Problem in America

This photo was taken at a gas station. This sign was between two soda advertisements and gas stations certainly do not offer healthy nutritious options like advertised. Instead we should promote the little know fact that many stores (such as Earthfare) accept EBT and farmers markets are starting to as well. Just because a person or family needs a little assistance with purchasing food doesn't mean they should be offered junk to feed their families. Everyone can and should have access to healthy fresh foods regardless of income level.

Quick Post About A Cool Giveaway

Head on over to http://mommyandmegiveaways.com/?p=5347 to check out a cool giveaway for a care package of your choice from Go Picnic. They are really neat meals that are ready to eat. They have many options to choose from like All-Natural, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan and Kosher. Check it out!

Thrifty Thursday: Earthfare Edition

There are a couple of great deals at Earthfare this week:

First off,


Plus, this week's Take the Boot Challenge Coupon: Free Crackers! Bring your crackers with hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup and trade in for a FREE box of Earthfare Organic Cracker Rounds. (valid until 5/17/11, see website for coupon)

Organic Rolled Oats .99/lb.

GoodBelly Probiotic 2/$6
    $1/1 Good Belly Product and/or B1G1 (sign up and get coupons emailed to you)

Kashi Go Lean Crisp, assorted varieties 2/$6
     $1 off coupon (Mambo Sprout booklet), use 2 and get 2/$4!)

Late July Chips BOGO ($2.99 for 2, these are AMAZING!)

Plus, thanks to Frugally Farming Family (which list other Earthfare sales for the month, the one's listed here are just my top picks) here are other things to remember for saving at Earthfare:

• 5% Discount for educators (Including Homeschoolers) with I.D. or other records to prove you are an educator
• EBT is accepted at ALL Earth Fare stores! Even if you are struggling financially, you can still use your EBT to purchase healthy foods! Combine it with the Earth Fare coupons and sales for maximum use of your EBT dollars!
• Thursday from 4-8pm Kids Eat Free! Minimum purchase of $5 for Adult. Also, maximum of 2 take home meals if children are not present!

Wordless Wednesday (with article link!)

Mother's day is fast approaching...

Why not give mom some eco-love this mother's day? Here are some ideas, from homemade to gifts from the not so crafty crowd, that your mom and the planet are sure to love.

1. a recycled newspaper bouquet in a recycled glass "vase" (mason jar, dressing bottle, etc.)
2. homemade organic sugar scrub in a recycled glass jar
3. handmade mosaic garden stones
4. Make a charitable donation to a cause your mom is passionate about
5. for the not-so-crafty: Treehugger.com's Green Gift Guide for Mothers Day

What are you doing for the mom in your life? Can't wait to hear all your wonderfully eco ideas!

This Week's upcoming Eco Events...

Tuesday 5/3

   Freecycling!
   Animal Grossology

Wednesday 5/4

   Freecycling!
   Animal Grossology
   Forest Acres Farmer's Market (3p-6p Rooftop @ Richland Mall)
   Preschool Discovery Program at Saluda Shoals "Swamp Stomp" 10a-11a

Thursday 5/5

   Freecycling!
   Animal Grossology
   Holistic Mom's Network @ 14 Carrot (1130a-1p)
   Caterpillar Critters @ Riverbanks Zoo (10a-1045a) ages 3-4
   Produce Sale at 14 Carrot (30% off 1p-5p)
   Open Yoga at Expecting Well (515p-6p on Gervais Street)
   Rhythm and Blooms (6p-9p) @ Riverbanks Zoo Botanical Gardens

Friday 5/6

   Freecycling!
   Animal Grossology
   Bubbly Animals @ Riverbanks Zoo (10a-1045a age 2/11a-1145a ages 3-4)
   Main Street Marketplace

Saturday 5/7

   Freecycling!
   Animal Grossology
   Family Day: Gardens in Bloom (9a-11a)
   Richland Co. lightbulb exchange, 9a-1p, Food Lion on Hardscrabble Road

*thanks to Go Famously Green and Hop Skip Jump Kids for posting some of these wonderful events!

Sunday's Eco Inspiration

^"But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely." ~ The Message  

I came across this on one of my favorite blog's Dulce de leche and this translation of Galatians 5:22-23 really struck a cord with me. She relates it to parenting (which I totally see and agree with) but I love that it says, "...and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people." To me this speaks volumes to the reiteration that God is the Creator and that He cares about ALL of creation.
As we, "...direct our energies wisely..." let us not only show compassion and commitment to people, but to Creation as well.