Bioneers 20th Anniversary – Trailblazers of Environmental Education

If you are truly interested in being a companion of the environment, attending Bioneers (at least once in your life) is a must. This year marks the 20th Anniversary for this organization that has been a voice for the environment long before An Inconvenient Truth. The education the weekend has to offer is some of the most cutting-edge information available with experts from around the world presenting with one agenda - creating solutions.

Last year was my first trip to the Bioneers Conference, held in San Rafael, California. I arrived at a quiet outdoor environment, checked in and was directed into the Marin Center where a lecture was already in session.

Adventures On the Sea: Girlfriends enjoy a spontaneous day

I am usually someone who likes to plan for a day of adventure, so when my girlfriend Jeri called Friday night to see if I wanted to sit in for her son on a Santa Cruz Island kayak trip, my immediate response was, "I need to sleep on it." For some reason I have always had issues around ocean voyages because they require me working through lots of fears of seasickness. Kayaks are not a problem – it is the boat ride getting to destinations that I fear will torture my stomach. I had two bad experiences as a child. However, on falling asleep I remembered that my great trips in Hawaii always went well despite my fears – all I had to do was stay in my seat (outside) and do nothing but meditate. So I am happy to report that I decided to go.

Cool things Brewing for Enrichment Village at WCWP Expo 2010

I am so excited about a great dinner meeting I had last night with two dynamic women about creating a united link within the Enrichment Village planned for the 2010 Whole Child, Whole Planet Expo. Some of the ideas discussed were around creative projects for the kids – that would be equally as enjoyable for adults.

I met with Rhion Magee, a woman involved with the Project Okurase working with villages in Ghana, and my dear friend Linda McManus, co-founder of Enrichment Educational Experiences who in the last year has developed a mentoring program for young women, teaching them different skills including the art of sewing and business development.

Both ladies are doing similar work and have joined forces by simultaneously teaching villagers in Ghana and young women in the San Fernando Valley creative skills to utilize their talents and natural resources for building positive self-esteem and economic growth.

Protecting Children From Insect Bites and The West Nile Virus – Naturally

With all the weather changes that global warming brings, so changes the patterns of seasonal pests. Today many geographical areas are plagued with flying insects and bugs all year round, as opposed to just in the spring and summer. With the spread of the West Nile Virus in recent years, mosquitoes are a big concern when it comes to keeping kids bug-free and pesticide-free.

Creative Ideas For Saving Water

About six months ago, I met a man named Buzz Boettcher who had designed this amazingly elaborate grey water system – currently installed at Ed Begley Jr’s house. I thought seriously about putting his system in my house, but after a field trip to see how it all worked, decided that for my simple needs the system (which is brilliantly efficient) might actually increase my foot print with my minimal water use and the system's electric pumps. However, several weeks later when I was getting a quote to have some long over due plumbing work done, I had an epiphany. I asked the plumber to help me create a simple system that would go from my washing machine directly to the garden. I wanted a system where I could utilize the washing machines outgoing water to water the garden in the dry months, and then be able to re-direct the waste water back into the city system during the rainy season. Did I say rainy season – I wonder what that is … lol.

Natural Products Expo West

Last weekend I went to the 29th annual Natural Products Expo West. Expo West is the largest trade show of its kind housing approximately 2,000 exhibitors (this year drawing 54,000 attendees), where retailers come to see what companies, or products are new to the natural products and eco-friendly market (caution – not everything there is so natural and healthy). A place where deals and negotiations are taking place in every corner, old friends get to see each other and parties are happening … kind of like the stock market floor on a good day. For me it is four days of non-stop networking, walking, learning and playing … gotta love my job.

Toxic Tub Alert – Kid-Safe-Chemicals-Act

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics team is working hard to keep our kids (and us) safe from toxic exposures to chemicals in bath and personal care products. There is a new report out this week about toxic chemicals found in traditional bath products.  Most people don’t know that personal care and cosmetic companies are not required to list all ingredients on the label, so even the most ingredient-conscious parents wouldn't know whether the product is safe and free from cancer causing chemicals. Many bath products are labeled as “gentle," "pure" or "naturally refreshing", which can be deceiving because label laws for personal care products is unregulated and these alluring words can be a hook for even the most conscientious parent.

Hazing Among Our Youth

I just saw a segment on Good Morning America about hazing amongst our youth. What a horrifying act of rage and hate. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our youth were inspired, honored and celebrated during their learning phase of life? What if instead of pouring alcohol down each others throats, and yelling ‘you’re worthless and disgusting’ while performing degrading disrespectful acts of violence, they filled one another with positive loving affirmations of their greatness, while massaging each others feet with essential oils and writing messages of abundance on pretty ribbons, tying them to a walking stick that supports them on their path? What if they told the chosen ones how much they were loved, and that their tribe of warriors would be there to support them over the years, and throughout their lives? While I know a lot of moms are concerned about the younger crowd, how can we encourage and implement new games of hazing amongst our older youth, perhaps creating more of a spiritual haze? I would love to hear your thoughts.

An Amazing Woman’s Day Experience

As a journalist I attend many events every year that are educational, inspirational and usually quite remarkable in some way. This blog is the first in a series of event reviews where I will share 5 things I learned, or loved about the event.  Amazing Womans day – igniting the power of feminine leadership – produced and hosted by Marsh Engle, and her tribe of amazing women. www.amazingwomansday.com

I am a health and environmental writer/activist, and have authored two books - The Complete Teething Guide, and Bach Flowers for Children. I produce the Whole Children, Whole Planet Expo the premier natural parenting and family expo: Creating empowered parents and balanced families in a safe, natural, non-toxic, nurturing environment.

I am also the editor, host and producer of Eco Family News - a free e-newsletter, website and radio show that is a respected, reliable resource for consumers and families about important health and environmental issues, as well as a leading authority on authentic green vs. green-washed products and services.

Eco Family News, in its three components, offers people a comprehensive resource and overview, introducing them to top quality eco-products, services, companies, sustainable practices, organizations and enrichment learning programs.

Eco Family News Radio inspires dialog about important health and environmental issues and provides relevant information for protecting families and the planet. The show airs on the third Wednesday of every month at 11:00 a.m., PST, and is archived and available 24/7 at http://www.iamhealthyradio.com. My passion is to empower people through education so they can make informed decisions.