It's Your Oregon: The Willow Tree

Kimberly Palmer: Portland, OR

Kim Palmer has been working in childcare for 15 years and running a home-based program since 1998. This is her second year as ‘The Willow Tree’; which is a separate space at her home for the 12-13 kids she sees a day, who come from 18-20 families at a time

She found the Eco-Healthy Childcare program while roaming the web one day. Getting certified made sense as she has been integrating Eco-Healthy practices since her own environmental awakening almost a decade ago. Kim recommends starting with small changes, such as recycling, and making them habits. She began with recycling, then started using natural materials in the kid’s projects. Now she talks about the earth with her 3-5 year olds everyday.

Kim’s philosophy is play-based and she has a small garden plot, with a grapevine, strawberries, mint and more, which provides ample opportunity to show kids what the earth gives to us, and how we can give back. The garden allows them to experience the whole seasonal cycle, from holding the seeds, to eating the fruit. They have an organic harvest party every year, where kids can eat the culmination of their work.

Going beyond the checklist, she offers all organic food as a commitment to her families, who are like minded and looking for businesses that reflect their values. Some of these families come to her because of the Eco-Healthy Certification. She tries to cut out disposables and when remodeling the space, she avoided anything toxic.

Her top Eco-Tip is to harness the power of vinegar and baking soda. They are good for all purpose cleaning and make tons of easy, fun science experiments. Here is one to try: put some of each in a jar, wrap a balloon over the lid, and watch as the resulting gases fill up the balloon. Part of Kim’s outlook is that harsh antibacterial products can literally be over-kill, getting rid of the good bacteria we need. Kim thinks the Eco-Healthy Childcare is great for bringing more awareness to the issue. And awareness is where it begins.

Click here for information on how to become an Eco-Healthy Childcare.