Go Green Kids & Parents Magazine June 2023

Go Green

Editor’s

Note:

As te arrival of June brings warmer weater, many people are immersed in teir gardens, eiter tnding t teir existng seasonal plots or startng fesh ones. In tis monts issue, I would like t intoduce you t one of te grease’s inspiratons in my line of work, someone who has profoundly influenced me. My air is t share teir wisdom and inspiraton wit al of you..

Mr. Fritz Haig is an environmental awareness artst and gardener. He is an American artst and designer who is known for his work in te fields of ecology and sustainabilit. He has creatd numerous projects tat explore te intrsecton of art and te environment, wit a partcular focus on urban agriculture and communit gardening.

Haeg’s work includes te “Edible Estats” project, which involves tansforming font lawns int vegetable gardens, and “Wild-flowering L.A.” which aims t encourage te plantng of natve wildflowers in public spaces. He has also creatd a “Sundown Salon” series of events, which feature performances, talks, and discussions relatd t sustainabilit and environmentalism.

As a gardener, Haeg is intrestd in exploring how people can reconnect wit nature and develop a more sustainable relatonship wit environment. He has writen a book caled “Edible Estats: Atack on te Front Lawn.” Which documents his efforts t tansform fom lawn int edible landscapes.

Overal, Fritz Haig’s work as an environmental awareness artst and gardener highlights te importance of sustainabilit, communit and connecton t nature and our modern world.

https://shop.sarahjanestudios.com/

Encourage your child t have muddy, grassy or sandy feet by te end of each day, tat’s te childhood tey deserve.

~Penny Whithouse

REDUCE, REDUE, REDECORATE

Why you should shop pre-owned for furniture (and how to do it like a pro)

(BPT) - If you're searching for new ways to make a positive impact on the planet, have you considered how you buy furniture? By opting for pre-owned or used furniture you can save money, plus it's an excellent way to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Why shop for pre-owned furniture?

Purchasing new furniture can have a significant environmental impact, with production contributing to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions and waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, furniture accounts for 9.8 million tons of waste in landfills annually. By choosing to buy pre-owned, you can help divert usable items from ending up in a landfill and prolong the lifespan of resources that have already been extracted from the earth.

But buying pre-owned isn't just good for the planet; it can also be good for your wallet. Pre-owned furniture is often much more affordable than buying new, so you can save money while still getting quality pieces for your home. Plus, pre-owned shopping can give you access to unique and vintage finds you can't find elsewhere, and it can make your home feel stylish and unique.

Tips for shopping pre-owned furniture

It can feel overwhelming if you're new to shopping for pre-owned furniture. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Start with what you have: The most sustainable piece of furniture is the one you already own. So, before browsing for new furniture, take stock of what you already have. Can you repurpose or upcycle an item to give it new life? Sometimes a fresh coat of paint, new upholstery or modern hardware is all you need to completely transform a piece of furniture.

Determine your needs: If you still need new furniture, consider what kind of furniture you're looking for before shopping. Consider the size and style of the piece, as well as any specific features or details you're looking for. What is your budget? Knowing what you want will help you refine your search and make the process less daunting.

Shop locally: If you still need new furniture, consider shopping locally, which reduces transportation emissions and supports small businesses. Look for resale stores in your community or browse online marketplaces, like OfferUp, that allow you to search for items in your area. Download the mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store - or visit O erUp.com.

Consider the materials: When shopping for pre-owned furniture, consider how it's made. Look for items constructed from sustainably sourced wood, bamboo or other renewable materials. Avoid items made from materials that are harmful to the environment, such as plastics or synthetics. Antique and vintage items tend to be of higher quality, will usually last longer and can add unique character to your home.

Don't discount the imperfect: When shopping pre-owned, it's important to carefully inspect items before you buy them. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents or stains. Make sure the piece is sturdy and functional. However, minor imperfections can often be fixed with a little bit of DIY work or by hiring a professional to complete repairs. Sometimes by simply cleaning an item thoroughly, you can bring it back to life.

Stay open to negotiation: Many resale stores and online marketplaces allow for negotiation on price. Don't be afraid to make an offer that fits within your budget. Ask about the piece's backstory - where it was originally purchased and how long it was owned - so you can be sure you're getting a fair price.

Get creative: One of the best things about buying pre-owned furniture is the opportunity to get creative and personalize your space. You can paint or refinish a piece to give it new life or mix and match styles for a unique look. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your unique finds.

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FRUIT

Loquat

You Need To Know

This Month

The loquat is a large evergreen shrub or tree grown commercially for its orange fruit and for its leaves, which are used to make herbal tea. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant. The loquat is in the family Rosaceae and is native to the cooler hill regions of south-central China.

Medical Uses

Loquat fruit is especially high in vitamin A and beta carotene, an antioxidant. These nutrients lower the risk of colorectal, lung, and other cancers. The loquat leaf, seed, and fruit have been shown to reduce inflammation, the body's over-reactive response to an irritant like germs or allergens.

Benefits

Loquat promotes heart health, neurological health, and good digestion. It reduces inflammation, the risk of cancer, lowers cholesterol and diabetes, and reduces memory problems. Excessive consumption of loquat may lead to toxic myopathy.

FLOWER

Tibouchina

You Need To Know This Month

An evergreen plant with fascinating flowers. The Tibouchina is an evergreen and native to Brazil. It is a flowering plant with saucer shaped violet flowers. Its other names are Lasiandra, Pieroma, princess flowers, etc. It can be grown easily in a garden. It prefers well drained rich soil and direct sun light.

Tibouchina Facts:

The Tibouchina grows in the form of a shrub or tree. It can reach 1-20 feet in height and 3-10 feet in width.

The Tibouchina has think, smooth, light grey bark. It cannot survive in areas with strong winds because of its brittle branches.

The Tibouchina is also known as “Brazilian spider flower”, because it originates from Brazil and has prominent stamens which resemble the legs of a spider.

The Tibouchina is not used in human or animal diets (It’s stem, leaves, flowers and root do not contain nutrients valuable for humans or animals.

ANIMAL

You Need To Know This Month

Mountain Yellow Legged Frog

Lesser Prairie

California Tiger

(BPT) - 'Wishcycling' is a buzzword for the act of putting items into a recycling bin and hoping they will be recycled. We've all done it. And while our intentions may be good, more often than not, we have no idea where our materials end up or whether our efforts are even worth it. But with a better understanding of how to properly recycle different types of items, we can all do our part to combat the mounting stress on our landfills and planet. Following are a few tips and tricks for making your recycling wishes come true.

Separate stretchy films from other plastics

You might be thinking plastic is plastic but, when it comes to recycling, there are actually six categories of plastics. To distinguish between these different types of plastic, look for the number within the recycling symbol on the product or packaging.* #1: PET or PETE is the most common plastic for single-use bottled beverages, mouthwash bottles, salad dressing and peanut butter containers.

* #2: HDPE (high density polyethylene) is used in many packing items, including milk jugs, juice bottles, some trash and shopping bags and cereal box liners.

* #3: PVC or V plastic can be found in blister packaging, wire jacketing, siding, windows and piping.

* #4: LDPE (low density polyethylene) is a flexible plastic found in items like bread bags, packaging for frozen foods, newspaper sleeves, dry cleaning bags and grocery/retail shopping bags.

* #5: PP plastic is found in yogurt containers, syrup and medicine bottles, caps and straws.

* #6: PS includes items like disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers and aspirin bottles.

Are you guilty of “Wish-cycling’'?

Generally, the higher the number, the less recyclable the material is. Most recycling centers will accept #1 plastics without a problem, but other rigid plastics (#3, #5 and #7) can be tricky. Double-check what's acceptable in your local area before contaminating collection bins.

Plastics marked as #2 or #4 are considered flexible plastics or films and must be handled differently from other types of plastic. Due to their stretchy nature, they cannot be recycled through standard curbside or single-stream recycling programs because they can jam machinery during the sorting process, causing mechanical issues, delays and contamination. These plastics need to be separated from other recyclables and processed through recycling programs dedicated specifically to HDPE and LDPE materials.

Know where your recyclables go

The best way to stop wishcycling is to focus on upcycling. This means knowing exactly where your recyclables are going and how they will be used. For instance, Trex® composite decking is sustainably made from 95% reclaimed materials, including a mix of industrial wood scrap and recycled polyethylene plastic film, nearly all of which comes from post-consumer sources. Through its nationwide NexTrex® recycling program, the company partners with more than 32,000 grocery store chains and major retailers along with thousands of schools and community groups to make it easy and convenient for eco-minded consumers to responsibly dispose of #2 and #4 flexible plastics and give them new life as beautiful, durable and eco-friendly composite decking. One of the largest recyclers of plastic film in North America, Trex has saved more than 5 billion pounds of HDPE and LDPE plastics from winding up in landfills over the past 30 years. A complete list of items that can be recycled by Trex along with a list of plastic film drop-off locations by state is available on the company's website.

Recycling doesn't have to be a chore. It can easily be done as part of your daily routine. Most grocery stores have collection bins conveniently positioned at the front of the store. Many schools, churches and community centers also participate in recycling programs and serve as drop-off points for local residents. Check your municipality's website to learn more about the programs your community has in place for recycling, or visit NexTrex.com to find a plastic film drop-off location near you.

Escape the everyday routine and make family memories this summer

(BPT) - There's a reason summer is a popular time to vacation. With the kids out of school, and the weather warming up, take advantage of the sunshine and your family's more flexible schedule to share experiences and strengthen your family bonds.

This year will be an especially popular year for vacations. Do you crave an escape from your daily routine - 64% of people say they do - if even for a few days? In a recent study conducted by Mintel, in partnership with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, nearly 62% of parents intend to take more family vacations in 2023 than they did in 2022, and 77% said their goal was to make memories and 74% to have fun.

Are you ready to start planning your vacation? Check out these three family vacation ideas that are perfect for having fun and making memories together this summer.

1. Explore a new city

Exploring a new city together can be a fun and exciting adventure for the whole family! Choose a destination and make a list of must-see spots and activities so you can plan accordingly. Your list should include restaurants for the foodies in your family, amusement parks and attractions for the thrill seekers, shops for the fashionistas and a spa visit for those who want to relax.

Don't overload your itinerary! Remember, your family should come back from vacation feeling refreshed. Build in downtime in between events and outings, too. Quiet, relaxing moments together allow everyone to recharge for the next activity and allow you to reflect on the memories you're making.

2. Take a road trip

A family road trip is the quintessential American vacation experience and for good reason. According to the Mintel study, 50% of parents prefer to drive and 72% of parents say it's important to pick a destination they can drive to.

No two road trips are alike. Even if you're taking the same route as others, when and where you decide to stop is completely up to your family, making each road trip a unique experience.

When planning a road trip, you can pick one or several destinations and plan for pit stops along the way. Also, the flexibility of a road trip means you can stop and explore a town or attraction on your route that piques your interest with minimal disruption to your planned itinerary.

The best part of a family road trip is that quality time is built into it. Spending time together in the car gives you plenty of opportunities to connect and talk about

what you're most excited to see and experience.

3. Stay at a resort

A family vacation at a resort is a great way to have fun while taking the stress out of trip planning. Instead of going out to several locations in one city, you can adventure, shop, eat and relax all in one place.

A destination like Kalahari Resorts & Conventions has something for everyone, all under one roof! Home to America's largest indoor waterparks, kids of all ages will make memories and are sure to have fun at both the indoor and outdoor waterslides, pools and lazy rivers. Stop by the family entertainment center and play some games as a family or try an escape room. The resort's signature dining options have dishes and drinks to delight everyone's palate. There's also a full-service spa experience for prime pampering in between activities. Don't forget to stop at the unique retail shops to pick up souvenirs and gifts to commemorate your trip.

https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/facility

About Us...

The animals, staff and volunteers at The Wild Animal Sanctuary are grateful you want to learn more about us and the work we do to help solve America’s captive wildlife crisis. Thank you!

Please check the menus listed in this section to learn more about our major programs, our facilities totaling over 11,000 acres, the history and management of TWAS, our finances and ways to contact us. Enjoy a virtual tour, learn more about our social networks and view photos and encouragement from celebrities and notables who endorse us.

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Two 'Mompreneurs' Created a Forest School That Reaches Thousands

“We want to be as big as Boy Scouts, be that kind of a household name,” said Barefoot University cofounder, Madeleine Braden.

It was a cool, muddy morning in March when I pulled into the empty parking lot of a sprawling forest and nature preserve about 40 miles outside of Fort Worth, Texas. Soon, cars began arriving, filled with exuberant children of all ages, and their parents, who were ready to spend a few hours together in the woods. Donned in rain boots and parkas, these nearly three-dozen nature-goers were part of Barefoot University, a rapidly expanding national network of forest school programs for homeschoolers that was founded by Madeleine Braden and Amber Brown in 2019.

Braden and Brown are two homeschooling mothers who wanted to get their children out in nature. They connected over Facebook, both sharing a fledgling interest in starting a forest school. Through social media, they found other homeschooling families in the Dallas/Fort Worth area who also liked the idea of regular nature time with their children.

What began as a weekly outdoor meet-up with a handful of local families has now become Barefoot University, a national, non-profit forest school that reaches over 3,000 learners in six states, with nine states set for next year.

“The importance of getting outside once a week is absolutely invaluable,” Braden told me when I visited one of the many Barefoot University groups in Texas. Each forest school has 35 homeschooled children and their parents who make a yearlong commitment to gather together each week in public parks, nature preserves forest or hiking trails, and participate in shared activities around a general theme.

This year’s theme is Rhythm: Fire, and the high-quality nature curriculum that Braden and Brown have created includes a guidebook and nature journal for each learner with lessons such as how to identify edible plants, tie knots, make a fire, or purify water in the woods.

“Building communities of being outside in nature with your friends and your kids, that’s the goal,” Braden told me, adding that even though the forest school only meets once a week, deep friendships are often formed that lead to other gathering and eversions throughout the week.

Spreading mostly through word of mouth, Barefoot University has attracted group leader through Texas, as well as Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, and Connecticut. Prospective guides go through an application process with training and background checks, and then are ready to launch their programs. There is no cost to the guides to become part of the Barefoot University network, and each family pays about $75 a year to participate for two to three hours a week for 36 weeks, plus a $25 annual material fee for each child. Braden and Brown say they intentionally keep the cost low to enable wide access to the program, acknowledging that many homeschooling families operate on one income. They also provide scholarships for families in financial need.

Madeleine Braden is the cofounder, along with Amber Brown, of Barefoot University. (Photo: Kerry McDonald)

Forest schools and nature-based education programs had been expanding over the past decade, but the education disruption caused by school shutdowns and remote learning beginning in 2020 accelerated interest in all kinds of schooling alternatives, including homeschooling. Homeschooling numbers skyrocketed during the first two years of the Covid response, and still remain well above pre-pandemic levels in many areas.

Texas has also seen its homeschooling numbers rise in recent years, contributing to the increased demand for programs like Barefoot University, which serves approximately 1,000 students in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area alone. “We have so many homeschoolers in Dallas/Fort Worth that it makes it easy,” said Braden about the growth of Barefoot University groups in her local area.

Much of Barefoot University’s expansion is now occurring outside of Texas, with a flood of applications coming in from prospective group leaders across the country. Braden and Brown expect interest in Barefoot University to continue to climb, even as they remain thoughtful about ensuring ongoing quality as

Ultimately, these two entrepreneurs hope Barefoot University will be available to all who want it, including non-homeschoolers and even adults and senior citizens. “We want to be as big as Boy Scouts, be that kind of a household name,” said Braden. With more individuals and families looking for greater connection to others and to nature, Barefoot University is well-positioned to become the national leader in community-based forest schools.

To hear more about Braden and Brown’s journey toward creating Barefoot University, listen to the latest episode of the LiberatED Podcast:

Kerry McDonald

Kerry McDonald is a Senior Education Fellow at FEE and host of the weekly LiberatED podcast. She is also the author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, WellEducated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom (Chicago Review Press, 2019), an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute, education policy fellow at State Policy Network, and a regular Forbes contributor. Kerry has a B.A. in economics from Bowdoin College and an M.Ed. in education policy from Harvard University. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her husband and four children. You can sign up for her weekly email newsletter here

Savor and save: 5 benefits of growing your own produce

(BPT) - If you appreciate the taste and experience of fresh produce, it may be time to consider cultivating your own home garden. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small balcony, you can grow your own fruits and vegetables and enjoy unparalleled taste, texture and freshness without driving to the grocery store.

Ferry-Morse - one of the largest U.S. gardening brands - wants to set home gardeners up for success by highlighting the top five benefits of growing your own fruits and vegetables.

1. Freshness that can't be beat

Produce can't get fresher than what you grow and pick in your own backyard! Grocery store produce is chosen for its hardiness because it has to endure long journeys and handling before it reaches the store, where it may sit on display for days. On the other hand, when you grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs, you control the harvest, so you can pick them at the peak ripeness and enjoy that fresh-off-the-vine taste.

2. Nutritious and delicious

Homegrown fruits and vegetables are also more nutritious than their store-bought counterparts. That's because crops begin to deteriorate as soon as they're picked. The farther it needs to travel, the more nutritional content is lost. At home, you can harvest your fresh ingredients as needed, ensuring your meal is made with the crispest and most nutritious produce possible.

3. Boosted taste and flavor

If you did a side-by-side taste test of a homegrown tomato compared to a store-bought one, chances are you'll notice the one from your backyard tastes better and is more flavorful. You'll enjoy a bolder flavor when fruit and vegetables are allowed to fully ripen on the vine. Homegrown produce allows you to experience a crop's true essence and provides a culinary experience that is sure to delight your senses.

4. A feast that won't empty your wallet

By growing your own, you'll save quite a bit of money. While there are initial expenses when setting up your garden for the first time, according to Better Homes & Gardens, the average home garden yields $677 worth of produce. Once you set up a garden, you'll have the necessary tools to nurture it season after season, creating a self-sustaining food cycle.

Making the initial investment in live plants and seeds will benefit you in the long run, as you won't have to spend your dollars on store-bought produce that can rise in cost throughout the seasons. To get started, find a reputable brand like Ferry-Morse that delivers live baby Plantlings directly from their nursery to your door.

For first-time gardeners, check out their Garden Starter Kits, which include 12 baby plants to get your garden going. There are over 40 kits to choose from, covering a wide range of culinary and floral themes to fit your taste and lifestyle preferences.

5. Connect with nature and reap the rewards

Gardening is a fantastic stress reliever that allows you to connect with nature and discover the joy of maintaining your own little patch of Eden. You can escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, get your hands dirty and watch your plants grow into robust crops. Take in the soothing sights, sounds and scents of your home garden and reap the benefits.

Planting and nurturing a garden is easier than you think and offers so many benefits to your palate, wallet and wellbeing. So grab your gardening gloves and spade and start your journey to a rewarding and nurturing harvest.

Try a homegrown meal for yourself

One of the many joys of summer is fresh, sweet corn on the cob, and growing it yourself makes it even more enjoyable! While always delicious steamed or boiled, cooking your homegrown corn on the grill can give it a charred flavor that will complement your favorite barbecued meals.

For an easy recipe, start by prepping basil butter by adding chopped basil, garlic and a bit of sea salt to your butter in a food processor, pulsing to combine. Lightly brush your corn with olive oil and sprinkle salt to taste, placing the corn on your grill once it's hot. Rotate your corn using tongs every couple of minutes until the kernels are blistered and bright yellow. Once your corn is ready, spread a generous amount of your basil butter on each piece and enjoy!

Visit FerryMorse.com for everything you need to get started, plus tips and resources to help you enjoy your garden more than ever this year.