, you can get organics recycling for free - just by borrowing PRUs from Hennepin County and then bringing the organics (and other recyclables too, if you want) to the Brooklyn Park facility.  If you live in Minneapolis, you have the option of paying $20 per cart for the convenience of delivery, pickup & materials processing!  C'mon...that's pretty easy now, isn't it??

If you don't live in Hennepin County, Minnesota??  Check with your own municipality - city and county - and ask about organic recycling options.  If you choose your own hauler, see if your hauler offers organics collection, either residential or for events...and if not, ASK THEM TO!  Or, check around and switch haulers, if possible.

Do you want to know more about organics recycling?  Check out this video from Hennepin County about what can be composted in each room in your house (starring my good friend, Nancy Lo).

All holidays present challenges, but Halloween is a tricky one.  (no pun intended!)  There is so much waste and (hey, let's be honest here) JUNK associated with Halloween.  Those nasty cheap costumes made from who knows what.  All those plastic candy wrappers.  The little junk toys and trinkets.  The massive amount of one-use stuff!  

Don't get me wrong...I LOVE Halloween.  Growing up in Madison, Halloween was always a BIG deal...with a crazy party/parade down State Street every year.  My family seriously gets into Halloween, including me.  But I really don't like all the waste (including wasted money) associated with Halloween.

So, here are a few easy waste reduction ideas for Halloween.

1. Compost that Jack-o-Latern!  Don't even think about tossing that spooky guy into your regular trash.  Just remember to take out the candle first.  You may want to consider cutting them up into smaller pieces to help them fit in your bin and break down more quickly as well.  Don't have a compost bin?  Cut them up in pieces and place on your garden before you put mulch over it for the winter.  If you have curbside organics collection (like we do in Linden Hills), you could put them into your organics cart instead.  If you live in Hennepin County and your hauler doesn't collect organics, you can take any organics (including those pumpkins) to the Brooklyn Park drop-off facility for free.
2. Create costumes through re-use.  There are so many ways to create a costume through re-use.  Raid your own closet or the dress-up bin for costume components.  Go to e-bay or Craig's list to get a costume used by someone else - probably ONE TIME - and save yourself a bundle of money as well.  Costumes are typically in pristine condition since they've been used only once. (Consider selling your old costumes the same way and you may even come out ahead this year!)  Arc Value Village has their Halloween BOO-tique open right now at all Value Village locations, which is the perfect place to get previously used costumes and dress-up components!  Also, tomorrow (Oct 8), Totally Kids (7876 Portland Ave S, Bloomington) is hosting a free costume exchange event at their store from 1-3 pm.  Just bring in 1 complete costume and trade for a new one!  
3. Invest in reusable decor.  As with all seasonal decor, it's worth it to invest in items that you can use year after year instead of one-and-done.  Or, consider enlisting the kids to create Halloween themed projects that can be recycled (or packed away for next year).  Most of the outdoor decor for Halloween is compostable, or would make good winter mulch for your garden (like those hay bales and corn stalks).
4. What about those treats?  Oh, this is a hard one.  Those giant bulk bags of snack-sized candy...mostly in non-compostable wrappers.  But, you can't really make your own organic snacks hand-packaged in compostable/recyclable packages to hand out at the door because let's face it - those we be the first things tossed during the 'parent check' of the loot.  Plus...you don't want to be 'that house,' right?  Soooo, what to do?  Consider giving out pencils, mini coloring books or something else useful (yet still fun) that isn't candy.  If you absolutely positively want to  stick with the program and give out candy - consider options like M&M's or Tootsie Rolls, which are wrapped in paper instead of plastic.

Boo!  Have a great Halloween!

With the new website, I am re-starting the blog from scratch!  (Mostly b/c I'm not sure how to transfer all the old blog posts to the new blogging platform!)  I will be re-posting & updating some of the favorite old posts from time-to-time, as a way to bring over some of the best from the last 3 years.  (Let me know if you have a favorite you'd like to see again!) 

The old blog is still available at lindenhillsecoparents.blogspot.com if you're looking for a specific post.  

Bear with me as I navigate through the new website and blogging platform.  I'm definitely not a super-techie...but thankfully my hubby is!  I hope that the new website is more useful & informative...