Change The World Wednesday

Welcome! If this is your first visit, please click HERE for information and a complete list of all the activities we've taken on so far.

Last week we challenged ourselves to remove toxins from the air inside our homes. We tend to think that our homes are safe ... and while they should be, there are often hidden dangers. For example, clothing which has been dry-cleaned carries harmful chemicals into a home and releases them into the air we breathe. Air fresheners also release chemicals ... as do plastic shower curtains, most commercial kitchen & bath cleansers, hair sprays, and carpet cleaning sprays (to name just a few). In most cases, the fix is easy ... simply don't use these items. Sometimes the fix isn't so easy ... cigarette smoke is a toxic and dangerous substance, both to the smoker and those breathing in second hand smoke. While I encourage smokers to quit, I also understand that it's easier said than done ... so, at a bare minimum, smoke outside and away from the house.

Let's see how our Honor Society did with this challenge. First up, some great articles:

Did you know that beauty products could contaminate the air you breathe? How about decorating your home? Mrs. Green talks about these and other indoor air pollutants in this POST.

Our friend, Argentum Vulgaris, honestly admits that he is a heavy smoker and has no plans to quit. In this ARTICLE, he shares his thoughts about smoking (and his "green" choices in tobacco products) and talks about how he plans to meet the second part of the challenge.

Here's a riddle ... they are fashionable and stylish ... they are functional and protective. Most everyone has them ... Imelda had 2700. But if you want clean indoor air, leave them at the door. What are we talking about? Alicia will tell you in this POST.

Our friend Kris is back ... so nice to "see" you! In this ARTICLE she talks about the ways she's improving indoor air quality ... one method involves candles. Curious? Go read her post!

Cinella has also returned to us ... great to "see" you, Cinella! She wrote this POST about airing out her house and letting in the fresh air. Cinella uses an Eco-friendly product to steam clean her floors ... and freshen up her laundry. Hm ... can you guess what it is? I'll never tell ... but she will. Head on over to read her post.

Kristina wrote 10 Simple Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality. In it, she shares some great tips ... my favorite is #2 under the heading "Remove What is Already Here". What's your favorite?

We also had a wonderful comment:

The Accessory Lady took this challenge and accomplished some spring cleaning. In the process, she gathered up some old clothing and donated them to a brilliant New York City program called Wearable Collections - Clothing Recycling. So, not only did she improve the air in her home, she reduced clothing waste. If you are in NYC, be sure to check out this fabulous program.

From previous challenges we have the following:

Nicole B. gave us an update on her son's cub scout clean-up hike. They collected two garbage bags full of trash and the kids had fun doing it. In fact, she shares that she doesn't think they realized they were "working". Nicole also shares that the people in her area take great pride in their surroundings and every year, when the snow melts, they get together to clean up. What a great program!

Nicki Woo updated us on the clean-up walk she took with her kids. She says that it went great and that they plan to make it a weekly event. Yay!

Our #CTWW Gang is growing! The following people tweeted about our challenges using the hashtag #CTWW. If you're on twitter, check them out ... they are great folks to follow:

@gogreenbeans
@skipbang
@waxelene
@accessorygal
@peopletowels
@whopaysthepiper
@givetreegifts
@envirobooty
@dpixel
@coffeecontessa
@groovygreenlivi
@waylandcook
@noteasy2begreen
@smallbits
@cjrthemommyblog
@quashme
@littlegreenblog
@rewinn

Thanks to everyone who participated this week. I have tweeted, stumbled and facebooked your articles. And remember, if you have an idea for a challenge or a "green" area of concern, send it to us HERE and we'll tackle it!

We've done several challenges about planting things ... we've done fall planting, spring planting and even winter planting. So, let's share some information! Here's your challenge:

This week, please share information on planting an edible garden. Tell us what you grow and share any tips you've learned. We'd like to know if you use containers, raised beds, etc. and how you grow successfully without chemicals. Tell us what has worked and what hasn't.

Or ...

If you grow food but not in an Eco-friendly way, please make at least one "green" change. For example, switch to organic fertilizers. Investigate which plants repel bugs and insects and use them instead of pesticides. Find out which plants, in your area, require the least amount of water ... or investigate ways to water efficiently. And, of course, we want to know all about it so ... write a post.

Or ...

If you don't grow food, please do so. Try a container of herbs or plant some onions. Swiss Chard and Kale are nutritious powerhouses and make a lovely addition to gardens. Even if you don't have much space, try growing one thing. And yep ... we want to hear all about your adventure as well.

Are you up for this challenge? I know that you are!

Until next time ...

WE'RE CHANGING THE WORLD ... ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME!