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Five Green and Local Products for 2012

January 3, 2012 by Kimberly ~ greenWell

You’ve probably started your list of resolutions by now. For some of you it may be a lengthy list, but here’s one worthy of adding — going green. Here are five eco-friendly products — all produced locally — that will do the trick.

1. BungoBox

Not only do BungoBoxes (reusable, plastic moving boxes) make for an earth-friendly move, renting them is cheaper than buying cardboard. Surprisingly, until now, there really hasn’t been a good alternative to using cardboard. We’ve been using the same environmentally unfriendly materials for the past several hundred years. And, unfortunately only half of the cardboard Americans use actually gets recycled. The rest gets tossed into the garbage. www.bungobox.com

2. Spa Diggity Dog Shampoo

Fido or Fluffy will appreciate this all natural, organic dog shampoo. No chemicals or toxins. www.spadiggitydog.com

3. Organic Groceries

Order from a selection of heirloom produce, grass-fed meats, artisan cheeses and other locally grown foods and have them delivered to your doorstep. www.farmfreshorlando.com

4. Organic Tote

Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods’ roomy cotton bags some in six different designs with sayings like “EcoChic” or “Green is the New Pink” chemical and pesticide-free bag. They also have toys, rattlers, diapers and toddler-feeding products made of corn-based plastic. www.dandelionforbaby.com

5. Mrs. Jones Soapbox All-Purpose Cleaner

Mrs. Jones’ cleaning products are made of all natural ingredients – many of them food- based. Even the packaging is in reused plastic bottles. www.etsy.com/shop/mrsjonessoapbox

This is a guest post by freelance writer Sarah Sekula. Find out more about her work at www.sarahsekula.com

Posted in Natural Products | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

Green Christmas

November 27, 2011 by Christy Anne

A few years ago I asked my friends and family if we could stop exchanging Christmas presents. GASP! No gifts, you say! Next you’ll be saying that reindeer can’t really fly! But wait hear me out…

My family isn’t comprised of Rockefellers, but nobody’s kids are suffering from a lack of toys either.   Also, I need a mild sedative just to get through grocery shopping. Trying to buy every relative, friend and coworker I ever met a present while combating other harried shoppers is my idea of a nightmare.

Even when you know someone well, it’s hard to balance budget and gift appreciation value. Sure my Dad would’ve loved a new compound miter saw, but the deluxe tire repair kit was in my price range. It’s not exactly a tool, but it was bought in the tool department. I have bought many things out of desperation that couldn’t even jokingly be referred to as the “perfect” gift. (crocheted leg warmers, Bugs Bunny Chia Pet, the Epilady) I have seen the look, the contorted smile that supposed to say “look how happy I am” when the recipient is not so much happy, but more disappointed, dismayed, or even repulsed.  I could see it in my Dad’s face when he, a man with a life time AAA membership including roadside service, opened up his gift.

Even if unlike me, you are a superb shopper and capable of bringing a joyous smile to whomever you bestow your gifts upon, where are your loved ones going to put all this stuff you so thoughtfully bought them? If they are like me, they already have closets stacked to the ceiling with boxes of who knows what. Mine have words on them like clothes, toys, and perishables, but that doesn’t really tell me all that much. I recently unpacked one labeled “Important Papers” only to find a bunch of old college notes, a stack of newspaper bridal announcements for people I didn’t recognize, and my dead uncle’s social security card. Let’s face it, if you have had stuff in a closet for ten or so years, and you can’t identify it, you probably don’t really need it.

So in an effort to not to fill the world and my closets with more junk, I have opted not to spend my holidays at the mall. Now I donate the money I would have spent on gifts to charity.  Not only do my friends seem to appreciate this more, but I also get to write it off on my taxes.  Even if you can only give a little, it still makes you look pretty magnanimous.  (I have never seen a gift card that read: “A really crummy donation was made in your name.”)  I am not saying I don’t buy a few things for my kids, but I try to keep in mind that at the first Christmas celebration only three gifts were given, and none of them involved game cartridges.

So, I am asking that you join me. Don’t spend this holiday season in the dollar store looking for items that don’t look like they only cost a buck.  Let’s keep this Christmas green. And rather than wasting your time buying a bunch of unnecessary stuff that’s production is polluting the world and that is quite possibly made not by elves, but underage workers; bake cookies, go caroling, and spend time with your loved ones. After all isn’t that what the holidays are supposed to be about?

(Plus, if we all do it, my mother won’t think I am just being cheap)

Posted in Conservation / Environment, Reduce-Reuse-Recycle | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

Greenovations This Weekend at OSC

October 13, 2011 by Kimberly ~ greenWell

Have fun and learn how to be more eco-friendly at the Orlando Science Center during a day of activities exploring renewable energy, recycling and energy efficient technology on Saturday, October 15. During Greenovations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., experience displays and demonstrations that will engage guests on ways to help reduce their carbon footprint. Greenovations is presented by OUC – The Reliable One in collaboration with the Science Center with support from the Florida Renewable Energy Association and other community partners.

Festivities include performances by the Garbage Men, a band that rocks out while going Green with guitars made from cereal boxes, a saxophone crafted from found objects and a drum made from an old garbage can lid. This talented group of teens will enthral guests with their ability to turn trash into musical treasure. The Garbage Men will be playing several sets throughout the day in the guitar exhibit, beginning at 12 p.m.

Also, explore modular housing made with recyclable materials by World Housing Solution plus Segway of Central Florida will be onsite giving live demonstrations for guests. Attendees will learn about the technology of zero-emission transportation, its uses, and how Segways work. Guests can also check out electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf with test rides available all day.

Guest speakers from the Florida Renewable Energy Association, Citizens for Clean Energy, Florida Solar Energy Industries Association, Florida Solar Energy Center, University of Central Florida and OUC – The Reliable One will host presentations throughout the day on topics ranging from the science of climate change to Florida’s energy policies to how to beat the heat in your Florida home. Films with a conservation message like Wild Ocean, Grand Canyon Adventure and The Living Sea will be playing in the Dr. Phillips CineDome all day.

Take a unique journey through the habitats, sights, sounds and social structures of some of the ecosystem’s smallest, yet most important, contributors with Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World! – a new multisensory experience that immerses visitors into the world of bugs. The exhibit was developed Terminix and features Harry, a Chinese praying mantis, and his insect friends. Explore freestanding habitats such as a cropland, forest, meadow, swamp and even a house to see how insects impact their surroundings, the environment and ultimately human lives.

After encountering insects, you can warm up to worms with the “Worm Lady” in the NatureWorks exhibit. She will be demonstrating vermicomposting, a technique that uses several different species of worms to break down kitchen and garden scraps, cardboard boxes and newspapers. She will address the importance of worms, how they help compost waste and how you can build your own worm box!

During Greenovations, guests can spend quality time with the family during a day of science fun and discovery while they learn how to be kinder to Mother Earth. Thanks to our event sponsors, admission during the event will be $5 for everyone. Tickets include access to all Greenovations activities as well as all the Science Center’s regular exhibits like DinoDigs, Science Park and KidsTown. For more information on Greenovations, please call 407.514.2000 or visit www.osc.org

Posted in Conservation / Environment | Leave a Comment »

Tour Eco-Friendly Housing at Greenovations

October 13, 2011 by Kimberly ~ greenWell

Here’s the 5 Ws of an Eco-Friendly Housing Exhibit to be held on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Orlando Science Center (www.osc.org):

What: An innovative and sustainable structure from World Housing Solution (WHS) will be a feature of the Orlando Science Center’s Greenovations event, which explores renewable, recyclable and energy-efficient technology. This exhibit encourages people to touch, feel and experience the eco-friendly future of construction.

This hands-on display will showcase a fully built, composite resin shelter and provide visitors with the chance to learn about construction that eliminates trash and debris from building sites by using pre-made, recyclable composite materials, the same technique used to build the International Space Station as well as the latest Boeing airplanes.

Who: WHS wants to make a difference in people’s lives through sustainable housing. Homes created with structural insulated composite panel (SICP) technology are more ecologically friendly and create cost-efficient alternatives to those with frame-built or block construction. The innovative design is the brainchild of famed local architect and WHS VP of Architecture and Design, Kevin Schweizer, and is engineered by Kent Davis, WHS VP of Engineering. The WHS team recently designed the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building in Haiti for an orphanage, and is working with the United States Military to provide portable military housing and international humanitarian aid.

Why: The homes are reusable, easy to assemble and disassemble and are anchored to the ground no matter the soil conditions or terrain. The composite resin (an advanced shatter-proof fiberglass) used to build WHS homes are lightweight, yet strong enough to resist earthquakes up to 7.5 on the Richter Scale and Category 4 hurricanes (155MPH winds).

Where: Orlando Science Center, 777 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803

When: Greenovations, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Admission to Greenovations is only $5 for everyone. Guests get experience all activities, including guest speakers, films, Segway and electric car demonstrations and presentations on how to help erase your carbon footprint. Also, guests can enjoy all the Science Center’s regular exhibits like Science Park, NatureWorks and KidsTown.

Greenovations: Have fun and learn how to be more eco-friendly while exploring renewable energy, recycling and energy efficient technology. Greenovations is presented by OUC – The Reliable One in collaboration with the Science Center with support from the Florida Renewable Energy Association and other community partners.

Info: Please call 407-514-2000 or visit www.osc.org . For more information on World Housing Solution, please visit www.worldhousingsolution.com .

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Stroller Walk for Nurse Midwife Week

October 2, 2011 by Michelle Smith

Join Tree of Life Birth and Gynecology as they host a Stroller Walk for Nurse Midwife Week October 8th from 8am-12pm at Ft Mellon Park in Sanford, Florida! This is a great event for the whole family. Face Painting, Envision Therapy Chair Message, MY GYM, Cup Cakes and more will be a part of the fun. Bring your strollers and show your support for the midwives in your life! Call 407.878.27574 for more details!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a Comment »

Reflections and Ramblings after a Summer in the Poconos

September 17, 2011 by Jan Zeiger

This summer, my children and I went to a sleep-away camp in the beautiful Poconos of Pennsylvania.  What a neat way to get back to nature!  My kids spent most of their days outside!  They swam in the lake, went horseback riding, did arts & crafts, and more.  This was an experience that I was able to provide them with because of my background in education.  While they were playing with friends, I was checking on campers,  supervising counselors, and communicating with parents.  Sure, it was hard work, but I got to spend my summer with fabulous kids in a place that was completely different from Orlando.  For the most part, the weather was beautiful, and like my kids, I got to spend most of my time outdoors!  I know it makes me sound like I’m 12, but I made some really good friends at camp, too.  What a neat experience! We were in PA for 9 weeks.


When I started this blog many years ago, I planned to get new posts up weekly, and for a while, I did exactly that.   My goal was to write about every new “green” business in Orlando, along with covering local events that would interest CFGG readers.  I also wanted to see our site have great content that relates to green living and holistic health.  Therefore, I recruited a number of individuals (mostly moms) who were interested in blogging about such topics on a regular basis.

Writers have come and gone, contributing what they could when they could–leaving when they could no longer make time for blogging or to start blogs of their own.  My life has changed dramatically over the years, and this has resulted in inconsistent writing on my part.  Having started this blog as a full-time parent, I found it hard to keep up when I returned to my teaching  job in 2008.  I’m home with my children again, but now I’m working towards another degree in education at the University of Central Florida.   I spend my weeks with my children and my weekends doing homework, so blogging regularly about natural living has been a bit of a challenge.

We’ve been back from PA about a month now, and we’re having fun reconnecting with family and friends.  Now that the kids and I have found our homeschool groove, I’m looking for ways to get more focused on green living. One idea that interests me has to do with my 4th grader, David.  I’m thinking about helping him write some articles for the Green Guide. This would be a great way to integrate language arts and science.  I might be able to involve my 1st grader as well! We’ve never had a kid’s perspective here at the GG!


We’re visiting Our Vital Earth (a worm farm) next week with our homeschool group.  I’m ashamed to admit that we have not been composting. It’s been on my “to do” list for years.   I need to just go ahead and get started.  I’ve also been talking about a rain barrel for too long.  What else?  We moved to a new home and need to look into water filtration again.  I’ve been so out of touch–I don’t even know what’s out there.

Oh, and if you’ve been wondering, the site’s name change was not intentional.  This website is designed for those living in Orlando and the surrounding areas.

The Orlando Green Guide is a labor of love.  If contributing appeals to you, please email me to get signed up AFTER reading the Guidelines for Writers.  This is a non-profit site, but you will be allowed to add your link in exchange for monthly contributions.  Do you have a child who would like to submit an article that relates to a green topic?  What about a book review?    We’d love to hear from you!

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Central Florida Veg Fest is back-bigger and better than ever!

September 13, 2011 by Christy Anne

Fun for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, the Central Florida Veg Fest is a great place to learn more about healthy living, and local green businesses.  The Veg Fest offers live entertainment, cooking demonstrations by local vegan chefs, health and wellness exhibitions, and kids activities.  

The Veg Fest will be held October 22, 2011 at Loch Haven Park from 10am to 6pm.  Admission is free to this family friendly and smoke free event.  

Posted in Food and Nutrition, Fun Stuff for Kids, Health Food Stores, Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Leave a Comment »

Free Admission to Florida State Parks Sunday September 11, 2011

September 8, 2011 by Christy Anne

Visit a state park FREE on Sunday, Sept. 11. Just bring a library card, a book checked out from a library or donate a new or gently used family-friendly book. Many state parks will host special events, such as book exchanges or reading with a park ranger.

Posted in Fun Stuff for Kids, Wildlife | Leave a Comment »

Childbirth Hypnosis

July 26, 2011 by Michelle Smith

A Peaceful HypnoBaby

Words such as HYPNOSIS… CHILDBIRTH HYPNOSIS… HYPNOBIRTHING… HYPNOBABIES…
Often conjure images of old movies, silly sitcom plots, grown men dancing like ballerinas, little babies staring at swinging pocket watch, or poor birthing women clucking like chickens. Yet, as leery as people often are about the ‘H’-word, anyone who has ever wondered how the heck they are already at their exit while driving down I-4 has simply entered into a state of everyday hypnosis. Ditto for someone who is caught daydreaming or is completely engrossed in a movie, book, or video game. And who hasn’t drifted off during a really boring conversation? Again, everyday hypnosis. Hypnosis is simply a state of deep relaxation and focused concentration. It is a natural state anyone can access if they want to.

So, what is the one word besides “BREATHE” that can cause a laboring woman to issue threats of rendering her partner sterile if he says it to her one more time?– “RELAX!”.  Yet how many of us know how to even begin to relax or what true relaxation actually feels like? Add to this the fact that we live in a country which bombards us with TV commercials for the newest wonder drug promising an instant, effortless fix for tired, overworked, stressed-out people. No need to change your lifestyle or learn relaxation &/or stress reduction techniques—just use the drugs. Hmmm… seems familiar. That is also the prevailing attitude around birth. Unfortunately, many people are shocked and, even worse, often scornful to hear a woman is choosing to give birth without an epidural or some sort of pain medication. So often pregnant women hear someone almost gleefully exclaim, “You just wait, you will be screaming for that epidural the minute you hit the hospital sidewalk!”? Few understand that mainstream birthing practices coupled with a woman’s own attitudes, fears, beliefs, and expectations play such a huge role in birthing. Feeling safe, supported, honored, and confident makes all the difference in being able to give birth ‘naturally’.  Pair these factors with deep relaxation skills and slow deep breathing practices that come easily as habit, and a woman has the edge she needs to give birth without medication and often quite comfortably.

The gift of hypnosis is the profound relaxation and fear release techniques it provides. (The same medical hypnosis techniques used to create anesthesia in such cases as pain relief for burn victims, dentistry, and minor surgery aren’t too shabby either.) And truth be known, those Lamaze instructors are right, the way to a more comfortable birth is not to get pregnant in the first place. Oops, just kidding—relaxation and breathing techniques. While most childbirth education programs teach many wonderful relaxation ideas and tools, they lack the proper compounding and practice necessary to build a relaxation HABIT within the body. Nor do they provide access to the most powerful of all tools: your imagination- your subconscious mind. The subconscious is the part of your mind that influences how you think, how you feel, the choices you make, and the habits you hold. Hypnosis allows access to your most important ally. With access granted you can release limiting beliefs, fears, and negative programming, thus creating positive change and expectation. Hypnosis also enhances the mind-body connection. It can do such things as reduce stress, speed healing, increase a nursing woman’s milk supply, or even alter the perception of pain.  Another benefit of hypnosis is that when someone is in this relaxed state, breathing automatically deepens and slows. This contrasts markedly with the fast paced, upper-chest breathing taught in traditional Lamaze classes. Over time shallow breathing results in emotional distress and physical exhaustion.  A woman loses oxygen, energy, and perspective. Just attempting to remember the contrived patterns is enough to produce panic in most laboring women, and it has also been know to contribute to the broken fingers of well meaning birth coaches.

The beauty of childbirth hypnosis is the greater comfort and control it affords a woman during her birth process. Comfort, focus and control not typically realized by other birthing women. The benefits also extend to her baby. The practices of profound relaxation, deep slow breathing, and positive expectations during pregnancy and birth reduce the amount of stress hormones that can negatively impact the mother and her child. A HypnoBirthing mommy is better able to enjoy her pregnancy and dare I say, joyously anticipate giving birth. But perhaps the greatest benefit is the life enhancing skills she now forever more possesses. And who wouldn’t want to cluck like a chicken while giving birth? ; )  ; )

Posted in Birth Centers, Doulas & Childbirth Classes, Homebirth Midwives, Natural Baby Care, Natural Pregnancy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Farm Fresh Produce at Sanford Farmer’s Market

July 1, 2011 by Christy Anne

If you like farm fresh produce, the Sanford Farmer’s Market is a must see.  Here you will find everything from organically grown carrots and goats milk dairy products to local raw honey. (Locally made honey is a natural treatment for environmental allergies.) There are native plants and flowers sold by gardeners who give lots of great advice on how to keep your garden green. You will also find live music and lots of arts and crafts. Vendors offer a wide variety of products including jewelry made from recycled items like game tiles and bottle caps and hand-made clothes and purses.  The market is held in historic downtown Sanford Satuday mornings from 9am-2pm and Wednesday evenings from 6pm-9pm.  Hope to see you there!

Posted in Farmer's Markets, Food and Nutrition, Natural Products | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

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