By Wendy

School is over and it’s time for some good old summer fun! You want to make sure the kids are not spending too much time in front of the tv and doing something that will keep them active and entertained. Here are 4 fun eco-friendly activities you can do outside with the kids’ right in your backyard.

Start a Garden- not only will you be teaching your kids how to grow their own food; you’ll also be able to teach them about where some of the food they eat every day really comes from. The easiest way to start is with an herb garden. It’s very easy to start your own herb garden. All you need is some dirt, seeds, water, and some sunlight. First day morning, I got a new lawn sweeper and we started to clean and prepare the lot to plant herbs with the children.

Water Fights- water fights are such a great way for the kids to stay active and cool on those hot summer days. Squirt bottles are great to give the kids since you’ll most likely have some around the house so there’s no need to buy plastic water guns that usually only get used a few times a year or water balloons.

Create Your Own Sandbox- a cheap and easy way to bring the beach right to your backyard. You can create your own sandbox with just a few bags of sand, a big container to keep the sand contained in, and a few toys. The kids will love having a sandbox right in the backyard.

Make your Own Bird Feeder- help kids gain an appreciation for nature and the wildlife right in their backyard with this inexpensive and fun project for the kids to create this summer. You’ll be surprised that you can make one with items you already have around the house.

So whether you’re creating a garden with your children for the very first time or having an old fashioned water fight, there are definitely lots of eco-friendly ways to keep your kids active and entertained this summer.

What are some of your eco-friendly activities for the kids this summer?

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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

What did you do this 4th of July?

Since grilling is one of my favorite things to do during the summer, of course we grilled up a storm here! It’s a way to not only cook healthy food quickly, but it’s also a great way to bring people together. Our grill usually consists of hotdogs and hamburgers but how do you incorporate healthy fruit and vegetables into the grill menu that everyone will enjoy? Here are some great recipes that will have everyone reaching for second helpings. Try one of these healthy recipes for main entrees, side dishes, or desserts any day of the week. They’re all quick and easy to make on the grill.

1- Grilled Vegetable and Hummus Sandwiches- quick and easy to make, these grilled vegetable and hummus sandwiches will have any hummus lover wanting more

2- Grilled Vegetable Pizza- pizza is one of my favorite foods. The pesto sauce really makes this grilled vegetable pizza something different. Top it off with some goat cheese and you have something magical

3- Vegetable Char-Grilled Shish Kabobs- these Vegetable Shish Kabobs will be a hit with everyone in the family. Anything cooked on a stick is delicious in my book

4- Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Honey-Lime Ginger Dressing- sweet potatoes are great cooked on the grill. Add the dressing on, and you’ll have a delightful side dish

5- Grilled Portobello with Mozzarella Salad- portobello’s are such a meaty vegetable, your guests will love it in this Grilled Portobello with Mozzarella Salad

6- Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Basil Butter- corn on the cob is essential to any grill. They’re easy to make, and the kids love them

7- Grilled Baby Eggplants with Moroccan Topping- think out of the box with this Grilled Baby Eggplants with Moroccan Topping recipe. It’ll give your meal the spice it needs to liven up your dinner party

8- Grilled Peach Melba- who says you can’t use the grill to cook every meal. For you peach lovers, try this Grilled Peach Melba recipe

9- Grilled Banana Split Sundae- bananas are high in potassium which can keep blood pressure low, reduce the risk of kidney stones, and promote bone health. With all these great health benefits, you can really enjoy this desert

10- Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Vanilla Yogurt Dip- pineapples are a great treat to enjoy by itself or with yogurt and ice cream. Try this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Vanilla Yogurt Dip recipe for a light dessert for those hot days

How do you like to grill your vegetables?

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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

Hotdogs with a little ketchup and mustard remind me of all that is great about summer. But with so many different hotdogs out there, how do you choose something that is delicious and also healthy? Reading the nutrition label is very important. Look for hotdogs that have less than 5 grams of fat and less than 600 mg of sodium. Another thing to check for is nitrates or sodium nitrates, a preservative that has been linked to cancer.

So if you’re planning firing up the grill this week for the 4^th of July, try ones of these hot dogs that are lower in fat, lower in sodium, and nitrate free. Choose from an assortment of healthy veggie hot dogs, chicken hot dogs, and even beef hot dogs:

Lightlife Tofu Pups- Vegetarian hot dogs made with tofu- only 60 calories, 3 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein, and no cholesterol.

Lightlife Smart Dogs- Delicious vegetarian hot dogs without the meat- only 45 calories, 0 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein, and no cholesterol.

Field Roast Frankfurters- veggie hot dogs made with fresh garlic, onions, and spices. Great on the grill, sautéed in a pan, steamed, or microwaved.

Rocky Dogs Chicken Hot Dogs- naturally cured chicken hot dogs without any added preservatives, nitrates, or MSG. These chicken hot dogs are also gluten free, soy free, and dairy free.

Rocky Mountain Organic Beef Hotdogs- made from 100% organic grass fed beef hot dogs- no added nitrites, no MSG, and gluten free.

Applegate’s Great Organic Beef Hot Dog- 100% organic grass fed beef hot dogs that are juicy, flavorful, and yummy for the tummy. And these beef hot dogs are only 8 grams of fat, 110 calories, and 7 grams of protein.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy hot dogs in the summertime?

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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

If you’re planning tons of trips to the beach with the family this summer, don’t forget to bring sunscreen. With skin cancer being the most common form of cancer in the US, we need to do our part to prevent too much sun exposure. You could potentially triple your risk of skin cancer by getting a sunburn once every two years.

To protect yourself and your family’s skin, here are some sunscreen products that are all natural, organic and will

Kabana Green Screen Organic Sunscreen SPF 20 Original – sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, but also gluten free, corn free and vegan. It’s biodegradable and packaged in 100% recyclable material.

DO Natural Sunscreen SPF32 – with certified organic aloe, this new mineral sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays without any harsh chemicals or nano particles. 100% natural!

Aubrey Organics Natural Sun SPF30 – sunscreen to keep your skin hydrated and protected from UVA and UVB rays. Vegan and Gluten free.

Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen SPF30 – protects against UVA and UVB rays. Keeps skin nourished with their aloe vera, shea butter and vitamin c ingredients. Gluten free.

Loving Naturals Clear Body SPF30 Sunscreen- protects against a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB rays.  Made from 100% natural/organic ingredients. It’s also water resistant!

In addition to using sunscreen, are a few ways you can prevent overexposure from the sun:

- Stay in a shade, especially during the hours of 10am and 4pm to avoid the strongest sun

- Keep covered with hats, large umbrellas, and light long sleeved shirts

- Don’t forget the sunscreen on hard to reach places like your neck, elbows, and ears

- Put a small amount of sunscreen on your hair to avoid sun burning your scalp

- Wear sunglasses with UV ray protection to help prevent eye damage from the sun

- Have lip balm for your lips that have sun protection to keep them nourished and damage free

What other tips do you have for keeping your skin safe this summer?

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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

Nutritionists say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This meal can help keep you focused, raise your metabolism, and control your weight. It’s even more important for kids to eat a healthy breakfast because it helps with their developing bodies and brains. Without regular consumption of food, there’s a possibility of creating physical, intellectual, and behavioral problems for them.

I’ve always been a breakfast person. And growing up, Lucky Charms was my go to cereal. The sweet toasted oat cereal, multi-color dehydrated marshmallows in shapes like hearts, stars, and rainbows, and ice cold milk were so much fun to eat.

Now that I’m older, I’d like to find something similar but healthier for you. Here are 3 options that would be great for the entire family to enjoy for breakfast and feel like a kid. They’re all made with whole grain oats, miniature marshmallow pieces and naturally low fat. Just magically delicious!

Bear River Valley Marshmallow Avalanche- made from toasted whole grain oats and marshmallows for a healthy and delicious cereal. Nothing artificial, no added saturated fat or hydrogenated oils, and no high fructose corn syrup. Their simple bag packaging creates 75% less consumer waste to dispose of than comparable box cereals. Bear River also used wind-generated electricity credits to make their cereals.

Sally’s Cereal Cereales Marshmallow Moment- breakfast cereal made of whole grain toasted oats with marshmallows that’s free of trans fat, cholesterol, no added saturated fat or hydrogenated oils, and no high fructose corn syrup. Each package is also packed in a bag without a box, which allows for less consumer packaging and less need to recycle.

Mom’s Best Naturals Mallow Oats- sweetened whole grain oat cereal with marshmallow pieces for a healthy and delicious breakfast. No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. No hydrogenated oil. No high fructose corn syrup. Being around since 1919, it’s an affordable and environmentally friendly cereal option.

What is your magically delicious go to cereal?

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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.