I'm Turning Green: A book for little environmentalists

Like many families, ours tries to live just a little more lightly on the planet when we can. My kids know which items go in which trash/recycling bin and that we need to turn off faucets, lights, and power strips whenever we are not using them. We pack lunches in reusable containers and substitute cloth napkins and towels for paper products. You know--the usual stuff.

Still, I do find it hard to explain to my children (they are 3 and 6 years old) just why we need to separate our trash, conserve fuel, limit CO2 emissions, and the like. "Climate change" is a pretty big concept for a small child's brain to wrap around. So I appreciate a new book called I'm Turning Green by Rebecca Mattano, published by a company called The Little Environmentalists. The book gives kids lots of suggestions for ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle, and also provides simple explanations for why it's important to do so ("When we recycle paper we are saving trees and helping clear our air!"). The book also includes two pages of go-green suggestions for adults, such as how to start composting or why you should get a rain barrel.

While I thought the book's text and message were successful, its illustrations were less so. The gimmick is that as she demonstrates all the earth-friendly actions, the child in the book literally turns green: "I put my banana peel into the compost bin. ...All of a sudden I see my stomach turn green." (Yes, the color of the text changes too.) Maybe if this were an illustrated book, the concept would work, but coloring photographs of a real child green has a rather ...disturbing effect. The artwork also includes a jarring mix of shadowed, colored text, photos with a painterly effect applied, and line drawings too; it's all just too much.

When really, we should be cutting back. Right?

Edited to add: Breaking news! I've just learned that Little Environmentalists is going to release a new version of the book this March. Called Go Green With Me, it will use illustrations by Kevin Scott Collier instead of the watercolor-filtered photography I disliked in I'm Turning Green.

Sesame Street Elmo Loves You! DVD

What toddler doesn't love Elmo? This DVD features all our favorite Sesame Street characters and teaches children about emotions and love. Elmo is making a special card for someone he really loves but a gust of wind blows it away! Find out if Elmo gives his card to his special Valentine.

Both my toddler and preschooler enjoyed this new, timely DVD. And when I asked my daughter after watching who Elmo's special Valentine was, she had a beaming smile as she revealed the answer to me.

(From the DVD:) Elmo is making a very, very super special surprise card for someone Elmo really loves but a gust of wind blows it away! Rosita joins Elmo to chase after the card but they can't reach it. Can Super Grover use his heroic skills to save the day? Will Elmo be able to give his surprise card to someone very special? Join Elmo, Rosita and Grover as they learn about love, emotions and friendship in this love-ly tale featuring the new song "Elmo Loves You" and a special music video about signing "I Love You".

The Sesame Street Elmo Loves You! DVD is available January 6, 2009 at Amazon and wherever your favorite movies are sold.


WIN IT: We have one Elmo Loves You DVD to award to a lucky reader of The Full Mommy (retail value $13). To enter, send an e-mail to winfullmommy (at) gmail (dot) com with "ELMO" in the subject line, by February 7, 2009 with the answer to the question below. The winner will be notified by e-mail. Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.

ENTRY QUESTION: Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?

KOR ONE Hydration Vessel

Did you know that roughly 70 percent of an adults body is made up of water? It's true. So maybe the best way to tell someone special in your life that you love them is to give them a drink. But not just any drink.

A drink from KOR One Hyrdration Vessel.

You wouldn’t drink contaminated water. Why put good water into a contaminated bottle? The KOR ONE is made from Eastman Tritan™, which is free of bisphenol-A (BPA), a leaching toxin found in polycarbonate bottles.

I really did get an email telling me the KOR ONE Hydration Vessel had a sexy design and I was slightly skeptical but changed my mind after holding one in my hand. It's sleek, it's smooth, it's pretty. For real.

The KOR ONE is more than just a water bottle. It’s a reminder of what motivates you. Designed into the cap of every ONE is a place for an optional KOR Stone™ – a small, disc-shaped token with a message that only you can see when drinking. Call it a motivator, a goal, a keystone – it’s your Stone. A great place to leave a secret message perhaps? Wink wink.

What I like best about KOR ONE is that it differs from some other water bottles I have purchased and makes my life easier. For one, it's dishwasher-safe (top rack; hand-washing with soap and hot water recommended), it has a soft rubber base and the mouth is wide enough for ice cubes.

A great gift if you plan to make someone hot this Valentines Day.

Free Shipping, limited time on KOR One Hyrdration Vessel. It's water redesigned.

WIN IT: We have 1 KOR ONE Hydration Vessel to award to a lucky reader of The Full Mommy.
(Thank you for your interest, but this giveaway is now closed.)

Peter Rabbit I Love You Naturally Better Board Book

"Peter Rabbit loves his mommy, who do his friends love?"

This sweet little board book may become one of my favorites. I love the muted colors: the soft blues, greens, lavenders, and yellows. And I think adding two of your own photos to the heart-shaped frames is adorable.

And if telling your child that you love them isn't enough, buying this book also shows your love for the planet.

This Peter Rabbit Naturally Better board book is eco-friendly because:

• The paper is from responsibly managed resources
• It is chlorine-free and acid-free
• Uses eco-friendly vegetable inks
• The cover boards are made from recycled material

Peter Rabbit I Love You is featured in the 2009 Full Mommy Valentine Gift Guide.

Purchase this book on Amazon or at your favorite book retailer.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Soy is the New Black where she dishes about family, food, foraging, and frivolity.

Piggy Paint: Non-toxic Nail Polish for Kids

My daughter squealed in delight when she heard the name "Piggy Paint." She giggled as I told her that it's a funny name because some people call toes piggies.

My daughter is four and she loves having her nails and toes painted just like Grandma's. But when I grabbed a bottle of nail polish from my shelf to use on her, the smell and list of chemicals kind of freaked me out. Not only that, but when I used my acetone polish remover to take it off a few days later, I quickly turned on the fan and opened the window. The fumes from the polish and the remover just didn't seem safe to me.

I began looking for non-toxic nail polish for her and I am so glad that I found Piggy Paint. Not only is the nail polish non-toxic and safer for children, but the remover doesn't stink. And the bottle even has a child-proof cap.

And guess what? Moms can use it, too. In fact my daughter insists that I paint my nails just like hers. And it comes in really fun colors!

Piggy Paint is safe for kids because it is:

• Non-toxic
• Odorless
• Water-based formula
• Hypo-allergenic

And it doesn't contain toxic chemicals:

• Formaldehyde-free
• Toluene-free
• Phthalate-free
• BPA-free
• Ethyl acetate-free
• Acetone-free

Shop for this non-toxic nail polish and remover at the Piggy Paint website.

Piggy Paint is featured in the 2009 Full Mommy Valentine Gift Guide.

WIN IT: We have one Piggy Paint 3 Polish Gift Pack to award to a lucky reader of The Full Mommy (retail value $26.50). To enter, send an e-mail to winfullmommy (at) gmail (dot) com with "PIGGY PAINT" in the subject line, by February 3, 2009 with the answer to the entry question below. Winners will be notified by e-mail. Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.

ENTRY QUESTION: What is your favorite shade of Piggy Paint?

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Soy is the New Black where she dishes about family, food, foraging, and frivolity.

Alice White Wines & Live Life in Color Contest

The Full Mommy is looking out for you and watching for great ways for you to unwind with your Valentine - whether that be with a nice glass of wine at the end of a stressful day or a chance to win a dream cruise for two on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines or BOTH!

I love wine (that sounds so terrible, but it's true) so I jumped at the chance to sample some wine by Alice White. I recently tried the Alice White Chardonnay & the Alice White Merlot.

The Merlot was medium bodied- not at all heavy and could just as easily be pared with pasta or a big fat burger and fries.

The Chardonnay was not as dry as I expected. With a hint of citrus flavors, the finish is crisp, clean and refreshing.

While I loved both (because really, what's not to love?) The Chardonnay was a smashing surprise. I tend to prefer reds, but would definitely drink this again.

To celebrate your life’s colorful adventures – whether climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or learning to cook – Alice White has created the Live Life in Color Contest to give you a chance to win a dream cruise for two on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and add yet another splash of color to your memories. Ten runners-up will each receive a set of Alice White 9-piece silicon cookware and one $100 American Express gift card.

For detail on how to enter visit http://www.livelifeincolorcontest.com/

Contest ends at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Pacific Time, March 30, 2009.

GOOD LUCK!

2009 Valentine Gift Guide

Looking for a little something for your sweetheart? We have found some great products for all of your Valentines. Many top our eco-friendly and non-toxic lists. Read our upcoming reviews of many of these products because we will be showing you a little love, too!

Wrap It Up

ChicoBag
Here's an eco-friendly Valentine's tip: Instead of using wrapping paper which will get thrown away, place your special gift in an inexpensive red or pink reusable shopping tote, such as the ChicoBag.
$4.95 on Amazon

Books

Peter Rabbit I Love You Board Book
Insert two photos into this cute board book featuring Peter Rabbit. This book is part of Penguin's Naturally Better initiative and is made from safe and ethically responsible sources. Also part of the Naturally Better line are Peekaboo! with die cut flaps and Snuggle, which is an organic cloth book.
Read our full review.
$6.99 on Amazon




Charlie and Lola You Can be My Friend Book
Lola makes a new friend in Morten when they bond over pink milk. Cheeky in the usual way of Lola.
Reading level: ages 4-8, but you can read it to younger children
$3.99 on Amazon







Babies and Kids

Natural Wood Rattle
This Green Sprouts rattle will find a place in your baby's heart. Wood beads spin and rattle around heart-shaped handle to entertain baby. Sustainable 100% rubber Wood. Free of toxins with no dyes or stains.
$10 from Organically Hatched






Plan Toys Fire Engine
Plan Toys uses recycled rubberwood to make this eco-friendly toy that your child will play with for hous. The fire engine has a rotating and extendable ladder, fire hose, fire extinguisher, and two firemen.
$58.50 on sale at The Ultimate Green Store





Sesame Street Elmo Loves You! DVD
What toddler doesn't love Elmo? This DVD features all our favorite Sesame Street characters and teaches children about emotions and love. Elmo is making a very, very super special surprise card for someone Elmo really loves but a gust of wind blows it away! Find out if Elmo gives his card to his special Valentine.
Read our full review.
$13 on Amazon




All Dressed Up

BabyLegs Be Mine Leg Warmers
Make any outfit heartfelt with the Be Mine leg warmers from BabyLegs. Put them on your baby to keep their legs warm and knees protected. Or let your older child wear them as leg warmers or arm bands. Great to warm up legs under a fancy party dress.
$12 from BabyLegs






Hearts Bamboo Leg Huggers
These eco-friendly leg warmers are made from 100% sustainable bamboo fibers. Whether she's dancing, running, or crawling around, your girl, no matter her age, will look like a doll in the Hearts Leg Huggers.
$11 from Organically Hatched


Little Capers Heart Hero Shirt
Your little hero is going to steal your heart in this long sleeved tee with detachable white silver cape.
Read our full review.
$37 from Little Capers




Girl in a Beret Tee
Your daughter will look tres jolie in this cute t-shirt from Girl in a Dress. All the shirts and dresses in this collection were designed by a nine-year-old artist.
$24 from Girl in a Dress







Piggy Paint Nail Polish
Pretty in pink, this non-toxic kid's nail polish is a sweet treat. The Valentine Gift Pack includes three shades perfect for your little love: Sometimes Sweet, Forever Fancy, and Angel Kisses. Don't forget the polish remover!
Read our full review.
$22.50 on sale at Piggy Paint







Red Stripey PJ's
What kid doesn't look adorable in stripey pajamas? These soft rib knit long johns by Under the Nile are a tight and comfy fit with no flame retardant. Long johns made according to Federal Safety requirements for sleepwear. Made with the finest 100% organic Egyptian cotton.
$26 on sale from The Ultimate Green Store




Boys Rockstar Hemp Hat
Because Valentine's aren't just for girls, your son will rock it in this black light weight, knitted organic hemp hat with "ROCKSTAR ORGANICS" embroidered on the back. Stretches to fit ages 1-13.
$18 on sale from The Ultimate Green Store






Sweets for Your Sweetie

Cherries Divine
Divine is an understatement. This beautifully packaged candy will be a special indulgence for anyone who loves chocolate covered cherries. (And trust me, they'll never want drugstore ones after these.) Available in dark, milk, or white chocolate or an assortment of the three.
$20 from Cherries Divine

Alice White Wine
The Full Mommy is looking out for you and watching for great ways for you to unwind with your Valentine - whether that be with a nice glass of wine. Why not try the Alice White Merlot or Chardonnay.
Read our full review.

Fashion Forward

Napped Silk Scarf
Warm up with an eco-friendly scarf. The 100% napped silk scarves are really cashmere-like soft but more eco-friendly with a new technology in silk fabric. It's the perfect accessory because it is soft and so light. It wraps easily under a heavy coat without being bulky but keeps the chill out.
$35 from Tie to Success


Solar Messenger Bag
Wouldn't your beau look smashing carrying his laptop in this solar powered messenger bag from Juice? The bag is made from recycled 2-Liter soda bottles and comes with a car adapter to plug in your electronics.
$225 on sale from The Ultimate Green Store



Stylin' Tee
Marchuska organic clothing is made in the New York Garment District, USA. The women's mseries long-sleeve tee has style to go around. The epaulettes on the shoulders and cuffed sleeves make this more than your average tee. They run a bit small, so order a size up.
Discount: Use code "fullmommy" for 30% off your purchase through February 2, 2009.
$60 from Marchuska








For the Ladies

Eco Paper Dana Journal
The Dana travel journal contains 80 acid-free blank pages with tree-free, organic natural Banana Paper. Made in Costa Rica, the hand made Banana Paper cover is all vegetable dyed with a recycled leather trim.
$18 on sale at The Ultimate Green Store




Verde Rocks Heart-shaped Shell Necklace
Show her that she's dear to your heart with this necklace made from sustainably harvested shell in a dark, rich brown color and fair-trade gold plating.
$41 on sale at The Ultimate Green Store





Kissable Lips
You've got to lay a few smooches on your Valentine, make sure they are soft and kissable with Eco Lips. Eco Tints are made with organic plant oils, beeswax and aloe vera and give your lips a soft simmer of color.
$10 for a set of 3 from Eco Lips


Because You Heart the Planet

Electric Green House EcoKit
Because you love your planet, consider this gift for someone trying to be green or has a new home. The kit comes with 3 CFL bulbs, a nightlight that only cost 26 cents per year to operate, and much more. And your kids will love playing with the house-shaped box that the kit comes in.
$30.99 from It's Easy Being Green





Total She Personalized Bottle
In a sea of reusable bottles, you'll always be able to find yours with the She20 personalized stainless steel water bottle. Choose the name or phrase and picture.
$25 from Total She





Laptop Lunchbox System
This LapTop Lunch Bento Box is pretty in pink. Lunches are even healthier because this system is phthalate-free, BPA-free, and lead-free.
$35 from The Ultimate Green Store






Reusable Lunch Skins
Don't use plastic bags when you pack lunches and snacks. These reusable, colorful cloth pouches are food safe, extremely durable, grease-proof and can even be thrown in the dishwasher. They come in a set of two, one orange and one green, and are perfect for lunch or snack pairings of fruit, sandwiches or chips.
$12 from 3 Green Moms

Produce and Bulk Item Bags
Sugar and spice, and everything nice. You need reusable lightweight bags for your bulk items and fruit, too. The 520-nm produce and bulk item bags are made from 100% recycled bottles and have the tare weight printed on them. BYOB is good, but make sure you aren't tearing off plastic bags in produce aisle.
$17 for the starter set from 520-nm

Olive Smart Sack
BYOB doesn't work if you can't remember your bags. Olive Smart has solved this problem. Their sacks come in a pouch that fits in your cup holder perfectly. They come in sets of three or six.
Receive 15% off your purchase through 02/15/09 with coupon code "FullMommy".
$39 for 6 from Olive Smart


Reisenthel Carrybag
What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day with your little one than to have a great eco-shopping experience with an adorable little red bag? Reisenthel, the German company best known for their reusable shopping bags, carriers and carts, has just introduced their iconic carrybag in an XS small size.
The Original Collapsible Bag and Carrybag XS are available at Amazon.
Read our full review.




Pets

Valentine's Day Heart Dog Treats
We wouldn't forget your pooch. All-natural Valentine's Day "Candy" Heart dog treats are handmade and hand-decorated with all natural yogurt and carob. Other styles available.
$9.99 from K9 Confections








Last, But Not Least

VTech Cordless Phones
Don't forget to call your mom and tell her how much you love her. The VTech CS6129-31 phone has three handsets but only requires one phone jack. It comes with caller ID and an answering system. All of the DECT 6.0 phones from VTech carry the energy star rating and have recyclable packaging.
$80 from VTech

Shop for these and other great gifts on Amazon where many items are eligible for free shipping.

Grab our cute little button here.