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You are here: Home / Archives for green

Why Use A Glass Drinking Straw

October 18, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

While I had braces I used a straw all the time. It was the easiest way to eat and drink. It wasn’t a difficult transition because I love drinking through straws anyway. Tribest has recently released new BPA-Free, glass straws. They are really nice because they come with a straw cleaner.

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I’m no longer using straws because of my braces. I am now using them because I am making smoothies and juices and when you have a protein powder sometimes there is residue left inside the straw; making it difficult to get clean. The glass is much easier to clean in the dishwasher and if there is anything left just drag that straw cleaner though it and run it through the dishwasher again.

Concerns for the environment warrant special consideration for the choices we make every day. Each container we drink, eat or store food can make an impact on the ecology. Keeping in mind that only 20% of plastics produced make it to a recycling center, Tribest is introducing highest quality glass straws as a way to replace plastic straws. Made from borosilicate glass, these straws are made from the safest and strongest glass commercially available. They are dishwasher and microwave safe and comes with unprecedented lifetime guarantee — if it breaks, it will be repaired or replaced. Try ordering one today and elevate your drinking experience while helping the environment!

Tribest GlassDharma drinking straws are:

• 100% handmade in California

• Great for all hot or cold drinks

• Perfect for specialty drinks such as bubble teas, shakes and ice teas, and smoothies.

• Durable

• Kid-friendly and safe

• Elegantly green

• Guaranteed for a lifetime

Filed Under: green, review Tagged With: drinking straw, Eco friendly, fun, green

Made In The USA Giveaway 21 Brands all In One Place!

July 6, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Rockin' Green - Made in the USAThe Made in the USA Giveaway is here! We’re helping parents discover unique and innovative US-made baby, kids, and parents products in order to honor our country. We have 21 amazing brands coming together to give you a chance to win these awesome American-made products! ONE LUCKY WINNER will receive ALL PRIZES! Everyone who enters the giveaway will receive something special after the giveaway as a thank you. Giveaway will run from July 4th through July 11th. Entering is easy and can be done below via our Rafflecopter. Below the entry widget are all the prizes! Check them out! We also encourage you to check out our sponsors who have amazing blogs you should follow.

REMEMBER….the more points you earn the better chance you have to win! The Rafflecopter entry widget is below.

Please share with friends and family and good luck!

Scroll below the entry form to get more info on our wonderful sponsors and prizes!

First, a BIG thanks to our Sponsors:

made in USA sponsors a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prizes (and a BIG thanks to all brands!):

So what are the AMAZING prizes? Here are the Participating Brands (Giveaway Open to U.S. Residents Only): Rockin’ Green rockingreen Rockin’ Green laundry soap is made for families that care about taking care of themselves and the Earth. We can all do our part for the environment while doing something good for ourselves. Rockin’ Green products are made with a biodegradable plant-based and petroleum-free surfactant. They are septic and grey-water safe. They are never tested on animals. www.rockingreensoap.com Nizo Wear Infinity Scarf (turns into a nursing cover!) nizowear The Nizo Wear Infinity Breastfeeding Scarf is made in the USA and offers you a fashionable, everyday style that is convenient to wear and use while nursing your baby. This scarf also comes equiped with our signature pocket to store your keys, a paci, or anything you may need an extra pocket for. No need for yet another product for breastfeeding discretion; simply unwrap the Nizo Wear Infinity Breastfeeding Scarf from around your neck and adjust the fabric to cover all sides of you and your baby. This infinity scarf offers you full coverage in front as well in the back, while providing airflow and ability to maintain eye contact with your baby. http://nizowear.com GladRags gladrags "Reusable pads. That’s gross!" That’s a comment we’ve heard more than once. But just envision your lifetime supply of used pads and tampons in landfills or washed up on a beach. Now that is gross! Since 1993, GladRags has empowered women to choose safe healthy menstrual products. Made to last for years, reusable menstrual pads and cups keep billions of pads and tampons out of the landfill. Available at natural foods stores and pharmacies across the nation. www.gladrags.com Red Rocket Farm redrocket Red Rocket Farm is the art and animation studio of Jason Albin Thomas, located in Atlanta, GA. At Red Rocket Farm we make paintings, t-shirts, and a mean chicken noodle soup. Often, we hear the same thing, "This is my kid’s FIRST piece of art. It’s the first painting they’ve been really passionate about." http://www.redrocketfarm.com Baby Jack Blankets babyjack Baby Jack Blankets are modern tag blankets with an added safety feature of sewn shut ribbon tabs. This patent pending design ensures that tiny fingers do not become intertwined in ribbon loops. Each blanket is uniquely created in Milwaukee, WI by a team of moms. We employ women for added income and a creative outlet. Baby Jack Blankets focuses on sensory play, comfort and education. http://babyjackblankets.com Beautycounter beautycounter Beautycounter believes children deserve to be protected, which is why we’ve taken special care to create a bath collection that is pH-balanced and gentle on the skin (and smells yummy, too). Kidscounter Bath Collection includes Squeaky Clean Body Wash, Nice Do Shampoo, and Not a Knot Conditioner. https://jackievogel.beautycounter.com/Home American Sockstar americansockstar American Sockstar was born from the dream of an Oregon mom of four who wanted to make a difference. Our love of people and their dreams is evidenced in all we do—whether it be promoting all brands of socks Made in the U.S.A., supporting sock and packaging manufacturing in the U.S. through our business, or contributing to our local community by providing socks to organizations that lead homeless individuals to self-sufficiency. ‘United we Stand’ socks are inspired by our followers and friends who contacted us asking for U.S. flag socks made in the U.S.A. They have a comfortable cushioned sole and are knit in North Carolina with a soft blend of moisture-wicking yarns. http://www.americansockstar.com Poppy Drops poppydrops Poppy Drops was founded by a mom looking for a safe & long-lasting alternative to pierced ears for her daughter. Our first product was our veggie-based, temporary tattoo earrings and our line has expanded to include Tattoo Nail Art, Perfume Sticks & Gift Sets. All products are Made in the USA and are designed to be natural and fun accessory/beauty product alternatives for kids & families. http://www.poppydrops.com Alert Me Bands alertme Alert Me Band; the only childproof emergency contact wristband that is adjustable, durable and completely customizable to indicate any medical, special needs or allergy indications. http://www.alertmebands.com Bobee bobee Bobee is an award winning brand for the diaper & wipe dispenser. Now, Bobee is proud to offer a new line of wall decals all made in the USA. The most adorable little family of elephants will cheer up your child’s room! Perfect for the nursery, classroom, vehicle / car windows, baby or room. The vinyl decals are easy to install and remove without leaving any damage to the wall. Change up your decor as your child grows with the line of Bobee wall decals. http://bobeeinc.com Sand Gone sandgone Sand Gone is a dry powder that when applied to sandy parts of your body removes the sand leaving your skin soft and smooth. All natural ingredients with a coconut fragrance. A must for beachgoers ! or after playing in the sand. Sand Gone is a sand remover, made in the USA. http://www.sandgone.com Noblo noblo noblo is a simple to use beach umbrella anchor that was invented by two moms to stop fly away beach umbrellas. It has become a beach gear must have for parents who want to relax and enjoy a safe day at the beach without the fear of the beach umbrella flying away in a gust of wind injuring either their children or another beach goer. http://thenoblo.com Baby Bump Bundle babybump Baby Bump Bundle creates BumpBundle’s which are curated care packages featuring handpicked products specifically selected for expecting women, at each stage of pregnancy. A perfect gift or a great way for mom-to-be to pamper herself, BBB offers one, two or a subscription of three bundles, with deliveries of the surprise pregnancy boxes scheduled each trimester throughout the whole 9 months! http://www.babybumpbundle.com Piggy Paint piggypaint Piggy Paint non-toxic, odorless, kid-friendly nail polish. Water-based formula dries to a hard, durable finish. Made in the USA. Gift set includes Piggy Paint shades Forever Fancy (pink shimmer), PINKie Promise (bright pink), and Girls Rule! (shimmery purple). http://www.piggypaint.com/ Spray Pal spraypal The Spray Pal was invented by a cloth diapering mom and dad who were tired of cleaning up the mess caused by the diaper sprayer. This patent-pending product will make the worst part of cloth diapering (really, the poop is the only bad part, right?) so much easier to deal with, and will hopefully encourage others to decide to try cloth diapers in their homes. If you’re about to give up on cloth diapers because of the sprayer splatter, try using a Spray Pal first! http://www.spray-pal.com PunkinWrap punkin The PunkinWrap is your all-in-one baby solution! Originally designed with moms in mind, we have found it is becoming the new "go to" baby gift. A wrap created to do it all! Use our baby safe PunkinLinks to attach the wrap to your existing car seat or stroller – don’t worry about which brands are compatible, no conversion kits necessary. Every PunkinWrap comes with the wrap, nursing strap, drawstring PunkinPouch, and 8 BPA-free PunkinLinks. Easy peasy! http://www.punkinwrap.com Carseat Sidekick carseatside Short Stack Jack is a brand built by parents for parents. We strive for a quality product, efficient customer service, and fast shipping. The Carseat Sidekick allows you to put your baby into the carseat without having to mess with any annoying straps that bunch up under your baby. By holding the straps out of the way, you will never have to wake a sleeping baby again! The Carseat Sidekick is not only functional–it also comes in fun blue and pink patterns, and works with all major carseat carriers. http://shortstackjack.com spbang spbang Made in the USA, spbang reusable snack bags are crafted with a food safe material that comes squeaky clean in the dishwasher! Embossed pattern covering the bag with name plate on the back. Big enough for a sandwich but also perfect for snacks or storing crayons. http://www.spbang.com Rockin’ Baby rockinbaby For every sling purchased, Rockin’ Baby will donate a new sling to a mother in need, and educate them on its importance. Mother to Mother. Our signature orange hero sling with red rings is the same sling we donate in Haiti and Kenya with our Mother to Mother Mission. http://www.rockinbaby.com Girlie Glue girlieglue Girlie Glue is an all natural accessory used to stick accessories to the hair and skin. Girlie Glue is Made in the USA. It is all natural and washes off easily with water. Possibilities are endless with Girlie Glue! http://girlieglue.com typebaby typebaby Do you have a city kid? Baby who will sleep for food? We have the tee for you! typebaby is a line of typographic baby & kids goods that allows kids to share their unique personality "type." Kid-inspired and mom-designed, our high-quality infant bodysuits, kids tees, and personalized wall art are designed and printed in Chicago and entirely made in the USA. http://www.typebabydesign.com Giveaway Sponsors: The Caffeinated Army Wife is your go-to site for great coffee finds, coffee maker reviews, and coffee themed crafts! http://www.caffeinatedarmywife.com Lifestyle blog writing a Lil’ Bit of Everything! http://plumcrazyaboutcoupons.com At Blissful Baby® our mission is to unite communities with family-based resources near and far. We pride ourselves in providing individualized attention whether you are Adopting, Try to Conceive, Expecting or are a Parent. Mommy Prep Classes will provide with you with answers to all your questions. We are here for You and Your Blissful Baby®. http://www.blissfulbabyusa.com The Mommy Bunch is a lifestyle blog that features a collection of family friendly content. You will often find articles on a wide variety of topics depending on what we are discussing or living at that time in our lives; some examples include parenting topics, recipes, crafts, technology, and so much more! We also focus on quality and in depth reviews for products that can benefit a family friendly home. We love offering family friendly giveaways and sharing everything about living in healthy and happy home. http://mommybunch.com Coupon Friendly is a family-friendly website, striving to help save people money by sharing great deals, printable coupons and freebies along with samples by mail and product reviews. We understand life is hectic, so we also work hard to save you time so you have more opened windows of opportunities to relax and do things that YOU want to do. We save you money with a smile! We LOVE working with family-friendly companies! If you have an awesome deal going on, contact us so that we can share it. We also promote giveaways, so let us know if you’re having one, so that we can help you out! Have a product you would like reviewed? We’d be more than happy to work with you on it. Let Coupon Friendly assist you! http://couponfriendly.com A product review and giveaway blog for men and women of all ages and children too. From electronics to fashion to food, we’ve got you covered. http://www.starimpulse.com I offer my fans in depth family friendly reviews, as well as giveaways, DIY projects and recipes. http://kswederski.com/ Family blog. http://kerrificonline.blogspot.com At MomStart we like to share it all because basically moms do it all. We have a large team of reviewers and contributors. I have two children, Miles and Zoe and you will see them here often. I’m a mom first, but as I find they need me less as they mature I fill my time with writing and social media. I have a background in the technology field and love to stay current on all gadgets. I love to cook, play video and board games, and travel the world. Blogging here at MomStart has provided me with me with travel opportunities and allowed me to give to charities in more ways than I could ever imagine. I’ve given over 75,000 worth of money and review items to our local community and I’m excited to keep on giving as time goes by. http://momstart.com Review/giveaways for open-minded moms. http://newagemama.blogspot.com Remaking June is a women’s lifestyle site featuring cool finds, product reviews, recipes and more targeted to women and mothers of all demographics. http://www.remakingjunecleaver.com musings of a semi crunchy mom to 3 little superheroes. focus on cloth diapering, baby wearing, going greener and healthy eating. reviews and giveawaya, diy. http://www.princessamongsuperheroes.com Product Reviews and Giveaways http://bonkers4coupons.com/ Fun Reviews and Giveaways is a family friendly blog that offers a wide variety of product reviews, giveaways, as well as sponsored content and advertising to companies. I offer honest reviews and sponsored posts. For advertising and sponsored posts, I have great rates that you can’t beat! I promote the sponsors on my social media outlets. http://www.funreviewsandgiveaways.com Featuring life of a mom with 3 boys, product reviews, giveaways, recipes and sharing anything mommy related. http://lifeofasouthernmom.com I write about my everyday adventures with four kids, being a Navy spouse and my new passion running and Triathlons. Everyday is an adventure here. So I decided I’d write about it! I also include healthy recipes, do reviews and giveaways and just have fun. http://www.chroniclesofasahm.com Family Friendly, Reviews, Giveaways and LIFE! http://jennunplugged.com Bargains with Brittanie is a site dedicated to helping you create, maintain, and live on a budget. You will have access to coupons, deals, freebies, frugal living tips, and DIY projects all at your finger tips. For added fun, product reviews and giveaways are also regularly posted! http://www.bargainswithbrittanie.com/ We help families save time, money, and sanity. Product reviews, recipes, deals, and more. http://moneysavingmommiesx2.blogspot.com Brittleby’s Corner is a blog devoted to organic living. My name is Brittney Minor and I am a mom to two kids and a wife to a UCSB Doctorate student. I substitute teach elementary-high school part time. I love blogging about life as well as natural and organic products that my family loves. My blog features reviews and giveaways and I enjoy sharing about products and companies that promote an eco-friendly lifestyle. I especially love when companies use sustainable resources and make their products in the USA. My goal is to show people that life can be simple and organic. http://brittlebyscorner.com/ Measuring Flower is a website about real food and natural living for families. http://www.measuringflower.com Welcome to Sweetly Made (Just for you). The three of us are here to share organizational tips, business reviews, giveaways, DIY craft ideas, fun activities for kids, travel ideas, personalized Christmas stockings and more. http://emileeschristmasjoy.blogspot.com/ Cleverly Changing is a lifestyle blog, written for people wanting to learn more about debt-free living and effective parenting. The main goal of the blog is to share savings tips, product reviews, giveaways, and information regarding healthy parenting. http://CleverlyChanging.com My name is Amanda K and I run the www.onemommasavingmoney.com. I am a mom to a 9 year old daughter and 7 year old son and I’ve been married to my husband for 14 years. I started blogging to share the coupon strategies and deals I use to live a frugal life with my friends and from there it bloomed! Now I blog on just about anything, deals, coupons, reviews, movies, books, giveaways and more! Stop on by and say hi! http://www.onemommasavingmoney.com/ Mommy Knows What’s Best is a family and parenting site that features tips, and ideas along with awesome reviews and giveaways. Written by a SAHM of three kids, it’s a site for new and experienced parents alike. http://www.mommyknowswhatsbest.com Savory Savings is a lifestyle blog featuring gluten-free recipes, products reviews, giveaways, green living tips, fun fashions and so much more! http://www.savorysavings.com The Stuff of Success is a blog about living life well, inexpensively. I write about family, opportunities, reviews, giveaways, photography etc… http://thestuffofsuccess.com I love to share all kinds of information with all. I will be sharing: Reviews, Giveaways, Money Saving, Funny tidbits and hopefully just all around fun for all. I am a stay home wife & mother. I am the type of person if you ask me I will tell you the truth. I love to share all kinds of information with all. Here at Heather Speaks Out I will be sharing: Reviews, Giveaways, Money Saving, Funny tidbits and hopefully just all around fun for all. http://heatherspeaksout.blogspot.com Ashley Suzanne was founded May 2010, and has grown tremendously since then. While the main focus is centered on baby, we also like to focus on mom as a whole. With that being from time to time Ashley will include lifestyle applications, such as recipes, crafts, decorating, and just all out fun mommy things. We want to create a place where mom can come, sit back, kick up her feet and enjoy some all-around goodness. Ashley Suzanne is a God centered blog and enjoys a family friendly atmosphere. Just recently Ashley Suzanne has incorporated The Baby Whisperer namesake and might in the near future switch fully over from Ashley Suzanne to The Baby Whisperer. http://www.ashleysuzanne.com After spending nearly 12 years dedicated to my ambitious accounting career, I recently decided to stay at home with my two young daughters. My blog covers kids crafts and activities, recipes, money saving ideas and more. The unique perspective I bring is that I never imagined I would be a stay at home parent. Another bit of perspective is that I’m a navy wife, so we have friends and family all around the world. http://omgiquitmyjob.weebly.com Pink Ninja Blogger focuses on everyday life. We highlight technology, product reviews, book review, frugal living, recipes, crafts, giveaways, and so much more. Our readership consists of both males and females from every walk of life all over the United States and in other countries as well. The age range of our readers varies so we try to keep our topics broad to appeal to our entire audience. We have a strong community that is growing by leaps and bounds every day. http://pinkninjablog.com Griffin’s Honey focuses on everyday life. We focus product reviews, book reviews, frugal living, recipes, crafts, and we provide deal information. Our readership consists of both males and females from every walk of life all over the United States and in other countries as well. The age range of our readers varies so we try to keep our topics broad to appeal to our entire audience. We have a strong community that is growing by leaps and bounds every day. http://www.griffinshoney.com I am a busy lady who takes on too many projects while trying to manage the chaos I call my life. I am a work at home mom and wife who is a logo designer and branding consultant. We have recently started our journey of home schooling. What a ride we are on, but at least the hot pink carpet has been rolled out for us, the Carolina moon is shining bright, and my crown is tilted just right! http://thepalmettoqueen.blogspot.com I write about parenting, homeless animals, blogging tips, reviews on new products, giveaways, vacations, recipes. And sometimes more. http://momndaughtersavings.com What you will find on couponWAHM are:Giveaways,Reviews,Deals and Work at home opportunities. http://www.couponwahm.com/ Growing Up Gabel is a lifestyle blog featuring delicious recipes, fun crafts, easy DIY projects, and real family life! http://growingupgabel.com Mommy’s Obsessions is formerly known as Mommys Craft Obsession but is the same fabulous blog at heart! We are excited for the opportunity. Thank you! http://www.mommyscraftobsession.com Mom’s Blog at Mommy Enterprises is a lifestyle blog that features product reviews, giveaways, entertainment news, crafts, recipes and more! http://www.mommyenterprises.com/moms-blog Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 10.03.11 AM   The Cool Word Club (CWC) is an online gathering place for some of the coolest and smartest kids in the country! http://coolwordclub.com Social Media 22 is a trendy PR and Internet Marketing boutique located in Bridgeport, CT. http://socialmedia22.com This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Winner(s) will be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send us an email: pr@rockingreensoap.com. Rockin’ Green is not liable for any of the products given away. Once the giveaway is over, the brands shown above may send you one email with an exclusive offer as a thank you for entering.

To Enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: giveaway, green, organic

Aveda’s Full Circle Recycling Program

July 9, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

I’m really getting into the green movement lately and when I found that Aveda one of my favorite brands is initiating such a profound recycling program I had to share it with you guys. If you like and use Aveda like I do check out how they are recycling and how you can join in the Full Circle Recycling Process.

The Full Circle recycling program is the latest step in the brand’s environmental commitment, seeking to take responsibility for all Aveda packaging in the U.S. Aveda continues to be mindful of its environmental footprint and paves the way in environmental leadership by:

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· Minimizing packaging, maximizing the use of post-consumer recycled materials, using materials that can be and are recyclable and by designing packaging so that the individual parts can be separated for recycling.

· Building on the success of the Aveda Caps Program. In 2008, Aveda created the first bottle cap collection program of its kind in the continental U.S., helping to eliminate this type of plastic from landfills and waterways, and educate recyclers and municipalities about the need to accept #5 plastics at curbside—collecting more than 115 million plastic bottle caps. Newly molded 85% post consumer recycled content caps are now included on Aveda products such as Full Spectrum™ Hair Color and retail sample tubes due to the success of the Aveda Caps Program.

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FULL CIRCLE RECYCLING PROCESS:

1. Check with your local recycler to determine what types of materials are accepted via curbside service. Municipal recycling programs vary on the types of items accepted in community programs.

2. Any Aveda packaging not accepted curbside, such as caps, makeup brushes, and various bottles, jars, tubes and pumps, can be brought into any Aveda Experience Center retail store in the United States and placed in the Full Circle recycling bin. Visit Aveda com/locator to find the Aveda Experience Center retail location nearest you.

3. Once full, the Full Circle recycling collection bin will be sent to Aveda’s recycling partner g2 revolution in Findlay, OH where items will be sorted by material category. And, g2 revolution ships all packages under UPS’ Carbon Neutral Program. Based upon the total volume of packages shipped, g2 revolution pays UPS to purchase certified vintage carbon offsets to balance out the emissions produced by the transportation of the shipments.

4. All materials will be recycled, reused or burned for energy recovery—with the intention of utilizing collected material to create new Aveda packaging or accessories.

AVEDA EXPERIENCE CENTERS ARE LOCATED IN:

AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA and WI.

Filed Under: green Tagged With: Aveda, eco, green, Recyclable packaging, Recycle

P&G Everyday Effect: Our Children Are The Future

May 10, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

P&G has a program working to help our world. The “Everyday Effect” program and I’m trying to help them spread the word about their recent announcement of achieving zero manufacturing waste to landfill at 45 of their global facilities. Remember we are borrowing the world from our children, we need to make sure it’s around for them.  To achieve this accomplishment, P&G committed to finding worth from much of the waste left over after recycling processes were complete at their facilities.

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Very briefly, P&G created “worth from waste” in the following ways:

· Unusable fibers from recycled paper waste at a Charmin plant in Latin America are used to build low cost roof tiles to help provide homes for local families.

· Waste from making shampoos, like Pantene and Head and Shoulders, are used as fertilizer to convert industrial land into parks and green spaces in China.

· Materials that were once thrown away at the Always and Whisper plant in India are recycled into plastic soles to create low cost shoes.

To celebrate this achievement, P&G is now asking parents like us to share their stories on the everyday things they do to help minimize their environmental footprint on their Facebook page for the chance to be featured in their next P&G commercial. We recycle and have just gone electric. We purchased an all electric car and a hybrid. Now we will cut our gas bill by $250 a month at least!

P&G has created a content capsule (click here) that features a shareable 2-minute video about this initiative as well as other information you may find interesting. To access the video, click the link above and then select the first video entitled “Everyday Earth Day.”

To share your story with P&G for a chance to be featured in an upcoming commercial, you can visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PGEveryday/app_348857518541101

Filed Under: green Tagged With: everyday effect, green, our children are the future, P&G, save the world for them

5 Top Trends to Make Your Home More Green Friendly

May 8, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

5 Top Trends to Make Your Home More Green Friendly

Guest Post: By Annie Davis

Washington D.C. hosts the Clean Energy Forum on American Leadership each year and many green visionaries tout the need for energy conservation but many of these leaders report the biggest efforts are being made by consumers and homeowners. Seattle was named the top green city in 2009 and here are ways to make your Emerald City home the greenest it can be.

1. Energy Efficient Water Systems

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Image via Flickr roger_mommaerts

There are a number of ways to conserve water and use water more efficiently within your home. Beyond being green, these systems will help save on utility and water costs:

  • On-Demand hot water units
  • Storm water retention systems
  • Water catchment construction
  • Water purification and infiltration systems
  • Energy efficient and green plumbing choices

Residents seeking green plumbing Seattle are luckier than most due to the efforts on the part of local plumbers who are also committing to using environmentally friendly materials, installing water reuse systems and taking the time to become experts in on-demand hot water heaters to cut down on utility costs. Water is one of our most precious resources and installing these items in your home will drastically lower your carbon footprint.

2. Green Cleaning Solutions

It used to be one had to travel to a green-friendly specialty store to find cleaning products but these are now being sold in grocery stores, big box stores and home improvement centers. These solutions are free of toxins that can harm our bodies and the planet so be sure to put them on your shopping list.

Or, why not create some of your own cleaning products? There’s a reason baking soda can do everything from giving you a winning smile to cleaning auto parts—it’s safe and good for the environment. Mix baking soda with chemical free liquid soaps, vinegar, lemon juice and borax to save not only at the store but also to clean green.

3. Use "Green" Paint

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Image via Flickr Vimages

Most paints are full of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Not only are these bad for the environment, they can be harmful to our lungs and sinuses. Most paint manufacturers have taken notice of the demand for green paint, especially in cities like Seattle.

Non-VOC paints come in a variety of colors and are as easy to use as traditional paint. Imagine painting without harmful fumes and still getting the desired effect?

4. Buy Energy Star Appliances

Energy Star appliances receive ratings from the government ensuring they utilize the lowest amount of energy possible. You can find all types of Energy Star rated appliances from refrigerators to dishwashers to washers and dryers. And, in some states, homeowners can receive rebates or tax incentives for buying Energy Star appliances.

5. Consider Bamboo Flooring

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Image via Flickr planetc1

Unlike oak where trees can take up to 120 years to mature, bamboo can be harvested after three years. Healthy Home Plans suggests trying out environmentally friendly bamboo for flooring options and skipping other types of wood.

Bamboo floors come in a variety of non-VOC stains, are easily cleaned and their durability stacks up to common woods used in flooring.

Seattle residents are proud of the City’s efforts in gaining the top green city spot and most look for ways to follow suit. Trying some or all of these ideas are not only green, they’ll save money on utility costs.

By Annie Davis

Filed Under: green Tagged With: 5 Top Trends to Make Your Home More Green Friendly, green

Innobaby is the Spot for Green Gifts and Innovative Baby Solutions #Giveaway

November 28, 2012 by Momstart 148 Comments

Innobaby is the Spot for Green Gifts and Innovative Baby Solutions – Video Review and GIVEAWAY

By: Ashley

Have you ever visited Innobaby.com? Innobaby has tons of products designed with you, your baby, and the Earth in mind. Their green thinking solutions help make snack time, meal time, and pretty much ANY time just a little bit easier.

 

When my son was younger, Christmas was the perfect opportunity to stock up on some products that I thought would help make my life a little easier and things he enjoyed. New sippy cups, snack containers, and dishes were some of my favorite picks. Innobaby has a great selection of all those things and they’re all eco friendly.

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The multi use drink holder is really one of the coolest things ever. We’ve all experienced that juice box overflow that happens when little hands squeeze a little too tightly. The holder is great! It can hold juice boxes, pouches, water bottles, and more. A very handy addition to any mom purse or diaper bag.

Our friends at Innobaby want to give one lucky MomStart reader a fantastic gift basket full of their coolest products, including the ones in the video! All you need to do is follow the directions in the Rafflecopter to enter. Good luck!

Enter to Win:

Innobaby Gift Basket (see video for prizes)

To Enter:

Tell us which item from the video you like most

Extra Entries:

Use the rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway ends December 11th. Please see the giveaway rules

About Ashley (Managing Editor at MomStart): Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at Momicles and follow her @Momicles2010

Disclosure – A product was provided to facilitate this review.

Filed Under: 2012 Gift Guide, giveaway Tagged With: baby products, Gift guide, giveaway, green, holiday, Innobaby, review

Celebrate Earth Day With Earth Saving Tips from Hormel #HormelFamily

April 21, 2012 by Momstart 21 Comments

Did you know that April 22nd marks the 42nd anniversary of the celebration of Earth Day? I had no idea it was around that long, does knowing that change your mind about how important it is? For me it means I’m going to considering doing something with my kids especially after listening to Jane Goodall talk during my interview with her for the Premier of Chimpanzee about the earth and how we aren’t doing enough to bring about change. Earth day is a great start but it’s going to take us doing these things every day to make a difference.

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This year, the Earth Day Network announced that the main focus of Earth Day will be to continue building the environmental movement and engaging new environmental activists around the globe. In order to make Earth Day a success, it is essential that each and every person set environmental goals, contribute and do their part including major companies like Hormel.

Did you know that about 80 percent of Hormel Foods’ product packaging by weight is recyclable and/or made from recycled materials? Over the past few years, Hormel has found many ways to reduce, revamp and change the size and material of their packages. In 2009, a half-inch in height was removed from each Jennie-O Turkey Store turkey burger carton, generating an annual paperboard savings of more than 68,000 pounds! More information on Hormel Foods’ package minimization efforts .

There are plenty of simple ways that you and your family can help that won’t feel like you are overhauling your lifestyle but they still make a difference. Jane Goodall says that we need to be aware of what we purchase and how it was made, just an FYI from taken away from my interview with her.

 

These tips are from Hormel:

• Plan an eco-friendly picnic! Skip paper plates and bring along utensils and dishes from home. Pack products that are known for their eco-friendly and sustainable packaging. One example is Hormel® Natural Choice® deli meats. As part of its commitment to be 100 percent natural inside and out, Hormel® Natural Choice® deli meats now has recyclable packaging made of 100 percent recycled material and they are the only national brand that features 100 percent recycled packaging.

• On your next trip to the grocery store, avoid the plastic by bringing along a cloth, reusable bag. Not only are they inexpensive, but they are a lot stronger than regular plastic bags!

• Take a shorter shower or brush your teeth without running the water. Not only will you reduce water consumption, but the energy costs associated with heating the water.

• Contribute to an online campaign through the Earth Day Network! There are also plenty of opportunities for you to volunteer on the actual day in your communities! http://www.earthday.org/take-action

• Last month, Hormel introduced a brand new eco-friendly package for Hormel™ Country Crock® sides! This new “in-mold” package design replaces the paper sleeve, placing the printed information directly on the tub, which saves more than 8,500 trees a year! Try one of the newly introduced flavors that include cheesy diced potatoes, four cheese penne pasta with broccoli,

 

 

This post enters me into a contest with Hormel Family as an ambassador.

Filed Under: green Tagged With: Chimpanzee, Earth Day, earth day tips, eco, green, Hormel, hormelfamily, Jane Goodall

Season of Giving Day 30: From Trash To Treasure

November 30, 2011 by Momstart 5 Comments

Wow, can you believe this is the last day of November, it’s going to be a mad dash from now on as we approach Christmas. Don’t forget that you can give during this time too. You can donate time, toys money, it’s an endless list of what you can give in this Season of Giving. I hope you find someone to do something extra special for.

By Summer

:

Recycle Your JunkReduceReuseRecycle

This is my last post in November about giving. Next month I’ll be posting about going green. So today I’m combining the two months to discuss donating your unwanted treasures … or “recycling” them. This is more the philosophy: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Just because you’re done with a clothing item, toy, gadget, or other “junk” doesn’t mean it’s not valuable to someone. Clean out your house before Christmas and consider dividing your goods to benefit local charities, which is a win-win-win. Win, you can get a tax deduction (be sure to record what you give); win, other people get new-to-them treasures; win, your stuff isn’t sitting in a landfill.

Be sure you don’t really give places JUNK! No one wants JUNK!

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: charity, Summer Tagged With: eco, giving, green, Summer

Live Clean Baby Collection Exclusively at Walgreens

October 29, 2011 by Momstart 4 Comments

 

I never really considered Walgreens to be the place to go for an eco conscience product, but low and behold they have exclusivity with Live Clean Baby.

Live Clean is a Canadian brand with eco-friendly personal care products with quite a positive reputation there and now is making it’s way to the US with the launch of Live Clean Baby. This simple, environmentally aware collection of products is specially formulated with both mother’s concerns and baby’s sensitivities in mind. 

With most eco friendly products the price tag is a little bit higher than you would normally consider for a Tearless Shampoo and Wash that gently cleanses baby’s hair and scalp without drying; a Moisturizing Baby Bath that gently cleanses and moisturizes baby’s delicate skin, a Moisturizing Baby Lotion that leaves baby’s skin soft and smooth with a non-greasy feel; a Non-Petroleum Jelly and a Diaper Ointment that soothes baby’s tender skin and forms a protective barrier against wetness; and a Moisturizing Bar Soap that is enriched with Shea butter to gently moisturize baby’s skin. The price is $7.99

If you’re looking for vegan products then Live Clean Baby is for you. Using only natural, non-irritating, supremely gentle plant based ingredients, Live Clean Baby performs efficiently and gently to keep baby looking, feeling – and smelling – their very best. “The criteria we’ve developed for the Live Clean brand begins with an ecologically responsible point of view,” says Executive Vice President, Michelle Sparrock, referring to the common, eco-damaging ingredients you won’t find in Live Clean. “As resilient as babies are, we know that their developing systems are also extremely sensitive. We wanted to create baby products with nothing extraneous, nothing unnecessary. Everything from the natural surfactants to the fragrance is both minimal and mild.” They use no animal ingredients in the formulations. The collection is also cruelty-free meaning none of the products or their ingredients have been tested on animals. In its sensitivity to the environment, Live Clean is also free of phosphates, known contributors to water pollution. Plus their packaging has been carefully created to be as earth-friendly as possible. The Live Clean containers are recyclable; they are made from “virgin” materials, making them far easier to recycle than many plastics. Shipping cartons are made from recycled materials and even the inks used on shipping cartons are safe for the environment. Local vendors are used to the maximum which cuts down on gas consumption and emissions thus reducing their overall carbon footprint.

It is available exclusively at Walgreens, the nation’s largest drugstore chain with more than 8,000 stores across the country as well as online at Walgreens.com.

 

We received Samples for this post.

Filed Under: green, review Tagged With: baby lotion, baby products, eco, green, Live Clean Baby, Recycle, review, vegan, Walgreens

Recyclebank Challenge 2 Green Up The First Day Of School Tips

September 5, 2011 by Momstart 22 Comments

Miles and Zoe have their first day of School on Wednesday. Miles, it’s his official first day and I just don’t know what to do. Am I supposed to be happy about it, or sad. I’m both! I’m quite sad about him leaving, as he describes it, I won’t have anyone to play with, read to, sing with, or watch TV with. But I’ll have time to work uninterrupted which I hear is SO VALUABLE. Now thinking about it from a green point of view. What can I do to green the first day of school. I have a few days to prepare and I do still need to find back to school clothes.

MP900430776

Recyclebank is here to help us figure out ways to green our school year. One way is to chose products with fabrics that are green. As part of the Green Your School Year Challenge going on they are offering tips in the form of a game where you can earn entry points to win really fun prizes. The first step was to download a guide that provided lots of information on choosing green fabrics. I found it so interested I wanted to share a few of the tips.

Choose Organic fabrics in clothing and backpacks:

Compared to conventional backpacks, fewer toxic chemicals are released into the environment when they’re being made
Eco-friendly backpacks aren’t made with petroleum, like vinyl backpacks
Backpacks made from recycled plastic bottles reduce landfill waste

Good Fabrics to Look Out For

Organic Cotton
Hemp
Recycled plastic bottles

Bad Materials to pass on

Vinyl
Conventional cotton

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The rest of the challenge for this week is more like the first challenge. You can take quizzes and find out how knowledgeable you are on being green. What are different ways throughout the day that you can become more green. Do you car pool? Do you use reusable packaging for sandwiches? We need to switch from plastic baggies to those cute reusable washable sandwich bags that my friend makes. She makes them in such cute patterns. Basically, you sandwich bag can be any material you can find in the store.

What are your tips to Green Up The First Day of School.

 

 

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Filed Under: green Tagged With: challenge, clothing, first day of school, green, organic, recyclebank, sweepstakes

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