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A few weeks ago, I stumbled on a review of Jessica Purdy's new book, Conscious Kids, at Progressive Pioneer. I have to admit that the main reason I was drawn to the book was the title. After blogging as The Conscious Shopper for almost a year and a half, I feel an irrational ownership of the word conscious, so when I see someone else use it - especially in the title of their book - my first thought is, 'Are they doing justice to my word?'

I'm happy to report that Jessica's use of conscious was just right. She begins the book by defining a 'conscious kid' as one who is aware, compassionate, kind, generous, and proactive. From there, she has tons of ideas for fostering those traits in your kids, from holiday and birthday celebrations to community and environmental involvement.

Read more...

• Save your leaves. Use the leaves to mulch your garden or lawn.
  

• Compost. Use a traditional composting system, or start a worm bin. Or participate in your city's composting collection if you're really lucky.
  

• Install a composting toilet. I almost didn't include composting toilets as an option because they are definitely in the so-extreme-not-many-people-are-going-to-do-it category, but my husband said I should throw it out there just to spread awareness. If you want my opinion on the subject...I think the homemade bucket toilets are naaaasty, but I think this kind of composting toilet is a very cool idea if the price would come down. Anyone use a composting toilet and want to weigh in?

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• Make Your Own: Worm Bin
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