By Wendy

Kids love being creative. Whether it’s with crayons, markers, or paint- they’re crazy about it! Especially if it also means they’re allowed to get a little dirty. That is why I love the idea of making your own finger paint. It lets your kids get their creative juices flowing with paint, with their hands being their paint brush. And it’s all non-toxic! So if they accidentally get some on their face or swallow some, you won’t have to worry too much. It’s super easy to make and your kids will have much fun playing with it, indoor or outdoors.

What you need:

½ cup cornstarch

3 tbsp sugar

½ tsp salt

2 cups cold water

Your choice of food coloring

What to do:

Put all your ingredients into a medium pan and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Stir mixture until you start seeing it thicken.

Remove from stovetop quickly and let mixture cool.

Split mixture into a 3-4 batches.

In each batch, put a few drops of your favorite food colorings until you get your desired color.

Put each batch into separate air tight containers with lids to make it easy to store.

This batch of homemade finger paint is good for about 3 days. So if you see your finger paint getting a bit too thick, just whip up a new batch and you’ll be on your way to more finger painting fun. Or if you think you don’t need as much, you can always adjust the ingredients and make a smaller batch.

Another great non-toxic toy you can make with your kids is homemade play dough. They’re easy to play with, can be molded into lots of different forms, and keep kids busy.

What are your favorite do it yourself make at home activities for the kids?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

By Wendy

We’re always looking for ways to be eco-friendly indoors, especially when it comes to household chores. So what about laundry? Our weekly routine always includes one or more loads of laundry a week. Are there ways to make doing laundry more eco-friendly?  Laundry Enhancer Powder- it naturally and safely neutralizes odors and smells from your laundry that are almost impossible to remove.

One way to be more environmentally friendly with our laundry is to use cold water. Cold water is just as effective as using warm or hot water. Not only is it just as effective, it saves on heating energy, helps prevent shrinking, and keeps clothes from wearing out too quickly.

Another way you can be more eco-friendly with you laundry is the detergent you use. Is there a way to be more eco-friendly with your suds? Try these naturally derived laundry cleaners to get your clothes clean. They’re tough on stains and gentle on sensitive skin.

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Liquid- contains plant-derived cleaning agents to lift dirt without the need to harsh chemical

Ecos Liquid Laundry Detergent from EnviroKlenz cleans a full laundry load only using 1.5ounces, so it’s both economical and eco-friendly

greenworks Laundry Detergent- get clean clothes naturally with plant derived cleaning agents and no harsh chemicals

Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent- a super concentrated detergent, Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent is not only tough on dirt, its biodegradable

Nellie’s All Natural Laundry Soda- no harsh chemicals and hypoallergenic, this tough laundry soda is great for those who want to have naturally clean clothes. All you need is a tablespoon to do even the toughest load of laundry

Or you can make your own laundry soap! Here’s how you can make your own batch of powdered detergent

What you need:

2 cups finely grated soap

1 cup washing soda

1 cup borax

What to do:

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight plastic container

Use 2 tablespoons per full load

What are your favorite eco-friendly laundry tips?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

By Wendy

Flip flops are my favorite thing to wear in the summer. It’s the next best thing to going barefoot. They’re essential for every summer wardrobe; perfect to wear to the park or the beach; and super affordable so you can buy a few in some fun colors. And they’re great for the whole family. But with so many brands selling flip flops, how do you know which ones are actually good for the environment and also environmentally responsible?

Here are 4 flip flops options that are good for the environment and looks for ways to be a sustainable company.

Kinder Soles Prima Line Flip Flops- Kinder Soles are made from recycled water bottles, these flip flops have a new ergonomic design that’s supposed to increase your comfort. Not only are these ergonomic flip flops made out of recycled water bottles, every pair you buy, Kinder Soles will donate 5 pairs of gently used shoes to a family in need with your purchase

Planet Flops Cotton Candy Kid Flip Flops- Planet Flops are made with super soft and durable natural rubber, these flip flops come in so many fun colors, its hard not to buy more than one pair.

Splaff Lazy Boy Flip Flops- Splaff is the original, classic flip flop made of authentic recycled race car tire sole complimented by recycled bicycle inner tube straps lined with natural hemp fabric. They’re also completely vegan!

Havaianas Baby Chic Sandals- Havaianas participates and contributes to many organizations that support our planet. These cute kids’ sandals with tiny bow detail in the center of the flip flop.

So whether you’re making a trip to the grocery store, in the backyard doing some gardening, or going to the movies to see the latest release, put on some eco-friendly flips flops!

What are your favorite eco-friendly flip flops to wear?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

By Wendy

With most baking recipes, cakes, cookies or cupcakes, there’s always a need for vanilla extract. And if you’re an avid baker, that little bottle you buy at the store runs out pretty quickly. So instead of finding yourself in mid-baking mode without your much needed vanilla extract, why not make a homemade batch in your own kitchen. All you need is a few ingredients and less than 5 minutes. The hard part will be waiting to taste the homemade goodness.

Making your own vanilla extract is definitely less expensive than purchasing a bottle at the supermarket. You can also spice up your homemade vanilla extract by customizing it with other flavors of vodka. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the intense flavors you’ll get from soaking your own vanilla beans in your choice of alcohol. And it’s eco-friendly!

What you need:

4 ounces of vodka

1 vanilla bean split down the middle

What to do:

Put ingredients in a bottle and seal for 4 to 8 weeks

Note: the longer you let the vanilla beans soak in the alcohol, the stronger the flavor.

If you’re new to DIY projects, this would be an easy one to start with. And it makes a great gift for your fellow bakers. Can’t wait to taste my very own homemade vanilla extract. Only a few more weeks to go!

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.

By Wendy

There are so many household & carpet cleaner. being sold these days that are loaded with strong, artificial colors and fragrances and harsh cleansing agents like bleach, ammonia, and acids; as well as unneeded antibacterial ingredients like pesticides that can potentially make bacteria even stronger. So why not make your own all purpose household & carpet cleaner. Making your own will let you cut out all the unnecessary toxic and environmentally polluting ingredients.You can also contact professional painters and decoratorsif you need help, and if you need your cabinet painting there are specific services for this.

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What you need:

½ cup vinegar

¼ cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax)

½ gallon water

What to do:

Combine all ingredients

If you don’t have time to make your own household cleaner, try one of these natural household cleaning products that are less harmful to the environment.

CitraSolv Natural Multi-Purpose Cleaner- CitraSolve all purpose cleaner is not only made of naturally derived products ideal for using on many surfaces. It’s also made with environmentally conscious packaging

green works All Purpose Cleaner- 97% naturally derived, this all purpose cleaner is tough on grease, grime and dirt. And it comes in original and lemon scents

Just Natural & Co. All Purpose Non Toxic Cleaner- Just Natural & Co all purpose cleaner is chemical free, soy based cleaner that’s safe to use all around the house

Mrs. Meyers Clean Day All Purpose Cleaner- this earth friendly all purpose cleaner will clean kitchens, bathrooms and ever other room in your home

Seventh Generation Free & Clear All Purpose Cleaner- Seventh Generation creates all types of household and personal care products that are good for your family and the planet. This all purpose cleaner will help get those tough stains out

Ausan Natural All Purpose Cleaner- this all purpose cleaner has ingredients that will naturally remove dirt and grime on any surface

what-EVER! Natural All Purpose Cleaner- gluten free and hypoallergenic, this all purpose cleaner is safe for waterways and marine life

So whether you create your own all purpose cleaner or buy a natural all purpose cleaner that is safe for the environment, you’ll be helping your family and the environment.

What is your go to all purpose cleaner?

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Wendy Yu is a digital marketing professional living in New York City. When she’s not using the power of social media to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly, she is exploring the city, trying local foods, and learning more about how she can reduce her carbon footprint.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Green Halloween® or our partners.