Alicia Silverstone's Blog, page 107

Maternity Fashion Tips for the Kind Mama

Maternity Fashion Tips for the Kind Mama
By Katie Gillespie

Maternity fashion can be expensive and many maternity items you can wear only while pregnant. And there are not always the easiest eco-friendly options especially when you’re desperate for something to wear that fits, looks great, and is comfortable. This post is about making some kind maternity-wear choices without spending a ton of money and while being environmentally conscious at the same time. Of course, if you have friends who have been pregnant and are willing to lend you their maternity clothes, that is a fantastic eco-option. But here are three other tips for kind maternity fashion:

 

Tip #1: Invest in Some Maternity Essentials

Let’s be honest—when you’re pregnant, you’re inhabiting a totally different body. Things don’t fit the same way they do when you’re not pregnant. Items that are your favorite go-to comfort clothes—we’re talking bras, tanks, pants, etc.—may suddenly feel like medieval torture devices. To celebrate and accommodate the changes to your body, invest in some essentials.

Anytime bra from Bella Materna; Belly band from Baby Be Mine; No Limit singlet from Boob.

 

Get one or two really great bras. Bella Materna is an independently owned company local to Seattle that makes amazing maternity and nursing bras designed with comfort, function and aesthetic appeal in mind. Produced entirely in the U.S. using non-toxic fabrics, these bras are a kind choice. Women love these bras so much that the company offers to convert the bras to regular bras after your pregnancy so that you can continue to wear them comfortably when you are no longer pregnant.

Purchase a bellyband. Bellybands, like these from Baby Be Mine, come in different colors and serve two amazing functions during pregnancy. First, they allow you to wear your normal pants unbuttoned well into your second trimester by holding your pants up and in place. This saves on having to buy maternity pants that fit at different stages of pregnancy. Second, a bellyband is also great as a layer under tops. As your belly grows, your shirts may not cover your belly completely and the bellyband allows you to wear your pre-pregnancy shirts for much longer through your pregnancy.

Buy a few basic tops. I am a huge fan of long tanks or camisoles as a bottom layer even for non-maternity fashion. For pregnancy, some basic undershirts, like this eco-friendly No Limit singlet from Boob, or some long waisted short- or long-sleeved t-shirts are a great investment.   

 

Tip #2: Raid your own closet

Just because you’re pregnant does not mean you have to run out and buy a whole new wardrobe. Many of the clothes you already have may work just fine through most, if not all, of pregnancy. Looser tops, A-line or empire-waist dresses or tops, workout pants, leggings, wrap skirts—these are all items that can look great throughout pregnancy.

Wraparound eco cardigan by tangente; bamboo fleece hoody by Voilà par Andréanne; organic denim and hemp wrap skirt by VioletStarCreation.

 

Tip #3: Thrift stores are your friend

Most of my wardrobe comes from thrift stores and more often than not, I get home, only to realize that I’ve purchased a maternity dress or shirt or skirt without realizing it was maternity. Indeed, I end up wearing a lot of maternity clothes for a non-pregnant woman and it’s become a running joke amongst my family and close friends. This is really to say there are a ton of great, on-trend maternity clothes at thrift shops. Often, Goodwill or Salvation Army will have a separate maternity section where you can usually find things that are obviously maternity, like maternity jeans. When you outgrow your regular jeans paired with the bellyband, pick up a pair of maternity jeans or dress pants from the maternity section at the thrift stores. In general, though, you can find tons of great clothing at thrift stores that will work for pregnancy and beyond.

What tips do you have for affordable, kind maternity fashion?

Share this with any mamas-to-be!

About Katie: Katie Gillespie is a PhD student in Geography, working on a dissertation that looks at the lives of individual cows in the U.S. dairy industry. In her free time, she writes the Seattle-based blog Serenity in the Storm, which features vegan news, recipes, fashion and animal advocacy-related topics, she is a contributor at Our Hen House and MindBodyGreen.

Friend Katie

Photo source: Brooke Ashley Photography

Kind Lifers Weigh in on The Food Revolution

 

 

Here’s what some of you had to say about John Robbin’s The Food Revolution:

 

Kate
:

"Excellent book, amazing to see the son of Baskins-Robbins ice cream working as such a strong crusader in this field."

southernveg:

"I am still reading but over halfway done. I have learned so much and it has strengthened my desire to go fully vegan (I'm so close!). My favorite part of the book has been the compassionate tone of the author--it really helps when I get so angry about what I am reading…The biggest thing I have learned is about the cancer risks of eating meat, even a small amount per week. I'd never heard anything about it! I'm so glad to be reading this book."

krissytina:

"I have read so many books on the subject of health and animal welfare. I learned so much from this book. One huge thing I learned was that tens of millions of unclaimed cats and dogs are euthanized and sent to rendering plants and fed to farm animals! Also full of the drug that killed them… Wow the story about the pig farmer! Made me want to cry all day. This is a must read for every human being."

Steph:

"
I seriously loved this book. If I wasn't vegan already, I would be after reading this book! The best part is, Robbins backs up every statement he makes with a TON of evidence from reputable sources. It's so logical! So how can it possibly be refuted? I wish I could get my mom or dad to read this book... I have no doubt they would be converts!"

Shannon:

"
I just started reading this book and I must say the little bit that I've read so far is astonishing! I can't wait to read more!" 

 

Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book! As I mentioned, it has really inspired me.

Which book do you want to read next?

A Cute Video About Banning Horse-Drawn Carriages

A lot of people don’t realize that one of the classic NYC traditions -- horse-drawn carriage rides -- are ultra cruel to horses. So many have died, and the rest live miserable, dangerous lives. Thank goodness there is currently a Senate Bill S5013/A7748 out to ban horse-drawn carriages in NYC and to find good homes for those horses. And for everyone in NYC and everywhere else, we can boycott the rides in our cities. You can learn more by watching the documentary Blinders.

(And here’s Lea Michele’s video about Hose Drawn Carriages for PETA)



My bestie James Koroni, an amazing choreographer who co-founded Enforced Arch to raise awareness of issues through dance and performance, created this video with an amazing team of animal lovers, including Connie Costanzo, to remind us that Horse-drawn Carriage Rides are no fun for the horses. Isn’t it the cutest? The vintage outfits, laugh track, it all made me so happy.


Leave a comment and let us know:

What is your favorite outdoor activity (that is kind to everyone!)?


warmest,

Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart

Vaute Couture Founder & Kind Life Fashion Expert

Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart is a kind fashion expert for TheKindLife.com & the Founder & President of VAUTE COUTURE, the first fashion house to focus on developing high style vegan apparel that does not yet exist on the market, especially for cold weather. With no background in apparel, she spent her life savings and a year developing the first and only true winter dress coat line that is at once vegan & warmer than wool to prove that there is no reason to wear animals. The label has been featured in Marie Claire magazine, WWD, & Oprah.com. Bust Magazine said Leanne is a "Badass business woman, informative and inspiring" & Teen Vogue said "We can't think of a better way to keep warm this winter."  Visit VauteCouture.com to learn more.

Photo source: NYCLASS

Brave Gentleman Eco Fashion for Guys

Stop the press!!! Check out these beautiful, very stylish men’s suits and the loveliest men’s shoes I have ever seen!

Joshua Katcher is a really sweet guy who I spent Thanksgiving with a few months ago in New York. You might know him as the editor of The Discerning Brute. Over Thanksgiving he told me about his apparel store for men he founded called Brave Gentleman. He calls it a store for “indulgent heroes, protectors, defenders, adventurers, and men with lionhearts”… so great!  Everything is 100% vegan, and they try to have items that are sustainably produced in fair-labor conditions and whose brands are addressing ecological, social justice, and animal rights issues.

They have everything from pants, shoes, suits, and ties to “grooming” products and items for the home. I REALLY love the shoes!  Below are some photos of the shoes Joshua showed me that Thanksgiving (the grey ones on the right are Vegetarian Shoes UK). Christopher and I went to Moo Shoes and he got a pair there. He’s going to write a blog about his shoes and belts epiphany soon so stay tuned…

 

They also have other great clothes and goodies so check them out. You might find a great gift for Father’s Day or a birthday gift for your guy…

How do you guys find eco-friendly clothes and vegan shoes? Or ladies, where does your guy find them?

Treat PCOS with a Vegan Diet

I’ve seen a few of you kind-lifers asking about PCOS in the forum. I wanted to ask expert Dr. Neal Barnard to weigh in on this syndrome and how a vegan diet can help. Read his insight below…

Plant-Based Diets for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
By Neal Barnard, M.D.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder involving excessive hormone production by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. It affects approximately 5 percent of women in the United States and usually begins during puberty. Although PCOS has no specific cure, weight loss, medical treatment, and dietary changes such as a implementing a low-fat plant-based diet can usually control most symptoms.

Common PCOS symptoms include obesity, hirsutism (growth of thick hair in areas where hair is normally minimal or absent, such as the face, chest, and breasts), and absence of menstrual periods. Affected women generally have multiple ovarian cysts and may be infertile. They often have diabetes, male-pattern baldness, and acne.

The cause of PCOS is unknown. But it appears to be, in part, related to diet and lifestyle factors, particularly those that influence body weight and insulin. Although weight loss is an accepted treatment, even relatively lean women may develop PCOS, and diet changes may affect the outcome of this disorder even in the absence of weight change.

A diet that addresses cardiovascular risk factors is appropriate for women with PCOS. Roughly half of women with PCOS are obese, and losing as little as 5 to 10 percent of weight results in a resumption of menstrual periods and a decrease in androgen hormones.

A plant-based diet is the best option for women with PCOS. The majority of women with PCOS also suffer from insulin resistance. If insulin isn’t working properly then hormones get out of kilter, among other mishaps. Fiber helps tremendously with hormone issues, and of course fiber is only found in plants!

There are several additional reasons why a diet low in fat and high in fiber and whole grains (aka a vegan diet) is superior to other weight-loss treatments. Such a diet helps reverse diabetes, which affects 50 to 70 percent of women with PCOS. Low–fat, high–fiber diets also reduce body weight and effectively address unhealthy cholesterol levels. 

* * * * * *

Do you know anyone who suffers from PCOS?

Do you have any more questions about how a plant-based diet can help treat this syndrome?

Are there any other health benefits of a vegan diet you’re curious to know more about?

Leave all your questions, answers, and comments in the comments below! I’ll do my best to answer your questions or requests in a future blog. 

Photo source: flickr.com / wecometolearn, photoxpress.com / .shock

Earth Day Challenge

Happy Earth Day, Kind Lifers! I feel like my lifestyle celebrates the Earth every day. One of the coolest things about a vegan diet is that by doing the best thing for yourself, you’re also doing the best thing for the planet by not eating animal products! The less animal products you consume, the more kind you are to the Earth. Every meal matters so even if you are flirting… great job! I always find ways to do everything in a more eco-friendly way or just enjoy nature and take off my shoes and feel the grass under my feet. 

To inspire you to do a little more for our Earth, I compiled a list of several things you can do to reduce waste and help the planet.
 
My challenge: pick out just 1 or 2 things that you’re not already doing and challenge yourself to stick to them for the next month:

 
1.     Calculate your carbon footprint, then check out these ways to reduce it.
 
2.     Assess your home and see what you can green-ify! Replace paper towels with reusable ones, plastic water bottles with reusable ones and get reusable bags for your shopping. You can even make your toilet more eco-friendly!
 
3.     Save energy! If you’re not already in the habit, start unplugging your TV and other electronics when you’re done with them. In addition to my other electronics, I started unplugging my wireless router at night 6 months ago. It was way easier than I thought, it saves energy, and it’s good for your health!
 
4.     Save water by taking shorter showers and don't leave the water run while you brush your teeth or shave. Check out more tips for saving water.
 
5.     Make less waste. Here are some ideas for reducing waste in your home and office.
 
6.     Walk, bike, or take public transportation more instead of driving.
 
7.     Help teach your kids (or other little ones) why it’s important to conserve and be kind to the Earth. These 10 tips for kids can help.
 
8.     Help your dog or cat live a kind life too! Try these 9 tips to help your companion animal go green.
 
9.     Start a garden! Not only will you help the environment by adding more oxygen into the air, but you will also know exactly what you’re eating—no yucky stuff! Here’s what I planted in my edible garden last year.
 
10.  Shop more sustainably! Try to shop second-hand or organize a clothing swap. For books, borrow at the library if you can. You can also find great used furniture and other stuff on Craigslist and freecycle.org. If you need to buy new, find a company with sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
 
11.  Eat out less. And if you take food to go, make sure to say no to bags (bring your own), utensils, plates, napkins, and straws. More about my “just say no” campaign.
 
12.  Travel eco-style. If you’re planning a trip this summer, make sure to follow these tips for an eco vacation.
 
13.  Watch an inspiring documentary and help educate others. These are 10 really great documentaries about the Earth and the environment.
 
14.  Try reading a book about how you can help the planet. I really recommend Ed Begley, Jr.’s Guide to Sustainable Living, No Impact Man by Colin Beavan, and The Food Revolution by John Robbins.
 
15.  Volunteer! There are so many great organizations that need help. Try committing one Saturday a month to a local farm sanctuary, animal shelter or rescue organization, or beach/park cleanup organization. Or whatever it is that you feel passionate about! Try volunteermatch.org to find an organization near you.
 

For more inspiration, check out this gallery of beautiful nature and animal photos.
 
What will you challenge yourself to do this month?
 
What are some other ways that we can help the planet?
 
Photo source: Zach Dischner, Nature Pictures by ForestWander, Nicholas_T, VinothChandar

Brenda's Journey to Peaceful Eating

It is so wonderful to receive messages like this. They just make me so happy to know that people are healing themselves with The Kind Diet. In this kind cure story, Brenda explains how a plant-based diet is helping her conquer her eating disorder:

“The Kind Diet is helping me learn better ways to deal with Bulimia. While there is no real cure for Bulimia, I feel that eating a plant-based diet takes away the emotional feelings that I have about food. I believe this is because I am not participating in animal cruelty and it somehow allows me to feel less "guilty" regarding the food that I eat. I feel calmer while eating vegetarian since there is no pain or violence involved in the manufacturing/growing of the food that I eat. Thereby lessening the internal emotional struggle that I have with food.

"I carry The Kind Diet book with me to the grocery store and keep it in my kitchen as a reminder of the changes that I am trying to make. I have tried many recipes and even my husband is enjoying the food (although not a vegetarian). I'm hoping that through the Kind Diet and my bikram yoga classes I will finally free myself of the body and food issues that I have battled my entire life. Wouldn't it be wonderful at 47 to finally have peace and acceptance of ones self? Thank you for your help and support in my journey. Keep up the good work!”

Thank you so much for letting me share your story, Brenda. I know this is such a deeply personal issue and I hope that your story can help inspire other people!!

If you’re dealing with an eating disorder, I hope that Brenda’s story can help you to find a better relationship with food and your body.

Has a Kind Diet helped you to heal your body, inside or out?

I want to hear your Kind Cure story!

Send me a private message with the subject "Kind Cure" with your story and I may feature you on the homepage!

GIVEAWAY: My Spring Dress and The Kind Diet!

Last month in our Kind Diet giveaway, I included some pieces from my closet. I’m continuing with that this month and giving away these great goodies to get you ready for some warm weather! They were given to me, but I actually never wore them so they’re basically new! The blue dress is from Peri, which is an eco-friendly label designed and made in Los Angeles. It’s 100% organic cotton and a size 2. It’s so soft and comfy… great for running to the farmer’s market or heading to the park or the beach. The grey sandals are from a company called Planet Flops. I think they’re about a size 8. I have a black pair that I’m obsessed with… they are the greatest flip flop ever. They’re made from natural rubber, which means they’re recyclable and bio-degradable! So comfy, and cute.

Last month I asked you to share which eco-friendly piece you’ve been eyeing for spring. Congratulations to our winner, Laurette! Here's the eco item she's excited for:

Basic Tank Top by Alabama Chanin

"I love this top! I want it because it's fitted at the waist (and I have a tiny waist so I love to show it off with peplum shirts) so it would look great with jeans or a pencil skirt. It comes it a TON of different colors too! Not only that but this brand hand-makes everything in Alabama! They use a combination of new, organic and recycled materials and stress the importance of sustainability and 'slow design,' the countermovement to 'fast fashion' which takes into account a wide range of material and social factors as well as the short and long term impacts of the design. AWESOME!"

Win my Spring Outfit & A Signed Copy of The Kind Diet.

For this month’s giveaway, I want you to…

Tell me one recent act of Kindness you’ve committed!

It can be an act of kindness toward a stranger, a loved one, a furry friend, or the planet! Leave a comment below with your answer and we’ll randomly choose one winner at the end of the month. 

• You must be a registered TheKindLife.com member to enter. Learn how to sign up by  clicking here.
• This contest is open to residents of the USA only. 
• Winners will ONLY be contacted via private message to their TheKindLife.com inbox and by the email they used to register for the site. If our team does not hear back within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected in your place.
• Limit one comment per entry. Multiple comment entries will not be considered.
• This giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. PST on April 30, 2013.

 

Earth Day Weekend Events in the U.S.

Really, every day is Earth Day for us Kind Lifers. But the official holiday, April 22, is a great reminder to get out and celebrate our home, planet Earth. It’s also a good opportunity to share your kind eco-loving spirit with other people, who might not know as much about conservation and our planet-friendly grooviness.

I gathered up as many celebrations during Earth Day weekend I could find in our biggest Kind Life cities—New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle—and included links to find more in all of the other U.S. states. If you have other events to share, leave them in the comments below!

 

New York

Highland Park in Queens/Brooklyn - 6th Annual One Thing That's Green day
When: Saturday, April 20, 2013, 9:00 - 2 pm
Who: All Ages (kids under 14 can come with adult, Young adults 14-17 must have a signed Minor Volunteer Release Form)
Cost: Free with registration
What: Community volunteers are invited to help plant over 2,400 trees, pick up trash, and complete beautification projects, helping to restore the city's canopy after Hurricane Sandy, which resulted in the loss of 30,000 trees. Includes breakfast and lunch for volunteers, tree planting training, and family-friendly activities and entertainment. Hosted by New York Restoration Project, MillionTreesNYC, and JetBlue.
Register here

Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall - Earth Day NY
When: April 20 - 22, 2013, 10am - 6pm
Who: All Ages
Cost: Free
What: Live performances, kids' activities, sustainability talks, and interactive displays
Facebook event

Union Square - Earth Day NY
When: April 21, 2013, 11am - 6pm
Who: All Ages
Cost: Free
What: Live performances, our green-vehicle runway and exhibition, and exhibits and displays by local and national environmental organizations, local businesses, and corporate partners Facebook event: 
Facebook event

Central Park - Family Volunteer Day
When: Saturday, April 20, 2013, 10am – 12pm
Who: Families ONLY, ages 4+ (no individuals or non-family groups)
Cost: Free, no reservation, but it's first come, first serve
What: Help beautify Central Park with a mulching project run by Conservancy staff and volunteers

Wave Hill, Bronx- Family Art Project: Flags and Kites for Earth Day
When: April 20, 2013, 10am-1pm
Who: All Ages
Cost: FREE, admission to the grounds is free until 12pm
What: Visiting Artist Miwa Koizumi, who in her own work repurposes found plastic bottles to dazzling effect, will show families how to make simple kites and festive flags out of colorful plastic bags to celebrate Earth Day

Brooklyn Public Library - The Last Pine Tree on Eagle Mountain
When: April 20, 2013 at 1:30pm
Who: Pre-school & younger, Young elementary
Cost: FREE
What: A musical about the friendship between an unlikely duo, the eagle and the pine tree.

Prospect Park Audubon Center - Earthday
When: April 21, 2013, 1-4pm
Who: All Ages
Cost: FREE
What: Presentations by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation on responsible fishing, tours, lakeshore clean-up, educational activities, recycled instrument making workshop, and a performance and parade by Bash the Trash.

Javits Center - New York City Green Festival 2013
When: April 20, 2013, 10am-5pm
Who: All Ages
Cost: $15-$25; free for children and bike riders who use bike valet
What: Features leaders in the environmental community, an organic beer and wine pavilion, a dedicated Green Kids' Zone, and a unique marketplace of more than 300 eco-friendly businesses, featuring the latest and greatest in sustainable products and services.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge - Earth Day Beach Cleanup
When: April 20, 2013 at 10:30am
Who: All Ages
Cost: FREE, pre-registration required.
What: Families can show their love for Mother Earth by helping to clean up marine debris.

Voelker Orth Museum - Storybook Discovery: Celebrate Earth!
Date: April 20, 2013 at 11am
Who: Pre-school & younger
Cost: $2
What: Think that bugs and worms are yucky or amazing? Actually, they can be both. Read Yucky Worms! by Vivian French along with bug- and Earth Day- themed books with Karyn Mooney to learn the importance of sharing the earth with our invertebrate friends as well as ways to take care of the planet. After reading together, kids will enjoy searching for bugs and plants during a scavenger hunt in the Victorian garden.

Flushing Town Hall - Earth Day Festival
When: April 21, 2013 at 1pm
Who: All Ages
Cost: FREE
What: Develop a green thumb, learn about bee-keeping, visit with the Baymen of Long Island, make jewelry and art out of recycled materials, and much more.

Hudson River Park - Student Conservation Association Earth Day Event
When: April 22, 2013 - 10:00, 10 am – 3pm
Who: SCA alumni, SCA supporters, community members, SCA staff, Hudson River park Staff
Cost: Free with reservation
What: We will be working on a variety of projects, including removing invasive plants, re-mulching the garden, defining a walking path, planting, celaring, and installing seating. Something for everyone!
To attend: Please email volunteer[ at ]hrpt.ny.gov or call (917) 661-8731; tell us your name and list any number of guests that you are bringing.

 

Los Angeles

(more events)

Culver City - STAR EcoStation's 13th Annual Children's Earth Day
When: April 21, 2013, 10am-4pm
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
What: It’s an outdoor extravaganza, loaded with environmental heroes, exotic food, celebrity guests, eco-friendly games and crafts, green shopping, live entertainment, and giveaways. Check out the new toddler area, recycle-themed maze, and drum circle. Plus, meet over 200 rescued animals!

Manhattan Beach at Polliwog Park – 21st Annual Earth Day Celebration
When: April 27, 2013 11am-4pm
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
What: The City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with V.O.I.C.E (Volunteers and Organizations Improving the Community’s Environment), will host the day's events featuring a large assortment of fresh food and family fun; including music, games, eco-friendly products and information on the City of Manhattan Beach’s efforts toward making our city a greater and greener place to live, play and work.

Burbank - Earth Day at the Burbank Recycle Center
When: April 20, 2013 11am-3pm
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
What: Take a tour of the Recycle Center, pick up free compost, enjoy lunch at one of the food trucks, listen to live music, and enjoy complimentary coffee and iced tea while lounging at the "Cafe." Parking is limited so biking, walking, carpooling and busing are encouraged. Free Bike Valet available.

Los Angeles - Environmental Activities at Augustus Hawkins Natural Park
When: April 20, 2013, 12pm-4pm
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
What: There will be hikes of the 9-acre urban park, ranger-led nature presentations, kids’ crafts, and face painting. Details are available by calling the park at (323) 581-4498.

Los Angeles - Los Angeles County Museum of Art Earth Day Program
When: April 21, 2012, 11am
Who: All ages
Cost: Free museum admission will be offered to those who bike to the museum or use public transportation that day
What: A day of programs and activities designed for all ages, including artist-led workshops, tours of the collection for families and adults, a nature-inspired poetry workshop for adults, sketching from nature, music jam with instruments made of recycled materials, and a guided walkthrough of the natural art on campus.

Redondo Beach - Earth Day Celebration at The SEA Lab
When: April 20, 2013, 10am-2pm
Who: All Ages
Cost: Free
What: The event begins with a beach cleanup from 10 a.m.-noon. Special events include a home composting workshop at 11 a.m., a “gently used” work attire reuse drive, and a plastic bag-for-reusable-tote exchange. Enjoy children’s activities, environmental exhibits, and more. Free parking will be provided at Redondo Beach Marina with a copy of the city’s downloadable event flier; bike to the event or take public transportation and receive a free gift.

Topanga Community Center - 14th Annual Earth Day Celebration 
When: April 20-21, 2013
Who: All ages
What: The zero-waste event will include scores of environmental and vendor booths, local artisans, workshops, lectures on topics ranging from organic gardening to meditation tips, an environmental film festival, live entertainment, children’s activities, and food booths.

Torrance - Earth Day Recycling Event
When: April 20, 2013, 10am-2pm
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
What: Among the free services offered that day will be document shredding; garden mulch giveaways; a drop-off zone for recycling e-waste, used clothing, and used shoes; and proper disposal of used motor oil and used engine oil filters.

More in California

 

Chicago

Chicago's Green Exchange Earth Day Celebration
When: April 22, 2013, 5pm-9pm
Cost: $20/person (buy tickets here)
What: Green Exchange community will host a series of workshops + speakers (full list coming shortly). Guests can experience the global collaborative art project: As You Are: A Decade of You Are Beautiful, as seen on OWN's Super Soul Sunday.

Chicago - Friends of the Parks 24th Annual Earth Day Parks & Preserves Clean-up
When: April 20, 2013, 9am - 12pm
Who:
Cost: Free
What: Join volunteers to clean and green a neighborhood park or preserve from. Most sites will have extra work gloves - but you may want to bring your own to insure you have a pair. T-Shirts will be given on a first come, first served basis. Review the registered sites for location options.

Humboldt Park - Chicago's Art Lab 123 - Earth Day "Garden Party"
When: April 21, 2013, 2pm-6pm
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
What: Courtyard events include planting of our 2nd annual Urban Garden, visiting our outdoor meditation garden, and a public display of "Flags: Sculpture in the Sky," Art Lab's ongoing public arts project spanning over 500 feet! Studio events include an opening reception for showcase artist Brook Woolf. Plus works by Liz Cunningham, Delores Rix, John Henderson, Mimi Clayton and Megan Besmirched will be exhibited, along with workshops and demos.  Free flag painting for all ages!

North Lakeshore Earth Day Loyola Student Community Cleanup
When: April 20, 2013, 9am-1pm
Who: Students and local residents
Cost: Free, register in advance
What: Put on your gardening gloves and help prepare the Edgewater Gateway Garden for the Spring! Located near Hollywood and Ridge, this lush community garden offers an attractive welcome for visitors and those passing through the Edgewater Community. (More locations) 

Chicago - Student Conservation Association Chicago Earth Day Event
When: April 2o, 2013 - 10:00, 10 am
Who: SCA alumni, SCA supporters, community members, HUD, Department of Family Services. (All volunteers must bring a participant agreement form. Volunteers under 18 must have the form completed by parent or guardian)
Cost: Free with reservation
What: Join the Student Conservation Association (SCA), HUD, and the Department of Family Services for a day of fun projects preparing the Little Village Pocket parks for Spring! A day of hands on opportunities to serve the earth and our community..

Carol Stream - Earth Day Festival & Farmer's Market
When: April 20, 2013, 10am-2pm
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
What: You’ll find Chevy Volt test drives, free electronics recycling, lots of earth-friendly ideas, food, projects, products, giveaways and more at the Carol Stream Earth Day Festival & Farmers’ Market.

Fullersburg Woods - Go Green! A Celebration of Conservation
When: April 21, 2013, 12pm-4pm
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
What: Celebrate conservation through a day of fun while learning how to help change and support our planet. Enjoy hands-on activities, crafts and games, and discover ways to "get our green on" and be eco-friendly.

Hinsale - Graue Mill and Museum Free Admission Day
When: April 21, 2013, 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Who: All ages
Cost: Free admission to the museum from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What: Join the Garden Study Club of Hinsdale to make a "Grass-A-Pillar," a grassy caterpillar from rye seed.

 

San Francisco

San Francisco at the Embarcadero - Blue Sky Festival
When: April 19, 2013, 11am-2pm
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
What: The Bay Area Rapid Transit District Celebrates Earth Day and its 40th year of service to Bay Area commuters. Attendees enjoyed free live music, environmental exhibits from over 50 organizations, eco-conscious carnival games and more.

San Francisco at Ocean Beach - Earth Day beach cleanup
When: April 20, 2013, 9am-12pm

Who: Family-friendly project. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Adult chaperones required for youth under the age of 15.

Cost: Free; register

What: Join the cleanup! Together we can keep our coastline and oceans healthy, clean, and safe. Start your day by enjoying a tasty cup of coffee – compliments of Earth Day supporter, Peet’s Coffee & Tea.

San Francisco - Habitat Restoration at Lands End
When: April 20, 2013
Who: Family-friendly project. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Adult chaperones required for youth under the age of 15.
Cost: Free; register
What: Pitch in to restore unique San Francisco coastal habitat at Lands End. Habitat restoration is a proactive way to participate in environmental healing while removing invasive plant species and revegetating with natives.

San Francisco - Fort Funston Nursery
When: April 20, 2013, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Who: Volunteers ages 10 and up are welcome. Adult chaperones required for youth under the age of 15.
Cost: Free; register
What: Help grow your national park! Support our goal of growing 25,000 plants for Lands End, Fort Funston, and critical redwood forest habitat in San Mateo County parklands.

San Francisco Civic Center Plaza - Earth Day SF
When: April 20, 2013, 10am-6pm
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
What: This unique Festival packs powerful green sustainability discussions, activism, workshops and solutions into one full day of fun, excitement and amazing performance.

San Francisco in Golden Gate Park - Earth Week presented by California Academy of Sciences
When: April 20-27, 2013
Who: All ages
Cost: Admission
What: The Earth Week programs range from live chats with scientists, hands-on activities, special film screenings, nature walks, family nature crafts, and a “little naturalist” program designed for children ages 3-5. For the more ambitious, the Academy will offer a two-day conservation photography workshop for people 18 on April 20-21 and older that includes a Saturday afternoon workshop at the Academy and an all-day Sunday field trip to the Point Reyes National Seashore. (Workshop tickets sold in advance.)

More in the Bay Area

Seattle

Seattle Center Earth Day Celebration
When: April 22, 2013
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
What: A citywide celebration of local efforts to reduce, reuse, conserve and work together for a better global future. The day includes speakers and free hands-on activities explore our environment and showcase the region’s innovations in sustainability.

Seattle Magazine's Earth Day 5k
When: April 20, 7:30am check-in, 9:30 start
Who: All ages
Cost: $40 through April 15, kids 12 and under run free; $50 day-of
What: Seattle Magazine has partnered with REI to raise funds for Green Seattle Partnership in an effort to keep Seattle green. Proceeds from the run will go to restoring our local urban forests and parks.

MORE EVENTS:

In the Northeast pt. 1 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont)
In the Northeast pt. 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands)
In the Northeast pt. 3 (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia)
In the Southeast (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee)
In the North (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin)
In the Mid-south (Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas)
In the Midwest (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska)
In the West/midwest (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming)
In the Pacific Southwest (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands)
In the Pacific Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington)


Do you have any plans to celebrate the Earth on Earth Day?

Share your favorite upcoming activates in the comments!

Photo sources: katerha, snre 

Vegan Breakfast Recipe: Peanut Butter Granola

Kind lifer Foodnfriends recently submitted this yum-looking homemade granola recipe.

Note to strict vegans: it calls for honey, which you can easily sub out for maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup.

Peanut Butter Granola

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Peanut Butter (I used Better n' Peanut Butter)
• 2 tablespoons Honey (Maple Syrup or any alternative is fine)
• 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 cup Oats

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Combine peanut butter and honey in a bowl and microwave until peanut butter melts (approximately 20 seconds). Stir.
3. Stir cinnamon and vanilla into peanut butter and honey mixture.
4. Add oats and stir until oats are completely covered in peanut butter mixture.
5. Spread out oat mixture onto prepared cookie sheet and bake for 7 – 8 minutes until granola is slightly browned.
6. Let cool until granola is crunchy.

Keep in mind that this is not a superhero breakfast. For me, this would be a dessert… a nice occasional treat!

What’s your favorite homemade breakfast?
Tell me in the comments below.