The Plano Area Real Diaper Circle

Meeting on February 2nd and March 16th

10:15am

at the Davis Library (7501 Independence Parkway)

Kids are always welcome at the meetings.

Please come by and share your cloth diapering experience or learn more about cloth diapering. And feel free to spread the word to anyone you think would be interested. And please contact Angela if you are interested but can’t make these times or contact Angela with any questions.

Also, there will be raffle tickets for sell at both meetings to raise funds for our table a the upcoming DFW Family Expo.

Check out the great prizes donated by our DFW area local cloth diapering businesses at
http://groups.google.com/group/planocloth/web/expo-raffle-prizes.

Drawings will be held at March meeting, but you don’t have to be present to win.

Angela Imes
Plano Area Real Diaper Circle Leader
planocloth@gmail.com

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Featured Listing in our resource directory – Top of directory listing for your appropriate directory, in addition to your free complimentary directory listing alphabetized in your appropriate directory.

ONE blog post featuring your business, organization, or other promotion pertaining to natural family living.

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Worried about termites? Squirrels in the attic driving you nuts? Experts in the pest control field will give you tips on protecting your home from unwanted visitors at this Living Green class at the TRAC, Saturday, November 21 at 10am. Learn from the professionals about safe, organic insect control and humane mammal exclusion & removal. We’ll focus on practical solutions that work without harming the environment. $20 per person. Reserve your place by calling Pauline Schafer at 214-309-5815 or register online at www.trinityriveraudubon.org.

The Trinity River Audubon Center is located at 6500 South Loop 12, just about 2 miles east of interstate 45 in Dallas.

Sunday, November 15, 2009, marks the 12th anniversary of America Recycles Day. America Recycles Day is a day that encourages us all to recycle and to purchase recycled products. This day was created by a partnership between Keep America Beautiful, Inc. and the National Recycling Coalition. Unite with other recylcing fans across America at LOCAL North Texas area events being held in:

Allen
Arlington
Colleyville
Coppell
Flower Mound
Fort Worth
Dallas
Glenn Heights
Grapevine
Irving
Lancaster
Mesquite
Plano
Richardson
Richland Hills

And many more areas throughout Texas!

For a complete list of all cities in Texas holding America Recycles Day events, and for the event details of the cities listed above please visit: America Recycles Day.org

Do you love keeping up with natural parenting news and information? North Texas Natural Family is looking for a web editor/moderator.

If you love to blog, writing at NTNF is a fun way to stay connected to the NTNF natural and holistic parenting community. Make a difference! For more information, contact lpoisso (at) northtexasnaturalfamily (dot) com.

Families interested in green living enjoy so many resources here in Dallas/Fort Worth. Here’s what’s going on in the latter half of September and early October, courtesy of DFW Earth/Food/Animal/Green newsletter.

Monday, Sept. 14 Sierra Singles Dinner at 6:30ish at Cuquita’s Mexican, 214.575.3188, 8076 Spring Valley Rd., Richardson. You don’t have to be a Sierra Club member to attend. No reservations necessary; just show up.  Organizers: Ginger Bradley 469-223-7902, Paul Heller 972-620-1703.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 General meeting of the Greater Fort Worth Sierra Club, 7 p.m. Brief business meeting followed by speaker. Mr. Pete McKone, Certified Wildlife Biologist; Director of Environmental Services for Dunaway Associates and an adjunct professor at TCU will give a presentation on a variety of topics pertaining to urban development. Topics will include watershed management, stream and wetland restoration, natural resource planning and government/developer interface. This is a key component of sustainable development and will likely generate a number of thoughtful questions. Location: Ft. Worth Botanic Gardens, Moncrief Garden Center, 817-871-7686, 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard at University, north of I-30, Fort Worth. Sierra Club general meetings are open to everyone, members and non-members alike, and are always free.
Wednesday, Sept. 16 Denton Organic Society meeting at 7 p.m. Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Ave., Denton, 940-382-8551.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 Dallas Outings Committee meeting, 7 p.m. The Outings Committee meets at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers Branch75244 (north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch). All outings leaders, future outings leaders and interested Sierrans are welcome.

Thursday, Sept. 17 Dallas Downriver Club monthly meeting at 7 p.m., 3701 N. Buckner Blvd. (just north of IH 30 and south of John West Road) Dallas 75228.

Sunday, Sept. 19 Dallas Trekkers group walks at White Rock Lake at 8 a.m. Meet at Doctors Hospital, 9330 Poppy Drive, Dallas.  972-489-3072 for more information. Small charge.

Saturday, Sept. 19 Dayhike White Rock Creek Trail. Come join us as we day hike 7 miles on the northern reaches of White Rock Creek. This is a very urban, paved trail but it is actually very nice as it follows the creek under all the main thorofares of north Dallas. No pets, please. Bring water and a snack as we will be walking all morning. We will leave the trail head promptly at 9 a.m. To rech the trailhead from the intersection of I-635 and Hillcrest Rd., go north on Hillcrest a short distance turn right on Valley View and turn right into the second parking lot. Remember it’s the second parking lot on the right. I’ll be near the restrooms and playground. Optional lunch afterwards. Leader: Mark Adams 972-658-1281(C).

Monday, Sept. 21 The Dallas Chapter of Native Plant Society meets. Social time begins at 6:30 with refreshments at the back. A speaker is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. REI store, located on the north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch. Take the stairs to the second floor and turn left to find the meeting rooms. Free.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 Inner City Outings meeting. Snacks and social starts at 6:45 p.m., meeting starts at 7 p.m. Inner City Outings (“ICO”) is an outreach program of the Sierra Club comprised of volunteers who provide wilderness experiences such as day hikes and camping for disadvantaged youth. ICO meets on the fourth Tuesdays at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers Branch 75244 (north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch). All volunteers and those considering becoming an ICO volunteer are welcome. Contact the ICO Chair for more information.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 Fort Worth Organic Club meets at 7 p.m. at Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, north of I-30, turn left into main entrance from University. Free.

Thursday, Sept. 24 Dallas Organic Gardening Club monthly meeting. Fretz Recreation Center, Dallas. 7 p.m. Free.

Thursday, Sept. 24 Arlington Organic Gardening Club monthly meeting. Bob Duncan Community Center Garden Room, 2800 S. Center St. in Arlington. 7 p.m. Free.

Saturday, Sept. 26 Beginner Backpacking class. Aimed at beginners, this class is an ideal way to learn about backpacking. Topics include: backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, outdoor clothing, boots, socks, cookware, food, water, wilderness ethics, and preparing for a trip. Instructors are experienced Dallas Sierra Club leaders. There will be time for questions and a hands-on look at outdoor gear. Lunch of backpacking food is included. You will also have the opportunity to learn about and sign up for several beginner backpacking trips. The fee is $20 for Sierra Club members and $30 for non-members (cash or check) You can sign up to be a Sierra Club member at the class. No reservations are necessary, just show up. The class will be held at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers Branch, TX 75244 (north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch). The class will start at 10:30 a.m. and end at about 5:00 p.m. Leader: Laura Kimberly 972-307-8364(H).

Saturday, Sept. 26 See Sierra Club at Garland Healthy Living Expo 2009 – Healthy You, Healthy Earth: Rx for a Better World. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Garland ISD Center, 4999 Naaman Forest Blvd, Garland.

Sunday, Sept. 27 Watch party for The National Parks: America’s Best Idea hosted by the Dallas Sierra Club at the Studio Movie Grill, 11170 N. Central Expressway, northeast corner at Royal, Dallas 75243. Private theater viewing of two-hour opening episode of Ken Burns documentary. Experience the large screen viewing to enjoy the amazing photography and emotional in-depth look at the history, heritage and magnificent beauty of these American treasures. Food (including several vegetarian options but no vegan options) and drinks will be available before and during the program; purchase not required but greatly appreciated since it offsets the group’s cost of the event. FREE ADMISSION but RESERVATIONS REQUIRED by Monday, Sept. 21. For phone reservations (deadline Sept. 21) and/or cancellations: leave a complete message at 972-369-5543 with your name, number of reservations wanted/canceled and return phone number. Unfortunately, inaudible messages or those without a return number can’t be honored.

Monday, Sept. 28 Mid-Suburban Sierra Club organizational meeting for communities near DFW Airport at 7 p.m. After having the summer off, the Mid-Suburban satellite group of the Sierra Club will have an organizational meeting on Monday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m. at the Sunflower Shoppe Community Room, 5100 Hwy 121, Colleyville 76034. This will be an informal meeting to discuss what we can do as a club in the communities surrounding DFW Airport. Possibilities include: 1. Monthly or quarterly educational meetings with speakers; 2. Socials; 3. Movie nights with documentaries; 4. Family events with plans for children; 5. Dayhikes in some of our many local nature areas and parks; 6. Cool Cities–Sierra campaign for local municipalities; 7. Involvement with (healthy and environmentally friendly) school lunches; 8. Energy meetings; 9. Book discussion groups like we had a few years ago –Choices for Sustainable Living was one; 10. Your suggestions. There will be leaders from both the Dallas and Fort Worth Sierra Club to answer your questions and help us plan. Please bring your ideas and, hopefully, your willingness to help this area’s club expand and flourish. We need something like this in our part of the metroplex but it is not something that can be planned or implemented by two or three people. I really want to see you on September 28. If you have questions or suggestions about the meeting or the area, please call me, Terry Jensen, at 817-545-0140 or 972-251-1532. Free.

Thursday, Oct. 1 Almost TGIF Hike along the Trinity Trail. End the work week with a hike on a paved portion of the Trinity Trail near the Fort Worth Zoo for approximately 3-4 miles. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the parking lot just south of the Hoffbrau Steak House on University Drive in Fort Worth approximately 1 mile south of I-30. Bring water for yourself and wear appropriate clothing. Optional meal/libations after hike. In the event of rain, hike will be cancelled. Please, no dogs. Leader: Claudia Blalock 817-924-6242.

Saturday, Oct. 3 Dayhike Trinity River Greenbelt. Octoberfest 10K DAYHIKE Hike 10K (6 miles) on the Lake Ray Roberts Greenbelt Corridor. This is an easy trail running along side the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. No reservations required, just show up. Please, no pets. Bring water and snacks. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Highway 380 Trailhead Park. Admission to the park is $5.00 per person or free with a Texas State Parks Pass. There will be an optional lunch afterwards. The Park is on US Hwy 380 2.1 miles west of Hwy 377 or 2.8 miles east of Loop 288 in Denton. Highway 380 can be reached from Central Expwy, Preston Road, or the Tollway. Bring extra shoes in case the trail is muddy. Leader: Mark Adams 972-658-1281(C).

Saturday, Oct. 3 Workday to make TRAC tidy. October marks the one-year anniversary of the Trinity River Audubon Center (TRAC), a fabulous environmental learning center in South Dallas. To mark the event, TRAC plans a large celebration during the second weekend in October. To help get ready for it, Sierra Club Dallas Group is scheduling a service outing to the facility to help spiff up the grounds and make the whole place shine in anticipation of the large turnout they are expecting for the anniversary event. We will be clearing brush, removing any trash, and generally performing tasks that will improve the look of the trails and the waterways encompassed by the center. No special skills or tools required. Please contact Teresa Wilkin for further details and to get on the crew list. Leader: Teresa Wilkin 214-693-1503(H).

Sunday, Oct. 4 Sustainable Sunday: Vegan Buffet every first Sunday at Papaya Garden, 1201 W. Airport Frwy #100, 817 684-9378, Euless, on the corner of Airport Fwy (Hwy 183) and Industrial (FM157 also known as Collins in Arlington). Thai, plant-based, and all-you-can-eat buffet is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Larger restaurant, more room, good food. Ask for Terry at the door to meet/converse with an interesting group of people. Or sit with your friends and family. Organizer: Terry Jensen 817 545-0140 or 972 251-1532.

Read more online: DFW Earth/Food/Animal/Green newsletter

They’re eco-friendly, they’re cute, they’re cost-effective, they’re natural … And now, cloth diapers are local, as the Real Diaper Association forms a local chapter here in the Plano area.  The RDA’s bottom line: supporting and teaching parents about diapering choices on a personal level.

If you’re a fan of the fluff, now’s the time to get involved.  The fledgling group is seeking experienced cloth diapering parents to mentor new diaperers,  as well as leaders or members of parenting or new-parent groups (moms’ groups, childbirth educators, etc.) interested in having the RDA visit their group with a show-and-tell on cloth diapers. 

Oh, and if you’re new to cloth diapering — no worries, the RDA is looking for members like you, too! The RDA is a great way to learn more about diapering options without being restricted to information about a particular product line and without any pressure to buy.

Interested? Local chapter organizer Angela Imes has launched a Google Group for Plano Cloth, with plans to hold a meeting at a public library in Plano to gather feedback on the best times and locations for future kid-friendly meetings. Contact her via e-mail or by phone at 972.310.7695.

Discover more local cloth diapering resources on our Natural Shopping page.

Is the very food we eat making us sick? Mother of four and food allergy crusader Robyn O’Brien thinks so. In The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food is Making Us Sick—and What We Can Do About It, she lays bare the largely unregulated tie between Big Food and Big Money here in America. Now you can get an autographed copy at a giveaway at our friends Super Eco.

O’Brien’s research digs deep:

• What every American consumer needs to know about genetically modified foods (and what consumers around the world already know)
• The truth about so-called “government” and “university” studies on the effects of food production methods (largely unregulated studies that are often funded by the food industry itself)
• Substances (from artificial colorings to high fructose corn syrup) that are banned in Europe but rife in the American food supply
• Recipes and an action plan for weaning your family off dangerous chemicals one step at a time

Learn more about The Unhealthy Truth and comment for your chance to win one of three signed copies at Super Eco.

Here’s a must-read we think every North Texas natural family should have on the bookshelf: the Smart Mama’s Green Guide: Simple Steps to Reduce Your Child’s Toxic Chemical Exposure. Author Jennifer Taggart’s background in environmental law means she knows how to sort out environmental fact from fiction, and her experience as a blogger means she knows how to tie up those facts in a neat, easy-to-use package. What does that mean for you? A book filled with the most important, the most relevant, and the most reliable strategies for reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals in your own home.

Read more about this must-have reference for every green family at Super Eco.

From the Department of Things Other People Have Done That are Still Messing With Us Today: So you’re rustling up a healthy meal in the kitchen, maybe using some fresh veggies from the garden or pick-your-own berries from a local farm … And yum, you can top the whole thing off with a zesty dash of pesticides scuffed up from the kitchen floor. You don’t use pesticides, you say? You don’t have to. New research shows that pesticides linger in American homes much, much longer than previously suspected.

A little dab’ll do you … and do you, and do you, and do you. An Environmental Protection Agency study published in Environmental Science & Technology shows that toxic pesticides, some which have been banned in the United States for decades, continue to show up current tests of American homes.

Where’s the most dangerous spot in the house for your children, in terms of lingering pesticides? Find out at Super Eco.