By Susie Kim •
June 5, 2009
Although I really loved the idea and the look of a stainless steel sippy cup {like the Foogo}; EC did point out that they would probably maim someone should it be used as a missile by an upset toddler. Case in point, I got whacked in the head with a sippy cup today, but it was the BPA free Born Free sippy cup so it didn’t maim, just hurt for a second. We are a Born Free fanatics here. We used to have the Born Free baby bottle {although ours was glass}, then we got the Born Free pacifier, and now we are using the Born Free sippy cups. I love this sippy cup.
Born Free is a company that is well known to provide safe and workable solutions to baby feeding. They are thoughtfully made with the baby in mind. It’ is designed well for convenience and best of all; it’s all BPA free. Another case in point, additional drinking sprouts can be purchased so if one wears thin because of a teething baby {like ours}; just replace the sprout and not the entire cup.
By Jennifer Lance •
March 29, 2009
Looking for a new backpack for yourself or your child? Project Blue features PVC-free DAKINE Oceana Surf Packs:
DAKINE’s project BLUE packs are constructed with 100% Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) fabric and lining, which is made from recycled plastic bottles. The packs also feature recycled buckles and non-toxic Thermaplastic Elastomer (TPE) waterproof fabric backing. These packs feature a seam sealed wetsuit pocket, insulated cooler pocket and organizer pocket to keep everything separate and secure.
My daugher loves her Oceana Surf Pack, althoug it is a little large for her seven-year-old frame. I love how Project Blue supports our oceans through the Surfrider Foundation, one of my favorite charitable environmental associations.
By Lucille Chi •
September 23, 2008
Let’s say you are decorating a skylit dayroom, nursery, or your bedrom and want a bright, happy feeling in the space. Well, if you’ve ever considered wallpaper, check out these sunlit designs offered by Seabrook Wallcoverings and Sandpiper Studios:
This new unique collection has been an inspiration for and from our studio. The designs and colors are certainly leading edge”eco” inspired but also the production process is equally inspired. All of the inks used in printing are water based and come from renewable resource forest, so no clear cutting.
If you are doing the installation yourself, or managing the renovation, try researching the safest adhesives as well. It may be worth your while to look into wallpapers that are installed with traditional wheat paste or cellulose paste. These adhesives are made from
By Kelly Rand •
July 28, 2008
Here at CAGW, we try and direct fellow crafters to materials to use that are gentler on the environment for craft projects. From fabric and yarns to scissors and notions there is a plethora of options out there for the eco-conscious crafter.
On the flip side, these are limited options and often our craft supplies leave you wondering how safe and green are they. We’ve even started a list of demands for things that we wish we had.
Well, I am going to add waterproof, clear, flexible, “fabric” to that list. Many crafters use this in their projects for many purposes. Unfortunately, this “fabric” is vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic (number 3 to be exact) and I am calling for an outright ban on this poison plastic.
By Lucille Chi •
June 15, 2008
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:
