green — MomStart

Reduced Environmental Footprint with iQ Cleaning Solution

July 6, 2011 By Momstart 10 Comments

I’d call myself a brand loyalist. I have select brands I love to use in my life, and I use them religiously. For my cleaning I use a store bought concentration. I fill the bottles myself and am sometimes too lazy to use a funnel so I lose valuable product and it really is money down the drain depending on that day’s aim. I have recently been converted to a REFill® (Reduced Environmental Footprint) cartridge technology by the iQ cleaning line which involves reusable bottles and no mess, perfectly measured concentrated cleaning solution for my entire house.

EASY! In the first picture, is the reusable bottle and cartridge (so you know what you’re looking for). The middle picture is the reusable bottle filled with water to the premeasured line. The cartridge has been placed and rests on top of the bottle; a hole in the middle of the cartridge is just the perfect size for the straw of the spray nozzle. The last picture is me attaching the spray nozzle to the bottle at which time the cartridge released the cleaning concentrate. Brilliant, no? Any the best part … wait for it … no, don’t … YOUR CHILDREN can do it! Get your children to help you clean and making it fun as they can watch the mixture form. “The mix” is made from plant based and ecologically sustainable ingredients.

The iQ cleaning line, brought to us by Planet People, reduces plastic waste by 80% by having purchasers switch to 3½-inch REFIlls eliminating the need to product millions of fill-sized plastic containers. iQ also helps save the environment by not shipping “water” across the continent. Erin Green, president of Plant People, “It takes an astonishing gallon of crude oil to make just 29 bottles of household cleaner and even more to transport it across the country or continent. For a product that is 95% water, the costs to the environment – and to the consumer – just don’t add up.”

The iQ Starter Kit, which includes your refillable bottler and one REFill cartridge, will run you about $5. Then a REFill replacement cartridge will only dig into your pocket for approximately $2 each.

I love iQ. It cleans perfectly, smells great (you know the clean smell – they have it nailed with hints of green tea, bamboo berry, nectarine and plum), and is easy to use! Highly, highly, highly recommended from me; as I stated, I’ve converted to iQ.

You can purchase Plant People products, including iQ and REFill cartridges on Drugstore.com, Alice.com, or a local retailer near you. Locate the Planet People on their website, and also find iQ cleaning products on their site. Find out more about iQ cleaner by Liking iQ Cleaner on Facebook. Track the Planet People and their products on Twitter @PlanetPeopleCo.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Summer:

Summer is very active in our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm.

Filed Under: green Tagged With: green, iQ cleaner, iQ cleaning line, iQ cleaning solution, natural, natural cleaner, Reduced Environmental Footpring, REFIll

Bag the Box Environmentally Saving on Packaging

June 22, 2011 By Momstart 2 Comments

You know we’re trying to be more green and earth friendly around here on MomStart. I’m learning as I go, and it’s been quite a process on some things and quite easier on others. I’ve recently learned that I might even have to make some changes in products that I buy. Would you go out of your way and buy different products to make your carbon footprint smaller?

One way is to pay attention to the packaging the product comes in. You can make environmentally friendly switches with your morning bowl of cereal. Earth Day may have passed but we can continue to make good choices, choose to “Bag-the-Box” and create less waste with Malt-O-Meal cereals! We received a sample of the Malt-O-Meal Blueberry Spooners and while the kids are enjoying them, the packaging was just a simple bag, instead of a box with a cereal bag in it, thus saving the box. And my husband disposed of the packaging before I was able to take a picture of it.

Malt-O-Meal is leading the charge in the way that people think about breakfast cereal by creating innovative products and processes that use fewer natural resources and create less waste. One simple way they are doing this is by producing cereal in a bag and urging consumers to “Bag-the-Box” to reduce waste and lessen the impact on the environment. Just how wasteful is it to package cereal in a box?

Check it out:

• By packaging their cereal in a bag and eliminating the unnecessary use of a box, Malt-O-Meal has reduced the amount of packaging that consumers have to dispose of by 75 percent.
• Each year the United States produces 2.3 billion cereal boxes. That’s enough paperboard to build not one, but almost three great pyramids!
•    It takes 345 million pounds of paperboard to make a one year’s supply of cereal boxes. That’s the weight of 734,747 jumbo jets.
•    By skipping the box and producing their cereal in a bag, Malt-O-Meal has saved 156 million pounds of paperboard since 2001. If those boxes were laid end-to-end they would reach three quarters of the way to the moon or go around the moon 26 times!
•    It takes 2.4 trillion BTU’s of energy to power the plants that make the boxes. That is enough to power 26,000 homes. Additionally, the plants that make the boxes generate waste as well:

As much particle air emissions as 31,000 city buses
As much greenhouse gas as 50,000 cars
Enough solid waste to fill 4,677 garbage trucks
Enough wastewater to fill 506 Olympic swimming pools

But Malt-O-Meal doesn’t stop there, they do much much more for the environment. 100 percent of the electricity used in the production of Malt-O-Meal cereals is offset by the purchase of wind credits and the company also participates in “upcycling” programs without adversely impacting the cost of its products.

We received samples to facilitate this review.

Filed Under: green Tagged With: bag the box, Blueberry Spooners, green, Malt-O-Meal, package review

Jenerations Baby Collection: Organic Shampoo, Lotion, Gel, and Conditioner

June 3, 2011 By Momstart 3 Comments

Founded by hairstylist and salon owner, Jennifer Reilly, jenerations baby enables mothers to feel comfortable in developing healthy hair and body care regimens for their children at a young age while bringing sensitive and organic products to the children’s market. The jenerations baby collection includes shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, body lotion, body wash and soap with prices ranging from $7.00 – $15.00.

I received four samples from jenerations baby and I loved the smell of each of the products.

Jenerations baby Shampoo Bodywash

The shampoo and bodywash is lightly scented completley natural and organic made with extra sensitive mild ingredients. Including extracts of comfrey, chamomile and rosemary giving it that wonderful scent. Plus, NO lavender or tea tree oils, which may cause unhealthy increases in hormone levels. Hypoallergenic and physician tested. It’s the ultimate in luxury for your little one!

Jenerations baby Head to Toe Lotion

The baby lotion keeps your child’s skin smooth and silky with a light creamy fresh smell. The lotion has the moisturizing shea butter and sweet almond oil in it giving you a non greasy easy absorbing feel. There is NO lavender or tea tree oils, which may cause unhealthy increases in hormone levels. 100% sulfate and paraben free, completely natural and organic, hypoallergenic, and physician tested.

Jenerations baby Hair Gel

The baby hair gel is a great consistency to work with. And yes, I use gel on my kids and even used it on Miles at a very young age. I loved his curls and would do anything to keep them in. This safe children’s hair gel is completely natural and organic, and 100% sulfate and paraben free. Define curls, tame flyaways, or simply create a fun style of your own! Contains NO lavender or tea tree oils, which may cause unhealthy increases in hormone levels. Hypoallergenic and physician tested.

Jenerations baby Conditioner No Tangles

Zoe loves to have her hair braided but the tangles kill us both. Or at least they kill our mood. I have to use either a detangler or conditioner. With sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, and panthenol, this conditioner adds moisture and shine like none other. 100% sulfate and paraben free, completely natural and organic, hypoallergenic, physican tested, and with NO lavender or tea tree oils, which may cause unhealthy increases in hormone levels.

Filed Under: green, organic, review Tagged With: Conditioner, green, Hair Gel, Jenerations baby, lotion, natural, organic, Shampoo

Reusable Foldable Sip N’ Go Summer Fun

May 30, 2011 By Momstart 1 Comment

My family and I made a recently trip to Disneyland; making a trip like this for our family means a plane flight, some car time, and then 12 hours or so inside the park each day. In planning for all of these travels I was approached by Sip N’ Go to review their water bottle.

I was excited to see I could roll these bottles up and “stick them in my back pocket” before or after use, and they’re light at only 1 ounce. I use the carabineer to hook the bottle to my backpack, full and empty. Empty – I had it on hand to fill like post airport security. Full – I had it on hand for thirst mouths in need, and frozen full meant cool water at Disneyland all day long. I really love this “Sip ‘N Go” concept. For only $7.99 you can own one too.

There is no better way to always have a water bottle one hand. This is a great product to attach to your playground bag and not take up room as there are always water fountains available. Sip ‘N Go is an easy water bottle to store in a glove compartment or other emergency car storage, or to add to an at-home emergency supply kits (I live in earthquake country and you know you won’t be carrying your gallons of water around with you!).

The simple design makes it easy for everyone in the family to drink from and almost everyone can fill it (my 4YO can). The one family-friendly flaw is that the bottle doesn’t have a valve to stop spills in case the bottle is dropped or tipped without being seal shut first. That said, this is no different than any other water bottle with a pop top drink spout, and sippy kids are more my 21MO’s style anyway. [wink] Always remember to have the base expanded before placing upright on a surface and always remember to pop the top closed and cover with the provided lid when not using (for even of basic sanitary reasons).

I like that Sip ‘N Go is good for your body as they replenish your water supply in BPA free bottles made in the USA. Sip ‘N Go is also reusable and is top-rack dishwasher safe. Once you’re done with the product simply recycle it like a typical bulky water bottle. Sip ‘N Go is also a 1% For The Planet company, which means they give 1% of their sales to a network of 2,504 environmental organizations worldwide.

Sip ‘N Go also makes a great His and Her gift in their nifty pink and blue. Wedding shower gift for the outdoors couple? Baby shower couples gift for their hospital bag? Pick a favorite color for: Father’s Day gift for the athletic type? Sports camps for your children whether at home or away? On the “back side” of the bottle is a little tab at the bottom to label your bottle so there isn’t any confusing if your child has the same bottle as classmate!

About Summer:

Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living.

Filed Under: green, review, Summer Tagged With: drink on the go, freeze water, reusabe package, reusable water bottle, Sip n' go

Nature’s Path Hemp Plus Granola $250 Shopping Spree Giveaway

May 19, 2011 By Momstart 5 Comments

It’s really not a secret that we, at Mom Start, love Nature’s Path Organic Foods. So we’re very happy and proud to announce their Hemp Plus Granola has been nominated for the Best Granola in the Vegetarian Times Foodie Awards 2011.

Now Nature’s Path needs your help to have their Hemp Plus Granola win the Vegetarian Times BEST GRANOLA category. I’ve voted for them and some of my other favorites, and you can too. For simply voting you’re eligible to win a $250 grocery shopping spree.

If you haven’t tried Nature’s Path Hemp Plus Granola, go grab a box at your local retailer. Hemp is a green product (no pun intended) as it is sustainable resource. Hemp is very nutritious; the flax and hemp seeds enhance the Nature’s Path Hemp Plus Granola cereal nutrition with 600mg of Omega-3 fatty acids and 1800mg of Omega-6 fatty acids. Inside you’ll find –rolled oats*, evaporated cane juice*, soy oil*, brown rice flour*, flaxseeds*, hemp seeds* oat syrup solids* (oat syrup soilds*, topopherols), sea salt, molasses*. *organic

If you’re interested in the results then get a Vegetarian Time subscription or remember to pick up your copy of Vegetarian Times at newsstands when the Foodie Awards winners are announced in the October 2011 issue.

About Summer:

Filed Under: Announcement, green, organic, Summer Tagged With: giveaway, nature's path, organic

Cleaning with Staples, “That was [eco] EASY!”

May 11, 2011 By Momstart 2 Comments

It’s about time more companies became Earth Day friendly year round. Staples is making their mark with their Sustainable Earth line.

I have used other brands of multi-purpose and glass cleansing products and compared to the Staples Sustainable Earth, I’d say in a blind test I won’t be able to tell the difference between my typical cleaner and the Staples Sustainable Earth cleansers. My house is shiny, steak-free, and without film residues. Staples Sustainable Earth cleaning products also leaves a very fresh, clean smell not a chemical sterile smell, which is important to me because I want to live in my home not a hospital! The reason is Sustainable Earth has no harsh chemicals but offer powerful ways to clean greener … BRILLIANT!

The Staples Sustainable Earth Glass Cleaner is alcohol-free, ammonia-free, and phosphate-free. The Staples Sustainable Earth Multi-Purpose Cleaner offers a natural pH, and is also ammonia-free and phosphate-free. It is an eco-conscious cleaner that was formulated in partnership with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exclusively for Staples and meets the Green Seal environmental standard for household cleaners.

Sustainable Earth by Staples is eco easy! Not only are they stepping up with eco cleaners, but their Sustainable Earth line offers toner, paper products, school and office supplies, and cutlery and flatware. The coolest of these Sustainable Earth products including a Bamboo USB Flash Drive (made from recycled bamboo) and notebooks made from recycled sugarcane instead of paper from trees!

So keep Earth Day in your everyday, and with the help of Staples you’ll be saying, “That was easy!”

You can keep up with Staples on their website, via Staples on Facebook and by tracking them on Twitter @StaplesTweets.

About Summer:

Filed Under: green, review, Summer Tagged With: cleaning product review, Cleaning supplies, Earth Day, Staples, Sustainable Earth Line

Stain Solver $1,000 Spring Clean Sweepstakes

May 9, 2011 By Momstart 4 Comments

Stain Solver launched their Spring Clean Sweepstakes and Mom Start thought you might be interested in taking advantage by entering. The grand prize is $1,000 to Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as a year’s supply of Stain Solver. Entering is easy: Simply click and fill out the contact form. For extra chances to win you can share the promotion and get an additional entry for each friend’s email address you enter on the contact form. Happy spring cleaning!

About Summer:

Filed Under: green, Summer Tagged With: announcement, Stain Solver, sweepstakes

Tasty Treat Thursday Nature’s Path Organic SmartBran Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe

May 5, 2011 By Momstart 7 Comments

These don’t look healthy … but they aren’t as naughty for you as alternatives. These are supposed to be coated with chocolate on top, but I feel less guilty (though I use the same amount of chocolate) stirring in all the chocolate chips to make this cake look more muffin-like.

These cakes also aren’t very sweet. I really like them (and so does my husband and his colleagues). If you’re looking for a great little snack for you and some mommy friends, this is it! Nature’s Path Organic’s SmartBran can be eaten as a cereal or used in baking. I’ve used SmartBran in the Diane Hendrik’s Strawberry Cheesecake crust I made earlier this year, and I got this recipe off the box. You can find other SmartBran recipes on the Nature’s Path Recipes on their site, as well as other recipes using their other products.

I think using Nature’s Path in cooking is an easy way to make healthier choices if you enjoy baking.

Nature’s Path Organic SmartBran Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

¹/₃ cup vegetable oil, plus ½ tablespoon for greasing muffin liners
1 cup vanilla soymilk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 cups SmartBran Cereal
¾ cup unbleached white flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup chocolate chips, divided
½ cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder (optional)
12 walnut halves

DIRECTIONS:

1. Set the rack in the center and preheat the oven to 350^oF. Place paper liners in 12 muffin cups. Brush liners with oil.

2. Combine the soymilk and vinegar and set aside to curdle. Grind SmartBran cereal into flour in a food processor or spice grinder. (You should have a scant cup.)

3. In a large bowl, blend the ground cereal, flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using) baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips.

4. In a bowl, beat the sugar and 1/3 cup of oil together for 2 minutes. Add the soymilk-vinegar mixture and beat until well combined.

5. Fold the liquid into the dry ingredients just until blended. Do not over mix. Divide the batter among the prepared cups. Gently pat the tops with your fingers to smooth them off. Distribute the remaining chocolate chips on top.

6. Bake for 10 minutes. Rotate the pans back to front and continue baking until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 8 to 10 minutes longer. Transfer the cupcakes from the pan to a cooling rack.

7. Working quickly, use a spatula to spread the melted chips into an even coat on top of each cupcake. Gently press a walnut half into the middle.

8. Cool to room temperature. Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool place for up to 3 days.

MY CHANGES:

1. I didn’t use the extra ½ tablespoon for oil for the muffin liners. I didn’t seem to have a problem peeling the paper.

2. We don’t buy or use soy milk so I used fat-free cow’s milk. After the milk has curdled, I added 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

3. I didn’t divide the chocolate chips. I just poured them all into the batter and mixed. Like I’d said, this gives more of a muffin-feel than cupcake as there isn’t a “frosting”.

4. I didn’t add the espresso since I don’t like coffee, and instant is really in sin here in Seattle.

5. I didn’t add the nut to the top so that people with nut allergies could enjoy them too.

About Summer:

Filed Under: green, organic, recipe, Summer Tagged With: Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes, cooking healthy, Eating Right, nature's path, organic, Organic SmartBran, recipe

Talking Rain Twist A Great Organic Beverage

May 4, 2011 By Momstart 1 Comment

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) seems to be missing our spring but I’m hoping summer will hit us in full force soon. When it does I always have a park play date bag packed and ready to go. One of my must-haves is bottled water. For regular water I simply refill my own plastic bottles, but when I want something new I enjoy twist from the TalkingRain beverage company.

My husband’s company provides complementary beverages for the employees as one way of lifting company morale. When we first moved to the PNW and he began work, there was a can in the coolers I’d never seen — it was TalkingRain. It’s no surprise TalkingRain would be popular in the Seattle area since its home base is in Preston, Washington. But TalkingRain twist offers the healthier options I know our country is looking for when making drink selections. Twist is a USDA certified organic, low-calorie (less than 10 per serving), non-carbonated, preservative-free, all natural premium water. TalkingRain waters include the perfect blend of juice and fruit essences without artificial ingredients and sweeteners. For a hint of sweetness, TalkingRain twist is made with agave nectar.

twist comes in six flavors: lemon, Mandarin White Tea, Mango Acai, pomegranate Blueberry, West Indies Lime, and Wild Strawberry. These plastic bottles fill at 19oz for $1.29 – $1.49. You can purchase Talking Rain twist from Amazon or find a Talking Rain store in your area to grab a bottle. TalkingRain also offers Sparkling ICE, Botanicals, and airwater.

You can find TalkingRain on their site and you can Like Talking Rain on Facebook (They currently have only 122 fan … Can Mom Start readers get them to 200? Like them and tell them we sent you!).

About Summer:

Filed Under: green, organic, review Tagged With: drink, organic, pacific northwest, Talking Rain, twist

The Ecological Solution to Moisture & Odor Zeelytes Review

May 2, 2011 By Momstart 3 Comments

I live in the Pacific Northwest and you’re known for our moisture … well maybe more for our precipitation, but it does tend to stay moist in my pantry, bathrooms, laundry area and closets. If you have the same problem then I can recommend Zeelytes to you!

Zeelytes will help you with your PLEDGE TO STAY GREEN and $ave green.

You’re save energy costs of running fans; According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “Dessicant dehumidification could reduce total electricity demand by as much as 25% in humid regions.” You’ll ask save by extending the shelf life of your food by reducing moisture, the spread of bacteria, and cross contamination. I’ve had mine in my pantry for about a month now and I’ve VERY impressed; the can tell the difference in my pantry were I store my potatoes, garlic, and onions. They aren’t stinking up my pantry and they are lasting longer than their normal shelf life in my pantry.

Zeelytes also works in air conditioners and makes them more efficient as it pulls the moisture out the air which reduced the amount of energy your AC needs as it will work less to process the air it’s pumping into your house.

Zeelytes is an environmentally friendly green product that is 100% biodegradable and non-toxic. Zeelytes is made from Zeolite which is a naturally occurring porous mineral. Zeelytes obtains their Zeolite from mines in the United States. Zeolites are also listed by the FDA to be GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe), which designates a substance safe by experts. Plainly, Zeelytes is safe to be in your pantry and refrigerator or other areas of food storage.