This post is the second in the series “Homemade Mother of the Week.” If you know a woman who is thoughtfully sharing her passion for the planet,  families or the well-being of others, please nominate her for this special recognition.  Send an email with all the details to maureen@homemademothering.com

This week I’d like to introduce you to fellow Homemade Mother Kristie Turck.  A busy mom devoted to making the world a better place for her young daughter, Kristie set out to create a green business catering to other like-minded moms.  Her site, TheGlassBabyBottle.com, is a one-stop-shop for eco-friendly and baby-safe products.

Homemade Mother: Welcome to Homemade Mothering, Kristie! We’re so glad you’re here. To get things started, please tell me a bit about yourself.

Kristie Turck: I am 36 years old. My immediate family consists of my six year old daughter Nicolette and my husband and business partner, Guy.  I was born in New Mexico, but have spent most of my adult life in Jackson, Wyoming and recently moved to Sedona, AZ.  I attended college for business and nursing.

HM: How and when did you decide to start your own “green” business?

KT: I decided to start The Glass Baby Bottle because I was unable to breastfeed, and not knowing any better, used plastic baby bottles that contained BPA to feed our daughter.  The realization that I unintentionally exposed my daughter to a chemical like BPA made such a strong impact on me that I decided to learn as much as I could about plastics and chemicals, and to start my own business.

HM: What has been the biggest challenge for you starting your business?  What has been the best surprise?

KT: We went “live” with our on-line store in August of 2008, right when the recession was first starting to heat up, which has been a challenge. We used our own savings to start our business, which I think has helped keep TGBB a very lean yet growing business. My husband and I did everything ourselves from web design to shipping.

The best part of running TGBB has been the positive feedback from our customers, and having the satisfaction of being my own boss.

HM: Please share a helpful piece of advice for other mothers who are interested in starting their own business.

KT: The first thing to look at when starting a business is to take a good look at your own strengths and weaknesses.  Are you a multi-tasker? Do you enjoy problem solving?  Would starting a business be taking on more responsibility than you are ready for? Having a start up business is in a way like having another child. You will always be thinking about it, nurturing it, and lying up at night wondering about it.

HM: What is one simple thing you think everyone can do to make the world a healthier place?

KT: Stay informed, and get involved with local green organizations.

HM: Are there any specific environmental, family or health issues that are especially important to you?

KT: There are many environmental and health issues I’m concerned with from climate change to soil depletion to nuclear power. Lately, however, our family has been paying more attention to food quality and in particular the health consequences of nanotechnology and GMO’s. What a company like Monsanto is doing to our food supply is scary. Though largely banned in Europe, GMO’s have been given carte blanche in the US and once again we are being used as human guinea pigs. The fact that Monsanto fights tooth and nail to prevent labeling of GMO’s should tell you something.

HM: You certainly keep very busy!  What is your favorite thing to do on a lazy day off from work?

KT: I enjoy camping with my family. My husband and I used to go tent camping every chance we got, but after our daughter was born we splurged and purchased a pop-up camper. It has really been a lot of fun!

HM: Camping, mothering and running your own business – you are an inspiration! Who inspires you? Why?

KT: My daughter Nicolette is my main inspiration. Becoming a mother really changed the way I look and feel about things.

HM: Nicolette is very lucky to have you as her mother.  You take such good care of her! What is your favorite meal to prepare at home?  Can you share the recipe?

KT: My daughter loves spaghetti and meatballs and it has really become a family favorite. I make my own meatballs and use the following sauce recipe.  It is very simple, but really adds a nice mellow flavor to the sauce. I also like this recipe because I tend to stock up on organic tomato sauce at Costco (which you can also use instead of canned cut plum tomatoes).

This is from Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan:

Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter

2 cups canned plum tomatoes, cut up with their juice

4 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, peeled and cut in half

salt

Instructions: Put either the prepared fresh or canned tomatoes in a saucepan, add the butter, onion and salt, and cook uncovered at a very slow, but steady simmer for 45 minutes. Stir from time to time, mashing any large piece of tomato in the pan with the back of a wooden spoon. Taste and correct for salt. Discard the onion before tossing the sauce with pasta. Enjoy!