After all the trick-or-treating is done this year and Halloween is over, you just might have an uncarved pumpkin or two hanging around the house. And what’s the greenest thing to do with an uncarved pumpkin after it’s done gracing your porch? Well, eat it of course!

With that in that in mind, we scoured around for some of the tastiest looking pumpkin recipes on the web. Please enjoy these links to a few of the best we found!

• Pumpkin Oatmeal from the Green Halloween Blog
• Pumpkin Cookies, Pumpkin Apple Butter, and Gluten Free Pumpkin Waffles        from the Fat Free Vegan
• Pumpkin Granola Bars from Mothering.com
• Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie from National Geographic Little Kids (craft)

Oh, and don’t forget to toast the seeds!

Happy Halloween from the moms of Green Mom Finds!

[photo via Jiffy Cat]

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By Cristina, October 31, 2008  
Filed under: Eat, Tips

Remember when bringing a thermos to school was dorky, nerdy, so… not cool? Well, times have changed and the thermos is now all the rage. And why not? Thermoses are one of the best inventions EVER in my estimation. I mean, anything that can keep hot liquids hot and cold liquids cold for hours…well, what’s not to love? And so it was with great anticipation and a wee bit of excitement that I was able to recently try out the Foogo stainless steel “food jar”. In pink or blue, at 10 oz. it’s the perfect size for a lunch-size soup. Perhaps Foogo is still too scared to call it what it really is—a thermos—but whatever, I like it!

Find It Here: The Soft Landing

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By Cristina, October 30, 2008  
Filed under: Eat

Is melamine safe? What did the FDA say about BPA safety? Which are the bad plastics again? If these kinds of questions have ever kept you up at night, then you will love The Soft Landing Blog, one of my favorite places to get the latest information about safer plastics and feeding products for kids. I love their informative articles, as well as their great (and free!) Guide to Feeding Baby Safely.

Now to the fun stuff - The Soft Landing is holding a special giveaway just for Green Mom Finds’ readers in honor of the launch of their newly designed website. We’re giving away $50 of Aladdin lunch gear - everything you’ll need to make a waste-free lunch, including a Lunch & Go Lunchbox, a Lunch & Go Mini Lunchbox, a Lunch & Go Salad Set,  and a Clean & Clever Water Bottle. All products are free of PVC, phthalates and BPA!

Win It! To enter, simply click here to fill out our simple entry form. Just enter “SL58” as the giveaway name and provide the answer to this question: What is the name of one of the articles on The Soft Landing’s home page? U.S. and Canadian residents eligible. Enter by 11/3/08. Contest closed. Congrats, Marilyn W.!

Deal! Receive 10% off purchases at The Soft Landing’s store with code gmf1008. Expires 11/15/08. Plus, free FedEx shipping for orders over $100 (continental 48 states).

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By Cristina, October 27, 2008  
Filed under: BPA-free, Eat, Win

When I was in Italy many years ago, I fell in love with Venetian glass pendants. I had to buy one for everyone I knew! The same thing happened to me recently when I stumbled upon these recycled scrabble pendants from Squishy Sushi. I met the San Francisco-based owner and jewelry designer herself at a local craft fair in California where I promptly purchased the most beautiful pendant which I plan to give away (reluctantly!) as a Christmas gift to my sister-in-law. The pendants remind me of the Venetian glass pendants I loved so much, yet they have a decidedly oriental, rather than Italian, flair. Also, the fact that they are designed and hand-made right here in the U.S.A out of old scrabble pieces and recycled papers and magazines makes them totally eco-friendly and fun too - flip ‘em over and you’ll find the scrabble letter! At only six dollars each, including the coordinated gift box, I’d say these are one of my best finds of the year.

Find It Here: Squishy Sushi

Deal! Receive free shipping on any purchase until 10/31/08. Plus, just for GMF readers, receive a free necklace with purchase - simply mention that you were referred by GMF in the notes to the seller.

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By Cristina, October 25, 2008  
Filed under: Made in USA, Mama, Recycle, Reduce/Reuse, Wear

Have you heard of New Native? They make the most awesome organic cotton baby pouches — in addition to practicing the environmental and social responsibility that we adore at Green Mom Finds! And because we think their products rock, we’re giving away one medium-sized organic cotton baby pouch which will fit a woman who measures 34-39″ above the chest (it can be exchanged if the fit isn’t right), valued at $65. If you can’t take our word for it, check out all the celebs who also love the New Native pouches, which, by the way, are constructed right here in the good old USA by working moms.

Find It Here: New Native

Win It:  Click here to fill out our simple entry form. Just enter “NN2008” as the giveaway name and provide the answer to this question: What else does the New Native online store carry besides their fab baby pouches? U.S. residents eligible. Enter by 11/3/08. Contest closed. Congrats, Heather B.!

PS:  Have you checked out our new blog? Every week, we’ll be bringing you new and informative posts on the topics you care about so be sure to drop by!

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By Izzy, October 23, 2008  
Filed under: Baby, Made in USA, Organic

We love Barefoot Books. Their children’s titles are beautifully illustrated, unique and educational. Even more, we love giving away their children’s books to our wonderful readers! If you want a chance to win THREE of their eco children’s books, then you’re in luck because we are giving away…

• A copy of Whole World Fun Eco Activities
• A copy of Yoga Planet
• A copy of Whole World - Mini Edition

Win It:  Click here to fill out our simple entry form. Just enter “BB33” as the giveaway name and provide the answer to this question: name one other title available from Barefoot Books that looks interesting to you! One winner will be chosen to win all three books. U.S. and Canadian residents eligible. Enter by 10/29/08. Contest closed. Congrats Heather B.!

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By Cristina, October 22, 2008  
Filed under: Read, Win

Who knew something as simple as a list of companies could be so inspiring?  Can a list make that big of difference?  According to Ellis Jones’ incredibly compact, but informative book, The Better World Shopping Guide, a grocery list is not complete without this companion.  Jones’ has combined his 15 years of research and social responsibility to develop a book filled with an easy-to-understand ranking system for common products.  Everything from baby care, beer, and electronics to toys, seafood, and desserts, Jones has assigned a letter grade from A to F.  The letter grade ranks a company’s contribution, good or bad, to five issues: human rights, the environment, animal protection, community involvement, and social justice.  Wow!  That is lot of difference-making happening with our dollars. In the short time I have owned the book, already I find myself becoming a more issue-orientated shopper. For example, Kraft (as in macaroni and cheese) didn’t rank so well and I consider that fact when I’m shopping. Know what else is a good idea?  Voting—every day—with your dollar.  Now THAT is power!

Find It Here: The Better World Shopping Guide

Win It! We’re giving away a copy of The Better World Shopping Guide! Click here to fill out our simple entry form. Just enter “BW10” as the giveaway name and provide the answer to this question: what is one of the product categories in the book? North American residents eligible. Enter by 10/29/08. Contest closed. Congrats, Cathy!

Editor’s Note:  You’ll see in our left sidebar a promotional ad for a special on PBS’ Frontline called Heat: A Global Investigation that will begin airing on October 21. Global warming is an unparalleled threat to all life on planet Earth. We urge you to watch this show if you can!

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By Sarah, October 21, 2008  
Filed under: Read, Win

Calling all Canadian mamas who love their babies and don’t want them exposed to toxins in our environment—Baby Purity is hosting an exciting conference on October 25, 2008 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Tickets are still available but they’re going fast. Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity to hear from experts such as Christopher Gavigan, Executive Director of Healthy Child Healthy World; Dr. Chantelle Mitchell, naturopathic physician; and Lisa Frack, parent activist with the Environmental Working Group. Learn about first foods for your baby, safe household products and good nutrition. Plus, have lunch, meet other like-minded mamas, learn about new products and get some cool (and green, of course) swag to take home. This isn’t the first time I’ve wished I lived in Canada. Heh! Joking. Kinda.

Find It Here: Baby Purity Mother’s Conference

Win It! We’re giving away two tickets to the Baby Purity Mother’s Conference! Click here to fill out our simple entry form. Just enter “BP60” as the giveaway name and tell us why you want to go! Enter by 10/22/08.

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By Cristina, October 19, 2008  
Filed under: Community

If you’re like me, an undomestic goddess of a kingdom comprised mostly of pet hair and assorted baby stuff, any help in biting back the dust is welcome. National Geographic’s Green Guide recently published an article on vacuum cleaners, including product comparisons and buying pointers. I dug that they say vacuums are super-easy to repair but that seldom happens. It could, however, probably save you some money, not to mention please Mother Earth (and who doesn’t like to keep on HER good side?) to try having the vacuum repaired or parts replaced (or do it yourself!) before you donate it to a thrift store, charity, or even “freecycle” it.  But if it’s time for a better vacuum or your household includes an asthma-and-allergies sufferer (like mine), take heart because today’s vacuum cleaning market lends credence to the idea that there’s a sucker born every minute—but this time, it’s in a good way! Some models with HEPA filters (sometimes pricier, sometimes not) even help whisk away and imprison the brain cell-killing chemicals in flame retardants, the hormone-tampering phthalates as well as the carcinogens and pesticides that sneak in from the outside world. I take safeguarding the environment seriously but I can’t resist one final pun—peruse The Green Guide and, for a more comprehensive list of vacuums’ green ratings, Consumer Reports. With these helpers, it’s sure to be a wind-wind situation when you choose your next vacuum cleaner!

Find it Here: The Green Guide

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By Leigh, October 18, 2008  
Filed under: Clean, DIY, Home, Reduce/Reuse, Resources

The Walt Disney Company recognizes the danger of cleaning chemicals for their animals living in their Animal Kingdom, but the same care is not taken in the other parks, hotels and restaurants.  Disney makes millions from their theme parks, and now it is time for them to act for the sake of our childrens health.  The Center for Health, Environment and Justice is waging a campaign to persuade Disney to adopt a Green Cleaning Purchasing Policy and phase out the use of 84 toxic cleaning products.  On October 29, 2008, the National Day of Action, join in a worthy cause by signing a postcard to send to Disney.  Other ways you can act? Host a green cleaning party and join other groups and families calling for a healthier environment for children and Disney employees.  Let’s send the message that safer, greener cleaning is not a fad, but an important issue that needs to be addressed, not just for the animals but for everyone!

Find it Here: The Day of Action

Don’t Forget:  Our awesome $140 Seventh Generation giveaway ends today (Oct 17) Enter now if you haven’t already!

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By Sarah, October 17, 2008  
Filed under: Action Alerts, Clean, Kids

The pitter-patter of little feet just got prettier thanks to a line of children’s shoes designed to be as fun as they are earth-friendly. Made of premium leather remnants, Pedoodles eco-friendly childrens shoes are safety tested to be free of harmful toxins like lead, arsenic and mercury and the soles are made of recycled rubber. Not every style of Pedoodles are groovy green so be sure to look for the ECO-friendly symbol to be sure. And don’t worry - there are lots of different styles to choose from in both their walking line (8 months to 2 years) and their running line (2-4 years). They’re so incredibly cute that the hardest part will be deciding which ones NOT to get!

Find It Here: Pedoodles

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By Cristina, October 16, 2008  
Filed under: Baby, Kids, Preschooler, Recycle, Toddler, Wear

One of my goals this year was to start a compost pile. I was feeling a wee bit guilty thinking about all my kitchen scraps ending up in an airtight plastic bag in a landfill somewhere. Something about biodegradable organic matter not being able to biodegrade is just, well, wrong. And yet, I’ve been doing it for years! *sigh* But his year, after continually hearing how easy it is to compost, I finally got off my duff and decided to do it. There are lots of ways to compost and many of them are very inexpensive. However, I’m a bit lazy and I liked the idea of getting a gadgety thing for my yard that would make composting REALLY easy. Hence, my new found affection for the Tumbleweed Composter. Assembling this composter is really easy. I did it in less than an hour, and that evening I was already composting without any prior experience. Just open the lid, stuff in your garden refuse and kitchen scraps, and then give it a “tumble” or two and your done. It is so wonderfully easy to use - and the best part is that if you tumble it every day or so, you’ll have beautiful compost in just about a month. And don’t forget the added bonus of all that good green karma coming your way!

Find It Here: Clean Air Gardening

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By Cristina, October 15, 2008  
Filed under: Gardening, Home, Reduce/Reuse