5 Eco-Friendly Ideas for the Fall

The temperatures have cooled off. The leaves have started to turn orange and yellow colors. The garden is slowing down a bit. The warm Summer months have ended and we have entered a season of rest. Summer months are usually filled with lots of outside time, family travel, and just more activities in general. When the weather become cooler, we stay inside, we warm up together under a blanket and watch a movie, and we rest during the Winter. Here are some of the eco-friendly ideas we are implementing this Fall.

1. Upgraded Water Filter System

I finally decided to upgrade our old Brita water pitcher filter to a more robust and purifying system like the Berkey water filter system. I also purchased the fluoride and arsenic filters to help us to have the most pure water we can have in our home. I have been wanting this water purifying system for a long time and am so excited to finally have it setup and in use.

I chose the Big Berkey size, which is perfect for our family of 3. This provides enough water for at least one day. I can tell a subtle taste difference in the water between the old Brita water pitcher filter and the Big Berkey water filter system. I'm glad our family finally made this investment in more pure water.

2. Canning More

I have been canning homemade apple butter for a few years. I've canned some other vegetables, like peppers, in the past, but really have not gone outside this comfort zone. This year, after my parents brought me 4.5 boxes of homegrown, organic apples from their back yard, I had to venture out to try new recipes. In addition to the apple butter, I canned sliced apples and apple jam. It was not as hard as I imagined it would be.

As the Summer growing season wraps up and there is an abundance of harvest, I want to try my hand at canning vegetables like tomatoes, green beans, and salsas.

3. Using Our Food Storage Supply

Being prepared for an emergency situation, whether natural or man made, is something that is very important to me. I feel like there have been so many natural disasters this year. It is good to be prepared for those. I try to keep a short term food supply in the deep freezer, regular freezer, pantry and downstairs in the laundry room. Our laundry room has a huge storage closet. I purchased a few heavyweight plastic bins with locking lids to store dry goods. The plastic bins help to protect them from any critters or bugs.

One of the things I have not been as good at is using our short term food storage supply. Therefore, this is on my list for soups, stews, and crockpot meals as I use the beans, grains, and frozen meat.

4. Thrifting

I have been so surprised at the amount of nice and high quality items that I have been able to find at thrift stores. Initially, I got into thrifting because I was not able to find an older style of jeans at one of the popular jeans stores, but I found them at a local Goodwill. I knew the exact style and size that fit me so well. I found that style at thrift stores. Since I started thrifting, I have bought lots of adorable decor items for the home, stuff for the kitchen, and wooden toys for my son. Don't be afraid of the thrift store!

5. Drive Less, Walk More

Even though our neighborhood does not have sidewalks and we do not live in an area that has a lot of shopping and restaurants close to us, we still try to walk as much as possible. There is a little shopping center about one mile away. When I need something from one of the stores there, I will take my 3.5 year old in our BOB jogging stroller and either run or walk there. We also try to combine trips to store that are close so we are not driving from one place to another. Taking a toddler in and out of a car seat multiple times is hard enough! My son is at the age now where he can walk quite a bit and I take advantage of that.

These are 5 eco-friendly ideas that we are implementing for the Fall. Some of them we were doing already, but want to kick it up a notch.

What are some eco-friendly things your family is doing this Fall??
 

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Easy to Carry Sleeping Bag [review]

Sleeping bags can be used for many different purposes, including camping, backpacking, scouts, and survival. Choosing a quality sleeping bag is a must! While it is good to have one heavy duty sleeping bag that will keep you warm in very cold temperatures, for most camping situations, a lightweight sleeping bag is sufficient. EGOZ easy to carry sleeping bag is lightweight and easy to carry.

EGOZ Easy to Carry Sleeping Bag      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest. 

The Good	The Not So Good
Lightweight and compact	Challenging to get back in bag
Warm

Lightweight mummy sleeping bags are popular choices for sleeping bags because they roll up easily, store compactly in a bag, and can be carried along with other necessities when camping or hiking. In an emergency situation, they are lightweight and compact to be carried along with everything else. The EGOZ sleeping bag is compact enough to be kept in my trunk (that is already full with emergency supplies and a stroller).

Though the sleeping bag is only rated for +30F to +40F, that is what makes it lightweight and easy to carry.

One of the downsides, and what I usually have issues with is getting the sleeping bag back in the bag. I folded the sleeping bag in half and rolled it up. It took some maneuvering and the use of my legs to keep it rolled up while I got the bag back on. Not the easiest!

The zipper was easy to pull up and down. When I was in the sleeping bag, I could unzip by just pulling the top part of the sleeping bag off myself. Securing the Velco piece at the top of the zipper prevents the zipper from moving down.

The EGOZ sleeping bag is 180cm long plus 30cm on top and 75cm wide. I'm 5'4 with a slim athletic build. There was plenty of room in the sleeping bag in both length and width. The top is wide enough for a standard size pillow. Though it does not look like it in the photo, the top of the sleeping bag is wider than the bottom (mummy style).

I like the compactness and the size of this easy to carry sleeping bag. The EGOZ mummy sleeping bag is affordable. The size will fit most people and will keep you warm in Spring, Summer, or Fall weather temperatures. 

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Affordable Lightweight Sleeping Bag [review]

Though I'm usually not a rough-it type of girl, I do enjoy being outside in nature. I've done some camping and look toward "camping" in the backyard with my son this summer. A sleeping bag is necessity! Sleeping bags can be used for many different purposes, including camping, backpacking, scouts, and survival. Choosing a quality sleeping bag is a must! EGOZ mummy sleeping bag is lightweight and easy to carry.

EGOZ Mummy Sleeping Bag      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest. 

The Good	The Not So Good
Lightweight and compact	Rated for +30F to +40F
Warm

Lightweight mummy sleeping bags are popular choices for sleeping bags because they roll up easily, store compactly in a bag, and can be carried along with other necessities when camping or hiking. In an emergency situation, they are lightweight and compact to be carried along with everything else. The EGOZ sleeping bag is compact enough to be kept in my trunk (that is already full with emergency supplies and a stroller).

Though the sleeping bag is only rated for +30F to +40F, that is what makes it lightweight and easy to carry.

One of the downsides, and what I usually have issues with is getting the sleeping bag back in the bag. I folded the sleeping bag in half and rolled it up. It took some maneuvering and the use of my legs to keep it rolled up while I got the bag back on. Not the easiest!

The zipper was easy to pull up and down. When I was in the sleeping bag, I could unzip by just pulling the top part of the sleeping bag off myself. Securing the Velco piece at the top of the zipper prevents the zipper from moving down.

The EGOZ sleeping bag is 190cm long plus 30cm on top and 75cm wide. I'm 5'4 with a slim athletic build. There was plenty of room in the sleeping bag in both length and width. The top is wide enough for a standard size pillow. Though it does not look like it in the photo, the top of the sleeping bag is wider than the bottom (mummy style). Here is a photo of my 3 year old son in the sleeping bag.

I like the compactness and the size of this lightweight sleeping bag. The EGOZ mummy sleeping bag is affordable. The size will fit most people and will keep you warm in Spring, Summer, or Fall weather temperatures. 

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Life Tire Gauge [Giveaway]

We travel in a car on a daily basis. Even as a stay at home mom, I usually leave the house 1-2 times per day. I am always thinking - what would happen if my 2.5 year old son and I got stuck someone on the road? Not only do I have to take care of myself, but my son also. For emergency car situations, I try to be prepared. I have a 72-hour kit in the back, plus water and extra clothing. I also like to have tools on hand in case we are stuck inside a car and cannot get out.

Digital Life Tire Gauge is a great tool to have inside your car. It is small enough to fit in the glove box, in the pocket behind a seat, or placed with other tools in the trunk. This 10-in-1 tool have many functions:

• digital tire gauge,
• window hammer,
• seat belt cutter,
• LED flashlight
• screwdriver, and
• several tools like a serrated knife, scissors, etc.

Enter below for a chance to win a Life Tire Gauge.

Please use the Giveaway Tools entry form. Open to US only. All entries will be verified. Duplicate, incomplete and invalid entries will be deleted. 

Giveaway

Life Tire Gauge ($49 RV)

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are honest and are my own. All Natural Katie is not responsible for companies/sponsors who fail to ship the prize.

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Valley Food Storage Meals [Review]

While eco-friendly living is focused on reducing your negative impact on the environment, it also includes practices to prepare for emergency situations. I have been working on balancing creating a short term food storage without over-purchasing and wasting food that will not be eaten. Valley Food Storage offers 25 year shelf life meals with natural ingredients.

Valley Food Storage Chicken a La King      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Natural ingredients (preservative-free)	Contains soy
25 year shelf life (mylar bag, resealable)
Just add water
Made in the USA

Valley Food Storage meals come hand sealed in a Nitrogen flushed Mylar Pouch. The pouch is resealable (like a Ziploc bag). The packet sits upright easily, or can be laid down for storage.

Each packet meal makes 5 servings. If you are just a family of 2, then the resealable mylar pouch is very convenient if you only need to make 2 servings. In an emergency situations, you might not be able to store leftovers, so preparing only the food that you will be able to eat is important.

Valley Food Storage meals contain natural ingredients. No MSG, Trans Fat, Hydrogenated Oils, or GMO ingredients. I would like to see the company become non-GMO verified and be able to list that on their packaging since the package does state that soy is an ingredient.

I really like the simple ingredients list. I can recognize the ingredients and know what they are. That is very important to me and very important to provide the most nutrition in an emergency situation.

Preparation: Preparation is easy - just add water! Bring 5 and 1/2 cups of water to a boil and whisk in the contents of the package. Simmer for 10-12 minutes to rehydrate the ingredients. Remove from heat and let stand for 5-7 minutes. That is very easy preparation and would be easy to do in an emergency situation.

My Thoughts: The meal was really easy to prepare. For long term food storage, the meal is packaged well and will last a very long time. In an emergency situation, you would just need a way to heat water and a pot. The taste of the meal was better than expected! I have never tried a food storage meal before and always assumed that it would taste "food storagey." However, I was pleasantly surprised. I like the affordability of getting 5 servings that will last for 25 years! Even for a non-food storage meal, $11.95 for 5 servings is a great price. The texture of Chicken a la King was more like a thick stew, so I added in some chopped cooked chicken. You could also add in shredded chicken or frozen vegetables to cook with the meal. I really like the versatility of the meals!

Valley Food Storage offers a variety of meals and supplies for food storage, emergency preparedness and camping. The variety of delicious meals for break, lunch, dinner, and sides is impressive.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own and are honest.

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Ultra BRIGHT LED Headlamp [GIVEAWAY]

A headlamp is useful in so many situations. From fixing things around the house to emergency situations, an LED headlamp is a invaluable tool for hands-free lighting.

Enter below for a chance to win an Ultra Bright LED Headlamp from Divine LEDs.

Please use the Giveaway Tools entry form. Open to US only. All entries will be verified. Duplicate, incomplete and invalid entries will be deleted. 

Giveaway

Divine LED Ultra Bright Headlamp ($28 ARV)

Entry-Form

Disclosure: The winner will be chosen the following day and announced on All Natural Katie. No purchase necessary. US entries only. Must be 18 years or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to this blog and not to Facebook. All Natural Katie is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. I will make every effort to assist you in obtaining the prize. 

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LED Headlamp For Handsfree Lighting [Review]

One of my goals for 2015 is to build emergency preparedness supplies and a short term food storage. Although we live in the part of the country that does not experience too many natural disaster, we never know what will happen. Weather patterns change. Electricity can go out at any point in time. Or maybe we just need to have some basic tools on hand. Flashlights are great for providing portable hand-held electric light, but sometimes you need hands-free lighting. Aennon multi-function LED headlamp is perfect for everyday practical purposes and also provides safety and security hands-free!

Multi-Function LED Headlamp       
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
4 light modes, including red LED light
Portable and lightweight
Headlamp body tilts

Aennon multi-function LED headlamp is a necessary tool for any tool kit and emergency kit. At such as affordable price ($17.95), the ability to use it for so many different purposes is well worth the investment. The headlamp can be used indoors and outdoors. It has a strap that wraps around the head and one that goes over the top of the head for a secure fit; no bobbing around. The headband is easy to adjust. The headlamp has one button on it to control the 4 light modes (2 LED, 4 LED, 8 LED, 2 Red LED) and tilts 90 degrees to adjust where the light shines.

I love that the headlamp has so many different uses, from using while doing house maintenance and projects, to running/walking outside in the dark, to emergency. I also really like the ability to turn on how many lights you really need. If I want to check on my sleeping toddler, I can use 2 LEDs or the Red LED.

Usage: I used the head lamp while cleaning out a deep, dark laundry room closet. Since the shelves are very deep, I needed more light to see what boxes and items were in the back. I adjusted the headlamp to fit my head and went about my cleaning. I used the full 8 LED lights and found the brightness to be plenty for what I needed to see.

Results: The headlamp fit snug around my head. I like that the lamp itself is mostly in the front so that I avoid hitting it on the shelf as I reach toward the back of the shelf. I had no issues with the head lamp bobbing around. Less LEDs would have completely sufficed for seeing in the back of the dark closet.

The hands-free head lamp can also be used during exercise, like running or biking in the dark. While I could see myself using the head lamp if I took a bike ride in the dark, I probably would not use it while running. The fit of the straps can be tightened, but I fear that the lamp would start to shift during the repetitive up and down motion. I did find that while walking around the house, the head lamp stayed on without budgeting.

Aennon hands-free LED headlamp is a great addition to your toolbox or emergency kit. It's lightweight and compact. I would recommend this product.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Baby Car Emergency Kit

I am currently working on my own emergency preparedness project, which follows the Food Storage Do-Over 2015 (it's not just about food!). I have had a car kit in my car for a few years, but need to update it with a baby car emergency kit for my toddler. Whether you are preparing to be stuck in a blizzard somewhere, or at the grocery store with no extra diapers, having some key baby items in your car can be a lifesaver.

Below is the list that I created from several lists that I came across online, as well as my own additions for what I feel is necessary. Evaluate the age of your child and their needs first. Then, decide what items you feel you would need to have with you in case you were stuck somewhere for longer than expected. There could be items that you would need that are not on the list below.

The car emergency list begins with items that are more specific for babies. This list can also be used for a toddler car emergency kit.

Baby Car Emergency Kit

• Instant formula – one that doesn't require water, track expiration dates and rotate frequently 
• 5 small formula bottles – fill with purified water to provide extra drinking water in kit or use for formula making
• Refrigerated bottle bag – if can warm up/cool down formula/breast milk to keep at that temperature for around 4 hours 
• Pacifiers – 2, great for comforting stressed babies
• Baby food – jarred or packet 
• Diapers – include about 20 disposables, 3 cloth diapers
• Diaper rash cream
• Wipes – full package if space allows or travel package
• Washcloths – 2
• Blanket
• Small comfort toy(s) – usable substitute for favorite item or grab favorite when heading out
• Clothes – include weather appropriate, swap out clothes and put next size up
• Shirts
• Pants
• Sweaters
• Socks
• Sturdy shoes (in case need to walk)
• Underwear (if potty trained)
• Pajamas
• Warmer winter clothes, if season appropriate
• Ziplock bags – can be used to store used diapers or anything else dirty
• Bulb nose syringe and saline – saline loosens mucous and syringe suck out of ears/nose/mouth/etc.
• Infant Tylenol/Motrin 

I also threw in some other items as space allowed:

• Games – age appropriate
• Glow sticks
• Natural laundry detergent that can be used for hand washing
• Shelf stable snack items
• Water

I stored most of the items in gallon sized Ziplock bags and added written labels of content (this way the bag can be reused and contents list can be updated). The Ziplock bags can be used to store dirty diapers or anything else dirty.
  

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Proper Alkaline Battery Disposal [#CTWW]

Somehow, Small Footprints' Change the World Wednesday challenges always come at just the right time. Either I recently accomplish a small green milestone or I am currently struggling with a change. Last week, I decided to update the car emergency kits. I came upon some batteries and decided to do a battery inventory. The battery drawer had some loose batteries. After my husband said that those batteries are mostly dead, I was about to throw them into the trash. Until a little voice inside my head reminded me that I once read about not throwing batteries into the trashcan. Indeed, a quick search revealed that alkaline batteries (the ones I have on hand) are indeed toxic. Alkaline batteries should NOT be thrown into the trash. Alkaline batteries should be disposed of properly, at a location that accepts them.

This week's challenge:

If you are not using rechargeable batteries, please make plans to buy them when you next need batteries. As you replace single-use versions, be sure to recycle them rather than toss them into the trash bin.

OR ...

If you have already made the switch to rechargeable batteries, please find one single-use item in your home and replace it with a reusable version.

As mentioned in Reduce Footprints challenge post, 3 billion single use batteries are sold each year! Most of these batteries end up being thrown out with trash. Batteries degrade over time and leak toxic chemicals into the landfill. These toxic chemicals end up in the water and in the soil. 

After realizing this fact, I looked up recycling facilities for alkaline batteries. We live in a big city, so I hoped for several companies accepting alkaline batteries. Results: one company. Best Buy does have a recycling program, but they do not take alkaline batteries. I emailed the company for a quote for 2 pounds of batteries. Since I had such a small amount, they proposed that if I like their Facebook page and/or write a review, I can drop them off for free. Now, I am wondering if I should save up batteries and do a big disposal once per year. I do not mind paying for the alkaline batteries to be disposed of properly. 

Our battery usage is fairly small. I do not purchase battery operated toys for my son. Any battery-operated toys that are gifted are either exchange, used until batteries run out or are used without batteries. The majority of battery usage is for television remotes, flashlights (seldom used) and for emergency purposes. I do not watch television during the day. Our total television usage is less than 10 hours per week and is mostly watched by my husband when he is home. The remote batteries last for a long time. Either way, we are using batteries and we can be greener about it, especially since they need to be disposed of properly.

After my research and reflection on battery usage in our house, I told myself that I must look into rechargeable batteries. While we do have a few of them already, we are not using them. Last year, I purchased 2 AA USB rechargeable batteries to add to the emergency kit. Though rechargeable batteries are an investment, they have come down in price over the years and they will save me money in the long run. Next shopping trip, purchase rechargeable batteries!

>> Do you use any rechargeable batteries are home?? How??
  

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Ark Survival Seeds: Heirloom Non-GMO Seeds [Review]

This past weekend, my husband and toddler sat on the grass while I harvested vegetables from the garden. My husband helped me find the peppers hiding underneath the leaves, the tomatoes on the volunteer vines that are starting to take over and the sugar snap that are starting to brown in the heat of the summer. The 16 month old toddler walked around and tried to pick a small jalapeno pepper he has had his eye on for one week. Gardening has become one of my passions and my hobbies. I love the ability to grow my own food. I love being able to go into the yard and pick out a ripe pepper, sugar snap pea or tomato to eat on the spot. Though I do buy seedlings and starter plants at the store, I prefer to sow seeds directly in the ground or start seeds indoors in the winter. I focus on organic and heirloom seeds when available. Ark Survival Seeds are 100% non-GMO, non-hybrid, heirloom, chemical-free produce seeds that are perfect for the average American home garden or storing for self-reliance needs.

Ark Survival Seeds    

   ($24.95, purchase on Amazon)
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Heirloom, non-hybrid
Non-GMO
Chemical-free
Extended life breathable paper storage

One of the first things I noticed is that the packaging is made from paper. Paper storage for seeds is preferred because it is breathable and prevents moisture from accumulating. Ark Survival Seeds are stored in individual paper packets within the larger resealable paper bag. I store seeds that I will use in the near future in the fridge and seeds that I store for self-reliance needs in the freezer (they will keep longer this way).

Since the growing season is already under way, sowing the seeds would not have been prudent. I do plan on sowing the cold weather crop seeds in a few weeks. These include: radishes, beets and lettuce. I will sow the Ark Survival Seeds directly in the ground, following the instructions that are indicated on each seed packet.

I love the variety of vegetables that I can grow with Ark Survival Seeds. If my family had to grow our own produce (without the option of going to the grocery store), Ark Survival Seeds offer a great variety that will keep us satisfied and also offer options for canning and saving seeds. I would feel confident to save the seeds are they are non-GMO, non-hybrid and GMO. The open pollination keeps the seeds true to the original ones and offers us the best option for high quality vegetables.

I plan on starting some of the seeds indoors during the winter months and then transplanting to the garden. I will also add some of the seed packets to my long-term self-reliance storage. Ark Survival Seeds are an affordable and high quality option for growing your own food or adding to your long-term food storage. The sampler pack is perfect for the beginner gardener or a master gardener.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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