Bloggers
Lead Blogger
Kristi Cooper - a Family Life Specialist with Iowa State University Extension; Certified Nature Explore Trainer; Advanced Mind Body Medicine Facilitator; Master Trainer for Powerful Tools for Caregivers
I’m a student of permaculture, wife and parent of 2 adult children, caregiver of a parent with dementia. I have a worm compost bin in my office, cloth shopping bags in my car and a peanut butter jar in the tank of my toilet. I’m the first to admit, I’m no expert in the environment or even in families for that matter, but I have a personal commitment to live lighter and healthier on this earth and I am always seeking new ways to do that within the context of my family and community. I believe that we gather the best information we have at the time and apply it to our life. I will find the experts and research information wherever I can and hope you will do the same!
Let’s create this eco-family weblog together. I look forward to hearing your questions and solutions!
Kristi has contributed to numerous curricula, publications and websites over the years in the topics of stress management, parenting education and healthy relationships. Kristi’s expertise enhances her work with parents, early childhood educators, work place employees, community leaders and health professionals. She has facilitated learning experiences with children, youth and families for 30 years.
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Guest Bloggers
Brenda Schmitt, Janet Smith, Anthony Santiago, Rebecca Christofel, Andy Larsen
How exciting to see this up and running! I look forward to your next entry!
One of my TV’s recently went on the blink–the big heavy one—thought about replacing with a lightweight flat screen. Then while moving my daughter to ISU this fall found out hotel in Ames was upgrading TV’s to flat screens and selling old models (only a few years old) for $25. I stopped by and came home with a 27″ Sony TV for $25–bought a $10 remote and I’m good to go. I had a friend take the old TV to the landfill where he works (yikes–maybe we need some ideas for disposing of old TVs that don’t work).
Wow, Mary Beth – what a find! and a way to extend the use of the televisions! I too have twinges of guilt when something needs to go. Some landfills are now recycling appliances and electronics that come through. Ask if yours does!
Kristi,
The garden catalogs have began to appear in my mailbox and this 50+ degree weather has me dreaming of what I will plant this year. I would like to try growing and drying my own mint tea. Any suggestions as to which variety works best?
Brenda, I would suggest tallking to the Master Gardeners in your area to see what they recommend for herb varieties. Or you can call the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Hortline at 515 294-3108. I have friends who have planted “tea” gardens with the express purpose of using fresh and dried herbs for homemade tea blends. Herbs have medicinal qualities and are the inspiration for our modern medicine – study up on the ones that interest you. Have fun experimenting with this!
Kristi