Product review

July 3, 2009

Purify and Moisturize Hands Naturally with Clean George

cleangeorge.png It's Fourth of July weekend, and you are sure to be out and about with your family. Often when attending events, such as parades or fireworks, it is impossible to wash your hands before every snack, especially when your little Curious Georges are off exploring. Clean George all natural hand purifiers offer a great solution to alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Today, amid concerns that anti-bacterial soaps cause 'super germs' and alcohol-based hand sanitizers contain harsh chemicals that strip the skin of natural oils and are unsafe for children, Clean George announces an organically pure solution for disinfecting hands when soap and water aren't readily available. The company has just released the first organic hand purifier that is also a moisturizer-- one with no alcohol-based ingredients, phthalates or parabens which are ingredients commonly found in other hand-sanitizing products on the market today.

Clean George is made with ECOCERT, certified organic and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified ingredients, making it 100% eco-responsible. Clean George replaces chemical antibacterials with sustainably farmed tea tree and manuka oils, which are recognized natural antibacterials.


I love Clean George products, especially the "Lovin' Lavender" scent. Each bottle costs about $10 and has 400 squirts equating to less than 3 cents a squirt. The bottles are also made of 100% post consumer recycled plastic.
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June 29, 2009

Green Perfume and Organic Aromatherapy for Men and Women by Nantucket Natural Oils

nantucket.jpg Natural oils can do wonders for the body and soul, unlike perfumes that contain alcohol and come with a heavy price tag. Nantucket Natural Oils custom creates many products from after shave balm to shampoos that will delight your senses.
Nantucket Natural Oils, The Fragrance Bar, was established in 1983 when John Harding discovered he has the one-in-a-million olfactory equivalent of perfect pitch. He's been sniffing his way to sweet success in the perfume industry ever since. Frustrated by the high alcohol content and short shelf life of most designer scents, the effusive Harding set out to create his own fragrance formula.
We recently tried out a few affordable Nantucket Natural Oils products:
Chill Out Sport Rub:
Cool and refreshing, this rub has anti-inflammatory properties to work deeply and relax over-used muscles while increasing blood flow and boosting energy. Contains menthol, camphor, rosemary oil, eucalyptus oil, sage oil and fir needle. Spots only, do not apply to full body. Nantucket Natural Oil's fine natural-perfumed massage products, appropriate for professional practitioners and personal use, are specially formulated to relieve muscle soreness and tension, while nourishing and softening the skin with vitamins and botanicals.
Organic Spa Shea Butter & White Tea Massage Lotion:
70% Certified Organic Ingredients. One of the only Organic Massage Lotions on the market, this luxurious lotion provides optimal manipulation of skin and muscles with a smooth glide and lasting workability to both the spa professional and at home user. It is light and silky, yet penetrates slowly to allow for a long lasting,pampering massage experience. Ultra rich emollients - sunflower seed oil and shea butter, plus nourishing Certified Organic aloe, calendula, comfrey and anti-oxidants white tea and vitamin E, replenish and soften skin while protecting it from free radical damage. Unscented, this lotion can easily be customized with a few drops of any Nantucket Natural Oil of your choice for aromatherapeutic benefits.
Nantucket Blend- Rain:
Nantucket Rain is a nice mix with the notes of HONEYSUCKLE AND DAFFODIL. Nantucket rain - spring flora of the island.
The One by Dolce & Gabbana for Men: Introduced by Dolce & Gabbana in 2006.
The One is a warm, oriental floral with modern sensuality. Created for the ultimate diva, The One is at once tempting, modern and glamorous, embracing a touch of classicism. The top notes radiate a vibrant luminosity, with a sun-touched citrus blend of bergamot and mandarin. Warm fruity notes of luscious lychee and succulent peach add to the delight. The passionate heart evokes an exploding femininity, with an opulent floral soul comprised of madonna lily, muguet and jasmine, creating a distinct, audacious signature. An unexpected hint of plum glows as the base finally blooms with the luscious allure of precious vetyver, accentuated with the lasting warmth of vanilla and sweetened ambery-musk tones.


The Chill Out Sport Rub was just what I needed after a hard day of physical labor building a rock wall. It was a relaxing blessing! My Spa Shop is a great place to shop for Nantucket Natural Oils!

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June 26, 2009

Natural Food Friday: Organic Baked Apple Snacks by Yogachips

yogachips.gif Sweet organic fuji apples are used to make Yogachips. These baked snacks are full of crunchy apple flavor. They are made in a two part process where first the apples are baked and then popped. Yogachips are certified USDA Organic and Ecocert.
Ecocert is an international third party certifying body that verifies organic claims and grants organic certifications on behalf of the USDA.
Yogachips uses Ecocert certification because the apples it uses are grown in China. This certainly adds to the carbon footprint of this product if it is consumed in the US.
In the course of producing a wonderful apple chip, we also look for ways to ensure we benefit our suppliers and the environment. Our Fuji apples come from China's northern Shanxi Province and grow on the southern slopes of a mountain range facing the Yellow River. As terroir makes a good wine, so are the natural factors at our orchards critical to nature providing a sweet, juicy apple. Grown at 2,300ft, our USDA (NOP - National Organic Program) certified orchards are cool enough to deter most pests, allowing apples to grow and ripen robustly from the first April blossom through till October harvest.

Yogachips are also Kosher, gluten-free, Halal, and certified vegan. My children love them and can easily eat a couple servings in one sitting.

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June 24, 2009

Sweet Organic Baby Clothes by Hessnatur

BABy hessnatur.jpg We've been fortunate enough to review beautiful natural fiber clothing by Hessnatur before, now we have discovered their organic baby apparel line! Super sweet, soft, and adorable, Hessnatur's organic baby line means everyone in the family can dress in eco-fashion. Hessnatur is always fair trade, organic, and sustainable, which is exactly what baby deserves against their fresh, delicate skin.

What our clothes are made of and with

  • Pure, natural fibers- organic whenever possible. Made from renewable resources: Vegetable (cotton, linen, hemp, ramie); Animal (wool, specialty wools such as angora, cashmere, alpaca, mohair, yak; silk).
  • No PVC or Teflon, anywhere.
  • Natural materials for buttons, like ivory nut, wood, horn, or mother-of-pearl
  • Trims and linings are made from natural fibers, usually 100% organic cotton or 100% natural silk
  • Any metals used for zippers, buckles and buttons are nickel- and chrome-free.  Other materials are only used for these accessories in the rare cases when natural materials or metals are not functional enough.
  • Our only exceptions: we sometimes use up to 8% of elastane/spandex for the stretch in some lingerie and socks. All the spandex we use is covered in cotton so no synthetic touches your skin.

What our clothes aren't made of or with

  • Synthetic fibers: made from chemical substances derived from petroleum, like nylon, polyester or acrylic
  • Regenerated fibers: chemically treated and re-processed fibers made from natural materials that cannot be used for textiles in their original form, like viscose, modal and acetate. Their manufacturing causes significant water and power usage.
  • Azo dyes which can give off dangerous, carcinogenic and mutagenic amines
  • Dyes and dye procedures that include toxic heavy metals, which are known carcinogens
  • Optical brighteners, which are probable allergens
  • Chemical finishes, such as moth-proofing, anti-microbial, easy-care, wrinkle-free finishes, made with synthetic resins
  • Chlorine bleach, which harms the environment

Hessnatur also offers maternity clothes from moms to be! I wish I would have had these organic maternity clothes during my pregnancies!  Unborn babies deserve the best against mommy's skin too! 

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June 22, 2009

Biodegradable Bamboo Dinnerware

Picture 3.png
It's exciting to see more and more alternatives to disposable plates and cutlery appear on the market. Bamboo Studio has introduced a line of biodegradeable dinnerware:

Bamboo Studio is a revolutionary all-occasion dinnerware that is both disposable and reusable. Handcrafted from the sheath of the emerging bamboo plant, these dynamic new serving pieces are elegant, strong, and environmentally friendly.

  • Strong and leak resistant

  • Handcrafted from Bamboo sheath

  • No harsh chemicals or bleaches are used

  • Requires little energy to make and Bamboo is 100% biodegradable


Bamboo Studio's organic certification is pending. What makes these bamboo plates unique is that they are made from the sheath of the plant, so the living bamboo is not harmed. The sheath also has a beautiful texture. This dinnerware is longer lasting and sturdier than typical paper plates, besides it is far more aesthetically pleasing.

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June 19, 2009

Customized, Reusable Sigg Water Bottles Perfect for Gifts, Camp, and Back to School

Picture 2.png Greensender, known to me for the adventures of Mini G, is now creating customized Sigg water bottles.
Greensender creates custom SIGG bottles by using a precision laser engraving process. Your design is created by etching away the top layer of color which exposes the vibrant metallic bottle underneath. The result is an exquisite and extremely durable mark that will make your SIGG bottle a prized possession, the envy of all your friends and an arrow in the quiver of environmental justice!
We all know the importance of using reusable water bottles over plastic ones, but it can be difficult to tell your reusable bottle apart from your friends' bottles. Sure, Klean Kanteens and Siggs come in different colors or designs, but even so, this does not make each one unique. For example at my daughter's school, several kids and teachers have the same Klean Kanteen. We have tried to distinguish our bottles with stickers, but they always wash off. Dents in the bottle become the identifying mark, but Greensender's bottle shop offers a better solution.

A customized Sigg water bottle makes a wonderful gift (maybe it can be a late Father's Day present?). It is also a great idea for camp or back to school, as your child's water bottle will be truly unique. My daugther LOVES her customized bottle from Greensender. They do an excellent job with the engraving, and the Sigg bottle is very durable.  Sigg bottles are made in Switzerland, not China, which is another bonus for consumers.

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June 10, 2009

Ahoy Matey! 6 Flavors of All-Natural Pirate's Booty

piratebooty.jpg We've long been a fan of the original Robert's American Gourmet Pirate's Booty in our home, but I have to admit we took a long break from the products following the Veggie Booty recall in 2007. Enough time has passed, and I hope Robert's Gourmet has learned their lesson, so Pirate's Booty is back in our kitchen cabinets. It's a great snack made from puffed rice and corn that is baked (not fried). We've tried six varieties of Pirate Booty, including two new flavors!
  1. Pirate's Booty: This is still my favorite. I love the white aged cheddar.
  2. Pirate's Booty with Golden Caramel: This was my youngest scallywag's favorite flavor. He does have a sweet tooth!
  3. Bermuda Onion Pirate's Booty: This is a new flavor and my oldest scallywag's favorite. It is really good!
  4. Robert's American Gourmet Sea Salt & Vinegar Pirate's Booty: Unlike many sea salt & vinegar chips that are too strong, this new flavor has just the right blend.
  5. Veggie Pirate's Booty: A blend of spinach, kale, cabbage, carrots, and broccoli makes this snack easy to get hooked on.
  6. Barbeque Pirate's Booty: This would be the captain of our ship's favorite variety. I hope he watches out for the pirates!
My only wish is that these products were made from organically grown ingredients.
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June 8, 2009

Green Fashion Giveaway: Indigenous Designs Fair Trade Clothing for the Whole Family

ingenous designs.jpg I love clothes, especially fair trade, organic pieces. Recently, I discovered Indigenous Designs. Since 1994, Indigenous Designs has been making fair trade clothing, and you have a chance to win apparel from this eco-friendly line!
Together, Scotty and Matt have helped form a scalable artisan network through the Indigenous clothing line that reflects a commitment to sustainability and socially responsible actions. This global collaboration weaves together the employees of Indigenous, the artisans from around the world, and most importantly you, our customers.

We are committed to:


  • Supporting and preserving fair trade wages and artisan cooperatives

  • Investing in natural and organic fibers and environmentally-friendly dyes

  • Spreading the beauty of handmade, eco fashion


One of my favorite pieces in the women's line is the double layer skirt. This skirt is made from 100% organic cotton jersey material, low impact dyes, and is so comfortable! Of course, it is fair trade (not free trade) from Peru.  I will be living in this skirt this summer, and you could win one too!

Green Fashion Indigenous Designs Giveaway!
To enter:


Entries must be dated before Monday, June 15 at 11:59 PM. Good luck!
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June 5, 2009

Green Grooming Products for Men by Every Man Jack

everymanjack.jpg Every Man Jack has created a line of "all natural" grooming products for men. These products contain no parabens, no phthalates, no dyes, no synthetic fragrances, no sodium lauryl sulfates, and no animal testing.
 
Will this boost my energy and stamina? Get plenty of rest, eat right and exercise, and you'll be on your way. Speaking of energy, this invigorating spiced pepper body wash will nourish and protect your skin, cleaning deeply to remove your body's dirt and grime. So you feel refreshed, but never dry.

Will this clear up my past? That might be asking a lot. As far as your skin goes, our lotion with maximum strength acne fighting medicine will take care of current breakouts and help prevent future ones. Botanical extracts soothe away irritation and dryness.

Will this help me shed pounds? Only if you count stubble. Meanwhile, this rich gel formula comforts and protects your face for a close shave, while the soothing formula hydrates and heals your skin. Leaving skin looking fresh and healthy. Made for sensitive skin.

Will this make me "The Man?" If you're the only guy in your household, then yes. Meanwhile, our invigorating shampoo + weightless conditioner will gently cleanse and moisturize your hair and scalp, while removing excess oil and build-up. Leaves hair stronger, softer, and healthier. Ideal for daily use.

"The Man" in my household is very sensitive to fragrances in grooming products designed for men, and he approved of the slight scents in the Every Man Jack products.  These products are very affordable (between $5-$10) and available at Target. 

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June 3, 2009

Durable, Beautiful, Eco-Friendly, 100% Organic Bamboo Rugs

bamboorug.jpg Are you looking for a unique, eco-friendly rug for your home? A bamboo rug may be just what you are looking for to add to your home decor. Simple, durable, and beautiful, these moso bamboo rugs have a non-slip pad on the bottom that works on any floor surface (concrete, wood, tile, carpet, etc.). Bamboo rugs are also easy to clean and an be used outdoors, as well as high traffic areas.

Since these bamboo rugs are 100% organic, you probably don't have to worry about the controversy surrounding the eco-friendliness of bamboo or hardwood forests being clearcut to grow it. Bamboo & Tikis co-founder and lifelong surfer Jamie Kocher explains the benefits of bamboo:

Bamboo is a wonderful plant as it requires little or no chemicals and grows very fast. In fact, it is the fastest growing plant (grass) in the world. The more you cut it the faster it grows as it has a rhizome root system that spreads rapidly. And it regenerates 25 times faster than a conventional hardwood forest. Another upside is that it fights CO2 emissions as it grows by releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Each and every acre of bamboo "eats up" 9,600 pounds of carbon dioxide.
We love our bamboo rug, and because of its neutral color, it matches any room in our home.
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May 29, 2009

Organic Spirits: Blue Ice Organic Wheat American Vodka

blueiceorg.jpg One of my favorite things about eating at the Millennium vegan restaurant in San Francisco is the organic mixed drinks on the menu. To make organic cocktails, you need to start with organic spirits. Blue Ice American Wheat Vodka is handcrafted from "pristine" Idaho water and certified organic neutral spirits by a family owned distiller.
As a USDA Certified Organic product, Blue Ice Organic Wheat Vodka bears the highest legal benchmark of purity that a beverage can receive. This guarantee ensures a commitment to environmentally sound farming void of chemical pesticides or harsh fertilizers and the absence of chemical additives or other possible taste-altering agents. Combined with a fresh harvest of hand-selected winter wheat and the seasoned palate of Blue Ice's veteran Master Distiller Bill Scott, the new spirit imparts a smooth body and a crisp, refreshing finish designed to please the discriminating vodka connoisseur.
Blue Ice also makes an organic potato vodka.

I'll be enjoying an organic cocktail this Friday evening thanks to Blue Ice!

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April 22, 2009

Kiss My Face Natural and Organic Shimmers and Shines for Kissable Lips

sosbanner.png Kiss My Face's newest natural, organic products are for your lips! Sheer Organic Shine and Sheer Organic Shimmer are 100% natural, 91% organic, and made from natural minerals. Vitamins A and E help protect and heal your lips, and the colors are beautiful. There are six shades of "glorious glosses" and six "tempting tints". They even contain stevia!

I've been suffering from chapped lips for days, and the Sheer Organic Shine is very soothing and healing. The organic hint of mint or vanilla flavor is delightful, and the shea butter and jojoba oil moisturizing. Of course, since these new lip products are from Kiss My Face, they do not contain parabens, SLS, phthalates, synthetic colors or flavors, animal ingredients or testing.

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January 30, 2009

Natural Canvas Cotton Shopping Bags by Barebags

barebags.jpg I finally remember to use reusable shopping bags at all stores, not just the grocery store. When I forget, I feel a strong pain of eco-guilt and usually walk out with my arms full of goods and no bag at all. I hate plastic bags, but many of the reusable bags sold in retail chains are made of synthetic fabrics that do not biodegrade. Sure, you are using them over and over again, but there is a better choice for the environment.

Barebags makes 100% natural cotton canvas shopping bags.

Plastic bags harm our environment. They harm our animals. They harm our lands and seas. They can suffocate our children and pets.
Plastic bags are comsumed by the trillions and only 1% are recycled.
Plastic bags are very costly to recycle and sell for very little on the market.

Today's latest answer to single-use plastic bags? The plastic fabric look-a-likes! They look like canvas, some are even the same color as real canvas. But guess what? They aren't cotton canvas! They are made from nonwoven polypropylene! Will they biodegrade? No. Will they photodegrade? Perhaps, with enough sunlight they will break down into tiny bits of toxins that could leach into our land and water supply. Reusable? Yes, for a year or so until the seams give way.

Barebags are sturdy and come in many sizes. The unbleached cotton fabric also gives you an opportunity to decorate the bags on your own, should you choose. These bags are great and will hold up to many years of use.

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January 28, 2009

Aurora Naturally Plush Toys Made from Soy and Kapok Win Toy Award

soyotter.jpg Aurora Naturally Plush Toys are eco-friendly stuffed animals.  The exterior of these toys is made from 100% soy fiber, and the stuff comes from kapok seed pods, a sustainable rainforest crop. Recently, Aurora Naturally Plush won 2008 BabyZone.com Amazing Toy Award.
The world's first "green" plush line, more commonly referred to as Eco-Plush, surpassed all award requirements as evaluated by Babyzone.com and its diverse panel of testers. More than 100 manufacturers submitted their newest, most innovative baby and toddler products to Babyzone.com. Products were given to a panel of test moms and their children who evaluated each toy on uniqueness, age-appropriateness, long-term usability, skill development and fun.
Congratulations Aurora! My family loves these eco-stuffed animals, and we have given them for many gifts.
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