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Green Preschools: An Early Start for Sustainable Living

by NatalieRay317 Posted on August 16, 2019

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Young children’s minds are like sponges. They absorb just about everything — good and bad. Often, they pick up on things around them that we adults don’t even notice. Input from the world around them shapes young children’s lives, who they become as adults, and how they live.

Teaching a Healthy Lifestyle & Embracing Nature

That concept is reflected in Dawn Maxwell’s goal to run a preschool “… focused on living a healthy life, embracing nature and letting kids have fun.” Maxwell, a mother of four, said, “I just thought it would work. Their minds are so observant.” The Green House in Oklahoma City uses all-natural cleaners, rags instead of paper towels, eco-friendly toys, and serves only vegan, organic, gluten-free food. Whatever food is left over is recycled or composted. Dawn also teaches her students — who range in age from 3 to 6 — how to garden.

David Centola, whose daughter Clara attended The Green House, said he chose the school after exploring several other options. Ultimately, Centola picked The Green House because of its focus on teaching children about the environment. (Editor’s note, August 2019: It appears that The Green House preschool in Oklahoma City is no longer in business, but the nature-based preschool movement continues to grow.)

Growth of Nature-Based Preschools

Maxwell isn’t the only educator who believes in the benefits of learning sustainable lifestyle habits early. According to the North American Association for Environmental Education’s Natural Start Alliance, “The first nature-based preschool in the United States opened in 1966.” By 2012, there were more than 150 nature-based preschools across the country.

Some schools are taking basic steps towards a more environmentally friendly approach, while others have their entire curriculum based around nature. For example, Sunflower Preschool in Boulder, Colorado, teaches children about recycling, composting, and gardening. The outdoor curriculum at the school “honors the natural environment” and the staff encourages “a sense of wonder in the natural world” as well as active play and a child-directed classroom to stimulate development.

Do Parents Find the Difference Worth the Expense?

Peter J. Pizzolongo, a representative for the National Association for the Education of Young Children, says that the driving force behind the trend of nature-based education is the parents. “If it is something that families value, then they’re going to seek that out. … Largely, the movement within the school is recycling, reuse and alternate use, and cutting back on a lot of using of plastics and things that are thrown away.”

With the change in focus comes a slight change in price among most of the nature-based preschools. But, for the parents who are passionate about the nature-focused practices of these preschools, the difference is worth the cost.

It is never too early to start cultivating good habits and practices in children, especially since they will someday be the stewards of the planet. Teaching them how to take care of it now will eventually lead to a cleaner, greener planet.

Editor’s note: Originally published on September 16, 2014, this article was updated in August 2019.

 

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Green Preschools: An Early Start for Sustainable Living

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5 Ways to Be a More Eco-Friendly Dog Parent

by JonnaFulford02 Posted on April 19, 2019

Millions of households across the United States include a dog. And our dogs certainly have an impact on how environmentally friendly our lifestyle is. Ready to turn your dog into an eco-warrior? Here are five ways to be a more eco-friendly dog parent.

1. Spay or neuter your pet

Credit: DanBrandenburg/Getty Images

Spaying and neutering your pets would technically fall under the ?reduce? category of the three R?s (reduce, reuse, recycle). According to the ASPCA, roughly 6.5 million companion animals go through U.S. animal shelters each year. Some are adopted, and others are strays who go back to their owners. But sadly about 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized each year. And in many cases, these are healthy, loving animals who simply weren?t lucky enough to find a household to adopt them.

That?s where spaying and neutering come in ? as well as adopting versus allowing a breeder to bring more animals into this situation. Every little bit helps to put a dent in the homeless pet population. Not only do you reduce the number of shelter animals, but you also minimize the strays on the streets who often lead painful, shortened lives and might become nuisances in the community. Not to mention spaying and neutering can help increase your pet?s health and longevity. So do your part to reduce pet overpopulation, as well as the resources that go into managing it.

2. Properly dispose of pet waste

Disposing of pet waste is a bit tricky because your ideal eco-friendly techniques typically won?t work. Here are some methods you shouldn?t use, as they can harm the environment, according to PetMD.

First, don?t flush dog poop down the toilet. This can send parasites and other pathogens that aren?t killed at water treatment facilities into the waterways. Consequently, this can harm ecosystems, especially marine life. Plus, people can become sick and actually end up using more resources (e.g., lots of toilet flushing for a stomach bug) than you thought you were saving by flushing the waste in the first place. Similarly, composting is not an option for dog poop (unless your community has a dog waste composting program), as it also allows the spread of pathogens.

So what can you do? Bagging the waste and throwing it in the trash is usually your best option. But on the bright side, you can go green with your poop bags. More and more companies are offering biodegradable bags, though sometimes that can be a bit misleading. Not all companies have appropriately tested their products in typical landfill conditions, so it?s important to do your homework before buying. ?Choose a company that has testing to back up their biodegradable claims,? PetMD says.

3. Reduce your dog food paw print

Credit: Chalabala/Getty Images

Buying dog food and other supplies in bulk helps to reduce packaging waste, as well as the number of trips you take to the store. ?Pay attention to packaging materials, and try to buy products packaged in recycled or recyclable materials,? the American Kennel Club suggests. Plus, look for foods that have eco-friendly ingredients, such as certified sustainable seafood.

Even better, skip the packaging altogether, and make food at home for your dog. You don?t have to cook their whole diet (unless you really want to and know how to do it right). But forgoing the bagged and boxed treats in favor of ones you make yourself ? or even just replacing them with some fresh fruits and veggies ? can reduce waste and energy consumption. And that will certainly add up over the course of your dog?s life to reduce their carbon paw print.

4. Choose eco-friendly pet products

You might already choose environmentally conscious companies for your human products. And it?s just as important to support those types of companies that make pet products to encourage their growth in the industry (but keep your antenna up for greenwashing).

Just like with dog food, look for items ? leashes, toys, cleaning supplies, etc. ? that are packaged in eco-friendly materials. And keep an eye out for plant-based products. ?When it comes to pet supplies, one of the most common plant-based materials you?ll find is hemp,? according to PetMD. Hemp ? used for items, such as leashes and collars ? is durable and doesn?t need much water or harmful chemicals to grow.

You also can look for toys and other products made from recycled materials, such as plastics turned into fiberfill. And to really recycle, look around your home for items you can turn into dog toys, bedding, etc. Plus, put in the effort to mend old items until they?re no longer safe for your dog.

Moreover, if you no longer need some of your dog products, consider donating them to an animal shelter ? a great form of reusing. Shelters often welcome gently used leashes, collars, harnesses, beds, crates, toys, towels and more. Just make sure you call ahead about your donations, as sometimes shelters have too much of a specific item.

5. Grow a green garden and lawn

Credit: ChristopherBernard/Getty Images

There are many reasons to grow a more eco-friendly garden. For instance, you contribute to a balanced ecosystem, reduce environmental toxins and use fewer resources. But what does that have to do with your dog?

Green gardening practices and being a dog parent actually go hand in hand. A major issue for both the environment and our pets is the use of synthetic lawn chemicals. Not only do these chemicals pollute our water and kill beneficial species (among other consequences), but they also pose serious dangers to your dog.

Ingesting fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and other products (including some organic varieties) can cause vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors and even death in a dog, according to VetStreet. Even if you don?t see your dog ingest anything while outside, they?ll still get the products on their paws ? which they?ll certainly lick later. So try to use the most natural products possible on your property. Or better yet, grow low-maintenance plants that don?t need these products, and take pride in knowing that your garden is benefiting both your pet and the planet.

Main image credit: al_louc/Getty Images

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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5 Ways to Be a More Eco-Friendly Dog Parent

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Is Organic Food Worse for the Environment?

by DanLoftin065 Posted on January 10, 2019

Most of us know there are many health benefits to eating organic food. But is the farming practice all that healthy for the environment? A new study suggests organic food might have some serious consequences for the environment when compared to conventionally produced food. Here?s what it found.

Study: Organic farming comes with a ?carbon opportunity cost?

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Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have found organic food has a greater impact than conventionally farmed food on the environment because it requires more land use. And this results in higher carbon dioxide emissions. In organic farming, yields are typically lower for the same area of land, primarily because the farmers don?t use potent synthetic chemicals to promote growth, according to a news release on the study.

?The greater land-use in organic farming leads indirectly to higher carbon dioxide emissions, thanks to deforestation,? researcher Stefan Wirsenius says in the news release. “The world’s food production is governed by international trade, so how we farm in Sweden influences deforestation in the tropics. If we use more land for the same amount of food, we contribute indirectly to bigger deforestation elsewhere in the world.?

For instance, the researchers cite organic peas farmed in Sweden as having a 50 percent higher impact on the climate than conventionally farmed peas because of lower yields per hectare. Organic meat and dairy products also contribute to higher emissions, as they use organic feed.

The study applied a new metric ? the ?carbon opportunity cost? ? to evaluate the impact of land use on carbon dioxide emissions. ?This metric takes into account the amount of carbon that is stored in forests, and thus released as carbon dioxide as an effect of deforestation,? according to the news release. The researchers note that previous comparisons between organic and conventionally farmed food didn?t often take this impact into account, likely because scientists didn?t have an appropriate measurement like the carbon opportunity cost.

But what about the environmental benefits?

Credit: amenic181/Getty Images

While organic farming does typically take more land to produce the same yields as conventional farming, there?s much more to the story of how it influences the environment. And it?s certainly not all bad news.

Organic farming practices have the potential to improve the environment over the long term. ?It aims to produce food while establishing an ecological balance to prevent soil fertility or pest problems,? according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. ?Organic agriculture takes a proactive approach as opposed to treating problems after they emerge.?

For example, organic farming involves practices ? ?such as crop rotations, inter-cropping, symbiotic associations, cover crops, organic fertilizers and minimum tillage? ? that help to improve soil and support flora and fauna, the FAO says. These practices enhance nutrients in the soil, subsequently boosting crop yields, as well as improving biodiversity in the environment. Plus, organic agriculture works to decrease water pollution by avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. And, of course, this leads to many beneficial health effects for humans, as well.

Furthermore, many organic agricultural practices actually work to return carbon to the soil, which helps to combat climate change, according to the FAO. Plus, it reduces nonrenewable energy use by avoiding chemicals produced with high levels of fossil fuels. Still, even with its environmental benefits, more research and innovations must occur before organic farming can efficiently feed the global population without causing substantial damage through deforestation.

So what?s a consumer to do?

Credit: Rawpixel/Getty Images

The question becomes: Which type of agriculture should we support as consumers? And the answer might have more to do with which foods you eat.

One study created 500 hypothetical scenarios for feeding the world population in 2050 with the farmland we already have now (i.e., no further deforestation). It found that lower-yield organic farming could work for the world if more people adopted plant-based diets. If everyone went vegan, the study found our existing farmland would be adequate 100 percent of the time. And 94 percent of the vegetarian scenarios were a success, as well. But only 39 percent of the scenarios were successful when everyone adopted a completely organic diet (including people who consumed meat and dairy), and just 15 percent worked when everyone ate a Western-style, meat-based diet.

The researchers from the carbon opportunity cost study also alluded to food choices as being more important than weighing the climate impact of organic versus conventional. ?Replacing beef and lamb, as well as hard cheeses, with vegetable proteins such as beans, has the biggest effect,? according to the news release. Moreover, if you?re a meat- or dairy-eater, organic farming often has higher animal welfare standards (though not always), which is a concern for many people.

Still, it?s not realistic to expect the entire world to go vegan. But what we can do now is aim to purchase our food from producers that are working to better the environment. And for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, that still means buying organic. ?By opting for organic products, the consumer through his/her purchasing power promotes a less polluting agricultural system,? the FAO says. Organic farming might need to adapt some of its practices to improve yields, but its benefits for the environment are too great to ignore.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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Is Organic Food Worse for the Environment?

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7 Easy Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Changes You Can Make Today

by TemekaWinter Posted on September 21, 2018

Whether you?re a full-time eco-warrior or just learning about sustainability, there are many modifications you can make to your lifestyle to support a healthy planet. Here are seven cheap and easy changes you can make starting today.

1. Drive greener

The average American driver spends roughly 17,600 minutes behind the wheel each year, according to AAA. And each minute, traditional vehicles release pollutants that can spell trouble both for your health and the environment. ?Pollutants released by vehicles greatly increase air pollution levels and have been linked to adverse health effects, including premature mortality, cardiac symptoms, exacerbation of asthma symptoms, and diminished lung function,? according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

So if you burn fuel every day, it?s time to re-evaluate your commute. Look for alternatives, such as walking, biking, carpooling and public transportation. Find out whether you can telecommute to work or shift your hours to avoid sitting in heavy traffic. And try to run errands when traffic is light. The gas money you?ll save is just an added bonus to breathing cleaner air.

2. Create a meal plan

Are you guilty of buying more food than you can finish before it goes bad? You?re definitely not alone. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 22 percent of discarded solid municipal waste is food. That?s a serious waste problem, especially given the environmental impact of food production.

But with a bit of effort, you can dramatically cut your food waste. Simply plan your meals, write out a shopping list and stick to it. You don?t have to cut out impulse buys completely ? though you should avoid shopping on an empty stomach ? but if you do purchase something unexpected, be sure to adjust your meal plan so nothing spoils. And try to share or donate any excess food before it ends up in a landfill.

3. Learn what goes into your food

On the topic of food, you also should know what you?re buying. Food production often involves the use of chemical fertilizers, burning fossil fuels for transportation, inhumane treatment of animals, harm to wildlife and more. So as a consumer, it?s up to you to make responsible choices.

Buy local, organic and humanely raised food whenever possible. Look for ?fair trade? on the label for goods that promote better standards for the producers and the environment. And refuse to support restaurants and other establishments that don?t make these environmentally conscious choices.

4. Cut plastic waste

Plastic waste is a massive problem for our planet. It?s polluting oceans, killing wildlife and making us sick. Still, it?s unfortunately difficult to entirely avoid plastic in everyday life, but we can be more responsible about our use of it.

?You can start cutting down on your plastic waste in a few simple steps: use reusable bags when you shop, ditch single-use water bottles, bags, and straws and avoid products made from or packaged in plastic whenever possible,? the Center for Biological Diversity recommends. Consider buying items used instead of new to avoid plastic packaging. Shop local, and cut down on online purchases, which often come wrapped in plastic. And, of course, recycle everything you can. Saying no to that straw won?t clean an entire ocean, but it might save one sea animal?s life.

5. Switch to natural cleaners

Chemical cleaning products might make your home smell “meadow fresh” ? whatever that means ? but at a huge cost to actual meadows and your health. ?Store-bought cleaners typically contain dangerous chemicals, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and are packaged in petroleum-based products,? according to Ohio University?s Office of Sustainability.

Luckily, you can find eco-friendly cleaning products at most retailers, and you can easily make your own. Most clean and disinfect just as well as the chemicals, and you don?t have to be afraid to breathe while you knock out your chore list.

6. Question your purchases

You might buy something based on impulse, hours of research and everything in between. Hopefully, you at least pause to think about the impact of your purchase. ?Every product we purchase has an environmental footprint, from the materials used to create it to the pollution emitted during manufacturing to the packaging that ends up in landfills,? the Center for Biological Diversity says.

So first ask yourself, ?Do I really need this?? If the answer is yes, as it often is, then look for items that have a smaller environmental impact. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances or a fuel-efficient vehicle. Purchase furniture made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo ? or better yet, buy it secondhand. Basically, if you?re already putting in research before buying an item, don?t forget to consider the environment as a factor.

7. Time your showers

There?s plenty you can do to make your home more eco-friendly ? and much of it adds up to cost savings and better health for you, too. Upgrade your home?s insulation, and seal any air leaks to save on heating and cooling. Switch to energy-saving light bulbs and low-flow faucets. And grow low-maintenance, native plants in your garden.

If you?re a new eco-warrior, all those green options can be dizzying. So here?s a good place to start: Time your showers. To save water, you first have to realize how much you use. Try to beat your time each day by a minute, and ultimately you?ll learn only to use the water you need to get the job done. Then, let this victory in sustainability inspire you to branch out and live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Main image credit: Sasiistock/Thinkstock

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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7 Easy Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Changes You Can Make Today

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8 Eco Products That Make Dish Duty Look Dreamy

by TangelaEmo Posted on August 15, 2018

For most of us, doing the dishes is pretty far down the list of tolerable chores. It’s such a slog ? and?something you need to keep up with every day, week by week, till the end of time. A good time? I think not.

Lucky for us, there are a lot of brands out there who are working hard creating clever products that make dish duty a lot more fun. Here are some of my favorites!

This Dish Soap

Not all dish soaps are created equal. Lots of them contain numerous chemicals, including foaming agents like sodium laureth sulfate, carcinogenic antibacterial agents and synthetic fragrances. Fortunately, there are a number of delicious, non-toxic variations out there: a favorite is this?safe and effective formula?by Eco-Me.

This Swedish?Dishcloth

You may have seen these cute little?dishcloths?slowly popping up in boutiques and specialty kitchen stores in recent years. Made from earth-friendly cellulose, cotton fibers and water-based inks, these reusable sponge cloths last about a year and compost at the end of their life. Cool right!? To clean, simply toss in the washing machine or microwave when damp to kill bacteria.

These?Bar Mops

These hand towels do what you wish every paper towel could. Made from 100% cotton, these lightweight,?absorbent towels are durable and efficient, plus they dry quickly so you won’t have to worry about mildew. Once you’re done with the task at hand, send them to the laundry. The earth will thank you!

These Copper Pot Scrubbers

Who knew a pot scrubber could be so elegant??These scrubbers are made from copper threads, so they’re tough enough to remove even the most stubborn food residue, but gentle enough to keep from scratching your beautiful cookware. And, bonus: they can be recycled at the end of their useful life.

These?Dish Towels

Renewable hemp woven in a honeycomb pattern makes this beautiful dish towel both strong and beautiful.?Because hemp is especially durable, you can expect these eco-conscious towels to last for years to come.

This Wooden Dish Brush

B?rstenhaus Redecker has been handcrafting brushes in Germany for over 75 years, and their commitment to high quality craftsmanship certainly shows! Use this brush to clean everything from coffee mugs to pots and pans. The hard bristles will hold up to just about anything.

These?Vintage?Trays

Vintage?knick knacks always come in handy. A quick Etsy search of vintage dish trays yields a vast selection of darling secondhand trays eager to prove their worth at your kitchen sink. This one is a?personal favorite (it will match your Swedish dishcloths)?? this one too!

This Bamboo Drying Rack

Perfect for all those hand wash-only items or kitchens without the luxury of a dishwasher, this bamboo dish rack is an attractive addition to the countertop. This particular one is made from eco-friendly bamboo and has two individual racks for large plates and glassware. Plus, it folds up neatly for easy storage!

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How to Lead a Nearly Zero-Waste Life

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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8 Eco Products That Make Dish Duty Look Dreamy

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Dot Earth Blog: With Imposed Transparency and Concerned Millennials, a Boom in Corporate Responsibility?

by Myrna Posted on January 25, 2016

In an era of rising transparency and concerns about corporate ethics, companies eager to please millennials appear to be shifting business models and messages. This article is from:  Dot Earth Blog: With Imposed Transparency and Concerned Millennials, a Boom in Corporate Responsibility? ; ; ;

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Dot Earth Blog: With Imposed Transparency and Concerned Millennials, a Boom in Corporate Responsibility?

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My Experience With a Menstrual Cup

by TheronAngel7 Posted on January 23, 2016

There is a product on the market right now that holds twice as much menstrual fluid (blood) than a tampon. That same product has little to no risk of health risks such as toxic shock syndrome. Its true, menstrual cups are slowly gaining traction as a viable alternative to menstruation care. In addition, using tampons and pads each month can be both expensive, wasteful, and in many cases are tested on animals. If youre looking to break out of the usual menstrual routine, there might be a perfect product for youthe menstrual cup.

What is a menstrual cup?


Credit:WikiCommons/Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups are small devices made from soft medical grade silicone and similar safe materials such as latex. It does exactly what the name says, it is a cup for menstrual blood. The cups come in a large variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.

There are some extremely informative instructional videos I highly suggest watching before making any type of decision about a menstrual cup. Knowing about your body and vagina is the first step when thinking about purchasing a menstrual cup. Is your flow light, medium, heavy, or a combination of all of these? Do you have a long or short vagina? Where does your cervix sit? All of these questions will affect whether or not you want to try a menstrual cup and exactly which cup will be the right fit for your body and your lifestyle.

How does it work?

The soft cup can be folded in a few different ways and is then inserted into the vagina. It should work the same as a tampon and feels just the same. Because the cup collects fluid and doesnt absorb it, it doesnt need to be changed nearly as often. Most cups hold about 1 ounce, but some can hold a little bit more. Just to give you an idea, that is about twice as much as a regular flow tampon.

I have been using a fold in which I push one side of the cup down into itself to create a smaller applicator. This seems to work better for me than the U fold in which the cup is simply folded in half. However, it just takes some practice. I may end up switching folds later on once I have a little more experience.

I personally havent had too much trouble getting the cup inserted. However, I have definitely found that I unknowingly tense my muscles a bit, which can definitely give some resistance. So, just remaining calm and relaxed is definitely the key. Another tip I’ve heard is to find some unscented water-based lubricant to help with insertion. Of course, this is not mandatory, but if you’re having trouble with insertion, this might be a good option for you.


“How to use a menstrual cup” by User:QOC2011, http://menstrualcup.co via Wikimedia Commons

Once the cup has been inserted it will open on its own, but every so often it may need a tiny bit of help. It’s suggested to run your finger along the outside of the cup in order to make sure the seal has formed. Other cups also say rotating the cup one full rotation (360 degrees) after it has been inserted will allow any corners to fully open and create a proper seal. This way the user wont experience any leaks while using the cup.

Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours straight, but can be removed and inserted as many times as needed. When it’s time to remove the cup, pinch at both sides tightly in order to break the seal inside of the vagina and slowly pull out the cup. The fluid can be dumped right into a toilet and flushed. Then rinse out the inside of the cup thoroughly and it’s ready for another insertion. At the end of every day of use the cup should be washed well with unscented soap and either left to dry or patted dry with a cloth. Most cups come with a small cloth carrying pouch for discreet storage as well.

Are there any health risks?

As with any product that is inserted into the vagina, there are some small risks involved. If the item is not cleaned properly, an infection could develop. So, making sure the hands are clean before touching, inserting or removing the cup is an absolute necessity. The cup should always be cleaned thoroughly at the end of every day of use and be allowed to fully dry.

“Rubycup4” by Ruby Cup – www.ruby-cup.comvia Wikimedia Commons.

Studies have shown that using the cup does not increase risks of infections such as yeast infections. Whats more, because the cup does not absorb vaginal fluids or menstruation, it does not disturb the natural pH balance and healthy bacteria that naturally clean the vagina.

The cup can be safely worn for up to 12 hours, which is a huge advantage to tampons or pads. Not only for the sake of having to worry about leaks, but also for the possibility of toxic shock syndrome, which occurs when bacteria (the staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus bacterium) enters the body and produces a deadly toxin. Toxic shock syndrome has been linked to tampon use because of the fact that tampons can harbor bacteria when inserted into the vagina and can become a breeding ground for harmful infections. Toxic shock syndrome is very rare and is usually found in usage of super absorbent tampons, but is still a risk nonetheless.

My conclusions/advice about menstrual cup use.

Pros:

Saves money each month.
Creates no waste. So the cup is better for the environment!
Can be worn for long periods of time (up to 12 hours).
Feels no different than a tampon. I cant feel mine at all.
Lowers risk for bacterial infections.
I have had no leakage issues.

Cons:

There is a small learning curve when initially using a menstrual cup.
It costs more money up front. Mine was about $40, but they range from about $20 and up. In my personal opinion spending a little extra on your cup is worth it. Getting something that is better quality will last much longer.
Can be a bit messy. I have found that it’s no messier than a tampon (I have a pretty heavy flow). However, I have been a little clumsy and have gotten blood on myself once or twice.
It can be tricky to remove. As with the rest of the instructions, there is very detailed information and videos about how to combat this issue. Although understandably, this can cause panic in new users.
Positioning can be important. My body does not seem to like when my diva cup sits too low. It seems to affect my ability to urinate. I can still urinate just fine, but I can feel that there is pressure on my urethra and the urine escapes a little slower. However, when I sit the cup up a little higher into my vagina that problem is gone.

There is not a doubt in my mind about menstrual cups. I will continue to use my cup for as long as I possibly can. I have enjoyed learning more about my body and feel I am now more in control of my body than ever before. I feel that most, if not all, of the negative aspects of the cup can be completely eliminated by proper education. Although, every body is different, everyones feelings are different, and menstrual cups might not be the right thing for every person.

Photo Credit: MichelleTribe

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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My Experience With a Menstrual Cup

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Past Tents: Beautiful Photos of an Old-School One-Ring Circus

by FernandoMerrill Posted on February 7, 2015

Mother Jones

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One summer day in the late 1990s, photographer Norma I. Quintana saw that the circus was coming to town. Over the next decade, she followed the one-ring Circus Chimera as it toured California, photographing its performers, many of whom had learned their acts from their parents and were passing them onto their own kids, like the contortionist’s baby daughter below. “Their children referred to me as ‘the photo lady’ and I often helped watch them while their aerialist mothers were in midair,” Quintana recalls in her new book, Circus: A Traveling Life. But the big top is no more: Due to changes in immigration policy, the circus could no longer hire seasonal performers and workers from Mexico, and in 2007 it folded up its tent for good.

Photographs and text from Circus: A Traveling Life, by Norma I. Quintana.

Harlequin

Wheel of Destiny

“For a decade, I rendezvoused with James Judkins’s Circus Chimera whenever their route fell within a hundred miles of my home. I would travel for weeks each summer, often with my two young children in tow. As this circus was building its new tour, I was building a new body of work. It became a grand obsession—one that would see me grow as an individual, a mother and an artist, and result in an extensive series of portraits and this, my first monograph, Circus: A Traveling Life.”

Inner Practice

Yawn

“One day while shooting, I was asked to take a group picture as a favor. During the pose I tripped over my camera bag and fell flat on my face. Of course I was horrified. But, to my amazement, no one reacted. A tumbler came to my rescue, helped me up and dusted me off, but otherwise ignored my embarrassment. Later it was explained, simply, that in the circus falling is as natural as walking. The circus performer is raised from a young age to get up from a fall and redo the routine immediately. There is no room for embarrassment, because fear and discouragement might set in, impacting one’s life and livelihood.”

Fan and Relaxation

Crawling Aerialist

“I spent so much time photographing this series that it wasn’t long before my children and I became familiar faces at the Circus. The families of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and dancers welcomed us with warm smiles and genuine joy on our annual returns. Their children referred to me as ‘the photo lady’ and I often helped watch them while their aerialist mothers were in midair. These mothers often watched my children while I was photographing.”

Pain

Cube

“I continue to be fascinated by the family-oriented nature of the circus, by its natural born lineage and the lifestyle of its traveling talent in and out of the ring, on and off the road.”

Tiny Contortionist

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Past Tents: Beautiful Photos of an Old-School One-Ring Circus

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An Online Pioneer Leaves His Mark on a Leading Green Blog

by CalebMcwhorter Posted on March 13, 2014

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White Dwarf Issue 5: 1 March 2014 – White Dwarf

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How to Paint Citadel Miniatures: Imperial Knights – Games Workshop

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Codex: Legion of the Damned (Interactive Edition) – Games Workshop

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Inside of a Dog – Alexandra Horowitz

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How to Raise the Perfect Dog – Cesar Millan & Melissa Jo Peltier

From the bestselling author and star of National Geographic Channel’s Dog Whisperer , the only resource you’ll need for raising a happy, healthy dog. For the millions of people every year who consider bringing a puppy into their lives–as well as those who have already brought a dog home–Cesar Millan, the preeminent dog behavior expert, says, “Yes, […]

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Warhammer 40,000: The Rules – Games Workshop

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Decoding Your Dog – American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

More than ninety percent of dog owners consider their pets to be members of their family. But often, despite our best intentions, we are letting our dogs down by not giving them the guidance and direction they need. Unwanted behavior is the number-one reason dogs are relinquished to shelters and rescue groups. The key to training dog […]

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An Online Pioneer Leaves His Mark on a Leading Green Blog

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