The EcoMom Alliance – Go Green!

Posted by Dad on Nov 19, 2008 in Family, Parenting | 1 comment

One of our responsibilities as a dad is to try to make this world a better place for our kids. There are many ways to do this so I hope you’ve given this some thought. Thinking more about our environment and how we treat it is one way for us to make our world better. It’s a movement known as the “Green Movement” or “Going Green.”

As I researched how I can Go Green, I learned about the EcoMom Alliance. At first I was intrigued by the name as Dads tend to gravitate to all things Mom (yes, we are Pavlovian and you love it, ladies). However, after I read more about the organization, I really became excited about what it is trying to do and how quickly it’s growing.

The EcoMom Alliance was started by a remarkable single mom named Kimberly Pinkson. From very humble beginnings the it has become a rapidly growing, grass-roots organization propelling a sustainable future and helping to reduce the climate crisis. There are more than 11,000 members (of which, I am one) with 260 EcoMom community leaders who cater parties, events and lectures to “inspire and empower.”They even have their own online marketplace that sells organic and responsibly produced goods.

CNBC recently did a piece on the EcoMom Alliance Going to the Markets and it is how I found them. The article focused on their new EcoMom online marketplace.  Here’s a snippet from the interview with Kimberly:

Q: First of all—why “moms”?

A: The “mom demographic” is such a powerful one as a market force; it’s been reported that they are worth over $2 to $7 trillion. Moms have an incredible power over production, which is why we decided to go with the name. They are also a symbol of role models. For example, if you’re a mom who recycles at home, your children will grow up seeing and being influenced by that. Also, the name “moms” refers to the caretaking stewardship.

Q: How will these steps help people save money?

Fortunately, things that are helpful for the environment are also better for the pocketbooks. So for example, putting in leather stripping in your insulators will save you more than $200 a year for heating. By doing this, you’re not contributing fuel usage while at the same time, reducing CO2 emissions and saving money.

Also, go through the house and see what kinds of cleansers you are using. For example, natural products such as rubbing alcohol, lemon juice, vinegar, which are very cheap, work just as well as name brand $5 cleaners. The average home has 150 toxic chemicals. By using natural products as cleaners, this will save you $20 a month.

In terms of transportation, make an effort to carpool more with friends and try to walk more. This will not only save money on gas, but will also be healthier for your body!

Finally, be aware of the foods you buy at your grocery stores. Eating local and more seasonal food will save you money.

Q: What are the common mistakes people make in trying to go green?

A: I think that the biggest mistake that people make is that they approach it with an “all-or- nothing” mindset. Instead of starting just where they can, they say: “I can’t build my home green, so I can’t do anything about it.” Anything you’re doing is better than nothing. People get anxious when they find themselves, for example, using a plastic cup as opposed to a mug, and they feel guilty. I believe going green is a continuous move forward and looking for better answers.

One of the EcoMom Alliance slogans is “Because one of nature’s strongest forces is a network of mothers.” Let there be no doubt of the truth and wisdom in those words.  I’d like to think that some day we dads get our act together and get a little recognition for our persistence and willingness to support our wives, if for nothing else.

Please consider joining the alliance.  You’ll being doing something good for your family.  Tell your wife about it. Spread the word to the Mommy Bloggers out there.  Take the EcoMom Challenge.

Thanks for helping to make this world better for my kids.  I’m happy to do it for yours.

All the best

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