TheGreenGirls

(Video) The Listening Tree

GreenGirls — Thu, 24 May 2012 08:38:00 -0700

Walking home from school one day, among the rows of trees by the road, she noticed a tree unlike the others.

She said, "The tree is leaning over because it's trying to listen." So she stopped to tell it a story.

The Listening Tree - Fall 2012

Since that day, each time we pass this particular tree, she stops to say "hello" and do a little chant asking the Listening Tree to share its secrets.

"Listening Tree, Listening Tree
tell me what you've heard
Listening Tree, Listening Tree
I won't say a word."

I am grateful for her limitless imagination and her boundless love of nature.

The Listening Tree today...

(Video) Kardashians Support Glam Rock to Erase MS

GreenGirls — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:06:00 -0700

The Kardashians were among celebs that hit the runway for the The 19th Annual Race to Erase MS “Glam Rock to Erase MS”.

Learn how you can help at http://erasems.org/

(Video) Gerard Butler, Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer @ Carnival in Cannes

GreenGirls — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:25:00 -0700

Among Sean Penn's star-studded guests at the Carnival in Cannes Gala were fellow philanthropists Gerard Butler, Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer & Diane Kruger.

Learn how you can help at http://jphro.org/

(Video) Sean Penn, Paul Haggis & Petra Nemcova @ Carnival in Cannes Gala

GreenGirls — Tue, 22 May 2012 07:44:00 -0700

Hosted by Sean Penn, the gala raised over $2 million for Haitian relief.

Learn more about Sean Penn's organization & how you can help at http://jphro.org/

Tr-Ash Talk: Living With Lies and Coal Ash

Emily — Mon, 21 May 2012 07:23:00 -0700

Rep. McKinley's constituents call him out for standing with corporate interests

Little Blue Run Dam and reservoir, as viewed from the International Space Station, is the largest coal ash pond in the country. Materials suspended in the water give it a striking, turquoise color. (April 2002, NASA)

It’s inspiring to see the commitment of Rep. David McKinley’s constituents living in the shadow of First Energy’s behemoth 1,000-acre Little Blue Run waste dump continuing to speak the truth amid the lies flaunted by corporate interests. Steve and Annette Rhodes, life-long residents of West Virginia, describe the stark and unfortunate reality of living near a toxic coal ash dump and debunk the many falsehoods spouted by Rep. McKinley in their recent piece in The Hill, Rep McKinley We Live Here with the Coal Ash. They are also quite clear that the coal ash amendment (Title V of HR 4348) pushed by Rep. McKinley is an overzealous attempt to jam a controversial public health loophole into an unrelated transportation bill.

Rep. McKinley is a broken record when it comes to citing flawed industry reports and ignoring the public health and environmental impacts of his dangerous provision. He consistently turns a blind eye to repeated private and public requests for relief from his constituents who live in the shadows of the largest toxic coal ash pond in the U.S. His constituents have testified before Congress, been quoted in the WV press, national press and elsewhere complaining of contaminated water flowing onto their properties, noxious odors and tainted soil.

Chester, WV, where the Rhodes live, borders Little Blue Run. The dump holds approximately 20 billion gallons of toxic sludge and is held back by a 400-foot earthen dam—the tallest of its kind in the U.S. It straddles the border between West Virginia and Pennsylvania and looms over Ohio. It’s rated a high hazard dam by EPA and is expected to kill upwards of 50,000 people in Ohio if it were to fail. According to the EPA, contaminated water from Little Blue Run has been dousing properties at a volume equal to seven fire hoses and arsenic has been migrating into Marks Run, a local stream.

Little Blue Run is the largest coal ash pond in the US. It straddles the border between West Virginia and Pennsylvania and looms over Ohio. The coal ash dump is 1000 acres, holds approximately 20 billion gallons of toxic sludge and is held back by a 400-foot earthen dam—the tallest of its kind in the U.S.

The article highlights that Rep McKinley's dangerous provision has been connected to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Not only is ALEC pushing coal ash legislation that is very similar to Rep. McKinley’s bill, the group has been doing corporate legislative bidding on everything from Stand Your Ground to voter suppression laws.

The Rhodes also point out that Rep McKinley is misleading the public about the content and intent of his legislation. Despite his false claims, his amendment does not set federal minimum safeguards for coal ash disposal and will “forever prohibit the EPA from ever providing such protections, even if the threat to public health increases.”

The Rhodes’ piece underscores the danger of not having federal coal ash protections. As demonstrated by their situation, states like West Virginia aren’t protecting their citizens from this toxic threat. Thankfully, the Administration and conferee Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) are publicly opposing Rep. McKinley’s legislation.

Former Republican Congressman and current Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood states that the Administration opposes this amendment because it “undermines the federal government’s ability to ensure that requirements for management and disposal of coal combustion residuals are protective of human health and the environment.” Sen. Rockefeller has stated, “coal ash and two other environmental provisions were added to the otherwise empty House highway bill in order to create controversy, not to solve problems.”

The transportation package should be about creating American jobs, not placing families like Steve and Annette's indefinitely at great risk.

Please take action here to help keep coal ash out of the transportation bill.

I’d like to thank Lisa Graves-Marcucci and Lisa Widawsky Hallowell at the Environmental Integrity Project for their assistance with this post.

Find original blog here.

Learn more about Emily. Visit www.earthjustice.org

Staying Beautiful and Safe during Your Summer Pregnancy

Amanda — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:17:00 -0700

Women love summer. No secrets there. We get our sandals out and start baring more skin. Our hair glistens in the sun. The warmth is contagious and the sunlight…nourishing.

Pregnant women have often been known to do the same things as their non-pregnant peers during these hot months: going to the salon for pedicures and a great new cut, bleaching body hair,gobbing on deodorant for those sweaty 90 degree days. In fact, I’d venture to say that pregnant women might even be more prone to indulging in anything to help them feel sexy as their shape changes and changes some more.

Salons, unless they are low in aerosol and dye fumes and using very natural/ organic products, are not the ideal place for a pregnant goddess to be spending her time. Between the hairspray, dye and nail product fumes it’s a bit of a danger zone.

Even if you are dying your own hair, spraying it to fend off those humidity curls or having your honey paint your tootsies for you, there are still some products that are good to avoid.

Some ways to stay lovely without exposing yourself and baby to dangerous chemicals are as follows:

1. Spend time in the sun with natural sunscreen like Badger All Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30. The sun will perform a few services for you free of charge.

Provide you with a lovely dose of vitamin D which lifts mood, renews energy and helps strengthen your bones.

Give your hair some great highlights minus the chemicals.

Give your skin a bronzy glow

2. Purchase safe piggy polish and remover. Check out EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetic database and select products lower than a three in toxicity rating. Nail products are some of the worst to inhale. There is a reason those polish remover fumes are so prominent. Some healthy examples are:

Aquarella nail polish

Keeki Pure and Simple, LLC Non-Toxic, Gluten Free, Water-based Nail Polish

Honeybee Gardens Nail Polish Remover

3. Swim in saline pools or natural safe water sources. Chlorine is an eye, lung and skin irritant and contains byproducts called dioxins that, if taken into the body, are thought to be cancerous.

4. Wear natural deodorant. Between the aluminum in commercial antiperspirants and the artificial fragrances added to give that fresh smell, mainstream deodorants like Dove, Degree and Secret are less than ideal for the growing life inside you. Aluminum is a heavy metal which is toxic to developing brains. Artificial fragrances often contain phthalates which are known to disrupt hormones. So, instead, opt for pure brands like Toms of Main or try a deodorant stone.

5. And of course, stay cool by drinking hydrating, safe beverages – most importantly water, but coconut water is a wonderful choice as well and has the potential to alleviate gastro-intestinal discomfort while providing a healthy dose of electrolytes.

Now that you know how to do a safe pregnant summer, go rock that beautiful bump at the beach! Embrace your curves and know that no matter how awkward you may feel sometimes, it is incredibly beautiful to be growing a life!

Learn more about Amanda Hammond at www.readyornotbabyplanning.com

(Video) DIY - Back Laced Top by @GiannyL

GiannyL — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:54:00 -0700

A sexy back laced top is perfect for a warm Summer night out. For this tutorial you will need an old t-shirt, lace, pins & sewing machine.

For more fun & easy instructional videos by Gianny, visit http//www.GiannyL.com

Cinnamon Raisin Quickies via @NataliaKW #Raw #Recipe

Natalia — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:30:00 -0700

Here’s a super fast cookie recipe that I whipped up when I was very busy before a move! These are so satisfying alongside a hot cup of tea. You can always double the recipe if you want more cookies, but this is a nice way to use up small amounts of ingredients that you probably already have in your cupboards.

makes 1/2 dozen

1/2 cup cashews

1/2 cup coconut

1 tablespoon coconut oil

3 tablespoons coconut nectar or sweetener of choice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vaniila

pinch salt

3 tablespoons raisins

Place the cashews in the food processor and process until finely ground. Add the coconut and process again to combine. Add the coconut oil, sweetener, cinnamon, vanilla and salt and process again until well combined and a sticky dough has formed. Stir in the raisins by hand. With your hands, form the dough into 6 cookies, about 11/2″-2″ in diameter. Place in the freezer for 1 hour to firm or Dehydrate at 115 degrees for 24 hours. Dehydrating is no extra work and the results will be a warm, soft cookie, but it’s not necessary if you would like to be able to eat your cookies right away.

Learn more about Natalia at

(Video) How To Make A Girl's Party Dress

Stitchless — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:43:00 -0700

Stitchless TV sewing channel presents... Mirabelle, a 6 year old that makes a girl's Party Dress in about 30 minutes on a childs sewing machine. Making clothes is easy with Stitchless TV.

Learn more about Stitchless @ http://www.stitchless.co.uk

(Video) Jimmy Fallon, Emma Stone & Olivia Wilde @ Revlon Walk Run

GreenGirls — Tue, 08 May 2012 07:55:00 -0700

This year's 15th Annual Revlon Walk Run For Women was hosted by Revlon Global Brand Ambassadors Emma Stone and Olivia Wilde, with special guest Jimmy Fallon.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 05: Hosts and Revlon Global Brand Ambassadors Emma Stone and Olivia Wilde pose with Jimmy Fallon at the 15th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women in Central Park on May 5, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/WireImage)

Check out more red carpet interviews!

(Video) Olivia Wilde Hosts The Revlon Run Walk For Women in NYC

GreenGirls — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:35:00 -0700

More than 20,000 participants came out to help raise critical funds to support breast and ovarian cancer research, counseling and outreach programs at the Revlon Run Walk For Women in NYC. The event was hosted by Revlon Global Brand Ambassadors Emma Stone and Olivia Wilde.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 05: Host and Revlon Global Brand Ambassado Olivia Wilde attends the 15th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women in Central Park on May 5, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/WireImage)

Check out more red carpet interviews!

(Video) Emma Stone Red Carpet Interview @Revlon Run Walk in NYC

GreenGirls — Mon, 07 May 2012 08:19:00 -0700

On Saturday, May 5, 2012, the 15th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women took place in New York. Created by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), Revlon, and Lilly Tartikoff, the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women has become one of the largest single-day fundraisers for women’s cancers in the country. Revlon Global Brand Ambassadors Emma Stone was front and center at the event.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 05: Host and Revlon Global Brand Ambassado Emma Stone attends the 15th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women in Central Park on May 5, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/WireImage)

Check out more red carpet interviews!

#FridayFreebie: #Free Gymboree Class Pass!

GreenGirls — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:23:00 -0700

Free Gymboree Class Pass Coupon. Get in on the fun today by printing a free class pass and calling a location near you to schedule a time!

Enjoy! Check out more Freebies!

#FridayFreebie: #Free Kids Workshop ~ Build a Planter Box!

GreenGirls — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:58:00 -0700

Build a Planter Box

Kids can build a planter box and add plants for a touch of color

Kids will learn to build their very own planter box while learning tool safety

Have fun, make friends and gain a sense of achievement and work ethic

You can paint and add embellishments to your project while at the workshop

• FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 - 12 offered the 1st Saturday of
every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride
and accomplishment.
• All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative
pin and certificate of achievement.

Enjoy! Check out more Freebies!

#FridayFreebie: #Free 3 oz. Natural Balance Cat Food Pouch @Petco!

GreenGirls — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:26:00 -0700

Present coupon and Pals card to receive this offer. Not valid on the purchase of gift cards, prior purchases, online or with any other coupon offer. Void if copied, transferred and where prohibited

Enjoy! Check out more Freebies!