The Fight Against Global Warming Starts in Your Home

Are you concerned with the potential effects of global warming?  If you are, you are definitely not alone.  As more political figures, scientists, and celebrities voice their concerns about global warming, more Americans are beginning to take notice.  

Image via WikipediaAlthough global warming is an issue that is widely debated, it is an issue that still causes concern.  For example, the predictions state that the weather will become more erratic in the future (hence the recent shift in terminology away from "global warming" and towards "climate change," which is a more relatable way to describe the effects of global warming - which may not seem all that "warm" to some of us).  We may experience horrific coastal flooding and drought will become (and is already becoming in some areas) a big concern.  In 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast and this storm is not one that we will ever forget.  In the summer and fall of 2007, southern states, such as Georgia and Tennessee experienced life changing drought conditions, which resulted in the strict enforcement of water bans and water restrictions.

Even if you do not be sure whether you believe in the concept of global warming, you may still be concerned with the changes that you are seeing. The good news is that there are a large number of ways that you can help.  If you are interested in doing your part to help stop or lessen the impact of global warming or even just improve the environment, you will first want to start in your own home.

Since carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are a big cause of global warming or at least the rise in the earth’s temperature in general, we need to limit these emissions from our home.  One of the biggest ways to do so is to turn down your heat.  Even a few degrees can make a huge difference with the toxins that are emitted from our homes.  Simply put on a sweatshirt or invest in a thermostat with a programmable timer.  A programmable timer will enable your homes temperature to be lower when you are not there, but you can set it to turn your heat on right before you arrive home from work.

Image via WikipediaIt may also be a good idea to have your home updated or at least inspected by a professional.  Many individuals have no idea how much heat escapes from their home.  This is most often caused by poor insulation or leaky window seals.  If it seems that your house cannot get warm enough, no matter how high the heat is, you likely have a problem that needs to be addressed.  Although it will cost you money to reinsulate your home or to repair your windows, these repairs should pay for themselves over time, due to a reduction in heating costs.

It is also important to examine your electricity use.  The less electricity you use, the better it will be for the environment.  In fact, did you know that by reducing your electricity use, you can not only help to save the environment and combat global warming, but you can also save yourself a considerable amount of money each year?  You can.  Ways that you can reduce electricity in your home include switching all or most of the light bulbs in your home to energy efficient ones, and using energy efficient appliances, as well as making sure that all lights and appliances are turned off when they are not in use. Many appliances also use some energy even when turned off (these are often called "vampires"). To combat this, plug appliances into a power strip, and simply switch the strip off every time you turn off your appliances.

Other additional ways that you can help to stop the affects of global warming and help the environment in general involves limiting your dishwasher use and putting a hot water heater blanket on your heater.  Hot water heater blankets are affordably priced and they are designed to keep your heater insulated.  When properly used, hot water heater blankets can enable you to lower the temperature.  This can also save you time running the water (another savings), as well as reduce the emissions from your home.  As for your dishwasher, only run it when you have a full load and hand wash any dishes that you may need right away.  This simple step can also help to save you money, especially over time.

The above mentioned easy steps are just a few of the many simple ways that you can take to join the fight against global warming.  While it is important to remember that our homes are not the only cause of carbon dioxide emissions, we must all start somewhere.  What better place then inside our homes?

Climate Change: What Does the Future Hold?

Image via WikipediaWhichever side you fall on the climate change issue, this is a very interesting article. With all the debate going on from many different angles, this address the two most common - the scientific vs. the economic. So what do you think?

The end is nigh? - Climate change, Climate models, Economic growth ...
When scientists and economists try to predict the future, their answers don't always agree.
Publish Date: 03/05/2011 3:00
http://www.terrapass.com/blog/posts/the-end-is-nigh

I think I agree with the article's conclusion - whichever side you fall on, really the best time to act is now. As that old African proverb goes, "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the second best time is today." Let's plant some trees, people! 

A Controversial Approach - Slow Down and Save Gas

Gas prices have every driver feeling the pressure these days.  With gas prices continuing to soar upwards, no driver wants to have to visit the pump any more than they absolutely have to.  That is why it is important to find easy ways that you can increase your fuel efficiency when driving, so you can save a little bit of gas in the process.  After all, every little bit helps, right?

Image via WikipediaThe best ways to save on fuel consumption when you drive are also quite often among the cheapest methods, as well.  For instance, did you know that you can save on gas expenses simply by making a few small changes to your driving style?  If this sounds too good to be true, do not worry!  It is quite possible to increase your fuel efficiency quite dramatically, with even a few subtle changes to the way that you drive.  Read on to find out just how you can accomplish these changes.

First of all, you should know that driving in excess of 55 miles per hour really eats up a lot of gas.  If you compare your mileage when you are driving 55 miles per hour to your mileage when you are driving 75 miles per hour, you will see a drastic difference.  Many experts have speculated that you use about 20 to 25 percent more fuel when you are driving 75 miles per hour, compared to what you would use if you drove at 55 miles per hour.  That is why it is very important to consider going a little bit slower when you are driving on the highway or interstate road.

Although some may see this as a sticking point, since it may seem like a bit of a chore to have to putt along at 55 miles per hour when everyone else is going 65 miles per hour (or even faster), remember that you will still get to where you are going, and in the process you will save some money.  If you are only going a short way, such as a one hour trip, you will only spend about ten extra minutes on the road.  At that point, you have to decide for yourself whether getting to your destination a few minutes faster is worth paying several extra dollars in fuel expenses to get there.  If your trip is shorter, such as a thirty mile trip, going ten miles per hour slower will only cost you five minutes of driving time!  Surely, you can afford an extra five minutes spent in the car?

Image via WikipediaIt is important to note that you do not necessarily have to drive 55 miles per hour to get the benefits of increased fuel efficiency.  Even if you slow down from, say, 65 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour, you will still save a bit of gas.  You just will not save as much as you would have, if you had gone down to 55 miles per hour.  However, any gas savings are better than no gas savings, so even if you can slow down just a little bit, you will be helping yourself out the next time you have to go to the gas station! 

It is also important to remember that going slightly over 55 miles per hour does not cost you as much fuel efficiency as an increase in speed when you are already going quite fast.  In other words, five extra miles per hour when you are already going 70 miles per hour will cause a more marked decrease in fuel efficiency than the difference experienced when you go five extra miles per hour over 55 miles per hour.

You won’t only enjoy increased fuel efficiency by driving slower.  You will also avoid getting costly traffic tickets, which can often cost hundreds of dollars.  Plus, you will be a safer driver, and more likely to escape a potentially deadly crash.  If you want to save money at the pump, you should seriously consider slowing down your speed.

More Easy Ways to Improve Your Gas Mileage

Here are some recent articles on improving your gas mileage - something we all are thinking about lately, with the rapid increase in gas prices these days - especially since we can't all drive a car like the one in the picture! :-)

Image via Wikipedia

Check out the tips below, and feel free to share your own as well!

Tips For Improving Gas Mileage « CBS Los Angeles
With gas prices flirting dangerously with $4 per gallon for regular, a few easy changes might help Los Angeles drivers improve their fuel economy.
Publish Date: 03/09/2011 20:45
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/03/09/tips-for-improving-gas-mileage/

How to Improve Gas Mileage and Save Money
How to improve your gas mileage and same some money through fuel economy. Tips on getting better gas mileage.
Publish Date: 03/17/2011 10:01
http://wangsgard.com/2011/improving-gas-mileage/

10 Ways to Improve Mileage | Get Better Gas Mileage
In today's economy, many consumers are being hardest hit in the wallet especially at the pump. There are many ways to cut back, but many still need to drive to work, activities, or get necessities, but they want to do it with the most ...
Publish Date: 03/10/2011 10:01
http://www.get-better-gas-mileage.com/?p=15

 

Other Related Articles on Improving Gas Mileage:

• Tips for improving gas mileage ()
• Gas saving tips (theshenpen.wordpress.com)
• 9 Easy Ways To Increase Your Gas Mileage (sfgate.com)
• Top 7 Driving Tips to Save Gas (southeastautobody.wordpress.com)
• How to Improve Your Motorcycle Gas Mileage (motorcycleinsurance.org)

The Best Ways to Use Less Gas

Unfortunately for all of us who drive regularly, gas prices are on the rise again - and don't appear to be stopping anytime soon.  Since most of us have accepted the reality of that sad fact, there is only one way for us to limit the amount of money we spend on fuel, and that is by using less of it!  Although increasing your fuel economy can seem like an intimidating thing to attempt, it really is not difficult at all.  In fact, the majority of the methods that really work for increasing fuel efficiency are either free or very inexpensive, and most of them are quite easy to accomplish!

Image via WikipediaThe two main areas of opportunity for decreased fuel consumption are driver behavior and vehicle performance.  Driver behavior has to do with things like changing your driving style, planning your trips, and other things that have to do with you and how you operate your vehicle.  Vehicle performance has to do with keeping up on regular maintenance and making sure that your vehicle is doing as it is supposed to do at all times.  Let’s discuss some specific tips of each type.

Changing your driver behavior for the better to increase gas mileage can be very easy.  For instance, think about how you could avoid driving during peak traffic times, or altering your route to avoid busy areas.  You can also plan ahead to make sure that you do not make several trips to the store or other places.  If you can plan your trips logically, you can do all of the things you need to do while avoiding making extra trips.

A very important part of driver behavior has to do with staying off the gas and driving more conservatively.  Doing aggressive things like accelerating towards a red light or driving in excess of 70 miles per hour on the highway only rob you of valuable fuel economy.  Many people do this to arrive places sooner, but the amount of time saved is not really worth the heavy loss in fuel efficiency!  (We will cover this tip in more detail later this week, so be sure to check back for this post.)

Image via WikipediaTo make sure you are getting the best vehicle performance for maximum fuel economy, make sure you stay up to date on maintenance.  This includes simple things like keeping the proper amount of air pressure in your tires, as well as more expensive things, like getting regular tune-ups.  You also need to pay attention to details by doing things like using the correct grade of motor oil.  You can even improve your vehicle’s performance by getting rid of excess stuff filling up your trunk!  According to experts, 250 pounds of extra weight can drop your fuel economy by one mile per gallon!  That adds up, especially over a long period of time.

The proper way to reduce your gas usage is by combining improved driver behavior with the best possible vehicle performance.  Only by emphasizing both will you experience the type of fuel economy that your vehicle is truly capable of.  On the other hand, if you stubbornly refuse to do such simple things, you will find yourself at the gas pump very often, which no one wants to do these days!  Therefore, the best course of action is to make a few simple changes while paying attention to your car’s performance.  That way, you can keep your money in your wallet and avoid paying more at the gas pump.

How to Buy Organic Foods

Are you looking to improve your health?  If you are, you may want to start by switching to organic foods.  Organic foods are known for being all natural.  Organic foods differ from many of the other foods available for sale in grocery stores, as there are no artificial additives (aka toxins) added to natural, organic foods.  That is why many believe that eating organic foods can help to improve their health.

Image via WikipediaIf this is your first time looking to eat organic foods or if you are looking to make a full switch to eating organically, you may be unsure as to where you can purchase your foods from.  After a close examination, you will see that you have a number of different options.  In fact, many individuals are surprised when they see just how easy it is to find and buy all natural organic foods.

Before covering a few of the many places where organic foods can be found available for sale, it is first important that you know what to look for.  For one hundred percent natural, organic foods, it is important to search for the certified organic label or sticker.  These labels and stickers are often prominently displayed on organic foods.  When you see these certified organic stickers or labels, you know that what are buying is “truly,” organic.  In fact, manufacturers cannot claim that their foods are organic unless they meet specific standards.

Image by brian glanz via FlickrAs for where you can find organic foods for sale, one of the most common (and absolute best) places that organic foods are purchased from is locally.  When looking to shop locally for organic foods, you should have a number of different options.  The best place to start is at your local farmer's market - foods here are the freshest (often harvested that very day), and many times you can find them at a great price. Be sure to ask if they are organic or not, as not all local farmers grow organically. CSA programs are cropping up everywhere lately, so see if you can find a CSA in your area, as many of these use certified organic growing practices, and you can actually save quite a bit of money.

Another option is supermarkets or grocery stores.  Most have an organic food section.  Depending on the supermarket in question, this organic food section can be quite small, but a large number of products are often featured.  You just may not have as many product brands to choose from.  (We still recommend you look for locally grown, however, if at all possible.)

Another way that you can go about finding organic foods for sale locally is by visiting an organic food store, also commonly referred to as a natural food store.  These are stores that specialize solely in the selling of all natural, organic foods.  Although many individuals find it easier to shop for organic foods at a grocery store or supermarket, as it can sometimes be more convenient to do so, specialty food stores are increasing popularity.  Now, many large cities and towns have them.  If you do have access to a specialty organic food store, consider shopping there, as you are likely to find the largest selection of products with reasonable prices.

As nice as it is to shop locally, you may not have a specialty organic food store to shop at or you may be unimpressed with the selection of organic foods at your local grocery stores.  If that is the case, you can also shop online.  There are a number of organic food stores that can be found online, with a standard internet search.  These food stores often sell organic foods from a number of different companies or brands.  There are also a number of organic food manufacturers that sell their own brands online.

In keeping with shopping online for organic foods, you may be surprised with what you can find available for sale.  In fact, many individuals mistakenly believe that shopping online for organic foods limits their selection of products, but it doesn’t have to.  For example, Earth’s Best Organic specializes in food designed for babies and small children.  They offer organic baby formula, organic first foods, and organic meals and snacks for toddlers and preschoolers.  Diamond Organic, which is based out of California, carries a wide range of organic foods, including fresh vegetables.  It is also possible to find and buy frozen organic dinners online as well.

As highlighted above, there are a number of different ways that you can go about buying organic foods, both on and offline.  We happen to believe it is very important to shop from local farmers if at all possible. This way you are not only supporting your own family's health, but also the health of your local community, and the planet as a whole. (For more ideas on finding locally grown foods, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/csa.html.)

Video - Where to Start in Reducing Your Toxic Load

Here is a pretty interesting video to check out. I do agree with a lot of what she says, and I agree that fiber is important - just understand that it is not the entire solution. There are MANY other aspects that must be examined in building your immune system - supplements, enzymes, probiotics, diet, exercise, and stress must all be addressed as well. However, fiber can be a great way to start, and this video explores why.

Fibromyalgia & Reducing the Toxic Load
www.iHealthTube.com Dr. Gloria Gilbere feels antidepressants are being over-prescribed and if people would reduce the number of toxins they give their body, they could repair the damage naturally. Treatment begins in the intestines. An educational vi...


P.S. My favorite part? "We don't have an antidepressant deficiency!" (Amen to that.)
For more information and ideas on reducing your toxic load, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/toxicload.html.

Recent News on Toxic Load

Here are a couple of interesting recent articles on toxic load. From some important discoveries regarding toxic load and its impact on your health, to tips on the best ways to store your food to reduce your family's toxic exposure, these are worth checking out.

Image via WikipediaHow heavy is your toxic load?
Our toxic load is directly influenced by the choices we make. Have you ever considered how many toxins your body tries to process and release on a daily basis? Are your daily choices allowing you to detox with ease? ...
Publish Date: 02/18/2011 16:00
http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=how-heavy-is-your-toxic-load
 

Healthy Lifestyle, a Distant Future
When the toxic load of the lymphatic system is difficult to peripheral nervous system (we see them as armor). Toxins are a major cause of erroneous behavior of the autonomic nervous system. There is no function in the human body, ...
Publish Date: 01/30/2011 3:00
http://www.articlecube.com/Article/Healthy-Lifestyle-a-Distant-Future/1212743

How Can You Best Lower Your Toxic Load?
Here's a starter list of practical measures you can take to protect yourself and your children from common toxic substances: Store your food in glass containers whenever possible, as it is the most inert container you can use. ...
Publish Date: 03/02/2011 14:09
http://www.drheshmat.com/blog/157/

Recycling and Today's Teens

Recycling has been around longer than any of today's young teens have been alive and maybe that's why it has never been a question for them as to whether or not they should recycle but has always been more of a "How else can we help when recycling," kind of thought process.   The previous generation, having grown up in the 70's has a different mind-set.  In fact, I have to remind myself the reasons we recycle, when to recycle and how to keep my family and household up-to-date and aware of the reasons to recycle.

Image via WikipediaThis new, younger generation, is an impressive one, to me.  They seem to be more aware of humanity on a global level.  Lessons they've been taught in school on a consistent basis have always had a common theme; take care of the Earth or we may lose it.  They are keenly aware of how wasteful prior generations have been and seem to be of one mind when it comes to solving those problems.

When we recycle we are taking a step away from ourselves and begin to think about the Earth as a whole.  It has become obvious to us that by recycling our waste we are going to be leaving less waste for future generations to have to deal with and we are taking an active step in keeping the planet 'around' for a longer period of time.

Today's teens have inspired me by their dedication to helping others who have less than they do and how wasting any commodity or resource we may have, the idea of wasting it is simply not an option.  They are forever coming up with new ways to reduce production of an item or they are constantly thinking up ways in which the item can be reused; they do this without needing to "think" about it, it's the only way of life they've known.

Image by sierraromeo [sarah-ji] via FlickrThere is an organization that has taken something many of us take for granted and figured out a way to pass on to those who are unable - to feel a little normal.  Locks of Love takes hair donated by people and has that hair made into wigs for people who have had their hair fall out due to chemotherapy treatments or as the result of another disease or condition.  How brilliant to think of those of us who grow our hair without thought or effort, to be able to have the privilege of helping another!  It's beautiful to me, how this new generation is always thinking about how they can help others.
   
There are two teens that I know of who took this idea of growing their hair in order to donate it, and dedicated this past summer to doing just that; and the week before school opened in September, sat together and had their hair cut.  What is remarkable about these two teens is that only one is a girl, the other, a young man knew there was a need for other boys his age to have wigs made for them and took on the challenge valiantly.   Boys don't have to have their hair quite as long in order to donate it, but it does have to be grown-out.  My awe at teens like these two, who at such a volatile age, where self-image is so very fragile, would step out of their comfort zones of following the crowd, in order to do grow their hair long enough for it to be recycled and reused by others, is overwhelming.  By stepping out of those comfort zones they leave themselves in a vulnerable situation, where they can become the targets for some of the ridicule that goes on in Middle school; and yet they still do it.

Maybe they are less likely to go against the idea of recycling because of the timing of their birthdates; it's just refreshing to know that the idea of recycling is strong in this up coming generation and if we continue to foster that innate responsibility in them, we may just keep this planet around a little longer.

Video - Scenes From a Landfill

If you are unable to go visit a landfill as suggested in our last post, here is a short video you may wish to share with the kids. Be sure to keep an eye on the bottom of the screen for some interesting facts. As the video is only 3 minutes long, you will probably want to spend a bit of time discussing it afterward. Although it's short, it will definitely give you a lot to think about!

Life at the Landfill
Sight and sounds from Tomoka Landfill, home of hundreds of birds and dumping ground for 1500 tons of garbage each day. Video by Ron Hurtibise

 

Related Articles on Landfills:

• Is there anything we can do to the trash in landfills to make it break down faster? (greenanswers.com)
• Seven former North County landfills leaking contaminants-NC TIMES (sanelijolife.wordpress.com)
• Four United Biscuits Sites Eliminate Landfill Waste (greenbiz.com)

Eco-Friendly Field Trips for the Whole Family

Field trips are meant to be educational while fun. But field trips aren't just for schools; you can take your kids on field trips too. You can even grab some other family members and friends and head out on an eco-friendly field trip to places your school wouldn't dream of visiting.

Image via Wikipedia
If your kids think that trash just disappears, then it might be time to take a family field trip to the landfill. There's nothing like the sight of that big huge hole half-filled with junk to make an impression on the younger generation. While everyone is plugging their noses, take a few moments to point out all the items in the landfill that don't have to be there - cardboard, newspapers, old food, perfectly good-looking furniture, old computers, etc. Explain how everything gets crushed down and that even things that would normally decompose, like food, have a hard time doing decomposing after getting squished together with everything else.

Likewise, you can take your kids on a tour of the local recycling center. They can see firsthand how items are separated and sent off on different conveyor belts - it's pretty cool to watch. Explain to them what will happen to the recycled products and how plastics will be turned into park benches and new decks and that paper will be shredded and mashed and processed into new paper.

If you can't find such activities in your local area, rent some videos. There are numerous videos today that explain recycling from beginning to end, and other videos that show where your trash goes after it leaves your house. Some of these videos can even be viewed online.
Image via Wikipedia
If your kids like the gross-me-out factor of the landfill field trip, then they'll love a tour of the sewage treatment plant. Can you believe they actually give tours? Water treatment facilities also give tours, check yours out and give your kids a chance to see what happens to their "sewage" or where the water goes besides down the drain.

Another great field trip is to an organic farm. If you don't grow any vegetables yourself and you don't keep animals, going to a farm is a real eye-opener for children. Let them see where the eggs really come from, and that it's not the grocery store. Show them how the carrots grow underground, are pulled up, cleaned and cut up, and taste oh-so-good. With any luck the farm will have a u-pick fruit area where they can pick blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries. They'll appreciate sampling the delicious fruit as they pick it!

Some communities allow field trips to their facilities that handle cast-off goods, giving them new life. They even let the kids try their hands at repurposing items so they don't end up in the landfill. Trash to treasure is the theme here.

Check out what your community has to offer in guided eco-friendly field trips for kids or create your own field trip by directly contacting an organization or farm owner. You'll be amazed at what is readily available out there to teach kids about where our precious resources go.

Video - Make Your Own Organic Baby Food

Here is a quick 3-minute video with a quick and easy recipe for making your own organic baby food. Start your baby off the right way on really healthy foods - avoiding all the sugar and artificial preservatives that are typically found in store-bought baby food. You will also get them started training their palate to enjoy good, healthy foods, instead of sugary processed snacks. Your baby will love this fresh and yummy food, and you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you are feeding him (or her) only the best.

Organic Baby Food for 8-12 Month Olds
To View the Next Video in this Series Please Click Here: www.monkeysee.com

 

Related Articles on Making Your Own Organic Baby Food:

• Making organic food for baby and toddlers (greenlivingonline.com)
• Baby Food Basics: Make it Yourself and Save (couponshoebox.com)
• Homemade Baby Food: A Guide to Making and Storing It (webmd.com)
• How and Why To Make Homemade Baby Food (babyminding.com)

Organic Baby Food: A Buying Guide

As you may already know, there are a number of benefits to eating organic foods.  To reap the most benefits, organic food should be consumed as often as possible, for as much of your diet as you can, to minimize toxins in your body.  What does this mean for parents?  It means that organic food consumption should start with baby food. 

Image via WikipediaIf you just recently made the decision to integrate organic foods into your family meals, you may be looking for more information on organic foods for babies.  If so, you will want to continue reading on.  A few tips to help you get started with feeding your baby organic foods are highlighted below.

As previously stated, there are a number of benefits to eating organic foods.  These benefits include pesticide and chemical free foods.  These types of foods are even more important for babies and other small children, who need the best and healthiest building blocks in order to build healthy bodies as they grow.  In fact, there are now a number of professional healthcare providers who recommend to their patients that they feed their babies organic baby foods.  Many believe that eliminating potentially harmful chemicals and pesticides can help to promote healthy growth and good behavior in small children. 

Image via WikipediaWhen it comes to buying organic baby food, you will find that you can shop both locally and online.  Regardless of where you shop, it is important to look for certified organic foods.  These foods often have a specific label, which should be the same for all organic foods, no matter what the brand.  The United States does not allow a manufacturer to claim that their products are completely organic, unless they truly are.  That is why you should look for certified organic labels before making an organic baby food purchase.

As previously stated, organic baby food can be purchased both locally and online.  For many parents, they prefer to shop locally, as it is convenient to do.  Many supermarkets now carry a small selection of organic baby foods.  This means that parents can buy food for their babies while doing the rest of their shopping.  This is very convenient for many parents.  With that being said, you are often only presented with a limited selection of organic baby foods.  This can be difficult when looking to “spice,” up the foods that your child eats.  Also, examine stores that specialize in the selling of natural, organic foods.

As for shopping online for organic baby food, you can also find many more selections here.  As organic foods steadily increase in popularity, there are a number of online stores that sell organic foods, including organic baby food.  These websites can be found with a standard internet search.  To help get you started, Earth’s Best Organic, Diamond Organics, and Sweatpea Baby Foods all sell organic baby food.  Additional online stores and product manufacturers can be found with a standard internet search.  When looking to shop online, you may find it easier to search for the best prices.

When looking to purchase organic baby foods, especially online, look for foods that are convenient.  For example, there is a company that is known as Baby Cubes.  They sell cubes of frozen vegetables and fruits that are certified organic.  This is ideal if you must do your shopping online.  The ability to freeze organic baby foods and in safe containers can reduce the number of online orders that you have to make on a weekly or biweekly basis. 

In addition to buying organic baby food, many parents choose to make their own.  There are a number of books and online websites that highlight ways that baby food can easily be made at home.  (See below for a few articles and resources on this.) When following these recipes, just be sure to use organic fruits and vegetables.  As a reminder many supermarkets, specialty stores, and some farmer’s markets sell organic fruits and vegetables.  (And we love our CSA, for the freshest local organic food around!) When you start with fresh organic foods, you can rather easily and cheaply provide your baby with homemade organic baby food, which many claim is the best type of food to feed growing babies.

Related Articles on Organic Baby Food:

• Making organic food for baby and toddlers (greenlivingonline.com)
• How and Why To Make Homemade Baby Food (babyminding.com)
• The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet Book Review and Giveaway (momblognetwork.com)
• Homemade Baby Food: A Guide to Making and Storing It (webmd.com)

Organic Baby Food Resources: