Category — Natural Style

One of my favorite tips from last week’s KIWI College webinar with Paige Wolf (author of Spit That Out!) was when she said that while she’d love to buy only wooden toys, that’s just not practical for her. So instead, she tries to avoid colorful plastic toys  when it comes to things that kids will put in their mouths. That’s a great goal, not only to limit kids’ exposure to plastic, but to avoid artificial colors! We think about them in food, but not always in the other things kids put in their mouths.

It reminded me of a product we learned about recently here at KIWI: Hevea bath toys. These rubber bath toys have a cool translucent color, because they’re totally dye-free. So, wood is not your only source of dye-free baby products. (Another great option? The water-based dyes used by Plan Toys on their cute wooden toys.)

What are your favorite eco toys?

—Sarah, editorial director

When it comes to grocery bags, I try to use the reusable bags made from recycled plastic you can buy at the store, or re-use the brown paper bags provided. Unfortunately, both have their drawbacks: Functional though the recycled plastic bags are, I don’t always have one handy for an impromptu stop at the store on the way home. What’s more, ask me about the time I tried lugging 15 pounds of fruit to a photo shoot in one of those brown paper bags–even double-bagged, the handles don’t hold up so well carrying that much weight. I barely made it out of the store before my produce ended up all over the sidewalk outside of a Whole Foods in Manhattan.

Well, I’ve finally found the solution to all of my grocery bag woes with this cute, organic cotton tote from Hayden-Harnett, a Brooklyn-based design company that specializes in handbags, accessories and apparel. It’s heavy duty and stylish, and it even has two interior slit pockets so it can double up as an everyday purse (nixing the problem of never having a reusable bag at the ready in my purse). It’s less than $15 and, best of all, 100 percent of the proceeds go to Farm Aid, an organization that helps support local, organic, and sustainable farming practices. What’s not to like? ($13.50, haydenharnett.com)

-Dana, KIWI Intern

Help protect the indoor air your baby breathes by entering GREENGUARD’s Big Bundle of Joy $10,000 Nursery Giveaway!

By entering GREENGUARD’s Big Bundle of Joy Giveaway you could win a nursery filled with GREENGUARD-certified products valued at $10,000!  GREENGUARD’s giveaway partners include Anderson, Young America, Naturepedic, Shaw, Q Collection Junior, and Bona. All you have to do is visit www.greenguard.org/sweeps and you could be one of the lucky winners!  The contest ends January 31, so hurry up and enter!

More About GREENGUARD:  Did you know that the air inside your house could be 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside?  GREENGUARD is dedicated to reducing exposure to toxic chemicals inside your house to ensure a happy and healthy home.  GREENGUARD-certified products include paint, furniture, mattresses, and flooring which are verified to meet chemical emissions standards.  Learn more about indoor air pollution with GREENGUARD’s new, interactive, 3-D virtual home tour by visiting greenguard.org/consumers.

-Shelby, KIWI staffer

So recently all I’ve been hearing from one of my friends is that she can’t get her one-year old daughter to fall asleep.  She’s tried everything in the book, but nothing seems to be working.  I love my friend, but I just can’t stand hearing about this anymore!  So, I decided to do some research on ways to help her daughter fall asleep.  I was having trouble finding a remedy she hasn’t tried until I came across a company called cloud b.  Their tag line is, “Helping Children Sleep” so I figured that this must be perfect for my friend’s daughter!

My favorite product of cloud b’s is the Sleep Sheep.  It’s a stuffed sheep with a sound box hidden within.  It uses soft sounds from nature and the sounds of a mother’s heartbeat.  The Sleep Sheep has won so many different awards and I can see why!  I immediately ordered this for my friend and ever since she began using it, she can’t stop raving about it.  Just go to cloudb.com to learn more about the Sleep Sheep and cloud b’s other amazing products!

-Shelby, KIWI staffer

This year, it seems more folks than ever are eschewing big, glitzy holiday gifts in favor smaller, more personal presents (or no presents at all!). And I’m all for it: Creating handmade gifts is one way to put some extra time, thought, and care into giving this season. Not handy with the glue gun? Me neither—but that’s okay! All across the country, local craft fairs abound over the next couple of weeks, giving us less-than-artistically-inclined people the opportunity to seek out the perfect hand-sewn doll, glass-blown vase, or silkscreened tote for everyone on our list. Not only will your gifts be more awesome than anything you could pick up at an overcrowded mall, they’ll support artists in your community and give money to your local economy. (Local, handmade gifts also likely require less resources, since they aren’t mass-manufactured, tend to use more sustainable materials, and aren’t shipped long distances.)

Sounds good, no? Even better, craft blog Hello Craft recently posted a huge list of craft fairs in major cities across America, with plenty more happenings posted by readers in the comments section. I’m actually almost tempted to take a road trip across the country to stop at craft fair after craft fair, but then I’d probably wipe out my holiday gift budget just on gasoline alone. No worries–I’ll definitely be checking out the Local Foods Holiday Gift Fair at here in Austin to pick up some extra special treats to round out my homemade edible gift baskets. (Note: The Local Foods Holiday Gift Fair is probably one of the many, many gift fairs that aren’t included on Hello Craft’s list, so be sure to check your town’s local listings, too!) And if you can’t make it out to a craft fair in your community—never fear! There’s always Etsy.

Are you supporting handmade gifts this holiday season?

-Marygrace, staff writer

This Sunday and Monday, I spent some time at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas to check out the latest in baby and kids gear, toys, clothes, furniture, and a whole lot more. After two days of walking, walking, walking the convention halls, I was definitely exhausted—but also excited about some of my great new finds. Here, a few of my favorites:

Rockabye Baby! Love Pearl Jam, Radiohead, or even Kanye West—but aren’t sure your tot is quite ready to rock out to “Better Man” or “Gold Digger”? Rockabye Baby’s CDs feature baby-friendly renditions of your favorite tunes. Way more fun than your average lullabies, the instrumental songs swap thrashing guitars, pulsing bass, and heavy drums for calmer, more soothing bells, chimes, and vibraphones. The result: Music to everyone’s ears. ($17, rockabyebabymusic.com)

Wysi Wipes Perfect for cleaning little hands on the go: Pour a drop of water over one of the tiny, lightweight pellets to turn it into a 9×10-inch wipe that’s completely natural, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable. Need a diaper wipe? Add a drop of soothing aloe along with your water, and you’re set. ($12 for 100 wipes, canawipe.com)

PackIt Personal Cooler Bags Using those freezer packs to keep your child’s lunch cool is kind of a pain because they’re constantly getting lost (plus, they make the inside of her lunch bag all wet). PackIt bags are lined with an earth-friendly gel that keeps food cold longer, eliminating the need for separate ice packs. ($20, packit.com)

Becoming Baby Skincare Lotions, soaps, and shampoos made by a mom doctor who couldn’t find natural skincare products for her infant that were free of extra botanicals, extracts, and fragrances (which can be irritating to newborn skin). To those of you wondering, what’s wrong with a few natural extras?, here’s how the founder sees it: “Even though a salad is good for you, you wouldn’t feed it to your baby because she needs simple, one or two ingredient foods. The same is true for skincare.” (Products launching in October, becomingbabyskincare.com)

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Finished your latest issue of KIWI and  just can’t wait for the next one to arrive? Now you can get a little taste of KIWI in between issues with our interactive publication, KIWI Slice. The summer issue, available now, is all about pregnancy and babies. If you’re a KIWI mom or dad who’s trying to live greener and healthier with a baby, you won’t want to miss:

• The best kinds of exercise during pregnancy 
• What to eat when you’re nursing
• How to protect your baby from toxins

There’s more—and it’s all free! Once you’ve checked out the baby issue, don’t miss the food edition of KIWI Slice, either: lots of yummy recipes you can call up quickly on your computer (or print, as long as you promise to keep or recycle your print-out!).

—Sarah, editorial director

Once upon a time, back-to-school shopping was simply a matter of letting kids choose a lunchbox with their favorite character. Over the last few years, though, so much information has come out about lunch boxes and other school supplies containing lead, phthalates, BPA, and other dangerous chemicals that shopping is no longer just a process of checking things off the list. Nowadays, it’s about checking things on the label—and about being environmentally conscious.

As a mother of three school-age children, I focus on how lunch boxes are made and methods for packing lunches with less waste. The Obentec Laptop Lunch System, a school lunch kit inspired by the Japanese bento box, is one of my favorites: it features a hinged outer container, four inner food containers, a dip container, and a set of stainless steel utensils. The box comes in an assortment of fun colors and designs, and kids love the compartments because they fit together like a puzzle. The containers are reusable, recyclable, and dishwasher safe—plus free of any materials that are suspected carcinogens or hormone disrupters—making it easy for families to use less disposable packaging.  You can even purchase a full lunch system with a carrying case. An added bonus: The lunch boxes also come with a guide for making healthy lunches that kids love, including creative tips for dealing with picky eaters (and I definitely have one of those!). 

Once you’ve crossed the lunchbox off your list, it’s time to turn to drink containers. Make sure any reusable bottle your child uses is made with clear, shatter-resistant #7 plastic. Previous-generation, Nalgene-type water bottles and baby bottles were the first to get a bad rap for containing BPA (which can mimic estrogen and act as a hormone disruptor), but now it’s being found in everything from food packaging to the inner lining of metal food and drink cans. A safer option? Stainless steel water bottles, such as those made by Klean Kanteen, which are made from 100 percent recyclable, high-quality, food-grade stainless steel. They are lightweight, durable, non-leaching, and come in lots of kid-friendly colors. They even have polypropylene tops with sippy adapters for your little ones.

Last but not least: the stuff inside your kid’s backpack. More green products are hitting the market all the time, making it easier than ever to find eco-friendly back-to-school supplies. When looking for pencils, pens, paper, and binders, think outside the box – or rather, the tree. “Tree-free” mango, banana, coffee, and lemon paper is made from recycled agricultural waste and is used to make greener notebooks and stationary. Find pencils made from recycled newspaper, biodegradable crayons made from soybeans, paper and binders made from recycled post-consumer content, and pencil cases, backpacks & binders made from recycled drink pouches (kids flip over recycled Capri Sun and Kool-Aid Jammer lunchboxes, backpacks and pencil case holders). 

Eco-conscious parents create environmentally-conscious kids by teaching their children about how the products they purchase are made. (Did you know that for each 2 ½ foot stack of newspapers that gets recycled, a 20 ft. pine tree can be saved?)  Little facts go a long way to empower your children and make them feel like they are doing something to make a difference– and it all starts with a simple shopping list!

-Laura Meyer is the founder and CEO of The Ultimate Green Store, and the mother of three school-age children. Visit their Kids Department to find all the products mentioned above as well as an array of other fantastic eco-friendly school supplies and gear. The Ultimate Green Store donates a portion of sales to providing eco-friendly school supplies to school in need. Visit their site to see how your school can earn money through their Save the Planet, Sustain a School program! 

MyLifetime.com

Let’s talk about Project Runway, because for the first time, one of the contestants is an eco-friendly designer. Gretchen Jones said on the first episode last week that she believes in using sustainable materials, and even though her page on the Lifetime site doesn’t get into that, I sat up and took notice when she said it. Hooray for sustainable! Boo for the possibility that it could turn into some weird little “quirk”!

I’ll admit: When I saw her dress go down the runway, I thought, “Ugh. Too bad the sustainable designer didn’t do something great.” And then, well, she won. So what do I know? Nothing, obviously, but I’m glad she’ll be around longer, if only so we can see whether her commitment to sustainability can last (probably not her fault if it doesn’t–the show has crazy constraints), and see how the show and the judges respond to her “point of view,” as they like to say. 

Are you a Project Runway fan? What did you think of Gretchen? Will you root for her because she’s eco?

—Sarah, editorial director

Alex & Ani is an eco-friendly fashion line who designs based on the philosophy of enlightening the mind and empowering the spirit.  They believe that what is pure and natural is the most beautiful and that by creating jewelry from recycled materials, they enrich the beauty of each piece.  Founder and creator Carolyn Rafaelian’s purchases metals from local mills and creates pieces which she then sells the scraps back to the refineries who sell back to the Mills to continue a cycle of reusing and recycling.  Her collections are encouraging eco-conscious practices and helping to support the environment by recycling.  Alex & Ani also allows consumers to make and purchase items to reflect each individual’s uniqueness and authenticity. They want customers to feel inspired by their jewelry by creating and picking out items that truly capture the essence of who they are.  They feature beautiful lines of gold and silver bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, hair accessories, bridal items, men’s pieces and limited edition jewelry collections.  They recently started a “Bangle Bar” where you are able to create your own set of bangles. They provide you with five steps on how to create your own beautiful custom bangle set with a variety of choices between metals, beads, charms, etc.  They also love their customers so much that they are running a promotion for all customers who visit the website to receive 10% off their entire purhcase with promo code IC2010.  Enter this code at checkout and receive the discount.  (Be sure to check them out on Facebook and Twitter, too!)

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

Being a new mom can be tough: Knowing what to do (and what not to do!), what kind of products to buy, plus what to avoid to keep your baby healthy and happy is overwhelming, to say the least. While I can’t offer all the answers, I can say that Lifefactory will make your life a little easier. The brand offers baby products like bottles and teethers that are free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC (plus they look cool, too!). The best part? Lifefactory has offered to give five KIWI readers one BPA-free teether and one BPA-free bottle. For your chance to win, become a fan on Facebook–but hurry, the contest ends tomorrow!  

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

Even in the face of some negative press, has anyone noticed how popular baby wraps and carriers have become?  One of my favorites is the adorable (and affordable!) Beco Baby Carrier for newborns and toddlers (weighing 7-45 pounds). Available in solid colors as well as patterns, it does double-duty as a front or back carrier, is machine washable, and is made from 100 percent organic cotton. Even better, every carrier purchase comes complete with a head rest (hood), infant insert, owner’s manual, plus DVD instructions to ensure you wear your baby safely.  

What’s more, the success of the original Beco Baby Carrier line has inspired the company to offer other products, such as the Beco MINI (a toy carrier),  and also Beco WEAR, an eco-friendly fleece that zips over the carrier and your baby to keep him warm. My favorite accessory of all? The drooling pad, which attaches to the carrier also and gives your baby somewhere else to drool (other than all over you!). 

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

I am ALWAYS thirsty. No, really, I always have a water bottle or drink in hand. And whenever I go out to eat I always tell the waiter– just go ahead and refill my water glass any time you pass by! (weird right?) With the weather heating up, staying hydrated is SO important–so for me that means about 20 bottles of water a day! Ditch your plastic water bottle for a more eco-friendly option. Here are some of my favorites:

ROHO by Thermos

I love these designs! The BPA-free, stainless steel bottles have a really cool one-hand pop-off top too. So it’s perfect if you’re a mom with a baby in one hand and your water in another!  Check them out at thermos.com.

SIGG

SIGG may have gotten some bad press in 2009, when news broke that their eco-friendly bottles were not BPA-free (bottles manufactured prior to August 2008). But since then they’ve been hard at work to fix that. The 100% recyclable bottles now have an EcoCare liner, made from BPA and phthalate-free ingredients. Plus they’ve even got smaller versions for kids, perfect for their little hands. And we are thrilled because their designs are just too cute to pass up!  See our favorites at mysigg.com.

Klean Kanteen

If you’re like me and like to drink your water iced cold, you’ll love Kleen Kanteen’s Wide Insulated bottles. The stainless steel, BPA-free bottles will keep your iced drinks nice and cold for up to 24 hours–the opening is wide so you can fit as many ice cubes as you need. And when then weather gets chilly again, the vacuum insulation will keep your cocoa toasty for up to 6 hours.  The Klean Kanteen Classic bottle is another option, which comes in tons of colors (seriously, you can get one for everyone you know!). For more info, visit kleankanteen.com.

These are KIWI’s faves, what eco-friendly water bottles do you all use?

-Nicole McGovern

I cannot even count the number of baby showers I’ve been to this year, but there have been several! I always search online for fun gift ideas and cloth diapers are always a great buy.  Thirsties is a line of sustainable cloth diapers that provide comfort as well as leak proofing for your baby.  CEO Erin Kimmett has made it her mission to provide families with a line of affordable and eco-friendly diapers for their babies as well as to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint. Thirsties’ line of diapers uses high quality fabrics that are PVC-, phthalates-, lead-, and latex- free.  Thirsties also offers other fabulous finds including prefolds, inserts, diaper washing solutions, wipes,  hemp inserts, diaper duffles and liners. The list goes on!  To check out Thirsties adorable products as well as learn more about this growing “green” company, please visit Thirsties, Inc.

-Brittany, KIWI Staffer

A high school student from Sacramento, California donned a seriously cute, earth-friendly dress for prom last weekend. Check out her creative fashion design–she even made her date a tie!

Sweet Prom Dress

-Nicole McGovern

At the Go Green Expo last month, I had the opportunity to learn about a ton of really cool eco-friendly products. One item particularly struck my eye: Good For You Girls.

Moms, if you have a tween or teen daughter, you’ve probably caught her sneaking some of your blush or eye shadow, right? Or begging to use your foundation to cover up that dreaded pimple that popped up the night of the dance? Well, Good For You Girls’ philosophy is that beautiful skin is natural skin. Created by moms, this natural line of skin care is perfect for your daughters and made without toxic chemicals.

The products were created with organic extracts (think organic chamomile, calendula, and lavender extracts) and essential oils (like avocado and jojoba oils). They’ve got a gel cleanser to wipe away dirt, a blemish wash to clean pores, and a moisturizer to keep skin hydrated (with no oily residue!). Check out their site to learn more about Good For You Girls, and see a list of ingredients to avoid when buying skin care products.

-Nicole McGovern

Simply put, I love music. I spend countless hours each day listening to my favorite artists in the car, at the gym, hanging out at home, and (sometimes!) even at work. While recently looking for a new sound system, I learned a few things: 1) Speakers are expensive. 2) They’re often made of less-than-green materials, and use a ton of energy. What’s an eco-conscious music fan to do?

Fortunately, I found out about EcoNation at the New York City Green Festival. Their speakers, headphones, and boomboxes are made out of sustainable and recyclable materials (even things like recycled candy wrappers–impressive, no?) while still managing to provide a clean sound. What’s more, the music gear is perfect for kids: EcoNation’s DIY cardboard speaker sets come complete with a set markers and colored pencils for decorating with your own designs. They’re also inexpensive (at around $20 each, I’ve already been able to buy 3!) and are easy to set up all over the house. Want to learn more? Check out merkuryinnovations.com.

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

We’ve all been there: You’ve barely cut the tags out of your kids’ clothes and they’ve already outgrown them! Instead of heading to the mall, try thredUP Kids, a new site where parents can exchange boxes of (like-new) children’s clothing in bulk. It’s super-easy, too. Browse the boxes of clothes listed by other parents and choose one you like (or tell thredUP your preferences and they’ll look for you!), box up your little one’s old clothing, and pay shipping for your new items. It’ll save time, money, and the valuable resources needed to make new duds. Interested? So are lots of other parents–but KIWI readers get to bypass the membership wait list! To join, click here.

-Nicole McGovern

Sometimes it’s hard to believe, but I’ve reached the point in my life where a lot of my friends are starting to settle down and have kids! The result? More baby showers than you can imagine!  Even though I always check out the mommy-to-be’s registry, I like to use my knowledge of all things baby (courtesy from my job at KIWI!) to find cool, eco-friendly items my friends might not know about. One site I really love: My Green Baby, whose green baby inventory isn’t only adorable—it’s affordable, too.

Eco-conscious mom Megan Szczepanski founded the site after she was unable to find a place nearby that sold cloth diapers for her newborn. Sure, she could’ve ordered online, but Szczepanski wanted to be able to try the diaper out to see if it worked for her (and fit her baby’s bum). So in addition to offering adorable cloth diapers at My Green Baby in a variety of colors and prints, she gives moms the option to meet with her in person to see if the diapers are the right buy for them. Interesting idea, right? Check it out for your next baby shower—or your baby!

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

I’m willing to bet that many of you are like me when it comes to shopping—it’s my therapy!  I love finding the perfect staple piece, like a hanging gold charm necklace, chic handbag, or versatile black sweater that’ll last forever. But while timeless items are great, they’ve got to have that little something to make them unique (that can’t usually be found at malls or department stores!). While doing some online window shopping, I recently came across The Kiwi Lounge. First, I had to laugh at the fact that it’s called “The KIWI Lounge.” (Meant to be I guess!) There, I found an awesome collection of dresses, handbags, jewelry, and the $10 bin— incredible.  Some of my favorites ? Bohemian cat dresses, artsy necklaces, a pink hoodie, and embellished earrings. Check it out for yourself at thekiwillounge.com.

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

It probably won’t be long before your baby’s ever-growing feet need a new pair of sneaks. But maybe you can avoid a trip to the store this time: Become a fan of KIWI on Facebook and enter our Stride Rite giveaway. You could win a pair of organic sneakers from their eco-friendly collection for babies 0-2!

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

I love beauty products made with natural and organic ingredients because they’re healthier for the planet, safer for my body, and oftentimes, are cruelty-free. What I don’t love? The prices. (No matter how great-smelling and antioxidant-rich the organic, fair trade, $50 face mask is, it just doesn’t fit into my budget on a regular basis!) Fortunately, I know of an inexpensive, all-natural method for keeping my skin clear and healthy: The baking soda mask. Best of all? Making your own at home is a cinch.

Baking Soda Honey Face Mask

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon natural honey

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl to form a thick paste. Spread on a freshly-washed face and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and say hello to your newly-beautified skin.

Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Every time an old light bulb in my apartment burns out, I replace it with a compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb. Of course I do!—conventional bulbs are becoming a thing of the past, and CFLs are one of the easiest steps to living green. But whenever I’m screwing the new bulbs into their sockets in my 10foot ceilings, I worry about what kind of mess they’d make if they fell.

The mercury in CFLs has always scared me, even though they contain very low levels of it and there are safe ways of cleaning it up should a bulb break. Still, why not avoid the problem altogether? The new ArmorLite bulbs from ClearLite ($15 for 2 at amazon.com), help protect people from the chemicals in CFL bulbs with an outer silicone shell. If the bulb breaks, the coating helps contain it within the shell, making the bulb both safer and a whole lot easier to clean up (no more broken glass!). I’m moving to a new apartment soon, but when the bulbs there burn out, I’ll be ready!

-Michelle, KIWI editor

A mid-century Danish couch, fresh floral bouquets, an heirloom grandfather clock, and more—few would argue that home is a haven for personal expression.  And what better way to share your taste than with a room’s color scheme?

Many use paint (low- or no-VOC, of course!) to create a room’s ambience, but wallpaper is another great way to dress up a home and give it some attitude.  While typical paper options consist of floral patterns, stripes, solids, and other fancy schmancy designs, new technology has paved the way for digital wallpaper. Pretty cool, huh?

Lomox is currently developing OLED lighting technology to light up a room with sunlight-like coloring and consuming far less energy than an overhead lamp or light source.  The wallpaper will play as the light source and OLED lighting will be integrated into the wallpaper.  Lomox was granted $720,000 by the Carbon Trust to work on this and integrate the OLED panels into the wallpaper.  The Financial Times reports that the digital wallpaper could be available as early as 2012 since all financial and technological obstacles that were initially holding back the project have now been resolved.  The future holds a place to be energy efficient through décor and to have really cool, glowing walls!

Learn more at treehugger.com.

-Brittany Golde, KIWI marketing manager

If you have a baby on the way, chances are your typical “Season’s Greetings” holiday cards feel like they’re leaving something out. Like, the biggest, most exciting thing ever. You’re having a baby!

That’s why I love these clever new cards from To Be Greetings. They’re stylish and a little bit cheeky–and they celebrate the holidays and your growing family. Plus, they’re printed on FSC-certified paper, with vegetable-based inks–and the printing plant is powered by wind.

What a wonderful way to share your joy this season!

—Sarah, KIWI Editorial Director

You may still be on the hunt for that perfect pair of cute-and-comfy shoes, but at least you can end the search for your little one. ScooterBees makes adorable, snug-fitting, eco shoes for the infant and early toddler sets.

The soft-soled shoes are designed to accommodate a variety of sizes (which means even the chubbiest of feet will fit!) and thanks to no laces, they’re easy to put on squirmy feet as you’re running out the door. They’re also green: Each pair features a recycled fleece lining (making socks optional), a midsole made of recycled milk cartons, and an outsole that contains recycled rubber.

The best part (besides being machine washable)? They’re incredibly cute and kid-friendly. Interchangeable flaps tell a story (watch as a baby owl grows up!) and let your kid pick which design he wants on top. Find a retailer here.

There’s no doubt that old paper shopping bags or newspaper can get the job done when it comes to wrapping holiday gifts—but they aren’t the prettiest options. Fortunately, there’s plenty of eco-friendly gift-wrap out there that’ll make your presents look festive while being gentler on the planet.

• Try Pristine Planet for a huge selection of earth-friendly wrapping paper, gift bags, and even wine bags.
• Earth Love’n Paper Products has unique and creative recycled paper products for everyone on your list—naughty or nice!
• Looking for more than just seasonal paper? Check out Nashville Wraps’ biodegradable sacks, boxes, and bags.
• Want to send good greetings along with your gift? Bambeco has eco-friendly cards and stationary.

Happy wrapping!

-Brittany, KIWI Marketing Manager

Attention all eco-minded holiday shoppers! Did you know that ordering holiday gifts on line is significantly more earth-friendly than buying them at the store? E-stores and warehouses use less space and energy than a traditional retail store, while mass deliveries by truck, van, or even airplane uses less fuel than individual car trips. Save time, sanity, and the environment? Sign me up!

Best of all, when online purchases are made from eco-friendly retailers, your holiday shopping gets even greener. One of my favorites? TheUltimateGreenStore.com. Like the name implies, it’s got everything! Want a futuristic, solar-powered race car for your kid? They’ve got it. What about a hip tote made from recycled seat belts for your best friend? That’s there too. Or maybe an organic shaving kit for your hubby’s stocking? Check, check, check.

Want to get shopping? Head over to TheUltimateGreenStore.com. Then, use that time you would’ve spent in traffic in the mall parking lot to curl up with a blanket, a good book, and a mug of hot cocoa.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

The words “wood” and “comfortable” don’t often go together—unless it’s in the form of bamboo fabric. Some of the softest, silkiest items in my wardrobe are made from bamboo, a wood known for its eco-friendliness.

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to gather around a delicious stuffed turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and (for the grown-ups!) plenty of spirits. If you’re hosting the big meal this year, consider using eco-friendly glassware and serving utensils. Some of our picks:

• Bambeco’s Recycled Glass Carafe is a perfect vessel for your house wine.
• To pile all that yummy food onto their plates, set your guests’ places with ceramic dinnerware, also from Bambeco.
• Serving a salad? Present it in a Twisted Giraffe Serving Set by Planet One Gifts.
• When it comes time to clean up, try the Twist European Sponge Cloth—it’s biodegradable and safe for all types of cookware.

-Brittany, KIWI Marketing Manager

One thing I love about November is the urge to cozy up. And while most people probably equate coziness with sitting by the fireplace while staying wrapped in a thick blanket, I’m here to tell you that you can feel cozy outside, too. All you need is the perfect scarf! Here are some we guarantee you and your family will never want to take off:

• Best Baby Organic’s Hat-Scarf ($24.50) is a two-for-one deal, since it doubles as a hat. What’s more, it’s made from 100% natural wool by Ecuadorian artisans.
• Your kid can show her love for planet-friendly fashion and stay warm at the same time with the Cagoule Fleece Heart Scarf ($12.99). It’s made from 85% post-consumer recycled soda bottles, and colored with lead-free dye!
• Moms and teen girls will love the Scarf of Many Sweaters by 1000 Markets ($50). It’s upcycled from—you guessed it—old sweaters, and is long enough for plenty of cozy wrapping.
• Keep the guys in your life cool (fashion-, not temp-wise!) and comfy in the Bamboo Rib Narrows Scarf by Isotoner ($30). Best of all? It’s made from 70% renewable materials.

Our friends, the Meal Makeover Moms, are currently holding a healthy eating prize pack giveaway featuring a one-year subscription to KIWI Magazine, two BPA-free plastic plates, two board books to get kids excited about eating their fruits and veggies, an eco-friendly tea set, and all-natural dish soap. Want to enter? It’s easy! Visit this post at the Meal Makeover Moms’ blog, and leave a comment describing a green lifestyle change your family has recently made. Good luck!

Is your kid in the market for a new backpack this year? Here’s some of our favorite eco options.

• The ecogear Kids Panda Eco-Pack is simple but stylish. Made from organic cotton, it’s available in pink, blue, or green. $24.99, ebags.com.
• Tires get a second life with recycled rubber backpacks from Green Earth Office Supply. $60, greenearthofficesupply.yahoo.net.
• For older kids, the Eco-Friendly Backpack from Lands’ End is made from 100% recycled fabric, and can hold a laptop case and MP3 player. $39.50, landsend.com.
• Crocodile Creek has cute packs for the younger set in a variety of nature-themed designs. Even better, they’re PVC- and phthalate free. $23.95-$29.45, amazon.com.
• Fleurville’s Kid’s Messenger is perfect for style-conscious students, and is PVC-, Teflon-, and lead-free. There’s even a removable insulated lunch bag! $50, fleurville.com.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

The next time you’re thinking of sending someone a bouquet of flowers, support a non-profit at the same time by choosing Flowers for Good. The line comes from Organic Bouquet, an earth-friendly flower company that offers sustainbly-grown, mail-order bouqets and arrangements.

As a part of Organic Bouquet’s larger mission to promote environmental and social responsibility, the Flowers for Good program was established to help non-profits by donating 5% of each purchase to the organizations. What’s more, there’s a wide range of non-profits from which you can choose to support, including The Nature Conservancy, The Humane Society, and The American Lung Association. They’ve got everything from roses to calla lilies, so check it out!

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

>>Click for More  Eco/Green Birthday Party Ideas…

We’ve shared our tips, now you share yours! What are some of the ways your family has made their birthday parties healthier for the planet?

>>Share your Green Party Ideas…Comment below!

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

With uses for personal care, cleaning, laundry, and of course–cooking, baking soda is the ultimate DIY multi-tasker. It’s also incredibly inexpensive, and super earth-friendly (aside from the fact that it’s a non-toxic chemical compound, using versatile baking soda to do 10 jobs rather than buying 10 different products really cuts down on waste!). Here are 10 of my favorite ways to use baking soda, what about you?

1. Face mask. This works especially well for oily skin–form a paste with 2 tsp. baking soda and 1 tsp. honey and leave on face for 10 minutes to tighten pores and banish blackheads.
2. Fabric softener. Surprise, surprise! Conventional fabric softeners can contain a multitude of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. To keep clothes soft, just toss 1 cup of baking soda in with the wash. Bonus: It can remove heavy stains and odors, too!
3. Shampoo. OK, maybe not all the time. But in a pinch, it works! Add 1 tbsp. of baking soda to 8 oz. of water, then work through hair. Follow with a clarifying rinse made up of 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and another 8 oz. of water. [Read more →]

Normally, we’re not a big fan of disposables when it comes to dish- or flat-ware. Cups or plates made from Styrofoam are difficult to recycle, and so usually end up in landfills for near-eternity. And similar paper items may biodegrade more quickly, however, they’re a big drain on resources. Since no one wants to lug a nice set of glasses, dishes, and silverware to the beach, park, or campground, this disposable dilemma can sometimes make planning a casual outdoor picnic or barbecue somewhat challening.

Enter Bare, a new line of earth-friendly disposable dishware by Solo. Many of their plates and cups are made from plant-based, renewable resources instead of plastic, and are also easily compostable. The cups that are made from plastic contain 20% post-consumer recycled material, and are easily recyclable.

And yes, when it comes to going green, Solo really means it. To demonstrate their commitment, they’ve partnered with the Keep America Beautiful campaign, whose mission is to prevent litter, reduce waste, and increase recycling. Donations from the Bare by Solo line will support helping consumers learn all about ways to keep our country–and our planet–looking great.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Here are some of our favorite places to find sustainable goods. Have an earth-friendly store or company you love? Share it with us in the comments!

• KellyGreen Way, an online, green lifestyle boutique, boasts a variety of hand-picked, planet-friendly items including body, skin, and home products. Further, everything there is recyclable, reusable, fairly traded, or handmade.
• Find reusable diapers, bedding, plus nursing accessories at Organic Caboose. All their products are cruelty-free and 100% grown and sewn in the USA.
• Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods seeks to help smart parents make better choices for their baby and better choices for the environment with a selection of organic toys and corn-based baby plates and utensils.
• Score green deals at Pristine Planet, which allows customers to compare prices on similar items plus share reviews on eanything from hemp dog leashes to earth-friendly motor oil.
• Eco-Wise calls itself the earth-friendly everything store, and for good reason: In addition to featuring the usual organic clothing, linens, or cleaning supplies, the website features tons of items devoted to home improvement, including eco flooring, paints, and tools.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

In honor of our KIWI staffer Marygrace, I decided to give the bride-to-be some tips on how to throw an eco-friendly bash. Sure planning a wedding is a lot of work and can be very time consuming and expensive but if you take the time to research you will find there are a few ways to make your wedding friendlier on the environment. First come the decorations. Opt for organic flowers instead of fresh cut ones or use lemons or limes in pretty vases for decor. Next, location. Choose a location that is within close proximity to your loved ones so they do not need to travel far distances and also bring up the option of carpooling to omit less gases into the air. When it comes to dining, choose a vegetarian dish and serve it on reusable plates. No need to waste here! Also opt for handing out homemade gifts to the guests such as granola or another baked goods instead of wasting paper or plastic product giveaways. When it comes to the cake, use organic mixes which can be found at any local grocer. Last, when choosing a honeymoon destination, research eco-tourism spots and find sustainable hotels and locations where you and your significant other can have a big impact on your lives but not the earth.

Brittany, KIWI Staff and future bridezilla

With a full line of body care products for pregnancy, labor, post-partum, and breastfeeding, Earth Mama Angel Baby has new and expecting moms covered in organic goodness.  The line was created by moms who view pregnancy the way our foremothers did, as a phenomenal natural process to be honored accordingly.  Their offerings feature eco-friendly packaging and 100% natural, vegan ingredients for lotions, potions, sprays, and oils you can feel good about.  We’re big fans of their Mama-to-Be Tea Sampler, which makes a cool, unexpected shower gift.  Learn more at earthmamangelbaby.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

If the name Pure and Little doesn’t give you enough warm fuzzies, try their logo on for size: Organic. Baby. Love.  Ahhh!  I’m sold.  The company offers organic baby clothing, bedding, and accessories like bath products, books and music, and plenty of plush toys.  Spring and summer babies can keep comfortable in Pure and Little’s organic cotton onesies (we love the peace out natural), while fall and winter babies will stay toasty with a unisex kimono jacket.  But my very favorite?  The Baby Fred monkey plush.  He just looks so happy!  More at pureandlittle.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

If a Prius is beyond your budget right now, try a new kind of hybrid: gDiapers.  Perfect for the eco-conscious mom-to-be who isn’t quite ready to embrace cloth diapers full on, gDiapers are made of a washable cotton outer with a disposable, plastic-free liner that can be flushed down the toilet, composted, or tossed in the trash (they decompose in about 90 days.)  A starter kit is available at gDiapers.com, or try their gBaby Shower Gift, featuring the starter kit, an extra cloth outer, and a case of flushable refills.  Oh, and the “g”?  It stands for green!

Marygrace, KIWI intern

This month, Congress is cracking the whip when it comes to toxins in children’s products. Thanks to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), little ones now have greater protection from exposure to dangerous substances. As of February 10th, all items made for young children must be tested for levels of lead as well as a group of toxic chemicals known as phthalates. The new standards under the CPSIA are great for our children, but they’ve also led to complaints from small manufacturers who feel threatened by the high cost of laboratory testing. We’ll keep you updated on the risks and benefits of this important act in the following weeks.

– Sara, KIWI intern and advocate of trustworthy toys

While I’m more than ready for the arrival of spring, it seems winter isn’t quite yet ready to loosen its harsh grip just yet.  We’re still receiving regular blasts of Arctic air here in New Jersey, and this week’s especially windy weather has been doing a number even on my oft-oily skin.  Since spending money on expensive moisturizers doesn’t really fit into my current budget, I instead turned to raiding my fridge and pantry for some skin-quenching inspiration.

I always knew honey was a super beneficial food-it contains a number of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that make it a healthier alternative to white sugar.  What I didn’t know is that honey is a humectant, meaning it absorbs water from the air… meaning it’s a great natural skin moisturizer!  What’s more, its antibacterial properties will destroy my pesky pimples in a snap.

The fat in egg yolks, avocado, and olive oil causes these foods to act as emollients, which are natural moisturizers that smooth and soften skin.  (Allow me to indulge my inner science geek by letting you know that emollients contain three basic properties: occlusion (provides a layer of surface oil to stop water loss), humectants (like honey!), and lubrication.)  These foods can be used topically, but will also provide moisture from the inside out of you eat them, which is the perfect excuse to tuck into some guacamole, or drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on just about anything.

And speaking of the inside out, there’s a number of herbal teas that can give your skin the extra moisture boost it craves.  Make your own tisanes (fancy word for herbal tea) by steeping marshmallow, dandelion, peppermint, or chamomile in hot water.

Finally, remember that what you do do about your dry skin is just as important as what you don’t. Cleanse your face twice a day at the maximum, and use warm rather than hot water.  Further, keep in mind that soap can have a drying effect on skin.  You might be better off washing up with oat flour or almond meal mixed with soothing aloe vera.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and developer of DIY beauty

I have a confession. I am obsessed with lip moisturizers. I can’t get enough. A few weeks ago, we wrote about natural lip balms. Being that I am always on the lookout for new lip companions, I feel a responsibility to continue this conversation and introduce more natural lip care.

Today’s highlight: Yes To Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter

Self-described as lip butter, I see no better explanation for this smooth, hydrating creation. The consistency is just right, not too thick and not too thin. Added bonus: this USDA-certified organic stick contains all natural ingredients, no animal testing and paraben, petroleum and phthalate free.

Post a comment and let me know what natural balm your lips crave.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of lip beauty (if you didn’t already get that from the blog)

It’s no secret that the healthiest, most delicious foods come from natural sources. Organic Valley’s milk, cheese, eggs, and meats are raised without antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides for authentic food that truly nourishes. A family farm co-op, Organic Valley aims for continual improvement and transparency, making their products food you can really feel good about. Coupon lovers click here.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of all things natural

Sweet Pea Products knows sensitive skin.  Created by a certified infant massage instructor who was dissatisfied with the lack of natural baby massage oils, all items with the Sweet Pea name are 100% natural and fragrance free.  With a collection of unique baby products including serenity balm, lavender and tea tree soap, and herbal tub teas, Sweet Pea will calm your child’s skin while giving you a piece of mind.  Enjoy a 20% discount with coupon code KIWI.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of lavender

It’s easy to say no to preservatives and additives with Tastybaby’s organic frozen baby food. They might be serious about nutrition, but with flavor names like “Corn in the USA” and “Peas on Earth,” TastyBaby knows how to have fun.  What’s more, all the food is gluten-free, and is packaged in reusable, BPA-free cups.  Getting a stamp of approval from eco-conscious moms like Cindy Crawford, Ali Landry, and Lisa Loeb, try a Tastybaby gift basket for a great shower gift!

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and fan of eco-consious moms

Earth’s Best’s new diapers are chlorine-free and contain corn- and wheat-absorbent materials.  Made with annually-renewable resources to reduce petrochemicals, they pair perfectly with Earth’s Best durable, chlorine-free wipes, which are all-natural and contain soothing vitamin E and aloe.  Soft and gentle, they’re perfect for stashing in your diaper bag to double as on-the-go hand and face wipes.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and trying to be reliant on renewable resources

Sock seams making your child scream? Made with a polyester and lycra blend, SmartKnitKIDS socks are seam-free and comfy as can be.  They’re available in white, pink, purple, navy and black, and come in a variety of sizes for kids of all ages.  Check them out at therawear.com and use coupon code KIWI for 10% off at checkout.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and seam-free friendly