Category — holidays

Did you know that current estimated number of fathers across the nation is 66.3 million.Yet, one of the most underappreciated holiday’s on the calender is Father’s Day. This year, let’s honor those millions of dad’s by showing them we care and value them in our lives.

Here’s our top choices for eco-friendly and fun gifts for your dad.

Rock Star Snacker

Your dad can rock on with this all natural and organic snack gift basket. Perfect for the music lover in your life, this gift basket is packaged in a bowl that was created from a single LP record.

Theo Organic Chocolate Beer Pairing Kit

Explore the flavor pairings of beer and dark chocolate with this handsome gift-and-go pack featuring five organic chocolate bars. Theo Chocolate Company choses five of their bars for their flavor balance and their pairing potential with various styles of beer. Their selections prepare you for a magnificent chocolate and beer pairing party.  Beer is not included in this gift set, so you may want to pick up a 6 pack of your dad’s favorite beer to complete the experience.

Bike Chain Bottle Opener Key Chain

This unique and original bottle opener is made of discarded bicycle parts. One sweet extra: it’s also a key chain.  It’s a small and thoughtful gift that will be used often by dad.

Reusable Produce Bag Set

If your dad travels a lot, he will surely appreciate these reusable bags.  Yes, they are great for storing all your produce from the store but we have also found them very useful for packing travel toiletries, shoes, or other little odds and ends.

All of these eco-fabulous Father’s Day gifts and more are available at Tread Light Gifts.

We are so excited to be featured in today’s Seattle Times- NW Source.  Check it out to get the exclusive behind our company!

Every day is Earth Day with Tread Light’s chic eco-conscious gifts

March can be a drab month–waiting for winter to end and the first signs of spring to emerge. That’s why, whether you’re Irish or not, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is a cool idea–especially if you make it eco! Here are some simple, fun, affordable ideas for you and the family that will make those not included green with envy!

1. Gather your friends and neighbors for your own St. Patrick’s Day walking parade. Whether it’s around a cul de sac or down a street or two, you’re sure to have a great time if you dress in green and wish everyone the luck ‘o the Irish as you pass by! Encourage participants to make hats out of whatever they have around the house or before the parade, ask guests to bring an old white/beige t-shirt and meet at your house. Cut shamrock shapes into potatoes and stamp on the shirts with eco-friendly fabric paints.

2. Decorate at least one room in the house with the spirit ‘o the green. Gather everything green you have lying around from books to clothing to flower pots etc., even green sheets. Set the timer for ten minutes and let the kids decorate the room. Then have a party there! Put on some Irish music, learn a jig and celebrate.

3. Skip the corned beef. It’s not really Irish anyway! (According to the History Chanel, no one in Ireland ate this except for a few royals. But when the Irish immigrated to New York’s lower East side, they were looking for a cheaper alternative to bacon and probably learned about corned beef from their Jewish neighbors.) Since one of the most Earth-friendly habits you can get into is eating less (or no) beef, focus on the veggies. Cabbage is great if people like it, but if they don’t, potatoes are usually a favorite.  How about setting up a potato bar and color the taters green with pureed veggies like kale, spinach, arugula, or pea pods. Add spice with green salsa or more interesting taste with sage.

4. End a party or St. Pat’s family dinner with homemade organic oatmeal cookies and pistachio, lime or mint ice cream/sherbert/sorbet.

5. For evening entertainment, borrow or rent A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. The story centers on an Irish immigrant family in Brooklyn in the 1900’s and their young daughter’s struggle to stay positive in the midst of poverty. Better yet, choose to start reading the book of the same name on St. Patrick’s Day.

6. If you want to enjoy the occasion with a touch of beer, always a St. Paddy’s Day favorite, check out the many organic alternatives.

Thanks to Corey and Lynn for sharing these amazing ideas on ways to Green our St.Patty’s Day celebrations. Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors ofCelebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net

How will you show your love this Valentine’s Day?  Here’s our handpicked list of eco and budget friendly gifts that will impress. All items are available at Tread Light Gifts

Plantable Eco-Valentine Day Cards:Ten eco-friendly Valentine’s Day cards are packaged with 10 plantable wildflower seed embedded hearts that grow wildflowers when the heart is planted.  What a great card alternative for your child’s classmates!

Flip & Tumble 24-7 Bag – Berrydots: This stylish shopping bag get around the problem of remembering the bags because they are small enough to simply live in your purse or messenger bag all the time. The elastic pouch design makes it a snap to convert the bag into a small ball quickly.

TikoSoy Candle: Escape to a luxurious spa in your own house. If you are after an awe-inspiring aromatic experience, look no further than these hand-poured soy candle made with 100% natural wax and containing no paraffin.

Garden Bon-Bons: This line of garden truffles is for planting, not for eating. Handcrafted bon bon balls of clay, organic compost and seed wrapped in a lovely presentation package. They are a perfect gift for novice and expert gardener alike.

thinknow Bouquet Earrings - The thinknow jewelry line is made from 100% natural materials and water-based adhesives. All wood products are sourced from managed growth forests, and sealed with beeswax and linseed oil.

As you may know by now, we are big fans of Corey and Lynn from Celebrate Green. These women have amazing ideas on how we can “green” all our holiday celebrations. This month, Corey and Lynn share with us some simple ideas to implement today that will send you on your way to creating celebrations that are better for the planet and people. An added bonus? You’re likely to save a bunch of cash as well.

1. Plan.

• Take advantage of the new year to get a calendar and fill in the dates for every event you think you’ll celebrate this year. Include birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, weddings, graduations, family reunions, even office parties, then add every holiday you celebrate in any way big or small.
• Now make a list of items you’ll need, i.e. tableware, decor, gifts, food etc.
• Check off what you already own. Then list what you need to beg, borrow, exchange or purchase.
• Print out the list (on recycled paper of course) or put it in your phone, PDA or calendar you carry with you.
• When you’re at the thrift store or a garage sale, or see a great local sale, check the item off your list. Or, if you’re into setting up an exchange, one month before the event on your calendar, add in a date for a neighborhood get together to trade costumes, decor, plates or anything else you come up with.

2. Throw no-waste celebrations. No waste doesn’t mean no trash (unfortunately). It means that everything purchased around a celebration can be recycled, composted or reused. Planning ahead (see tip #1) helps a lot.

Here are a few ideas to make it easier still:

• Be sure to have labeled bins available.
• Ask guests to bring unwrapped gifts, then hide them (the gifts, not the guests) and have the recipient hunt for them
• Collect glass jars, decorate them if you like and have them available for guests to take home leftovers
• Resist purchasing throw away decor–plates, cups, tablecloths etc.–no matter how cute or how well they match your theme

3. Make gifts and decor from items you already own, can collect, trade with friends or re-purpose. Before throwing anything away, ask yourself whether it can be turned into a gift or decor item. Once you start looking at “trash” this way, you’ll be amazed how often the answer will be, “Yes!”

Did you know that an extra 25 MILLION tons of garbage will be generated this holiday season? That’s a 25% increase in a mere six-week period.  You can do your part in reducing the waste by wrapping your gifts in decorated newspapers, craft paper, or paper bags.  Other great alternatives include using reusable bags, boxes, and containers. If you still really want to use gift wrap, try to find ones made of recycled materials with no foil or glitter embellishments.

The Gift Whisperer is in the house and ready to share all her gifting secrets with you. Ever wonder how much to spend on a gift, what are appropriate gifts for the people on your list, or even basics such as shipping or wrapping? The Gift Whisperer has all the answers for you.

Get ready to learn, laugh, and be inspired. If you have a question for the Gift Whisperer, please leave a comment and we will make sure to get it answered

Each November, we gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving – a holiday of thankfulness and gut-busting meals.  In November,  I also celebrate my birthday.  This year, I am thankful for my friends, family, customers, and loyal followers/fans on Facebook, Twitter, and blog.  To show my thanks, I’m giving away to one lucky person a $36 gift certificate to use at Tread Light Gifts.  For me, 36 years of love and laughter.  For the winner, $36 towards your holiday shopping.

Entering to win is a cinch.  Simply answer the following question in the comments of this blog post.

What is the most thoughtful gift you have ever received?

Good Luck.  Deadline to enter is November 20th at 5pm P.S.T.

Halloween should be fun, but every year it gets scarier–for parents and the planet. From the discovery of lead in fake teeth and candy, to chemicals in costumes, to the garbage left in the holiday’s wake, it’s a wonder more of us haven’t given up the festivities and spent October 31 watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

The good news is, there are loads of child- and earth-friendly alternatives to the usual Halloween fare.

The most important point when planning to green up any holiday or celebration, especially those involving children, is to get their “buy-in.” And of course, your approach makes all the difference. Telling kids, “We’re going green this Halloween–that means, no candy,” isn’t helpful. What can be is a discussion about the challenges that Halloween brings. Obviously, what you say (or don’t), depends on the age of your children. But helping them to see the wider ramifications of their actions can help make transitioning to healthier choices more appealing or at least understandable.

Many kids are learning about eco-issues in school. They often want to do something about them, but need guidance on where to begin. Talking to them about the excess and waste associated with Halloween (and all holidays and celebrations) and discussing how they can make a difference, may spark their altruism and inspire them to act in positive ways.

A great way to start a discussion is to list each aspect of Halloween (costumes, treats, decor and activities), and brainstorm child- and earth-friendly choices to what you’ve done in the past. Then, encourage your kids to choose one or two of the ideas to implement this year. After Halloween, talk about what worked, what didn’t and what you’ll do next year.

Costumes

In the “olden days,” (the eighties?), many kids made their costumes, often with help from parents. Making the costume was actually an enjoyable, bonding activity. Today, millions of people spend millions of dollars on costumes that are made from non-sustainable materials (like petroleum), that are worn once, then discarded.

But there are earth-friendlier alternatives. If you usually buy costumes, consider:

• Making them. Kids are incredibly gifted and creative when we encourage them. There are almost no costumes that cannot be handmade. If your children are stuck on turning a popular TV or movie character into a costume, brainstorm how you can make it happen with items you already own or can get at no cost by borrowing or making. Be sure to check online for ideas.
• Purchasing costumes made from more eco-friendly materials or at least not from plastics. Choose cotton, organic cotton, silk or hemp, for instance. Unfortunately, these alternatives are not yet widely available, but if you’re interested in them, ask local stores to consider carrying them next year. And check at the end of this post for some great online sources.
• Trading them. Arrange a costume swap with neighbors, check online at swap sites like Green Halloween, or see if you can interest a local child-focused organization in sponsoring a swap.

When Halloween is over, don’t throw costumes away. Save them, dismantle and hold on to the “parts,” trade or take them to a thrift store.

Treats and treasures

Halloween may be all about the treats, but happily, there are great alternatives that kids, when given the option, will happily embrace. You can’t do much about the sweets your children receive on their foray around the neighborhood (although you can have the “Halloween Fairy” replace the confections with a wonderful gift when the children are brushing their teeth…shhhh…), but when it comes to what your family hands out, planning ahead so that you are not making a last-minute dash to the grocery store, will help you avoid limiting choices to what’s on the shelves at the moment.

If you have a local natural foods store, check out their offerings. Take your kids along and choose a few items to sample if you don’t normally shop there. Honey sticks are a favorite and are very inexpensive (never give honey to children under age 2). Many natural food companies make small “bars” in flavors kids love like peanut butter and chocolate. Assuming you have the time to order online, check out www.GreenHalloween.org for dozens of alternatives.

One issue that often comes up when discussing organic or green choices is cost. While it is true that many healthier items cost more, there is a simple solution. Instead of handing out fistfuls (or allowing kids to take as much as they want, which has become the norm), try this: Fill a bowl with a variety of great choices, whether sweets or “treasures” like sparkly stones, feathers (yes, kids love these), hair decorations, temporary tatoos, stickers etc. Cover the bowl with a cloth. When children come to the door, get down to their level and whisper, “At our house, we have some very, very special treats and treasures. You may now choose your favorite.” Then with a flourish, whip off the cloth and let them sift. Compliment them on their choice afterwards.

If you’re not yet ready to totally embrace greener treats and treasures you can still help cut down on expense and waste by choosing one of these options:

• Put out two bowls, one with conventional candy, the other with “treasures.” Let kids choose one item from either bowl.
• Hand children whatever you are giving them. Do not allow them to take as much as they want.
• Let older children know that unwrapped candy can be composted.

Whatever you do this Halloween, taking time to plan and implement will make the holiday a lot less spooky!

Photos Copyright Holli Dunn, www.HolliDunn.com

Thanks Lynn and Corey for sharing with us! Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net

This week we’ve turn to Green Celebration experts Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson from Celebrate Green to guide us in making greener choices for our upcoming summer and 4th of July celebrations. Lynn and Corey are mother and daughter team and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net .  Take it away ladies!

For most Americans, July 4th marks the official start of summer and that means family and friends gathering together enjoying each other at picnics and barbecues. But all this celebrating can take a toll on the Earth (and cost a lot of green as well), so why not consider some alternatives to the ways we’ve traditionally celebrated summer. Here are just a few ideas:

Serve filtered tap water. It’s so easy to hit one of the big box stores and pick up cartons of water if you’re hosting a picnic or barbecue, but you can save money and the planet when you choose to drink and serve filtered tap water instead.

Knowing that bottled water (even by the case), is 240 to 10,000 times more expensive than tap water and that 40% of bottled water should be labeled tap water because that’s what it is, you may decide that the “convenience” is simply not worth the cost. Instead, set out pitchers of iced tap water (print out this tongue-in-cheek label if you like). Ask a willing helper to keep the pitchers full.

Substitute reusables for disposables when possible. Picnics and barbecues have become synonymous with throw aways–plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths and decor. While there are more choices for disposables made from recycled and biodegradable materials, using what you already own and remains a more earth-friendly (and budget-conscions) choice.

If you don’t own enough plates and glasses,why not:

• Borrow. Friends and neighbors are usually happy to contribute
• Ask everyone to bring their own place settings. That’s what people used to do B.P.P. (before paper plates).
• Hit your local thrift store. You’ll likely be able to pick up dozens of plates very inexpensively and when you’re done, you can donate them back.

When it comes to napkins, tablecloths and decor, think outside the paper box by decorating with items you already own, like sheets. Supply guests with red, white and blue fabric markers and set them loose. You’ll end up with a unique tablecovering that you can use over and over again.

Washcloths make great napkins and if they’re stained with barbecue sauce, use them for rags.

No need to buy paper or plastic decor items when you scour your home (and ask your guests to if you like), for objects in your preferred color scheme and integrate them into the decor. If you’ve got scrap paper your colors, wrap it around empty cans and fill them with flowers (cans pictured, while made for the 4th, could be used all summer). Tie napkins with bits of ribbon and stick a flower, feather or leaves under the bow.

Clean up. You’re probably shaking your head, “Well, of course we’ll clean up, duh!” If you’re partying at your home, this is no doubt true, but be sure to provide bins for trash and recyclables as well as for items that can be composted, assuming these services are available in your community. Place signs on each container indicating what should be tossed in which bin and encourage everyone to use them.

And if you’re watching the town parade or or enjoying an outdoor movie at a local park where recycling bins are not provided, why not carry a bag so you can bring your trash home and dispose of it properly. This includes packaging from food items, cans and paper goods. While you’re at it, how about taking a bag to pick up a bit of trash left by thoughtless individuals? After all, not everyone is as conscientious as you!

Cook it green. When it comes to the environment, barbecues of all kinds are problematic. The best way to cook outside in an eco-friendly way? A solar oven. You can purchase one, but to save money, gather a bunch of kids and make your own. Choose from among dozens of configurations using everything from tires to pizza boxes to a windshielf shade. Yes, cooking with solar takes more time, but hey, it’s summer! And if you’re only ready for baby steps, start by cooking part of the meal via solar. Pick up some veggies at the local farmer’s market and grill them up. Once you see how easy it is and how yummy and fresh everything tastes, you may wave good bye to charcoal altogether.

*Thanks Lynn and Corey for the great advice. For more ideas on how to green you next celebration, check out www.CelebrateGreen.net .