Cheap Green Tip 2: Go outside

I live in the Midwest. I understand cabin fever. I know how it feels to be so pale you're worried you might become translucent.

I get it. Honest I do.

But you've got to get the kids outside. For your sanity. Today, I spent the morning outside with my 4-year-old shoveling out from a snowstorm. We made a snowman and then walked to preschool. I felt exhilarated. I felt like it would be OK to have a huge lunch.

One of the greatest ways to help your kids grow up green is to take them outside. There’s a growing movement that suggests kids need playtime and exploration in nature.

Worried about creepy old men in vans? Sure. Who isn't! You’ll be happy to know violent crime is much lower today than when you were a kid.

In snow. In sunshine. In rain and wind. Kids aren't as concerned about the weather as morning commuters. Dress for the weather and work with it. You won’t be freezing with proper gloves. You won’t get as stinky-sweaty under a shade tree.

And if you aren't worried about cars (a much more relevant concern than crime) go ahead and send them out alone. Think of all e-mails you can send to long lost friends while your kids look for bugs under rocks.

Really, it’s win-win.

Tip: Invest in a good pair of snow pants (these are pretty easy to find second-hand). They’ll keep kids outside twice as long as wet and frozen jeans.