It's pretty easy to find organic wine and beer these days, buy what about hard alcohol?  Happily, there are a lot of great options out there so you can still have your favorite mixed drink.

Rain Vodka offers many flavors of organic vodka, including original, lavender lemon, honey mango melon, red grape hibiscus, and cucumber lime. Each bottle is also highly attractive.

Tru also has a range of organic vodkas like straight, lemon, and vanilla, and they also sell organic gin. Better yet, they plant a tree for each bottle sold!

Also try Papagayo Organic Spiced or White Rum; for Tequila try award winning 4Copas. It's sure to make a great organic margarita!  If your local liquor store isn't already carrying any of these be sure to ask if they will.

If you like to top your drink with a maraschino cherry, you can find all natural ones at the Natural Candy Store. And don't forget to put your drink in a real glass with a glass straw from Glass Dharma to keep your drink green and waste-free!

*Win one of four $25 gift certificates to Glass Dharma on Retro Housewife Goes Green! *

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Christmas will be here before we know it and with Christmas comes Christmas lights. Home Depot is helping people recycle their old incandescent Christmas lights. For each strand of incandescent lights you bring in (up to 5 per customer) they will give you $3 off of LED Christmas lights.

Here are some reasons to make the switch from incandescent to LED:

• LED's are cool to the touch and greatly reduce the risk of fires.
• They can last up to 10 years longer than incandescent.
• The amount of energy used by one 7-watt incandescent bulb is enough to power 140 LEDs, which is equal to two 24 foot strings.
• Most are Energy Star qualified.
• They use 80% less energy than incandescent Christmas lights.

Home Depot even has information on their website for how they will recycle your old lights! So if you are still using incandescent bulbs be sure to go to Home Depot before November 15th to trade them in for LED.

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The Neti Pot!

Have you heard of this tea-pot looking contraption?

You might have seen it featured on Oprah last year. Or maybe, like us, you saw/heard of it while watching the HBO show Six Feet Under. Or maybe you have never heard of it before.

Nasal saline irrigation is a Ayurvedic/yoga medical traditional therapy that uses a salt and water solution to flush out the nasal cavity by using the Neti Pot.

• Mix up a warm salt water solution, slowly pour half of the solution through one nostril while it drains out the other side, switch sides.
• After all the solution has been filtered through your nose then blow your nose to remove excess fluids.
• Breath freely for days.

Last winter, after trying every allergy type medicine on the market, both prescription and non-proscription, without feeling any relief my husband finally gave in and reluctantly tried The Neti Pot.

He could hardly believe the wonderful relief he felt after just one use. From that moment on, The Neti Pot has been in regular use at our house.

My 9 yr old son actually uses it too, with daddy's help of course, and will even ask for it when he feels like he needs it.

According to Web MD :

• Many patients with chronic sinus symptoms from bacterial infections, allergies, and environmental irritants also have begun to regularly use the Neti pot or other nasal irrigation devices, claiming that these devices alleviate congestion, facial pain and pressure, and reduce the need for antibiotics and nasal sprays.
• Research backs up these claims, finding that nasal irrigation can be an effective way to relieve sinus symptoms when used along with standard sinus treatments.
• The basic explanation of how the Neti pot works is that it thins mucus to help flush it out of the nasal passages. Saline solution can help increase the speed and improve coordination of the cilia so that they may more effectively remove the bacteria, allergens, and other irritants that cause sinus problems.

It is very important to properly and thoroughly clean the Neti Pot after every use to prevent infection.

Most stores now sell the Neti Pot and refill packets next to all the sinus relief medicines.

Now that the cold dry weather is coming back you can bet that our Neti Pot is coming back too!

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If you read Writing: My Life, my personal blog, then you know I’m a member of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program at a local farm. After my first full year as a CSA member I have one thing to say: find a CSA in your area and join! Why, you ask?

Well, for one thing, as a member of a farm, you’re supporting your local economy instead of purchasing food grown in Argentina, Mexico or somewhere other than your own figurative back yard. Joining a CSA will also reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the number of miles your produce has to travel to get to your front door. The farm I joined is organic, but some CSAs aren’t. Still, most practice sustainable farming and use little or no chemical pesticides. As a member of a CSA you’ll be supporting the responsible use of farmland and environmental resources.

Those are the feel-good reason for joining a CSA. Here are what I call the selfish reasons:

• For a minimal cost, you’ll receive a variety of fresh, ripe, organic (or sustainably grown) produce.
• Whatever you don’t eat in a week you can put up for the winter.
• You get the benefits of a backyard garden without having to get your hands dirty.
• You’ll probably get a say in what gets planted for the following season.
• Your grocery bills will shrink.
• Your meals will revolve around fresh fruits and vegetables. And they’ll taste better for it.

If you’re interested in joining a CSA, don’t wait until the spring to start looking for one. Waiting lists are often very long, and shares sell out fast. Visit Local Harvest to find a CSA program in your area and call or send an email to get your name on the list for next year’s season. If the cost seems like too much to put out at once, inquire about a payment plan. Some farms even offer the option to reduce the share cost by volunteering work hours in the fields. I promise, however you pay for your share, it will be worth the expense when you’re bringing home bags of fresh produce next summer.

Ami writes about her attempts to stay healthy, live a local and green life and write that Great American Novel (or something like it) at Writing: My Life.

(Photo by hellsgeriatric)

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My daughter's Kindergarten class has a lovely tradition that's passed down year-to-year by parent volunteers: book recycling. Children bring in books from home they are willing to give up; in exchange they are allowed to take a "new" one home.

Our school does this a few times per year on specific days; I've heard of others that have a continuously rotating pool of books. It's a wonderful way to spice up your children's personal book collection without spending a dime.

If your community hasn't implemented such a program, why not consider starting one yourself?

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I did.

I am one of those people that likes to know why.

Why are plastic bags bad for the environment? Why are phosphates bad for water systems? Why are front-loading washers and dryers "green?"

Who do I turn to when I want to know why?

Why Google of course.

I found this very informative Energy Star website that answered all my why questions and then some.

Here are a few of the things that I learned/confirmed about front-loading washers:

1. Using a horizontal or tumble-axis basket to lift and drop clothing through a small amount of water instead of rubbing clothes against an agitator in a full tub of water dramatically reduces the amount of water used in the wash cycle.
2. Efficient motors spin clothes two to three times faster during the spin cycle and extract more water. Less moisture in the clothes means less time and energy in the dryer.
3. Front loading washers have extremely efficient sensors to monitor incoming water temperature.
4. Front loaders rinse clothes with repeated high-pressure spraying instead of soaking them in a full tub of water.
5. Their gentle way of washing not only lengthens the life of often-washed items, many models can safely clean silk, wool and other hand-washables (I can vouch for that)
6. Without a bulky agitator, there is more usable space in the washer for laundry (including larger items like comforters). More capacity means fewer loads (Another thing I can vouch for. The sales rep told us that we can load it up with the equivalent of 21 large bath towels. I have found this to be true. Easily.)
7. When using front-loading washing machines you should use special HE detergent which is a low-suds detergent and typically formulated to wash clothes better in cold water (again saving energy by not having to heat the water).
8. Use airtight seals to prevent water from leaking while the machine is in use. When the machine is not in use, this seal can trap moisture and lead to mold. Leave the door ajar for an hour or two after use to allow moisture to evaporate. Make sure children do not climb into the machine while the door is open. (It is funny that they should mention this because just this morning I walked by the laundry room and saw 2 little feet sticking out of the dryer. My daughter was searching for her favorite pair of Cinderella underwear.)

It is amazing what you can learn with a quick Google search!

I would highly recommend perusing the website for yourself. They have lots of information about Energy Star; lighting, water heaters, rebates, purchasing locations, a kid’s page, FAQ, etc.

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Do you have some old pots and pans that you don’t feel comfortable donating to Good-Will or using for camping?

Now there is a better place for them than your trashcan!

Calphalon ReNew is a new program that makes recycling your old cookware easy!

Any brand of cookware in any condition is acceptable (as long as it is clean).

Here is what you do:

1. Register with the Calphalon ReNew program on-line
2. Complete the Calphalon ReNew Box that comes inside your Calphalon Unison Nonstick cookware box
3. Include a copy of the Recycle Authorization Form (provided during registration)
4. Send your old cookware (any brand or condition is acceptable) to Calphalon ReNew at their expense, using the pre-paid FedEx® online mailing label.
5. Calphalon ReNew will send your cookware to a recycling center.

Note: This recycling program is only for cookware such as Fry Pans, Omelette Pans, Skillets, Sauté Pans, Sauce Pans, and Stock Pots. It is not for glass, glass covers, plastic objects or knives.

In exchange, for recycling your old cookware with Calphalon ReNew they will send you two 100% recycled cotton shoppers. (Who can't use 2 more reusable shopping bags?)

You can also call Calphalon Consumer Relations at 1-800-809-PANS (7267) if you have any questions.

Small programs like this can make a big difference as well as encourage more companies to think about their waste (pre and post consumer).

According to their website, Calphalon is trying to be more sustainable by

• Reducing their factories water consumption by 75 percent, saving 100,000 gallons of water per day
• Reducing its electricity consumption by 57 percent
• Making their products with 40 percent recycled aluminum
• Recycling all aluminum scrap metal & corrugated cardboard packaging waste
• Starting the Calphalon ReNew program.

These small steps can add up to big changes especially if other companies do the same!

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It’s coming. You know it and I know it…and the kids know it! In fact it may be the only reason they are willing to face the fact that school will soon be back in session – back to school clothes shopping. The one time a year when we take them out and blow all our dough on hip cool clothes they’ll actually wear (at least until Christmas when they’re 3 inches taller).

I’ve devised a way that back to school clothing shopping doesn’t have to break the bank – even with two growing boys on my hands. Its called bargain shopping – and not only can it save you money, but it‘s green because ultimately you‘re recycling and in many cases the money you spend is going to local people in your community or to charitable organizations. Now, I love bargain shopping but my kids weren’t thrilled with some of the deals I was finding by hunting through consignment shops, thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets. There is a way to get them involved though, and help them to see the light.

I told my boys that I was willing to spend about $100 for new clothes and shoes for each of them. That sounds like a lot to kids, but we (adults) all know that $100 does not a wardrobe make. To show them why bargain shopping might be just the ticket I took them to the mall and let them pick out what they wanted. With just a few items each the tab would have blown our budget, and that didn’t even include shoes.

Then we went to some of the thrift shops and the flea market. They found a lot of like-new clothes with brand name labels that were cool enough to wear around their friends, and they soon realized that they had a lot more choices and that they could get many more items for their money. Sometimes they get everything they want and I still have some green left over.

The boys also realized that mom says yes a lot more in the second-hand stores – when cruising the mall, so many of the hip/cool shops are just so expensive I won’t even go in to look, yet alone let a 10-year old boy spend $50 for a pair of jeans or sweatshirt in it. But at the bargain shops they are likely to run into a few similar items for a fourth of the cost (or less) and as long as it’s not inappropriate, I’m likely to approve.

Here are a few tips for getting organized and getting your money’s worth back to school shopping this year:

1) Help the kids go through their closets and dressers and weed out anything that’s too small, too worn out or that they just refuse to wear. Let the younger siblings go through the older ones’ cast-offs to see if there’s anything they’d like to have. Of what’s left throw out the rags but start a donation pile for the worthy items.

2) Take a visual inventory of what’s left and make a note of what’s needed – don’t forget about pajamas, shoes, socks and underwear, too.

3) Set your budget – what it is you’re willing to spend per child and discuss it with them. If they don’t like the idea of getting second-hand stuff take them window shopping and show them the difference it can make – most kids will forego new when they realize they’ll only have one complete outfit.

4) Check around for sales, deals and discounts – look in local papers, mailers and the Internet. Make a list of places you and the kids will shop based on what you find. (Although they dig the thrift shops and flea markets now, my boys still love shopping at Old Navy, so I wait for sales or coupons.)

5) Start with the second-hand stores, flea markets and yard sales first – they’re cheaper and inventory changes so quickly, the stuff they like at retail shops will likely still be there later.

6) Whatever you can’t find at the bargain places, or won’t buy there – I recommend buying new for socks, underwear and shoes, start combing the retail stores for.

7) Many states are offering a sales tax-free weekend for any back to school shopping, so try to shop during those days. The tax-free applies to clothing, supplies, computers and sometimes other items. Check here to see if your state is participating in the

August 7-9 tax-free weekend

.

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And along with the warm weather, family vacations and picnics at the beach come ants, wasps, and mosquitoes.

But before you reach for a toxic chemical based spray to remove these pests from your summertime fun why not try a non-toxic, pet and child friendly option.

EcoSMART is an organic pesticide and natural insect repellent company which carries non-toxic products that are both child and pet friendly.

EcoSMARTproducts are based on the natural defenses that plants and trees have used for their self protection against insects and pathogens for millenia – essential oils.

Since EcoSMART’s proprietary botanical oil blends attack attributes that are specific only to pests, they do not effect people, pets or the environment.

Why are EcoSMART's  products a better choice than tradition products:

• Targets Insects and not people or the environment
• Made from organic plant oils
• Safe to use around children and pets
• No pesticide residue
• Unprecedented margin of safety
• Extremely effective against a broad spectrum of insect pests
• No known pest resistance issues
• Cost effective
• Naturally safe and effective
• Has a pleasant natural scent
• Can is recyclable
• Made in the USA
• Contains ingredients such as peppermint oil, wintergreen oil, mineral oil, and canola oil
• No CFCs

If you would the chance to try one of the folowing EcoSMART products:

• Ant & Roach Killer
• Wasp & Hornet Killer
• Flying Insect Killer
• Insect Repellent

Visit  my blog Over Coffee -the green edition between now and Sunday July 26th and enter to win a chance for a natural pest-free summer.

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I remember when I was a child. I was convinced that my elderly, uncool, totally out-of-fashion parents were devoid of anything important that needed my undivided attention, yet alone any comprehension. (Sigh.) As a mother, I see that glazed-over look on my two tween-age sons’ faces whenever I start spouting off about important life issues that I want to share with them. But sometimes, just sometimes, there are these magical moments when I realize – they really WERE listening and better yet, they GET IT!

For most of their precious little lives I have been trying to teach them about saving money, spending wisely, conserving what is limited and preserving what we have. Usually I just tell myself that they may not get it now, but when they grow up they will remember (typically I chant this under my breath as I turn out lights in empty rooms, shut of iPods not being used or close the front door while the AC is running.)

Just the other day, though, my younger son presented me with a bright shiny green pearl (of wisdom). Had it been May it could have been the best Mother’s Day gift ever. I was so proud of him and I now realize that my children, albeit resistant to my green teachings, truly do understand and want to be a part of saving the planet – and our budget. He came up with what I thought was a genius way to save a little electricity during the summer.

I innocently asked the boys if they’d showered. Expecting nothing more than grumbles, they surprised me with yeses. Even more surprising was my 10-year old’s explanation. He said that he took a cold shower. Naturally I wondered why. He told me that when the weather is hot enough outside it feels good to be in cold water – like at the pool.
Okay, I can sort of see that.

Then he went on to enlighten me further. When he takes a cool or cold shower, he said, the bathroom mirror doesn’t steam up and he won’t have to run the vent to clear it up, which saves a good 5-10 minutes of electricity for each shower.

Quick calculations: four of us in the house means probably about 14 showers a week. That’s about 100 minutes less of electricity for the bathroom fan. It may not save a bundle on utility bills, but I was so proud of him. He didn’t realize it but he saved electricity in another form as well. By not using hot water in his shower, he isn’t running electricity via the hot water heater either.

It’s a small thing, I know, but when children start to think about the bigger picture, they can really come up with some amazingly creative ideas.

I love that he thought that through.

It’s so important for us not just to starting living in smarter, more eco-friendly ways but to share those thoughts with the children. They are awesome at coming up with new ways to accomplish goals and the more involved we allow them to be the more it becomes an ingrained way of life for them.

Here are a few more simples ways to cut back even just a little energy this summer:

1) Turn the AC setting up 3 degrees when you go to bed,

2) Close AC vents in rooms you don’t use much or care how warm they get and close the door to that room,

3) If you like background noise, use an iPod or radio instead of the television,

4) If you have the time, instead of using a hair dryer, put curlers in (not always as cute on the guys),

5) Have one night a week where you don’t use any kitchen appliances to cook dinner, instead grill outside, make a dinner salad, sub sandwiches or some other cold and clever creation.

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