Have a green tip to include in our 101 Tips for Green Living?  Email our Going Green Series Editor, Jen Dillman today!  

All entries will be entered into our monthly prize drawings!

Buying local; what does it really mean?

You want fresh, locally grown food but don't know where to find it?  Buying locally decreases the distance food must travel.  In doing so, it reduces carbon dioxide emissions from trucking and requires less packaging materials.  These local foods have exceptional taste and freshness, while you strengthen your local economy and support endangered family farms by purchasing locally. 

Visit www.foodroutes.org to find fresh, local food near you.  You can search farms, farmer's markets, restaurants, food co-ops, CSA, UPick Farms and farm stands by simply inputting your zip code.  For those of you that have lived on the West Coast, it's a bit easier to do this in places where year-round fresh and local produce is readily available, but we can start small here and still make a difference!  Check out the www.eatlocalchallenge.com

Visit the University of Illinois Extension Service guide to U-Pick Farms, Roadside Markets, and Farmer’s Markets for all of Illinois for tips on how to harvest fruits and vegetables and buy local.  The Illinois Department of Agriculture also has information on local Farmer’s Markets as well as a useful chart for determining when different fruits and vegetables are in season in Illinois.

Have you visited our Farm Fresh Fun page?  There are a few on the list that feature organically-grown produce.

Downtown Springfield, Inc. presents the Old Capitol Farmer's Market, Adams Street Downtown Springfield (between 5th and 3rd Street) open Wednesday's and Saturdays from 8:00 am - 1:00 p.m. (May 16th-October 31st.)  Bring you kids and have them help you choose fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables, herbs, eggs, beef, poultry, honey, cider, jams & jellies, baked goods, flowers, and plants.  Kids are more likely to try new things if they are part of the shopping process!   

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Free Radon Testing Kits Available for Homeowners

If you would like a free Radon Testing Kit and a free analysis of the sample, send an email to daniels@iema.state.il.us You will need to indicate the type of home you have (i.e., ranch, two story, with or w/out basement) and the type of foundation you have (i.e., concrete block, slab, stem wall, etc. ). The Illinois Emergency Management Agency will mail you a kit. If you would like more information about Radon, visit the following sites. The Library/Clearinghouse website also has information:

1. RAD-009. Reducing Radon Risks http://www.epa.gov/iag/radon/pubs/rducrsks.html Washington, DC: USEPA, 1991.

2. RAD-010. Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction - Reducing levels in your home http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/radon/pubs/consguid.html USEPA, Office of Air and Radiation, August 1992.

3. RAD-011. A Citizen’s Guide to Radon - Protecting yourself and your family http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/radon/pubs/citguide.html USEPA. Office of Air and Radiation, US Dept of Health and Human Services, May 1992.

Did you know that by switching from commercial ready-to-use cleaners to non-toxic, natural, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, earth friendly and recyclable cleaning products, you can eliminate 108 pounds of packaging waste from landfills & 248 pounds of greenhouse gases?  It’s the impact of planting ten trees just from the small changes you can make in your household.   Not to mention the fact that breathing in all of those chemicals is not safe for anyone in our family.

Did You Know?  

         Organic pollutants, found in many common cleaners and even air fresheners, are found at levels 2 to 5 times higher inside your home than out? 

         Over 90% of poison exposures happen at home.

         Common chlorine bleach is the #1 household chemical involved in poisoning

         Common cleaners give off fumes that can potentially increase the risk of kids developing asthma, the most common chronic childhood disease.  Today 1 in 13 school-aged children has asthma.  Rates in children under age 5 have increased more than 160% from 1980-1994

         If your home is anything like the average U.S. home, you generate more than 20 pounds of household hazardous waste each year (the EPA designates toilet cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, over cleaners and bleach as hazardous waste.)   

After watching the “Going Green” episode on the Oprah Show in April 2007, I was intrigued by the product line and corporate philosophy of the company that was featured.  They created the first biodegradable cleaning product back in 1960.  Audience members went home with a starter kit; so I logged on and ordered one too.    

The advantages of SAFE & GREEN Clean 

• The clean, fresh, natural smell (no toxic fumes, harsh chemicals or fake lemon scent—their cleaning agents are plant-based not petroleum based!)

• My kids can help me clean, spray and wipe  (non-toxic)

• They outperform conventional cleaning products that are filling our homes and our planet with toxins and packaging waste. 

• I’ve learned that ‘being green” doesn’t mean they can’t be powerful.   I.e. a scouring paste made from dried cherries (under a dime size amount) got off rust stains in my shower that had been there for months.

• No more…”Don’t touch that, those are chemicals!”  Humans and pets are safe.

• Fewer products to keep track of.  The multi-purpose cleaner does just that.

• The organic cleaning wipes and dryer sheets go in your recycle bin after use.

• Saves money: Highly concentrated products; use less...save more.

• Less packaging, less waste of natural resources.  Refillable containers that are pretty enough to leave on your countertops. 

Spreading the Word!  I loved the products so much I became an independent distributor. I am proud to share these products with our family readers, not just because they are safe, powerful, green and smart, but I truly believe that little changes equals BIG results.  

• Click here to learn more about these biodegradable cleaning products OR Call Kim Little, Shaklee Independent Distributor, at 217-622-6966 for a free DVD on healthy home and green cleaning tips.

Additional references:

• Visit the Illinois EPA list for hazardous waste.

• Green Clean: The Environmentally sound guide to cleaning your home  by Linda Mason Hunter

• The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen 

• 100’s of practical tips for small things we can do to protect our natural resources. 

While this site has a lot of great information about your health and safety of products, I use the Cosmetic Safety Database most frequently.  You can type in the name of your toothpaste, make up, baby wash, and much more and find out what is in your products and how it affects your body.  You can also search by ingredient or by the product category to find out what brands are the best to use.  It is a very user friendly site and a great way to educate yourself about how to avoid harmful chemicals. 

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Don't miss the comprehensive list of 101 Tips for Going Green in the Springfield Area Compiled by Series Editor, Jen Dillman.

It will be YOUR Guide to Going Green, Springfield Moms Style!

Additional Going Green 101 Tips here

This ride benefits three well established, statewide environmental groups.

Each group has worked for over 30 years on issues such as clean air and water, healthy foods, protection of natural areas and education. 

Happy Green Bee was founded by the person who started Burt’s Bees and is committed to organic, safe infant and toddler clothing. 

The clothes are super soft, gender-free, and wonderful bright colors.  My daughter also got a Happy Green Bee doll who she adores and so do I!

www.cleanwelltoday.com

 CleanWell hand sanitizers & antibacterial hand washes are made with an all-natural formula called Ingenium.  CleanWell is not made with artificial fragrances or alcohol.  The Target in Springfield does sell these products. If you have tried CleanWell, please email the Going Green Page Series Editor, Jen Dillman, with your opinion on these products. 

I have fallen in love with this wonderful natural soap made by a work at home mom in Wisconsin.  She uses essential plant oils, never synthetic fragrances and no animal products.  One of our favorites is the Rosemary Sage Shampoo Bar which is great for traveling.  You don't have to take along bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash - this is an all in one!  Check out the site for other wonderful soaps ranging from Lavender Breeze to Tea Tree (great for hands!) to Oatmeal Spice. 

Did you know disposable diapers can take up to 500 years to decompose in a landfill?

The 3rd edition of "Room to Room - A Household Guide to Recycling and Reuse," is now available from the City of Springfield's Division of Waste and Recycling. This guide provides alternative avenues for handling more than 150 waste items generated from households so that these items stay out of landfills and incinerators. The Guide is also available on the City's website: http://www.springfield.il.us/City_Gov/works/Room2Room.pdf.  Residents can contact the Manager of the City’s Division of Waste and Recycling at 789-2327 for a copy to be mailed to them. Kathi Davis, a contributor to Springfield Moms and creator of the guide, would be happy to answer any questions about the contents of the guide.

The Illinois EPA, Sangamon County and the City of Springfield are co-hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Collection. 

April 12th at IDOT.DETAILS here!

For a list of acceptable items to bring, visit www.epa.state.il.us/land/hazardous-waste/household-haz-waste/hhwc-schedule.html or call 217/785-8640.

Saturday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lincoln Park

The annual Earth Awareness Fair is coming up on April 26th, 2008.  Start stockpiling your recyclables and be ready to learn and share information about all kinds of environmental issues.  For more information, contact the City of Springfield at 217/789-2327 or the Sangamon County Health Department's Recycling Division at 217/535-3100.

Another option, called Freecycling, reduces waste by connecting individuals who are throwing items away with others who can use them. The Springfield IL website, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/freecyclespfldil is part of the international Freecycle organization (www.freecycle.org). Anyone with access to a computer can log onto the site and post an item they can no longer use but could be used by someone else.   Every material listing must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages.

Recycling is something we all can do every day. At the Earth Awareness Fair, Springfield Moms did a great job collecting many reusable items to share with non-profit groups in Springfield. Many of you who could not attend have asked where you can take these items year-round.

Here is a list of items to clean out and share with groups who can put them to use to benefit our community.

Towels, Rugs, and Blankets (gently used and new): To help keep the kennels of these abandoned animals comfortable and clean until their new owners adopt them!  "You may drop off  your towels and blankets at the Animal Protective League 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield IL 544-7387 (behind State Fair Grounds)

Old Cell Phones with or without chargers: Sojourn Women’s Shelter is able to issue these to shelter victims to give them an emergency 9-1-1 phone to use. For the parts they cannot use, they can work with a company to get money to apply to other shelter needs. Cell phones can be dropped off at the shelter (1800 Westchester Blvd.) or anytime or at their resale store (Sojourn's Westside Fashions located on West White Oaks Dr. behind Kohl's) M-S from 10-6.

Cartridges (Printer, Fax, Copier) (used, empty ones): Take to either PetSmart, Sojourn Women’s Shelter 1800 Westchester Blvd or to the local office of Habitat for Humanity. These organizations recycle them and get cash to use for their organizations or for non-profits they sponsor. You can also drop off 1-2 printer cartridges at Office Max and in return, get a $3 store credit.

Prescription Eyeglasses (and cases) you no longer need: Take to Lens Crafters where they are sent to Eye Doctors in Central and South America. They then match them as closely as possible to local resident’s prescriptions and give them a free pair of glasses.  

Green Gardening Tips

State environmental agency offers environmentally-friendly tips for green thumbs

Reprinted with permission from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott urges “green thumbs,” and anyone who maintains a lawn, throughout Illinois to think green by using employing eco-friendly habits when gardening.

“Spring is typically a time when people plants flowers, clean up their yards and spend a great deal of time outdoors.  Being green is more important than ever and these eco-friendly suggestions are an opportunity to adopt a greener lifestyle, while helping to keep chemicals out of the waste stream and groundwater,” said Director Scott.  “It can also reduce the exposure of children and pets to lawn and garden chemicals.”

Some environmentally friendly green gardening solutions, which may reduce the need to use other non-environmentally friendly products, are easily made from products in the home and are easy for any gardener to adopt.  Some eco-friendly gardening alternatives include:

October 30 - December 8: The Department of Public Works provides a month of free yard waste collection during November each year. This year's collection will run from November 6 through December 1. No stickers are required at this time and there is no need to call to receive service. Place your yard waste bags or containers clearly labeled "Yard Waste" in letters large enough to be seen from the street, in the area between your sidewalk and street. This collection is intended for leaves, grass clippings and brush/sticks the size of a pencil or smaller. Sweet gum balls may be placed in the trash, or may be placed in yard waste bags. 

Free branch collection for fallen branches and brush is provided by Public Works crews from spring through November each year. There is no need to call to receive service – simply place your branches and brush in a pile between the sidewalk and street in front of your house. There is no way to tell exactly when crews will be by your house. If you have a really large branch pile, call to turn this in at the Public Works garage at 789-2246.  (Note: "Branches" means any tree limb, stick or brush larger around than a pencil; anything smaller should be placed in yard waste bags
for disposal).

Large quantities of free mulch and wood chips are available year-round from the Public Works Southwest Facility located at 1100 Recreation Drive. Loading assistance may be available for very large loads of mulch; call 789-2325 for details.  Hours are M-F 7-3 and Saturdays (through October) 7-12.