Care2 has got lots of ways to help you prepare for the best and greenest holiday weekend ever.

Plan your festivities with the planet in mind and put some green in that red, white and blue.

Protect yourself and your family with a plastic-free picnic.

Try some great meatless grill recipes, including Grilled Eggplant Teriyaki and Chickpea Patties with Apricot Mayo.

Finally, don't forget to share some of your favorite Fourth of July traditions here.

Be safe and be green!
xoxo
La frogg

It's summertime, and the living is easy--so why not have fun entertaining in a way that doesn't contribute to global warming?

"A Green Touch for the Tiki Torch".

On a hot, sticky day, enjoy some cooler ice cream bars without all the synthetic colors and chemical flavors? Learn why the homemade kind are better and get some great recipes.

"The Green Dish: Ice Cream Pops and Popsicles"?

Consider activities other than shopping, inspired by Sustainable Dave's new blog at Care2, "Walking the Talk." Get some ideas for reducing waste and packaging in this week's installment.

"To Buy or Not to Buy? Is there Really a Question?"

Here's to a summer of ease!
xoxo
La Frogg

Warm summer days bring a bountiful harvest, namely luscious tomatoes. Check out Salmonella bad! Tomatoes good! by Care2's food writer Melissa Breyer for some important facts and a great recipe.

And what would July days be without lemons? Green Living expert Annie B. Bond shares 14 uses for lemons--all great ways to bring freshness and sunshine into your home.

Summer is about fun--or at least it should be. So inject a little fun and sense of play into your home decor after reading Play With Decorating.

For some decoration that's not quite so permanent, fun for kids and adults alike, try
Homemade Henna Tattoos as a sunny-day activity or party game.

This summer has also brought high gas prices--see Save Gas, Money, and the Planet with Hypermiling Tips and Tricks--and concerns about energy bills: Annie Asks You for Advice About Her Oil Bill.

But before you fall into those winter blues, take a peek at Volunteer Vacations for the Planet because when it comes time to get away, you don't have to leave your generous spirit at home.

Enjoy!

One Green Summer Share Today at 8:15pm | Edit Note | Delete If your summer vacation plans include traveling with the canine members of your family, be sure to check out Care2's traveling tips for dogs.

And speaking of the dog days of summer, get these five favorite raw vegan salad dressings--perfect for hot summer days. And how about some rosemary lemonade to go with your yummy salad?

Is it muggy where you are too? Learn how Care2's green expert Annie B. Bond mitigates mold and mildew using completely non-toxic ingredients that smell good too!

Melissa Breyer shares her formulas for aromatic body powders that keep her cool and fresh despite the hot and sticky weather.

Speaking of hot, watch out for granite countertops because some of them have been found to contain radioactive materials. So not cool!

Summer is definitely bug season. Fireflies, butterflies, dragonflies: Yay! Mosquitos, ticks: Boo hiss. Read about the fun you and your kids can have observing ants!

But while you're outside enjoying the kind insects, make sure you are using a healthier alternative to DEET-based repellents to keep away the bay guys. Happy bugging!
xoxo
Snopp froggy frog