The Eco-Mom Challenge
It’s all about you

Mar 10 | archive | subscribe

There are over 82 million mothers in the United States alone, who represent a powerful force for positive change and by making small changes in the way we shop, eat, drive and even clean, we can help stop global warming.

After the birth of her son, longtime social entrepreneur Kimberly Danek Pinkson was motivated to bring her background in sustainability and global interconnection to a new audience.

 “Because leading scientists, including NASA's top officials, say that we have ten years to change the course of global warming. Because if you don't, our children will grow up in a world where their favorite animals such as polar bears and penguins, will have all died off,” said Pinkson.

For millennia, indigenous peoples have known that that we are all connected. That what we do to the ocean, we do to ourselves, and so on and so forth. So how you treat your self, your family and your home adds up to how we collectively take care of our planet.

“By taking one, or all, of these 10 First Steps For A Sustainable Future, you can help to leave a positive legacy for your children, your grandchildren, and all of the children to come,” said Pinkson.

Other EcoMoms include Arianna Huffington, Laurie David, Heidi Kuhn and Robin Wright Penn.

1. Change a light.
If every household in America changed out just 5 light bulbs to energy efficient CFL's it would be equivalent to taking 8 million cars off the road.

2. Drive More Efficiently
Car pool, don't idle during drop off and pick up, drive a hybrid and drive less. If we each drove just 10 mile less per week, it would save 20 billion pounds of CO2 - and you'll find more time in your day.

3. Shop local, fair trade and organic
Most food travels an average of 1,200 miles before it reaches your table, so by walking down to your local farmer's market, you'll not only reduce fossil fuel waste, you might also reduce your own waist.

4. Use non-toxic products
For cleaning, bathing, even make-up and you'll protect the environment as well as reduce you and your family's risk of disease.

5. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Cutting down on garbage by just 10% can save 1,200 pounds of CO2 and you'll have less junk around the house!

6. Turn off and unplug electronic devices
You'll reduce your exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and save on energy and CO2 emissions. You can also start having dinner by candlelight, which your kids, and your partner, will love!

7. Re-think your laundry plan!
A favorite of many EcoMoms. Doing less, using cold water and line drying when possible you can save over 500 pounds of CO2 and over $600 per year.

8. Plant a Tree
Bring more green into your life. This is a great activity to do with your kids to mark special occasions. Over the course of its lifetime, a single tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide. Go organic if you can and avoid those nasty pesticides.

9. Buy carbon offsets
Reduce mom guilt, like the SUV you still have. Offsets are kind of like eating too many brownies one day and jogging extra the next. nativeenergy.com

10. Play more
In today's world, it is easy to get so busy that you forget to take time to connect and play with the people you love, and to do things that feed your mind, body and spirit. So do things that make you feel healthy, good and thriving. ecomomalliance.org