by Sarah Lane
During these two weeks of the Climate Conference in Copenhagen, I think it is time to reach across the great divide between those who believe in climate change and those who don’t and link arms. So whether or not you think climate change is happening, whether you believe it is human made or caused by an angry God, little elves, or bad luck, whether you work for a coal plant or a bicycle messenger service, shed your need to be right and join in the broad movement to …

by Sarah Townsend
I’m scheduled to pick grape leaves tomorrow for a meal that will celebrate locally grown wine and produce. I have been instructed to pick the leaves that are both large enough to stuff and not tough. I know to feel the veins and note the curvature of the leaves. I also know not to strip all the leaves from any one branch which may cause it to wither—a reminder that no one individual can carry the weight of community. These leaves will be rolled into dolmas for our …

by Julie Hall, author of A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids
Big grass lawns are dead. And if yours isn’t, you’re probably wasting water. Whether your priority is getting your kids outside, reducing CO2, eating healthier, saving money, supporting wildlife, conserving water, bird watching, or all of the above, turning your yard into an edible Eden is ecologically savvy and a fun and meaningful experience for kids. Sure, you can leave some grassy open space, but do you really need that much? A good rule of thumb is to have no …

by Julie Hall and Sarah Lane
With the launch of ProgressiveKid Reader, we are taking the next logical step in the progression of ProgressiveKid. Five years ago, at a time when people were still catching on to recycling, we opened PK as a way to connect people with a more mindful way of life. We offered Earth-friendly alternatives to conventional products, information for socially aware living, and affirming messages for a happier and healthier generation of kids. We alerted parents about lead in children’s lunchboxes before it hit the mass media. …

by Julie Hall
Until recently Americans were eating out a lot. Estimates vary, but some statistics indicate that people, both singles and families, were eating out 4-5 times a week, not including take out restaurant meals. This trend is dropping as we look for ways to save dough by making the dough at home.
In addition to being less expensive, eating home-cooked food is healthier. According to a 2006 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, restaurant food is more caloric and less nutritious than food prepared at home. And, perhaps not …

by Julie Hall
As food wise man Michael Pollan tells us, how much one eats home-cooked food is a powerful predictor of health, even more powerful than one’s income. Eating food prepared at home is also a great way to save money, establish more environmentally responsible habits, and strengthen relationships. (For great ideas on how to cook more efficiently, read Tips for More Efficient Cooking.)
Reasons Not to Eat Out or Take Out:

You don’t know what’s in it, who prepared it, and how fresh and safe it is.
It’s usually prepared in …