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![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/news/5-face-mask-recipes-for-healthy-skin.html&media=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/custom/image_files/photo_2356.jpg&description=<p>Facial masks are a real treat, and are very easy to make from everyday ingredients. Here are five DIY facial masks that contain only natural products, and will leave your skin feeling great.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #99cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What an egg</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Most of us have eggs and yoghurt in the fridge, so why not use them to treat your skin? Two egg whites mixed with two tablespoons of natural yoghurt will create a face mask that will leave your skin soft and smooth. Just mix the two together, and leave on your skin for a few minutes. Rinse your face in tepid water, and follow up with a nice, organic moisturiser.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #99cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Strawberry delight</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Strawberries contain a compound (salicylic acid) that is known to fight acne; and this face mask is ideal for a summer spruce up. Just mix ¼ cup of mashed strawberries with the same quantity of plain yoghurt, and leave on the face for 10-15 minutes. You may want to make extra for to eat while you wait! After application, just rinse off with warm water.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #99cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Keep it green</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Avocados are a delectable treat; they are also great for your skin. Packed with good oils, this remedy is ideal for those with dry, damaged skin. Mash half a ripe avocado into a creamy mixture, then add ¼ cup of honey. Spread over your skin and leave for around ten minutes. The mixture can then be removed with a flannel soaked in cool water.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #99cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Simply soothing</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cold, windy weather can badly damage your skin, so here’s a simple treatment that can help sooth it. Mix a cup of natural yoghurt with 1/2 cup of oatmeal, apply to the skin, and leave for 10-15 minutes. Remove mixture with a flannel washed in warm water, and finish the treatment with an application of aloe vera.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #99cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Down to earth</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Clay is well-known for its skin healing properties, and this decadent face is ideal for problem skin. Green clay (which is available from health stores) is used here, coupled with one teaspoon of honey, water and a drop of essential oil (your choice). Mix two parts water to one part clay, then mix in honey and essential oil. Apply the mask and leave for 115 minutes, before removing with a warm flannel. Complete the treatment with a nice moisturiser.</p> "Pin It")
May 10, 2012 By Joanna Mathers in Articles
5 DIY facial masks that contain only natural products, and will leave your skin feeling great.
</em>, which later went on to become a film.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Laws of Attraction are all about energy. Everyone is using the Laws of Attraction in some way or another. They just may not be aware of it. Positive people tend to attract more positive events and people into their lives, while negativity can breed further negativity.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Recently, I attended a sports event, where I met another person wearing the same branded sports top as me. We initially struck up conversation about the clothing brand, but then found we had one thing after another in common. The synchronicities were incredible. After spending half an hour together, we swapped details. I was invited to attend a complimentary fitness class and we agreed to try and meet up for a run. All this stemmed from our wearing the same branded tops! This was the Law of Attraction in action.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There is often a “follow the herd” mentality in life. However, in being true to yourself, knowing what you like, and what is important to you, you will attract people with similar interests and values into your life. Think of confidence as the tailwind guiding you to your destiny!</p> "Pin It")
May 09, 2012 By Andrea Bruce - Energy Fitness & Wellness Education in Articles
The Law of Attraction states that "like attracts like". Learn to become aware of and utilize, the Law of Attraction in your life.
April 26, 2012 in Articles
Helpful information about beetroots including nutritional benefits, how to use beetroot and tasty beetroot recipes.
April 26, 2012 in Articles
Tips on how to use safe cleaning products in your home plus how to make your own natural cleaning products.
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/news/3-homemade-mothers-day-gifts-ideas.html&media=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/custom/image_files/photo_2301.jpg&description=<p>The first Sunday of May is Mothers Day in New Zealand. Although Mother's Day is celebrated at different times around the globe, the second Sunday in May has become the traditional day for New Zealanders to make their mothers feel special.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>With a little thought about the kind of gifts your mum really loves, whether it's handmade chocolates, (see our recipe blog for Easy <a href="http://easygreenliving.co.nz/news/easy-easter-chocolate-truffles.html" target="_blank">Organic Chocolate Truffles</a>) or a bath of rose scented water that she can step into, to step out of the cares of the day, read below for some lovely ideas to delight her.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>These gifts ideas are not readily purchased across the counter. She'll know that you've put your heart and soul into them and they will mean so much more.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #99cc00;"><strong>1. Rose Sugar Body Polish</strong></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>3 cups of sugar</li>
<li>½ cup carrier oil, almond oil is best as it's more refined</li>
<li>10 drops Vitamin E</li>
<li>10 drops of Rose Essential oil.<strong> (</strong>Here you can use the essential oil of your choice. This will be the over-riding fragrance of your body polish, so choose the scent that you know your mum loves.)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">Method</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>Thoroughly combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir to thoroughly mix. </li>
<li>Decant into a glass jar, preferably one with an airtight resealable lid such as a mason jar. </li>
<li>Decorate with ribbon and your own label, hand decorated and written with a special message just for your mum.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>Essential oils do not have to be expensive. Oils can be purchased online or even better, from a store close to you. The beauty of them is that you need very little to make your lotions and potions. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>To accompany the body polish, you could also give your mum a gift of handmade bath salts with the same fragrance. <strong> </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #99cc00;"><strong>2. Rose Oil Bath Salts</strong></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>3 cups of Epsom salt</li>
<li>5 – 7 drops of rose essential oil</li>
<li>1 tsp glycerine (this ingredient is the skin softening part but is optional)</li>
<li>1 gallon Ziploc bag</li>
<li>8oz mason jars</li>
<li>Heavy duty glue</li>
<li>Scrap card or paper</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Pack of tiny wooden spoons with the handles shortened so that they can be attached to the jars with a ribbon.</li>
<li>Ribbon</li>
</ul>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">Method:</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>Pour the Epsom salts into the Ziploc bag and add the 5 – 10 drops of essential oil. Add one by one until the fragrance is the one you're looking for. </li>
<li>Add the glycerine if using. </li>
<li>Zip the bag and shake well. </li>
<li>Open the bag and allow to dry for one day or so. </li>
<li>Pour into the jar and decorate with matching ribbon and decorated label. This will match the body polish perfectly, but don't forget, you can choose the fragrance.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>For something a little more exotic try this gorgeous Coconut and Sea Salt Body Scrub!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #99cc00;"><strong>3. Coconut and Sea Salt Body Scrub</strong></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>1 cup sea salt</li>
<li>1 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil to fragrance the scrub</li>
<li>4 tablespoons coconut milk</li>
</ul>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">Method:</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>Mix the sea salt and the coconut oil together in a large bowl.</li>
<li>Add the coconut milk by the spoon to achieve desired consistency. More can be added if needed.</li>
<li>Mix well and decant into madison jars. </li>
<li>Decorate as before.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>The kids will love making these gifts for you and perhaps for Grandma as well! If you're a mum or you're making gifts for your mum,<strong> Easy Green Living</strong> would like to wish you...and your mum... a wonderful Mother's Day. Enjoy!</p> "Pin It")
April 26, 2012 in Articles
3 homemade Mothers Day gift ideas - Rose Sugar Body Polish, Rose Oil Bath Salts and Coconut and Sea Salt Body Scrub
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/news/the-benefits-of-vitamin-d.html&media=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/custom/image_files/photo_2269.jpg&description=<p> </p>
<p>Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin” is absorbed into our body when we spend time in the sun. The sun needs to shine on our bare skin for Vitamin D to be absorbed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #99cc00;">Vitamin D is important for good bone health</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Insufficient Vitamin D can result in weak or softened bones. In children, a lack of Vitamin D can result in rickets, which causes softening of the bones. In recent years, there have been increased cases of childhood rickets in New Zealand. This has been blamed on changing lifestyles where children are spending more time indoors, on computers and play stations or watching tv, instead of being outdoors in the sunlight. Some health professionals are now calling for Vitamin D to be added to milk in New Zealand because of the growing number of cases of rickets, in this generation’s children. In adults, a lack of Vitamin D, can result in Osteoporosis.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #99cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The link between Vitamin D and mood</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>A lack of Vitamin D intake can also result in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is most commonly experienced in areas with cold climates, where people tend to spend less time outside. SAD , also known as the “winter blues”, was first named in the USA in the early 1980s. It can cause feelings of lethargy, low energy, insomnia, social withdrawal and overeating.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you suspect you may be low in Vitamin D, make an appointment to see your doctor and ask for a blood test to have your Vitamin D levels tested. If you are low in Vitamin D, your Doctor may recommend a Vitamin D supplement to boost your levels. Opt for a high quality pharmaceutical grade Vitamin.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In New Zealand there is a strong awareness of the skin cancer risks associated with spending time in the sun. So, how much time do we need to spend in the sun to ensure adequate Vitamin D intake? The answer to this will depend on how dark your skin is, where you live, and what time of the year it is (which determines the sun’s strength.)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The New Zealand Cancer Society states from its research “that people were more likely to have a Vitamin D deficiency from August to October, particularly if they live south of Nelson-Marlborough in the South Island” and that people with naturally very dark skin were identified as a main group at risk of Vitamin D deficiency. *</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is clear that there is a fine balance in managing sun exposure versus sun safety. Speak to your doctor about how much time in the sun is right for you, to ensure sufficient Vitamin D intake.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">* Cancer Society Media Release 14 February 2012</span></p>
<p> </p> "Pin It")
April 25, 2012 By Andrea Bruce in Articles
Are you getting enough Vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin"? Vitamin D is important for good bone health and is also linked to mood.
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/news/how-to-make-a-cake-stand.html&media=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/custom/image_files/photo_2338.jpg&description=<p>The tea party is back in fashion. The days when we would sit with friends, pouring tea from a china teapot and drinking it from china cups have returned. And along with them, cake stands. As long as you have three pre-loved plates, either ones that have been languishing in the cupboard and never used, or perhaps some old fashioned vintage plates that you found in a local market or charity shop, these can be turned into a stylish cake stand. Here's how to make a cake stand:~</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #99cc00;">You'll need:</span></span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>3 plates of your choice in varying sizes</li>
<li>A cake stand support (you can purchase one of these easily and cheaply from a hardware store)</li>
<li>Electric drill and ceramic drill bit</li>
<li>Tape measure</li>
<li>Masking tape</li>
<li>Felt pen</li>
<li>Cutting board</li>
</ul>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #99cc00;"><span style="font-size: small;">Method:</span></span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>Your plates should be of varying sizes and to get an overall effect, in colours that match your décor.</li>
<li>Make sure you use a proper cutting board. You don't want to drill through your best table. You can use a roll of masking tape to stand each plate on while drilling.</li>
<li>Take a small strip of masking tape and place it across the centre of your plate. As long as it's fairly in the middle it doesn't have to be too precise at this stage.</li>
<li>Now find the true centre with your tape measure by measuring the diameter. This is the measurement across the centre of the plate from one edge to another. Half the diameter is the radius and it's this halfway mark that should be the centre. Mark with a pencil. Measure a number of times across the plates to get the true centre of each one. Accuracy here will ensure that your stand looks symmetrical. Mark a dot on the centre with your felt tip pen on the masking tape.</li>
<li>Attach a 5.0mL ceramic/tile bit. This is designed for drilling ceramics and glass without cracking or breaking the item. Use in a variable speed power drill, on slow.</li>
<li>Drill the hole gently with a light touch and a slow speed. Patience is important here. Use a little turpentine or white spirit if necessary to keep the tip and plate cool. (Plates can get hot when drilling so be careful when handling).</li>
<li><strong> </strong> Attach the support fitting. Some come with plastic washers. If yours doesn't ask at your hardware store. They are very inexpensive and stop the metal supports from rubbing against the plate. The washers should be attached to the threads on the support before being attached to the plate. Attach one above and underneath the top plate, one above and underneath the middle plate and one on the top of the biggest plate to prevent wear and damage.</li>
<li>Your cake stand is now complete. All you have to do now is make the cakes to sit on it!</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>See Easy Green Living <a href="http://easygreenliving.co.nz/news/guide/recipes/baking-recipes" target="_blank">cake recipes</a> for ideas.</p> "Pin It")
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/news/6-winter-vegetable-garden-ideas.html&media=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/custom/image_files/photo_2256.jpg&description=<p>Want a <strong>winter vegetable garden</strong>? Here are some ideas for what will grow best over the cold months.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #99cc00;">Purple reign</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The rich, purple flesh of delicious <strong>beetroot</strong> is packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that will keep you healthy over the winter months. You can plant seedlings of beetroot in your garden now, for crops in May and June. They need to be well watered, and the seedlings need to be thinned as the seedball has several seeds.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #99cc00;">Sweet pea</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>There’s nothing yummier than fresh <strong>peas</strong> picked straight from the garden, and these green delights can be sewn in the garden now. They can be harvested in around two months, and will need to be supported by posts so they can grow nice and tall. Pick the pods while they are still young, and use the peas in tasty winter salads.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #99cc00;">Touch of spice</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Radishes</strong> aren’t given the attention they deserve in New Zealand, but they are easy to grow, spicy and tasty in salads. You can plant them all year round, and they are ready to harvest is around 6 weeks. Pop some seeds in a designated patch and watch them shoot up over the next few weeks.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Want a winter vegetable garden? Here are some ideas for what will grow best over the cold months.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #99cc00;">Bean supreme</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Another wonderful winter vegetable is the <strong>broad bean</strong>. Extremely tasty steamed or boiled they will attract bumblebees to your garden, which pollinate them. They are ready to harvest in around 3-4 months, and may need posts to help support them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #99cc00;">Satisfying shallots</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Milder and sweeter than onions, <strong>shallots</strong> are commonly used in French cooking. They can used instead of onions, and are very simple to grow. They grow from bulbs, and take between 2-3 months to grow to maturity. They can also be pickled.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #99cc00;">Flower power</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Cauliflower</strong> can be planted in April for harvesting from July to September. They love the cold, and thrive in more southern regions, but may not be suitable for temperate climates. Their culinary uses are wide and varied – use raw in salads, cover them with batter and deep fry for a treat, serve them with cheese sauce, or mash them as a low calorie alternative to potatoes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>See <a href="http://easygreenliving.co.nz/news/guide/recipes" target="_blank">Easy Green Living recipes</a> for ideas on how to use your winter crops.</p> "Pin It")
April 17, 2012 By Joanna Mathers in Articles
Want a winter vegetable garden? Here are some ideas for what will grow best over the cold months.
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/news/how-to-achieve-balance-and-harmony-in-life.html&media=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/custom/image_files/photo_2258.jpg&description=<p>We all know that it is a good idea to lead a balanced life, but how exactly do you achieve this?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Try drawing a square and sectioning it off into nine smaller subsquares. Enter each area of your life into a box. The simple process of doing this, will make you think about how you spend most of your time. For example:</p>
<p> </p>
<table style="border=" border="0" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="5">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="101" align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#99CC00">
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ffffff;">Exercise/</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ffffff;">Sports</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
</td>
<td width="105" align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#99CC00">
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Friends</span></strong></span></span></p>
</td>
<td width="99" align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#99CC00">
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ffffff;">Work</span></span></strong></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="101" align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#99CC00">
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Husband /</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Partner</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
</td>
<td width="105" align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#99CC00">
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Time Alone</span></strong></span></span></p>
</td>
<td width="99" align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#99CC00">
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Children</span></strong></span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="101" align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#99CC00">
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Hobbies</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
</td>
<td width="105" align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#99CC00">
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Clubs</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
</td>
<td width="99" align="center" valign="top" bgcolor="#99CC00">
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="color: #ffffff;">Extended</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="color: #ffffff;">Family</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #99cc00;">How easy was it for you to complete all nine squares? </span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Balance in life is all about how we spend our time. Think about any interests you have that you would like to explore, and take action. Join a club, call a friend, go for a walk.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Leading a balanced life, will make you a more interesting person, and you may find that you slowly start to sense greater fulfillment and satisfaction in your life. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>How we spend our time, is a reflection of our priorities in life and what is important to us as an individual. It is different for every person. A balanced life is achieved through good time management and the setting of boundaries to protect your time. View your time as an asset, that you are in control of.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When our life is in balance, we tend to have a stronger immune system, get sick less often, and have a greater sense of wellbeing. It is very easy to lose balance as various day-to-day events take place around us, and demands are placed upon us. However, once we have experienced and achieved balance, it is easier to find again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There is a lovely children’s book, which is great for all ages, called <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.paperplus.co.nz/book/Cork-on-the-Ocean?i=9781869419684" target="_blank">Cork On The Ocean</a>. It hints at the need for people to achieve balance in life. Written by New Zealand Author, Mark Sommerset, and illustrated by his wife, Rowan Sommerset, the book is a delightful metaphor for life. Purchase a copy for yourself and/or read it to your children! </p>
<p> </p> "Pin It")
April 17, 2012 By Energy Fitness and Wellness Education Ltd in Articles
How we spend our time is a reflection of our priorities. Think of your time as an asset........
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/news/how-to-design-a-green-playroom-for-your-kids.html&media=http://easygreenliving.co.nz/custom/image_files/photo_2247.jpg&description=<p>As a parent, one of your top priorities is the safety of your children. Providing them with a clean and healthy place to play is essential and although the backyard works well, designing a green playroom is a wonderful idea. Not only will your kids have a natural and ecofriendly place to spend their time indoors, they'll also grow up with acceptance and appreciation of a green lifestyle.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #99cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Green playroom design elements</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Kids spend most of their time on the floor, so starting there makes sense. Opt for a environmentally friendly flooring such as cork (a durable and sustainable timber), bamboo or even reclaimed wood. If you’re concerned about softness, check out natural fiber carpets or organic wool rugs. Remember to choose something that cleans easily as messes are a given, even in a green playroom.</p>
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<p>Wall coverings are another element that needs to be low maintenance and durable. Paint is probably the easiest to apply, although many on the market are toxic, unhealthy and dangerous. Use products with low or no VOCs or paint made from natural materials like the products sold from Bio Paints, a New Zealand-based company with a green goal in mind.</p>
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<p>To cut your energy usage, include lots of windows in your green playroom design for natural light. Keep those windows well shaded in the hot weather and open when the sun is shining to manage your heating and cooling naturally. Install compact fluorescent light bulbs wherever you can for better energy consumption.</p>
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<p><span style="color: #99cc00;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Filling Up Your Green Playroom</span></span></p>
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<p>While the design elements provide plenty of opportunities to be green in your playroom, the real chance to practice eco friendliness is in the stuff that fills it up. From furniture to toys and décor, there are so many chances to live (and play) a little greener.</p>
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<p>For kid-friendly furniture that can take the bumps and scratches bound to happen in the playroom, look at a local thrift or secondhand shop. Grab a craft table that’s sturdy and solid with a large flat surface perfect for sharing. Chairs can be stackable for easy storage and simple enough to be used in other areas of the house. Look for old dressers or chests that can double as organisation stations and consider a used hammock hung in one corner for a cozy spot to read.</p>
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<p>Other used items are ideal for the playroom. Dad’s old work clothes are excellent for dress up or to use as handy paint smocks. Old socks and towels can be stuffed and made into comfy pillows. And used book stores are a treasure trove of volumes to help you build a kid-friendly library.</p>
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<p>Don’t forget to shop for used toys and to pass on your child’s toys as they grow out of them. What is junk or “baby-ish” to your little one may be exactly what another child is looking for. Swap with family and friends, watch the <a href="http://easygreenliving.co.nz/community-ads/" target="_blank">local classified</a> or shop garage sales. You’ll find unique, durable and sometimes rare toys that your kids will love.</p>
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<p>Create a true haven for play with a green playroom. From the floor to the paint and all the furnishings, your children will have a cleaner, healthier and more natural play time.</p> "Pin It")
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