But not the Green Earth Agri Card Keys made by USFI GreenWorks. It’s made of a durable, but completely biodegradable corn-based (or plant based) plastic, providing the same appearance and performance, but without the chemicals and waste. The product does, however, require industrial composting and not the backyard variety. Printing on the cards employs soy-based inks. The card is meant to be reusable, not to just be thrown away after one use. However, truth be told, millions of hotel card keys never find their way back to the front desk for reprogramming.  According to some in the industry, fewer than fifty percent are returned.  Some key cards get worn out and have to be replaced.

As I write about in ECOpreneuring, green businesses do not want to do less harm to the environment. They want to create products or services and operate in ways that make the world a better place. In much the same way as T.S. Designs re-invented the concept of printing on t-shirts using a completely ecologically safe process, USFI GreenWorks reinvented the form the cards take by creating the cards using plant-based plastics.  To the extend we can, we need to support these companies and push them to continue to innovate.

Read more of this story »

They were also a huge annoyance to Daniel Burd, who said that they’d come pouring out of the closet every time he did chores.

One day, I got tired of it and I wanted to know what other people are doing with these plastic bags.

So he did what any teen would do. He experimented with bacteria and decomposed a plastic bag in 3 months, winning top prize in the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Ottawa.

Read more of this story »

Researchers have developed an environmentally friendly, biodegradable lubricant based on castor oil and cellulose derivatives.

The new grease, which does not contain any of the pollutants that traditional petroleum and synthetic lubricants have, may lighten the toxic load from manufacturing and industry on our water and soil.

Read more of this story »

Read more of this story »

Liz Thompson recently introduced us to Further Soap, a biodegradable soap crafted from glycerin left behind in the bio-fuel making process.  She shares the fascinating story of a husband and wife team who find a way to transform grease from Los Angeles restaurants into automobile bio-diesel and eventually into Bergamot-scented hand soap.

If you thought this “perfect sustainable circle” couldn’t possible get any better…it just did.  For each bottle of Further Soap you purchase on Wednesday April 22, you will receive one bottle free. And you don’t even have to pay for shipping!

Read more of this story »

I do just love trying a new (to me, I realize Nude has been around for a while) line of nontoxic skin care and the customer service at Nude was speedy and courteous.  My samples were sent out right away and I had them in my hot little hands no more than a few days after my initial contact.

Three products arrived for review; Miracle Mask, Age Defence Moisturiser and Replenishing Night Oil.  The Miracle Mask warned those of us with sensitive skin that it was not suitable for our type.  Being the skin care guinea pig that I so willingly am, and after a quick inspection of the ingredients label for any common triggers, I gave it a whirl anyway but avoided the five minute leave-on directions and went for a mere one minute, maybe.  Designed to brighten and smooth skin, the mask contains natural AHAs and I noticed the scent of fruit acids right away.  My skin did look rosy afterward, as if I had exfoliated with a mild scrub.

Read more of this story »

Tater Ware is heat stable to 375 degrees, meets FDA requirements for direct food contact, freezer safe, microwarmable, and suitable for both hot and cold foods. 

Read more of this story »

Well Sweda USA is going green and they are doing it with all the style and flare they are famous for in their traditional line.

When I asked Lakisha Higgins at Sweda Strategic Accounts for information on new green items for 2009 I was impressed by the list sent.  I was even more impressed with the amount of colors and style used in the Sweda green line.

I have written before about how an easy first step for any business looking to go green in their operations is to just change to eco-friendly items in regards to things they use every day. In my opinion the top four items on that list are mugs, pens, post-its and notebooks/stationary.

The new Chubby Eco Gel Pen from Sweda is a great place to start. We all use pens and for most ecopreneurists they are also cheap, easy giveaway items. The thing about the Chubby Eco Gel Pen is it doesn’t “look” green. It looks fun.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/03/26/chubby-eco-gel-pen-not-your-parents-eco-pen/feed/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/08/newborn-style-cozy-cocoon-body-socks/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/08/newborn-style-cozy-cocoon-body-socks/#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 03:07:18 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/08/newborn-style-cozy-cocoon-body-socks/ I’m always looking for baby clothing that’s organic and stylish.  A recent shopping find is the company Cozy Cocoon and their Organic Leopard Baby Bunting Cocoon available through eConsciousMarket.com.

This baby body sock for swaddling newborns is made from 90% organic cotton knit and 10% lycra which parents can roll up, tuck and hold their baby in.

Cozy Cocoon uses:

• Organic materials.

• Recycled, reused or resalvaged materials/fibers in production.

• Biodegradable materials/fibers in product line.

• Vegan or Animal-free materials/fibers.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/03/08/newborn-style-cozy-cocoon-body-socks/feed/ http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/03/02/video-100-certified-compostable-biodegradable-pens/ http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/03/02/video-100-certified-compostable-biodegradable-pens/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:01:05 +0000 John Simonetta http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/03/02/video-100-certified-compostable-biodegradable-pens/ This is a guest post by John Simonetta, owner of Proforma Simonetta Freelance, an eco-friendly promotional items consultancy (see proformagreen.com). John’s blogs are designed to keep us up to date on the “greening” of his industry.

Sometimes it is not the Ecopreneurists out there leading the way. Sometimes it is the established brands in our industry like AshCity or Gemline making the most advances. Well not to be out done in the area of writing instruments Shepenco is continuing to expand their line of eco-friendly products.

Here is Shepenco President Dan Townes with a brief overview of the 2009 line.

This post contains additional media. Click here to view the full post.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/03/02/video-100-certified-compostable-biodegradable-pens/feed/ http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/02/14/huffermen-e-volve-water-bottles/ http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/02/14/huffermen-e-volve-water-bottles/#comments Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:04:44 +0000 John Simonetta http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/02/14/huffermen-e-volve-water-bottles/ This is a guest post by John Simonetta, owner of Proforma Simonetta Freelance, an eco-friendly promotional items consultancy (see proformagreen.com). John’s blogs are designed to keep us up to date on the “greening” of his industry.

Huffermen has now introduced two sizes of sports bottles which they claim will biodegrade in 1 - 5 years in a managed landfill. The 20oz ECO20 and 28oz ECO28 bottles are made of HDPE.  They contain an additive to the resin that makes them biodegradable in a normal landfill situation.  The cap is also biodegradable.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecopreneurist.com/2009/02/14/huffermen-e-volve-water-bottles/feed/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/18/greenest-cleaning-products/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/18/greenest-cleaning-products/#comments Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:41:15 +0000 Sonya http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/18/greenest-cleaning-products/ Are you using the greenest products to clean your home?

“It is often difficult to know which cleaning product is “greenest” but there are a few key words and phrases to look for which will help you identify those products with reduced adverse environmental and health effects, “says Lindsay Luhnau, environmental educator. 

She’s authored the Green Cleaning Guide For Businesses and Individuals, one in the Clean Calgary Association GUIDE Series.

What should you look for in a green cleaning product? Luhnau recommends looking for the following words and phrases on green cleaning products:

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/18/greenest-cleaning-products/feed/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/16/the-helpful-and-cool-green-clean-garmento-be-fantastic-use-less-plastic/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/16/the-helpful-and-cool-green-clean-garmento-be-fantastic-use-less-plastic/#comments Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:45:09 +0000 Lucille Chi http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/16/the-helpful-and-cool-green-clean-garmento-be-fantastic-use-less-plastic/

Next time you’re off to your favorite local non-toxic cleaner like SF Green Clean, bring the Green Garmento with you!

Some of the benefits of using this Eco Drycleaning Bag include:

• a “hanging hamper” to collect your clothes that need cleaning
• a transformer from a hanger to a handy duffel bag for transporting your clothing to be cleaned.
• a hanging garment bag for you to take your cleaning home in.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/16/the-helpful-and-cool-green-clean-garmento-be-fantastic-use-less-plastic/feed/ http://cleantechnica.com/2009/01/08/grass-phone-biodegrades-after-two-years/ http://cleantechnica.com/2009/01/08/grass-phone-biodegrades-after-two-years/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:43:50 +0000 Ariel Schwartz http://cleantechnica.com/2009/01/08/grass-phone-biodegrades-after-two-years/

Je-Hyun Kim’s Natural Year Phone design almost makes cell phones cool in my book. The phone, which is made up of hay, a screen, and keys, is designed only to last as long as its functional life cycle (2 years) before it biodegrades and falls apart.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://cleantechnica.com/2009/01/08/grass-phone-biodegrades-after-two-years/feed/ http://ecopreneurist.com/2008/12/18/verterra-decidedly-non-granola-compostable-plates/ http://ecopreneurist.com/2008/12/18/verterra-decidedly-non-granola-compostable-plates/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:05:43 +0000 Paul Smith http://ecopreneurist.com/2008/12/18/verterra-decidedly-non-granola-compostable-plates/ I just had a bowl of cereal, in a palm leaf. No I’m not on a tropical island. Nor am I on a eco commune. I’m here in snowy Grass Valley, trying out the new line of compostable serviceware from Verterra. And I have to say I’m very impressed.

I’ve used quite a lot of eco friendly compostable  & biodegradable plates, utensils, cups, etc. in my time, and these are the best I’ve come across.

Why? They are both aesthetically interesting and durable. Verterra can’t say it, but I can: They’re reusable. Since their surface is one piece of material, rather than a composite of several fibers, as in how how paper is made, they have greater structural integrity. That means that they don’t fall apart. This is the second set of samples I’ve gotten from them, these being from their soon to be released Signature line, and so far I’ve been able to reuse a bowl four times.

Some who are familiar with the original Indian plates these take their inspiration from may ask, what’s so different about these?

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecopreneurist.com/2008/12/18/verterra-decidedly-non-granola-compostable-plates/feed/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/09/19/ten-ways-to-green-your-bathroom-and-keep-it-fabulous/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/09/19/ten-ways-to-green-your-bathroom-and-keep-it-fabulous/#comments Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:43:56 +0000 Kelli Best-Oliver http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/09/19/ten-ways-to-green-your-bathroom-and-keep-it-fabulous/ One of the smallest rooms in your house is also the easiest to green.  But for many people, their bathroom is a sanctuary, a place they go to relax in a hot bath or shower.  You might not want a spartan existence for this place.  That doesn’t mean you can’t go green.  You can make your bathroom eco-friendly without sacrificing luxury by knowing a few tricks and where to shop.  Find out how, after the jump…

Read more of this story »

]]> http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/09/19/ten-ways-to-green-your-bathroom-and-keep-it-fabulous/feed/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/08/05/trash-with-style/ http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/08/05/trash-with-style/#comments Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:52:54 +0000 Delia Montgomery http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/08/05/trash-with-style/ Just tested new eco poly bags from The Finer Liner.com and I’m impressed. Both business and home owners who simultaneously care about tasteful decor and being green have a solution.

Company owner Annette Savio offers lovely white biodegradable trash liners with shimmering gold ferns printed on them. The scalloped edge is unique and stylish. As pictured, simply fold the liner edge over for a fashionable wastebasket.

Each liner fits up to a 36 inch perimeter, which is your typical basket size for decorated living, bed and bathrooms. A pack of 12 liners is $9 or retailers can place minimum orders for 36 packages.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/08/05/trash-with-style/feed/ http://gas2.org/2008/07/30/grow-your-own-the-solar-powered-lotus-made-from-hemp/ http://gas2.org/2008/07/30/grow-your-own-the-solar-powered-lotus-made-from-hemp/#comments Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:26:39 +0000 Andrew Williams http://gas2.org/2008/07/30/grow-your-own-the-solar-powered-lotus-made-from-hemp/

British car-maker Lotus has unveiled an environmentally-friendly concept car, which is partly made of hemp, at the British International Motor Show. The Lotus Eco-Elise (pictured above) sports body panels manufactured entirely from hemp (they’re the brown bits on the roof and bonnet).

Compared to metal, hemp is a very lightweight material, which helps to improve vehicle performance and promote greater fuel-efficiency. Hemp is also a renewable, lightweight material that absorbs CO2 through photosynthesis. In addition, the particular type of hemp used by Lotus is ethically produced in close proximity to the manufacturing plant, keeping a lid on the emissions made through transportation.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://gas2.org/2008/07/30/grow-your-own-the-solar-powered-lotus-made-from-hemp/feed/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/07/09/seattles-ban-on-plastic-and-styrofoam/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/07/09/seattles-ban-on-plastic-and-styrofoam/#comments Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:13:28 +0000 Joshua S Hill http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/07/09/seattles-ban-on-plastic-and-styrofoam/ Tuesday saw Seattle residents given the opportunity to voice their opinion on Mayor Greg Nickel’s proposal to ban Styrofoam containers, and impose a fee on plastic and paper bags at the checkout at supermarkets and local stores. And from what is slowly sliding out over the internets, the idea has been met with a warm reception.

The proposal was be enacted in a two stage process. Beginning in January of 2009, all foam products would be banned, but restraints and grocery stores would be allowed to switch to plastic products if they hadn’t found a biodegradable replacement. The second stage would go in to effect by 2010, at which time all plastics would be banned, leaving only biodegradables.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/07/09/seattles-ban-on-plastic-and-styrofoam/feed/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/07/03/eco-friendly-toys-kidsonroof-mobilehome-combines-the-love-of-cardboard-boxes-with-dramatic-play/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/07/03/eco-friendly-toys-kidsonroof-mobilehome-combines-the-love-of-cardboard-boxes-with-dramatic-play/#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:29:51 +0000 Jennifer Lance http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/07/03/eco-friendly-toys-kidsonroof-mobilehome-combines-the-love-of-cardboard-boxes-with-dramatic-play/ One of my fondest childhood memories was playing with a brand new refrigerator box with our neighbors in the front yard.  This large box was a space ship, a school bus, a house, etc.  Parents know that kids love boxes, and sometimes these corrugated containers are more interesting than the toys they contain on birthdays and holidays.  Kidsonroof has combined children’s love of cardboard boxes with dramatic play to create the MobileHome.

The MobileHome is made from recycled cardboard, is biodegradable, five percent of profits are donated to UNICEF, and is made in China.  It has eight secret rooms and is easy to take with you to the park, on vacation, or around the house.  My children immediately integrated their other toys, including their children’s yoga mat,  into dramatic play with our MobileHome.

Read more of this story »

]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/07/03/eco-friendly-toys-kidsonroof-mobilehome-combines-the-love-of-cardboard-boxes-with-dramatic-play/feed/