I’m not a fan of electronic toys that require little interaction and even less imagination. So I’m always on the look out for something that will inspire a little creativity while also being eco-friendly. Right now my youngest son is completely digging (literally) Sprig Hallow toys. Available in three sets that can be mixed and matched with each other, the DuneBug’s Sand Truck, Bee and Butterfly’s Farm Playset, and Dragonfly’s Helisoopter Playset are perfect for boys or girls, and are recommended for ages three and up. Continued...
He's an American icon from decades past who's managed to stay relevant by singing with Jessica Simpson and performing on Stephen Colbert's holiday show. And although Willie Nelson's body of music and movies is impressive, it's really his dedication to activism that really stands out to me. Continued...
Two of my favorite recent documentaries are Who Killed The Electric Car? and The 11th Hour. The first film is about the creation and almost immediate destruction of an eco-friendly electric car and the mystery behind the destruction of something so desperately needed right now. The second centers around the idea that it's still possible to make a positive impact regarding the global crisis we're in. The human race is responsible for destroying the delicate balance of earth's ecosystems and it's our responsibility to fix it-before it's too late. I recently sat down to watch them again-this time with my kids-and it really got me thinking. During the films I had to hit pause over and over to explain certain factors to my kids to help them understand. Then the idea struck me: what better way to learn than from example. So I decided to set a challenge for my family. Continued...
One of the great things about organic going mainstream is the appearance of so many restaurants that serve organic food that's-get this-actually really delicious. And the ones that really stand out are going above and beyond by getting organic certifications. Some are strictly vegetarian. But others are expanding their horizons with the understanding that not everyone who eats pure is eschewing meat. Whether it's pizza or fine dining, there are so many options out there that you'll probably find one in your area. No? Well then I guess it's an excuse to do some traveling. Continued...
You love toys that are safe and environmentally responsible. Your kids just want to have fun. And being the only family on the block with a toy chest full of wooden and organic cotton toys may not go so well over with the little ones. Luckily there are options out there that are toxin-free, non-hazardous and totally cool. Your kids will go crazy for them. Continued...
Throwing a party? Whether it's an intimate gathering or a huge bash, this is the time of the year when making merry is ardently expected. Of course parties also mean tons of trash. And contributing to the already overflowing landfills is not a great way to start 2009. Instead, make your party eco-friendly with a few simple changes. From what your serving and what you're serving it on to decorations and favors there are plenty of options to choose from. Continued...
When you're moving into a new home or renovating the one you already live in the hard and tedious part is the actual moving or renovating. After that comes the fun stuff-decorating everything, including the walls. In fact, I love this part so much that I actually think about redecorating even when I know we don't have the time, need or money to do it. And with so many eco-friendly options out there, no wonder I'm day dreaming about what shade I could possibly paint the dining room or where I'd put a fabulous mirror I discovered in one of my favorite local shops. Continued...
The good thing about organic products-especially the ones here on Saffron Rouge-is that in most cases the boxes, bottles and tubes are just as eco friendly as what's housed inside. Jurlique is a great example of this. Their sleek and gorgeous packaging is made up of post-consumer waste. It's all stamped with non-polluting vegetable inks and is absolutely, 100% recyclable. This means that the cute little box the Citrus Hand Cream comes in can go out in the recycling bin with last month's magazines. And the empty glass bottle of Lavender Bath Oil can sit next to the rinsed out spaghetti sauce jar before taking the big trip to the recycling plant. Continued...
You've heard me delve into my reasons for using organic skincare, organic hair care and even organic cosmetics. So now it's time to talk about toothpaste. Brushing your teeth may not be the most scintillating or exotic thing you'll do all day. But it's definitely one of the most important. I mean for as far back as your memory will reach you can probably remember someone telling you to brush your teeth (whether it's your parents, dentist or perfectly coiffed lady in a commercial). But although conventional toothpastes will scrub your teeth clean, they'll also give you something else-dyes, detergents, sweeteners, abrasives and preservatives. Continued...
According to ReusableBags.com more than a billion single-use plastic bags are packed with purchases and handed out every day. Besides multiplying in your house faster than a family of rabbits, these plastic bags do some serious damage to the environment. Creating the bags takes plenty of nonrenewable resources such as petroleum and natural gas. And with the way gas prices are right now, it seems downright stupid to be wasting these precious resources on flimsy little plastic bags. During the manufacturing process, energy is wasted and the air gets polluted with toxic emissions that contribute to global warming. Then comes the aftermath. All of those billions of bags have to go somewhere. And they take up to 1000 years to degrade into the soil (which causes toxic contamination). Continued...
