In honor of Earth Day, we’re featuring two family-friendly green companies that we think will spark your interest. In the meantime, don’t forget to actually go out and enjoy nature today, whether you take a quick stroll around the block or go out and splash around with your kids in a puddle or two (that depends on whether the forecast of rain this afternoon holds up, of course).
Odds are your kids really don’t need more toys and games, so when birthdays come around, the house just gets more cluttered. Teach your kids the importance of giving to charity and taking care of the environment this year through ECHOage. Birthday party guests are invited, via e-mail, to make a contribution of $10-$30, with half going to the charity the host chooses and the other half pooled with the other guests’ money to buy one gift for the birthday girl or boy. United States charities currently include EarthCorps, International Child Art Foundation, Girls Inc. and Nourish America. Your child still gets a birthday gift, and likely one that he really wants instead of a bunch of toys he’ll never play with, without wasting paper on wrapping, packaging and invitations. Plus you get a tax deduction. For more information go to www.echoage.com.
Founded by two Chicago-area parents, Green Bag Lunch takes the hassle out of packing a healthy lunch for your kids while making it entirely Earth-friendly. Each lunch includes whole grains, lean protein, organic fruits and vegetables and dessert and is packaged in reusable, recyclable and biodegradable materials. The spring menu main course selections include natural turkey and cheese on wheat brioche, grilled chicken wrap on a whole wheat tortilla and cheesy pizza spirals on a whole wheat tortilla. Each lunch costs $5 and includes delivery to your child’s school. For an extra $1 you can add organic low-fat milk, organic juice or bottled water. There’s no commitment, either—you can order one lunch for a field trip day or order a semester’s worth of meals. Orders are placed online and you and your little one can choose each day’s lunch from the seasonal menu. Just make sure your child’s school agrees to accept Green Bag Lunch’s deliveries—right now the company delivers mainly within the city of Chicago and northern suburbs, but they are looking to expand. To find out if your school participates or to get your school involved, e-mail info@greenbaglunch.com or call (847) 471-8866. To set up an account and place an order, go to www.greenbaglunch.com.