Organica Deluxe
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
I was perusing the TwelloHood (great site for Twitter users) and amazingly ran across Organica Deluxe, a wonderful e-boutique for deluxe organic gifts that's based in my former hometown, Charlotte, North Carolina. While I have not used their services before, I could immediately tell from their beautiful Web site and their signature blue gift box that their products are not only top-notch and stellar, but their taste is immaculate.
When you're in need of buying the perfect gift for a grand occasion such as the birth of a baby, or a wedding, or a house warming, but still want to stay true to your organic sensibilities you most certainly want to bookmark Organica Deluxe.
Here's what I have my eye on from Organica Deluxe:
1. Aqua/Orange Petit Room Reeds
2. Active Guy Get-Away With Pinot
3. Chardonnay and Chocolate
4. Big Cut Russian Flowers
- Jennifer James, Editor
On the Net: www.organicadeluxe.com
Labels: eco-gifts, green, organic
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 12:00 AM,
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Hotel Terra Jackson Hole for Green Getaways
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Last week we told you about the eco-resort Hotel Terra Jackson Hole in Wyoming. They specialize in providing a complete green vacation and spa experience for their planet conscious visitors.Hotel Terra offers an in-room recycling program (love that!) and uses 100 percent organic cotton sheets, towels, bath mats and robes. The hotel is donned with non-toxic paints and carpets and uses chemical-free cleaning products among many other
eco-conscious activities (fabulous!).
Kathryn from Hotel Terra wrote and introduced us to their new blog, so we thought we'd pass it along to you! Visit www.livewelljacksonhole.com for insider tips on sustainability and visiting Hotel Terra. By the way, you must take a peek at their photo gallery. Amazing!
On the Net: http://www.livewelljacksonhole.com and www.hotelterrajacksonhole.com
Photo Credit: Hotel Terra Jackson Hole
Labels: awareness, eco-resorts, green
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 12:00 AM,
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Laundry Savers: Refresh'n Dryer Towel
Monday, December 29, 2008
As conscious consumers we can always find better ways to cut down on the use of our natural resources, notably water and energy. Doing laundry consumes 33 gallons of water and running the dryer uses 875 killowatt hours of electricity a year, so if there is any way to use less water and energy it's good for your bank account as well as for the planet.
I tried a brand-new product called Refresh'n that freshens your slightly worn clothes or clothes that have been stored away without having to wash them. I used the Refresh'n dryer towel on my sweaters that have been packed away all spring and summer.
What you do is wet the Refresh'n dryer towel, place your clothes in your dryer, and then place the Refresh'n towel over your clothes. Turn on your dryer, and let it work for 10-15 minutes. When I took my sweaters out I was amazed at how fresh they smelled and how all of the creases and wrinkles from being packed away for so long vanished in such a short period of time. Take a look at the Refresh'n commercial.
At $9.95 for one towel that can be used 25 times it is a great way of freshening up those clothes that you've barely worn or are extremely wrinkled to help reduce how much water and energy you use.
On the Net: www.refreshn.net
Labels: awareness, cleaning, energy, green
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 12:00 AM,
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Save Water by Going Green
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
There is still so much that I need to learn about "going green". It only just dawned on me that buying packs and packs of bottled water isn't the smartest thing a consumer can do for the earth, so I decided to do some research and find out what the best alternative is for people who want to drink clean water, but don't want to contribute to unnecessary waste by buying water bottles. One thing I found you can do is purchase a faucet filter. While this may sound very elementary and matter-of-fact to most people, I'm just learning how to live a greener life. I don't live in a home where I can change the entire filtration system so a faucet filter is my best bet. In my research I ran across FilterforGood.com, which is a Brita site that tells you how much water you can save and how less wasteful you can be by simply using a Brita water filter. Sounds very smart to me! After checking out the Brita site, I've got my eye on the Brita Faucet Mount Water Filter - White
. It's affordable and promises to do a good job filtering impurities in the water.Is there are faucet filter you highly recommend?
Labels: awareness, green, waste-free
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 12:00 AM,
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Natural Pod: Gifts for Eco-Kids
Monday, December 22, 2008
Even though Christmas is this week, it doesn't mean gift-giving needs to cease until the next big occasion. Natural Pod carries a wide range of eco products for children that will serve as wonderful presents any time of the year. One of the things I really like about NaturalPod.com is their vast selection of natural toys. From dolls representing all diff
erent ethnicites to simple wooden blocks, NaturalPod.com is the perfect shopping destination for parents who cherish simplicity in toys and want to ensure that their children have the safest toys possible.
erent ethnicites to simple wooden blocks, NaturalPod.com is the perfect shopping destination for parents who cherish simplicity in toys and want to ensure that their children have the safest toys possible.As the mother of two daughters I am excited by Natural Pod's amazing selection of natural dolls. According to NaturalPod.com, all of the dolls are hand-sewn and stuffed with 100% carded wool. I also really like how their simple toys draw out children's imaginations and create old-fashioned play.
I also like that NaturalPod.com keeps their customers up-to-date on issues facing natural product retailers as well as tidbits parents can use to help create a pristine play environment for their children on their blog. As a blogger, that extra customer attention is appreciated.
On the Net: www.naturalpod.com
Labels: awareness, eco-kids, green
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 10:56 PM,
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Traveling Green and Mariel Hemingway
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Mariel Hemingway, actress and author, has partnered with Traveler's Advantage to help global trekkers travel in a way that is sustainable and green. When you plan your next trip keep these tips in mind to make sure you are going green even when you are away from home."Traveling eco-friendly is not about giving up luxury, it's about traveling more thoughtfully," said actress and author Mariel Hemingway. "By travelling greener we not only enjoy this world's beautiful destinations, but also help preserve them for people to enjoy for years to come."
- Take a train instead of flying for shorter trips.
- Use public transportation instead of taxis or rental cars whenever
possible. - If you do have to take a rental car, consider a hybrid or smaller
economy car instead of larger vehicles. - Hang up your towels and leave a note to hotel staff that it is
unnecessary to change your sheets every day. - If your hotel doesn't recycle, take your recyclables home with you.
There are also worldwide destinations that are catered to travelers who want have a joyous trip that is also green and sustainable, like these:
- Hotel Terra - Jackson Hole, Wyo. - Hotel Terra offers an in-room
recycling program and uses 100 percent organic cotton sheets, towels,
bath mats and robes. The hotel is donned with non-toxic paints and
carpets and uses chemical-free cleaning products among many other
eco-conscious activities. Go for great skiing in the winter and enjoy
sleigh rides, dog sledding and winter wildlife expeditions. This hotel
is currently pending a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) certification which would put it in an elite group of
environmentally sustainable buildings in the U.S. - Jungle Bay Resort - Dominica - This Caribbean resort was crafted from
used wood and discarded stone from an old mining quarry, but the luxury
accommodations are anything but second-hand. The resort's
restaurant serves 95 percent locally grown organic food and practices
composting. All guests receive a reusable water bottle on arrival that
can be filled at water stations throughout the property. Local guides
trained in responsible travel techniques take guests on guided
educational tours through fragile ecosystems. - Eco Lodges - Indonesia - Boasting the prestigious Green Globe EC3
certification for sustainability and highest environmental standards in
global travel, the Udayana Eco Lodge in Bali is centrally located for
easy walking to Bali's beaches, shopping areas and fish
restaurants. The hotel is tucked high in the Jimbaran hills in a
conservation area for birds and butterflies with vista views abounding.
On the Net: www.travelersadvantage.com
SOURCE: Travelers Advantage http://www.affinion.com
Labels: awareness, green, waste-free
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 10:00 PM,
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Canvas Shopping Bags from Lands' End
Monday, December 15, 2008
I have used a lot of different canvas shopping bags in order to prevent having a house full of plastic bags and you know what? The bag that I go to time and time again is my Lands' End Zip Top canvas bag. I think the reason why I use it again and again is because it is sturdy, roomy, wasn't expensive, and is practical. When I pack it with groceries I know that there is no way it will bust on the bottom. I can't say that about all the bags I've used.
I am still thrilled to this day after all these years with my Lands' End tote. And, look! Now you can customize your canvas tote with your children's artwork. Love it!
-Jennifer James, Editor
On the Net: www.landends.com
Labels: bags, green, waste-free
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 7:51 AM,
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Greening Your Christmas Tree
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Kim Carlson, eco-savvy entrepreneur, green business author and eco-chic lifestyle expert, believes you can enjoy your holiday season and keep the planet in mind at the same time. When it comes to your Christmas tree, Kim recommends the following tips to go green.
- Look for ways to recycle your tree post-Holidays instead of sending it to a landfill. Check with your community solid waste department and find out if they collect and mulch trees. The chippings from mulched trees can be used for hiking trails and beachfront erosion barriers. Also, consider buying a potted tree and planting it when the festivities have come to an end.
Try beeswax candles instead of synthetic ones. - Replace conventional holiday light strings with LEDs - at least two billion kilowatt-hours of electricity could be saved in a month which would be enough to power 200,000 homes for a year. ( Rockefeller Center switched to LED in 2007).
- Turn off or unplug holiday lights during the day. Leaving them on 24 hours a day will quadruple your energy costs – and create four times the pollution.
Labels: energy, green, waste-free
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 8:28 AM,
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Eco Chic Holiday Gift Giving
Monday, December 1, 2008
There are a lot of gifts that you can give friends and loved ones, but this year you should consider getting them something that will last 10 years. And, no, we're not talking about an expensive leather couch.Coolearth.org has made it possible for you to spend a mere $50 and you can protect half an acre of rainforest for a friend or a family member. This will lock in 130 tons of carbon dioxide -- effectively offsetting a household's annual emissions by a factor of five. The recipient will receive a rainforest certificate in their name as well as updates and news from Cool Earth's local monitoring team. Most importantly, they can view and monitor their particular half an acre online at www.coolearth.org.
Labels: awareness, eco-kids, green, waste-free
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 12:16 AM,
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Stop Wasting Vampire Power: Tips to Save Valuable Energy
Thursday, October 30, 2008
We're all guilty of wasting too much energy and some of us waste more than others, to be sure.
That said, have you ever heard of "vampire power?"
"Vampire Power" is the electricity that consumer electronics and appliances use while they are switched off or in a standby mode. Did you know roughly $4 billion annually across the United States is spent on electricity lost to "vampire power," according to the International Energy Agency. And that 40 percent of all electricity used to power electronics in the average American home, such as TVs, DVD players and computers, is consumed while these products are turned off, according to the Department of Energy.
That's right. Off!
Best Buy is officially declaring today, October 30, 2008, National Vampire Power Awareness Day. Most of us want to cut down on our energy bills as well as save more energy. Here's what you can do starting today.
1. Use a power strip: Plug your chargers into a power strip and when you're not using those chargers, turn the power strip off.
2. Get unplugged: All of your chargers (cell phone, MP3, laptop, and even electric toothbrushes) continue to draw electricity even when the device is not charging. When the device has been completely charged unplug the charger from the wall.
3. Turn your computer off: Completely shut down your computer and printer when not in use. If you are unable to do so, at least make sure the computer goes into a low-power sleep, standby or hibernate mode. And watch out for those screen savers; graphic intense screen savers can actually waste power.
4. Look for the Star: Upgrade electronics and appliances to Energy Star-rated models, which draw less power than the average when in "off" mode.
For more tips and advice on ridding vampires from your home, visit your local Best Buy store or check out www.vampireawarenessday.com .
Labels: awareness, energy, green, waste-free
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 6:16 AM,
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Gaiam's Picks of the Week + Savings
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
It's that time again! Here are Gaiam's picks of the week and savings.Free Shipping on purchases $45 or more. Use coupon AFGAS. Ends 11. 15.08.
50% Off Anti-burst BalanceBall Set with DVD. Clearance: $14.99 Reg: $30
Cork Bath Mat. Now Only: $24
64% Off ActiveSoy Pullover Hoody. Clearance: $14.99 Reg: $42
69% Off Organic Cotton Long Short. Cle
92% Off Fitness Grab Bag Set. Clearance: $6.99 Reg: $91
58% Off Madeline Nightgown. Clearance: $19.99 Reg: $48
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 8:33 AM,
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Bags I've Been Searching For: Envirosax
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
I am such an eco-dork sometimes. Let me tell you why. When I'm at the grocery store I enjoy packing my goods in a canvas bag in order to help save the environment in my own little way. Thing is, I use the same canvas bag wherever I go. I can be shopping at Whole Foods or my local grocery store, and I use the same bag with the blazing logo of a competing grocery store chain in the area. Not good. I can be running to the post office or dropping off books at the library and I use the same bag. Sure, it's practical to do, but it's definitely not attractive and it certainly doesn't show off my fashion sense of which I admit I have very little.
As I was clicking through mom blogs today, I ran acr
oss a link to environmental bags that will help me tremendously by helping me change my bag whenever I'd like: Envirosax. Envirosax bags are strong, sturdy, and wonderfully designed and they don't cost an arm and a leg for several. In fact, one only costs $8.50 and a pouch of five only $37.95. You cannot beat that. Go there, buy up!On the Net: www.envirosax.com
- Jennifer James, Editor
Labels: awareness, bags, green
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 12:46 AM,
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Eco Read:
Monday, October 27, 2008
If you are going to live the best and most thoroughly waste-free environmental life you can it is important to do your homework. Good eco books keep you motivated and help you realize that sure, living a green life isn't as hard as it sounds and it's also not as expensive as it's often portrayed.Fans of eco-chick.com have been raving about its companion book, Eco Chick Guide to Life: How to Be Fabulously Green by Eco Chick founder Starre Vartan. Published this summer, the Eco Chick Guide to Life can not only help you learn more about living an eco-life, it can also serve as a fabulous holiday gift for friends and family who really want to go green, but are too chicken to take the first steps or are too intimidated by the green lifestyle.
After buying this great book for gifts, be sure to wrap it an eco gift bag from Lucky Crow instead of using wasteful wrapping paper.
Buy The Eco Chick Guide to Life: How to Be Fabulously Green
Labels: awareness, green, waste-free
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 12:00 AM,
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Have an Eco Halloween
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Just because Halloween is one of the major consumer holidays in the country doesn't mean you have to throw your green habits out the window.Kiwi magazine, a publication dedicated to bringing families into a healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle, recommends these green tips to help you and your children celebrate a green Halloween.
Homemade Costumes. There is no need to spend money on expensive costumes the kids will only wear once. Get creative, and find old clothes around the house to improvise on costumes. Cardboard boxes, newspaper, pipe cleaners, and non-toxic paint can transform the boring into boo-tastic outfit!
Reusable Trick-or-Treat Bags. Using a reusable bag doesn't mean the old pillowcase. Now, there are many different Trick-or-Treat bags to choose from. ChicoBag has created an eco-friendly candy bag sure to please your little goblin!
Give Healthy Treats. Every Halloween, the average child receives about 250 pieces of candy, most of which present a danger to your child's life when consumed in large quantities. Some of Kiwi's favorite healthier options include Zooton's gummies, Fruitabü fruit rollups, Crispy Cat candy bars, Annie's gummy bears, Endangered Species chocolate bars, Hero Yummi Bears, Clif Fruit Rope and College Farm NaturePops lollipops.
Use Nontoxic Face and Hair Paint. Add some bold colors to your child's costume! Try Circle of Friends Hair Paint, a non-toxic hair paint kit that comes with a great activity book and five colors like blazing blue and gleaming gold.
On the Net: www.kiwimagonline.com
Labels: awareness, eco-kids, green, waste-free
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 12:30 AM,
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Fresh & Easy Makes it Simple to Go Green
Monday, October 20, 2008
For those of you who live in California, Arizona and Nevada and shop at Fresh & Easy stores, they will now offer a 99 cent reusable canvas bag. They are made with 100% unbleached cotton, and carries a simple design of the Fresh & Easy logo. The bag is large and can hold up to 100 pounds.At roughly 10,000 square feet, Fresh & Easy markets are smaller than the typical supermarket to give customers a faster, easier shopping experience. In addition to fresh, prepared meals and produce, Fresh & Easy offers everyone's favorite national brand products and household items, all at everyday low prices.
Each store employs approximately 20-30 people. All Fresh & Easy employees are given the opportunity to work at least 20 hours a week, which ensures everyone is eligible for comprehensive and affordable health care. Entry-level positions start at $10 an hour in California, with similarly competitive salaries in other states, and offer a quarterly bonus of up to 10%.
On the Net: www.freshandsimple.com Source: Fresh & Easy
Note: Fresh & Simple: Come to the east coast! We'd love to be able to shop in a more convenient grocery store. We'd love to check one out.
Labels: awareness, bags, green, waste-free
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 4:02 AM,
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Kiwi Magazine's September/ October Issue Eco Picks
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Kiwi Magazine, a publication dedicated to bringing families into a healthier lifestyle, has picked their top three green diapers in the September/October issue. All of the items featured in the "Changing Diapers" article (Sept/Oct. issue) were hand-picked and tested by Editor and Green Family Living Expert, Sara Gragnolati.
Some of the popular Kiwi features, including "Fuzzi Bunz" featuring a reusable pocket system with a micro fleece inner layer and waterproof outer layer, the “Bummis Bamboozle”, a reusable, fitted bamboo diaper, and the "bumGenius 3.0," a reusable, one-size-fits-all pocket system with Velcro closure.
On the Net: http://www.kiwimagonline.com/
Labels: eco-kids, green, waste-free
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 1:21 AM,
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Eco Skin Care from Upurea
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Evolu - Moisturizing Day Cream - Depleted/Damaged SkinSkin types: depleted / damaged Kiwifruit, Mandarin, Amyris and Lavender are blended specifically for
Organic & natural beauty - free shipping over $75
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 8:51 AM,
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