- THE
HIGH PRICE OF BOTTLED WATER –
How much bottled water do we drink? So much that you’d think
our taps had run dry. Between 1976 and 2006, annual consumption
of bottled water rose from an average of 1.6 gallons per
person to 27.6 gallons—an increase of 1,625 percent. Last
year, Americans chugged 8.25 billion gallons of the stuff,
or 30 billion actual bottles worth. In 2006, the U.S. spent
$15 billion on bottled water—more than on movie tickets.
A recent Gallup poll found that one in five Americans drinks
no tap water at all. [Read the complete article at http://www.theweekmagazine.com/news/articles/news.aspx?ArticleID=2256.]
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- LUNCH
NUTRITION –
KidsAndNutrition provides valuable information for parents
who want to help their children maintain a healthy and nutritious
diet. Good nutrition can instill lifelong eating habits
that help children grow to their full potential and lead
healthy lives. Check out their features and articles written
by professional journalists and experts at www.kidsandnutrition.co.uk.
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- LOW-EMISSIONS
AUTO RENTAL –
The next time you need to rent a car, consider renting a
low emissions vehicle from a company like EVRental at www.evrental.com.
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- ECOLOGICAL
FOOTPRINTS – Examine your ecological
footprint with a new game from the Sustainability Desk available
at www.consumerconsequences.org.
This game, launched by the
Public Insight Network, uses the science of ecological
footprinting to gauge the environmental impact of your
lifestyle, and then lets you redesign your consumption
habits so you can live within the Earth’s resources.
To play, answer questions about
the things you buy, the food you eat, how you transport
yourself and power your home, and the waste you generate.
The game creates a picture of what the world might look
like if everyone on Earth lived like you, calculates your
ecological impact, and gives you some suggestions for
where you could change your lifestyle.
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Laptop
Lunches in the News
NJ Family
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Go
Green for Lunch
The Laptop Lunch System turns packing lunch into a "green"
science. The kit contains an insulated carrying case, a reusable
water bottle, and a bento box with small inner containers and
utensils so there's no disposable waste. $34.99; laptoplunches.com. |
Dallas Morning
News
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"Parents
with picky eaters have borrowed a concept from the Japanese
to make brown-bag boredom a thing of the past. Their solution?
Bento boxes, or a variety of lunch containers that use the
same concept.
The
Asian lunchboxes are designed like jewelry boxes – imagine
an individually designed dinner tray or a grown-up baby setting
– with subdivided or even stacked sections that hold minidishes.
These
compartments are easily removed, making cleaning a cinch and
creating a waste-free alternative to plastic bags.
Yet
bento boxes are more than just a clever way to segregate the
sauced items from the dry, the hot from the cold. Some moms
are using them, along with tried-and-true techniques, to boost
nutrition and combat the supersize craze."
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[Read
the rest of the article online at: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/taste/shopping/stories/DN-nf_bento_0815liv.State.Edition1.b1d12c.html.]
The View From
The Bay
Chef
Ann Cooper demonstrates how to get kids involved in packing nutritious
lunches at http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=viewfrombay&id=5569335.
Good Morning
America
Dietician
Ellie Krieger demonstrates how to pack a healthy lunch: Nutritious
and delicious options for your child's school lunch:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3532058 .
The Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth, TX
Bye-bye,
brown bags – Reusable lunch totes let your kids help Mother Earth,
but are still cool enough for the cafeteria: http://www.star-telegram.com/408/story/206182.html.
Urban Baby
Daily
"Ice
cream and lemonade may be summer food staples, but back to school
calls for a more healthful eating plan. Laptop
Lunches' Bento Box Set makes it easy to feed kids well – and protect
their environment at the same time. The tray-like boxes – in four
cheery color combos – are packed with a range of reusable containers
and lids in various sizes to accommodate everything from sandwiches
and salads to dips and dressings." [Read the rest of the article
at: http://www.urbanbaby.com/ub_daily/083107dailynat.html.]
MSN.com
Healthy
Make-Ahead Lunch Tips: Getting the family "back-to-school"
"Back-to-school
means back-to-the-drawing-board for many parents trying to pack
quick, easy lunches that are healthy for their kids -- and themselves.
But don't despair: Help is at hand. The EatingWell Test Kitchen
-- which includes a number of working parents -- has provided these
healthy recipes and lunch tips." [Read the rest of the article
at: http://lifestyle.msn.com/foodandentertaining/recipes/articleew.aspx?cp-documentid=5162656>1=10446.]
New
Retailers
Anthea
Designs
3100 N. Davidson St
Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 375-0088
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New
Seasons Market
15861 SE Happy Valley Town Center Dr.
Happy Valley, OR 97086
(503) 558-9214 |
Zoinks
1775 Washington Street
Hanover, MA 02339
(731) 829-0128
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Bugaboo
Baby & You
236 Labreche Drive
North Bay, ON PIA 4J6
(705) 497-5953
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Toe
Jamz, Inc.
12418 LaGrange Road, Suite 145
Louisville, KY 40245
(502) 241-8637
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Whole
Foods
800 Del Monte Center
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 333-1600
|
Little
Bubbs Boutique
5846 Furlong Drive
Medina, OH 44256
(440) 263-8182
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Nutrition
House
285 Geneva Street
St. Catharines, ON L2N 2G1
(905) 9353-1872
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Whole Foods
3000 Telegraph Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 649-1333
|
Whole
Foods
8855 W. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89117
(702) 254-0655 |
Whole Foods
Sacramento
4315 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95864
(916) 488-2800
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Whole
Foods West Hartford
50 Raymond Road
West Hartford, CT 06107
(860) 523-8500 |
Whole Foods
1010 Park Place
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 358-6900
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Wishes
Toy Store
240 Chappel Place
Avon, CO 81620
(970) 845-0456
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Brainwaves
Toy Shop
Salt Pond Plaza
91 Point Judith Road
Narragansett, RI 02882
(401) 792-8697
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Perfectly
Natural
523 Boston Post Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
978-440-7500 |
Woolly Bugs
Austin, TX 78729
(512) 426-3468
www.woollybugs.com
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Sandbox
201 West Napa Street #8
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-2699
www.sandboxsonoma.com
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Low Country
Coop
(843) 343 4727
www.enviromomonline.com
(905) 910-0902
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www.AtHomeNaturally.com
www.ecomum.com
www.epeddlerswagon.com
www.chicksandfrogs.com
www.RaspBaby.com
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Visit www.laptoplunches.com/retail.html
for a complete list of retailers.
Want to see Laptop Lunches at a store in your neighborhood? Email us at
info@obentec.com, and we'll give them a call.
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Taking the EcoMom
Challenge
Tammy
Pelstring interviews Kimberly Danek Pinkson, founder of EcoMom
Alliance.
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| Tammy: |
Hi
Kimberly, I was so excited to come across your organization.
I must say that it really spoke to me. Can you tell our readers
about the EcoMom Alliance?
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| Kimberly: |
The
EcoMom Alliance is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization I founded with a
clear and two-fold mission.
1. To leverage the power of mothers to help reduce global warming.
2. To inspire and empower moms to help create a sustainable future by
Sustaining Themselves, Sustaining Their Homes, and Sustaining Our Planet.
The
EcoMom Alliance is about bringing women together, making a difference,
feeling good, connecting, and sharing -- doing what women have been doing
since the beginning of time: sustaining life.
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| Tammy: |
What
inspired you to start The EcoMom Alliance?
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| Kimberly: |
My
background in sustainability began at an early age, so I've been a long
time social entrepreneur, and I've always loved bringing people together.
The idea for EcoMom was, quite literally, "a light bulb moment."
I had co-produced an event for the United Nations World Environment Day,
and several weeks later I was with a group of mom friends at a picnic
on Donner Lake. My friend, Tiffany, who had attended the event, started
talking about how the event had inspired her to change all of her light
bulbs to CFLs. I was really excited – and touched of course, but what
happened next was really great. All of the other moms joined in and started
asking questions about how they could be more eco-friendly, and I started
thinking about the power of mothers, not only as role models for the next
generation, but as a significant market force. The seed was planted, and
a few months later EcoMom was born.
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| Tammy: |
What
is the EcoMom Challenge?
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| Kimberly: |
The
EcoMom Challenge is a call to action which asks moms to step
up and take 10 First Steps For a Sustainable Future. It is
tangible, doable, and fun. Many of us feel so overwhelmed
when thinking about the climate crisis that we act like deer
in headlights: paralyzed by fear and confusion. The EcoMom
Challenge is about making a difference, but it's something
that everyone can do, starting now, with baby steps. Just
like our children must take first steps before they can walk
or run, so too do we have to start with first steps. You can
find the steps on our Web site at www.ecomomalliance.org.
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| Tammy: |
What
are a few easy-to-do changes that moms can make to help reduce
global warming?
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| Kimberly: |
That
is really what the EcoMom Challenge is about, and one of the things that
makes this easy, and enticing is the realization that it's all connected.
So what you do to reduce global warming will also help you find more time,
energy, and quality in your life. This is one of the guiding principles
of EcoMom, and it's anchored in the indigenous belief that we are all
connected – a tenet I was taught early on through my father’s work with
native elders. So, things like driving less, doing less laundry, reducing,
reusing and recycling are simple things that add more time to your day,
and save money, and reduce CO2 emissions. And of course, supporting sustainable
companies such as Laptop Lunches – saves you time and energy because you
don't have to shop for baggies every other month, it keeps trash out of
our landfills thus reducing CO2 emissions, and it protects your family
from exposure to toxic plasticizers. For other ideas, you can visit www.ecomomalliance.org
and go to 10 First Steps
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| Tammy: |
The
back to school season is upon us. Do you have any suggestions
for what moms can do to green their schools?
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| Kimberly: |
I
just wrote two sections about this in our newsletter. I recommend
encouraging the school to serve organic food, getting the
school to use non-toxic cleaning supplies, paints, and fertilizers,
using all recycled paper (including toilet paper), recycling,
putting motion sensors on lights, and encouraging families
to walk or ride bikes to school. The idea of a walking bus
is growing a lot in popularity. Parents take turns being the
“driver.” They walk through the neighborhood and “pick up”
kids on the way to school. By the time they arrive, they're
a virtual walking or bike riding parade led by one or two
parents. www.saferoutestoschool.org
is a great resource, as is www.curbyourcarbon.org.
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| Tammy: |
Tell
me about the EcoMom One Night a Week Challenge? What are some
tips for making this doable?
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| Kimberly: |
It's
part of our outreach education, based on the Australian Conservation Foundation's
"Cool the Globe" initiative. It's about helping moms and helping our planet.
By choosing one night to not use any electricity – no lights, no laundry,
no TV – families can reconnect with one another while they save resources.
This is, in large part, inspired by my childhood memory of power outages
on stormy nights. We played games, ate dinner by the fire, talked, and connected.
To make this doable, have a family meeting and introduce the idea. Choose
a night that everyone agrees on, and make the planning a family affair.
It's kind of like going on a mini camping trip: the process is part of the
journey and part of the reward. You might come to understand how you use
resources and how you can work together to be more sustainable. Without
the TV, and with candle-light and conversation, romantic energy often gets
“renewed”!
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| Tammy: |
How are you getting the word out about
EcoMom?
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| Kimberly: |
By
speaking at moms' groups, PTA groups, and special events, through our
Web site and bi-monthly newsletter. I’ve been writing guest columns in
magazines and newspapers, and have been making media appearances. We're
also starting to offer Sustain Your Self Workshops that give women a chance
to take a few hours for themselves to enjoy a mind-body-spirit experience
that will leave them feeling inspired and empowered. I'm also excited
about a new outreach program that will create EcoMom Leaders in communities
worldwide.
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| Tammy: |
What
is your hope and dream for EcoMom?
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| Kimberly: |
That one day my work won’t be necessary because our culture will
have shifted to one of sustainable living wherein environmental, social
and economic prosperity are a reality for all. And that every mom will
be an EcoMom!
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| Tammy: |
What
do you do for fun when you’re not working with EcoMom Alliance?
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| Kimberly: |
Not
working? What does that mean? Just kidding. As a single mom and social
entrepreneur I never really stop, but more importantly, EcoMom is about
a lifestyle. Work and play are integrated. My fun is connected to the
environment, which is part of what motivates my work. It is also integral
to the values I try to pass on to my son, Corbin. I try to get outdoors
as much as possible and balance sitting at the computer and speaking engagements
with activities that keep my body healthy too -- and give me more precious
time with him. We love to go backpacking in the Sierras, rock climbing,
skiing, snowboarding, playing on the beach and pummeling (that’s my word
for the “surfing” we try to do.)
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| Tammy: |
What's the biggest challenge you currently
face?
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| Kimberly: |
Remembering
that I have to walk my talk and sustain myself as I get this organization
up and running at the next level.
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|
Tammy:
|
Any
moments of epiphany?
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| Kimberly: |
Every
day! I think that we often wait for the billboard flashing sign, like in
that Steve Martin movie with Sarah Jessica Parker. I think it was called
LA Story, but if we shift our focus and begin to realize the miracles
and “signs” that are there for us every day -- in the stars, mountains,
oceans, friends, family . . . the epiphanies are always there. Then, it
just becomes a matter of acting on them and bringing them into reality.
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|
Tammy:
|
Describe
your favorite lunch.
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| Kimberly: |
OK,
but I don’t think this is one that your readers will be inspired by. Baked
potato, steamed broccoli, and salmon all mixed together, followed by some
ice cream. In my Laptop Lunch Box, Corbin and I both love doing a mix of
steamed vegetables with a side of dipping sauce, a turkey sandwich with
mayo, sprouts, and cucumbers, and then a handful of Newman’s chocolate mint
“oreos” for dessert. All organic of course!
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News
From Abroad
Europe
Canada
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Congratulations
to our Canadian partner, Lisa Borden (www.bordencom.com),
who recently gave birth to baby Andy. Lisa, mother of
three adorable children, manages to balance both family
and work admirably. Within a few days of Andy's birth,
Lisa took advantage of his long, peaceful naps to follow
up with customers. She is, indeed, a Super Mom!
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Lisa
recently had a lunch making article published in The Yummy
Mummy Club.
http://www.yummymummysite.com/index.cfm?PID=19235&PIDList=18562,19159,19235
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Lisa
worked closely with Whole Foods in Canada this summer to create
this nice end cap display for Back to School. |
Sweden
Marianne
Blix, our Swedish partner (www.laptoplunches.se),
has recently begun promoting Laptop Lunches in Sweden. Marianne
reports that business has been growing on its own by word of mouth,
via forums and blogs. She hasn't engaged in any formal advertising
yet, but she's been contacted by the media and looks forward to
an article coming out this month...and more press thereafter.
Denmark
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Laptop
Lunches continue to grow in popularity in Denmark. Den Gamle
Skole, "The Old School," introduced the primary set
in 2005. It was so successful that they recently started offering
the whimsical set as well. Laptop Lunches are popular in Danish
kindergartens and schools - and among grown-ups too! www.dengamleskole.dk
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What
Works...Success Stories
"One
week with the lunchbox and we absolutely love it! In fact, it has
caused such a commotion with the preschool kids that parents are
asking me for information on it. Hopefully, it will catch on.
My
daughter goes to Montessori Preschool, where useful lunchboxes are
required. I found it very hard to find a lunchbox before now. Thank
you again and again.
I
should also add that this last week with her spiffy Laptop Lunch,
my daughter not only ate edamame, but apples, avocados, celery,
and carrots. She's never even wanted to try those before. You can't
understand how happy I am!!!"
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Very
satisfied customer,
--Dessie
Zalesny, Redding, CA
"Hi! I just found a great, reasonably priced thing to
add to my Laptop Lunch. It's from a company called "Crispy
Green" (www.crispygreen.com).
It's crispy freeze-dried fruit (pineapple, apples, peaches
and nectarines). They're just great. I usually use my Laptop
Lunch when I'm knitting (teaching, or just taking the design
work outside), and it's great to get fruit without the sticky
mess. Good for you too! Check them out!"
--Witt
Pratt, Winchester, VA, Your Shenandoah Laptop Luncher
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"I just purchased a Laptop Lunchbox for my 2-year old daughter.
It's early, I know, but why not make her lunch at daycare a little
more exciting? Anyway, today I received my first Laptop Lunch Times
newsletter. What an unexpected bonus -- I really appreciate the
'food for thought' that comes with our purchase!"
--Amy
Tournas-Hardt, Cambridge, MA
"It's
official... the Laptop Lunch is a hit!!! My 7 year-old daughter
loves it so much and so do I.
I appreciate the positive environmental impact we are going to have,
the much better meals I can prepare/serve and well, it's just darn
nifty! We will be telling everyone about this fab invention!"
--Andie,
Livermore, CA
Do
you have a success story or photo to share? Email it to us at newsletter@obentec.com.
Featured
Web Site: http://www.greencleanschools.org
Green Clean Schools is the Healthy Schools Campaign's
national partnership to promote green cleaning in
America's schools. The initiative brings together
the cleaning industry, educational leaders, parents
and advocates in a rapidly growing Green Team whose
mission is to encourage schools to adopt environmentally
friendly policies, practices and products.
On
this site you'll find...
- The
Quick and Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools
-
Five Simple Steps to Green Cleaning in Schools
- Featured
Green Clean Products
- Success
Stories
- Green
Clean Updates
- HSC
Blog
- HSC
Newsletter
|
Each
school day, some 53 million students and 5 million
staff attend our nation’s schools, representing
some 20 percent of the American population. According
to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
half this population may be exposed to polluted
indoor air, lead, asbestos, chemical fumes, pesticides,
molds and other toxins, along with overcrowding
and poor sanitation. |
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October Highlights
Roots
& Rice, Green Opportunities, and Overhauling a School Lunch
Program
©
September 2007 Obentec, Inc.
849 Almar Ave., Suite C-323
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-457-0301
REPRINT PERMISSION
Feel free to reprint
or forward this newsletter with the following acknowledgment and contact
information clearly visible: "Thank you to Obentec, Inc. for permission
to use this copyrighted material. For more information, contact Obentec,
Inc. by email at info@obentec.com
or by phone at 831-457-0301, or visit their Web site at http://www.obentec.com.
Reprint permission granted with this full notice included."
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