DIY Summer Spruce-Up

As my vacation comes to an end, I already feel the anxiety of getting back to a dusty home and the back-to-school craze.  I’ve been a student and a teacher practically my whole life, making September a  month of new beginnings for me. Now with a school aged child the end of Summer and beginning of Fall continues to be my New Year and Spring Cleaning rolled into one.  I like to call it time for my “Summer Spruce-Up.”

Last Fall I began experimenting with several different homemade cleaner recipes. After much trial and error I found that all you really need is water, baking soda, vinegar and your favorite essential oil for scent. So as you clean out those rooms and closets to prepare for a new school year and scrub those floors after a Summer of trekking in pool water and mud, consider making your own eco-friendly household cleaners. This step-by-step easy guide to making your own cleaners from www.brightnest.com will help save you money and protect your family and the environment from toxins and chemicals found in conventional cleaning brands.

Plastic-Free with PackSack

A few weeks ago I shared an infographic and my thoughts on the use of plastic bags. (To read: Click Here.) So when I learned about PackSack, I knew I had to check out and share. The PackSack is a reusable, eco-friendly bag that is great for anything from grocery shopping to day outings. The company just started up in San Diego, CA and is making big moves to encourage the ban of plastic bags that too often end up in our oceans.

 

I love my PackSack. It is made of durable material and holds a lot…up to 45 lbs! The best part is that it rolls up and scrunches into a convenient little pouch that you can fit into your pocket. You can easily store a few in your glove compartment, which sure beats remembering to bring along big totes or paper bags. They even have their own draw string, making it so easy to carry around and store….

The PackSack line comes in a variety of colors and is very inexpensive.  You can order them online or find a retailer near you by visiting their website: www.thePackSack.com. They make being green so easy and fun….I highly recommend them!

You can also get more info by checking out the PackSack YouTube channel, following them on Twitter, their Facebook page, Instagram and Pinterest.

 

Debest for Baby

As a Certified Birth Doula, I am always on the look out for the latest and greatest for mom and baby. When I was recently asked to check out the Debest line of naturally colored baby garments, I couldn’t resist. I received the adorable “Ruffles in Bloom” 2-piece set pictured above and was immediately impressed by the quality. The material is soft and durable to the touch.

A baby’s skin is so sensitive that it is important to consider not just what products you use on their skin, but the dyes and materials in their clothing and bedding as well. The naturally colored cotton in Debest baby garments is organically grown, making it softer to the skin than conventional white cotton. It is also free from harmful chemicals and dyes commonly used in production. With Debest you can protect your baby’s skin and health, while helping to protect the environment.

Over the years I have made an effort to look for organic baby clothing and products to recommend to clients or when shopping for little ones. One thing I’ve noticed is that naturally colored and organic baby clothes tend to lack in variety and style. This is where Debest impressed me even more. I love the colors and flowered pattern of the outfit above. Their other selections are just as cute and stylish. You will find short and long-sleeve options, two-piece sets, sleepers, and blankets in different patterns and styles for girls and boys. Prices and shipping costs are very reasonable and when you sign-up you’ll receive 25% off your first purchase! Whether you’re shopping for a unique gift or buying clothes for your little one, I highly recommend Debest. Your baby deserves only the best!

More Good News! I’ve got an exclusive discount code for TLGP readers…

Purchase $50 or more and receive an extra $10 off. Just enter GREENMAMA10 at check out. Offer expires on 7/15/2014.

For more info and to shop the Debest line visit their WEBSITE,

Follow them on TWITTER, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST.

 

Plastic-Free Bags

 

 

Lately I have been very conscientious of the plastic we use in our home, particularly plastic bags. Plastic grocery bags and sandwich-snack bags are some of the biggest culprits contributing to waste and putting our health, animals and planet in danger. Several stores in certain areas of the country have done away with plastic grocery bags. This effort alone is a good start and a strong statement, but it’s still not enough. I do my part to take reusable bags to the store and pack lunches, snacks and leftovers in reusable containers. There are many great alternatives now that make it convenient and cost effective for us all to do our part to minimize the use of plastic bags. This infographic from ECO SNACKBAG is an eye-opening breakdown of just how much of an impact you can really make by making the switch to eco-friendly options. Make every day Earth Day!

5 Tips to Green Your Summer Celebrations

Grilling season is here! With the excitement of picnics, parks and parties, it can be easy to overlook that your Summer celebration may be creating more waste. The sales of paper plates and napkins, plastic cups and utensils, bottles and cans of beverages go up in the summer and so does the amount of waste in our landfills. Understandably, dragging your finest china and cloth napkins to the beach or park is not as convenient. However there are some other easy and effective ways you can green up your BBQ festivities. In no particular order, here are the Top 5 reasons and ways to green up your grilling:

Gas Grill or Charcoal: Natural gas or propane is the more eco-conscious of the two.  While eco-friendly charcoal exists, grilling with gas is still considered to be better for the environment and your health, particularly if you are the chef! You will want to prevent you and your guests from inhaling carbon monoxide and other toxic chemicals released by charcoal briquettes and lighter fluids. Don’t forget to cook with the lid down as much as possible to preserve energy.

Shop Local and Sustainable: When shopping for meats, veggies and fruits for your celebration, hit up a local farmer’s market, if possible.  At the store, look for meats and produce that are organic, sustainable and have not traveled too much of a distance. By supporting local farmers and green businesses you are helping support the local economy, reducing negative environmental impacts, and adopting healthier habits through eating more naturally.

Make your own beverages: Instead of juice boxes, bottled waters and other beverages, why not bring a couple of pitchers? You can fit a nice sized pitcher or two in a cooler, or make sure you have enough ice, and serve up some refreshing homemade lemonade, sangria or even just water! If you plan to serve beer, look into a keg instead. You can bring enough recyclable cups for your guests and provide them with name labels so they won’t lose their drink.

Avoid plastics and other disposables: If you don’t mind reusables, which really are most cost effective and eco-friendly, bamboo utensils and plates are great. Another, more unique option is to use reusable, cloth place mats instead of paper or plastic plates. Once guests are done with their meal, they can even wipe up with them instead of paper napkins…two in one! If you really feel you must purchase paper or plastic products, find those that are biodegradable, recyclable, made without bleach or dyes, etc. Whatever you do to lessen the carbon footprint you make will help in some way.

Lastly, bring a separate container or bags: preferably in a different color, and encourage all your guests to help take care of the Earth by recycling!

~This article was originally featured on Green Deals.org

 

Going Green with Social Media

 

I ran across this infographic from Recyclebank the other day while doing a little research and felt compelled to share. With so many people on social media today, it really is amazing to see that with just one small gesture we can help protect the environment in major ways. Who would think that pinning “green” ideas on Pinterest or shutting down Twitter for just one hour would have such a huge impact on the Earth? You can make everyday Earth Day by just practicing a few, or even one, of the following social media tips.

The Oscars Go Green

It’s Oscar weekend, another night to recognize the work of our favorite celebrities…or is it their fashion? I say it’s both! While some may criticize fashion style, others will be criticizing fashion sense. Garments that will only be worn once aren’t a very popular concept with many. After all, the EPA has said that over 13.1 million tons of textiles end up in the trash each year. However, times are changing. People like Livia Firth, wife of Oscar winner Colin Fith, are helping to create smarter and greener options in the world of fashion. Firth created the Green Carpet Challenge (GCC) to encourage those celebrities walking the red carpet and the designers who dress them, to opt for environmentally friendly designs.

Jigsaw London provided the following infographic to better illustrate the ways eco-fashion is becoming more mainstream. I don’t know about you, but the fact that Bradley Cooper wore a “green” suit by Tom Ford to last year’s Oscars made him even sexier (if that’s possible). Looking forward to see which celebrities take on the GCC this year!

Spread the Eco-Love

Being Valentine’s Day, I thought it only appropriate to share this interesting “Green Guide to Dating & Love” from Timberland. Apparently being eco-friendly is not only good for our planet, but it can also help you find or reignite that special love in your life. 😉

Green Your Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. While this special day is meant to celebrate the greatest gift of all, LOVE, it can be very easy to neglect our love for the planet. Greeting cards and plastic heart-shaped decorations end up in our landfills all too easily. Whether you are decorating, thinking of gift ideas or planning a romantic dinner, there are several ways you can help avoid unnecessary waste. After all, green is the new red. By following any or all of the following green tips, you will make it a healthy and happy Valentine’s Day for your sweetheart and the environment.

• Look for Eco-friendly and Green decorations and gifts. Avoid plastics and other materials that contain toxic chemicals. Instead of stuffed animals why not make or bake a special gift. Homemade DIY crafts and baked goods make the the best, most meaningful decorations and gifts! If you’re looking for special jewelry, beautiful pieces made from organic, eco-friendly materials, such as tagua nuts, are the latest trend.  If shopping for clothing, look for natural and or organic materials, preferably made in the U.S.A.
• Send some Fair Trade, Organic flowers and/or Chocolate. By supporting sustainable farming practices you are helping to protect workers’ rights, the planet, and avoiding chemicals that are toxic to your health. A house plant is a great alternative to flowers and will help keep the air in your home clean.
• Skip the greeting card. You can send an E-card for free or write a special message on a photograph or gift. Save money and a tree!
• Plan a romantic and healthy dinner. Serving up an organic, candlelight dinner should impress your honey, but if you’re not much of a cook, you can always do a little research for a restaurant or catering company that uses organic or local, fresh ingredients. Don’t forget the organic wine too!
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. As always, save money by shopping at second hand stores or yard sales; keep things simple, but tasteful; donate or recycle items you can no longer use; properly store items you can use the following year.

To read my article “10 Tips for a Green Valentine’s Day” on the GreenDeals Go Green Blog: Click Here 

Happy Green Valentine’s Day!

Green Your Water Bottle

Plastic water bottles are one of the biggest contributions to the destruction of our planet. Though most are recyclable, they are still ending up in our landfills in large quantities.  I, personally, have always tried to use a refillable water bottle, but have never really found the “ideal” one. Well, I was recently asked to give the FLEXR Sports water bottle a try and have to say…I’m impressed.

First of all, I was able to choose from a variety of colors. I was ready for a break from the standard boring colors and opted for this nice bright pink bottle. 😉 Cooler than that, however, is that the bottle comes with liners which are very easy to insert and replace. They allow for you to always have fresh water and not get that yucky reusable bottle smell. More importantly, they help you to avoid toxins and are biodegradable!  The bottle, cap and liners are all made in the USA and BPA-free. So, not only are you protecting the environment, but also your health and your family, all while saving money.

I’ve been loving my FLEXR Sports water bottle, as it has definitely saved me money. Even better though, it has helped me to drink more water! Though it is known as a “sports bottle”, it is really beneficial for anyone to use. My 7 year old daughter likes to drink from it because it has a “squeeze” feature and a bottle sleeve which make it easy to use and handle. I also love that the cap has  an anti-spill valve. While it’s not completely leak proof, it is definitely helpful for those accidental knock-overs. It also comes with a plug, should you run out of liners or choose not to use them. If you want to drink more water, save money and help protect the planet and your health, I recommend you give FLEXR Sports a chance. Their prices are reasonable and 5% of all sales are donated to charity.

To order your FLEXR Sports water bottle and get more info, visit their WEBSITE. You can also “like” them on FACEBOOK and follow them on TWITTER.

Watch the FLEXR commercial on You Tube.