Repurpose Insulated Compostable Coffee Cups Made with Ingeo

Ingeo is making its way into many products these days. From baby wipes to compostable cups, ingeo is replacing petroleum-based materials.

Repurpose Compostables offers a great solution to styrofoam and other disposable coffee cups:

The insulated technology keeps hot beverages warmer for longer, and prevents heat from escaping the cup, protecting the user and creating a more comfortable feel with only one product. The revolutionary new insulated cup requires no sleeve, uses 65% less CO2 than a traditional cup to produce, and can be composted in 90 days. The insulated cup uses FSC-Certified paper, the highest standard for sustainable forestry. Traditional insulated cups are made by adding additional layers of paper; however, the Repurpose insulated cup does the same with our patented insulation material on a single wall cup. This high quality food service product finally offers the greenest possible alternative to Styrofoam and non-compostable insulated cups.

Of course, using a reusable coffee cup is the greenest solution for your hot beverages. My favorite one is the Klean Kanteen Coffee Set Wide Mouth Insulated Bottle.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Read More in: Food | Kitchen | Product review

Scotties Facial Tissues: "We Plant 3 Trees for Every 1 We Use"

I always am wary when I see mainstream corporations make green claims, but at the same time I commend their efforts. Greenwashing is a marketing trend, and the cynic in me tends to support smaller companies that have always been green, like Seventh Generation, especially when it comes to paper products. Considering Kleenex logged old growth forests to make facial tissues, Scotties is combating this negative action with their own plan to plant three trees for every one they use making their facial tissues.

WHAT MAKES SCOTTIES LIKE NO OTHER?

• Scotties combines a unique brand promise to plant 3 trees for every 1 used with the long-standing history of its parent company, J.D. Irving, Limited.
•  Scotties communicates on every box its commitment to plant 3 trees for every 1 used in making its softest ever tissues and uses 3rd party auditing to ensure compliance
• Scotties Softest Ever tissues are chain of custody certified through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). To learn more visit www.sfiprogram.org.
• Scotties is the only major U.S. facial tissue to be linked with the Responsible Forest Project (RFP).
• Scotties has partnered with American Forests to create SCOTTIES RELEAF U.S.A. and TREES ROCK in an effort to promote our urban tree planting initiatives in the United States.
• J.D. Irving has planted over 800 million trees in the last 50 years.

Of course, the greenest way to deal with that runny nose is to use washable Reusable Organic Cotton Handkerchiefs.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Read More in: Business | Health | Product review

StepAhead: Sustainable Carpet Cushioning Made From Nike Grind Shoe Scrap

Carpet cushioning is one of those things you don't see, but you sure do feel. It only makes sense that it be made from recycled content, and what better content to use than athletic shoes!

StepAhead Carpet Cushion is made with Nike Grind.

* The process of transforming Nike Grind scrap into the StepAhead products helps keeps 67,000 tons of air pollutants from being released - saving more than 675 million gallons of water. * There is the equivalent of three shoes in every square foot of StepAhead and approximately four million pounds of Nike Grind will be used each year to produce StepAhead. * Not only is this material better for the environment, it's better for your carpet - each 30-square-yard roll is supported by a lifetime warranty.

We were sent a small sample of this product, and it has a nice, springy texture. It is available at the Home Depot.

Read More in: Green Homes | Product review

Pong Smartphone and iPad Cases Protect Against Electromagnetic Radiation

We all have heard about how radiation from cell phones and tablets is dangerous, especially for children. Healthy Child Healthy World writes:

Despite studies like the one published last week inElectromagnetic Biology and Medicine, which found kids' brains absorb twice as much cell phone radiation as adults, the FCC continues to insist that "currently no scientific evidence establishes a causal link between wireless device use and cancer or other illnesses," according to the websiteFair Warning...

Of course we're going to lag, when the cell phone industry fights any awareness tooth and nail. According to CBC News, after the city of San Francisco passed a requirement last week for cell phone retailers to warn customers about limiting their exposure to radiation, the trade group representing cell phone companies filed a lawsuit in federal court, citing the new law violates the companies' First Amendment Rights of freedom of speech.

Pong cases help protect you from radiation! We were sent the following two products:

• Pong Radiation-redirecting Case for Blackberry
• Pong "Faux Leather" Radiation-redirecting Case and Cover for iPad 2 (Black)

Your cell phone emits a powerful form of microwave energy called electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Since the long term health effects of exposure to microwave EMR are unknown, most consumers desire to avoid unnecessary exposure.

Yet consumers also want a powerful cell phone with maximum signal strength reflected by the number of "bars" on their phones. Did you know that the signal stregnth of your phone is related to the magnitude or intensity of the EMR which it produces and receives? - The lower the signal strength, the greater the intensity of EMR emitted by your phone. Pong devices are uniquely designed to solve this dilemma for consumers.

Pong not only protects you from unnecessary exposure to EMR, but also optimizes your cell phone's signal strength.

These are very sturdy cases that fit well, and I feel better letting my children use our smart devices knowing that there is some radiation protection from Pong.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Read More in: Health | Product review | transportation

Organic SoyGo Soy Creamer Packets: Vegan, Travel-Size, Non-GMO

If you are a vegan coffee drinker, it can be hard when traveling to find soy creamer.
SoyGo Soy Creamer comes in handy packets you can throw in your purse or bag.

For soy lovers on the go! It's hard being on the road or simply out-and-about when you want that cup of coffee or tea and a vegan creamer isn't available. Well, this is no longer the case! This new travel-sized creamer from SoyGo, made with the finest Organic Gold 1000 soy powder, is delicious and creamy, and contains no GMOs, lactose, or artificial ingredients. Each packet also contains one gram of fiber and one gram of protein. You're sure to love it as much as we do. Just grab a packet and hit the road!

Ingredients: Non-GMO soy powder, sugar, color added (natural mineral titanium dioxide), inulin, xanthan gum, vegan natural flavors (inc French vanilla), dipotassium phosphate, salt.

I'm a soy latte drinker. Soy powder won't cut it in espresso, but I can see how coffee drinkers would like this product.

Dipotassium phosphate is a food additive that is also found in fertilizer. WebMd states:

Regular long-term use can upset the balance of phosphates and other chemicals in the body and should be monitored by a healthcare professional to avoid serious side effects. Phosphate salts can irritate the digestive tract and cause stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, and other problems.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Read More in: Food | Product review

Joulebody Detoxifying Bars: A Whole Meal; A Whole Cleanse

Need to detox? The truth is, we all do. Joulebody makes it easy with their detoxifying bars.

Joulebody Detoxifying Bar - Brownie
Joulebody Detoxifying Blondie - Ginger
Joulebody Detoxifying Bar-Cacao Mint

We set out to provide our clients with a convenient, nourishing cleanse program that is portable and not just juices. That is why we worked for three years to make a bar that was both delicious and nutritious offering detoxifying ingredients.

BENEFITS

All bars offer ingredients that have been scientifically studied to help heal our main digestive organs. By adding our very own JOULECLEANSE Mix, your body receives valuable nutrients from ingredients that are plant based, gluten, wheat, nut, and dairy free.

These bars are not organic, but they are all natural. Considering the expensive ingredients they contain, they are realistically priced at $4.50.

The detox ingredients in these bars are cayenne, dandelion, tumeric, and fennel. Each bar contains:

• 8-9 grams of plant-based protein


• 7-9 grams of fiber


• 4 grams of omega 3 and omega 6

I don't know if I can be satisfied eating just a bar for a meal, but these are definitely healthy snacks!

Read More in: Food | Health | Herbal Medicine | Product review

Zarbees All Natural Childrens Cough Syrup

Honey is very soothing on sore or scratchy throats. Zarbees Childrens Cough Syrup is designed for children over 12 months because of the honey factor.

As a pediatrician and a father, Dr. Zak Zarbock found it frustrating when he wasn't able to offer any relief for his young patients with a cough. So, he set out to create a safe, effective and natural remedy that he could feel good about recommending. Dr. Zarbock's research led him to the amazing benefits of honey with its natural cough suppressing and immune boosting power.

 Made with a unique blend of antioxidant-rich dark honeys, and fortified with Vitamin C and Zinc, ZarBee's Cough Syrup is a proven and safe solution to naturally soothe your child's cough.

Why Honey?
Honey has been used as a safe remedy for ages. With its special blend of antioxidant-rich dark honeys (buckwheat & wildflower), Vitamin C and other unique all-natural ingredients, ZarBee's Cough Syrup is an effective remedy to calm coughs and take the sting out of sore throats.

Our All-Natural Formula is:
Gluten, dye & preservative-free
Safe and natural - contains no drugs or alcohol

My daughter tried this cough syrup and said it was good but a little bit bitter. She said it worked immediately and soothed her scratchy throat. My son tried it and did not like it.

It pleases me to see a pediatrician developing and recommending honey-based products for sore throats.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Read More in: Health | Herbal Medicine | Kids | Product review

De Odor Works: Medical Grade Stainless Steel Natural Deodorant Alternative

Body order is caused by bacteria. We use many products to try and eliminate it, especially under our arms, and many natural products require frequent applications to be somewhat effective.

De Odor Works - Natural Deodorant Alternative uses medical grade stainless steel activated under running water to eliminate body odor.

Although perspiration by itself is odorless, micro-organisms that cause odor thrive in the damp or moist environments created by sweat. The underarms, groin and feet are particular problem areas for these types of organisms. Odor causing bacteria are not easily removed from the skin. Regular washing with soap and water does not eliminate this bacteria and commercial deodorant products only mask the odor. But using De Odor Works on problem areas for just 30 seconds in the shower actually removes body odor and it keeps it from coming back: all day, every day. De Odor Works has a US patent pending.

It can be used on any part of your body, not just the underarms!

The company also makes WaterWorks Natural Vaginal Cleansing System out of stainless steel for feminine hygiene without harsh chemicals.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Read More in: Health | Product review

Globalization of Water: Sharing the Planet's Freshwater Resources

We cannot survive without fresh, clean water, yet our global economy impacts far off places in ways we don't often imagine. Our cheap goods made abroad require water for manufacturing. Do we ever think about what this is doing to local ecosystems and communities?

Globalization of Water: Sharing the Planet's Freshwater Resources by Arjen Y. Hoekstra and Ashok K. Chapagain thoroughly explores the issues surrounding globalization and water.

Globalization of Water is a first-of-its-kind review of the critical relationship between globalization and sustainable water management. It explores the impact of international trade on local water depletion and pollution and identifies "water dependent" nations.

• Examines the critical link between water management and international trade, considering how local water depletion and pollution are often closely tied to the structure of the global economy


• Offers a consumer-based indicator of each nation's water use: the water footprint


• Questions whether trade can enhance global water use efficiency, or whether it simply shifts the environmental burden to a distant location


• Highlights the hidden link between national consumption and the use of water resources across the globe, identifying the threats facing 'water dependent' countries worldwide


• Provides a state-of-the-art review and in-depth data source for a new field of knowledge

Parts of this book are very scientific with formulas and such that do not make for casual reading; however, much of the text is understandable to the lay person.

I like how the authors do not take a stance against or pro-globalization. Instead, they focus their energy on "the establishment of proper arrangements at the global level where national arrangements are not sufficient". We cannot stop globalization in its tracks, but we can work towards sustainable water management in conjunction with it.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Read More in: Conservation | Product review | Really Natural Books | environment

Hydros Filtering Water Bottle Funds Sustainable Global Water Projects

Filtering tap water is the best alternative to bottled water. Using a water bottle with a built in filter ensures that anywhere you go, you can have clean drinking water from the tap.

Hydros Bottle - Filtering Water Bottle with a Social Mission not only provides a plastic, bpa-free water bottle with a filter for your thirst quenching pleasure, but part of the proceeds are used to fund sustainable global water projects.

Offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to bottled water, Hydros Bottles can save consumers $400 per filter and help reduce the 60 million plastic bottles that find their way into landfills every single day. Each Hydros Bottle purchase makes it possible for Operation Hydros to build sustainable water infrastructure to aid the nearly one billion people worldwide who do not have access to clean, drinkable water. Every bottle sold provides clean water to one person in need for one whole year.

I would prefer a glass water bottle with a filter, but I haven't been able to find one.

Read More in: Food | Product review

The Amazing Mat Uses Same NASA Anti-bacterial Adhesive to Capture Dirt and Germs

Shoes transmit disease causing bacteria to enter our homes. Taking shoes off at the door is a good idea, but there still may be dirt and germs crossing the threshold. The Amazing Mat has a solution:

The Amazing Mat is not an ordinary rubber, fabric or grass door mat. It is constructed of separate layers of specially designed clear "sticky" sheets that collect dirt and germs when stepped on. When the top one gets dirty, simply peel it off (along with the dirt) and expose a new sheet. The mat is safe and easy to walk on for adults, children and pets.

The Amazing Mat is being marketed as "eco-friendly" because the throw away sheets can be recycled, as can the mat; however, anything product that has single use design, such as the tear away sheets, cannot be truly green. Personally, I think it would be hard to find a recycling center willing to accept the plastic sheets, and my country home would require constant removal of the sheets. The 30 sheets it comes with wouldn't last long.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Continue reading: "The Amazing Mat Uses Same NASA Anti-bacterial Adhesive to Capture Dirt and Germs"

Read More in: Green Homes | Product review

Really Natural Cookbooks: Vegan Pie in the Sky

Who doesn't love pie? Pies are actually quite easy to make vegan, although a flaky crust can be a challenge without the butter. Have no fear vegan pie lovers, Vegan Pie in the Sky: 75 Out-of-This-World Recipes for Pies, Tarts, Cobblers, and More will never leave you wondering where they dairy products went!

Holidays? Check. Birthdays? Check. Tuesdays? Check! Our research says life is 100% better any day pie is involved. There's nothing like a rich, gooey slice of apple pie straight from the oven, baked in a perfectly flaky crust and topped with cinnamon-sugar. And now it can be yours, along with dozens more mouthwatering varieties, vegan at last and better than ever.

Vegan Pie in the Sky is the latest force in Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero's baking revolution. You'll find delicious and adorable pies, tarts, cobblers, cheesecakes and more--all made without dairy, eggs, or animal products. From fruity to chocolaty, nutty to creamy, Vegan Pie in the Sky has the classic flavors you crave. And the recipes are as easy as, well, you know. Serve up some:

• Maple-Kissed Blueberry Pie


• She's My Cherry Pie


• Chocolate-Peanut Butter Tartlets


• Salted Pecan Caramel Pie


• Pumpkin Cheesecake

Learn how to rock (and roll) the perfect pastry crust, whether butter, graham cracker, chocolate cookie, or gluten-free almond. Luscious toppings transform your pie into a showstopper. And you'll even find handheld treats, to make getting your recommended daily allowance of pie more convenient! With gorgeous color photos and Isa and Terry's irreverent commentary throughout, Vegan Pie in the Sky is the modern baker's bible for pie that's out of this world.

I make pies, but I rarely make a tart! Oooh, my mouth is watering looking at these recipes. Should I start with the stawberry & cream tart or maybe the chocolate raspberry tart? I have these fruits frozen from the garden. We will be eating well this weekend!

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Read More in: Food | Really Natural Books

Really Natural Books: Rhythm of the Family

The Rhythm of Family: Discovering a Sense of Wonder through the Seasons by Amanda Blake Soule and Stepehen Soule is a well-organized book that provides month-by-month, quality projects for the family. From recipes to crafts, each month's seasonal activities are beautifully photographed and described.

Many of us with busy families yearn for a slower and simpler life with our kids--one that is connected to the seasons and the natural rhythm of the year, one that has our children spending more time out of doors rather than in, one that balances out some of the busyness of our lives--the computers, the televisions, the cell phones--with a deeper connection to the Earth and an appreciation for and understanding of the natural world. The Rhythm of Family is a guide to living such a life for any family.

Following the course of a year through the passing of the seasons, this book explores the ways we can create deep family connections and meaningful memories through living in tune with the cycles of nature. From stomping around in mud boots in the spring to gathering around the woodstove in winter, our activities naturally change from season to season--from the rhythms of the seasons comes the rhythms in our homes, our hearts, our families, and our every day. Paying attention to these changes slows us down, inspires new types of creative play and exploration, instills a sense of family togetherness, and deepens an awareness of nature and self that can make our lives, days, family, and earth grow stronger.

The Rhythm of Family explores what we learn and can gain as parents and families by encouraging and experiencing creativity and nature exploration with our children, the seasons can provide us with a rhythm that brings us close to the earth, and closer to our children.

I really, really, really like this book and am inspired to try many of the activities with my family. For example for this month of January, the Soules suggest we make creamy potato soup, knit winter weather cowls, make frozen sun catchers, and plant herb seeds. Typically when I review books like this one, I find a handful of projects I would like to do; however with this book, I want to make them all with my children.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Read More in: Kids | Product review | Really Natural Books

Zhip: Hands Free Stand for Your iPhone

Other than coming in a "recyclable" package, there is nothing eco-friendly about this product that I can discern, yet it was sent to us, so I will review it.

The ZHIP Stand with 3 Feet of Retractable Zip Cord for iPhone, iPod and All Other Smartphones makes your gadget hands-free when needing to be mounted. Whether just propping your smartphone on a desk by using the kickstand or hanging off the back of a car seat for movie viewing, this polycarbonate holder fits iPhones, iPods, and other smartphones.

Product Features

• On the plane, in the car, at the gym, in the kitchen, on the stroller... ANYWHERE!


• Expands to fit iPhone, iPod touch, Droids and ALL OTHER SMARTPHONES


• 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE! Made of 100% super strong Polycarbonate.


• Folds up to fit into any small pocket... be entertained anywhere. Have fun!

I could see this being useful in the kitchen, as I often look up recipes on the Epicurious app.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Read More in: Product review | technology

Seamless, Soft Clothing for All Children

We've all experienced the annoying, scratchy tag on our clothes that begs to be cut off. This is minor compared to what some children experience. As published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Tomcheck and Dunn write:

Overresponsivity to tactile input also has been reported in the literature (Baranek, Foster, & Berkson, 1997; Cesaroni & Garber, 1991; Grandin, 1995). In firsthand accounts, touch has been described as an intense feeling that can be overwhelming and confusing (Cesaroni & Garber, 1991). Grandin (1995) noted that certain clothing textures could make her extremely anxious, distracted, and fidgety. Children with higher levels of tactile hypersensitivity in one study also were more likely to display inflexible behaviors, repetitive verbalizations, visual stereotypies, and abnormal focused attention (Baranek et al., 1997).

Soft Clothing for All Children has a solution for those that suffer from sensory issues, as well as typical children who just want soft clothing.

Read More in: Fashion | Kids | Product review

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