Hello, Eco Friends! 🌿 The weekend is here, and I couldn’t be more excited to slow down, make homemade pizza, and cozy up with a movie. Spring is just around the corner, and I’m already dreaming of sunshine, garden-fresh greens, and eco-friendly outdoor adventures. But for now, it’s still a bit chilly—so we’re embracing the indoor vibes!
Eben is home this week for spring break! 🎉 He’s been busy doing observation hours for his Master’s degree, so we’ve only been catching up over dinner. Tonight, we’re taking it slow with homemade pizzas in our Gozney. I surprised Jayson with it as a holiday gift when we moved to the Banner Elk mountains, and let me tell you—it was so worth it! Living in the mountains means going out for dinner is a trek, and since we love pizza, bread, pretzels (you get it!), the Gozney has been a game-changer for our outdoor space. We use it all the time!
But before I unplug for the weekend (and dig into some pizza!), here are a few green things to inspire your days ahead:
🍃 A Fun Read: Go Forth and Forgage – I’m loving this guide to foraging over 50 of the most common edible and medicinal North American mushrooms. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about wild mushrooms (or dream of foraging your own food), this book is a must! 🍄
🍃 DIY Green Cleaning Hack: Forget store-bought sprays—this 3-ingredient, all-natural cleaner will leave your home sparkling and toxin-free. (Hint: it involves lemon essential oil!)
🍃 The Perfect Pretzel Sandwich: We’ve worked with Smart School House for years, and we’re obsessed with this Pretzel Sandwich recipe! 🥨 Who knew pretzels could be the perfect base for a next-level sandwich?
🍃 How to Raise Eco-Conscious Kids: Want to teach your kids about sustainability in a fun, hands-on way? Here are some fun ways to get started.
Wishing you a restful, nature-filled weekend! Enjoy the little green moments and don’t forget to take a deep breath of that fresh, crisp air.
xo, Sweet Greens 🌿
P.S. Follow along on Instagram (I started it back up!) for more behind-the-scenes from our weekend adventure!
As parents, we all want to raise kind, responsible, and thoughtful eco-conscious kids who care about the world around them (I’m so happy to say that I raised one of those kiddos!). Want to hear something wild? I started this blog 16 years ago when Eben was only 7! Now, he’s almost 24 and working on his Masters Degree! WHAT!?!?
One of the best ways to do this is by teaching them sustainability—helping them understand how their actions impact the planet and empowering them to make greener choices.
But sustainability doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming for kids! In fact, the best way to teach eco-conscious habits is through fun, hands-on activities that make green living feel exciting and natural. 🌎
Here are some simple, engaging ways to teach your kids about sustainability while creating meaningful habits that will last a lifetime.
🌱 1. Grow a Garden Together
Nothing connects kids to nature like getting their hands in the soil! Planting a garden teaches them where food comes from and how to care for living things. Plus, growing their own vegetables, herbs, or flowers helps them appreciate nature’s cycles and reduce food waste.
🌿 Try This: ✔️ Let your child choose a plant to grow—easy ones include cherry tomatoes, basil, and carrots. ✔️ Decorate garden markers with painted rocks or wooden signs. ✔️ Teach them how to compost kitchen scraps and use the compost to feed the garden.
🌍 Eco-Lesson: Plants need water, sunlight, and care to thrive—just like our planet! Taking care of plants helps kids develop responsibility and mindfulness toward nature.
Kids love sorting and organizing, so turning recycling into a game is a great way to get them excited about reducing waste.
♻️ Try This: ✔️ Set up labeled recycling bins and challenge kids to sort items correctly. ✔️ Create an upcycling craft station where they can turn old jars, cardboard boxes, and fabric scraps into art projects. ✔️ Play a “Recycling Detective” game—have kids find items around the house that can be repurposed instead of thrown away.
🌍 Eco-Lesson: Recycling helps keep materials out of landfills, and reusing items in creative ways reduces waste even more!
Teaching kids about sustainability starts with daily habits, and packing a plastic-free, zero-waste lunch is a great way to make eco-conscious choices a routine.
🥪 Try This: ✔️ Use stainless steel or silicone lunch containers instead of plastic baggies. ✔️ Pack reusable water bottles and utensils to cut down on single-use plastics. ✔️ Encourage kids to help plan their lunch menu using local, organic ingredients when possible.
🌍 Eco-Lesson: Every small swap—like using a reusable snack bag instead of a plastic one—adds up to a big impact over time!
💚 Helpful Resources: 🥪 ECOLunchbox Stainless Steel Containers – Durable, plastic-free lunch solutions. FUN FACT! ECOlunchbox has been a client of my digital marketing agency for over 10 years! 🚰 Hydro Flask Kids Water Bottle – A reusable water bottle that keeps drinks cold all day.
🚶♂️ 4. Go on a “Green Adventure
Kids love exploring the outdoors, and nature is the best classroom for teaching sustainability.
🌿 Try This: ✔️ Take a hike or nature walk, and bring a “trash treasure bag” to collect litter. ✔️ Visit a farmers’ market and teach kids about local, organic food. ✔️ Plan a no-tech day outdoors—camp in the backyard, build a fort with natural materials, or have a picnic with all compostable or reusable items.
🌍 Eco-Lesson: Nature is beautiful and valuable—it’s up to us to take care of it!
Reading is a great way to start conversations about sustainability with kids. There are many beautiful, inspiring books that teach them about nature, climate change, and protecting the planet.
📖 Try This: ✔️ Read one eco-themed book per week, then discuss simple ways to apply the lessons. ✔️ Create a “Green Library” in your home with books about the environment. ✔️ Let kids write and illustrate their own book about how they can help the Earth!
🌍 Eco-Lesson: Stories help kids connect with nature and feel inspired to take action.
💚 Great Books for Eco-Conscious Kids: 📗 The Lorax by Dr. Seuss – A classic story about protecting trees. 📙 What a Waste by Jess French – A fun look at how we can reduce waste. 📘 The Watcher by Jeanette Winter – A biography of Jane Goodall’s work with animals.
🌎 Raising Eco-Conscious Kids Starts with Small, Fun Changes
Raising eco-conscious kids isn’t about perfection—it’s about helping them understand their connection to the world around them and making sustainable choices second nature.
By turning green habits into fun activities, kids will naturally develop a love for the planet and feel empowered to make a difference.
💬 How do you teach sustainability to your kids? Share your favorite eco-friendly activities in the comments! 🌿
Mr. Sweet Greens (Jayson) and I are deep in it! Deep in what, you ask? Sustainable Gardening! There’s nothing quite like growing your own organic vegetables and herbs—not only does it provide fresh, chemical-free food for your family, but it also helps reduce waste, lower your carbon footprint, and support biodiversity. Plus, there’s something deeply rewarding about stepping outside and harvesting ingredients straight from your garden!
Sustainable gardening goes beyond just growing plants—it’s about working with nature, conserving resources, and making eco-friendly choices at every step. Whether you have a spacious backyard, a raised garden bed, or just a few pots on a balcony, this guide will help you create a thriving organic garden while keeping sustainability at the forefront.
🌱 Step 1: Plan Your Sustainable Garden
Before planting, take a moment to plan your garden thoughtfully. This will help you maximize space, conserve resources, and create a low-maintenance, high-yield garden.
Choose the Right Location
☀️ Sunlight – Most vegetables and herbs need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. 💨 Wind Protection – Strong winds can dry out plants and damage delicate seedlings. Use natural barriers like shrubs, trellises, or fences for protection. 💦 Water Access – Place your garden near a water source to make irrigation easier and prevent water waste.
Opt for Raised Beds or Container Gardening
Mr. Sweet Greens built ours for a massive garden that we are putting in here at Clementine Cabin! (Photos coming soon!)
Vego Garden Raised Beds – These durable, metal raised beds are long-lasting and perfect for reducing soil erosion.
Fabric Grow Bags – A great alternative to plastic pots, these breathable grow bags promote strong root growth and reduce overwatering.
Raised beds and containers improve soil drainage, prevent weeds, and make gardening easier for beginners!
🌿 Step 2: Build Healthy, Organic Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of any sustainable garden. Instead of using synthetic fertilizers, nourish your soil naturally with compost, organic amendments, and regenerative techniques.
Create Your Own Compost
Composting reduces food waste and enriches soil with nutrients. Start a compost bin or pile with: ✔️ Green materials – Vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings. ✔️ Brown materials – Dried leaves, cardboard, shredded newspaper. ✔️ Aeration – Turn the pile regularly to speed up decomposition.
🌼 Step 3: Choose the Best Organic Vegetables & Herbs
Not all plants are beginner-friendly! If you’re new to gardening, start with hardy, low-maintenance crops.
Best Organic Vegetables for Beginners
🥕 Carrots – Thrive in loose, well-drained soil. 🥬 Lettuce & Spinach – Quick-growing, great for containers. 🍅 Cherry Tomatoes – High-yield and easy to care for. 🥒 Cucumbers – Fast-growing and perfect for vertical gardening. 🌽 Zucchini & Squash – High-producers with minimal effort.
Best Herbs for Beginners
🌿 Basil – Loves warmth and full sun. 🌿 Mint – Thrives in containers (keeps it from spreading too much!). 🌿 Thyme – Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. 🌿 Cilantro – Prefers cool weather; grows well in partial shade. 🌿 Rosemary – Hardy and thrives year-round in many climates.
Look for certified organic, non-GMO seeds to ensure your garden is free from synthetic pesticides and harmful chemicals.
Conserving water is a key part of sustainable gardening. Instead of overwatering, follow these eco-friendly irrigation tips:
✔️ Water Early in the Morning or Late in the Evening – Reduces evaporation. ✔️ Use a Rain Barrel – Oatey Rainwater Collection System captures rainwater for free, eco-friendly irrigation. ✔️ Try Drip Irrigation – Raindrip Drip Irrigation Kit delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing waste. ✔️ Mulch to Retain Moisture – Use straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.
🐝 Step 5: Encourage Pollinators & Natural Pest Control
A truly sustainable garden works with nature instead of against it! Encourage pollinators like bees and butterflies while keeping pests under control without harmful pesticides.
Plant Pollinator-Friendly Flowers
🐝 Hostas & Zinnas – Attracts hummingbirds and are adorable. 🐝 Lavender – Attracts bees and smells amazing. 🐝 Marigolds – Repel pests and bring color to your garden. 🐝 Sunflowers – A favorite for bees and butterflies.
🐞 Release Beneficial Insects – Ladybugs and praying mantises eat garden pests. 🐞 Use Neem Oil Spray – Organic Neem Oil naturally repels aphids and fungi. 🐞 Companion Planting – Basil repels mosquitoes, while marigolds keep aphids away.
🍽️ Step 6: Harvest & Enjoy Your Homegrown Food
The best part of gardening? Enjoying your harvest! Here are a few ways to make the most of your homegrown produce:
✔️ Use Fresh Herbs Daily – Add homegrown basil, mint, and rosemary to your meals. ✔️ Preserve the Bounty – Try freezing, drying, or fermenting vegetables to enjoy them year-round. ✔️ Make Your Own Tea – Dry chamomile, mint, or lavender for homemade herbal tea.
Sustainable gardening isn’t just about growing food—it’s about building a deeper connection to nature and living in harmony with the earth.
🌍 Grow Green & Make a Difference
Sustainable gardening is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact while enjoying fresh, organic food right from your backyard. By using compost, water-efficient techniques, organic seeds, and pollinator-friendly plants, you can create a thriving, eco-conscious garden that benefits both your family and the planet.
Are you growing your own vegetables and herbs this season? Share your gardening tips in the comments! 🌿💚
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun, festive, and colorful treat? This holiday is full of whimsy, from four-leaf clovers and mischievous leprechauns to rainbows and pots of gold. If you’re looking for a creative way to bring a little magic into your home, these organic rainbow cookies are the perfect addition to your St. Patrick’s Day festivities!
Not only are they fun to make with kids, but they’re also packed with natural ingredients and vibrant colors made from vegetable-based food dyes. Plus, they pair perfectly with a warm mug of cocoa or milk!
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar on medium speed until fluffy and well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the mixture is smooth.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 4: Color the Dough
Divide the dough into four equal portions. Add a few drops of natural vegetable colorants to each dough ball and knead gently until the colors are well distributed. (I aimed for yellow, red, blue, and green, though my blue turned into a turquoise—still fun and festive!)
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough balls in a moist towel and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for a richer flavor).
Step 6: Shape the Rainbow
Once chilled, take tablespoon-sized pieces from each dough ball and roll them into long logs. Arrange them in a rainbow shape, pressing gently so they hold together. Trim any excess.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rainbow-shaped cookie dough onto an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra festive touch, serve them on the rim of a mug filled with warm cocoa or milk.
Why You’ll Love These Organic Rainbow Cookies
✔ Kid-Friendly & Fun – A great activity to enjoy with little ones! ✔ Festive & Whimsical – Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. ✔ Organic & Natural – Made with wholesome ingredients and natural food colorants. ✔ Deliciously Buttery & Soft – A melt-in-your-mouth cookie experience!
Make this St. Patrick’s Day extra special with these colorful, organic rainbow cookies. Whether you’re celebrating with your family or hosting a festive gathering, these treats are sure to bring smiles all around! 🌈🍀
Spring is elusive here in the Appalachian forest. I’m excited for spring adventures being in full bloom! Living in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, I love exploring the woods. Still, this year, I have a new guide in hand to take my mushroom foraging skills to the next level—Go Forth and Forage: A Guide to Foraging Over 50 of the Most Common Edible & Medicinal North American Mushrooms by Whitney Johnson (a.k.a. the Appalachian Forager).
Foraging for wild foods has seen a huge rise in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason! There’s something incredibly rewarding about finding, harvesting, and preparing food straight from nature. Mushrooms, in particular, are fascinating—nutritious, delicious, and abundant in the right seasons. But for beginners and experienced foragers alike, the challenge has always been how to confidently and safely identify the right species. That’s where this book comes in.
A Personal Foraging First in the Rockies
The first time I ever went mushroom foraging, I was living in Colorado. A Russian friend took us deep into the Rocky Mountains and introduced us to the world of wild mushrooms, teaching us how to identify which ones were safe to eat and which to leave untouched. It was an unforgettable experience—wandering through alpine meadows and dense pine forests, filling our baskets with chanterelles and boletes. That adventure sparked a lifelong curiosity about foraging, and now, living in the Appalachian Mountains, I’m eager to expand my knowledge and put it to use in a whole new landscape.
A Season-by-Season Mushroom Foraging Guide
One of the standout features of Go Forth and Forage is how it walks readers through the process of mushroom hunting in all four seasons. From morels and woodears in spring, to black trumpets, chicken of the woods, and boletes in summer, and lion’s mane, oyster, and enoki mushrooms in fall and winter, this book is packed with detailed identification cues, full-color photos, and responsible harvesting tips to ensure you can forage safely and ethically.
Each mushroom profile includes: ✔ Easy-to-follow identification guides ✔ Tips for safe and responsible foraging ✔ Culinary preparation advice and recipes ✔ Guidance on medicinal uses, including tinctures and teas
More Than a Mushroom Guide—A Forager’s Handbook
Whitney Johnson’s signature down-to-earth and folksy tone makes Go Forth and Forage not just a reference book, but an enjoyable read that feels like learning from a trusted friend. Beyond identification, she dives into the skills every successful forager needs, including:
🍄 How to locate wild mushrooms (hint: tree identification is key!) 🍄 Understanding mushroom anatomy for better identification 🍄 Foraging gear recommendations—from knives and bags to clothing and boots 🍄 How to use spore prints for accurate species confirmation 🍄 Common mushroom myths debunked 🍄 The ethics of responsible foraging—because sustainability matters!
Meet the Appalachian Forager
If you haven’t come across Whitney Johnson yet, you’re in for a treat! She’s built an incredible online community with nearly 2 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook (@appalachian_forager), where she shares educational and quirky videos about foraging, Appalachian culture, and self-sufficiency. A proud Appalachian through and through, she’s not only a foraging expert, but also a wildcrafter, gardener, and cook who loves sharing her deep-rooted connection to the land.
Why This Book is a Must-Read for Aspiring and Seasoned Foragers
Whether you’re completely new to mushroom foraging or you’ve been exploring the woods for years, Go Forth and Forage is an invaluable resource that belongs on your bookshelf (or better yet, in your foraging bag!). The book strikes the perfect balance between science, tradition, and practicality, making it an essential guide for anyone eager to explore the wild world of mushrooms.
This spring, I can’t wait to put Whitney’s wisdom to the test, stepping into the Appalachian forest with a newfound confidence in identifying and harvesting mushrooms safely and ethically. If you’ve ever been curious about foraging, now’s the time to dive in—and this book is the perfect place to start!
