Natural Art Supplies that are Genuinely Non-Toxic and Sustainably Manufactured

I truly believe that one of the best gifts you can give a child are art supplies; however, even though many kid art supplies carry the "non-toxic" label, they may not be truly sustainable or natural. Clementine Art's motto is "Non-toxic is just the beginning," and the company was born out of a children's art studio in Boulder, CO.

Clementine Art produces professional-quality and earth-friendly art supplies with pure, simple ingredients. Clementine's products are colored with plant and mineral pigments instead of artificial dyes, providing an innovative solution to chemical laden, artificially colored art supplies. Clementine Art's products do not contain any synthetic preservatives, animal byproducts, or petroleum bases, and Clementine is the first art product company to list all ingredients on its packages.

Considering how messy young children are when they create often getting supplies in their hair, skin, and even mouth, choosing quality natural products is key.  The Clementine Art Holiday Eco-Art Gift Set contains:

• Natural Soy Crayon Rocks


• Natural Soy Crayons


• Natural Glue


• Natural Modeling Dough

The vivid colors of these art supplies are wonderful, and the crayon and rock shapes are perfect for little hands. The soy crayons and rock work better than traditional crayons, and I am in love with all of the products we tried. Furthermore, Clementine Art's packaging is made from recyclable and recycled content in a wind-powered facility.

Disclosure: We were sent a Clementine Art Holiday Eco-Art Gift Set to review without prior assurances of positive or negative opinions.

Solar Produced Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Tea Gets You Through Winter Time Ills

My family's favorite tea bag variety is Traditional Medicinals Organic Throat Coat Herbal Tea. We especially appreciate this tea made from "the highest quality, pharmacopoeial grade herbs" when we are ill, but we actually drink it all the time. We take it backpacking, we drink it at home, we take it to school, etc. Recently, I took the time to read the little paper wrapper the tea bag comes in:

We have installed solar panels at our corporate headquarters and tea production facility. This solar project includes 1,450 solar panels, and generates approximately 430,000 kilowatt hours per year making us the largest solar powered tea factory on the planet!

My tea bag was a little outdated (2008), so Traditional Medicinals may have even increased their solar energy capacity. Alternative energy and good tea: we will keep enjoying our Traditional Medicinals Organic Throat Coat Herbal Tea without any eco-guilt.

Disclosure: This product was personally purchased. 

Naturally Remove Blackheads and Clogged Pores with Clari-T Pore Cleansing Strips

Earth Therapeutics Clari-T Pore Cleansing Strips use the power of tea tree oil to remove blackheads and deeply clean pores on your nose. Recommended for once a week usage, the strips are applied after first wetting your clean nose, then placing the strip across your nose (be careful your hands are thoroughly dry when removing the strip from it's wrapper). The strip stays on for about 10 minutes, and upon removal, the results are amazing! Examining the used strip is both gross and fascinating, and I was convinced after one usage that Earth Therapeutics Clari-T Pore Cleansing Strips are a must have for any natural beauty regime.

Disclosure: This product was personally purchased.

Floradix Iron Plus Herbs Naturally Supplements Your Body

Floradix Iron + Herbs is a naturally derived supplement for those of you needing a little extra iron. I discovered Floradix upon my midwife's recommendation after childbirth hemorrhaging, and I recently began purchasing it again when my son was discovered to have low iron. He is not one for supplements, but liquid Floradix tastes good, and he actually asks to take it!

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency occurs in 66-80% of the world's population. Do you need iron?

Why does your body need iron? Because the body is constantly making new red blood cells through a complex process that requires a daily supply of iron. If the supply of iron is inadequate it will lead to a lack of oxygen and nutrients in the blood, and will consequently weaken the whole body. Some of the symptoms of iron deficiency are: ? Fatigue and general lack of energy ? Decreased ability to concentrate ? Decreased endurance during exercise ? Increased frequency of infection ? Ridges along the fingernails ? Paleness and/or dark circles under the eyes?

Floradix Iron + Herbs uses herbs, fruit, vegetables, ocean kelp, wheat germ, rosehips, yeast, and is sweetened with kosher honey. It is non-constipating and contains vitamin C to increase absorption of iron. It also contains a high level of B12, and important supplement for many vegetarians. Floradix is also available in a gluten or yeast-free formula.

Disclosure: This is an item I purchased for personal use. It was not provided to me in exchange for this product review.

Make Perfect Temperature Herbal Tea with SmartKettle Cordless Electric Kettle

As the crisp temperatures of autumn are upon us, my body craves the warmth of tea. I like to buy my herbal teas in bulk, but I fall short in tea making by not considering the temperature sensitivities of some blends. For example, did you know that green tea has a preferred temperature range of 155-195 degrees (F)? Such a narrow temperature range is hard to control with your stovetop kettle. Chef'sChoice 688 SmartKettle Cordless 1-3/4-Quart Electric Kettle offers the perfect solution.

The only drawback to the SmartKettle is its power usage. It uses 1500 watts of power, which is a lot when you live off-grid. The only redeeming feature in the power usage is that the SmartKettle does not use this large amount of power the entire time it is use, but it only uses it when heating the water to boil. In fact, the SmartKettle boils water faster than a microwave (which uses about 1000 watts of electricity) or a stovetop. Additionally, the SmartKettle automatically shuts off when the water boils.

Recycled Cardboard Fold n' Play Audio Speakers

OrigAudio has created "the first-of-its-kind recycled, self-powered, portable speakers".

Specifications:

Two 1 watt speakers
Cube Size: 3.15 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches (8 x 8 x 8 centimeters)
3.5mm Standard Audio Jack Plug
Made from Recycled Materials
NO batteries or external power required
Universally Compatible with any device that has a headphone jack (MP3 players, laptops, cell phones, cd players, etc.)

These speakers are really cool, as they flatten to fit into any small space. They sound pretty good playing off my laptop, but off my iPod touch the sounds is too quiet (this may be my fault with some setting on the iPod). The OrigAudio Fold N' Play Recycled Speakers come in a variety of designs, and you can even design your own!

OrigAudio has also partnered with the non-profit Music National Service.

Music National Service (MNS) is a nonprofit enterprise that supports and expands the use of music to address important civic and social needs. Research shows music to be an effective intervention in: 1) under-resourced public schools and low-income communities to develop more successful students and youth; 2) health care and therapeutic settings for patient recovery and improved functioning; 3) the public domain for increased civic engagement, diplomacy and peace.

I love our OrigAudio speakers, and think they will be great in situations that require portability.

World's Only Naturally Memory Foam Ergonomic Pillow by Essentia

Essentia makes the world's only natural memory foam and is a member of 1% for the Planet. Essentia products have zero toxic chemicals or emissions and uses glue and adhesive free technology.

Essentia is the only manufacturer of natural memory foam in the world. Our cutting-edge Natural mattresses deliver a level of comfort, performance, purity and durability never before seen in mattresses.

All eco-friendly mattress components, such as unbleached organic cotton covers, natural latex rubber, plant extracts and organic essential oils, only enhance the comfort provided by Essentia mattresses. Made from 100% natural latex, Essentia's natural memory foam has all the benefits of memory foam without the toxic ingredients.
Essentia memory foam mattresses and pillows are individually handmade using the finest raw materials to ensure the highest quality sleep product on the market.

We were sent an Essential Natural Memory Foam Ergonomic Pillow to test. This pillow is designed for back and side sleepers. It supports the head and neck superbly, and the natural memory foam is "80% more breathable than a synthetic memory foam pillow, thereby reducing heat and discomfort.". This is the kind of pillow you will fall in love with and want to take with you wherever you travel.

Biodegradable Bamboo Dinnerware

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.

Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray Protects Your Family From Plastic Chemicals

We all know that the chemicals in plastics are bad for our health and our environment. Recent studies have even shown a correlation between phthalates in plastics and childhood obesity. It's easy to replace your plastic water bottles with stainless steel alternatives, but what about your plastic ice cube trays?

I remember stainless steel ice cube trays from my grandmother's house. These throwbacks from the 50s provide a modern day safe alternative to plastic ice cube trays. My kids think the handle that releases the ice is super cool, and I like how the metal actually seems to make the ice harden faster. At $25 a piece, these ice cube trays are more expensive than their plastic counterparts, but the stainless steel ice cube trays will last a lifetime (I bet my grandmother's trays are still in her home).

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

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.

Terracycle Upcycles Record Albums and Circuit Boards into Picture Frames, Coasters and Clocks

I love Terracycle, as they are really trying to take hard to recycle items and upcycle them into new products. The most recent products to come out in March feature record albums and circuit boards.

TerraCycle, Inc., the ultimate eco-friendly brand, is introducing the first nationally distributed product line made from upcycled vinyl records and circuit boards. These products are unique and environmentally responsible because they are made from materials that have been rescued from the world's waste stream and would have ended up in already overflowing landfills.

Technology progresses at an astounding rate and a trail of trash is close in tow. Every time consumers upgrade their PC, TV, stereo, or other electronics, they add to the colossal stream of e-waste. In 2005, Americans generated 2.6 million tons of e-waste according to the EPA1. Of this amount, only 12.6% was recycled. Continuing the Trash Revolution, TerraCycle reuses circuit boards to create new products.

With the prevalence of digital media and portable music players, (and CD's before that) vinyl records have truly fallen by the wayside. While serious collectors hang on to their vintage discs, the average person is disposing of the records that have been collecting dust in the attic.

These unique, upcycled products will retail at an affordable price of $12.95.

TerraCycle has Done it Again! Eco-Friendly School and Office Supplies

We love TerraCycle! Not only does this company create amazing products from upcycled goods, they also make them available in large retailers making them easily accessible to all consumers. TerraCycle has done it again! Available at Office Max, TerraCycle is offering eco-friendly school and office supplies. From pencil cases made from recycled juice pouches to colored pencils made from used newspapers, these products are of high quality and super eco-friendly (except for the manufacture in China). My favorite TerraCycle office product is Banana Paper.

We're not monkeying around when we tell you that this paper is made from banana peels! Every year, four billion trees are cut down for paper production. With our banana paper, we can begin to lower that number. Now you can be completely eco-friendly without going bananas over quality.

The banana paper is made in the UK, and to my daughter's disappointment, it does not smell like bananas. It is compatible with laser printers, ink jet printers, and copy machines. To think, all I do is compost my banana peels.

CG Kidz Stainless Steel Water Bottles: Green Stuff, By Kids, for Kids

Everyone knows bottled water is bad for the environment, and kids like fun water bottles. CG Kidz makes stainless steel water bottles just for kids, by kids. In fact, the CG Kidz water bottle was designed by 11-year-old Riley Hoffer. Riley also manages the website, which is:

A place where kids of all ages can talk about the environment, products that are important to use at home, school and in their communities. Kids can read the latest in news and important facts as well as review a few products that Riley herself has evaluated.

My son loves his CG Kidz stainless steel water bottle, and he gets lots of compliments on it by kids and adults alike. He has abandoned his Klean Kanteen sippy cup for this big boy water bottle. He likes that the lid unscrews like Mommy's water bottle, and the carabiner on the lid makes it easy to latch on to any backpack or lunch bag.

Biodegradable Verterra Dinnerware Made from Fallen Leaves

Verterra is perhaps the most eco-friendly dinnerware product I have ever come across! These unique bowls and plates are biodegradable, chemical-free, non-toxic, sustainable, renewable, microwave oven and refrigerator safe, reusable, and compostable. Best of all, they are made from fallen leaves! No trees are cut down to make this dinnerware, and Verterra products naturally break down in two months.

From start to finish, the impact we make on the earth is our top priority. We start by collecting fallen leaves from plantations without cutting down any trees. Normally, these leaves would be burned on the side of the road. Instead, they are brought to our factory, sprayed with high pressure water, steamed and UV sterilized. We recapture over 80% of the water we use. No chemicals, lacquers, glues, bonding agents or anything toxic are ever used. The entire process uses only a fraction of the energy used in recycling.

Wow! Who would have thought that compressed fallen leaves could be used for dinnerware?