Green Earth Journey

Novica for Christmas!

2011-11-07T13:52:00.001-05:00

Since I last introduced you to NOVICA it has quickly become one of my favorite websites. I am always getting complimented on the products I purchase from them and many times I will purchase gifts from them as well. here is a reintroduction to NOVICA for those that missed the last post. Please visit the website and take some time looking around, Im sure you will find products that you absolutely love!

NOVICA is one of the leading fair trade artisan websites. They work with National Geographic to give talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents and provide access to the world market.

NOVICA seeks to provide artists with more income while providing collectors with lower prices. They provide a market place for artists around the world who might otherwise not have a means to show you their work. You can read about each artist on the website and choice to see just their work. They also have videos featuring some of the artists as well.

They have a world of art to offer you on their site, seriously there is sooo much to look through! One thing I love about their site, that may seem tedious, is their shipping prices. I greatly dislike finding something I love on a website and going to check out, only to find the shipping prices are ridiculous. You don't need to worry about that with NOVICA their shipping prices are fantastic!

Dont forget to check out their accessories for that special someone in your life! Novica also has some pretty amazing mens accessories as well, check out their assortment of cufflinks. I am going to check out their womens scarves for my mom and mother in law. And the walking sticks are the perfect thing for my husband this Christmas!
They have so more! You could look at this site for hours, I have! You can shop by categories or peruse their gift suggestions. In each category you will also find an option to shop by price. There is also the options of creating a gift registry or adding items to a personal wish list.
A high quality handcrafted version of anything you might be looking for can be found on NOVICA.

Giveaway

If you would like to enter for a chance to win a $50 giveaway please visit Novica and leave me a link to one your favorite things.

For a second chance to win please take a look at their artists and let me know which artist catches your eye and why.

If you have ever ordered from Novica tell me what you ordered and if you are happy with your product and your shopping experience for a third entry.

I reserve the right to disqualify any entries. Please follow the rules.

Giveaway ends Friday November 11th. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 72 hours to respond.

I received a gift card from NOVICA to review their site and products. The overall opinion expressed in this review is purely my own and was not influenced by the gift card.

Sustainable Olives

2011-08-31T16:12:00.000-04:00

- Musco Family Olive Company - Investing in a Sustainable Future from Cosimo Bullo on Vimeo.

Woman Facing Prosecution For Vegetable Garden in the Free USA

2011-07-07T17:52:00.000-04:00

Are you FRAKING kidding me?! A women, a mother, is facing 93 days in jail for growing a vegetable garden in her front yard. This is not a joke that I am aware of, just a city with too much time on it's hands apparently.

She isnt growing mary jane. There is no trash in her yard. This isnt even some unruly wild vegetable garden. It is a raised bed, nice and organized garden. 93 days in jail. Seriously.
You can contact the following people with your lettersMayor Gerald Naftaly's e-mail: gnaftaly@att.net
City Planner Kevin Rulkowski's e-mail: krulkowski@ci.oak-park.mi.us
Council Person Angela Diggs Jackson: adjack@comcast.net
Council Person Paul Levine: paul4oakpark@yahoo.com
Council Person Emile Duplessis: duplessis2@aol.com
Though the second email doesn't seem to be working.Here is my letter, written in a rush through slight rage but feel free to use it as a base;

"I'm sorry but I am floored at the thought of this woman being prosecuted for growing vegetable gardens in her front yard.

"in her front yard"

"her yard"

It's not drugs, it's not litter, it's not feces. It is food.

Who in the world decided they had a case for this and why in the world are their people choosing to back them?

This makes sense to you? Really? Truly?

Please rethink this while situation. I am sure the money could be spent on more important and pressing matters.

Sincerely"

Hyla

Show your support, Tweet, Blog, Write, Facebook, etc.

Her Facebook Group:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201356863250156

Her Blog

http://oakparkhatesveggies.wordpress.com/

Take it away blog land. Make it big, cause if you don't they might think they have the right to come after YOU!

Ditto - A Product Review

2011-05-10T18:17:00.001-04:00

Have you heard of the brand new hanger that is about to take over the closets of the world?? Closet Domination sounds good!

Now I have to tell you that I absolutely loath hangers. I buy the plastic cheap ones made from recycled plastic, they look like all the other plastic hangers but they are usually black. I can't stand them. My kids are constantly playing with these hangers and snapping the necks off, or they pull down on a shirt they want and snap the neck off. And that isn't the end of it. Next they tackle the center part and snap that in two. At any given time I can clean their room and find the pieces to 3 or 5 hangers. It is soo frustrating, it seems like I never have enough hangers and I really don't with the way they destroy them.

So when a representative sent me an email about the Ditto hangers I told him I would be pleased as punch to review them. And he obliged!

From the press release;

"The Ditto Ecological Paper Clothes Hanger 10-Pack is the latest smart, hip and stylish, and ecological product from Ditto Sustainable Brand Solutions! Designed for retail stores around the world, Ditto Paper Hangers are now available to consumers who care about the environment and nonrecyclable plastic and wire hangers. Strong and long lasting, Ditto Paper Hangers can hold over 20lbs, strong enough to hold the heaviest leather jacket or winter coat. Made with 100% tree-free recycled paper Ditto Paper Hangers are made with soy-based inks and starch-based adhesives. And they don’t off-gas like ordinary plastic hangers. And they fit twice as many clothes in small closets than the normal hanger."

I have been using those plastic hangers for years so when I received the Ditto hangers in the mail I knew I would have to get used to the "bulk" of them. Not "bulk" as in width just that unlike the emptiness of a plastic hanger, it has more surface area. And that is a GOOD thing because that is what enables these hangers to individually hold up to 20 lbs! Great for storing my husband's long leather jacket he hasn't worn in years!

The hangers are very firm and not bendable at all, they take up less space in my closet and they nicely hold all of my 3X shirts that I have shrunk out of! I have only seen adult hangers in one size and when your clothes start getting to be sizes 2X and up, you start getting screwed on what those plastic hangers will hold when you are a woman who liks to where more open top shirts. All they do is slide off and end up on the floor, which is a real pain in the "you know what". Well I have had some of those old clothes hanging on the Ditto hangers for 2 weeks now and they are still right where I put them, not one is on the floor!

I really like these hangers and I think you will too! The fact that they are eco friendly just makes my smile even larger! Check out Ditto hangers! And hopefully we will all be able to find them at a store near us soon!

In the meantime you can purchase them - at The Container Stores nationwide and

- via Amazon.com

These are hangers you will not have to replace time and time again!

www.dittobrandsolutions.com

P.S. To find out more about my awesome weight management click on the link! Only after you've checked out the Ditto Hangers though ;)

Late Earth Day Post

2011-04-24T12:29:00.000-04:00

About 3 weeks ago I was out in the backyard with the kids. We rent our duplex and beyond the backyards is a tree line and it has been full of garbage since before we moved in. On this particular day my eldest son, Celtic, just got sick of looking at it. And before I knew it he had rounded up the neighbors kids, grabbed some trash bags and was giving out orders on what needed to be picked up!

They worked for about two hours gathering everything from a broken fish tank, a nintendo 64 game, 5 full size tires, a rusted out bicycle, beer cars, the back of a pick up and much much more. The following day they went back out and found more tires, a couple of satellite dishes, a truck radio, part of a old swing set, shoes, and tons more!

I am so proud of my son! Three days later he came home with a permission slip from the school to help clean up the neighborhoods...He had signed his name to it before he gave it to me!!! My little future eco leader!
His reason for cleaning up the tree line, was so that the deer and beaver would came back to live there.

Edible Easter Grass

2011-04-24T12:17:00.001-04:00

It's edible. It's from Germany. It's not very good.

Vaska Herbatergent™

2011-04-08T12:55:00.001-04:00

I recently was given a chance to try Herbatergent from Vaska, which is now available at your local Target store. From the website;

"Herbatergent liquid laundry detergent uses real lavender and potent botanical cleaning agents to clean your clothing and linens effectively, but without harmful chemicals. Available in Light Lavender or Scent Free, Herbatergent uses natural herbal cleaning agents to fight germs and remove soap residue that damages fabrics and causes skin irritation. Laundry stays brighter, lasts longer, and feels softer.

Herbatergent Scent Free has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment program as safe for people and the environment."

I have found it difficult to find a detergent with all of the qualities I love.
I require;
ketchup removal
chocolate removal
nice scent but not over powering
free of chemicals
eco friendly

I can honestly say that I have now found a detergent with all of these qualities. It fought against the spills of my children and the mildew smells of the bath towels. When the washer was going the room was not filled with an overpowering scent, however when the clothes came out of the dryer I got a slight whiff of lavender. It is also biodegradable and plant based! I also love the fact that I can purchase it at Target. Herbatergent from Vaska is definitely a product I recommend you add to your life on your journey to becoming green!

More Information:

Vaska's patented Herbatergent™ fuels the entire product line, including:

· Herbatergent ™ liquid laundry detergent. Available in Light Lavender or Scent Free.

$9.99 for a 48 oz bottle/32 loads and $15.99 for a 96 oz bottle/64 loads

· Herbasoft™ liquid fabric softener $9.99 for a 48 oz bottle/32 loads

· Oxygenbleach is a natural, chlorine free bleach $6.99 for a 48 oz bottle/32 loads

· Spotoff™ is an all natural stain remover $9.59 for a 22 oz spray bottle

With just a few easy changes, you can save energy, money and your clothes.

Natural Dye Easter Eggs

2011-02-27T03:57:00.000-05:00

Originally Posted March 2010

Good Morrow, loyal readers! I am back this week to tell you about natural dye for Easter eggs. Read to the end of this post for information about the Madeline DVD giveaway on my blog...

(Image: Mother Earth News, Rosalind Creasy)

I read a wonderful article yesterday on Mother Earth News about using natural dyes for Ester eggs. Truthfully, I was not even going to bother to color any eggs this year because I can no longer find any justification for purchasing artificial food dye. Sorry, Paas!

So, I tried out the recipes. The article mentioned beets for those reddish eggs, blueberries for those purple/blue eggs, and onion skins for the yellow eggs. It also mentioned using white eggs and white vinegar, and straining your dyes through a cheesecloth if you want to avoid spotted and splotchy color.

I did not have beets, blueberries, yellow onions, white eggs, or white vinegar. This means that I had none of the requirements, yet I thought I could make a go of it anyway. Here is why you might want to actually follow the directions in the article: my test was unsuccessful.

I have frozen blackberries, which are a good substitute for the blueberries. I have turmeric, which is a good substitute for the yellow onion skins. These will work with the proper eggs and vinegar. I have apple cider vinegar, which is not a good substitute in this instance for distilled white vinegar. I have chickens that lay tan/brown eggs, which are NOT a good substitute for white eggs on this project.

Now that you know the pitfalls, here is the link to the article that will tell you how to make the beautiful eggs you see in the photo above. My experiment was not even good enough to yield photos! (Mother Earth News Article)

After you have read the article, please visit my blog for a chance to win a copy of The Madeline Movie: Lost in Paris. Giveaway ends 11:59 PM, PST on April 10, 2010.

, guest blogging from http://naturewithme.blogspot.com

How To Do An ECO Easter Part One

2011-02-26T11:27:00.000-05:00

Orignally Posted Easter of 2009

So I have been putting a lot of thought into this lately and Easter is literally right around the corner! First thing is first, Easter eggs. I did a search for aluminum/stainless steel Easter eggs, apparently no one is manufacturing those yet, maybe by next Easter? Then I thought well maybe wood eggs. The only thing I could find were nesting eggs or solid wooden eggs. Nesting eggs are not cost effective and solid eggs do not work for an child's Easter egg hunt.

So then I was think paper mache ( I can not find instructions for this), but you can't use those over again and you need balloons (not ECO friendly) to create the eggs. And then I thought, well what about those paper toys that everyone makes? It shouldn't be that hard to make an egg (nor could I find instructions for this), kind of like making a replacement lampshade. If I made them with recycled printer paper..........and I could use vegetables and fruit to dye the paper........hmm this could work.......but tape isn't ECO friendly (at least I have not come across ECO friendly tape yet, let me know if you have). The tape could be pulled off to recycle the paper, but then they are not reusable...........hmmmm. Crochet eggs??? I can kind of crochet. Maybe I can find some on Etsy that are already made.

By Etsy artist SalvagedExpression

Yep I found some that I can fill and reuse. But not enough for 3 kids. I guess I will have to venture into making my own. YouTube it is!!! OK, so if you can crochet here is a free video pattern you can use to make the Easter eggs, I have run through the pattern twice, she is very easy to understand and the pattern is very easy. At the very end instead of stuffing the egg and sewing it shut, tie off the end and then pull a piece of yarn in and out of the last row of stitches so you can pull it shut and open it back up, like a pouch. Depending on the size of opening you leave, you can put in small toys, such as Matchbox cars (they are durable, cheap and they last forever and they are great for boys and girls!) or some small candies, preferably organic/fair trade!

Labels: Make Your Own, Did You Know, Life With My Kids, Holidays

How To Have An ECO Easter Part Two

2011-02-25T11:28:00.000-05:00

Originally Posted Easter of 2009

I adjusted the pattern from the YouTube video I posted yesterday for the crochet eggs. Here are my adjustments, this is the first time I have tried to explain crochet, so please ask wuestions in the comments if you have them and I will get back to you and everyone else.

Here are the adjustments that I made:
At the beginning of the pattern, I crochet 4 singles instead of 3.

Then I do 7 stitches instead of 6 around. So when I get to the doubling part I end up with 22 instead of 18.

When I get to Row 8 on stitch number 11, I crochet 11 into the egg and then crochet a chain of 4. Then I count the stitches on the egg and connect the chain of 4 into the 15th stitch.

This leaves an opening for me to stuff the eggs and I when I get done the hole is big enough to stuff the egg, but not to big to be spilling out when the eggs are sitting around.

Row 9 I crochet the ring of 22, just go into one side of each chain stitch and continue as usual. Crochet Rows 10 and 11.

When you get to your decreasing rows, just decreases until you can not decrease anymore tie it off and pull then ends through to the center of the egg.

So for the rest of my Easter plan I will NOT be using store bought already filled Easter baskets. Those baskets are made to look as full as possible but really there is nothing in them. And the items in them are cheap toys that will not last more than a week. So I am putting my own baskets together.

Each child will get one 100% Organic Cotton T-Shirt made by Faded Glory, you can find them right now at Walmart. And each of my kids will be getting 2 books, they LOVE books. Guinevere is getting a wooden penguin and unicorn from Etsy seller Dadswoodentoys, they are handmade.

Celtic is getting his first yo-yo and jacobs' ladder, both are wooden toys made by Etsy seller McCoyToys.

Sheamus is receiving some more diecast cars from the Pixar movie CARs. he absolutely loves this movie and has for a couple of years.

The crochet eggs will be filled with Organic/Fair trade candy that we can find at our local Wegmans. That is all I can think of that we have planned for Easter, of course there are 3 screaming playing children surrounding me and that is why this post is late in the first place!

Oh! I will be using medium sized canvas tote bags as the Easter baskets, you can find them at Walmart in the craft section.

What are you doing for Easter to more environmentally friendly?

Labels: Make Your Own, Life With My Kids, Did You Know

Recover Those Dinig Room Chairs and Give Them a Second Chance

2011-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Instead of purchasing a new set of dining chairs consider revamping the old ones. Not only is it easy but it is more cost effective. Recovering your old dining chairs gives you the freedom to be as crazy or conservative as you want to be! Below is a picture of the chairs we inherited one in the old fabric and one in the new fabric. At first I was thinking of sanding them down and refinishing them. This however does not work for me this year because it is the middle of winter and my kids are still little so I think it would be a waste of time and money right now.

First go to the craft shop and purchase about 3 1/2 yards of the fabric you would like to use. Upholstery fabric is going to cost more but will last longer. I got a cheap cotton fabric that I really like. I also got about 5 yards because I plan on making a matching table cloth.

Next wipe down your chairs. Take your first chair and flip it over. Most chair seats are screwed to the base. Usually a screw driver will work but if your screws are rusted you might need a drill.

Set the screws aside and out of reach from any children. Trace the chair seat onto the underside of the fabric (you may need to iron the fabric or throw it in the dryer for a few minutes). Make sure to leave room to pull the fabric over the sides of the chair seat and onto the bottom when you cut it, about a couple of inches.

Grab your staple gun and remove the safety catch. If your fabric has a pattern on it, make sure to line up the pattern so when you flip the seat over it will be straight. Start on the bottom edge and staple gun the fabric to the seat in the middle.

Then go to the top edge and do the same.I would like to mention here that you can remove any old fabric and batting if you like. I choose not because I was trying to get this done while my children were otherwise occupied.

Fold the corners like a present.

Pull tight and staple on the fold. Do this for all four corners and then staple of the middle of each of the side edges. Put the seat back onto the base, line it up and replace the screws. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat ...

Place the chairs around the table and admire your handy work!

Then make the kids admire it!

Eco Find at Party City

2011-02-06T18:13:00.000-05:00

Look at these fantastic bowls I found at Party City! They are nice and sturdy and made from bamboo fiber! How fantastic! We've been using them for a little over a week now and we love them. They are not microwavable or dishwasher safe but I've found that food doesn't stick to them so they are easy to hand wash. They had some other things available like trays and mixing bowls but I didn't need any of those. I also purchased some bamboo cooking utensils to replace some that are getting to the end of their life. The prices were really low and I am pleased as punch with my purchase! They are also biodegradable!

Glass Baby Food Storage Jars

2011-01-28T18:45:00.000-05:00

While browsing CSN Stores I found these glass baby food storage jars! How fantastic are these? I don;t think they were available three years ago when I made my own baby food! They come in blue and pink also!

CSN Stores Sponsored Post

2011-01-28T15:42:00.000-05:00

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from weight benches to cookware to Swing Set and exercise balls!

I enjoy shopping at CSN Stores because they have so much to offer. You really can find just about anything there! It usually takes me days to figure out what I will review when they send me a sponsored gift card.

Check out CSN Stores the next time you are in need of something and compare their prices to the sites you usually order from.

I received a gift card for this post.

Is Your Vacuum Running a Little Rough After The Holidays?

2011-01-04T11:20:00.000-05:00

Is your vacuum running a little rough after the holidays, or maybe its not picking up anything at all? Thinking about trashing it, purchasing a new one, or taking it to a professional?

I challenge you to fix it yourself!

And of course I'm going to show you how.

1.First get the vacuum, a disposable plastic bag, a screwdriver (one that fits in the screws on the bottom of your vacuum, most likely a Phillips head (that is the one that looks like + )), a pair of scissors, old cloth, and a pencil (or other long tough skinny object).

*Important* Make sure your kids are safely occupied before attempting this project.

**Important** Make sure your vacuum is unplugged before attempting this project.

2.Make yourself comfortable on the floor.

3.Lay the vacuum out on the floor with the very bottom facing the ceiling.

4.Place the bag, open, partly under the part of the vacuum you are working on. (This is so when you start taking it apart the dirt and dust will fall into the bag so you wont be vacuuming it up a second time)

5. Find the screws that keeps the bottom cover on the vacuum and unscrew all of them. Set them aside in a pile at a safe enough distance that you wont accidentally scatter them if you have to get up in a hurry to tend the children. (But close enough to you that you can grab them if the kids start honing in on the fact that you are doing something important)

6. Pull the cover off the vacuum. If it is hard to remove, make sure you have gotten all the screws out. Otherwise you might just have to tug a little harder. (Mine snaps into place, so I have to give it a good tug.)

*I know this is scary you don't want to ruin your vacuum, but think of the alternatives; junking it, purchasing a new one, paying someone to do what your doing usually for $100) Plus once you do this the first time, you will always know how to fix your vacuum, saving you years of money and lowering your carbon footprint)

7. Flip over the cover and remove any dust bunnies with the cloth, make sure you are wiping them into the bag.

8. Carefully remove the propeller bar, it has a band hooked onto it on one side. You can either slide it out of the band or carefully unhook the band where it connects to the vacuum on its other end by using the screw driver. If you choose to remove the band set it with your pile of screws.

9. Keeping the propeller bar over the bag, use the scissors to carefully cut out all of the stuff that has accumulated in the propeller, causing it not to work properly. (I once found a small, 3, stack of wipes my husband had just run over with the vacuum instead of picking them up to throw them away, I'm guessing he wanted to see if he could actually do it. Needless to say he flushed when I showed him the evidence)

10.Once you have removed every thing, wipe it off with the cloth if it is still dusty. Set the propeller bar aside next to your pile of screws.

11. Next you will want to tilt your vacuum up toward a source of light and check the tunnel to see if it is clogged. If this is your first time cleaning it out, it will mostly likely be packed full. Use a pencil or other object to dig the stuff out into the bag. You may have to stand your vacuum up right and bang it against the floor to get more of the stuff to come down. Some vacuums also come apart half way up the tunnel. If you want to you can take the vacuum apart there and it will help you unclog it. Just pay attention to how it comes apart, taking pictures even, if you need to, to remind you how it goes back together.

12. Also check the the outgoing tunnel that goes into the canister/bag for debris that you can fish out.

13. After you have removed everything, which could take awhile, start by placing the propeller bar back through the band. Make sure you have it going the right direction. The belt will loop around the part of the propeller bar that has a certain spot for it to turn the bar. And replace it into the propeller chamber, you may need to tug on it a bit to get it back in. The belt requires a certain tension to make it work, so it is harder to put the propeller bar back i than it is to take it out.

*My propeller has a shape on each end and if they are not facing the right direction they wont fit back into the base of the vacuum.

14. The cover on mine has tabs on one side that have to be slide into place and then the rest snaps down into place. Replace your cover. Replace all screws. Breathe. You are done!

15. Next you can check the canister of the vacuum. Usually there are some insides that if you turn them to one side or another you can get remove and clean them off.

16. There is also a filter that will either need to be replace or you can rinse it out. To replace it write down the make and model for your vacuum and go to the store where you purchased it or search online for a replacement part. This also works if the band in your vacuum has snapped or burned up. Remove the belt and it will have a serial number along it that will tell what size you need to replace it. Belts usually cost $1 and if you take your vacuum in to be fixed for just the belt, it is going to cost you a whole lot more than a dollar!

17. You did it! Now go feel awesome about yourself! I usually clean out my vacuum every two months, however I have 4 little kids and a hubby. You will have to gauge for yourself how often you will need to maintain your vacuum.

P.S. Propeller Bar and tunnel are two terms I made up on the spot to describe what I was doing. I have no idea what the real technical terms are. ;)

Where I Am

2011-01-03T12:46:00.000-05:00

This year I am focusing on my health and losing weight. This blog will still be here for your use. Please use the search bar if you are looking for something. There will be some occasions where I will blog over here but not many. If you are in need of some advice concerning green products, going green, trying to find something specific to being green, please feel free to email me! I love to help and I am excellent at internet searches or I may already have the information. Please click on the link over there to the right that says "Find Out More About Green Earth Journey" to find my contact information.

And please join me over at BloggestLoser to support and follow my weight loss journey.

Fireworks or Lightning Killed 5,000 Birds in Arkansas?

2011-01-03T12:22:00.001-05:00

Some guessers are saying that all of these birds, in a one mile radius could have been hit by a firework or lightning. I call their bullshit. Really? A firework? Lightning? 5,000 red wing black birds? I don't think so. It has been reported that this has never happened before. With the large amount of dead fish in Arkansas in another instance I'd speculate it's either weapons testing or something really f'ed up is going on with the environment. What are your thoughts?

This seems more like something you would see in a fiction horror movie not everyday life.

Tree Recycling

2011-01-03T10:45:00.000-05:00

Find your Christmas tree recycling, treecycling, options right now with Earth 911!

Dishwasher Detergent Review

2011-01-03T10:05:00.000-05:00

I wanted to let you know my thoughts on two different dishwasher detergents. Today I am comparing Palmolive Eco Gel Dishwasher Detergent and Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Concentrated Pacs.

When we moved back in June of 2010 we found ourselves with a dishwasher for the first time and we bought a liquid dishwasher detergent, Palmolive Eco Gel Dishwasher Detergent. It got the dishes clean per say, however most of the dishes had residue on them. I thought it was either the dishwasher or a fact of life. So we continue using the Palmolive for months. Each time unloading the dishwasher with disgust and wondering why I was even wasting my time with it.

One day I went to the grocer and was looking to pick up some more dishwasher detergent. The Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Detergent caught my eye. I was a little leery. I kept thinking, how could something that is not a liquid possibly clean my dishes. I decided to make the purchase and bring it home. The very first wash I noticed a difference. Firstly there was a choking lemon smell in the air. And when I opened my dishwasher, oh how those dishes gleamed! No residue, non what so ever! Some days the locking lid where the detergent goes doesn't catch and it still works! I love it. We have made a permanent switch to Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Detergent. I also like the convenience of inserting the little pacs and not having to heft that giant liquid detergent upside down and what not. We have made a permanent switch to Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Detergent.

A Word to the Wise

2010-12-30T17:37:00.000-05:00

EAT RIGHT RULE: If your food can go bad, it's good for you. If it can't go bad, it's bad for you

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T11:03:00.001-05:00

12 Hours from now my children will be drooling to get out their bedroom door and open their gifts from Santa Claus. It will be a messy chaos of a time and we will enjoy every minute of it! I hope you are with warm friends and family this time of year and remember to recycle all of the Christmas paper and save the bows and bags for next year!

Lots of Love and Thank You for reading my blog this year!!! I hope to be back before the end of the year...but if not...Ill see you next year!

Labels: Life With My Kids, Holidays

Read more: http://greenearthjourney.blogspot.com/#ixzz1746GiVtW
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Have You Heard of GeoMelt?

2010-12-22T10:37:00.002-05:00

I just heard of this tonight. GeoMelt is an alternative to salting icy roads. GeoMelt uses beet juice waste that is normally disposed of after all of the sugar has been extracted from sugar beets. Crazy huh? I've read that is works on colder temperatures than salt has been effective on! So does this mean we will start seeing purple roads in the winter?? Might be a nice change during the gloomy months! Check out more on their website.
Purple Snow in the future?

From Earth Hour

2010-12-21T21:16:00.002-05:00

Rainforest Alliance Certified

2010-12-19T17:41:00.001-05:00

This symbol was on my Orange Dark Chocolate bar today so I went to the website to check it out.

From the site:
"Forests are an essential part of life on Earth, providing oxygen, clean water, shelter, fuel and food. But rampant global consumption and illegal logging put a heavy strain on these crucial resources. Boycotting forest products only hurts the people who depend on forests the most -- rural communities, often with the unintended consequence of encouraging landowners to convert natural forest to farm or grazing land. At the Rainforest Alliance, we know that the best way to keep forests standing is to use them... wisely. To that end we work with everyone from large corporations to forest-based communities to ensure that logging is done responsibly, so that sensitive ecosystems and workers are protected.
When a forestry operation meets certification or verification standards, they earn the right to display the appropriate mark on products or promotional materials. That way conscientious consumers can know that their choices can create an economic incentive to keep forests standing.
When you see the Forest Stewardship Council® logo coupled with the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal on products and packaging, you know that they come from forests that have met rigorous standards for protecting people and wildlife."

Check out MORE on their website!

Can't Wrap This

2010-12-14T18:17:00.002-05:00

Green Holiday Meal Tips

2010-12-14T12:06:00.000-05:00

Check out this email I received from Dolphin Blue, they have some great products and I really love the featured article below! ~Hyla

Dear Friend,

I recently watched a video from an 11-year-old who cares deeply about where we get our food and what it's made from. He's convinced his younger cousin that eating "sparkly" cereal isn't good for him, and he's working on convincing a lot more kids -- and adults -- to be mindful of how they nourish their bodies. With that in mind, our feature story this month looks at how to eat green during this festive time of year.

If you still need gift tags, we've got some cool plantable ones in our Product Spotlight that aren't like anything you can pick up at the big retail chain stores. And in our Industry News section, get last-minute gift ideas for everyone in your life, from the pop culture fanatic to the outdoors enthusiast; find out which country has become the first to ban BPA; and brush up on your energy-efficient tech speak.

We thank you for your support in 2010 and are looking forward to providing more great green office products in 2011. Happy holidays!

Tom Kemper
President & Founder
Dolphin Blue

Eating Your Way Through the Holidays
Dreaming of a green Christmas?
Make mealtime more eco-friendly.

For many families, food is central to the holiday experience. What's better than gathering around the table and sharing a lovingly prepared meal? Holiday spreads are often extravagant, and the Soil Association estimates that a typical Christmas dinner can rack up 49,000 miles in imported ingredients, which is equivalent to two trips around the world. And as wise-beyond-his-years 11-year-old Birke Baehr recently found out, much of the food we eat isn't the best for us -- or the earth.

At an event called TEDxNextGenerationAsheville, Birke presented a talk called "What's Wrong with Our Food System?" that's been viewed more than 300,000 times online. There, he said, "It seems to me like corporations are always trying to get kids like me to get their parents to buy stuff that really isn't good for us or the planet. Little kids, especially, are attracted by colorful packaging and plastic toys. I must admit, I used to be one of them. I also used to think that all of our food came from these happy little farms where pigs rolled in mud and cows grazed on grass all day. What I discovered was this is not true."

Given that food is such an integral part of our lives, it's worth taking a hard look at how and what we eat. If, like Birke, you want to make mealtime more sustainable, try these tips this holiday season:

Plan ahead. Take reusable bags to the grocery store when loading up on ingredients, and write out a list beforehand to reduce your chances of having to make another trip.

Dine by candlelight. Give your holiday dinner an old-fashioned spin with candlelight. You'll save a bit of energy from turning the lights off, and you'll add a special ambience. Be sure to use candles made of soy wax, vegetable wax, or beeswax instead of petroleum-based paraffin candles.

Think winter and organic. Buy in season from your region and you'll cut down on the miles it takes for your food to reach you. For vegetarian Christmas options, check out the BBC GoodFood blog. If meat is your main course of choice, look for a pasture-raised, free-range label. This tells you that the animal lived outside rather than in a confined space, without harmful chemicals and hormones pumped into its body. As Birke said in his speech, "Some people say organic or local food is more expensive, but is it really? With all these things I've been learning about the food system, it seems to me that we either pay the farmer, or we can pay the hospital."

Use real dishes and silverware. Instead of picking up the use-and-trash plates and utensils, bring out your nicest dishes -- or at least washable ones. And don't feel obligated to clean up by hand after dinner's over -- the dishwasher is more environmentally friendly, especially if you use a soap without harmful chemicals. If you don't have enough place settings for everyone, try recycled cutlery, cups, plates, and bowls, like those from Preserve Tableware offered through Dolphin Blue's site. Free of BPA and melamine, the 100 percent post-consumer recycled tableware can be used again and again, or recycled once you're done.

Don't forget the leftovers. After your feast is over and everyone's gotten their fill of leftovers, compost some of your kitchen scraps. Keeping that waste out of landfills saves space and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making it a win-win. Not everything works well as compost, though -- get more info on how and what to compost here.

Product Spotlight

Bloomin' Plantable Gift Tags

Stock up on 100 percent recycled gift tags for this year and next. These ones from Bloomin' contain wildflower or blue spruce seeds, so once the package is opened, the tag can be planted and will sprout into a new creation. Choose a design of ornaments, snowflakes, doves, or green trees -- they're all adorable and just the thing to top any present. See the full selection here.
.

Green Office Guide

Reduce Your Office Operation Costs!

The FREE Green Office Guide from Green Earth Corporate Kindness Organization (GECKO) offers up more than 100 pages of clear strategies to integrate sustainable business practices into any company's operations. Get specific recommendations for changes that will help stop global warming, desertification, deforestation, water pollution, air pollution, soil contamination, strip mining, and heat island effects. Each section includes questions to ask about a particular aspect of the office and ideas on how to put a sustainability plan into action. Access the 2010-2011 Green Office Guide through our website here.

SWAGG

2010-12-13T17:09:00.000-05:00

SWAGG is a FREE mobile app that lets you manage all your gift cards in one place. No need to carry around any gift, loyalty or membership cards and weigh down your wallet. All this plastic could be recyled. Or better yet, the more people that start using the SWAGG gift card management app sooner, the less of these gift cards that will need to be printed.

Another cool thing is that the app allows you to "give or get." You can give a gift card directly from your mobile device. You can also enter your zip code upon downloading and get offers that are redeemable at stores in your area. Here's the link: http://bit.ly/getSWAGGnow

And if giving and getting aren't enough, the very download of the app gives back. SWAGG has partnered with the non-profit organization Stand Up to Cancer. For every download of the app between now and December 31,2011, SWAGG will donate $1 to Stand Up to Cancer – up to $125,000.

Fast facts:

* According to the National Retail Federation, 60% of Americans will ask for gift cards this year.
* Allows consumers to recycle their plastic while better managing gift, loyalty and membership cards on their mobile devices. You can give gift cards to others right from your mobile app.
* Consumers can download the free app

Not only does it benefit the environment but it helps fight cancer too!

(I did not write this, I was sent this in my email and it looks like something my brother would love. So i thought I would pass it along!)

Have You heard of...?

2010-12-10T11:05:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of Pandora radio? I LOVE it. I've been listening to it for almost a year now when I heard rumors of it at the college. It is a website where you put in your favorite artists and you create your own radio station with only the songs you want to listen to! You can also make multiple stations. You can listen to your stations on your computer, just open up a separate tab and leave it open, you can listen to it on your TV through your Blur Ray player if you have internet connection and if you have an ipod touch you can download the application and listen to it anywhere you can find an internet connection! Check it out! It is free!

Christmas Bows- Make Your Own!

2010-12-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Originally Posted 12/13/08

These are the bows I made.

You may recall that I posted a link to a tutorial to make your own Christmas bows this year with magazines. All you need to make these bows is scissors, a sharp pointed object, (such as a seam ripper or a box knife), magazines, and brads (aka paper fasteners).

I have to tell you I had a heck of a time finding the brads. Everyone looked at me like I was crazy, they had no idea what I was talking about. At one shop I went to the scrap booking section and found the decorative brads, they are different colors and are in various shapes such as hearts or stars (usually 10 for $3.29). I took these to the employee and told her I needed those but in gold or silver and with just a plain round head. Finally her eyes lite up and she knew what I was talking about! She took me to the office supplies accessories section and on the shelf in a little green box was 100 brass colored brads (AKA paper fasteners) for $1.99.

Instead of scissors to cut the magazines pages into strips I used a paper cutter, which I already had at home, it reduces the stress on your hand if you are making a bunch of bows and makes sure you have straight lines and even strips. And I don't have a seam ripper at home, so I carefully used to point of a box knife to punch the holes I needed.

I have to say, once the first bow was done I was on a roll! And the bows turned out great! Now I know I will need more than this, I have 3 kids! But for tonight I am done! So check out that link at the top for the tutorial, hunt down those brads and make your own bows this year!

Photo is not linked and is the property of Hyla Waldron. You may use the photo as long as you link back to my blog. Thanks.

Labels: Life With My Kids, Make Your Own

How Consumers Impact Their Retail Environment

2010-12-08T17:21:00.002-05:00

Press Release from Ditto Hangers(not written by me but I found it quite interesting and decided to pass it along)

Clothing Manufacturers Respond to Demand for Sustainability Practices

Oakland, CA (December 8, 2010) Ditto® Sustainable Brand Solutions, designer of sustainably manufactured retail display products, was tracking consumer demand for environmental practices in the retail industry before the company was launched four years ago. According to recent reports by industry watchdog Retail Systems Research and publications as varied as CIO Magazine and Chain Store Age, responding to consumer awareness of the environmental impact of their shopping habits is now a mainstream concept. People want green.

"In a recession, consumer buying habits become even more discretionary," said Gary Barker, Ditto CEO. "What they buy, and where they buy speaks volumes about the fundamentals that matter to them. Consumers seek out brands and products that reflect their social concerns."

The LOHAS consumer - as first defined by a 2003 National Marketing Institute consumer study - demonstrates tremendous leadership in attitudes toward the environment, society and socially responsible business practices. They are early adopters, influential over friends and family, less price sensitive, and more brand loyal.

Hundreds of mainstream publications now devote an April issue to environmental coverage in recognition of Earth Day, newscasts and radio stations have dedicated "green business" reporters, eco-trade publications abound, and the number of green blogs continues to grow as the public's appetite as new information continues to support environmental consciousness and shift behavior, including retail purchase decisions.

A prime example of the shift occurred three years ago. The Oprah Winfrey Show has been the number one talk show in the United States for for nearly 25 years. Oprah’s appeal is broad. She moves more than just the cognoscenti. She moves middle America. Her show is supported by America's biggest businesses, best funded advertisers, and she has viewers to entertain (not alienate). So, when Oprah invited Al Gore to appear on her show in 2007, her tacit endorsement of "An Inconvenient Truth" was a sign that mainstream American business had also embraced environmentalism.

Beyond Mr. Gore's appearance, The Oprah Winfrey Show regularly addresses issues of environmental concern. Ms. Simran Sethi, an award-winning journalist, presents topics on sustainability and contemporary environmentalism, almost always including tips on ways people can take action and put their concern for the planet into everyday practice.

Consumer adoption of green products is also driven by the quality of those products. Quality is a concept that matters to local, regional, and national retailers and is underscored globally by companies as large as IBM. A recent article in their online publication A Smarter Planet drew the following conclusions - in part - regarding consumer preferences and how business should respond: "Going green can do wonders for a company’s brand. Given the choice between similar products, many customers will choose - and even pay a premium for - the one that is quantifiably better for the environment."

###

Ditto® Sustainable Brand Solutions specializes in intelligently designed and sustainably manufactured display systems for retail environments. The Ditto Hanger, the company's flagship product, is a patented green hanger made from sturdy 100% recycled paper; it is available for retail environments as a part of a Ditto® Display Solution or for consumer purchase in a 10-pack from Amazon.com, BedBathandBeyond.com, or through the company's web site: DittoHangers.com.

Merry Christmas?

2010-12-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

Note: My MIL sent this to me. Even if you are not Christian, you might enjoy reading this. The government seems to have a lot of say in our Free-dom these days.

Twas the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,

not Happy Holiday !*

Please, all Christians join together and

wish everyone you meet during the

holidays a

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!

If you agree please forward, if not, simply delete.

Labels: From My Inbox

Christmas Lights Recycling Program

2010-12-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Originally Posted 11/15/2008

Yes, you read that right! A Christmas lights recycling program is now available for all that mass of wire and lights you can not get untangled and working! Or maybe this year you would like to switch over to LED Christmas lights.

This is the first year Christmas lights have a recycling program and you can find it all on the Christmas Light Source website!

Here is another amazing fact that can come from you recycling those lights, all Christmas lights that are recycled get a return of a little change for each pound of lights. That money is then used to purchase Usborne Books that will be donated to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation! Usborne also offer a 50% percent match on all donations!!!

So you think it can't get much better than that..................

But it can!!! By shipping your lights to the Christmas Light Source company they will in turn give you a 10% discount on a purchase of new Christmas lights!!!

Halloween lights are no different from Christmas lights, so if you need to recycle those, send them in too!

Go to the Christmas Light Source to find the shipping address for recycling and then box of those lights and get them shipping out!!!!

Happy Holidays!

Labels: did you know, helpful tips, holiday

An Eco Christmas

2010-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Originally Posted Sept 5 2008 at the old blog address in two parts. Then resposted on this blog address November 14, 2008Please leave a comment if a link is brokenThank you,Hyla

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Originally Posted on Sept 5. at the old blog address
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An ECO Christmas Part 1

Ok, so how do I have an ECO friendly Christmas and make everyone, including my three children, happy? Hmmmmm......

The Christmas Tree Debate: Real or Fake?

Now, obviously buying a real tree is more environmentally friendly, if you dispose of it in an Eco friendly manner or plant it in the ground. And if you care for the tree well while it is in your home, making sure to keep it well watered so it does not turn into a fire hazard.

What if you are allergic?
We use an artificial Christmas tree. The same tree we have used for the last four years when my husband and I became a couple and got our own place. We plan to keep it until, well forever. But artificial trees are non-renewable, non-recyclable and non-biodegradable plastic. So buy a great one the first time around and take good care of it.

Try these options when you will be getting a real Christmas tree;

Buy from a small-scale sustainable grower and/or make sure the tree has Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation.

BUY A TREE WITH ROOTS AND PLANT!
Planting a new Christmas tree after is a great way to leave an eco-friendly legacy. After only a few years, you will have a living reminder of fun and enjoyment in Christmas Past. American Forests provides detailed information about tree planting.
* To potentially reduce air conditioning and heating bill, plant trees strategically near your house to provide cooling shade in the summer and an insulating wind break in the winter.
* Trees clean the air and provide pure oxygen in return.
Planting 30 trees can offset your home and car’s annual contribution to global warming.
* Tree root systems hold in place soil that, if washed away by heavy rains, flow into streams and rivers, making them shallower and causing flooding.
* The EPA claims that planting trees is the best way to reverse the global warming effect.

If replanting isn’t an option:
Most local councils run Christmas tree recycling schemes. Contact yours or go to http://www.letsrecycle.com

Decorate an exterior tree or houseplant instead. (This option is probably not going to make your children happy if they are school age. But younger than 3 or teenagers might not mind)

RECYCLE YOUR TREE!

To avoid discarding old Christmas trees in landfills, where they consume much needed space, consider composting or mulching your tree.

An old Christmas tree…
* Can be ground up and used as mulch in gardens, on trails, or in animal stalls.
* Can be used as sand and erosion barriers on beaches, streambeds, and lakes.
* Can be sunk into private lakes and ponds, where it provides refuge for fish.
** For more information on recycling your tree, click here!

ECO-BENEFITS OF CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS
* While Christmas trees grow, they replenish the air with oxygen; just one acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen to support eighteen people.
* Tree farms provide habitat for birds and other wildlife (However, pesticide use on Christmas tree farms could be decreased for even greater environmental benefits.
* Due to their hardiness, Christmas trees are often planted where few other plants grow, thereby increasing soil stability.
* For each Christmas tree cut on tree farms, 2 or 3 new seedlings are planted.
CHRISTMAS TREES ARE NOT ECO-FRIENDLY WHEN:
* They are discarded with regular trash and end up in the landfill or incinerated. Landfills take up space, and incineration pollutes the air.
* They are burned in your trash, causing air pollution and creosote buildup.
Some of these tips were found HERE.

"The holiday spirit can be dampened by the knowledge that monocrop tree farms use pesticides such as glyphosate (Roundup), associated with chest pains and nausea in humans and deadly to many fish and beneficial insects. Other pesticides used include the organophosphates di-syston 15-G, which can cause convulsions and unconsciousness, and dimethoate, which can cause tremors and breathing difficulties. But it's not that you'll need to wear a face mask around your tree. "Many pesticides will have been removed from trees by rain and ultraviolet light by the time they are harvested," says Dr. Thomas Arcury, Ph.D., professor of family and community medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. "However, some will remain and, in particular, one, the systemic pesticide di-syston 15-G, may be present in the tree." Luckily, there are better choices to keep this holiday season healthy, organic and even fair-trade friendly."

Trees
As for the tree, "the most sustainable thing is to be sure you put your dollars towards tree growers that you want to keep in business," says Aubrey Raper, co-owner of Rogue Harbor Farm, which sells organic trees, adding, "By all means cut the tree, enjoy the fragrance and when you're done with it put it in a fish pond to serve as an incubator for young fish."

Alternatively, you can decorate houseplants or purchase a potted tree to plant outdoors after the holidays. Sloat Gardens' 11 locations in the San Francisco Bay Area sell potted organic trees ($39.75/1.5 to 3 ft. to $200/6.5 ft.; www.sloatgardens.com; they don't ship). The New Leaf greenhouse in the Bronx borough of New York City sells potted trees, the sales of which support the program's efforts to teach marketable workplace skills to former addicts (www.arguscommunity.org). Elsewhere, visit your farmers' market (see www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm) or check www.localharvest.org for nearby nurseries and organic tree farms. In San Francisco and Portland, you can rent a tree that will be delivered to you, picked up after New Year's, and planted (in Portland, $60, www.livingchristmastrees.org; in San Francisco, see www.fuf.net for prices).

If you can't buy locally, try a 7-ft. Fraser ($89.95) or balsam fir ($79.95) from NorthlandSent Wreath Company, which applies Roundup only between rows (www.localharvest.org, 218-591-0632).

For other tree recycling tips besides the fish pond, see www.thegreenguide.com.

Wreaths
Darthia Farms has fresh, organic balsam fir wreaths decorated with pine cones, rose hips and a bow for $35. Add mantelpiece greens—organic balsam fir, pine and cedar ($25)—or a centerpiece with three candles ($35; DarthiaFarm). For a different take, try McFadden Farm's organic three-herb wreath ($35) or their bay leaf wreath ($22.50), which provide holiday seasonings to your meals long after New Year's Day (www.mcfaddenfarm.com). Or pick Rogue Harbor Farm's certified organic Fraser fir wreaths (from $39; www.localharvest.org; 828-689-4586).

Lights
There are a variety of LED options that run on about a tenth of the energy of conventional lights and, since they produce no heat, don't present the fire risk of traditional bulbs. Forever Bright's traditional strawberry-shaped bulbs (from $14.95), round "razzberry" bulbs (from $12.95) and mini-icicles (from $14.95; www.christmas-treasures.com) are all festive choices. As with conventional lights, the plastic in some strings may include lead, so wash hands after use.

Make sure to check the wiring of all new and used lights you buy this year. Most important of all be safe and keep your family safe.

An ECO Christmas Part 2

Continuing from the previous blog post, look below this post.

So we have covered the tree, the wreaths, and the lights. We still need to discuss decorations, gift wrapping, gifts, and cards.

Decorations

The easiest and cheapest way to decorate (not to mention most ECO friendly) use nature. Forgot those plastic lead cover, chemical filled decorations. Pine cones, cinnamon sticks, berries, poinsettias are all natural signs that the Christmas season is upon us. You can also make your own, this website has some recycled ornaments you can buy, but I am sure if you are creative in anyway you could make these yourself.

Colorful ribbon (made from hemp or bamboo or eco twist ribbon), recycled paper garland, recycled paper snowflakes,
more snowflake how to's

If you have children;

For some reason Santa always seems to track in Magical North Pole Snow. When the kids wake up in the morning there are footprints everywhere!!! This snow is magical because it does not melt! What a delight! Usually the snow smells like baby powder, but I have a feeling the snow will "smell" like baking soda this year!!! Contact me (via the "Find Out More" button on the upper right corner of this blog) for more information!!

Gift Wrapping

Ok, gift wrapping this is why I started this two piece article in the first place. We all should know by now that after all the wrapping is unwrapped, we NEED to recycle it. But what about while it sits nicely under the tree?

First use boxes and bags around the house and decorate them yourself. If you have to buy new boxes and bags this year, make sure to save them with your Christmas decorations for next year. If you have older kids make sure to only use that specific White Fluffy Dog with a Santa Hat bag only once "From Santa" and any consecutive years "From Mom and Dad".

Can I find ECO friendly gift wrapping paper? Besides, the cartoons from the Sunday paper, which;

A) we don't receive
B) Are kinda dull for Christmas morning excitement

The search begins......

Recycled Wrapping Paper some from Fish Lips

Banana Fiber Paper

Molded Pulp Packaging for shipping gifts to relatives and friends

Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas

More tips and a Video

Amy Butler 100% post consumer recycled

more

Gift Bags

WoWza!!!! Thank you for the Internet!
The Christmas Cards

Lots of fun to receive, not so much fun filling out for your whole address book! If you have kids get them involved by using eco friendly kids paint have them each dip a hand in the paint, or you can paint their hand (careful this tends to cause giggles and uncontrollable laughter!!!).
Lay the largest hand on the left side of the card and press down firmly. You can do this for all the cards and lay them out on a flat surface, such as the kitchen table. After that drys, about 10 minutes, or so, do the next largest hand, in a different color, on top of the previous hand. And so on, everyone enjoys getting these cards in the mail and the kids get to help out and it is tons of fun!

Have you heard of plantable cards? No? Well let me introduce you! Plantable cards have seeds in the fiber of the paper. So when the recipient is done enjoying the card they can plant it and still enjoy it through the wonderful flowers that come up!!! The insk used on the cards is soy based and not harmful to the environment! You can find them on a number of different sites, I wonder if we will see them in stores this year?

GraceGraphics

Botanical Paperworks

GreenFieldPaper

Photo is from Etsy Seller BazilEssentials- Click Photo to get more information on the product

Gifts

Oh Boy! Where to start? Certainly with children, the better built the toy, the longer it will last and can be saved for future generations. Toys made out of wood and handmade are all the more reason to stop by Etsy and see what those artists have cooking! Plants are ideal of grownups and friends as they will cleanse the air in their home. See this previous blog post for the best indoor plants to cut pollutants.

Sure you could give a certificate that says you bought the person a tree on the other side of the world I am not sure how long the tree will be there what kind of care it receives, and usually a gift you can touch, see, smell, is a lot more welcomed and looks like you spent more time and energy on it. Or you could just buy the person a tree, especially if you live in a climate where it is warm during Christmas. But they can take care of the tree indoors for a few months and then plant it outside.

Try not to buy into all the electronics and new gadgets on sale this year, they likely wont last till next Christmas and that is what the sellers are expecting. If you have, to try shopping on places like EBGames, Amazon.com, or Craigslist.com where you can get the same items for cheaper prices because they are used. You are recycling here in your own way and it is likely that the item was not used much if at all and still looks brand new.

Handmade gifts

If you are crafty you can make a handmade gift such as soy based candles, use glass jars that you save from your everyday life, or handmade notebook/journal (make sure to use recycled paper).

Maybe you don't think highly of your crafting skills or maybe you just do not have the time to make your own gifts, that is where Etsy comes in. Etsy is an online community of artists/crafters that sell handmade items. They sell everything; candles, journals, cards, toys, clothing, jewelry, plants, food, art, books, pottery, photos, woodworking. You name it and you can probably find it on Etsy!

Now why would buying handmade be ECO friendly?
Well the products might not necessarily be ECO friendly but buying handmade is. When you buy handmade from Etsy you are buying a product that one individual spent time making. It was not factory made and it was not made to break after a certain amount of time. These people pride themselves on products that will last for years to come and that is ECO friendly. You will find sellers from all of the world, they love to answer your questions and if you ever have any problem with a product, most sellers will be right there helping you out. They want you to feel that you have purchased a quality product from them because that is how they rely on business. Happy customers that return for more and spread the word about the fabulous product they received.

I hope these blog posts will help make your holidays a little greener and if you have any more tips please add them to the comments for other readers!

Labels: Did You Know, helpful tips, life with my kids, eco online shopping, etsy seller, holiday

It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas

2010-12-06T13:34:00.000-05:00

If you see a blank post on Facebook, that has a label with "Video" in it, you will need to go to the main blog page http://greenearthjourney.com to watch the video!

Labels: Video, Holiday

Techno Christmas

2010-12-06T13:13:00.000-05:00

Labels: Video, Holiday, Random

How NOT To Do Christmas Lights

2010-12-05T13:46:00.000-05:00

Labels: Video, Holiday

TOP 6 Gifts at WWF, It's Not Too Late!

2010-12-04T13:35:00.000-05:00

Announcing this holiday season's top six most popular gifts...

Gift Adoption Card
$50 Donation
Can't pick one species? Make a donation now and let your loved one select his or her favorite species later! Gift Adoption Card available in four different designs.

WWF 2010 Calendar
$25 Donation
A magnificent collection of photographs, including stunning images of tigers, polar bears and pandas--a few of the many species WWF works to protect.

Amur Leopard Adoption
$50 Donation
Fewer than 40 of these critically endangered cats exist in the wild. WWF works in the Russian Far East to save this species from extinction.

Long-sleeved Tee
$50 Donation
Proudly show support of conservation with this long-sleeved, 100% organic cotton t-shirt emblazoned with the WWF panda logo.

Bucket of Frogs
$50 Donation
Although the deforestation rate in the Amazon decreased in the past year, WWF works to ensure it continues falling in a sustainable manner.

Polar Bear Adoption
$100 Donation
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Labels: Holidays

Assembly Required

2010-12-04T13:03:00.000-05:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, I searched for the tools to hand to my spouse.
Instructions were studied and we were inspired, in hopes we could manage "Some Assembly Required."
The children were quiet (not asleep) in their beds, while Dad and I faced the evening with dread.
A kitchen, two bikes, Barbie's townhouse to boot. And, thanks to Grandpa, a train with a toot.
We opened the boxes, my heart skipped a beat — let no parts be missing or parts incomplete.
Too late for last-minute returns or replacements, if we can't get it right, it goes in the basement.
When what to my worrying eyes should appear, but 50 sheets of directions, concise, but not clear,
With each part numbered and every slot named, so if we failed, only we could be blamed.
More rapid than eagles the parts then fell out, all over the carpet they were scattered about.
"Now bolt it! Now twist it! Attach it right there! Slide on the seats, and staple the stair!
Hammer the shelves, and nail to the stand."
"Honey," said hubby, "you just glued my hand."
And then in a twinkling, I knew for a fact, that all the toy dealers had indeed made a pact
To keep parents busy all Christmas Eve night, with "assembly required" till morning's first light.
We spoke not a word, but kept bent at our work. Till our eyes, they went bleary. Our fingers all hurt.
The coffee went cold and the night, it wore thin, before we attached the last rod and last pin.
Then laying the tools away in the chest, we fell into bed for a well-deserved rest.
But I said to my husband just before I passed out, "This will be the best Christmas, without any doubt.
Tomorrow we'll cheer, let the holiday ring, and not have to run to the store for a thing!
We did it! We did it! The toys are all set
For the perfect, most perfect, Christmas, I bet!"
Then off to dreamland, at last sweet repose, I gratefully went, although I suppose,
There's something to say for those self-deluded.

I'd forgotten that batteries are never included!
-Author Unknown

Labels: Holiday, Life With My Kids

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Zombies!

2010-12-03T13:32:00.000-05:00

Sung to the tune of "A Holly, Jolly Christmas"

Have a jolly Zombie Christmas,
Time to eat somebody's ear.
I don't know if we'll eat toes,
But they'll still scream in fear.
Have a jolly Zombie Christmas,
And when they run down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And bite ev'ryone you meet.

Oh, ho
There's poor Joe, hung where you can see.
Somebody waits for you;
Bite her once for me.
Have a jolly Zombie Christmas,
And in case you lose your ears,
Oh, by golly,
Have a jolly
Zombie Christmas this year.

Our New Family Tradition-Handmade Advent Calendar

2010-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Isn't it fantastic!?! I made this using vintage wooden spools I bought from Etsy sellers and the spool holder I found at JoAnns Fabric for $3! I got the idea from Just Something I Made. I absolutely love this! I cant wait until the kids see it! I made a master list so I know what is written under each label so I can hide the candy before they open it! I realized tonight that I did not have any green paint, so I used a green washable marker and it worked just fine! (After I took the picture I noticed I forgot the bottom bar, so I colored it in ;) ) I dont have a hand saw here so I made the snowman (one for each kid), a candy cane, and a Christmas Tree out of paper and glue them around the extra pegs. I only did 24 days, because Christmas Day they get to unwrap all their gifts and they would probably forget the advent calendar, so I just put the tree there!

2010 Calendar Update! Same calendar, just different graphics!

The first day I hid a hotwheels car for each kid, they each have their own color so we can keep them straight. And on the second day I hid a gingerbread house kit that they had tons of fun putting together!

Labels: Make Your Own, Holidays, Life With My Kids

Christmas Lights Recycling Program

2010-12-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, you read that right! A Christmas lights recycling program is now available for all that mass of wire and lights you can not get untangled and working! Or maybe this year you would like to switch over to LED Christmas lights.

This is the first year Christmas lights have a recycling program and you can find it all on the Christmas Light Source website!

Here is another amazing fact that can come from you recycling those lights, all Christmas lights that are recycled get a return of a little change for each pound of lights. That money is then used to purchase Usborne Books that will be donated to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation! Usborne also offer a 50% percent match on all donations!!!

So you think it can't get much better than that..................

But it can!!! By shipping your lights to the Christmas Light Source company they will in turn give you a 10% discount on a purchase of new Christmas lights!!!

Halloween lights are no different from Christmas lights, so if you need to recycle those, send them in too!

Go to the Christmas Light Source to find the shipping address for recycling and then box of those lights and get them shipping out!!!!

Happy Holidays!

Glass Water Bottles!

2010-10-29T11:16:00.000-04:00

I've been waiting a while for a glass water bottle. We already have glass baby bottles and we have metal water bottles. Now finally someone has put Glass Water Bottles into the mix. Takeya USA offers beautiful and well made Glass Water Bottles. They recently sent me one to review and shortly afterwards I had to log on and order my husband a "fuel cell", that is what he calls these bottles "Fuel Cells" he loves the way they look!

Takeya USA offers more than just water bottles! They offer many products in glass such as food storage, tea makers, pitchers and more!

I love my water bottle it is unique looking and the silicone cover gives it a good grip. Glass is easy to clean and does not stain. The glass used for the water bottle is nice and thick, making me confident in carrying it around with me everywhere. The lid is nice and strong and easy to hook my finger through when I am in a rush. I can easily see how much water I have or don't have. And the water bottle is well balanced and not awkward or heavy to carry.

If you have been looking for a nice glass water bottle to carry look no further than Takeya USA. Checkout was fast and easy and I received my husbands water bottle in about 4 days, much sooner than the website had said.

CSN Stores Sponsored Post

2010-10-28T12:17:00.001-04:00

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from a wardrobes to organic gardening books to organic cradles and eco friendly cookware sets!

I enjoy shopping at CSN Stores because they have so much to offer. You really can find just about anything there! It usually takes me days to figure out what I will review when they send me a sponsored gift card.

They have more than 200+ online stores such as www.cookware.com and www.allmodern.com.

Check out CSN Stores the next time you are in need of something and compare their prices to the sites you usually order from.

Read more: http://greenearthjourney.blogspot.com/2010/07/csn-stores-sponsered-post.html#ixzz13lVcIKhF
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Swap.com Joins Green Halloween® and KIWI magazine and Declares October 9th “National Costume Swap Day”

2010-10-05T14:47:00.000-04:00

From my inbox: I did not write the following.

Seattle, WA - Every kid’s favorite holiday just got a little more parent- and planet-friendly with the launch of Green Halloween’s® National Costume Swap Day. A countrywide celebration scheduled to take place on October 9, 2010, National Costume Swap Day calls for Americans to go green this Halloween by organizing a local kids costume swap in their community. Kids get new-to-them costumes, and parents get to save money and the planet by recycling princess gowns, witches hats, and superhero capes from years past.

Seeking to align themselves with like-minded brands, Green Halloween has partnered with both KIWI Magazine, a magazine dedicated to raising families the natural and organic way, and Swap.com, the leading swap marketplace with nearly one million members.

“A costume swap is recycling at its most fun,” said Corey Colwell-Lipson, founder of Green Halloween. “It not only means that fewer resources are used to make new products, but also means less packaging and less waste, since costumes often are trashed as soon as Halloween is over. People will really be making a difference in their community.”

In fact, swapping the costumes of only half of the children who celebrate Halloween would reduce annual landfill waste by 6,250 tons, equivalent to the weight of 2500 midsize cars. And that doesn't even address adult costumes.

“The team at Green Halloween has spearheaded an incredible initiative that is perfectly aligned with our mission to grow the ‘swap movement’, and of course, add a little fun to one of our favorite holidays,“ said Jeff Bennett, CEO of Swap.com. “We’re excited to help build momentum across the country for this eco-friendly and cost-savvy event.”

For tips on how to organize a costume swap, or to find a swap in your area, visit the National Costume Swap website at: http://www.greenhalloween.org/CostumeSwap/index.html.

Press Release - Takeya Glass Water Bottles

2010-09-30T19:13:00.001-04:00

TAKEYA DEBUTS FASHIONABLE/FUNCTIONAL ECO-FRIENDLY GLASS WATER BOTTLES THAT ELIMINATE POOR TASTE AND REDUCE LANDFILL WASTE

Takeya Glass Water Bottles—the healthier way to hydrate

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Takeya USA has introduced two revolutionary Glass Water Bottle collections, and with them, a healthier way for all Americans to hydrate. Takeya’s portable and stylish designs are eco-friendly and deliver fresh taste without plastic or metal flavors. The reusable Glass Water Bottles, made from naturally organic and recyclable materials, will greatly reduce the millions of accumulated plastic water bottles in U.S. landfills and are free of any toxic chemicals.

Characterized by uncomplicated beauty and functionality, Takeya design evokes beauty, efficiency and balance. Detailed company and product information is available at www.takeyausa.com.

Takeya’s innovative Glass Water Bottles will be available at specialty and online retailers in several sizes with colorful silicone jackets that feature see-through windows for checking fluid levels. The patented silicone jackets also provide a soft, non-slip grip and protection from accidental breakage. They are derived from Takeya Japan’s extensive expertise in producing silicone accessories for popular video game consoles worldwide. Both the silicone jackets and water bottles are dishwasher safe.

“Takeya has developed two fresh and fashion-forward glass water bottle collections in response to the growing need to produce products that help reduce waste,” said John Lown, president of Takeya USA. “In addition to the pure taste and more environmentally friendly hydration, Takeya’s glass water bottles are free of any toxic chemicals which may cause cancer.”

About Takeya USA

Takeya (pronounced tah-KAY-ya) USA, a subsidiary of Takeya Japan, is a manufacturer of innovative food and beverage containers. Building upon 50 years of design expertise, the company enriches consumer’s lives by using modern ideas, a rich palette of colors, food-safe materials, unique functionality and high-quality craftsmanship. Takeya provides real solutions that save the American consumer money, are eco-friendly and promote a healthy lifestyle. More information is available at www.takeyausa.com.

This post is a press release sent to my inbox, I did not write this.

Life Gets You Down

2010-09-21T22:53:00.003-04:00

Last week I injured my left knee in my PE199 (which is my second PE class with children), on Monday. And the doctor said to take a break from working out and try and keep weight off of it. He also said when I started working out again to avoid the treadmill for awhile. So on Friday I came back to the gym and I did the rowing machine for an hour and I worked out on Monday and today, Tuesday. I did the rowing machine and the bicycle.

Today when I was leaving after I had worked out I fell really hard, and I twisted my right ankle and heard a crack. I got a ride home and then to the Urgent care and they took an xray. The doctor said I have a major sprain in my ankle and Ive got to stay off of it for 3 days and then Im on crutches for at least two weeks. In a week I have to get a check up with an orthopedic.

I feel like Im working out to loss weight, but because of my weight I keep getting these injuries and then I have to "take it easy" and I feel like I am not going to see any results. I am so depressed. This is so depressing. This sucks. How am I ever going to lose any weight?

GM Fish

2010-09-17T14:27:00.000-04:00

A Healthier Halloween Review

2010-09-12T11:17:00.000-04:00

(This post was originally written 2009)

I recently received a book to review. It's called The Switch Witch and it is just in time for Halloween! The Switch Witch is written and illustrated by Charity A. O'Neill-O'Kane. The Switch Witch brings out a delightful new fairy tale for children. Our family is a huge fan of fairy tales, imagination, and myths, which make childhood so much more fun for our kids and us! So when I heard of The Switch Witch I knew this was perfect for us!

The Switch Witch is a beautifully illustrated story that my children loved listening too. My eldest son especially enjoyed the little boy's name, Gavin, because he has a friend in class with the same name!

The Switch Witch is a story about a witch who is friend's with a little boy, Gavin, who enjoys going Trick or Treating. When the witch sees the ill effects of the candy on the boys teeth and his stomach, making him sick when he eats to much, she comes up with a plan.

The Switch Witch tells the little boy to pick out 3 of his favorite pieces of candy and to leave the rest near his lit Jack-o-Lantern when he goes to bed. When he falls asleep the Switch Witch arrives and blows out the lit Jack-o-Lantern and leaves a wonderful book in place of the bag of candy.

In the morning the boy rushes to see what the Switch Witch has left for him and finds the book. He loves it and completely forgets about the candy, besides the book will last for years and he can read it over and over again!

The Switch Witch book is great and we will definitely begin incorporating this family practice starting with this Halloween!

WaterAid

2010-09-11T10:52:00.001-04:00

World Trade Centers = USS New York

2010-09-11T10:30:00.000-04:00

Photos are not linked.

The scrape metal from the World Trade Centers that fell September 11th 2001 was used to construct the USS New York and it's motto is "Never Forget." See the information, pictures and videos below.

From a circulating email;

USS New York

It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, Louisiana to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.'

Junior Chavers, Foundry Operations Manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said. 'They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.'

Halloween Is Fast Approaching!

2010-09-10T11:17:00.000-04:00

It's time to start thinking about how you will green your Halloween! When you are thinking about giving out treats, think about ways to give locally and organically. Shop at your local apple farms for apples and other locally made treats you can give away. Remember that the less packaging the better! Apples are sweet, good for your teeth, and require no packaging! When searching for candy in the store look for organic treats. Here are some ideas from Green Halloween.com;

Food items ("treats")

Individually wrapped organic Tea for kids
Organic juice boxes
Organic apple sauce snack packs
Organic fruit leather
Snack bars such as LARABAR and Cascadian Farm SPONSOR
Bare Fruit trial size packs
Boxes of organic raisins and, where available, other organic dried fruits.
100% honey sticks DO NOT GIVE HONEY TO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWO
Individual packets of fair trade, organic Amazing Grass Chocolate SuperFood
Raw or roasted nuts (ask parents before giving out nuts due to allergies)
Organic Twisted Fruit
Trial size packs of dried veggie chips, like Terra Chips
Glee Gum “minis” or other individually wrapped small gums
Spooky S’mores Clif Kid’s Organic ZBar FEATURED VENDOR
Organic granola/breakfast bars by Nature’s Path, Barbara’s Bakery, etc.
Trial/snack sized bags of organic cookies, crackers, or popcorn by Snikiddy or Annie’s
Individual bags of Lesser Evil popcorn and other varieties
Crunchy Munchies (individually wrapped pumpkin seed treats)
Individual “Jr” packs of organic nut butter (be sure to ask parents about possible nut allergies), such as Justin’s Nut Butter or Barney Butter
Organic licorice bars, rope, and gum, (cut into pieces), by Tundra Trading
Organic agave sticks

Non food items ("treasures")

Acorns (kids love items from nature)
Adhesive "bandages" with pirate, black cat and other fun themes (one per child. Great for older kids!)
Barrettes or other hair things
Beads
Bean bags (homemade)
Bells
Charms
Coins (US or non-US)
Confetti-biodegradable, water-soluble
Cookie cutters - mini
Cootie Catcher Note Cards (one card per child)
Crayon “rocks” (soy-based)
Earth tone feathers
Elf and fairy items
Fake jewels (lead free)
Fortunes
Games for Your Brain Ocean Cards (one card per child)
Glass rings
Glass beads
Jokes
Large metallic star confetti or “fairy dust”
Mary’s softdough or homemade dough
Money
Mosaic glass tumbled, recycled (safe for older children)
Paper balls
Pencils made from recycled money or plastic FEATURED VENDOR
Polished rocks/ skipping stones
Printed items like word games, word search or cross word puzzles
Pumpkins (mini, dried)
Rainbow peep holes
Recycled glass tiles: Seattle based, made of 100% recycled materials, shippable
Sachets (homemade)
Seashells
Seed Packets
Soap
Soy or beeswax crayons
Spider confetti
Spinning tops (recycled plastic) FEATURED VENDOR
Stamps from foreign countries
Stickers
Sweet Dreams, 36 Bedtime Wishes (one card per child)
Temporary tattoos (recycle-themed) FEATURED VENDOR
Toothpaste
Unfinished wood items
Whimsical treasures
Whistles (Recycled plastic) FEATURED VENDOR
World Almanac for Kids Puzzler Deck (one card per child)
Worry dolls
Xeko cards
Yarn bracelets
52 Cool Tricks for Kids cards (one card per child)
52 Great Art Projects for kids (one card per child)
52 Brain Tickling Activities for Kids (one card per child)
52 Tricks and Treats for Halloween (one card per child)
3-D cat cards (one per child)
3-D dog cards (one card per child)

It's All About Me!

2010-09-09T20:57:00.002-04:00

It is my time! (At least I hope it is!) I have started classes and so far I love them all! I have been spending 1 hour in the school workout gym every day! The teacher says that if I workout 1 hour a day, every day than I could lose 1-1.5 pounds a week! I have also signed up for a second physical education class! Can you believe it? Me, an overweight stay at home mom, is enrolled in TWO physical education classes! It's fantastic! One of the teachers was looking for more students to make up a class that works with the college daycare children. The students work one on one with the kids and learn to make up children physical education programs. Since I have kids I thought it would be fun and beneficial, not to mention a little more workout for two days a week!

So my normal 1 hour workout at the gym consists of the following;

Rowing machine-10 minutes

Bicycle-10 minutes

Treadmill-30 minutes

Cool Down - 5+

School is Starting

2010-08-30T19:12:00.001-04:00

School is starting! Well Ive already actually started my early accelerated course, but the rest of the semester starts on Wednesday!

Something I learned in class-
(Did you know that MSG ((in food like Chinese, ramen noodles, anything processed...)) cuts open your taste buds so that the flavor of the food is more intense for you? craziness huh? It can also cause migraines and seizures!) -It's amazing the kinds of things the FDA allows.

Ok so anyways, back to the reason for this post. I am going to try and find time to put up a bunch of scheduled posts at once but I am not sure when, maybe tomorrow?? Or Wednesday afternoon?

Hmmmm, I am sorry for the lack of posts. Wish me luck in school! I've got Psychology, PE, and Math (blech)

Endangered Species - Black Rhino

2010-08-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

DesignsByCathy

2010-08-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Name: Cathy Pecoraro
Shop Name: DesignsbyCathy
Shop Link: www.designsbycathy.etsy.com
Location: Plano, TX
Ships To: Everywhere

What materials do you use for your ECO friendly products?

To oxidize the jewelry I use..eggs. The sulfur within the eggs oxidizes the jewelry without using chemicals that harm the environment. I also clean my jewelry with ketchup to remove tarnish as needed.

Why did you decide to make ECO friendly products?

The decision came the day I went to order chemicals and there were several warnings that said these were poisonous and then I saw the skull and crossbones and said- wait, why would I want to order this and then use it? So, I started to research how to oxidize my jewelry in a earth friendly manner and how to clean it in an earth friendly manner. When you use precious metal such as silver/copper and beautiful stones from the earth I just could not see putting these chemicals on my pieces which would eventually damage the products I use. it's that vicious circle we forget about. Thus ECO friendly products became my standard.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by shapes, colors and nature in general.

How long have you had your shop on ETSY?

I opened my shop in May.

Is this a job for you or a hobby?

Today, this is a hobby but it would be wonderful to do this as a job someday!

How did you get into your craft?

I have been "artsy" my whole life. I draw, paint, remodeled homes, make cakes, so jewelry seemed natural to make. Plus, I wear a lot of it so I thought I could save some money and make my own- It was a nice thought many, many hammers, saws, tumblers later!

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners?

Yes, don't get caught up in what others are doing. Make what you enjoy and you will see your business grow. It was slow at first but sales are increasing on ETSY and off ETSY. Have faith in yourself and don't fret over the small things that you can't control!

Anything else you would like to add?

Yes - recycle, reuse and don't print paper unless you really have to :)

Drake Landing Solar Community

2010-08-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Site Link HERE

In the town of Okotoks, Alberta, Canada the first solar powered community of North America has been in use since August 2007. There are 52 solar powered homes and 90% of residential space heating needs will be met by solar thermal energy. The community is heated by a district system designed to store abundant solar energy underground during the summer months and distribute the energy to each home for space heating needs during winter months. These homes reduce approximately 5 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per home per year.

All homes built in the community are finely crafted, single-detached homes with rear garages and breezeways. They are built from six distinct two-story home designs, ranging from 1,492 to 1,664 square feet in size. These designs are similar to other new homes across Canada, though these homes have subtle differences as part of a solar community.

ECO Finds - For the Bathroom

2010-08-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

This beautiful bath mat is made from 100% Bamboo and come from the company Umbra. You can find it HERE, along with these bamboo accessories,

Here are some very cozy looking towels. These towels are 100% bamboo and are mint green. You can find them HERE.

The bath mat and the towels are on my wish list as it is almost about time for us to replace the ones we currently have. I was on the hunt for something sustainable and came across these finds. Do you love them as much as I do?
~Hyla

Unscrew America

2010-08-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

Seen this site yet? If not check it out!

UnscrewAmerica.org

Buddha Quote

2010-08-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity. ~Buddha

Hasenpfeffer Incorporated

2010-08-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

Name:
Daniela Shelton
Shop Name:
Hasenpfeffer Incorporated
Shop Link:
Hasenpfeffer.etsy.com
Location:
Camano Island, WA
Ships To:
Wherever a mail carrier will go

What materials do you use for your ECO friendly products?
We use just about anything that anyone else deems worthless for its intended
purpose. Usually it's thrift clothing on its way to the dump, but we do buy
the occasional dead stock or vintage remnant. We use poly-dacron fiber fill,
but only because it's hypo-allergenic and affordable. For that and our
thread, we buy American-made products. We don't have a problem with imported
products--we have a lot, in fact--but most imported essential materials are
made primarily with cost in mind, and that usually translates to sketchy
labor and/or manufacturing practices. We can't feel good about the things we
do if someone suffers.

Why did you decide to make ECO friendly products?
It makes us sick to see good things go to waste. Most people are
pathological consumers, and in their wakes they leave a lot of "garbage."
Some of it really is garbage--cheap, low-quality articles that fall apart or
stop working. But then there's a lot of stuff that no longer fits a trend.
That's not true garbage. So we try to make enduring things from those
materials. In a sense we're doing well by doing good: we're giving people
high-quality things made out of stuff that would've become landfill.

What inspires you?
Seeing something like a shabby old wool sport coat come to life as a
critter. You can find some beautiful materials in clothes that nobody would
dare wear anymore. I don't think people understand the energy and investment
required to make even simple materials, and to see them acquire a second
life is a gratifying thing. Then there's the thought that we kept one more
piece out of a landfill. It doesn't seem like much, but it's like eating an
elephant: the bites add up. If everybody took a bite, we'd really get
somewhere.
How long have you had your shop on Etsy?
Seven months (give or take)

Is this a job for you or a hobby?
A little of both--sort of like everything I do. I'm a graphic designer by
trade, but I chose design because it's a lot of fun for me. So in a sense my
work is a hobby that just happens to put some jingle in my jeans.
Hasenpfeffer Incorporated wouldn't sustain me financially...not yet at
least.

How did you get into your craft?
Curiosity. Well, that and it's fun. I sewed a lot when I was a kid, and
doing it now reminds me. The curiosity part was whether or not people would
actually buy things that I made. I mean it's a foregone conclusion that
SOMEONE will buy SOMETHING, but the success I've had is humbling.

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners?
Find something that you love doing and do it. If you do that, you'll find
success. I think a lot of people put the cart before the horse: they pursue
success and try to come up with a means to get there. There's no passion
there. But if you do things success be damned, you'll inevitably find it.
Then the persistence comes naturally: you'd do it whether or not you got
paid. And that's really the key to success: passion and persistence. Of
course there's that whole thing about making people fall in love with your
work, but that's almost incidental--there's a lot of junk out there that
people buy. If you're passionate and persistent, your audience will find
you.

Anything else you would like to add?
Make your own reality. We're so conditioned to buy into a mass produced
version of someone's dream. What legacy is there in that? Just leave a trail
of neat stuff in your wake. If it sells, great. If not, at least the world
will be a better place for it.

Quote

2010-08-18T08:00:00.001-04:00

Strive to live in harmony with the environment and society.

Endangered Animal- Marine Otter

2010-08-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

Watch another video HERE about otters.

The Card Tree

2010-08-16T08:00:00.003-04:00

Name: Giulia Mauri

Shop Name: The Card Tree

Shop Link: http://www.TheCardTree.etsy.com

Location: Surrey, England

Ships To: Everywhere - International Shipping

What materials do you use for your ECO friendly products? I use 100% recycled paper and card, biodegradable sleeves as packaging, raffia, wild flowers, and Fairtrade and Organic Cotton Bags.

Why did you decide to make ECO friendly products? I decided to make Eco-Friendly products because it is an effective way to save the environment. It is also a way to teach other people that with Eco-friendly materials you can create beautiful products.

What inspires you? I'm especially inspired by the nature that I'm surrounded with, here in Surrey.
I also like to read stories and tails, as while I read them my imagination is encouraged to create its own images and colors.
I try not to visit galleries with contemporary Art, but I do like to go at the Tate Britain often: I usually spend my time there watching the Ofelia of Millais and the Lady of the Sharlott of Waterhouse.

How long have you had your shop on Etsy? About three months, I have opened the store the 11th of June of this year.

Is this a job for you or a hobby? At the moment it's my creative part time job, I do work full time else were. But I'm planning on leaving my job and working full time on my Etsy store as soon as things get going!

How did you get into your craft? I was always quite a creative kid when I was little. My primary school teachers Elia and Sergio used to give classed about book making, stories writing and recycled paper creations... I guess that's when it all started! Now it's for me a real passion and I can't stop creating things.

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners? Save and protect the environment using Eco-friendly biodegradable packaging. Also buy your supplies locally when ever possible. To promote your shop set up a blog if you haven't already, join a team, and other internet communities. Spread the word about what YOU do, and when you are ready give something back to world.

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you very much Hyla for giving me the opportunity to talk about my Eco shop on Etsy. I wish you all the best for your store.

C R A F T Y : the fiber rescue project

2010-08-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Name: Molly Bachelor
Shop Name: C R A F T Y : the fiber rescue project
Shop Link: www.craftyyarn.etsy.com
Location: Encinitas, California
Ships To: everywhere

What materials do you use for your ECO friendly products? reclaimed and recycled fibers of all sorts: used clothing, mill-end fiber, soysilk (a fiber made from byproducts of tofu making), and ecospun (made from recycled PET) to name some

Why did you decide to make ECO friendly products? My commitment to recycling comes from my interest in the crafting process. For me, crafting is far more interesting and significant when using handmade, unique materials rather than supplies from a big box store.

What inspires you? Making recycled, one-of-a-kind supplies available inexpensively -- I enjoy knowing that my yarn provides material for other creative people.

How long have you had your shop on Etsy? About a year, since September 2007

Is this a job for you or a hobby? A hobby, although sometimes I find myself focusing on it like a second job. It's a wonderful contrast to my 9-5 job in front of a computer.

How did you get into your craft? I'm a lifelong fiber addict who has always enjoyed working with my hands and making things. I began as a knitter and quickly became fascinated with yarn. Since I've been selling my yarn my craft has broadened to include spinning yarn and working
with loose fibers.

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners? Be focused. That doesn't mean you have to make only one thing, or that your shop has to be boring, but know what you sell and why you sell it.

ECO Tip

2010-08-14T08:00:00.003-04:00

Use less gas, keep your car cleaned out. The less weight there is in your vehicle, the less gas your car will consume. So the next time you get out of the car, grab some things that don't need to be in the car and bring them inside.

C5 company, llc

2010-08-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

Company Name:C5 company, llc
Web Address:www.C5company.com
Location:San Francisco Bay Area
Ships To:United States

What do you provide?
C5 company is an innovative fine jewelry retailer offering an unparalleled selection of environmentally and socially responsible alternatives to the traditional fine jewelry industry through its online boutique featuring ready-to-wear and custom jewelry services.

Do you provide custom pieces?
C5 specializes in one-of-a-kind custom jewelry creations that are made as sustainably as possible while not compromising beauty or integrity. Our custom jewelry is manufactured in the United States using recycled metals, and ethically sourced and lab-created gems. Custom allows customers to participate in the process, so that their jewelry truly reflects their own personality and values. The C5 custom design process allows us to work closely with clients locally and remotely. Custom is a terrific option for consumers with discerning tastes and is often a better value than purchasing finished pieces.

Why was the company created?
I started C5 company because I wanted to offer people an alternative to the traditional diamond and jewelry industry. Like many other consumers today, I appreciate beauty and craftsmanship, and strongly believe that both should be attainable without having to compromise my values. The fine jewelry industry has thrived for many decades under the same model. As such, it was a long, arduous, and often demeaning process for me to get my own socially and environmentally responsible wedding ring. From this experience grew my desire to help others and a passion for a new way of doing business. I strive to offer a better way of serving clients that utilizes emerging innovations, is enjoyable for all involved and results in the perfect jewelry.

When was the company established?
February, 2008

Besides using ECO friendly supplies, is there anything else the company does to be environmentally friendly?
We are working really hard to not only produce sustainable products, but also to operate our business in a sustainable way. All of our custom jewelry is made in the United States with recycled metals and either lab-created or ethically sourced gems. Our packaging is eco-friendly and made by a fair-trade certified company. We also ship using recycled materials. We are even trying to incorporate sustainable materials in our office like CFL bulbs and recycled carpeting. Some of these things may seem small, but others have been quite challenging. Traditional clamshell jewelry boxes are made from petroleum. C5 isn’t going to display sustainable jewelry in something so clearly out of alignment with our mission. After much searching, we found ourselves not only in the jewelry business, but the sustainable box business as well because nothing existed that we could buy wholesale. We have devoted significant resources to identifying an alternative. We also recently rolled out an eco-jewelry cleaner. Nearly odorless and colorless, C5 jewelry restore is a non-toxic, biodegradable and enzymatic cleaner safe for your jewelry and the environment.

For conscious consumers, what gems would you suggest they consider and why?
I suggest that socially conscious consumers consider lab-created gems. Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds and Diamonds are all made chemically, optically, and physically identical to their mined counterparts, but are not associated with the same negative social and environmental implications. Also, unlike mined gems, the color is inherent in the process and therefore the gems are not color-enhanced. Also, there are ethically sourced, fair-trade, mined gems available. These are a good option for consumers who want to help change the industry by supporting the workers and mining communities. Consumers should keep in mind that “conflict-free” doesn’t mean sustainable, ethical or responsible.

What to do With Those Unused Disks

2010-08-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

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Whether they are scratched or the information is too old, maybe you just do not expect to watch or listen to them again. Out of the case they might not take up that much room, in the case they take up a bit more room. The point is to simplify and de-stress your life to be happier. When you don't have to sift through unused CDs and DVDs you will be able to find the ones you need that much faster.

So what to do I do with those unused disks, they can't possibly be biodegradable? Well here are some options for you. If the disks still work post them for sale or for free on Craigslist.com. Or for free on your local Freecycle. If they do not work you can reuse them for other things.

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But maybe you don't have time to make those things, or maybe you are not crafty, or maybe you just want to get them out of your home. Now there are programs where can send your disks in to be recycled!!

Check out the following websites and see which one best serves your needs!

GreenDisks - Takes disks, vhs tapes (!), and other techno trash.

eco encore- Takes your still working, in good condition disks and resells them.

CD Recycling Center - They have gathered sources for the individual disks recyclers to the large business recycler.

Back Thru the Future - Takes disks and hard drives.

Have fun reducing your carbon footprint and simplifying your life!

Buddha Quote

2010-08-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.
Buddha

Krug's Eco-Logic

2010-08-10T14:07:00.000-04:00

Name: Erin Krug
Shop Name: Krug's Eco-Logic
Shop Link: www.krugsecologic.etsy.com
Location: Hanover, PA
Ships To: Anywhere!

What materials do you use for your ECO friendly products? Vegetable based oils and butters, essential oils (for scent), mineral powders for color, and dried herbs

Why did you decide to make ECO friendly products? I had been reading a lot about how toxins we live in/with can really affect our overall health and in some cases, carry severe health risks. Being a science teacher (turned stay at home mom), I decided to do my part by slowly ridding our home of toxins (every little bit helps). In addition, my daughter has very sensitive skin and even the big store "natural" brands would give her rashes, and don't even get me started on the "natural" diaper creams! I have never heard her scream so loudly! So - I started making my own soaps, lotions, baby products and other bath and body products... VOILA !!!

What inspires you? Different scents, herbs, colors I see - I try to always be on the look-out for ideas!

How long have you had your shop on Etsy? Since June 2008, I believe?

Is this a job for you or a hobby? Both - I stay at home with my two small children, and make/sell when I can.

How did you get into your craft? See above description :)

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners? We're all learning together - one big happy family!

Anything else you would like to add? Thank you for reading!

NOVICA

2010-08-09T14:01:00.000-04:00

Some of their categories include but are not limited to;

fair trade corporate gifts
green gifts
unique gifts
jewelry
home decor
apparel

And much much more! You could look at this site for hours, I have! You can shop by categories or peruse their gift suggestions. In each category you will also find an option to shop by price. There is also the options of creating a gift registry or adding items to a personal wish list.
A high quality handcrafted version of anything you might be looking for can be found on NOVICA.

I received a gift card from NOVICA to review their site and products. The overall opinion expressed in this review is purely my own and was not influenced by the gift card.

Ethix Merch

2010-08-09T13:46:00.002-04:00

Ethix Merch sells ethically-produced, custom designed, and embellished merchandise, including apparel, stickers, mugs, and a variety of other goods. I was recently sent a SweatFree baby onesie to review. The onesie is made from 100% organic cotton. Have you ever felt an organic cotton onesie? It is the softest piece of clothing Ive ever come across. Making your baby more snuggly than you ever thought possible!

Of course onesies are not the only thing Ethix Merch provides. You can find apparel for any age, drinkware, buttons, headgear, business accessories, printed paper, etc. if you are looking for merchandise for advertising purposes or products for company picnics, you can find it all on Ethix Merch.

The best thing about Ethix Merch is that they care about their employees and the planet. All of their products are made in sweatfree environments where the employees are free to form Unions. Ethix Merch are pro-union, anti-sweatshop, fair trade, corporate social responsibility, consumer-activism, and environmental movements. It does not get much better than that!

Please take a moment and check out all Ethix Merch has to offer and introduce Ethix Merch to your company planning and ordering committees.

I received a onesie from Ethix Merch to review their site and products. The overall opinion expressed in this review is purely my own and was not influenced by the gift.

Marie Veronique Organics’ Kid Safe Screen

2010-08-09T13:46:00.001-04:00

Recently I've had the pleasure of trying Marie Veronique Organics’ Kid Safe Screen. Kid Safe Screen protects the whole family from UVA/UVB rays naturally and safely. The easy application pump disperses sunscreen that is made with 15 intelligent ingredients that are so safe, you can use it around the eyes!

"Marie Veronique Organics’ sunscreens, like all their products, are always made without chemicals, parabens, petroleum products, fillers, waxes, or fragrances. But beyond that, Marie Veronique takes extra measures to ensure the safety and efficacy of their products. Nearly half of all sunscreens use vitamin A compound retinyl palmitate, which new research has linked to increased tumors. Additionally, many sunscreens use a nanoparticle formulation. Research has suggested that nanoparticles can penetrate the skin and potentially damage cells. They’ve been linked to cancer, heart disease, neurological disease, and aging. (I’ve attached a press release that contains more information about nanoparticles.) Marie Veronique has never used nano-sized zinc oxide in any of their sunscreens. Kid Safe Screen is safe for use on the entire body, for the whole family."

I love using Marie Veronique Organics' Kid Safe Screen on my children. I know it is safe and effective and that is what I need for my 4 children ranging in ages of 1 year to 9 years! My husband and I can also use the sunscreen as well so I only need to carry one sunscreen when we go out! If you have any kids at all, the less you have to carry with you the better! The Kid Safe Screen is a perfect size bottle when going out and does not add any significant weight to your travel bag!

The company ships very quickly and uses the smallest box possible with attention to packing material!

I highly recommend using Marie Veronique Organics' Kid Safe Screen.

I was sent a bottle of Marie Veronique Organics' Kid Safe Screen to review. The overall opinion expressed in this review is purely my own and was not influenced by the free bottle of Kid Safe Screen.

CSN Stores Online Shopping Experience

2010-08-09T13:01:00.001-04:00

http://www.csnstores.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=STP1007&init=1I was recently contacted by CSN Stores again. They sent me a gift certificate to try out the online shopping experience they provide. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find almost anything you need whether it be a sofa or a suitcase, a crib or a cookie sheet. They have green products, office products, outdoor children toys, sheds and organizational items, just about everything!

They have many stores such as www.cookware.com or www.allmodern.com.

In total, CSN Stores has over 1 million products and that number is constantly growing. Not only is their product catalog growing but they’re adding new stores like www.luxebycsn.com. You can literally spend all day looking for the perfect product!

I think their search function could use a little work it makes suggestions, when you start typing, of things they don't necessarily carry. But on the flip side of that, their shipping is lightning fast! Seriously it is incredibly fast! They also have a price match feature, if you see a product that is being sold cheaper on another website, you can submit a form for a price match/quote. I tried this function and the customer service responds within 48 hours with a quote! I love it!

Overall I was greatly pleased with the service that was provided and I already have in mind a future purchase I will be making from them. Their products are great quality and they have competitive pricing!

I received a gift card from CSN Stores to review their site and products. The overall opinion expressed in this review is purely my own and was not influenced by the gift card.

Eco Tip - Magnets

2010-08-05T10:28:00.000-04:00

Photo is linked to Etsy listing.

I do not know anyone that does not have magnets on the fridge. Even I am guilty of having a picture of each child and my husband on the fridge. But here is a word of warning, with energy prices rising rapidly you might want to cut down on the magnets you have on the fridge or eliminate them completely.

Magnets draw energy from your fridge. This makes the fridge work harder and wastes energy, which in turn will contribute to a higher electric bill. We have a metal front door, so I have moved most of my magnets to that spot and reminder notes as well. This helps because I see the reminders on the way out.

What if you do not have a metal door though, well you can always make a magnet board for your notes and those cute magnets.

Photo is linked to Etsy listing.

Take a cookie sheet and either leave it as is, or cover it in a thin fabric. Then attached a ribbon or thin robe to the back. Now you can hang it on the wall and use it! If this does not sound like something you want to do or maybe you do not have time to do, there are plenty of handmade options on Etsy. Check them out HERE.

How many magnets are on your fridge? Do you plan to remove them?

Thanks to love retro colour for finding the wonderful magnets on the top of this post!

Eco School and Work Find

2010-08-04T10:26:00.000-04:00

Sustainable Group provides 3 ring binders, CD/DVD sleeves, notebooks, badge holders, labels and more. Their products are made from recycled and plant based materials!