I am relatively new to the whole "green" scene. I have recycled for years, but honestly that's only because the garbage company brings big recycle bins right to my door and it saves on our trash bill. It hasn't been until we started developing our eco-friendly line at Earth Monkeys that I started to be aware of just how UN-GREEN I really am. I had three in diapers for years... so cloth diapers were out... don't you roll your eyes and judge me, I know I'm not alone in this! And the whole "greeny", "eco-friendly","recycley" lifestyle always seemed too expensive and too difficult. If I'm being really honest (brace your selves, I can't find my filter this morning) even now, when I visit environmentally friendly websites or blogs, many feel stuffy and judgmental and can almost carry an air of superiority.  Sometimes I feel like the new kid in church... like the guy up front is going to call me out because I'm not good enough to be in this crowd. (Consequently that is exactly how I felt when I became a pastors wife... and it's not a good feeling.) Anywhoo, I tend to be a bit of a rebel... I don't like to conform and snobby superiority makes me want to do just the opposite no matter what the cause is... immature?? Probably, but it's kind of what has kept me from making changes in my lifestyle until now... right wrong or otherwise.



Gena and I are both still a work in progress when it comes to being green and running an eco-friendly household.  I am passionate that taking baby steps is the key to making lasting, effective change, so that's what I'm doing. My life is chaos 98% of the time... my three boys  are exhaustingly high maintenance high energy,  and trying to run a successful business, blogging, cleaning, laundry, cooking... like all of you my list goes on... I don't want to add one more thing to my plate. If faced with the decision between eco-friendly and convenience my choice will vary on any given day... that's just how it is. What I have realized though, is that there are so many things that I can do that aren't hard and even save me money. The more I do them the easier it gets and the less I have to think about making the right choice.



So.... here are 8 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO "Greenify" your family and probably even save you money in the process...

1. Stop using paper towels/plates... Gena shamed me into "encouraged" me to just buy a costco pack of those white towels and use them instead ... and I decided to just start washing dishes instead of using paper plates for breakfast and lunch... I made the swtich about 9 months ago and it's not that bad:)


2. Turn your lights off and unplugged the stuff you're not using... my mom will laugh that I wrote this because I am still really working on this one... it's extra hard when you're the only person in the house who doesn't think every single light needs to be on 24/7.


3. Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient ones... they're a little more spendy upfront but save on the electric bill big time!


4. Check out A Simple Switch by Philips on Facebook... they have great tips and challenges on making small changes.


5. Stop Using Plastic Bags... Either bring your own or  use paper bags ( I shred the paper bags and use them as filling for Earth Monkeys gift bags... so don't give me that finger wave:) Gena's the pro at this... I've got the grocery store down but I always forget my bags at like Target or other stores... I then have to do the "walk of shame" hoping Gena's not lurking around the corner waiting to bust me:) hehe


6. Put on some socks... My house is old and drafty... we're talking all original 1958... I can feel breeze through my windows... it's bad. And while I should replace them with new energy efficient ones, I don't have $20K to fork out right now. Sooo instead of cranking up the heat to 85 to make-up for the cold, we just bundle up 1) Because a $500 power bill isn't fun to pay and 2) Because it's an easy energy saver!


7. Join the Reuse Revolution on our Earth Monkeys website!  Make the pledge not to buy disposable bibs and changing pads... you don't have to use our stuff... but choosing to use washable reusable products does make a difference. CLICK HERE to join!


8. Find a favorite Green Moms Blog to follow... My personal favorite is Secret Mommy... she's a real mom with crazy monkeys who does her best to live a green lifestyle. I have never felt judged or less than by anything she's written... only encouraged and inspired!! 

Emilie... is a mom of three boys. She is the founder of both Jackson County Parent to Parent and Families For Community, non-profits that exist to equip parents who have children who experience disability to be the very best advocates for their kiddos that they can be. She began her advocacy work both locally and at a state level in 2007, when her youngest, Parker, was diagnosed with autism. She is immensely passionate about empowering and equipping families experiencing disabilities. She is also a consultant for thirty-one, a company that sells super cute purses, and organizing accessories.

I hate the rain. I hate to drive in the rain. I hate that my butt gets wet while I am frantically trying to buckle my youngest into his car seat. And I don’t like the smell of wet boys OR wet dog. Rain means the kids unable to run outside and play, and a houseful of boys for days on end usually equals in tears for all of us. But I have a secret weapon. I am crafty. I have Construction Junction.



Construction Junction was something that my mom used to have in her elementary program and she introduced it to my boys this past summer. I am all about providing opportunities for craftiness (I am kind of a craft-whore, don’t judge), and ALL of my boys go nuts when I bring out the Construction Junction box.

Construction Junction is recycling meets adhesive. It is low-temp glue guns, rolls of colored tape, scissors (optional) and whatever you choose to save. Favorites in our house are toilet paper tubes, washed out applesauce cups, corks, egg cartons, frozen juice lids, etc. Occasionally, I will purchase pom-poms, pipe cleaners, or googley eyes; but we try to keep Construction Junction about giving the boys opportunities to be creative with things that we would normally throw away. My house ranges from an almost 11-year-old down to a 5 year old that experiences autism. EVERYONE loves Construction Junction and it can mean HOURS of entertainment and creative play.

Some of you are sweating right now at the idea of setting your child loose with a glue gun. Never fear!! Today, low-temp glue guns are easy to find at any craft store and while the glue is hot, it will not burn. Just as we take the time to teach our kids that we use a fork to eat with, and not to shank your brother with (What?! Only in my house?!), we should also teach our kids that glue guns are for gluing stuff (paper, tubes, pipe cleaners), not siblings, the dog, or furniture.



Construction Junction is not a new concept, but sometimes as a mom I need to be reminded that certain activities are a great idea. This is one of those great ideas! Construction Junction is the ultimate cold/wet weather indoor activity in our house, and hopefully soon it will be in yours!