April 2012

Go GREENkids

&parents

ReVamp Your Kids

Eco-Style

Giving Back to the

Community

Summer Time GOGREEN SUMMER 2012

Room

Editors Note C A harlene lvarez

GOGREEN SUMMER 2012

GOGREEN SUMMER 2012 This Earth Day my wish is for all to recognize the beauty that surrounds us everyday. The importance of experiencing nature with our children and the vastness of discovering new places and the hidden treasures of beauty in the world that surrounds us. We all must find ways to help rejuvenate the damaging ways we all contribute in everyday life. By recognizing the little habits of destruction we all take part in everyday, we then become a good steward for our children to be molded by our actions and reactions we show them daily.

In most of our pasts we can recall memories of our childhood playing outdoors or in awe of the vastness of trees to climb, or the flowers to smell.

I urge all residents to get out more often then not, throughout the year, not just one day, but many, come to an appreciation and respect for preciousness of our open spaces. This year be inspired to protect. To live each day humbly, is to act responsibly mindfully.

Happy GREEN Living,

Tableof

contents

Earth Day April 2012

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page

Homework Help page 36

Recycle, Reduse, Reuse & Redesign page18

page14 10 page

page12

kids

Inside the Heart of Parents

In order for our planet to succeed in

allow our children of the world to be children, allow them to be free from the the ever growing fight against the worries of the world, then and only then destruction of our natural resources, can we expect a new generation of residents of in the 21st century must healing. The gardens of the world begin participate and offer their help in with the cultivation of a child's heart to cultivating a dream and help expressing produce a greener atmosphere. The and finding the creativity that is born produce that is created in a child's soul within the soul of every child. We must will bring forth the harvest of a lifetime all participate by planting a seed and of environmentally sustainable residents sowing a garden in the hearts of all who will then produce generations of children, through these works, a dream appreciation of life, along with values and will manifest its self into a reality. respect for every resident of the planet. In Sustainability begins in the heart of a order that we, as parents of our children child, the dreams that are present in their in the 21st century recognize the souls from the very beginning of life. importance of teaching and displaying The world and creations of the earth acts of concerned caretakers of the earth. will only be cherished and appreciated In order that we succeed, many will have when a child is free from the problems or to take a step back into our own stress of their personal environments. childhood to correct the errors of our very When a child is free to be the creative own gardeners of our own inner gardens. person that resides in their soul, you will We must have a renewing of our minds then find a nurturing adult who respects in what we mirror to children in our ever life and the world around them. When we changing fast paced world we display.

We must show concern and respect to each other and kindness to walk softly into their worlds in love and honor for life and respect for their future. The displays of sustainability must be constant in your thoughts and home, our actions and reactions in a society of connivence. Residents of the earth must correct their actions on a daily basis, our society calls for displays of constant nurturing so that we encourage our children at an early age to recognize the importance of sustainability and environmentally correct actions. Whether parents or residents of the earth, we all have the responsibility to teach and leave no trails of destruction, only abiding in great love and honor for life. They will become what we teach them, where there is one willing, multitudes may follow.

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health

1

healthy snacks FOR YOU & ME

almonds

blackberries

carrot sticks

apples 1

grapes

pistachios

kids

Children's Fears By: Eva L. Lawton

Whether or not we subscribe fully to that school of psychology which claims that the child

is born with no fears except those caused by a loud noise or loss of support, we will probably admit that by the time he has reached the age of 3 or 4 years, he is burdened with a quantity and variety of definitely acquired fears. In most cases, he is afraid of the dark, timid of strangers, subject to bad dreams and occasionally to night terrors, fearsome of animals, both large and small. By the time he is 9 or 10 years old, he may have added to this list, secretiveness, jealousy, and a feeling of discouragement and inferiority.

If one looks these facts squarely in the face, it is hard to attribute this state of affairs to other causes than faulty home or school environment, and faulty parental attitudes and training by nurses, teachers, or parents. From these childish phases, is graduated the adult who is restless, unstable, hypersensitive and neurotic.

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Early Years Important more and more is it being recognized that the neuroses and complexes of adult life have their origin in the early years of the child's mental and emotional plasticity. The mother who is so afraid of exposing her child to infection or contagion that she tries to build a wall of security around him by depriving him of the normal companionship of other children, and the nurse who puts a protecting arm around her young charge at the approach of a dog, are both creating feelings of insecurity and timidity. The child will immediately sense a danger from which it is being guarded. Rather should he be fired with courage to face what he must eventually face if he is to live in the world as it is.

This feeling of insecurity seems to be at the base of most fears and extends from the field of the physical into the field of the emotional and psychic. The child's fear of the unknown is exemplified by his fear of the dark, his timidity of strangers and of animals. In the adolescent it takes on the form of fear of being misunderstood and unappreciated. In the adult it leads to bigotry and prejudice—the outcome of his hostile attitude toward that which is strange and foreign to him, whether in ideas or in people.

The great European psychologist, Dr. Alfred Adler enumerates three types of children who manifest feelings of inferiority: (1) the child born with defective organs, which cause irritation and discomfort; (2) the "spoiled" child, who is entirely dependent upon a second person (usually the mother) for his happiness and security; (3) the child who is neglected or unwelcome, who seeks satisfaction by becoming a problem to those responsible for him, thus drawing attention to himself.

If as parents or teachers we have to combat fears or feelings of inferiority in a child, it is both unwise and unfair to try to ridicule or bully him out of them. Our first task is to get at the fundamental causes, to trace back to the physical or emotional difficulty which is at the base. Where we have created a feeling of helplessness and insecurity, we must build up a courageousness, a facing of situations, self-control and the child's mastery of himself and his environment. This is not difficult if begun early in life, but a most Herculean task if begun after lack of self-confidence and complexes of various kinds have taken hold of the child, and habits of morbidity have become set.

Source: Lawton, Eva L. What to Tell the Public About Health. New York: American Public Health Association,

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ENVIRONMENT with Sarah Helping to promote and teach environmental responsibility is extremely important for the quality of life for our future generations. Environmental responsibility is not only found in areas that are always obvious to us, such as recycling or organic eating. It is also important to recognize our daily impact on the Earth from areas that may not be as obvious, such as the products we use. This specific area of environmental friendliness may get overlooked by some simply because we are not exposed to the education needed to impact our thought process in this areas on a daily basis.

Two years ago, I was introduced to a company that stands by a commitment to being green through the production and packaging of their products as well as being green in regards to the ingredients that they put into their products; Arbonne International. Arbonne is a 30 year old health and wellness company that focuses on products that are pure, safe, and beneficial for our bodies AND our environment.

This philosophy really resonated with me as a teacher because I realized that I could take my knowledge of living healthier through the products I use, and be able to share with and educate others.

I discovered that Arbonne uses botanically based ingredients and does not use harmful ingredients found in so many of the other products on the market. The “hot list” of ingredients that are NOT found in Arbonne products are as follows: • NO animal products or by-products • NO parabens • NO formaldehyde-donating preservatives • NO mineral oil, benzene, or phthalates • NO PABA Arbonne also shows respect for the environment through their Green

Commitment.

This commitment includes: • the use of renewable sources for all paper packaging • support of responsible harvesting of our botanical ingredients (harvest and replenish) • never utilizes endangered plant species in any of the formulations • the use of soy-based inks wherever possible • ensure the distribution facilities have recycling programs for all incidental supplies of packaging and shipping Arbonne is a company that is truly green inside (for our bodies) and outside (for the environment).

Sarah Burlingame is an elementary school teacher for Florida Broward County Public Schools, she currently teaches 3rd grade. She enjoys spending time with her family, students and dog.

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health

The Changes Taking Place

Presented by } Jessica Murray

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T

hese days it

seems boys and girls are more interested in the latest video game, television and latest toys rather than going outside to play.

The evolution on technology and media has grown abundantly within the past years altering children and parents perception what they need in order to have fun.

Playing outside is critical for children to learn

environmental lifestyle habits, exercise, emotional health, developmental skills and overall happiness. Most parents of children today can tell you countless stories of growing up and enjoying the outdoors, you have a conversation with a child today they know every cartoon character name along with matching plastic toys. Its starting to know children around the world are choosing the indoors, losing traditional children games dating back to centuries ago.

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a playground slide and swing set for the

backyard all you need is your child's attention away from the television. Your child is more opt to play outdoors when they have someone to play with teach them games you used to play as a child. Play creative games getting your child's heart rate up and keeping them busy subconsciously promoting health and well being to them. Engage your child in their surrounding research the flowers, trees, animals and clouds you spot. Start spending more time outside creating a positive and inviting atmosphere have a healthy breakfast outside together or start doing homework on the porch and afterwards reward them with new activities and games you could do outdoors.

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health

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents limit children’s screen time -- TV, video, computer and video games -- to no more than two hours a day, keeping children’s bedrooms “media free,” and keeping violent video games out of homes where they may be observed or played by young children

According to the Henery J Kaiser Foundation major studies indicate that children ages 2-18 spend, on average, between 20-33 minutes a day playing video games.

The amount of time spent playing video games varies by age. On average, 2-7 year-olds spend 8 minutes a day, 8-13 year-olds spend 32 minutes a day, and 14-18 year-olds spend 20 minutes a day playing video games.

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Not So Appetizing

kids

Processed foods are drained of their nutrients value from the time they grow in the soil, feeding off fertilizers and pesticides. By Layla Lindsey drastically changed America, ! he depth of processed creating a new generation of foods in America have devastating society with a reliance on impacts leading to an unsustainable grown considerably over the last 50 convenient fast food, which is cycle, which will ultimately result in deceivingly satisfying yet incredibly years, in 1960 the rate of obesity was the destruction of not only the earth at 13.3 percent. In 2004, it increased hazardous to our health. but, the human race. Through the to 32.1 percent and is continuing to process we have created an rise, therefore causing an irreversible pattern of epidemic obesity rate.

One of these sweet treats can contain 12 to altering foods from there Unhealthy weight gain due natural state. They are 21 grams of fat and little to to a poor diet and lack of depriving our health, are exercise, its responsible for responsible for economic in over 300,000 deaths each fluctuations, and destroying year. The annual cost to no nutritional value the natural process of the society for obesity is environment to continue estimated at nearly $100 producing natural resources. billion. Over weight children are much more !

Processed foods are likely to become drained of their nutrients overweight adults due to value from the time they unhealthy eating habits grow in the soil, feeding off and lack of exercise. In fertilizers and pesticides.

2007, John Hopkins Grocery stores, restaurants, Bloomberg School of Public fast food places, and most Health warned: “If not any location you could halted, the ever-increasing purchase food is processed obesity crisis will explode to some degree. Many items by 2015 to 24% of children such as canned foods, white and adolescents being breads, pastas, snack foods, overweight or obese, and chips, cheeses, frozen 75% of adults being foods, boxed meal mixes, overweight with 41% breakfast cereals, processed being obese. Currently meats, and most all fast over fifty percent of people food meals etc. All these with severe weight altered foods of nearly no problems have diabetes !

The modifications of our food nutritional value also called empty alone.

At this time, the CDC and NIH system has serious long term health calories, are made of trans fats, have estimated over 7% of our saturated fats, high levels of sodium, problems of obesity, diabetes, high population has a form of diabetes for cholesterol, heart problems,high and excessive amounts of artificial a total of over 21 million people but blood pressure,various illnesses and sweeteners such high fructose corn nearly a third are undiagnosed.� syrups,artificial coloring, flavors, and even certain types of cancer. The United States food consumption has aromas. The fast food industry has

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The economic impacts of processed foods is alarming, it all begins with the distribution of processed foods into the economy by distributers to super centers, fast food chains, and restaurants across America. The economy is directly affected by benefiting the large corporations and establishments which produce in mass quantities instead of the quality of food.These establishments are directly responsible for gaining immense profits from exploiting natural resources and our health for money.

Processed foods may seem cheaper and more filling yet, they are destroying our well being. Our bodies

exposed to these toxins cause health from the related issues, studies have shown that biochemistry of the obesity not only affects individuals; it soils to the extent of what an animal living conditions are. According to the US Department of Agriculture has “The nutritional quality of produce since the 1950s and has seen a steady decline. According to Brian Halwell, a researcher for WorldWatch, vitamin C has declines by 20%, iron by 15 percent riboflavin by 38 percent, and calcium by 16 percent. So we are now getting less nutrition per calorie in our foods. In essence, we have to eat more food to get the same vitamin and mineral continent.”

“The obesity crisis will explode by 2015 to 24% of children and adolescents being overweight or obese, and 75% of adults being overweight with 41% being obese”

also drains the economy. According to WIN, overweight and obese conditions cost a total of $117 billion per year in medical expenses. Obesity also affects productivity, and an estimated $3.9 billion a year is lost due to weight-caused illnesses.

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Beginning to recognize personal eating habits and diet changes to not consume processed foods will benefit health immensely, while making a strong statement Type to enter text against the commercialized food Processed foods also industry lead by the corporate chains have environmental destroying the Earth and health of The nutritional quality of produce since related issues as Americans. Consume a balanced diet the 1950s and has seen a steady decline. well. Its an of whole foods, whole grains, extensive cycle of proteins, fruits and vegetables. In how we grow food todays society we need to make a industrially and drain our natural strong commitment to make a changes resources to produce chemically in the food industry in order to prevail engineered foods in order to and to create a sustainable society in distribute more, to meet the relation to a natural regrowth of our demands processed foods food production that contains its true throughout America. Therefore nutrients instead a cheap and causing the need to expand feed convenient outlet of processed foods. lots, and crops which depletes Earths resources. Food processes involve a very intricate origins

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kids

Earth Day

is a day recognized

each year worldwide, with events that promote awareness and appreciation of Earth’s natural environment. Since it’s beginnings, Earth Day is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year. The day is recognized on April 22 of every year.

Earth Day began it’s birth by the name of one person who pioneered the idea that has become what it is this day.

Mr. John McConnell at a 1969 UNESCO conference in San Francisco it was the first Proclamation of Earth Day in San Francisco. The first official day of observation was March 21, 1970 in San Francisco and other cities where it is the

first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

participating in the activities in thousands of places around the world.

Many cities and countries across the globe extend the celebrations into a week of events and recognition. The April 22 Earth Day in 2000 focused on global warming and pushing or clean energy. For 2000, Earth Day had the worldwide internet to help link activist around the world to join arms. By the time the date came around, over 5,000 environmental groups around the world were on board, reaching to hundreds of millions of people in record of 184 countries. As the history of Earth Day enfolds stronger and stronger each year, there is one that, thus far has been one of the largest to this date.

Earth Day 2007 was the largest on record, with an estimated billion people

With such a rich past and healing future, we must all appreciate to which it all began. Earth Day 2012 should supersede it’s past, with the awareness that is and continues to be taught in our schools and the people who make it happen, we must all spread the word through our many ways of technology and resources. Today our world has gained advancement in technology and resources, much more than our previous years, but one truth still remains the same: The more we create and reproduce, we have a greater need of supply and demand, which in turn is the utmost importance to be focused on Earth Day 2012.

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HAPPY EARTH DAY

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EARTH & WATER Scientist Daren Johnston PG

When viewed from space, the earth looks like a blue marble with white swirls. The blue is liquid water, the white swirls are clouds, and ice caps the poles. With the earth's appearance due to its water, it’s not surprising most people know it’s important to protect our rivers, streams and other waterways. All life on land depends on freshwater carried in rivers and streams, so there are many reasons for protecting them. Because our waterways can be harmed in many ways, we must all work together protect them.

Growing urban areas are constructing more and more buildings with parking lots and roads that do not allow rain and melting snow to be absorbed into the ground. This human development creates huge amounts of unabsorbed water called “surface runoff” that that damage our rivers, streams, lakes and oceans. Forcing water from rain and melted snow to stay above the ground causes soil erosion, clogged streams and lakes, flooding, less plants and animals, dried out soil, and dried up wells. This is such a big problem because cities are so big, they are all built differently, and they are built in places that have different land, plants, and animals.

Water from rain and snow is often considered only a problem that just needs to be sent away. Surface runoff is then quickly drained into local wetlands, lakes, and streams. Managing surface runoff with pipes and concrete lined gutters, ditches and channels, is all very expensive. While they are sometimes needed for downtown areas, concrete and pipe solutions usually cause more problems then they solve.

RAIN WATER Charlene Alvarez The history of rainwater usage can be traced back to as early as Biblical times. It was done in ancient Palestine, Greece and Rome. Farming communities used harvesting to supply their water requirements in several different ways including various forms of storage. Since those days of long ago, we’ve become a society that on an average household uses over 650 liters of water everyday, this equals to around 240,000 liters, or 5 average sized swimming pools each year.

The main uses of water in an average family size home are flushing toilets showering & bathing, hygiene, laundry, dishes, drinking, cooking and cleaning, gardening and sprinkler systems || continued on page 15

the earth looks like a blue marble with white swirls

More knowledge of surface runoff problems will lead to more solutions. We need to realize storm water is a valuable natural resource when absorbed into the ground and not just sent quickly away. Buildings, roofs, parking lots, streets, driveways, alleys, sidewalks, landscaped areas, and parks should be designed and built to allow water from rain and melted snow to drain into the ground where it belongs.

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reading from the start

|| continued

The Beginning of Reading

By Mark Hogan

By reducing the amount of water your family uses, you help reduce family cost in water and energy, with the added benefit of helping to sustain our water resources. Rainwater may be contaminated due to pollutants like microscopic germs, without the necessary equipment for human consumption, most should begin the collection for purposes other than drinking water. Rain water from various sources can be useful for many purposes that include, but not limited to:

CLEANING

Household jobs, auto, bike, and window washing

PLANTING Indoor and outdoor foliage.

Our greenery all begins outdoors

OUT DOOR FUN

Water Balloons, water fights, slip and slides, and water fun

Rainwater purposes are many, but the importance of using rainwater is to teach our children the less we use in our households, When we show children their personal hand in the amount of natural water usage they are conserving and helping our planet, it becomes an adventure and journey to a destination of sustainability with an added confidence in saving the family money in reducing water bills and energy cost. Encouraging our children to be creative with our natural resources in water and energy, is creating a good steward with habits that will sustain our earth and their families to come. When a family creates together, solutions begin.

We all know the importance of reading to our children early on in life, but studies confirming that from the beginning of conception it is equally important to begin reading way ahead of their upcoming journey of the school years that are before them. According to Child Care Aware, studies have shown that kids who are read to everyday form an early age have a higher chance of being successful in reading and writing. It has also been stated that reading to your child while in the womb has a calming effect. It is known that a mothers body and walls that separate our unborn children, are the barriers and safe haven for our babies, but it also can be a bonding experience before life begins. By the sixth month in the womb, babies can hear and recognize their mothers voice; upon recognition the baby is calmed by the sound of the mothers voice.

Reading with your child is a great way to establish earlier beneficial habits. So, whether you being in the earlier stages of the life within, or after the arrival, the message is still the same. “Teach them to read often, without fail, without hesitation.�

The key to their wisdom is in the written words of the book.

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BRIEF SYNOPSIS

MORE INTERESTING THAN YOUR TEACHER AUTHOR: STUART WRIGHT

architecture art design fashion history photography theory and things

Black Dog Publishing Ltd London UK 10a acton street london wc1x 9ng united kingdom t: + 44 (0) 207 713 5097 f: + 44 (0) 207 713 8682 www.blackdogonline.com

October 2011 Paperback 176 pages 180 b/w and colour ills 17.5 x 12.5 cm ISBN 978 1 907317 50 7

For review copies or further information please contact press@blackdogonline.com

USA: 14.95

Offering fascinating insights into those small everyday conundrums, such as yawning, which came first—the chicken or the egg, and tickling, as well as reaching far into the realms of the exotic and unknown, with entries on ‘guano’, carnivorous plants and ‘snottites’, yes, ‘snottites’ (!?), More Interesting than your Teacher aims to fill your knowledge gaps and get your curiosity juices flowing.

Blood vessel

Red blood cell

This insightful volume is for anyone who has ever questioned the seemingly trivial and discovered enigmas lurking beneath such knowledge. Irreverently informative and deeply entertaining, More Interesting than your Teacher offers answers to all those questions you were too embarrassed to ask while at the same time exploring realms of learning you may never have previously delved into.

Each page provides engaging answers to new questions, with each query playfully illustrated with stunning visual and humorous references.

Developed as a hybrid scrap-book, each entry is explored with a new design; fonts and layout change to suit each individual topic, making More Interesting than your Teacher a gem of a book. This creative and unstructured approach to the world of knowledge ultimately illustrates the ethos of Stuart Wright’s project as a whole: to oppose the stifling and sterile approach of much conventional curricula and textbook knowledge, in order to rekindle our curiosity concerning the world around us.

White blood cell Plasma Platelets

IN SEROTON

E DOPAMIN

GLUTAMIC IC NITR

ACID

ACID

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Moody M ods seven six Has a need to be the very “best” and always “first”.Has endless energy. Has difficulty going out side the norm (flexible).Can and will consider fantasy real. May be silly, brash, and critical.

Begins to concentrate and reason.May lack self confidence.Demand more of parents/parent, and teachers time.

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As parents we see our children grow in different ways with many small ways, but when do we question or intervene with medical help or when the moods grow intensively stronger or occur more often than not.

Here are a few examples of behavior habits and moods of typical age category. eight

The average 8 year old is excitable, dramatic and inquisitive, AND may have times of aggressive expressiveness. Possesses a “I know” attitude. Is self condemning.Seeks the needs of others.May take on more than they can handle. Seeks praise. Is able to recognize some responsibility for their actions and reactions.

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6 89 Every situation is helping them grow into the person he/she will become. At six, children are leaning to understand themselves.

Teachers, siblings, Mom’s & Dads are to be a continued positive influence in helping them reach their roles socially, personally, and independently.

Likes attention, and dislikes being left out, even from simple praise.Be seven means school is not just academics.

The seven year old is now learning about themselves as a separate identity, and those around them. As parents, teachers, sibling and friends, will need to recognize and encourage them to continue to build relationships and gain respect for themselves and others. They must also develop a sense of responsibility in the home and family participating in chores with continued constancy.

School is s now taking on a social status. Teachers are helping them grow socially. Continue to help set goals with responsibility of consequences of behavior.

Your praise and continued support helps as well.

Nine is not fine; general age of confusion for kids. Feels the need to be a part of the group.Can empathize, feel awkward at times, needs to feel independent. Full of activity and energy.

Wants independence away from adults, and may rebel against rules and authority.

Teachers are helping them grow independently and socially. At nine they are learning how to make wise decisions and setting goals.

Parents encouragement with patience will help along the way to help set standards and goals.

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Inspiring ideas to enhance your child's room through warm wall colors to a stylish recycled re-vamp!

One way to look at mood effects of different colors is to see them as warm, cool, earth, and bright colors. Warm colors have a tendency to emulate warmth, intimacy, and relaxation. They tend to portray a sense of closeness and comfort. However, intense warm colors, such as reds and oranges, tend to stimulate and excite. If your child is warm and affectionate, you might want to consider designing the room with warm colors. The use of these colors may also give the room a warm and inviting feeling for your child.

Purple has the effects of blue and red, evoking stability and energy. Depending on the shade, it can signify royalty, power, and luxury. Lighter purples induce peacefulness and nostalgia, while darker purples may induce sadness or frustration.

You may have noticed that most room colors people choose fall within these tones, usually pale, light, or bright shades. Some of the most popular include pale yellows, greens, blues, and tans. This is because these colors tend to create warm, peaceful, and welcoming feelings. It is a little different for children’s rooms, however. You may have a hyperactive child that needs a more soothing room, or you may want a room color that is a little more stimulating. It all depends on how your child responds to certain colors and what he or she prefers.

For a mixture of color plans, you can create a wall mural for your child’s room. The various colors can help portray the desired effects you want for your kid. For instance, if you want a warm soothing color, but also one that will help stimulate and excite your child, consider a patterned wall mural with the different colors.

RITA WRIGHT Rita Wright is an interior designer, specializing in kids’ environments with over 15 years of experience in the industry. For more information on wall murals for kids, visit Create My Scene.

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Coffee cans, cooking cans, empty steel cans are an easy eco accessory to redesign, reorganize and recreate

recycling in a whole new way. Paint and decorate clean cans with your child. Use for light storage such as crayons, pencils, small plants or even light toys.

Wall decals are cheap, fun and brighten any child's

Wood from old furniture or even found outside. Let

room. Check out hu2.com for an exclusive line of

your child's imagination run wild with

eco wall decals for energy and water saving decor prints.

painting it into a fun art piece for his or room.

Fabrics your choice either donate or reuse as a fun new blanket, pillow, or plush toy. Compile old

clothes or purchase fun patterns from a local yard sale or thrift store.

Repaint old toys, redecorate and recreate toys. Use paints, stickers, old buttons and scrap paper to paper mache to make a whole new crafty toy.

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Type to enter text

By: Winnie Bartley “Treat the earth well.

It was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by

Going green what an incredible idea. We all live on

good for the

your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors,

planet earth. She is affectionately known as Mother

child. There

Earth in many circles. She nurtures and sustains us

is a major

all. Without her there is no life. Without her renewing

role for both

processes there is no future. Her bounty sustains all

mother and

plant, animal, and human species. All are held within

father in the

her bosom. The good mother is one who cares deeply

raising of

for herself and her environment. She is seen dressing

green kids. We worry about what a child will become

herself, beautifying herself, and working hard to have

tomorrow, yet we forget he is someone today. (Stacia

and maintain the very best for her family. She projects

Taucher) What will their future hold if the foundation

confidence to the world. These actions are seen

of learning about our planet – mother earth is not

whether she is rich or poor in financial means. It is the

pursued. Also, “to cherish what remains of the earth

richness of her spiritual self and the passion she

and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of

carries in her heart for her family that shows forth. Be

survival – Wendell Berry. The children are our future

she a single parent or a part if a more diverse family.

and also are linking testaments of our past. We are all

What about the man? Or father figure? If “he” loves his

products of our environment for both good and bad. We

children then he will even more greatly love his

need to set the good example for our children to follow,

children’s mother. Their early life in the womb as the

and, they surely will.

we borrow it from our Children.”

~ Ancient Indian Proverb

baby grows (is wholly hers). Following birth she feeds them from the breast and later from the bowl. Her influence is paramount over the child and all should take note. What is good for the mother should also be 21

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Be the change you wish

to see in the world.

Gandi 22

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Giving Back by Jeffery Manors

Community involvement

is among one of the

most overlooked activities adults and children should be engaged in. The benefits of community volunteering, event and community events along with the interaction among community members is beneficial, enlightening and rewarding.In order for your concerns regarding community safety, environmental efforts, and community based projects projecting growth, modifications or additions needs to be heard by the member of structured community organizations and members. Your ideas, thoughts and concerns are wanted to implement changes however most progress is stalled or cancelled due to community involvement lacking. Involvement isn't the only thing lacking community involvement in your neighbor hood but communication is as well. Across America citizens complain of the relationships neighbors and neighborhood citizens interact with one another in today’s society. Take action today in becoming more active in your community. Involving your children in community engagements promote leadership and expansion of life beyond school and home. At an early age they are capable of being apart of unity, humanitarianism hard work efforts and intelligence about local and world views effecting their lives and families. Visit local recreational community centers to gain knowledge of all the organizations you and your family would be interested in taking part in. There is an infinite list of local efforts making your community a better place everyday.

Volunteer

I’m strong in my community!

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An Easy Choice

health

Veggies, Fruits Oh My...

By Mary L. Gavin, MD

Don't expect kids — even teens — to cut up their own veggie sticks. It's just too much bother, especially when they're hungry. Kids are more inclined to eat what's handy. That's where you come in. Make healthy snacks easily available by packing them in their lunch boxes or backpacks or by having them visible and ready-to-eat at home.

If you're at home after school, your youngster might enjoy helping you make a creative snack like ants on a log (celery topped with peanut butter and raisin "ants"), egg boats (hard-boiled egg wedges topped with a cheese sail), or fruit kabobs. Older kids may enjoy a fruit smoothie, mini-pitas with hummus dip, or whole-grain crackers topped with cheese and pear slices.

Older kids often like making their own snacks, so provide the ingredients and a few simple instructions. If dinner is just around the corner, consider allowing a "first course," such as a small salad or side vegetable while you finish preparing the family meal.

For those nights when dinner is hours away, you could opt for a more substantial snack such as half a sandwich or a quesadilla made with a whole-wheat tortilla, low-fat cheese, and salsa warmed in the microwave. Nothing too complicated, though. A good snack should take more time to eat than it does to prepare!

If your child goes to an after-school program or to a caregiver's Older kids may enjoy a house, find out fruit smoothie, mini-pitas with if snacks are hummus dip, or whole-grain served. If so, crackers topped with what's typically cheese and pear slices offered? If you don't like what you hear, suggest alternatives or just pack an extra snack your child can eat after school. Easyto-pack snack options include trail mix, nuts, lowsugar whole grain cereal, whole-grain pretzels or crackers, fresh or dried fruit, and cut-up vegetables.

What if your child comes home to an empty house? Again, the best strategy is to leave something healthy front and center on the kitchen counter or in the refrigerator. A hungry child, like a hungry adult, is likely to take the path of least resistance.

“

”

Try this healthy snack wrap

4 whole-wheat wraps (8 inches) 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded ½ cup shredded carrots 1 avocado, thinly sliced 1 cup baby spinach leaves ¼ cup of your favorite fat-free/ low-fat dressing (about 1 tablespoon per wrap) The Nemours Foundation/Kids Health Reprinted with Permission

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Pregnancy Pregnancy Liquids &Liquids and GOGREEN FALL 2011

health

By : Dr. Jeremiah Bartley MD

Much has been written about water, liquids, and pregnancy. For the purpose of brevity, I would like to discuss â&#x20AC;&#x153;drinking waterâ&#x20AC;?; not water retention, water birth or â&#x20AC;&#x153;breakingâ&#x20AC;? water, The overriding principle is to be reasonable with what you drink. '(;,9 *64790:,: :,=,5;@ E=, percent) of the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface and 60% (sixty percent) of the human body. What about other liquids in pregnancy? To quote Dr. Albert Reece, M.D., phD, MBA, ob/ gyn extraordinaireâ&#x20AC;&#x153;water is the best drink for a pregnant woman.â&#x20AC;?

have recommended a pregnant women should consume no more than one can of diet soda every 2-3 days. Clearly more research is needed to determine safety.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Other â&#x20AC;&#x153;drinksâ&#x20AC;?? What about beer?

Whiskey? Wine? Consumption of alcohol The institute of Medicine (I.O.M.) in pregnancy cannot be viewed as without recommends a pregnant woman to drink risk. Controversy continues whether there

30;,9: 69 (7796?04(;,3@ *<7: 6- F<0+: is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;safeâ&#x20AC;? level of alcohol consumption in a day. Breastfeeding mothers should pregnancy. consume 3.1 liters or approximately 13 We know that alcohol use in *<7: 6- F<0+: ( +(@ 5+ >/(; 0: ;/, F<0+ for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;mother to beâ&#x20AC;? to drinkâ&#x20AC;? WATER! pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Good old H2o, Adam and Eveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ale! Syndrome (FAS) a totally preventable disease. FAS is largely associated with '/(; ()6<; ;/, 6;/,9 F<0+: 69 (3*6/63 <:, 05 ;/, E9:; ;904,:;,9 6- instance fruit juices? Fruit juice is better pregnancy when organogenesis occurs but than fruit drinks, fruit juices which are is also can cause damage to the developing naturally sweetened are better than the fetus throughout pregnancy as the brain non-naturally sweetened varieties. And yet, continues to grow and develop. they all pose a potential problem, then The American College of Obstetrics contain large amounts of carbohydrates in the form of sugar. A pregnant diabetic and Gynecology (A.C.O.G.) says that woman or a gestational diabetic woman because it is not known how much alcohol 40./; /(=, +0-E*<3;@ *65;963305. /,9 )366+ it takes to harm a fetus and one beer, one sugar drinking large amounts of fruit juices glass of wine, one mixed drink, and one while water has no calories and no sugar, shot of whiskey all contain approximately 56 (9;0E*0(3 :>,,;,5,9: 56 :<.(9 (5+ 56 the same amount of alcohol then it is best color. not to drink at all during pregnancy.

How about Pop (if one is from the Northern U.S.) or Soda (if one is from the Southern parts of the U.S.) An occasional soft drink is okay. An excessive number of soft drinks might be a problem. Remember that regular sodas contain a lot of sugar, approximately 40 grams in a 12 oz can.

Diet sodas may even be worse. A recent study suggest a link between diet soda and preterm labor and preterm delivery. Some

If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.

Go milk? In pregnancy milk is associated with high birth weights for gestational age, lower risks of small for gestational age (SGA) and higher risks for large for gestational age (LGA) babies (Oct. 2007-American Journal of Clinical Nutrition). Birth weight was associated with protein intake derived from the mild and not with fat content. Milk also contains calcium and vitamin D, both of which are good for mom and baby. A pregnant woman can choose a lower fat *65;,5; 4032 (5+ :;033 .,; ;/, /,(3;/ ),5,E;: for herself and her baby. If she chooses soy mile then she should drink the calcium -69;0E,+ :6@ 4032

So, to the pregnant and breast-feeding woman, drink plenty and drink often-just choose your drinks wisely... Go Green Moms!

-Loran Eisley.

â&#x20AC;?

Dr. Bartley attended Yale University graduating in 3 years with a B.A. in Religious Studies. Dr. Bartley attended the University of Miami School of Medicine, and was accepted to his first choice for residencyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the top OB/GYN program at the time, Case Western Reserve Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; University Hospitals of Cleveland.He is a current member and former president of the Colorado Perinatal Care Council. Dr Jeremiah Bartley is a member of numerous health organizations, currently resides and practices medicine in Denver, Colorado.

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kids

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GREEN BRIGHT IDEA Changing your light bulb to a florescent energy approved one can save you more than $40 per bulb it uses less 75% less energy of a standard light bulb and lasts up to 10 times longer. If that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t persuade you to the florescent light bulb side start using natural light during the day, lights off if you plan on being in a room less than 10 minutes and lights out when donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need it.

TURN IT OFF Your computer, radio, television, and game stations when your not using them. Use an entire four to six plug extension cord, so you can shut down all your devices at the same time.

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kids

Going Green Is So Much Simpler Than Most People Think By: Collin Rojas An increasing number of people are now wanting

them in a stack, and see if the paper drive organizers

to do their part to save the planet due to the

will come to your location and pick them up.

worsening problems caused by global warming.

Unfortunately, numerous people assume that going

One more thing that could help you to start to live

green is costly and time consuming. Read on to

green is to begin walking a bit more. Lots of people

discover several immediate things you can do to get

routinely drive short distances merely to buy one

on on the path to living green.

thing at their local corner market. If you just walk to the store, not only could it take less time, because

Recycling is the top way to start. A lot of people

you won't have to locate a parking spot, but you will

continue to place glass and aluminum items in their

be saving money on gas and helping to save planet

normal garbage even though recycling is not that

Earth by not burning those fuels.

GOGREEN SUMMER 2012

hard to do today. In the US, it's not hard to locate a trash service that offers glass and

If you wish to save even more on gas, take the chance

aluminum recycling choices. Many people still

to car pool when you can and only mow your lawn

continue to discard these items even though recycling

two times a month instead of weekly. A gorgeous

bins are not hard to find. It merely takes a few

lawn is good to have but skipping an additional week

minutes to wash off the cans and bottles before

before you mow again shouldn't significantly affect it.

placing them into the recycle bin.

Using a manual push mower like those more normally used many, many years ago will help to save

Newspapers are another item that overburden our

the environment even more. Numerous hardware

landfills. Virtually all people will merely take their

shops still carry this type of mower.

daily paper and toss it in the garbage when they are done with it. But, there are many other uses that you

When people make up their mind to try green living,

can get out of your newsprint other than poring over

it's easy to make a few lifestyle modifications

it it. Did you know that you can keep your windows

that will benefit our environment. Likewise, you

clean using newspapers? If you're tired of seeing

can find lots of info all over the Internet on other

small white fragments and streaks on your

ways to start living green, you only have to look for it.

windowpanes after you clean them with paper towels and cleaner, try to use old newspapers instead.

Several community groups run regular paper drives.

Merely compile all of your old newspapers, put

Be an Example of Peace

kids

It Begins WithinYou Peace as a parent and person begins with you.

John Fetzer (former owner of the Detroit Tigers) writes: Love is the core energy that rules everything.

It is the force field out of the electronic energy of creation. Love is the one ingredient that holds us all together."

The daily “grind” can bring us down as adults and parents of our future leaders and citizens of tomorrow.

Your attitude, energy and habits are being constantly picked up by your child displayed through your actions. We need to come to a balance and realization people are all trying to juggle life struggles, jobs, children, finances, relationships, and personal issues.

We each need to value the importance we have on the teaching our children family values. Balancing time to spend with your child is key creating a peaceful environment.

Creating a time and scheduled activity will become a positive outlet teaching your child discipline, practice, time management, social skills,patience, morals, values and an enjoyable experiences. The time you will gain will balance your inner peace, relationship with your child and productive time spend getting back to the roots of childhood and parenting.

The need is to be willing and accepting of your child's interest intertwining with your knowledge, wisdom and direction . Great starting points include growing a garden, volunteering at a local soup kitchen, learn to play a musical instrument together, but most of all be an example of peace, happiness and green parenting at all times.

“Your attitude, energy and habits are constantly being picked up by your child displayed through your actions.”

Take the time to get to know who your child really is and what they want to become.

You may learn more about yourself than you think.

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History Of Recycling

think

By A. Kantaris

Pre-Industrial wastes consisted of bones, ash and

GOGREEN SUMMER 2012

vegetable matter, easily recycled into compost. Disposal sites were used to get rid of broken pottery and broken tools. With localized small populations, many materials were recycled and re-used, rather than simply being disposed of. It wasn't until the Industrial revolution that centralization of industry allowed for more formal recycling methods to be developed.

The collection of waste and it's recycling was heavily driven by industry during the 19th century.

The collection of ash from coal fires in Cities throughout the UK was commonplace, with the material being used in the production of bricks. At the end of the 19th century, waste paper and board collections were implemented, allowing for the mass production of more competitively priced newspapers.

Daily collections of waste from households became a commonplace event throughout the UK during the latter part of the 19th century, allowing for sorting, recovery and resale of many different materials.

However, the recycling of textiles and leather, which was commonplace preindustrial revolution, virtually disappeared during the late 20th century, where the

further hampered by the development of containerized shipping, labour costing less in developing countries than the Western World and the cost of raw materials no longer being a significant factor to industry.

Changes to the UK's waste management industry did not start until the second half of the 20th century. These changes did not reflect recycling methods,

but rather aimed to target waste itself and became a driving factor in the use of and construction of Landfill sites. Such legislation resulted in what we currently see to be weekly bin collections or waste collections, which are sent direct to landfill.

The rag and bone man, who traditionally collected many types of waste to recycle it was in effect cut out of the loop.

with specific forms of waste, turning it back into a raw resource.

Many types of recycling companies now exist, from paper shredding and recycling companies to car dismantling companies and IT disposal companies.

However, none of these businesses would be viable if it wasn't for the industry that needs these recycled materials. From Aluminum to Gold, Steel and copper, small recycling companies extract these raw products from the wastes, with the aim to selling them back onto industry. Many of these small businesses are extremely labour intensive, such as the IT disposal companies, which have to extract virtually every component in order to recover costs. Similarly, car disposal companies need to recover costs associated with transportation and overheads through the removal and recovery of platinum bearing catalytic convertors, lead/acid batteries and cast aluminum gearboxes.

As the recycling industry continues, once again to grow, so do the methods used by larger companies in the recovery of materials. From the point of disposal, where larger consumer goods are separated, to shredding, shearing and floatation tanks, the aim is to recover as many valuable materials as possible. Again, the IT disposal industry highlights the novel techniques used in recovery from wastes.

Many larger companies are using smelting followed by electroplating techniques to remove the various metals from circuit boards. This is made viable by commodity

â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the recycling industry continues, once again to grow, so do the methods used by larger companies in the recovery of materials.â&#x20AC;? introduction of intensive farming, globalization and mass production resulted in new goods costing less than the labour associated with recycling them. In addition, Landfill, a concept first introduced by the ancient Greeks became a cost effective alternative to recycling for our growing populations during the 20th Century, where mass production resulted in extremely low cost goods entering the market. This was

Having been a factor in the original waste problem during the latter half of the 20th century, the UK's government set about reducing waste and improving recycling. Landfill tax levies, combined with easier licensing laws aimed to divert waste away from landfill and develop localized small recycling companies, which could deal

prices, which have remained at such high prices as to allow for significant financial investment. However, by contrast is the concern in the investment made on the back of high commodity prices.

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more green picks

1.Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green With Baby: Mom-tested Tips for a Healthy Baby and Happy Planet by Jennifer Lo Prete 2. We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers A Charlie and Lola Picture Book by Lauren Child

!

Research has it that 75% of parents today fail to help their kids with their homework because they feel that they are not qualified to do so.

Parents often feel unprepared, especially when the assignment is about Math or Science. Parents By: Katherine Thomason

believe that they do not have the enough knowledge or the resources to help their kids answer their homework.

Studying and doing assignments especially on areas that are challenging for kids, like Math and Science, can be extremely painful. While kids often seek the help of their parents, they sometimes get rejected because their parents are too tired from work. Thus, the concept of homework often becomes a source of tension at home.

However, there are some parents who are very helpful with their kids when it comes to making assignments. Most education experts even suggest that parents should always stay on top of their kid's activities in school. But that does not mean taking over the kid's responsibilities parents can help their kids with school work, only up to a certain point.

Parents can help their kids do their homework by reminding them of the time and by making sure that they child's homework gets done. But when it comes to making the actual thing, parents should stay out of it. Parents often find this difficult to do. Parents these days find it difficult to keep their hands off their kid's homework because schools are piling up more homework for their kids. Aside from that, the current curriculum of children today is getting complicated compared to the previous ones. Hence, parents find it hard to step back.

Some parents feel the need to help their kids make the prettiest project in the class, or write the most comprehensive book report. Aside from that, parents also want their kids to perfect every exam and get a high mark on every assignment. This is because parents try to protect their kids from making mistakes, so they forget the whole point of homework in the process.

You should remember that schools provide kids assignments for a reason, so you should not do it for your kids. There are some parents who go beyond helping and take special classes or buy textbooks for themselves so that they can brush up on school knowledge. But as parents, your role should just be your child's "stage manager." Parents should guide their kids through the assignment by giving basic directions. They should provide encouragement and show a positive attitude towards school and studying. You should make sure that your child has a quiet, organized, and a well-lit place to study and to make his assignments. If you want to supervise your child while working, you can do your own quiet activity nearby.

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of Green in Fashion By: Susan Korwin

is a big trend for this season, as many of you are aware. Re-cycled materials such as linen, bamboo and paper are a few examples of what these articles are being made from.

Many years ago, when one heard of “ecofriendly” or “organic”, we assumed the clothing or shoes to look like a frumpy, “hippie”-day throwback. Today, not only are we saving the environment, but looking stylish also! Many top fashion designers have joined in on the cause, with the result being fashionable clothing going “green”. Examples of some of the products offered are flip flops, baby diapers and accessories, such as purses and scarves.

The organic clothing line varies in price from inexpensive to highpriced . As I stated before, many top fashion designers are going green this season: Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg and Bono from U2 are some of the designers who now have organic fashion lines. But, for the average customer who doesn’t

want to spend a lot but look good while saving the world, I have the answer. You can find them on on the internet or at a store near you!

Some stores that you can find online and offline are: Target…They just introduced a designer that uses nothing but organic materials. His name is Rogan Gregory and his GO collection should be available instore.

H&M will soon be stocking organic jeans, t-shirts, dresses and maternity wear.

TopShop..a British import that finally has come to the U.S., just opened its flagship store in Soho, much to the delight of many fans. They sell vintage and recycled clothing lines, while also launching ethical jewelry collections and working with ethical clothing labels such as People Tree.

different companies and products listed on their website. They offer everything from menswear, baby diapers and accessories that have gone “green”. There is truly something for everyone! Also, Soul-FLower.com, whose motto is “Cool threads for kind heads”, offers earth-friendly styles.

There are many sources available right now if you are trying to be environmentally friendly. More and more designers and stores are jumping on the green bandwagon, so keep your eyes open…they are all out there.

Susan Korwin is an accomplished author, life couch and life and style consultant based in New York City.

To learn more about her visit www.susankowrwin.com

On the internet, Eco Mall www.ecomall.com, has tons of

37 Image by Igal Fedida ©

kids

Read It,

love

It &

Recommend It

By: Author Stephanie Armenia

We all know that today's students heard oll about the landfill statistics and the reasons why they SHOULD recycle. Yet somehow plastics in our landfills continue to be a global issue. That is why we created this specialized recycling book that uses a water bottle named Jock to make a connection between our students environment choices and their effect on our planet. It starts with one oct of kindness locally and grows into environmental stewardship globally.

We are fundraising to have companies underwrite the cost of purchasing a class set of books for teachers who then temporarily gift one book per student to use throughout the year. This gift creates ownership and drives home the important message that their choices matter. Then students toke the book home and shore the story with family

One Bottle One Dream A New District Project Bringing Environmental Curriculum to Life for Indoor & Outdoor Classrooms

Three years ago I was standing in my kitchen, when my daughter Juju, 5 years old, came busting through the door holding a dirty water bottle that she had rescued from the trash. She yelled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is my new friend Jack.

He has a dream, mom. He wants to be recycled into a spaceship and blast of to the moon! We need to recycle him right

members to promote a green

now because his mom is Waiting for him at

household. The book is returned the next day and

the recycling center.â&#x20AC;? Juju said this with such passion that we

will be re gifted to a student next year to keep this

made a vow that day to be more responsible and help all little

important conversation alive between teachers,

Jacks make it into the recycling bin. We both knew this story

students ond parents.

could help other kids feel a connection to recycling and could make a difference!

Our Teachers Activity Guide corresponds to the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and can be used os o supplement for Science, Reading, Writing and Language Arts. It nos been

Now our goal is to find corporate sponsors to help gilt books to schools and camps across the United States and keep this important conversation going.

approved by the Hillsborough County District Review and passed under science.

Please visit www.OneBottleOneDrearn.corn and gift a book.

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