What’s so harmful about using regular sunscreen and bug spray?
What is Permaculture…and how can it help our life on the planet?
How can your family reduce their oil consumption, especially after seeing the Gulf disaster unfold?
How can you teach your children about the oil spill and the effects on the environment?
For the answers, check out Real Mama’s Summer 2010 E-newsletter below.
Recognizing that families and caregivers are short on time and that environmental issues and actions can be complex, Real Mama researches and reviews some of the latest environmental topics and concerns for today’s busy families.
Hope you’re enjoying summer so far. Thanks for your visit and please let us know what you think!
The Quick Facts: Prior to the massive oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, most people probably did not think of how much oil they consume. It is projected that oil consumption in the United States will increase by 1.2 percent annually, reaching 24.7 million barrels per day by the year 2020. This increase in demand will put pressure on our resources and continue our addiction to fossil fuels. It’s a lot simpler than you think to reduce your oil consumption. In the end, it will save resources and money, and help your health and the earth.
Quick Facts: “Consciously designed landscapes which mimic the patterns and relationships found in nature, while yielding an abundance of food, fiber and energy for provision of local needs.” People, their buildings and the ways they organize themselves are central to permaculture. Thus the permaculture vision of permanent (sustainable) agriculture has evolved to one of permanent (sustainable) culture. (* David Holmgren, Permaculture Principles & Pathways Beyond Sustainability)
The Quick Facts: Using sunscreen (and bug spray depending on geography) is essential in the summer to protect kids and adults from exposure. In recent years information is readily available and is accessible to help make the important decision about which products to use to keep your family safe from the elements while taking into consideration health and environmental impacts. 
The Quick Facts: Whether it’s an at-home project or a lesson plan for the classroom, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has provided us with a teachable moment that cannot be passed-up. With real time streaming video available of the actual leak and a host of easy-to-replicate science experiments, the devastation in the Gulf may be the catalyst needed to raise a generation with an awareness of the realities that accompany our fuel consumption habits.
GEF Green In Action Awards are granted to schools, classes, or groups of Green Keepers. Participants in GEF programs send in photos, videos, and/or artwork that demonstrate the impact of their participation in a GEF environmental education project or eco-challenge (i.e. National Green Week, Green Thumb Challenge, Green Energy Challenge, etc.).