eco-friendly

A Plan for Change

by Stacy on March 7, 2010

I thought I would provide a list of all the areas we will be covering as we work on greening our homes together. This way, you’ll have an idea of what to expect and you will also have a chance to give your input on any areas you don’t see listed that you would like to cover. [Just leave a comment or send me an email with your idea] I’ll post the Master List on the Green Our Homes Page (soon) so you can refer to it anytime you like. As we cover each entry, I’ll update the Master List to point to the specific post.

Here’s the topics we’ll be addressing

Replacing Hazards in our Home

{Making their appearance in alphabetical order}

- All Purpose Cleaners
- Antibacterial Soaps
- Automatic Dishwashing Detergent
- Batteries
- Carpet Cleaner
- Drain Cleaner
- Face & Body Lotion
- Floor Cleaner
- Furniture Polish
- Glass Cleaner
- Laundry Detergent
- Make Up
- Mold & Mildew Remover
- Oven Cleaner
- Pesticides
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Toilet Cleaner
- Tub, Tile & Sink Cleaner

Reducing Waste

- Baby Food Jars & Plastic Tubs
- Cans
- Cardboard Boxes
- Diapers
- Dry Cleaner Bags
- Glass
- Magazines & Newspapers
- Paper Towels
- Plastic Bottles
- Plastic Shopping Bags
- Plastic Produce Bags
- Sponges
- Toilet Paper * (as suggested by Jen & Joey Go Green)

Around the House

- Air Quality
- Building Materials * (as suggested by Jen & Joey Go Green)
- Composting
- Flooring
- Gardening
- Gray Water
- Home Decor Items * (as suggested by Jen & Joey Go Green)
- Home Fragrances
- Landscaping
- Lawnmowers * (as suggested by Jen & Joey Go Green)
- Light Bulbs
- Programmable Thermostats
- Rainwater Collection
- Recycling
- Repurposing
- Water Conservation
- Water Filtration
- Water Heaters * (as suggested by Jen & Joey Go Green)
- Water Softeners
- Windows
- Upcycling

Whew, well I think that gives us a decent starting point. Look this list over and let me know which feature your most anxious to explore or any additions you would like to see added. I can not wait to get started tackling this list.

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Handmade Holidays: DIY Christmas Ornaments

by Stacy on December 12, 2009

There’s no need to spend any money on ornaments this year when you have all these eco-fantastic ideas to choose from. Make something special using items you probably already have on hand and use the money you save to buy your self something you’ve been wanting all year, consider it a gift from your Secret Santa.

Retro Snowflake Ornaments from Family Fun

Paper Ball Ornaments from Goddess Hobbies

Apple Cinnamon Ornaments from McCormick

Stained Glass Cookie Ornaments from Simply Recipes

Thrifted Sweater Ornaments on Alpha Mom

Christmas Orange Pomanders from That Artist Woman

Christmas Tree Circle Ornaments also from Family Fun

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EcoStore USA Review and Giveaway

by Stacy on May 12, 2009

Some reviews are hard to write, you are either not that impressed with the product or drastically uninspired to write anything eloquent. That is certainly not the case when it comes to reviewing Eco Store USA. In fact, the reviews were practically written by the second day we started using their products. Hesitant it could be that easy, I have waited a few weeks (make that a month) to make sure none of my feelings about the products have changed. Let me assure you, they have not.

Product #1: Ecostore USA Baby Moisturizer $8
This moisturizer could not have arrived in my household at a more perfect time. We had just moved from a harsh winter in Germany to a dry warm climate in Texas, with record breaking hard water. Almost immediately my family’s skin started to dry out and crack. My husband and I had purchased two different moisturizers – neither of which was helping our condition. When the EcoStore Moisturizer arrived I quickly rubbed a bit on my hands and was pleasantly surprised. The smell is a citrusy, clean scent perfect for my daughter and my perfume sensitivities. The moisturizer goes on smoothly and instantly traps moisture into your skin. Since this moisturizer is made for babies, it does have a bit of a greasy feel that lingers (just what a little one needs). My daughter giggles in delight each morning when I massage this moisturizer into her skin. My husband’s cracked hands are healing and the tight skin around my expanding belly feels a little more like its old self. I would definitely recommend this moisturizer to others and would love to gift it to my friends.

Why KSW loves it: The clean, citrusy smell and moisture trapping consistency. Once we started putting it on our hands, we could not stop. Also, I love the way it makes my toddler’s legs feel baby soft all over again.

Tip: We found this moisturizer works better as an all-day lotion, than an after bath lotion. You just won’t feel all the yumminess of this lotion if your skin was recently wet.

Product #2: Eco Baby Body Wash $10
If you knew my husband, you would really get an understanding of how terrific this baby wash is. To say he is a bit of a naysayer is an understatement. He also believes that all things “green” are a hoax. He judges all things to the same standards – HIS, and I assure you they are always high. Who better to evaluate a bath product for kids, right? Opportunity struck one weekend while my kids were in the tub and I was in the shower. Hubby popped in to see if he could lend a hand with the bathing process, so I asked him to soap up the kiddies. By the way, I mentioned, let me know what you think of the bath wash, I’m doing a review on it for the website. “Great”, his enthusiastic reply in an oh-so-condescending tone. Bath time came and went without squeals, obsessive crying or any toddler meltdowns. “So, what did you think of the bath wash”, I called out from the shower? This might be the greatest stuff ever, he replied just out of my line of sight. I stuck my head out assuming he was mocking me. “Really?” I said? Yeah, it’s great.

Why KSW loves it: Unlike most baby washes, this one is ultra thin. This makes it perfect for rinsing off toddlers and infants who do not like getting water in their eyes, ears, nose or mouth. They rinse clear in just seconds and smell delicious.

Product #3: Eco All Purpose Spray
I put this All-Purpose spray on the same level as the Clorox Anywhere Spray. It is green, mild and can be sprayed just about anywhere. I’ve used this a few times around the house so far, but I admit I am saving this for when the new baby comes. It will be great for wiping up the endless spills associated with newborns (spit-up, drool, and more)

Why KSW loves it: I am not afraid to spray my baby play-mats with it and then let my baby crawl around afterwards.

And now for the part you’ve all been waiting for … Melissa of EcoStore USA was gracious enough to give us a $25 Gift Card for one lucky KSW reader.  If you’d like to try $25 in fantastic eco-friendly products then just follow theses steps

Ways to Enter to Win a $25 EcoStore USA Gift Card

1. Leave a comment on this post stating how you’d spend your EcoStore USA Gift Card (Required – 1 Entry)

2. Tell your friends about this giveaway, if they mention your name in their comment you’ll get an extra entry (Optional – 1 Additional Entry per mention)

3. Tweet about this giveaway, be sure to add @steet to your tweet so I’ll be able to see it (Optional – 1 Additional Entry)

** Be sure to enter your email address so we’ll be able to contact you if you win **

Contest ends Sunday, 17 May 9pm CST

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Ways to Save: Eco Font

by Stacy on February 19, 2009

Ecofont Logo

According to SPRANQ creative communications (Utrecht, The Netherlands), your printer’s ink cartridges (or ink toner) could be lasting you longer. To prove their theory, SPRANQ developed their brainchild, the Ecofont.

The premise is simple really, they ran extensive tests to determine how much of a letter could be removed while still allowing it to be readable, the result ~ the super stylish EcoFont.

Ecofont

Why We Love It: You actually use less ink when printing, 20% less ink, in fact. You’re not only saving money, but you’re also conserving resources.

Free to download, free to use.
(Available for PC or Mac)

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Don’t forget your FREE stocking stuffers

by Stacy on December 19, 2008

One Day from Brighter Planet

There’s still time to claim these wonderful little stocking stuffers, Brighter Planet, has so graciously bestowed to us. To claim a stocking stuffer, simply click on the image to the left, enter the name of your giftee and your email address. Print out the certificate that goes along with your very green gift and tuck it into the stocking of someone special.

What does this certificate mean exactly? Glad you asked, these certificates are part of the One Day campaign – a wonderful attempt to “make up” for the pollution generated by one person each day. An individual who receives a certificate can rest easy knowing processes are in place to offset the amount of carbon they generated that day.

What’s One Day Worth?

The average American emits 136 pounds of carbon dioxide each day. About 36 pounds come from driving, flying, and other travel. Another 22 pounds come from heating, cooling, and powering our homes. The final 78 pounds come from producing, transporting, and disposing of all the stuff we buy, and from shared services like schools and street lights. 136 pounds would fill 5,000 balloons — imagine releasing that every day.

Think one day doesn’t matter? So far, KSW readers have signed up for 7 One Day gifts – the equivalent of taking 29 cars off of the road for one day. Help us triple these numbers by claiming your FREE gift today.

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