But they were recently offered a spot in a very good preschool with sliding scale tuition for practically free. They were thrilled by the opportunity and anxious to have their daughter enrolled. There is just one problem: the school provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks and will not allow outside food under any circumstances.

This perplexes me in general – what if the kid had allergies or was being raised vegan or kosher? Even public schools allow outside food, so it can’t be a matter of socio-economic equality.

My friend goes without luxuries – and even plenty of basics – so that her daughter can eat organic. She tried to explain this to the school without sounding ungrateful of the opportunity, but the school kept assuring her that the meals were “perfectly healthy.” But we know it is pretty much standard public school fare – hormone-laced milk, genetically modified corn, sugary cereals.

Now my friend is actually wondering if she should give up her daughter’s only shot at preschool because she doesn’t want her eating junky foods five days a week. She isn’t fanatical by any means – like my son, her daughter eats birthday cake and they go out for pizza and ice cream all the time. But in their own home, they make sure the milk and eggs are organic and the chicken is free range.

My advice to her was to accept the tuition and do whatever she can to minimize her daughter’s consumption of the school food. Give her a big breakfast at home. Encourage her to eat more or less of certain things. Feel justified that her access to education and allowing more work hours for the parents is for the “greater good.” Do you agree?

I reminded my friend that even at my son’s private, progressive preschool, I had not made any leeway in encouraging organic snacks. I’d accepted that he ate conventional “dirty dozen” produce most days and had pizza and soft pretzels once a week.

But talking to my friend inspired me to give speaking up another try. I’m much more comfortable with my son’s school and its faculty, and I know that many of the mothers feel exactly the same way I do but don’t feel comfortable speaking up.

Below is the letter I sent today. I will update the blog with any reply I receive. But even if I am not successful, it reminds me how important it is to SPEAK UP. If no one asks the questions and voices their convictions, progress will never be made. Even if your office blows off your questions about recycling or your play space thinks you are nut for asking about greener cleaning supplies, when the second or third parent asks, they are going to have to start taking these things seriously and look into these suggestions.

I mentioned once to my local play space that they should be using Seventh Generation wipes instead of Clorox. They blew me off, but next thing I knew they had made the switch and even boasted about it with new signs. I don’t need the credit – I’m just happy to be heard.

Dear Staff;

As the school year comes to an end, I wanted to take this time to thank you so much for such a wonderful experience. Sam is truly thriving at XYZ and we couldn’t be happier with the teachers and the education he is receiving.

I do have a small suggestion, and I hope you will take it to heart and let me know your honest feedback.

Back when Sam was first starting school, I asked about the daily snacks, particularly the fruit. I’m so pleased that the kids eat fresh fruit for most snacks, but knowing what I do about pesticides and chemicals, I would prefer they be organic – especially since apples, pears, and berries are all in the “dirty dozen”

I don’t remember who I first asked why the produce was not organic, but the response was “the parents are not willing to pay for organic fruits.” At the time I was not comfortable questioning that response, but as I have gotten to know the administration and the parents, I wonder if we can take another look at this policy.

I have seen the generosity of the parents at XYZ and their commitment to paying for a better school and of course the health and safety of their children. I believe that if a survey was taken asking whether parents were willing to pay a higher premium for organic snacks, you might be surprised by the answers.

I am most concerned about the fruit, but I would love to see all the snacks have an organic upgrade. I know that there are facilities for buying organic snacks in bulk, such as http://www.yumyumsnacks.com/bulk_case_snacks.html – which is specifically tailored for schools.

I hope that you will take this suggestion into consideration as I believe that many of XYZ’s parents would support the switch and paying a bit more in tuition if necessary. I really appreciate you taking the time to explore this option. Not only would it be beneficial to the health and safety of our children, it would set a great example of sustainability as a progressive and top quality preschool.

Please let me know your thoughts. I am happy to discuss this further at any time.

Best,

Paige

Bring your clothing donation to the boutique Tues-Sat from 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. If you have a large donation or need assistance bringing your items in, you can deliver your donations to Career Wardrobe at 21 S. 12th St., Suite 110, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or The Wardrobe Boutique, 1822 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, on the 3rd Wednesday of the month between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at regular clothing drives where they have the capacity and volunteers to handle larger volumes.

PlanetShoes.com’s mission is to offer fashionable, well-made, and earth-friendlier shoes in the most eco-conscious way possible. In addition to choosing from a selection of consciously-made footwear from brands like Patagonia, Kalso, El Naturalista, Think, Taos, Dansko, and Simple, you can reduce your footprint with their CarbonFree Shipping option or help support one of their planet-friendly non-profit partners.

Planetshoes.com is giving away a pair of the new Taos Prize, stylish sandals with anatomical molded footbed cushions perfect for long and comfortable wear. The Taos brand seeks out materials and manufacturing techniques that leave the smallest environmental footprint possible, and its shoeboxes are made with recycled stock and soy-based inks.

But while you’re thinking about trading up for a new pair of shoes, be sure to responsibly dispose of your old ones. Shoebox Recycling recycles as many pairs of shoes as possible so that your old shoes can be given a new life. They accept all types of wearable pairs of mens, women’s, and kids shoes to be distributed for reuse at various local market places around the world. When you place a note in your shoes and tell the next owner what is special about them, you can trace the path they take and ultimately find your “Sole Mate.” You can even download a free UPS label and earn points at RecycleBank.

One lucky reader will win Taos Prize Sandals in their choice of size and color! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this blog post telling us which color you’d choose. Bonus entries for following Spit That Out on Facebook and Twitter. Contest closes 5/31 and a winner will be randomly selected.

Disclosure: This company gave me a sample for review. Regardless, my opinions are honest. See my full disclosure here.

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Now I relish the true fresh and aromatic scents of natural products in my home.

For a truly delicious smell to freshen fabrics, I adore Malie Organics Organic Island Ambiance Linen and Room Spray in Plumeria. I was deeply dismayed to see that my beloved body mists have been discontinued, but hope that their perfumes will offer me the same light and fresh fragrance I love for everyday.

I got off my Febreze addiction with Biokleen Bac-Out Fresh Lemon Thyme, which uses live enzyme cultures and natural essential oils to eliminate tough odors that get trapped in fabrics.

My kitchen and bathroom stock Amala Aroma Apothecary Refresh Peppermint Room & Linen Mist, which have the added benefit of being a natural pest repellent. No matter how clean and careful you are, city living is sure to bring some unwelcome guests!

I’ve always thought it was an elegant touch to light candles in the bathrooms when we have guests over. We always choose soy over synthetic, and love the scent of  Soap & Paper Factory Green Tea Soy Candle.

For a quick boost on the go, therapeutic elixers from Lotus Wei offer peace, tranquility, and even energy boosts. Aromatherapy Personals help cure what ails you from jet lag to cravings.

Enjoy synthetic-free scents and enjoy the beautiful aromas that nature truly intended.

This post is part of a round-up by Healthy Child Healthy World, a nonprofit organization that empowers parents to protect children from harmful chemicals.

Funky Junk Recycled is an innovative social enterprise based in Cambodia – making beautiful, functional, long-lasting items from used plastic bags reclaimed from streets and fields.

Hipcycle.com, the leading purveyor of upcycled products on the web, is partnering with Funky Junk to enter the North American market. The project is utilizing crowd-sourced fundraising through indiegogo.com to raise $20,000 for a new e-commerce website and increased capacity at the Funky Junk Center in Cambodia. Hipcycle has also partnered with the Center for Vocational Rehabilitation to pack and ship Funky Junk orders.

Funky Junk Recycled aims to provide sustainable income for a group of local people without a major investment in technology, equipment, or capacity building. By creating a self-sustaining enterprise, they use best business practices as a means of improving peoples’ living environment, while helping them to gain a source of income and a sense of self-worth.

All products are made from discarded plastic bags, collected by trash pickers from the towns and countryside, and delivered to the Funky Junk center. Here they are washed, disinfected and dried in the sun before being sorted by color. The bags are cut and made into yarn, which is then crocheted into a product line ranging from floor cushions to handbags to patio chairs. Supporting Funky Junk means contributing to a cleaner environment and providing fair trade income, training and community benefits for its local producers.

Learn more about this program and watch the video here.

JP Selects, the largest digital marketplace for high quality sustainable and ethical brands, has acquired LovingEco, the one-year-old flash sale site offering eco-friendly fashion and accessories at a deeply discounted price.

For LovingEco’s members, joining forces with JP Selects brings benefits including more categories, brands, and products, as well as improved service (e.g. faster shipping) and a wider reach. It will also allow the site to expand from fashion and beauty to home, pets, health, and food.

LovingEco’s mission has been to help people discover the best eco-friendly brands, while also giving back to important charities. JP Selects shares this vision, and its turnkey operations enable not only flash sales but a permanent marketplace for green deals. The bigger audience will expand both LovingEco and JP Selects’ mission to help people discover healthier brands and products, and to support sustainable materials, production, and fair-trade conditions.

Sign up at in May, and receive a $10 credit by entering LOVEJP at JPSelects.com checkout

Conventional dryer sheets are made from a combination of harmful chemicals, manufactured fragrances, and animal fat. You know that fresh laundry smell that wafts through the vents? It’s deceitfully toxic.

But dryer balls reduce dryer time – the more you use, the faster your clothes dry, saving precious energy (and bills). They also soften clothes while reducing static and wrinkles. You can even apply essential oils before tossing them in the dryer to lightly scent your laundry and eliminate germs.

Bog Berry’s felted wool balls are made with a core of freshly carded wool batting from Lancaster County, PA. The colored sets are made with additional wool purchased from an eco-friendly company in Maine. Unlike other dryer balls, Bog Berry dryer balls are not made of yarn, which eventually unravels. Bog Berry dryer balls are needle felted, and then wet felted. They take a little longer to make, but they are the best quality and will last forever. So you’ll never have to buy another dryer ball, let alone boxes of dryer sheets.

The Bog Berry shop also sells Brooke’s other handicrafts like rune necklaces, seed bombs, and natural healing herb blends. Did I mention Brooke is also an herbalist? She is like my Glenda the Good Witch friend. She gave me some tea that totally got me pregnant and was even my doula, so I kinda owe her for keeping me from stabbing the nurses while I was in labor.

One lucky reader will win three extra large earthy wool dryer balls from Bog Berry! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this blog post telling us your favorite green cleaning tip. Bonus entries for following Spit That Out on Facebook and Twitter. Just leave a separate comment for each entry. Contest closes 5/15 and a winner will be randomly selected.

Disclosure: This company gave me a sample for review. Regardless, my opinions are honest. See my full disclosure here.

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Let me first brief you on the finer points of this writer’s missive:

Badinter believes that modern parenting trends, particularly the return to breastfeeding, eco-conscious living, and working (or not working) in the home have taken women a step back in the feminist movement.

She says: “Today a mother who has just given birth is ideally supposed to display all the reflexes—some use the word ‘instinct’—of a female mammal. She must immediately forget about herself and her personal desires in order to be available 24/7 for months on end to minister to her child’s every need.”

She refers to this style of motherhood as crushing. “Powdered milk, jars of baby food, and disposable diapers were created for a reason. But the less modern women use them, the longer they stay at home, bending over backward for their children, losing a sense of independence—and economic edge—in the process.”

First of all, I found nursing far easier than mixing formula and washing bottles. I could nurse while simultaneously typing an essay and listening in on a conference call. Nursing didn’t diminish my identity – it enriched it.

As for other modern conveniences, I certainly don’t entirely eschew them. I have used my fair share of disposable diapers and jarred baby food. But dismissing home cooking and cloth diapering as inconvenient is just the kind of thinking that got us into this landfill in the first place.

Taking the time to pay attention to where our food comes from and teaching that to my children, playing in the garden, even washing an extra load of diapers – these things have not diminished my sense of independence. As it’s been said before, feminism is about a woman’s right to choose. Some women prefer and fully enjoy staying home with their children. Some women would relish days spent cooking meals for their children versus days spent at unfulfilling jobs. Some women have found balance working from home or working part time or even working full time and still being committed to nursing or cloth diapering or whatever their priority may be. And I know plenty of stay-at-home dads and fathers that split the housework equally – whether that’s cleaning with homemade potions or chopping up kale.

We don’t have to accept TV dinners as the solution to economic equality.

Shortcuts can be awesome. I adore multitasking products and all the great tips and tricks for simpler greener living. And I’ll still order pizza and take a cab when I’m feeling too lazy or rushed to walk. But I don’t feel like my eco-consciousness or connection to my son has taken time away from anything I would rather be doing. I still have time to run a successful business and workout and blog and see friends and I haven’t missed one episode of “Real Housewives of New Jersey” so clearly I’m not entirely stretched for time.

Badinter believes women should buy into individually packaged disposables and microwavable meals so we have more time to climb the corporate ladder. But what we really need to do is advocate for more accessible, affordable healthy foods and a more flexible, parent-friendly workplace. Like France for instance.

Because this philosophy is all very interesting coming from a French woman, and a very wealthy one at that. French law provides tax breaks, extended maternity leave, and an overall exceedingly more comfortable and friendly accommodations for working mothers, and all mothers in general. Meanwhile, some American politicians don’t even want us to have access to birth control.

Have you read this book? What do you think?

This concept was put into action on a worldwide level in 2003 when Stacey Edgar created Global Girlfriend, an e-commerce boutique which helps women worldwide gain economic security while providing unique products and a simple way to help women in need. The fair-trade boutique offers a line of trend-setting, women-made, fair-trade products including stylish apparel, accessories and gifts with one purpose — helping women in need help themselves.

Global Girlfriend believes that economic opportunity for women holds the promise for real change in the world; because when women have an income, they reinvest in themselves and in their children’s health, education and nutrition, building stronger families and communities over time. Many women try desperately to make a living selling their artisan-quality goods but find that they have little access to market opportunities. Through fair-trade practices, Global Girlfriend brings the work of these disadvantaged groups directly to American shoppers.

What makes the site work so well is that everything on the site is something we’d love to buy anyway! The shop only selects well-crafted, on-style pieces, so shopping is a joy. Some of my favorites are:

Ribbon Arts Tote

Three Owl Tee

Organic Cotton Tia Dress

Branch Out Sterling Silver Earrings

Antique Sari Cosmetic Bag

Handmade Shea Butter Soap

Coffee Talk Note Cards – Set of Six

Learn more about the evolution of Global Girlfriend, with started at the founder’s dining room table with a $2000 tax refund, in the book Global Girlfriends: How One Mom Made It Her Business to Help Women in Poverty Worldwide.

I always loved the idea of having my groceries delivered to my door. But apart from the conventional markets like Acme and Shop Rite, I didn’t think organic home delivery on a broad scale was possible. Sure, we have our awesome Lancaster Farm Fresh CSA, but we have to walk 6 blocks just to get our fruits and veggies!

We have placed some orders with Green Polka Dot Box which offers up to  60% on organic and natural foods with a fee-based membership program similar to a Costco. However it doesn’t currently offer access to perishable foods like meat, dairy, and produce.

So I was excited to check out Arganica Farm Club, is the mid-Atlantic’s premier locally sourced food club which has just launched in my area. Joining Arganica gives you year-round access to an amazing variety of local farm-fresh, artisanal, and organic foods delivered directly to your home or office every week.

For a monthly fee of $19.50, an Arganica membership offers simple online ordering,  flexible membership terms allowing you to opt-in and opt-out at your convenience, free weekly delivery, regular pick-ups of returnables and deposit items, and a personalized customer profile page, allowing you to track membership, promotions, purchases, returnable credits, and more. Its fairly low commitment unlike a CSA where you need to have an order every week. Plus you can choose exactly what you want!

Small family farms provide fresh organic produce, hormone-free milk, cheese, eggs, and fresh meats including a range of fresh specialty meats, including buffalo, elk, and grass-fed goat and lamb. Arganica showcases the diverse output of local artisans and small-batch producers – everything from dips & sauces to vegetarian & vegan specialties to treats like ice cream and wine.

Arganica keeps it green by working with small to mid range producers, employing a series of drivers rather than maintaining a delivery fleet, and using all recyclable or recycled packaging (which they re-use as much as possible).

Arganica currently delivers to the Washington, DC metropolitan area and Philadelphia (including the New Jersey suburbs and Wilmington, Delaware).

Get 25% off your first month’s membership with Promo Code: Phillyarganican