How about recycling some food today?!

Yes, you read the title right. Today we did a craft using nuts and berries from our pantry. Last year's holiday baking supplies were on the verge of being, well, stale. So instead of throwing it all out, we decided to share with our backyard buddies.

For a couple of days we have been saving milkweed pods in a baggie all in anticipation of our bird craft. We filled plates with our various mixtures, thread a thin wire through the pods, and then loaded them with peanut butter. After they were filled with the PB we pressed the pods into the nuts and berries. Voila! Gourmet bird snacks. Here are pictures of the Ecosavvykid and his trusty (cute too) side-kick baby-sister, Jamie. Thanks to Colin for letting me write an article on his blog too! The Ecosavvykids' Mommy

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/ Cool site to check out too!

Solar Energy the New Frontier!

Solar energy is power from the sun. You probably have seen a solar panel once or twice, but never knew how important they really are. They produce renewable energy. The difference between renewable and non-renewable energy is very simple: renewable energy (sun,wind and water) can be used over and over, without being used up! But non-renewable energy (wood, coal, oil and natural gas) are resources, that if used too much, will be gone forever. Solar energy is a renewable energy source. Solar panel prices are dropping, so they will be more affordable (note from ecosavvymom: tell your parents they can get special tax credits for this!) You might have one someday too! Last week I interviewed Jon Budreski from Solar Works Inc (www.solar-works.com). Here are some of the questions I asked him:


Q. How long have solar panels been around?
A. Well over 50/75 years. The first solar electric cells were in the 1950's.

Q. Do solar panels have to be a certain size?
A. No, they can be any size. If you are putting panels on your house they are usually 2 x 4 feet. You can put on as many as you roof line can hold.

Q. How much energy can a solar panel provide a house?
A. Solar panels make up a solar ray of about 10 to 20 panels. This can produce about 80-100% of your electrical needs! WOW! Most systems produce 50-75% of the energy needed in your home and you can get a state rebate too! (find out more about your state here: http://www.dsireusa.org/)

Q.Will a solar panel still work if it is cloudy?
A. Yes. Some of the solar cells catch the low-band wavelengths even on a cloudy day! They can still produce energy.

Q How did you get involved in solar energy?
A. I have an environmental background and did research in water quality. My degree is in Natural Resouces Management.

QUIZ: Guess which state in New England has more solar panels per capita than any state in the nation? Hint...Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and some awesome skiing! Yep...Vermont!

Thanks again Jon! You were awesome!! I hope all of you found this interesting and maybe, in the future, everybody will have solar energy. Then we will all be green! Check out this cool stuff to learn more:

Neat sites:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/index.html

http://www.planete-energies.com/content/renewable-energies.html

http://www.think-energy.com

Cool Videos!
http://www.planete-energies.com/FrontOffice/Players/PopupPlayerAnim.aspx?contentId=692a8073-0a2f-4154-98dc-6f3b2c714baf&pageFrom=Encyclo

http://www.planete-energies.com/FrontOffice/Players/PopupPlayerAnim.aspx?contentId=e633361b-b54f-4b12-83f6-a824baad198d&pageFrom=Encyclo

10 Ways to Eat Quick, Healthy and Green Breakfasts - thedailygreen.com

10 Ways to Eat Quick, Healthy and Green Breakfasts - thedailygreen.com

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Save The Bay

Donna DeForbes, Save The Bay’s resident Communications and Graphics Manager, offers insights on raising kids with a sense of ecological consciousness. Check it out!http://www.savebay.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=898&srcid=898

School Days, Love Mom

Getting ready to go back to school can be stressful...and I mean for the parents! Trying to pack healthy snacks and lunches, doing homework, practices, etc. However, adding in the eco-friendly piece to going back to school was easy this year.

Thanks to Reusablebags.com and Wrap-N-Mat. Both kids use Kleen Kanteens, so no more little water bottles to buy and a savings of $100 for the school year: .28 a bottle x 180 school days x 2 = $100. Sandwiches go to school in Wrap-N-Mats and a savings of $108.00: .30 per bag x 3 times = .90 a week x 60 days in a school year x 2 = $108!

Right there I saved $208.00...YEAH!

Jamie's adorable lunch bag is a 100% lead free, by Mimi the Sardine. Mimi the Sardine bags are made of acrylic coated cotton and nylon fabrics that meet the Oeko-Tex 100 Standard. Coating is plastic & PVC free. The Oeko-Tex 100 Standard is an ecological certification. It is a declaration to consumers that the cloth does not contain chemicals & components harmful to health. Highly regarded in Europe & now gaining recognition in the U.S. Read more about the Oeko-Tex 100 Standard.


Colin's lunch bag is made from next generation PET fabric that is as beautiful & strong as it is sustainable. Helps divert disposable plastic containers from our landfills. Unlike cheaper versions of recycled PET that are scratchy and have a tendency to pile badly over time. Colors have a cool sheen and hide dirt well. For occasional cleaning, just toss in washing machine and drip dry. How awesome is that! Go to our What's New page for Colin's views on what you can do in September to be eco-friendly this school season.

www.ecosavvykid.com