Although the summer months may be the time of year we most want to be outside, they may be the worst time of year to do so since air pollution and “bad air” days can occur more frequently in many parts of the U.S. this time of year. Kirstin McPolin tells us what to look out for during these dog days of summer.

First in our new series of personal profiles, read this inspiring portrait about advocacy and how Louise Kuo Habakus, author of Vaccine Epidemic, became involved in her work as an author, advocate, and speaker.

Another fabulous installment from Camille Sowinski, one of our board members and a pioneer in the Green School movement in California. You too can take advantage of the green momentum by starting small and offering to be the green classroom parent.

For these stories and more, check out Real Mama’s Summer 2011 E-newsletter below.

And don’t forget to get your reusable veggie bags and help to support Real Mama at the same time!

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.

Follow Real Mama on Facebook and Twitter!

Here’s a photo of our new unbleached organic cotton reusable produce bags printed with our logo

The bags are $4 each or 3 for $10–please contact us if you’d like to place an order.

Inspiring, earthy and wise, guest author Wendy Weiner writes about transforming your yard into a garden…maybe even your front yard!

Is your family addicted to screen-time? TV, iPhone, DS, computer, etc… Guest author Heather Heggie reveals how much fun, free time and closer connections her family uncovered when they decided to go “unplugged” for a year.

Did you know several over the counter medications can cause birth defects in utero? Guest author Sean McCahill from drugwatch.com cautions pregnant mamas to be aware, specifically of the drugs Accutane and Yaz.

Schools in our country produce tons of trash each week. Camille Sowinski is a pioneer in the Green School movement in her town in California. In an ongoing series, she shares tips to help your child’s school go greener and reduce their lunchtime load.

For these stories and more, check out Real Mama’s Spring 2011 E-newsletter below.

And don’t forget to get your reusable veggie bags and help to support Real Mama at the same time!

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.

Follow Real Mama on Facebook and Twitter!

Kari’s Go-Green Goals

1. Eat at least two meatless meals per week, since meat has a large carbon footprint and other environmental and health issues.

2. Go simple with my vegetable garden this spring and summer to yield lots of veggies, and teach my toddler about gardening so she learns food comes from the earth.

3. Buy a rain barrel to collect water and use the water on plants and gardens.

4.  Buy and give experiences or services — such as concert or theater tickets, classes, or cooking or babysitting offers — as gifts to reduce “stuff.”

5.  Recycle number 5 plastic containers, accepted at some stores.

Kirstin’s Go-Green Goals
1.  Send a holiday card on-line instead of in hard copy to save money, paper, and take advantage of the interactive nature of cards.

2.  Work with my kids’ schools to make a formal green program including recycling, use of non-toxic cleaning products, and a garden.

3.  Buy gifts that encourage the use of imagination, science, and outdoor play.

4.  Bring a stainless steel container to refill with water for exercise.

5.  Get involved in a local food pantry and find roles to include the kids.

Cornelia’s Go-Green Goals
1. Work with my daughter’s school to create a green team committee of parents and children to help foster a greener school, build a garden and learn better environmental stewardship.

2. Research healthier, homeopathic pet care, including holistic food and using fewer vaccines.

3. Plan and build our vegetable garden again this year, and learn to can the extra veggies for use during the winter months.

4. Buy less new clothing — find good stuff swaps and consignment shops for our clothes.

5. Get our food from more local sources such as farmers markets & CSA’s.

They are $4 each or 3 for $10–please contact us if you can’t make the Expo but would like to place an order.