Disclosure: I am an ambassador for ClimateStore Inc. This is a sponsored post. However, I do not receive anything for purchases made through any of the following links.
Last night, a huge transformer blew somewhere in our community. Our electricity went out, but was quickly restored again. We prepared for an evening without. I grabbed my solar lantern and my husband lit some candles. As it turned out, it was unnecessary, but it did make me think about those living in energy poverty. They don't have the luxury of electric lights, televisions with a kazillion stations, furnaces, etc. Their lives are often spent in darkness. Thank God for individuals and companies that care enough to do something about it.
With Earth Day 2015 only two days from now, I wanted to share how ClimateStore Inc. is partnering with the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) on Earth Day to provide renewable energy to communities in need. But they're not limiting the project's positive impact to that one day. Instead, 10% of proceeds for all purchases made on ClimateStore.com through April 27, 2015 will be donated to SELF. How awesome is that?
You see, it's one thing to talk about something. It's an entirely different thing to actually do something about it.
Based in Washington, DC, SELF is a nonprofit with a mission of implementing solar energy solutions to assist the 1.5 billion people living in energy poverty. They do this through economic, educational, health care, and agricultural development by conducting small solar installations in places with a specific need. SELF solar installations helped power eight health centers after the devasting 2010 earthquake in Haiti. In Benin, SELF built a solar irrigation system, empowering farmers to grow food sustainably. Currently, they are working on a project to help provide lighting to schools in rural Columbia.
By providing renewable energy to developing countries, SELF not only improves quality of life in those communities, but it also mitigates climate change. SELF is implementing a win-win solution that transforms lives, eliminates greenhouse emissions and provides lasting skills and infrastructure that will build more resilient communities. While ClimateStore helps people reduce their carbon footprints here at home, they also want to help people that may endure the consequences of our fossil fuel use.
Click here to be directed to the Earth Week promotion at ClimateStore.com. And don't forget, your purchase matters!
Just look at the faces of those who will benefit, and start shopping!
Disclosure: I am an ambassador for ClimateStore and this is a sponsored post. I received product and/or compensation in exchange for my thoughts expressed here. Nevertheless, they are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Easter baskets. They were so simple when my kids were growing up and I wasn't concerned about artificial colors in candy, GMOs in chocolate, or loading my kids' rooms up with more and more stuff. Things have changed, however, and Easter baskets aren't as simple as they once were. Now, health-conscious and green living parents are looking for alternatives to the way things used to be. Many are using natural dyes to paint their eggs and are filling their children's baskets with organic snacks and toys made from recycled and safe materials.
Here are some of my recommendations for Easter basket goodies from ClimateStore:
Fox Waste-Not Animal Kit
Recommended for ages 8 and up, this kit includes everything you need (except the 20 oz. water bottle) to create a fuzzy orange fox. eeBoo uses recycled materials, which help teach your kids about sustainability. And they've found that crafting actually helps develop parts of the brain that deal with math. So if your kiddo is struggling with arithmetic, pull them away from the homework and set them down at the craft table for awhile. Available in hedgehog and chameleon, too.
Jump Rope
This eco-friendly jump rope by Green Toys is the perfect Easter basket stuffer. Not only are there no batteries required, but the jump rope is made of 100% cotton rope with handles made from recycled plastic. Plus, jump ropes take your kiddos outside to play. What a great way to burn up that excess energy kids always seem to have! Available in 3 colors.
Recycling Truck
This Green Toy is kind of a practice-what-you-preach toy. A recycling truck made from recycled plastics. Brilliant! What child wouldn't delight in "driving" this truck around the neighborhood?
What Do You Know Bingo
A Bingo game loaded with fun facts to help children learn about the natural world. Yes! Add to that eeBoo's dedication to providing earth-friendly products. This Bingo game is for ages 5 and up and is printed on high-quality 90% recycled greyboard.
Ecosaucer Flying Disc
Take some plastic milk jugs and create toys for kids. That's exactly what Green Toys does and this flying disc is no exception. Another Easter basket goody that takes your kids outside for some fresh air and exercise. Mom and Dad might even enjoy tossing the Ecosaucer around a bit!
Honest Kids Binder Pencil Case
Made from upcycled Honest Kids®
drink pouches, this zip up case is perfect for pencils, crayons, or any little collections your child may be gathering.
Of course, there are many other wonderful items you can find on the ClimateStore website that would make excellent fillers for your little ones or your teenagers. Why does it make it difference to shop online at ClimateStore? Simply because they care about what is happening to the earth we'll be leaving behind for our kids and grandkids. Isn't that reason enough? As they state on their website: A planet friendly lifestyle should be easy. They've searched high and low for their collection of energy efficient and low carbon products, so you don't have to! You can trust them.
Won't you prove to your family this year that the Easter Bunny has gone green? Let's hop to it.
