Reusable totes

Posted by admin on November 8, 2009

Fall Eco Tips

Posted by admin on September 25, 2009

Even though it’s still in the 90’s here in South Florida, other parts are experiencing fall weather.

Below are some green tips to for fall:

• Compost leaves.
• If you don’t compost leaves, then use biodegradable garbage bags.
• Weather proof your home.
• Turn the heater down and wear an extra sweater or layer blankets on your bed at night.
• Use a rake or broom instead of blowing leaves
• Put a towel or something at doors where drafts may come in
• Change your furnace filter
• Weatherstrip or caulk drafty windows
• Insulate water pipes
• Shop farmers markets for fresh local foods

These are just a few of many green fall tips.
Check back here regularly or sub to the RSS for more.

GoGreen Etc.

Posted by admin on September 21, 2009

GoGreen Etc donates 10% of their profits to charities that focus on environment & humanity.

You can buy or sell eco friendly products at GoGreen Etc.

Organic Reusable Bags

Posted by admin on August 31, 2009

We all know by now that we should be using reusable bags.
You can read up on some additional facts about plastic bags here and see why you should be using reusable bags.

If you can’t get one that’s made from recycled cotton or reused materials (make your own from a tee shirt or scraps, jeans, etc.) then get one made from organic cotton.

Organic cotton is a superior alternative to conventional cotton that is laden with chemical pesticides.

(from reusablebags.com)
# Cotton ranks second for most pesticide use of all crops.

# According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 84 million pounds of pesticides and 2.03 billion pounds of synthetic fertilizers were applied to 14.4 million acres of cotton in the US in 2000.

# In the US, it takes about 1/3 of a pound of pesticides and herbicides to grow enough conventional cotton for just one T-shirt.

# In 1997, large apparel companies purchased 2.15 million pounds of organic cotton, which eliminated an estimated 43,000 pounds of pesticides and 485,190 pounds of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. (Organic Fiber Council)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Our organic cotton tote is made from strong organic cotton canvas and has been left in the natural cotton coloring, with no bleaches or dyes used. This bag is available with long handles for over-the-shoulder carrying.

Hip Green Deals

Posted by admin on August 25, 2009

The Green Tip of The Day is part of the the Green and Clean Mom Blog Tour.

Introducing a new site offering some great hip eco deals!

HipGreenDeals.com is a daily deal website that is helping women accessorize themselves with fresh, eco-friendly finds such as jewelry, bags, and body care at 40-80% off retail. HipGreenDeals.com caters to women across the country who are making an effort to go green without sacrificing style.

Every day at 6am MST there is something new to discover on HipGreenDeals.com.

HipGreenDeals.com has partnered with some of the top leading brands in the eco-fashion industry. Shoppers will be able to get deep discounts from companies such as The Andean Collection, BYOB, Moonrise Jewelry, Priti Nails NYC among many others at 40-80% off retail.

“In this economy you have to stand out both in your work and your appearance. As a new mom I found myself wearing the same black dress all too often in order to dress conservatively and hide the baby weight. I needed to freshen up my wardrobe but I wanted to be environmentally and socially responsible just as I was teaching my son to be. I chose to purchase a few key accessories rather than spending the money on new clothes.” said Christine Altavilla, founder of HipGreenDeals.com. “Because eco-friendly jewelry is handmade, I tend to get many compliments and questions about where I make my purchases. I created HipGreenDeals.com to make eco-friendly shopping easy, fun and affordable for women like myself.”

HipGreenDeals.com offers more than just accessories for the workplace. One might find the perfect bag for the farmer’s market or a great pair of sandals for the beach. “Accessories are fun. People need them in all areas of life.” said Altavilla. “They can transform your mood, appearance, and lessen your carbon footprint. It’s the little things that make a big difference.”

Green school supplies

Posted by admin on August 12, 2009

It’s sadly that time of year again…kids are getting ready to go back to school in many states.
You want to send them off on a green note by getting eco friendly, recycled school supplies.

Try a few of these ‘must have’ items for back to school.

The first recyclable three-ring binder made of recycled corrugated cardboard. Durable and eco-friendly, this binder comes in three convenient sizes-1, 2 and 3 inch

Naturally you’ll need
binder dividers as well to keep each subject separate in your binder.
The tabs are made from durable, 18-point bending chipboard, containing 100% recycled fibers (56% Post-Consumer Recycled and 44% Post-Industrial Recycled). They are a great way to sort out your binder contents and come in sets of eight.

This notebook is bound with a sturdy, recycled bending chipboard cover (100% recycled fibers) with 100% Post-Consumer FSC Certified Recycled Paper.
Each notebook comes with 40 pages, college ruled on both sides and printed with soy-based inks. 8″ x 10″.

This presentation folder has two pockets and is made from 100% recycled fibers. This folder is thicker than traditional pocket folders because it is constructed of 20 mil, 100% recycled bending chip paperboard.

Similar to the 2-pocket presentation folder, this pouch has one pocket and is hole-punched to fit into the recycled binder. Great for organization.

Chlorine in bath water

Posted by admin on August 4, 2009

Chlorine is added to water in order to help kill microorganisms and other materials, but when it enters our body, it can also kill some of the healthy bacteria and cause itchy irritated skin.

Most people think chlorine is only in pool water, they don’t realize it’s in most municipal water sources, thus they’re in contact with it every time they shower and/or bathe. Chlorine is powerful in combating against many parasites and disease causing pathogens. While it attacks parasites and the such, it also attacks delicate body tissue when absorbed through the skin or breathed in. When you shower, the heat of the water causes pores to expand and these enlarged pores absorb chlorine instantly.

Chlorine not only dries and damages skin and hair, but it may also cause permanent respiratory problems. Shower and bath filters can help combat the effects of chlorine when you bathe and shower.

Babies and children have smaller bodies (obviously) and are more sensitive than most grown adults. A bath tub filter will help remove the chlorine as the tub is filling for baby/kid bath time.

Item #: 32740
Premium Shower Filter
This filter easily attaches behind a showerhead and removes chlorine and other chemicals. The result is smoother skin, healthier hair, longer lasting color (for dyed hair) and you won’t ingest chlorine.
This filter easily attaches behind a showerhead and removes chlorine and other chemicals.
Note: Not compatible with 1.59 GPM RoadRunner low flow showerhead.

Item #: 32710
Splish Splash Bathtub Filter
The Splish Splash Bathtub filter removes chlorine and other harmful chemicals from your bath water. This product allows you to enjoy a healthier bath, with the added benefits of softer skin and hair.

Green Irene says: A bath filter is really great idea, especially if you have young kids (and especially babies, who don’t ever want bath-time to end!)

All natural bug spray

Posted by admin on July 27, 2009

It’s that time of year, where we’re spending more time outside enjoying the weather. While we’re enjoying the outdoors, the bugs are enjoying us! I was on a trip to WI and PA recently, and wish I had taken this All-Natural Bug Spray with me, then I’d not have been mosquito’s lunch and dinner!

If you’re like a lot of people, you use a bug spray that contains DEET. DEET is an active ingredient in a large percentage of insect repellents that repel biting insects like mosquitoes, ticks and gnats. DEET has some side effects, especially in people with sensitive skin, children, babies, animals/pets-dizziness, vomiting, liver/kidney damage and other.

DEET has been found in underground water sources, and can be harmful to household pets. Tests/studies are still being done on the effects to wildlife, trees, flowers.

So, rather than using a DEET insect repellent, use an all natural one.

Item #: 41320
All-Natural Bug Spray 4 oz.
This all natural, DEET-free alternative to chemical based insect repellents will provide hours of bug free fun.

Uses: After shaking, spray on exposed skin always avoiding the eyes and mouth. Re-apply after swimming or exercising. This product will not kill insects but it will prevent them from biting you.

Ingredients: Witch hazel, neem seed oil, lemon eucalyptus essential oil, natural emulsifier, a blend of pure essential oils and a drop of love. According to CDC evaluation of scientific literature, both lemon and eucalyptus oils provide long-lasting and effective protection against disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes and tics.

Washing your car at home

Posted by admin on July 26, 2009

If you’re going to wash your car at home, consider using a Car Cleaning Kit. Most know that it’s more environmentally friendly to have your vehicle washed at a commercial car wash where they process the used water; however, many like the convenience of washing their own car at home (as well as ‘bonding’ time with kids).
Now you can do that and not be as damaging as you previously were to the eco system.

Item #: 41440
Car Cleaning Kit
Our Car Cleaning Kit includes everything you need to detail your paint, chrome and upholstery - without all the wasted water!

Washing your car at home saves money, sure, but it’s actually a bad deal for the environment - all that soapy water runs straight into the storm drains and down to nearby lakes and rivers. With Green Irene’s Car Cleaning Kit, though, you can significantly cut down the amount of water you use when washing your car, which is better for the environment and better for your pocketbook.

Our kit incorporates the following products:

▪ 1 Waterless Car Wash (32 oz bottle)

▪ 1 Eco-Friendly Tire Shine (16 oz bottle)

▪ 1 Upholstery Carpet Spot Cleaner (16 oz bottle)

▪ 2 Microfiber Car Wash Towels (2-pack)

Banish Excess Packaging

Posted by admin on July 8, 2009

Buy things in bulk so you won’t have to buy them as often (things you need/use that is!)
Purchase items that have less plastic and packaging.
It’ll keep more out of landfill!