Oregon Family Magazine

O C T O B E R

PANDEMIC RELATED ANXIETY

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GREEN WINTER LIVING

O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

IN THE KITCHEN WITH KIDS

FALL

HOME SPECIAL ISSUE

Newborns to young adults, we are with you every step of the way.

Ross Newman, M.D., F.A.A.P, welcomes a newborn patient to the world.

We are the only pediatricians who still make rounds to visit our newborn patients at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend.

To schedule an appointment, call 541-HUG-KIDS. 995 Willagillespie Road, Suite 100 • 541-484-5437 • www.EugenePeds.com

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

OCTOBER 2021

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

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contents 7 8 12 14 16 18

HOME COOKING Benefits of Kids in The Kitchen

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WINTER HOME Greening Up the Holiday Season

HOME FOOD TIPS for Better Food Choices

MOVIE REVIEWS Kids: Cinderella 2021 Parents: Worth

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FAMILY HEALTH Helping Kids Cope With Anxiety Heading Back to Pre-Pandemic Life

PARENTINGNOW™ Car Seat Questions and Concerns Answered

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HOME EARTHTALK™ Laundry’s impact on the Environment

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RESCUE SPOTLIGHT WOOF! Argos MEOWS! Panther Duo! Mustang Sally and Sarge

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

OCTOBER 2021

Pacific Women’s Center Obstetrics & Gynecology

Welcome

Dr. Brian Wakefield!

Dr. Wakefield comes to Pacific Women’s Center with interests in contraception, low- and high-risk pregnancy, along with medical and surgical management of common GYN complaints including minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. He strives to combine evidence-based medicine with a patient centered approach to help each patient find their best treatment option.

Give him a call at 541-342-8616.

Healthcare for All Phases of a Woman’s Life • Gynecological and Obstetrical Services • Individualized Pregnancy Care • Birth Control Consultation • Well Woman Exams

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• Pre-Conception Guidance • Personalized Surgical and Non-Surgical Options • Menopause and Hormone Balance

Dr. Betterton

Dr. Beyerlein

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Monday - Friday • 8:00am - 5:00pm To schedule an appointment call 541-342-8616 pacificwomenscenter.com OCTOBER 2021

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

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Our Contributors 1

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28 YEARS

Oregon Family Magazine is distributed monthly, year-round via direct mail in the greater Lane County area, and at over 150 high-traffic commercial locations. For information regarding Every Door Direct Mail, please visit www.dmachoice.org or www.optoutprescreen.com.

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PUBLISHER Pacific Parents Publishing EDITOR Sandy Kauten GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Springer Design & Illustration ADVERTISING Sandy Kauten • 541.683.7452 sandy@oregonfamily.com Jo Schechter • 541.914.9434 Josuccess@comcast.net Christi Kessler • 541.484.0434 christi@oregonfamily.com

1. KIMBERLY BLAKER

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance family and lifestyle writer. She is also owner of KB Creative Digital Services, specializing in SEO content and blog posts. Kimberly is a mother of two and grandmother.

2. PILAR BRADSHAW, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Pilar Bradshaw practices the full spectrum of pediatric medicine, seeing patients from birth to young adulthood. Named as 1 of 7 “Favorite Pediatricians” by Parents magazine, she believes in the ability of parents to embrace the joys and challenges of raising children.

3. BONNIE HARRIS

Bonnie is Oregon Family Magazine’s resident Movie Review Master Extraordinaire. She enjoys watching movies of all kinds, and has been doing movie reviews for over 9 years and counting. She lives in Eugene with her family, enjoys gardening and cooking.

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4. ANGIE MARZANO

As Waste Reduction Supervisor at Lane County – Waste Management Division, Angie oversees stakeholder engagement, compliance with state recycling rules and laws, and oversees implementation of the regional Solid Waste Management Plan. She and her husband Michael live in Eugene with their two boys, Geno and Dominic. Angie dedicates a lot of time and energy to supporting organizations that contribute to the livability of Eugene - housing, K-12 education and environmental protection.

5. RODDY SCHEER

Journalist and photographer specializing in environmental issues, the outdoors and travel.

When he is not out in the field taking pictures, Roddy runs EarthTalk, the non-profit Publisher of the syndicated EarthTalk Q&A column and the EarthTalk.org and Emagazine.

OREGON FAMILY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 21732 • Eugene, OR 97402 541.683.7452 Email: info@oregonfamily.com Web: www.oregonfamily.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/OregonFamily

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1993 Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of, nor an endorsement by this publication. © 2021 Pacific Parents Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without prior expressed written permission from Pacific Parents Publishing.

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

OCTOBER 2021

Growing Appetites BENEFITS OF HAVING KIDS HELP AT MEALTIME

BY PILAR BRADSHAW, M.D., F.A.A.P. EUGENE PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES

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NVOLVING YOUR CHILDREN IN mealtime planning and cooking can be a great way to help develop both their young bodies and minds.

When children are encouraged to help, from shopping to serving, they gain exposure to many fundamental concepts. They’re also likely to build more of an interest in nutrition, while spending time together in the kitchen can be enriching for your relationship.

CREATE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Here are just a few of the educational opportunities that meal preparation offers to children: • Helps them practice math concepts, such as counting, measurements and fractions.

• Provides sensory experiences and the opportunity to practice new vocabulary in describing how food looks, feels and tastes.

• Shows them the importance of planning, following instructions and completing projects.

Keep your child’s age in mind while assigning tasks. While younger children can stir, measure or crack eggs, leave anything involving sharp tools and hot ovens to older children. No matter how old your child is, always supervise them to ensure safety.

OCTOBER 2021

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ENCOURAGE GOOD NUTRITION One key benefit of having children help with meals is that it gives them a feeling of being involved in choosing what they eat.

Especially if you have a picky eater, take your child with you to the grocery store and have them help select the ingredients. They will learn more about where their food comes from and why some foods are better than others. As a result, they’re likely to make better nutritional choices as they grow older.

When it comes time to cook, have your child help prepare ingredients. That may really help a picky eater be more open to trying something new because they helped make it.

ENJOY BONDING TIME Spending time together in a natural, nonconfrontational setting may be the biggest benefit of all in preparing a meal with your child.

Cooking together as a family provides opportunities for parents and kids to talk. When you’re having a naturally flowing conversation, topics may come up that your child hasn’t brought up before. Breaking bread together can break down barriers.

Once you’ve started sharing in these experiences, you may soon find mealtimes with your children are some of the best times. ✦

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

OCTOBER 2021

GREEN Winter Living For the Holidays & The Winter Through

BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

AKING STEPS TO REDUCE our negative impact on the earth is a year-round job. But it can seem much harder during the winter season. Cold weather and long, dark nights, along with holiday celebrations, make it challenging to prioritize planet-healthy habits.

Still, there are ways to reduce our impact for a more sustainable planet. So follow these tips to keep your winter – and our world – green!

WATCH THE THERMOSTAT One thing people struggle with most during winter is the chilly temperatures. As the weather gets colder, it’s tempting to crank up the thermostat. But overusing your heater consumes a lot of energy. Depending on the size of your home, you’re likely warming up areas that aren’t even being used. Before you turn up the thermostat, add some layers of clothing, socks, and warm fuzzy slippers. It may be enough to keep you warm and comfy. If you’re just relaxing, get cozy and cuddle up under a blanket with warm food and a hot drink.

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Getting a smart thermostat is also a smart investment, which will pay for itself in a relatively short time. There are many brands available that offer features to help you stay eco-friendly. These include timers to set specific temperatures for when you’re at home, away, or sleeping.

There are also recommended eco-friendly temperature settings and even the ability to control the thermostat from your phone.

Starting a fire in your fireplace can be a fun heat alternative for winter. It gives off heat in a smaller, concentrated space and uses less energy than a furnace. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, be sure to have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually for fire safety.

BE AWARE OF LIGHT USE With the sun setting earlier and more grey days, it’s tempting to switch on a lot of extra lights. But lights also use a lot of energy. So, make a conscious effort to turn off lights when you leave a room (unless you’ll be returning in a reasonably short time), and only use the lights you need.

Another way to cut back on energy use from lights is to switch to LED or CFL bulbs, which are more energy-efficient. Also, consider lights with dimmer switches. There are lights with sensors that turn them off automatically when there’s no movement in the room for a set amount of time, as well.

Another fun alternative is to use candles, which also add ambiance.

Just make sure they’re eco-friendly! Also, if you have pets or young children, they should be kept in a high, secure spot to reduce the risk of injury or fire.

Conserving on electrical lights also goes for outdoor holiday lights.

These lights use a lot of energy. Consider more earth-friendly options.

Holiday lights with LED bulbs and solar-powered outdoor lights are better for the planet and your wallet. You can also use timers for outdoor decorations, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to turn them off.

ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTING A big highlight of winter is holidays and get-togethers with gift exchanges. But all the gift-giving leads to a lot of waste and overconsumption of goods. The best option is to eliminate gift exchanges. Instead, make the holidays special by focusing more on fun activities and quality time with family and friends.

But there are many ways to go green, even with gifts. Doing so is also an excellent opportunity to share environmentally friendly practices with your loved ones. A few ideas for green gifting include: • Give experiences instead of things • Do a White Elephant or Secret Santa exchange where each person gifts one item • Look for gifts at second hand or thrift stores (if everyone can agree to this, no one will feel like a cheapskate) • Gift eco-friendly products like reusable straws or mugs • Choose wooden toys over plastic • Shop locally from small businesses

GREEN GIFT WRAP Once you’ve found the perfect gifts, get creative with wrapping!

Traditional wrapping paper is typically used once then discarded, which consumes more resources. Some alternatives are to: • reuse old wrapping paper • repurpose other products like newspaper or paper bags from the grocery store (some stores even have themed bags during the winter) • look for gift bags that can be reused (nice fabric ones, such as reusable tote bags, can be passed along for years to come) Small changes to your winter routines can help you stick to your values and reduce your consumption of the planet’s resources. Look for opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle throughout the winter months to help keep our earth ever green. ✦

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

OCTOBER 2021

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Matters

WHAT WE EAT

BY ANGIE R. MARZANO 4 FOOD CHOICES THAT CAN LOWER YOUR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

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OCTOBER 2021

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NE WAY PEOPLE ARE making a difference is through their everyday food choices — greater demand for more sustainable, transparent products has made a noticeable and positive impact on food production.

Since plant and animal agriculture is inextricably connected with the natural world and the planet’s resources — soil, water, air, climate, land and biodiversity — our personal food choices can drive solutions and practices that transform our agricultural system into one that is far more sustainable.

There are many ways we as individuals can lessen our environmental impact especially when it comes to our everyday food choices. While the number of options can be daunting the oft-repeated good advice is to tackle a few actions at a time. But which ones should you start with? Below, we’ll help you choose by giving you four of the most important actions to consider.

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EAT LOWER ON THE FOOD CHAIN Try eating lower on the food chain by adding more fruits, vegetables and grains to

your diet and reducing your intake of beef, chicken and pork. This is one of the more effective strategies for reducing negative impacts on the planet’s climate, soil, air and water resources, as well as harmful impacts to biodiversity and habitat.

In addition to the benefits for water quality, eating lower on the food chain can lower your water footprint. Check out the Waster Calculator at www.watercalculor. org to find out how much of your diet factors into your total water footprint.

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EAT LESS AND BETTER MEAT If you choose to eat meat, choose wisely: pick sustainably-produced — e.g., pasture raised, grassfed — over conventionally produced meat. In general, sustainably-produced meat and dairy is the “better” option from the standpoint of climate, air quality, water resources, soil health and biodiversity. It’s also much better from an animal welfare perspective.

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DON’T WASTE FOOD By planning out meals, using leftovers and only buying what you need,

you can make big reductions in how much food goes to waste. It also pays to better understand sell-by dates and how they can lead to food waste. Wasting food is much bigger than the food that gets tossed or goes uneaten; it means wasting all the resources required to produce that food such as water, energy, soil and cropland.

Visit Lane County’s Eat Smart, Waste Less program for tips, strategies and ways to prevent waste at www.eatsmartwasteless.tips

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EAT IN SEASON AND EAT LOCAL Purchasing foods in season from local farms can help to maintain farmland and open space in your community. A recent USDA study also found that direct-toconsumer producers were less likely to apply pesticides and herbicides to control weeds and insects than conventional producers.

Consider joining a CSA and shopping at farmers’ market. And you’ll enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Moreover, local, seasonal produce just tastes better (and can be more cost effective).

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OCTOBER 2021

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

The Music Box! Mondays through Thursdays, 2 sessions each day Class size limited to 15 students per section. Sign up any time!

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Family Movie Night

Chase Your Dream

Ella designs & creates.

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

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VERY FEW YEARS, HOLLYWOOD reinvents the Cinderella story and now it’s Amazon’s turn to launch a completely unconventional, multi-cultural musical that’s heavy on the feminism and steeped in fashionista style.

Despite hearing mixed reviews, I was intrigued by the trailer, and thoroughly charmed by

CINDERELLA 2021 Amazon Studios, Rated: PG Streaming on Amazon

the movie. Cinderella 2021, starring the effervescent Camila Cabello, dances to its own Top 100 hits with a quirky, funny, & fresh story, unique new characters, and a soundtrack that’ll keep you humming. And we absolutely need a shout out to the costume designer, the incomparable Ellen Mirojnick, who’s been a movie icon since the mid-1980’s. But our Cinderella starts out in rags and dreams of owning a dress shop where she can design beautiful gowns to her heart’s content. Unfortunately, her unhappy stepmother and jealous

stepsisters focus only on finding husbands. Our handsome Prince, who’s a great disappointment to the King, struggles to find a purpose until he accidentally meets Ella trying to sell one of her dresses. He invites her to the upcoming ball, but as we already know, Ella’s stepmother stands firmly in her way. Enter a Fabulous Godmother played by cross-dressing Billy Porter and suddenly Ella has a chance to find her true love. She sings and dances her way to the ball with her three hilarious mice

as footmen, then she sings and dances into the Prince’s heart.

But Ella decides her career comes first and she turns down the Prince’s marriage proposal, then runs as the clock strikes midnight. The frustrated King berates the broken-hearted Prince, but Queen Beatrice steps in to help the romance along and upend the irksome patriarchy.

Ella and the Prince live happily ever after, but there’s definitely room for a sequel, and I for one can’t wait. Pop some popcorn and enjoy! ✦

FOR the PARENTS

Not About Money WORTH MadRiver Pictures, Rated: PG-13 Streaming on Netflix

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OME EVENTS NEVER lose their ability to evoke the tragic feelings of the moment. Netflix’s new feature, Worth, takes us back to the horrific morning of 9/11 and the true story of the man tasked with saving America’s economy in the wake of potential lawsuits against U. S. airlines. It’s a tricky topic because it’s about the price we put on life, on an individual’s earning capacity, and on thousands of lost futures. Worth follows master arbitrator Kenneth Feinberg, who manages the Victim Compensation Fund and tries to reason with the emotionally distraught families of 9/11. His loudest critic, Charles Wolf, works tirelessly to make Feinberg understand that each unique life cannot fit into an insurance algorithm. After finally reaching his breaking point, Feinberg begins listening to the stories of loss, each more heart-wrenching than the last, until he finally tosses out the rulebook. It’s not an easy film to watch

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Ken & Charles argue over costs. because the intertwining stories, the overlapping footage, and the devastating audio recordings, even fictionalized, evoke those long buried emotions from that September morning. Worth is truly one of the best dramas of the year with superb actors and top-notch writing that grips you from the first minute to the memorial epilogue.

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

OCTOBER 2021

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Family Health

anxiety SIGNS TO WATCH FOR [ and ways to help ] AS KIDS RETURN TO PRE-PANDEMIC ACTIVITIES.

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EARN THE SIGNS AND how to help your child cope with anxiety brought on by a return to pre-pandemic activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on everyone—but especially kids. From the sudden shift to remote learning and few or no playdates to no (or restricted) visits with extended family and lots of safety rules, children had to quickly adjust. As some areas reopen and a few rules are relaxed, some children can experience re-emergence or re-entry anxiety. With everything COVID-19 related, there is no clear roadmap for finding your way through these challenges. Every family will have different comfort levels with re-entry.

common sign of something wrong is when a child withdraws from or avoids activities they once enjoyed. If your child enjoyed time with friends or school, and now says he’s not interested, take note.

Irritability, Temper, and Regressive Behaviors. Has your child suddenly become moody or easily irritable? Are they displaying regressive behaviors like wetting their

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR Signs of re-emergence anxiety will vary depending on a child’s personality and age.

Children in the same household may display different signs or levels of anxiety. Below are some potential signs of “post-pandemic” anxiety in children.

Eating and Sleeping Changes. Classic signs of anxiety in children are issues about food and appetite or sleep. A loss of appetite, fussiness in eating, or extra comfort eating are signs something is amiss. Sleeping patterns may shift with sleep disturbances, nightmares, waking in the night, and insomnia. Children may also have trouble falling or staying asleep or end up sleeping more during the day.

Withdrawal and Avoidance. Another

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many families have spent much more time together than in the past. Some children— especially those who enjoyed staying home—may find it overwhelming to go back to school or be alone in a group of children.

This anxiety could come from being in an unfamiliar social situation, a fear of illness, or feeling unsafe outside of the home.

Declining Academic Performance. Now that children are back in school, check on their academic performance. A lack of engagement in the classroom or bad grades may indicate your child is anxious at school.

They may be feeling like they didn’t learn as well as some classmates did with remote learning, or they could be uncertain about the social capabilities following the time away.

WAYS TO HELP

pants again, thumb sucking, or throwing a tantrum? These behaviors in younger children can signify anxiety and result from their inability to express their feelings.

Nervousness and Worry. An increase in nervousness and worry is another sign of anxiety. Children face several uncertainties about the return to school. Will we wear masks? Will I get sick? Will school be interrupted again? And many may worry about being behind in school, seeing old friends and making new friends, and about being separated from their family after spending time at home.

Fear of Separation. With parents working from home and children remote learning,

Talk About It! Start by creating an open and supportive environment where children and teens know they can ask questions and express their worries. Acknowledge your child’s anxiety while focusing their energy on aspects of life that they can control. Name the emotion and normalize the experience to clarify that their feelings aren’t “bad” but may be uncomfortable and challenging. This exercise will help a child understand that their feelings are valid and normal.

Establish Coping Mechanisms. Once you have helped your child name the emotion, talk about what they can do to feel better.

Knowing how to cope with an emotion lessens the power it has over them.

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

OCTOBER 2021

Family Health Here are a few suggested coping strategies: • reading a favorite book • writing in a journal • drawing pictures • doing other art projects • listening to calming music • being physically active (high-intensity activity is especially great for regulating hormones associated with anxiety) • Finally, limit children’s exposure to the news and media. Even if they are not “paying attention” to it, they pick up on more than parents realize.

Don’t Make Unrealistic Promises. While it may be easy to tell your child things will get better, don’t make promises you cannot keep.

Give comfort and support but keep things simple and straightforward. Honestly answer questions using words and concepts that your child can understand.

Include Teachers and Other Caregivers.

Talk with your child’s teacher or other caregiver about the concerns or worries your child may have. Elicit their support of your child. Let them know what you are doing to support your child at home.

Distinguish Caution from Anxiety. It can be challenging to separate caution due to legitimate fears from unnecessary fear.

Remind your children of how you have stayed safe and continue to stay safe, even as the intensity of the pandemic changes.

Maintain Positive Changes from the

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

Lockdown. Continue those helpful habits and practices you picked up at the start of the pandemic. Keep incorporating new routines and traditions your family has enjoyed even when things resume to a more “normal” pattern. Decide what matters the most to you and your family, and prioritize accordingly.

Be Patient. Be gentle during this process.

It is okay if your child or family is slower (or faster) than other families in your re-entry planning. Do what’s comfortable for all involved and give each other grace.

Prepare to Pivot. Even as you help your child prepare for going back to in-person activities, keep in mind the possible need to return to remote or virtual options. Is the number of COVID-19 cases surging where you live? Do what you and your family can do to limit your potential exposure, even if that means making a choice that others are not making.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP If your child’s anxiety interferes with daily life in major ways, proactively seek professional support. It’s better to get help sooner than later.

Start with your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider, who can recommend other professional services, if necessary. ✦

For more healthy tips and information, log into our blog at PeaceHealth.org/healthy-you

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Car Seat Concerns?

GET YOUR INSTALLATION CHECKED AND QUESTIONS ANSWERED AT A CAR SEAT CLINIC

BY PARENTING NOW

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ABIES DON’T COME WITH an instruction manual—but car seats sure do, and even then, we, as parents, still question whether we are using the right type of car seat (infant seat, convertible car seat, booster, high-back booster?) and installing it correctly (rearfacing, forward-facing, back seat, front seat?).

If you too have had these questions, you are not alone. Fortunately, there are professionals to turn to when you have questions about car seat installation and need some guidance.

Parenting Now’s Car Seat Clinics provide parents an opportunity to meet with a Certified Car Seat Technician to have their car seat and its installation inspected. “Proper car seat installation is key to a child’s safety in a vehicle,” says Heather Gray, Parenting Now’s Car Seat Program Coordinator. “As parents, we aren’t expected to know everything, so let a professional guide you through keeping your child safe in the car.”

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT A CAR SEAT INSPECTION

Safety Administration advises parents to keep children rear-facing as long as possible.

Rear-facing in the backseat is the safest place for your infant and toddler to be. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer.

WHAT TO BRING There are a few things that you will want to bring to your car seat appointment. Drive in the vehicle your child will mostly be riding in; the car seat you will be using (if you have one); and the child that will be riding in the vehicle. If the child cannot be present during the car seat appointment, bring note of their height, weight, and age. If possible, also bring along your car’s manual and/or knowledge of the make, model, and year of the vehicle.

HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Parenting Now is currently offering inperson car seat inspections by appointment only at our office at 86 Centennial Loop in Eugene. Virtual appointments over Zoom are also available. “It is never too early or too late to have your car seat and its installation inspected,” says Gray. “Whether you are expecting or have a 4-year old, we are happy to answer your questions and ensure that your children are safely secured in their car seats.”

Send your questions and car seat appointment requests to Heather at heatherg@parentingnow.org. ✦

Car seat inspections generally last 30-45 minutes. During this time, you will learn about proper installation, key tips and tricks for car seat installation, how to properly use a car seat, and leave with an understanding of what the next step is.

In general, The National Highway Traffic

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OCTOBER 2021

home spotlight Q&A RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL GARAGE DOORS

Q

Are material shortages and Supply/Demand creating issues for Garage Doors?

Q

A

A

Yes, we are experiencing an Industry wide material shortage and lead time issues, far greater than normal manufacturing times. Please allow plenty of time on new Paul Burrell construction projects and remodels for ordering product. The Manufacturers are all fighting over the same products and trying their best.

Overhead Door Co. of Eugene-Springfield™ Years in Business: 99 541-686-8144 • www.overheaddoor-eugene.com

OCTOBER 2021

H E AT I N G A N D A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

Do I need to do maintenance on my Air Conditioning and Heating System if it’s working fine?

YES! Even though your air conditioner, furnace, heat pump, ductless and gas fireplace are working fine…this doesn’t mean they are. It's often the most expensive Theo Carroll equipment in your home so maintenance is critical. To extend operating life, heating/cooling equipment should be serviced at least once a year to ensure it operates safely, at maximum efficiency, and to manufacturer’s specifications.

Marshalls, Inc. 541-747-7445 • https://marshallsinc.com/ See ad on page 21.

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I’ve heard Americans waste a huge amount of water and energy getting their clothes clean and dry. Do you have any tips for greening the laundry process?

I

T’S TRUE THAT AMERICANS use huge amounts of water and energy to keep their clothes clean, dry and soft. Indeed, the average U.S. home expends about 12,000 gallons of water on some 300 loads of laundry per year. The non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) estimates that as much as 20 percent of the water used in our homes goes down the washing machine’s drain.

Meanwhile, roughly10 percent of a home’s total electricity use goes toward laundry. No doubt, tightening up this one aspect of taking care of ourselves could make a serious dent in our carbon footprints and overall environmental impact.

Perhaps the quickest way to energy- and water-savings is to upgrade from an older laundry machine. Conventional washing machines (built before 2011) use some 40 gallons of water per load, while newer “HE” (high efficiency) machines can do just as good or better on 14 gallons or less. And since these HE machines have so much less water to heat up and are designed for maximum efficiency, they also use 50-80 percent less energy. They also spin faster, which removes more water from the clothes and thus saves dryer time. Whether or not

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— B. JONES, TROY, NY your machine is HE, set it to the “high spin speed” or “extended spin” setting to remove excess moisture from clothes to reduce the amount of time and energy

shut off based on the size/weight of the load.

If you have an older (conventional) dryer, consider purchasing a SmartDry sensor

PHOTO: PEXELS.COM.

Earthtalk

DEAR EARTHTALK

Making a few tweaks to your laundry routine can help you make a serious dent in your carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. needed in the dryer.

Line-drying clothes is by far the most energy-efficient route, yet most of us (80 percent) rely on dryers to do the job quickly, despite the impact. While HE washing machines have been around for a decade now, it wasn’t until the last few years that more efficient clothes dryers became widely available. Newer units, especially those that meet the federal government’s stringent EnergySTAR efficiency standards, automatically sense how long to run and when to

which attaches to the inside of your machine and then sends you wireless alerts when the load is dry, when delicates should come out, or if the machine has stopped working. The $60 device saves an average of 15 minutes of dry time per load. While it’s no replacement for a new machine, it can help you keep an older one from clogging up the landfill while putting off the expense and resource use of replacing it for a while.

Another low-cost way to reduce your laundry’s

environmental impact is by using a Cora Ball, an ingenious little recycled/recyclable plastic ball that catches plastic microfibers that shed off fleece clothing in the washing machine before it winds up in our waterways and oceans.

And if you like fabric softener but don’t like subjecting yourself and those around you to harsh chemicals—most fabric softeners use dipalmethyl hydroxyethylammoinum methosulfate, a synthetic chemical with softening and anti-static properties—try one of Friendsheep’s Eco Dryer Balls, which naturally softens and fluffs laundry by gently tumbling in the dryer alongside your clothes, separating the fabrics so heat can flow better, reducing wrinkles and static cling while reducing dry time. ✦ CONTACTS: Saving Water And Energy Through Clothes Washer Replacement, nrdc.org/resources/saving-water-and-energy-through-clothes-washer-replacement; Residential Clothes Washers Qualifying Product List, library.cee1.org/ content/qualifying-product-lists-residential-clothes-washers; SmartDry, amzn. to/3zJfTQG; Friendsheep Eco Dryer Balls, amzn.to/3xcxVZM. EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine. com. To donate, visit https//earthtalk.org.

Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

OCTOBER 2021

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

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Rescue Spotlight

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RGOS is a handsome 2-and-a-half-year-old pup ready for a home where he can flourish. Though Argos is shy around humans he does not know, his dynamic character shines once he trusts you. He is attentive, walks great on leash and has a sweet smile that brings joy to all. He loves to snuggle after a long walk and would love a home with a comfy couch or soft bed. Volunteers say, “He greets me with a smile and a happy dance. After a leisurely walk we have a little snuggle time.”

This wiggly guy will need to be the only pet in the home and would love to be a part of a family with kids who are old enough to be patient as he settles in. He weighs between 60 and 65 lbs and is neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. Argos is a very affectionate, sweet gentleman that will make a wonderful addition to any home!

Greenhill Humane Society open seven days a week, 11 am – 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene. Cat adoptions are on a first come limited capacity basis. Dogs and small animal adoptions are by appointment.

For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org.

T

he Cat Rescue & Adoption Network presents MUSTANG SALLY (pictured) & SARGE, a wonderful bonded pair of black panthers. Sarge is an affectionate

and confident 5-year-old boy kitty, and Sally is his 1-yearold twin “sister” who has a sweet and gentle presence.

They are both playful and talkative, and will make loving companions for their forever family. They don’t like other cats, but they are great with humans of all ages.

Sally & Sarge are in excellent health, altered, vaccinated, microchipped, and negative for FeLV & FIV. To meet this pair, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org

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OCTOBER 2021

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If your child misbehaves, stay calm and give them a clear instruction to stop misbehaving and tell them what you would like them to do instead.

Praise your child if they stop. If they do not stop, follow through with an appropriate consequence.

L e a r n m o r e a n d s i g n u p a t L a n e T r i p l e P. o r g T rip l e P O n l i n e i s f r e e f or a l l La n e C o u n t y f a m i l i es ! • Tr i p l e P es t a d i s p o n i b l e e n español.

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OCTOBER 2021

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

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We know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks.

But here’s what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19. So please join us as we all embrace this simple ask: Wear. Care. Share with #MaskUp. Together, wearing is caring. And together, we are saving lives.

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

OCTOBER 2021