Sustainability

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." 
~Native American Proverb




It seems everywhere you go lately you hear about "going green", which seems to be the latest fashion trend.  If we are truly concerned about the health of our children and the planet, we need to focus on sustainabilty.  When we talk about sustainability, we encompass a wide range of goals and actions to take, both long and short term.   Doing so ensures a better future for our children and sets the example they need as well.  It is a learning process and takes time.  It begins with awareness and information gathering.  We can help by providing useful resources and support.  Many changes in lifestyle may be necessary, but know that people all over the world are joining together to create a sustainable future for the next generation.  
We must all work together!


Reduce, Reuse, Recycle


Reduce
Here are some tips to help you you reduce what you buy, reduce what you spend, and live a bit simpler.

BUY LESS STUFF
This doesn't mean you have to cut your food budget, forget holiday shopping, or deny yourself or your children the occasional new item.  Start slowly by asking yourself a few questions when you feel the "need" to go shopping:

• Shop on a certain day each week and plan ahead where you will spend money
• Have a budget worked out so you know what you can afford
• Pay in cash, not credit
• Consider the environmental impact of what you buy (cost of production, transportation, etc.)
• Purchase products with the least amount of packaging
• Purchase products made from recycled materials (see below)
  
• Buy products which have been made locally if possible

Reuse
Frugality nevers goes out of style!

BUY USED STUFF
What could be better than finding a great item on sale?  
How about getting clothes, toys, furniture, and just about anything else your family needs for a fraction of the price?  
Trust me, no one will know you bought it used, unless you feel the urge to tell them about the unbeatable deal you got because you are a smart, sustainable eco-shopper.  Have some cash on hand and hit the garage sales this weekend or find a local consignment store.  In our area, we love to shop Children's Orchard for kids clothing and toys.  Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift stores are wonderful places to find great buys as well.

Recycle
Close the loop by recycling what you can and think about alternatives to throwing items away.
 Where to Recycle (practically anything) in your area

What the recycling codes mean

SELL YOUR STUFF
It's a sure sign of spring when garage sale signs start going up!  
Everyone loves a bargain, but purchasing used items is also good for the environment.
Garage sales are a great way to get rid of things your family no longer needs, while making a few bucks.  
Enlist the help of your children with labeling and preparing items for display.  
Kids also love the excuse to sell lemonade or cookies to the neighbors!

DONATE YOUR STUFF
Don't have the time or desire to have a garage sale?  
Many non-profits will pick-up your used household items and get them to people who really need them.
Find a Charity

Recycling-Revolution has great ideas for parents to raise children who naturally reduce, reuse and recycle

Crazy Crayons Recycling Program



Check out Nutrition for information on buying local foods, organics, pesticides and more.  
The industrial food system wreaks havoc on us and our world!


Kansas City Area Residents Click Here

Sustainable Food sources:
Finding Locally Grown Foods
Slow Food Movement
Oldways

Sustainable Home Care:
Seventh Generation Products
EcoHaus-Environmentally-friendly building and renovating

Sustainable Consumption:
The Green Guide
Natural Resources Defense Council
The New American Dream

Sustainable Baby Care:
Happybottomus
Planet Green-Babies
Nature's One

The Empowerment Institute:
Families and Communities-Green Living Program
Kids and Schools-Journey for the Planet


Worldwatch Institute gives information and statistics, as well as practical solutions for living a sustainable lifestyle.

Rainforest Action Network is loaded with information and resources to learn what we can all do about some of the most important issues facing the world today.

Eartheasy is a fantastic site for anyone wanting to live a simpler, eco-friendly life.



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Contact Us:

danielle@fullcirclechild.com