In the modern era of toxic chemicals in baby products and the threat of carcinogens everywhere, many parents are concerned about the potential dangers lurking in common, everyday items. Even superstar mom Kelly Preston has joined forces with the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition to start her own crusade against chemicals that are harmful to children’s health after her own child (with husband John Travolta) was put into the hospital with Kawasaki’s syndrome–an unfortunate illness brought on by fumes let off from the family’s new carpet. You can read all about it on Celebrity Parents, a great site that also links to other sites that list the safe products Kelly and John now use in their home.

All parents want to keep their kids safe, so why not follow in Kelly’s footsteps? If you are looking for a way to provide your family with a safer environment, check out sites like Amenity, which offers gorgeous, organic home furnishings for eco-educated parents. In addition to furniture, sites like Nimli also feature clothing, beauty supplies, accessories, jewelry and more.

You can also look for great resources like the San Francisco Bay’s Natural Resources, a pregnancy, childbirth and early resource center that offers classes, support and an eco-conscious store for expectant couples and new parents. If you have any great, eco-friendly tips for parents, please post them to help our readers keep their families healthy, happy and a little greener!

Check out events at your local craft stores for ways to get creative this season. Stores like Michael’s and Paper Source host a variety of creative classes such as decorating your classrooms (for you teachers out there) and workshops that teach everything from rubber stamping to calligraphy. It’s a great way to learn something new, spend time with your kids or just find new ways to create an awesome party.

One project you could try is to create a basket of goodies for a birthday girl or boy, or new parents-to-be. Just buy a basket or cellophane bag and add these cute gift tags, address labels and personalized stationery.

For those of you who are enjoying are mini photography series, a how-to on taking great pictures, stay tuned for guest blogger Rick’s continuation post. If reading his post has gotten you bitten by the photography bug and you want to learn more about taking pictures, here’s something that might peak your interest.

Sony offers free online classes through Backstage 101, an online community with a variety of topics from photography to personal computing to videography. Register for various courses from the very basics such as “What Do All These Camera Buttons Do” to higher level classes like “Master Digital Photography Techniques.” These courses give specific details to help further your interests. Who knows something that starts as a hobby may turn out to be a lifelong passion or career!