Green Options » non-toxic

Green Yoga Mats

Lucille Chi — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:44:54 +0000

When we go to a yoga class, we work to re-oxygenate our bodies with heart opening breathing exercises, inhale deeply, and breath in clean refreshing pure air. Unfortunately, many yoga mats are made of toxic materials that seep into the air. Worse yet, is hot yoga classes are often not ventilated. The best way to purify a yoga studio is to switch to eco riendly mats, educating each yogi that signs up for a class about the benefits of green mats and only carrying them in house. As I’ve said many times before, yoga is one of the most rejuvenating, restoring, enlivening and uplifting kinds of exercise out there. What many are unaware of is just how toxic many yoga supplies may be. Articles like this one from the Green Yoga Association help clear the air as to what is good for our healing studios.

There are a good many options out there, and I’ll share my long time favorite the Harmony mat (some say they slip more on this rubber mat but personally I like the ability to grip and stretch the mat as I ease into form) which most yoga places carry. From the Jade Harmony Mat site~

Harmony is Green
Harmony is constructed of natural rubber a renewable resource tapped from rubber trees - containing no PVC or ozone depleting substances - perfect for the yogi concerned about the environment.

To be more complete, here is a long list of some green options out there for yoga mats:

1. Harmony’s PVC-free Jade yoga mats~ “The natural choice is the Harmony™ mat from Jade. Harmony™ brings together natural rubber from the Far East, one of the earth’s most amazing natural resources, and Western technology to form a mat that is perfect for your yoga practice.”

2. Natural dried grass yoga mat with a natural latex backing~ “the Natural Serrations of the dried grass help you maintain grip without providing artificial ’sticky’ support. It is exclusively designed for helping you work towards a balance.”

3. PER new environmentally friendly Yoga mat~ “made of “PER” (Polymer Environmental Resin), a material that is considerably more sensitive to the environment and your health than most Yoga mats made of PVC. This mat does not contain phthalates or heavy metals and its method of production is completely non-toxic.”

4. Vinyassa yoga rug Organic cotton (fair trade) ~ “From the cottonseed to the spinning, weaving, cutting and sewing, every Intent yoga rug is completely toxin and pesticide-free. Imported from a certified organic farm in Egypt, and “fairly traded”. Workers enjoy a healthy environment where they create stylish, non-toxic, allergen free products for, you..”

5. Eco Yoga Mat, created with jute and backed with natural rubber ~ “Super grippy on all floor types and rich in color. A joy for your practice! Biodegradable…”

6. AgoyUSA’s PVC-free and latex-free Earth Mat (made out of recyclable thermoplastic elastomer) ~ “The earth mat, made from a revolutionary synthetic form of rubber, is not only beautiful, it’s also free of PVC, Phthalates, toluene, heavy metals, latex and natural rubber. Plus it’s decomposable.”

7. Gaiam’s 100-percent natural rubber yoga mat~ “Earth Lovers Yoga Mat features an innovative blend of natural rubber and recycled material with a bark-like nonslip texture. “

Still not convinced about switching to a green mat? Well, remember the non-eco sticky mats are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic containing cancer-causing dioxins that is released into the atmosphere and in addition, softening PVC products for mats includes more harsh toxic chemicals (such as Phthalates) which leach into the air. So make the switch, invest in an earth friendly mat instead, you are worth it!

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Green Diva’s Guide to Fresh Style - Great Green Products: Wheatware

Megan McWilliams — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:47:36 +0000

With the summer coming on strong, I thought of Wheatware(TM) products, which were one of my ‘editor’s’ picks for the 2007 holiday issue of Relevant Times. I was so impressed, I gave literally EVERYONE I knew one or a combination of these great bio-compostable, non-toxic, non-plastic products.

Wheatware is on a mission to save virgin forests and reduce our dependence on oil through the use of surplus wheat to create many items traditionally made from wood or plastic, such as: disposable flatware, guitar picks, golf tees, chop sticks, hangers among other items. AND, they are bio-compostable and are are designed to biodegrade in 45 to 90 days in microbially-active soil or a commercial compost facility. To bring things even more full-circle, Wheatware bio-compostable products are indeed recyclable and they are developing their own process to reclaim and create second generation products that originated from Wheatware.

The disposable flatware and golf tees particularly appealed to me at this time of year.

Does Wheatware have a negative effect on the wheat-based food supply?

According to their website, the answer to that question is ‘No. On average there is a 50 billion bushel wheat surplus annually (150 million metric tons) . . . There is a plentiful supply of wheat, an abundant, renewable resource. By future recycling of Wheatware™, each bushel of wheat in effect is reclaimed and reused over and over, thus one bushel can create a lifetime of products.’

Photo used with permission from Relevant Times

Non-Toxic, Do-It-Yourself Cleaning Made Simple

Deb Hiett — Tue, 06 May 2008 06:30:06 +0000

The “green” cleaning products on the market are great, but they can be pricey. You know you should mix all your own house cleaning solutions, but it can be a hassle, and who knows if you’re using the right ingredients in the proper amounts? Finally, we found an easy way to make all the healthy “green” home cleaning products you need, all in one handy kit.

With the Eco-Me Home Kit, you provide the white vinegar, baking soda, olive oil, and water, and you’ve got everything you need to make an all-purpose cleaner, a wood polish cleanser, and a scrub cleanser, too — at a fraction of the cost of most store-bought non-toxic cleaners.

The Eco-Me Home Kit contains:
2 spray bottles for mixing spray cleaner and polish
1 jar for mixing scrub cleanser
1 natural bristle scrub brush
1 handy mixer
1 microfiber cleaning cloth
1 bottle Eco-Me Home Cleaning Essential Oil
1 natural fiber storage bag
Easy to follow instructions on how to mix ingredients (right from your own kitchen).

The essential oil contains tea tree, lemongrass, rosemary, and lavender pure plant oils, and helps purge surfaces of mold, mildew, grime, and water stains (plus it smells great!). The kit is available at eZoetic.com for $26.00, and you’ll also find an Eco-Me Baby Kit, Eco-Me Cat Kit, and Eco-Me Dog Kit there, too. Now it’s easier than ever to “green-it-yourself!”

Kick Mosquitoes Down a Notch This Summer

Deb Hiett — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:41:38 +0000

For those of us who hate the thought of slathering on dangerous chemicals like DEET just to enjoy a summer picnic without mosquito bites, there is good news!

Bug Bam has created these fantastic wristbands that resemble “cause” bracelets and are amazingly effective in repelling mosquitoes. All-natural (made with plant oils), DEET-free, and 100% recyclable, these wristbands are waterproof, sweat-proof, and last up to 100 hours.

You can even put them on the chair legs as you sit down to enjoy your outdoor barbeque feast. They have a citron-y fragrance, but you don’t smell like you’ve been dipped in citronella wax. For just a few bucks, Bug Bam can help you can stay safe, stylin’, and most importantly, unbitten.

Bug Bam wristbands are available in kid-size at LeapsandBounds, and adult-size at Wal-Mart and BJs’ stores. More info at BugBam.com.

Lighter Footstep: Tell mosquitoes to buzz off - without pesticides

Chris Baskind — Wed, 16 May 2007 17:26:15 +0000

Mosquito biting human, by Matti Parkkonen : (Wikimedia Commons)Editor's note: This week, Lighter Footstep [1] editor Chris Baskind shares some ways to keep the mosquitoes at bay this summer. This post was originally published [2] on May 10, 2007.With an unusually mild winter and record high spring temperatures across North America and Europe, 2007 is shaping up as a boom time for mosquitoes.Don't even bother with bug zappers and clouds of insecticides: not only are they ineffective, they do more damage than good. The neighborhood mosquito fogging carried out by some municipalities is a 24-hour solution at best, and large-scale spraying kills bees and other beneficial insects. Insecticides aren't good for animals or humans, either.Fortunately, a little planning can make your outdoor activities a lot more bearable during the summer months. Ready to swat your mosquito problem the healthy, natural way? Here are some pointers.Go on patrolMosquitos don't range very far. That's good news: if you can reduce their habitat and breeding grounds, you'll do a lot less slapping. At least once a week during the warmer months, organize a mosquito posse. It's easier with more than one person. Start close to wherever you live and work outward. Be sure to give nearby abandoned and neglected property the once-over, as well.You're looking for sources of standing or stagnant water. That's easier said than done, because mosquito larvae can make do with a few ounces of water in the bottom of an old soda can or beneath a leaky water faucet.Old tires, uncovered boats, abandoned cars, puddles, and empty flower pots are likely candidates. Remove and properly dispose of rubbish in which water might pool. Call your local government's code enforcement office and have them deal with neighborhood eyesores. Pay particular attention to clogged rain gutters. You should clear these a few times a season. Drain, remove, and invert -- these are the best tactics for stopping mosquitos before they become hungry adults. Be unattractive (to mosquitoes)Mosquitoes are remarkably well-equipped to track you down. Don't do them any favors by enhancing the chemical cues which lead them to you.Fruit and floral-scented smells are a mosquito come-on. Unfortunately, both are pretty common in sunscreens. Look for an unscented formula, such as Aubrey Organics' Natural Sun series [3] or Avalon Organics Baby Mineral Sunscreen [4]. You can buy them online or at your local heath store.Insects don't have great vision, but they are closely attuned to contrasts. Avoid dark clothing and you'll be less of a sitting duck.There are two other powerful chemical signals that alert mosquitoes you're ripe for biting: carbon dioxide and lactic acid. While you can't hold your breath, it's easy to avoid CO2-producing campfires and open flames. You produce tons of lactic acid when you're exercising, so consider moving strenuous activities out of the late afternoon hours when mosquitoes are most active. It also helps to limit salty foods and those rich in potassium. Investigate natural insect repellantsDEET is certainly good at discouraging biting insects. But it's nasty stuff, and some people don't tolerate it well.Citronella, castor, peppermint, lemongrass, and clove oil are among the natural alternatives you can try to keep mosquitos at bay. Combinations of these oils are available in convenient sprays -- check your local whole foods or health outlet. Two things to keep in mind with natural repellents: you'll need to reapply every two hours or so (or after swimming); and some people are sensitive to essential oils. Try a bit before you leave home to make sure the product you've chosen won't cause you problems.It's not necessary to apply insect repellents directly to the skin. They work by masking your natural scent and will function just as well on your clothes. This will also minimize sweat-off and the likelihood of a skin reaction. And good luck!Clean up, cover up, and be smart about the times you're outdoors. Don't take any mozzie guff -- and have a great summer!Copyright © 2007 Chris Baskind [1] http://www.lighterfootstep.com [2] http://lighterfootstep.com/tell-mosquitoes-to-buzz-off-without-pesticides-2.html [3] http://www.aubrey-organics.com/product1.cfm?product_id=252&cat=16 [4] http://www.pristineplanet.com/details.asp?id=8665

The Seven Dwarves Want Disney to Come Clean

Amy Stodghill — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 12:40:58 +0000

The Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) has challenged Walt Disney World Resort to switch to environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning products and practices throughout their operations. According to CHEJ, Disney World avoids using toxic cleaners in their Animal Kingdom but not in their theme parks, hotels or restaurants. The "Disney Go Green Campaign [1]" sponsored by CHEJ and several Florida activist organizations, kicked off the 2007 Florida Environmental Health and Organizing Conference on Friday. Part of the campaign effort uses the animated characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves as spokespeople. On the CHEJ website Grumpy says [2],"I'm Grumpy that Disney uses certified green cleaning products to protect the health of animals in Animal Kingdom, but not everywhere else to protect children and me!" [Followed by a factoid] Disney uses green cleaning products in Animal Kingdom and three of its fifteen hotels. They know how to do it!Many chemicals used in cleaning products contain carcinogens, hormone disruptors and respiratory irritants than can trigger asthma attacks and other illnesses. School districts across the country have implemented least toxic policies to protect students and workers because of these concerns. CHEJ wants Disney World to establish a similar green cleaning purchasing policy. CHEJ [3] is hoping to put a little pressure on the resort by asking people to e-mail Disney [4]. In the end Disney may have to go green anyhow as there is green cleaning legislation pending in Florida's House and Senate. Via CHEJ [5] [1] http://www.chej.org/disney/ [2] http://www.chej.org/disney/dwarves.htm [3] http://www.chej.org/disney/correspondence.htm [4] http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/CHEJ/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=7182&t=disney.dwt [5] http://www.chej.org/disney/index.htm

Tip o’ the Day: Get Fresh

Amy Stodghill — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 13:40:51 +0000

Now that spring is here I've been doing a little freshening up around the house (or, apartment rather.) I find that opening a few windows and buying some fragrant flowers from my local market is a great way to bring spring inside. Here are a few tips on how to freshen the air inside your home:Put baking soda [1] or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes around the house to absorb odors - especially at the source, such as the refrigerator or garbage areaFor a spray freshener, dissolve 1 tsp of baking soda in 2 cups of hot water and add 1 tsp lemon juiceSimmer 1 tbsp of vinegar in 1 cup water on the stove, or for a more fragrant alternative simmer cinnamon sticks and whole cloves, or cut citrus fruits and rinds in waterTo deodorize utensils and cutting boards wipe with vinegar and wash in soapy waterFill small decorative bowls with fragrant dried herbs or flowers Houseplants filter the air and reduce unwanted odors inside Scented candles also work wonders. One of my eco-friendly favorites is a line of soy candles by Bluewick [2]. They are made with 100% soy wax, and contain cotton-paper wicks, natural and fragrance oil blends, and recycled packaging (available at 3r living [3])What are some of your tips for keeping your home fresh? [1] http://amystodghill.greenoptions.com/blog/2007/01/29/tip_o_the_day_are_you_cleaning_with_the_magic_powder [2] http://www.bluewick.com/ [3] http://www.3rliving.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=bluewick

Hate Chemicals? Clean Green!

Kelli Best-Oliver — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:53:52 +0000

I hate cleaning. Hate it. I also hate the nasty chemical smell that can come with it. In fact, cleaning products are some of the most toxic materials in your home. Not only do they pose a health hazard, but many of them contain petrochemicals that are harmful to the environment. So what to do to keep your house clean AND earth-friendly? As much as I hate cleaning, I like it a lot more when I find awesome green cleaning products. Like Rebecca's Tip O' The Day noted earlier [1], baking soda is a wonderful, earth-friendly cleaning product you can get almost anywhere on the cheap. Borax, white vinegar, and cream of tartar are just a few items you can use to make safe, non-toxic cleaning products. This site has plenty of recipes [2] if you want to eschew commercial products completely. However, if you are not into the DIY scene, there are a plethora of cleaning products out there that are non-toxic and biodegradable. I've used several, and these are some of the lines that have produced favorable results. Probably the most widely available, and certainly popular, are Method [3] products. Method produces non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners that are minimally (and tastefully) packaged, and they don't test on animals. They also just introduced floor cleaner kits (which I am SO resisting buying, since I already have a perfectly good mop and bucket), called the oMop [4] that include those popular disposable microfiber mop pads--however, theirs are compostable. Method's appeal is their cost-friendliness and availablity--you can get it at your big-box discount store, and it does stand out in a sea of traditional toxic cleaners in those stores. Seventh Generation [5] makes paper products and cleaning products--in fact, their Free and Clear line [6] has no fragrances or dyes for those with allergies. Their company has rigorous standards for their products, namely that they are all vegetable-based and biodegradable, are not environmentally hazardous or acutely or chronically toxic, contain no phosphates, chlorine, or animal products. They also have awesome coupons [7] on their website. If you are looking for straight-up awesomely-scented cleaning products that make your kitchen smell like flowers, not chemicals, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day [8] products fit the bill. Their biodegradable cleaners come in three scents, geranium, lemon verbena, and lavender, with a limited run of honeysuckle products out right now for spring cleaning. I love their laundry soap--there's nothing like lavender-scented t-shirts right out of the dryer. However, my new favorite eco-cleaning line is Bi-O-Kleen [9], which I pick up at our local green general store [10]. Bi-O-Kleen products are biodegradable, non-toxic, highly concentrated to reduce packaging, and they have an entire soy-based product line [11]. The best part about Bi-O-Kleen products is that their containers are refillable at many retailers--I just take back my empty bottle, and my store refills it (for a discount, too!) I must insert a personal rave on their automatic dish soap: I've never found a biodegradable dishwasher soap that actually worked with our dishwasher, but this soap leaves my dishes completely streak-free. A note on their website--they haven't updated in quite a while, because their products have completely different (and I think better) label design, but it is the same product line. [1] http://kellibestoliver.greenoptions.com/blog/2007/01/29/tip_o_the_day_are_you_cleaning_with_the_magic_powder [2] http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm [3] http://www.methodhome.com [4] http://www.methodhome.com/products/omop.php [5] http://www.seventhgen.com [6] http://www.seventhgen.com/our_products/free_and_clear.php [7] http://www.seventhgen.com/our_products/coupons.html [8] http://www.mrsmeyers.com/default.aspx [9] http://www.bi-o-kleen.com/ [10] http://www.home-eco.com/ [11] http://www.bi-o-kleen.com/soyblends.htm

What Grabs You: Non-Toxic Home Design!

Sara Holt — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 13:04:55 +0000

Photo Credit: EcoHome ImprovementThey weren’t kidding when they said living green ain’t easy. With all of the toxic home design products out on the market today, it’s often difficult to locate products that are environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, affordable, and importantly, aesthetically beautiful.In the world of green design however, the times are a-changin’, and with the birth of Berkeley’s own EcoHome Improvement, a crucial green scene player is now giving us the gift of a centralized hub for green design products and education. Featuring “Ecological & Healthy Home Improvement Products,” EcoHome Improvement specializes in non-toxic paints, formaldehyde-free finishes, FSC-certified wood for cabinetry and flooring, as well as bamboo, cork, natural linoleum and wool carpeting. The list goes on to include recycled countertops and tiles. Each of these products is, of course, only selected after making a high standard cut for overall performance quality and aesthetic appeal. When I went over today to chat with co-founders Nina Boeddeker and Taja di Leonardi, I discovered that running a green design business like EcoHome Improvement has as much to do with the finished product on the showroom floor as it does with employee relations and a green business model. “It’s not just about what you sell,” said Nina. “It’s also about how you function internally. By working together for something you believe in, you help expand the field of something you love.”For EcoHome Improvement, this means incorporating a structure of lateral management and making all important decisions collectively. “It’s about showing passion for what you do,” said Nina. “As well as making green products accessible to the public, we are interested in providing a aesthetically green experience for people to network, share in advice from an expert, or even just enjoy some tea at the paint bar.”Personally, I’m thrilled with my EcoHome-painted green room (in color and quality!) that lets me sleep without breathing in air full of toxic fumes found so common in the harmful off-gassing of today’s paint products.For more information on green home design practices or for Ecohome lectures and workshops that are beautiful inside and out, please visit: www.ecohomeimprovement.com [1]. [1] http://www.ecohomeimprovement.com