Green Speaks--5 Minutes for Going Green

Green Looks Good On Everyone

I'm excited to share with all of you the news of the launch of a brand new eco-friendly site that I know you will enjoy and want to just put in your pocket--it's that fabulous.  5 Minutes for Going Green is one of the brand new sister sites of 5 Minutes for Mom, and I'm proud to be the Managing Editor!  I have gathered a whole gaggle of fascinating and witty green writers to bring you fresh content every day.  We will cover everything from tips to keeping down your gas prices, to what inspires us to green our lives every day.  While you're there, be sure to check out the other sister sites, including 5 Minutes for Parenting, whose Managing Editor is our very own Steph from right here at Mama Speaks. 

At 5 Minutes for Going Green, we will bring the research, the humor and the insight to you, so you can take just a five minutes and see how simple it can be to clean up your home, your neighborhood and our world.

-Arianne 

a b sea

Sail Away

I have found the lap of luxury in baby wear and was actually tempted to keep it all to myself. But alas, I must share so that your babe can too be clothed in the most silky, soft goodness I’ve ever felt or seen. I am absolutely smitten with a b sea  and their all natural, organic baby clothing.   

The a b sea collection of Silkseas are washable silk which makes them naturally wrinkle-resistant, hypoallergenic, and weather-proof. Inspired by and resembling a day at the beach, a b sea dresses your little sailor in colors of sand, bay, buoy, and wave. The simplicity of the organic silk infant sac [$70] makes it the perfect first outfit for your newborn, and even includes a convenient opening for the car seat. The crew sweater and pants set [$78], available in sizes 3-24 months, is absolutely stunning in person- and I will be honest- it is worth every thread of its price.

All of a b sea's Silkseas have the sandcastle logo on back and a hand-designed embroidery up front, "drawn from life and tied into imagination." Each piece is as delicate as your baby, with the sweetest, most intricate stitching. I only wish there were more styles and sizes to choose from- and a week at a beach house to go with it!

Want it?
Get 10% off your entire purchase with code "Mama". Offer expires 08.01.08

-Steph

Green Speaks: Planet Green

We've all been seriously lacking in options for good tv lately.  Summer brings reality shows and not much else, but thankfully one channel has swooped in to rescue us all.

Planet Green, part of the Discovery channel family, is the first channel dedicated to all things green.  They have 24/7 show after show of teaching us all how to take another green step each day.  The "Living With Ed" show, the "G Word", each and every show offers a unique perspective and is wildly entertaining and informaticve.  My personal favorite show, "Supper Club" features funny man Tom Bergeron hosting a dinner that is prepared by a fabulous green chef using delectable local ingredients.  There are usually a few celebs (in hollywood and green-wood) to share in the feast and discuss all things green.  The guests rarely have the same viewpoint on any issue, so the conversation is inviting and the food to die for.

Go here to check your local listings to see if you can get Planet Green, and you will wonder how you survived all these years without this perfectly sustainable channel.

-Arianne 

MyChelle Dermaceuticals

Turning back the hands of time better than Cher

Rewind 10 years and I was blowing out the candles on my 21st birthday cake wishing for an all expense paid face lift when I should have been drinking now legally until I could no longer feel my face. Needless to say I did not appear to be aging well. I couldn’t blame this solely on a poor body image either, my husband often hinted around to it as well while we’d lay in bed together when he should have been whispering sweet nothings into my ear, he was often strumming my face wrinkles like a harp. Back off ladies, this smooth man is all mine.

I thought I was destined for a life of dragging my skin on the ground. I knew a good skin care routine plays an important role in the health and overall appearance (and firmness!) of our skin. But I did have a good routine, I was using good products. Or so I thought until MyChelle Dermaceuticals stepped in to show me just what a good skin care line really looked like. MyChelle provides an extensive line of products ranging from sun protection, lip and problematic skin conditions and everything in between. Better yet, none of MyChelle products contain those words we love to hate: parabens, phthalataes as well as a slew of other potentially harmful and toxic chemicals. Instead they are plant based and several products include organic ingredients and each one is animal cruelty-free. MyChelle fully discloses their list of ingredients and provides a glossary to help decipher any possible foreign ingredients.

That’s great and all but will it stop me from looking like a set of mini-blinds when I smile? Actually, yeah. I dove right in with the Deep Repair Cream [$29]. I found myself caressing my face throughout the day, this velvet-like complexion was new territory to me. I’ve since added the Fabulous Eye Cream [$29], Unscented Revitalizing Night Cream [$39] and Honeydew Cleanser [$10] to my daily routine all with equally impressive results. Because making the switch can be overwhelming and potentially damaging to your wallet as you try to find the right product for you, we recommend starting with the affordable MyChelle Sampler Box [$10] or their individual trial sizes.

Although in the last 10 years I’ve wised up and realized that every crease on my face was well earned, MyChelle showed me which of those lines really deserved to be there. And it’s not nearly as many as I once thought.

- Cara

Greenzer

My Wallet Just Got a Little Bit Emptier

I'm a big fan of shopping engines, because they do the work for me.  I don't have to search and search, all the cool items I'd ever need are right there at my fingertips.  But a green shopping engine?  Eco-friendly heaven.

Greenzer is the one place you can find green products to satisfy your need for stuff, without a huge impact on the planet and it's people.  The items are filtered and scored, based on their 4 criteria for green-ness.  Every category of your shopping needs is covered, and since Greenzer is still just getting it's feet off the ground, new products are being added to the database all the time.  There's no doubt that we live in a time on consumption, so the less impact on our air, earth, water and bodies--the better.

-Arianne

Me Go Green

Support Our Allies

As we go along on our journey to going a little bit greener with each step of our lives, one big way we can make a difference is by supporting green companies.  The only problem is that often there isn't one resource for finding these companies that are committed to low impact business.  Enter the MeGoGreen guide. If you live in the Chicago-land or Madison, WI areas (with more areas planned in the future) and are looking for companies to support that have gone green themselves, than this guide [$15] is your heaven.  Now only does it offer pages and pages of environmentally  friendly and healthy products and services, but it's also a nifty coupon guide offering thousands in discounts at the participating companies.

The MeGoGreen website also offers great resources for finding the green companies as well as an events calendar to keep the social schedule abuzz with all the latest shindig's going on locally in the green community.  You can pick up a guide from their website, or drop them a line if you want a MeGoGreen guide for your city.

Win it!
We're giving away 5 copies of the MeGoGreen guide Chicago to our readers! To enter email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with I Go Green as your subject and let us know what one thing you're working on to live a little greener. Giveaway ends 06.23.08

-Arianne

Green Speaks: Re-Thinking CFL's

Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL's) are becoming more and more mainstream, and have been proven to be energy and cost savers for some time now.  We even wrote about them here at Mama Speaks recently, and advocates are working to make them mandatory. There's just one hitch: the mercury. 

Upon first reading the information out there about the mercury contained in CFL's, one is led to believe that there's no problem, to simply "just dispose of it properly".  Well that's all fine and well, until you really look closely at the proper disposal of these little devils.  Hearing things like "shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system" and "if clothing or bedding materials come in contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb, the clothing or bedding should be thrown away", worry me.  First of all, because I highly doubt many people realize how toxic the CFL's are if they break in your home, secondly because I have big reservations of knowingly keeping something with this toxic potential in my home.  I have small children.  I have a baby.  Is the risk worth it?

There's no doubt that it's a predicament of epic proportions.  Reducing energy, which the CFL's do, will reduce electricity and thus lower the need for coal-burning power plants, which emit mercury by the ton.  However mercury is a known neurotoxin, which even in tiny microscopic amounts can harm brain cells in everyone, especially pregnant women, fetuses and children.  Do I really want the toxic potential in my home?  It's ironic that the EPA defends CFL's by comparing the amount of mercury in dental amalgams, when dental amalgams have recently been proven to be toxic.

And what about the millions of people who likely have not researched proper disposal, and are simply throwing their CFL's into the garbage?  How bad the toxicity depends on where the CFL breaks.  Sitting out by the curb--the air and soil in my neighborhood, in the garbage truck--the workers themselves, in the landfill--the air and streams that affect millions of other people.  And I have to wonder, even if everyone was using CFL's, would the electricity plants really be shut down?  Even reading the government's Energy Star page on CFL's, you wouldn't even know about the warnings on disposal and toxicity unless you notice a tiny link on the right that reads "CFL's and Mercury".  Are environmentalists being uncharacteristically pro-mercury on this issue?

If you do decide to throw caution to the wind and stay on the CFL bandwagon, I urge you to fully read the guidelines for disposal and what to do if a CFL breaks in your home.  It's extensive, and you won't have time to research it after the fact.  Read the CFL-Mercury document from the EPA to get the full story, be sure to keep reading past their tireless effort to tell you that the mercury is a small amount and won't hurt you.

Our family has decided that the risk is not worth it in our home, and we wait for a better alternative to be created, because we DO want an alternative.  As I gather the CFL's and put them in a box in the garage until we can make the 4hr trip to the closest disposal site, I wonder how many other families do such a thing.  I think I won't be taking any more walks on Sunday evening when all my neighbors have their trash and recyclables on the curb.

-Arianne   

Green Our Vaccines

Questioning the Sacred Cow of Medicine

On Wednesday the autism community is rallying their troops and heading to Washington D.C to storm the streets, the Capital and the Washington Monument Grounds.  The Green Our Vaccines rally will include thousands upon thousands of parents, friends, professionals, and more in what will be the biggest demonstration in the history of the autism/vaccine controversy.  The mission: to bring national attention and legislative action to the dire situation of vaccine safety (or lack thereof). The extensive list of toxic ingredients, the "too much, too soon" problem and the lack of real informed consent has made parents around the Country unable to keep quiet any longer about the growing number of vaccine injured children. 

Go to Talk About Curing Autism to read more and watch a video from Jenny McCarthy talking about the rally.  If you're in the D.C. area, please join us as we join the march and give countless children a voice that will be louder than words.

-Arianne

Minusbags

Subtracting From the Landfill, One Bag at a Time

There is nothing that excites us more than seeing reusable bags become all the rage. (ok, so maybe there are some things, but this is really exciting!) You've of course seen us cover many bags here, but it's amazing to actually see them in use when we're out and about. I was so happy to see that even our tiny, local, behind the times grocer recently added a stack of branded reusable bags for sale near the checkout lanes. Unfortunately, places like that miss the boat a bit. Sure they're cheap but their shopping totes are big enough to hold a few apples and are, well, I'll just say it- they are U-G-L-Y. If I thought those were my only option I'd be reaching for those plastic bags too.

But wait right there, because Minusbags ($16) are to the rescue! These simple, stylish and sturdy totes are made of 100% cotton and are some of the roomiest we've seen. You'll find rich solid colors, emblazoned with simple circle "fruit" graphics and you can choose a bag with a 13 inch handle to grasp in your hand (guys) or a 22 inch handle perfect for slinging over your shoulder (we definitely recommend this). Large enough to hold 2 or 3 plastic bags full of groceries these will not only minimize waste, but minimize what you have to carry. Because lets face it, even us die hard reusable baggers don't like hitting up the supermarket with 20 bags in tow.

If that's not enough for you to head on over and load up your (virtual) shopping cart, keep in mind that using one Minusbag for a year will eliminate over 300 plastic bags from the waste stream. Your ONE bag, takes out over 300! We're sold. And now we're off to our summer's first farmer's market, Minusbags in hand.

Want it?
Buy 3 bags and get your 4th free. Just buy 3 and enter your fourth bag choice in the comments section at checkout.

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Walt Disney World's Greeniess

Put On Your Green Ears

I admit I was apprehensive about a recent trip to Disney World. I'd never been before and had only assumed it was all about consuming and waste and money and commercialism. And that's just not what I'm about. I did pack my reusable bags, considered offsetting my carbon miles, and hoped for the best...

Imagine my pleasant surprise when fresh off the plane I learned that one third of Disney World's 40 mile expanse is preserved as a wildlife conservation area that will never be touched or developed. Recycling plays a huge part in waste management at Walt Disney World, thanks to a passion of Mr. Walt Disney himself. From underground sorting systems to the bags and notes to guests in their hotel rooms being encouraged to recycle during their stay. Even Cinderella's Castle glows "green" during the holidays with more than 170,000 LED white lights to glisten the Castle.

If greener eating is important to you, the healthy options available at most every restaurant and snack stand are sure to please. It was so refreshing to find an apple available while visiting the Magic Kingdom one morning. Sure, they were in a basket next to bags of chips and cheetos, but the option was there!

I've heard the "oh, you're on vacation" thing, but frankly I don't think just because you are on vacation means you should stop caring about the environment. And if the over 16 million Disney visitors per year adopted the same mentality, how sad that would be. We know that every little bit counts. So recycling and going green even when you're on holiday totally helps our not-so-small world afterall.

-Steph

Going Green

We're off to Chicago's Green Fest today and hope to return with a wealth of info, products and brand new tips for you!

If you're there, give us a tweet and if you live in Washington D.C. or San Francisco Green Festival is still coming your way, so be sure to check it out.

In the meantime you'll find some little green gems from Mama Speaks past here, and Ideal Bite's this way.

Green Toys

We're Going Green! And Plastic?

Before our babe was even born my husband and I vowed to keep our toy purchases tame. No flashing lights or crazy sounds, just simple open ended fun. In that vein, we try to stick to wooden toys whenever possible. While it's almost always possible to find a wooden alternative there are certain toys that, as much as I cringe to say it, work better when plastic. And as summer approaches I'm running into that group of playthings more and more.

The almighty sand bucket and it's shovel, sifter, rake cohorts are ALWAYS plastic. Cheap, flimsy, painted, foreign plastic. Ok, so I have seen a sand set or two featuring metal tipped, wood handled tools, but I'm not alright with possible weapons mixed with toddler impulse control. Definitely not ok with that. If you're with me, I am happy to report that FINALLY we have found a Sand Play Set that while plastic, is safe, and green and local!

Enter Green Toys (swooning goes here), all of their products are made in California, USA from recycled plastic milk jugs. So you drink and toss, they grab and reprocess that bulk of HDPE (high-density polyethylene - considered one of the cleanest, safest plastics around) into amazingly cool play things. The current line up of Sand, Tea, Cooking and Dining Sets and Indoor Gardening kit [$20-$40] are all made with out ANY traces of Phthalates or BPA and there is no exterior paint or coating eliminating lead worries. Of course a company this amazing also thinks about how the product gets to you. As a result, all toys are packaged in corrugated cardboard that is 100% recyclable and free from any plastics, ties or cellophane.  I should also add that these aren't flimsy throw aways, our sand bucket is one of the thickest I've come across and the shovel is sturdy enough to stand up to some serious hard labor, err, sand castle-ing.

So, the next time one of the relatives insists that plastic toys are just fine, because you sucked on them for years and turned out ok, you can agree and then give them a nice little intro to Green.

Win it!
We're giving away one Green Toys set of winners choosing. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com, with Green Toys as your subject. Let us know which is your favorite and get it in by midnight April 30.

Earth Day 2008: Simply Green

What is Earth Day? 
Earth Day broadens the base of support for environmental programs, rekindles public commitment and builds community activism around the world through a broad range of events and activities.  Since the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, Earth Day has been an annual event for people around the world to celebrate the earth and renew our commitment to building a safer, healthier and cleaner world for us all.

Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a half billion people participate in Earth Day Network campaigns every year, and we at Mama Speaks are thrilled to give you our take on this massively important day.

Where to begin?

The first place to start bringing the heart and soul of Earth Day back to your family is by taking an overview of your lifestyle. Author Sophie Uliano has written the book Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly LIfe to help with just that--lifestyle change.  Gorgeously Green is practically the bible on green living for women who are new or veteran to the eco-conscious way of living.  You'll find ideas for your beauty, body and bungalow, and that's just scratching the surface.  There's a handy checklist to see where you fall in your green living ways that is very helpful in really evaluating what you can and cannot change.  I love Sophie's commitment to "simple", as I have a hard time committing to green principles that aren't also simple.  The book is full of ideas and resources, and I think that it's a must-have for new eco moms-in-training.

Want to get in on the action?

There are many ways you can get involved. Volunteer. Go to a festival. Install solar panels on your roof. Organize an event where you live. Change a habit. Help launch a community garden. Communicate your priorities to your elected representatives. The possibilities are endless! Do something nice for the earth, have fun, meet new people, and make a difference.  You can go here to see the Earth Day 2008 Calendar (even though a lot of events were held over the weekend, there are still plenty of things to attend, so be sure to check it out!) and find out where to head first.  Also, the peeps at We Add Up are starting a revolution of awareness with the idea that "no one can do everything, but everyone can do something". Using organic cotton tees, they've come up with a fun and immediate way for each of us to get "counted" in the fight for our Earth.  Go to Wee Add Up to get your own number hand printed on a tee, or on a tote saying "Neither" (as in, "Paper or plastic?  Neither."), and help show the world that each of our choices really do add up.

A fun and easy change to make at home is getting rid of the plastic bags.  We are a big fan of reusable bags, having reviewed several here at Mama Speaks.  The latest we've added to our reusable family is Hero Bags. Not only are they made from recycled cotton and come in a large and medium sizes [$15-17], Hero Bags has also come out with a kicky little Mini Hero [$16.50] that you are sure to find irresistible.  Perfect as a lunch bag, the Mini Hero also became the perfect reusable companion for my kids while we're out and about.  I swoon over Hero Bags' simple and funky angel wing logo, and have happily added them to our growing collection.

We all know that breast is best for it's health benefits and it's the most environmentally sound as well. But if you're reaching for a bottle we have one safe and sound for you. With all the fuss in the news about toxic plastics, it's a good idea to focus on which plastic products we CAN bring home to the kids.  Green To Grow has come out with a line of BPA-free plastic baby bottles [$8-11] that are as cute as they are healthy.  Made from PES plastic, these bottles have a natural golden color to them that we simply love.  We work to make sure what's going into our babies is safe, so it's important to take that concept all the way and ensure a safe bottle to boot.

Not only is it crucial what we put IN our bodies, but also what we put ON our bodies.  Most of the creams, body butters and lotions on the market today are full of chemically laden fragrances, a disturbing amount of alcohol, and many other frightening and unnecessary fillers.  We're big fans of all natural body skin care that actually works, and one of our favorite's can be found on Etsy.  FlipFlopMamma has created her own perfect blend of ingredients to make some seriously soft and delicious body creams.  My favorite, the cookie dough scented Bee Good To Your Body Butter [$12.50] leaves me in a predicament of whether or not to eat it or put it on my skin.

As you can tell, we really care about your health and the health of our planet, which is why we review scores of green products and run weekly green speak features to give you the low down on what's good and what's not.  Also, our friends at Ideal Bite offer fresh, down to Earth green living ideas in "bite-size" servings--right in your inbox.  You'll love the easy and simple ways they think of to explain and encourage us all to live healthy and guilt-free.  Go here to sign up for their daily newsletter.

Enjoy Earth day, and remember that even one change can make a difference!

Want it?
15% off with Green to Grow with code mamaspeaks.
20% off the Mini Hero tote with code mamaspeaks.
10% at We Add Up with code earthday.

Win it!
We're giving away Bee Good to Your Body Butter, a We Add Up tee, and a copy of Gorgeously Green! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Earth Day as your subject. Let us know which prize you'd like and share on thing your family is doing to be a little more green this year, you may enter up to 3 times, once for each prize. Giveaway ends April 22.

-Arianne

Compact Flourescent Lights

Fluorescent Precautions

It's not news that compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs are saving energy all over the place.  They use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, and last 10 times longer.  While they are a little more pricey than their hot counterparts (incandescents), CFL's are a quick return on the investment. 

All this is good news, so what's the problem?  Are CFL's not the panacea we had hoped they were?  It turns out that CFL's have a small amount of mercury in them, which is the reason they last so long.  Being a mom of boys with autism, I hear the word mercury and I want to run the other way. However,  it turns out that it is a smaller amount than the mercury put out into the environment when a incandescent bulb, and the mercury is only an issue when the bulb breaks.  What we need to do is simply make sure the bulbs are not placed in areas where they are more easily broken, and never put in an area over carpeting.  If broken, the bulb should not be vacuumed, but instead swept up and sealed inside a couple plastic bags and taken to the nearest recycling center that accepts CFL's.  You can click here to find the nearest location, and click here to read more FAQ's about CFL's (including more tips on getting rid of them).  If you're careful, and don't start a career as a CFL juggling clown, CFL's are still the best choice for your wallet and for the Earth.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

LEEDing the Way

When most of us think about air pollution, the first thing that likely comes to mind is automobiles.  We've heard all about the smog, the inefficiency of the cars themselves (thereby using up uber-amounts of gas) and the the massive amount of gross-ness the factories put out into the air for us to breathe.  But what if I told you the auto industry is actually not the number one offender?  The biggest offenders of CO2 emissions are in fact buildings. Namely--old buildings, and in our fight against a polluted planet we have to look at the current structures that are day by day spewing the black lung into the air, as well as ensure new structures and materials are riding the green wave.  What are our options?

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a universal rating system to certify buildings, materials, and resources as being green.  LEED buildings have 30-40% less CO2 emissions than autos, which is staggering.  LEED's website has a plethora of services and materials that are LEED certified, so be sure to check out if your home materials are safe, and also peruse the FAQ's to see how you can join in on the movement to LEED.

-Arianne

Paint By Letter's - NO VOC

As our country starts to get a clue and green things up a bit you may have heard the term VOC pop up a time or two. But what exactly is a VOC and what the heck does it mean for you? To give you the short of things VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) are nasty little chemicals lurking all over your house. We'll let you dive in a little deeper to the science speak on your own if you'd like, but you should know that they are released by things like carpet and paint contributing to the fact that our air indoors is generally 2 to 5 times more polluted than that outside.

Once the chemicals are in the air, we breath them in and that's where things get scary. In addition to causing annoying issues such as eye, nose and throat irritation, VOC's can also cause memory loss and are known to cause cancer in humans and animals alike. Not quite the environment we'd like to to house our healthy family.

So, what can you do to make a difference within your four walls? We can all easily start with the paint we slap on them. Many mainstream paint suppliers are coming out with "green", low or no VOC paints these days (just be sure to read the fine print) but since we like to stick to the smaller guys, we've found some amazing options for adding a little color to your space without bringing home the funk.

Bioshield Kinder Paints [$40 gallon] - Created with baby in mind this line of premixed, ready to use, chalk based paint is perfect for any nursery or play space. With a cake batter texture it takes some time to get the application down, but once you get in your groove you'll be rolling away. All ten muted colors are available in a flat sheen, but don't worry, we've had no problem wiping sticky fingers prints and a pint-sized Picasso remnant away.

Milk Paint's SafePaint [$46 gallon] - Reminiscent of the way paint used to be. This powder based paint is as green as it gets- non-toxic with zero VOC's. A bit of elbow grease is required as you'll have to mix up powder with water at high speeds, but just think of the packaging and extra transport saved by leaving the water before it reaches you.

Safecoat Zero VOC [$36 gallon] - Available in flat, eggshell and satin finishes this gorgeous green paint in the closest to conventional. Smooth application, very low odor on application and no odor at all upon drying. Plus it's LEED Qualified so you know you're getting a product that stands up to it's claims.

blueHouse

Mi Casa, Blue Casa

Call me a lucky mama, but Baltimore has some really great shops sprinkled throughout this fine city.  One of my favorites, residing just outside of Fell’s Point, is Bluehouse, which is not just a store, it’s a lifestyle. And not just any lifestyle, but a sustainable lifestyle we should all strive to obtain.  That aside, it’s a darn fun place to shop.

Bluehouse is another full service destination shop, stocking everything organic, recycled, sustainable or fairly traded for you, your home and your babies whether human or animal.  And with their full café menu and free wi-fi, it has quickly become one of my favorite escapes.   The selection at Bluehouse is vast but not overwhelming.  They have everything from major pieces of furniture to recycled pet beds and everything in between.  One of my son’s favorite gifts from Santa this year was discovered in this enormous safe shopping haven, the Earth Wagon by Radio Flyer.  For you newly child, this is a great place to start your baby off on the right foot with their selection of natural body care and organic attire and accessories from designers like Salvor Fauna.

There really is too much to list here but if you are out for eco-friendly needs or just a good time, Bluehouse can meet both desires.  Like their selection of Earth, and people, friendly goodies, Bluehouse itself practices what they preach from their fresh and natural café ingredients to their low-VOC paint and recycled or sustainable materials used in their own store renovation. They may be Bluehouse but they are making my life more green.  Being within driving distance of such a fine establishment does make me lucky but don’t be jealous, many of their products can be purchased directly from their website. So we can all enjoy the pleasure of shopping Bluehouse (even on those days I can’t convince myself to shed my pajamas.)

- Cara

 

Re-think Reusables

The word is getting out about the fact that we as Earth citizens (you Martians are totally exempt) need to gather together to consider how we are consuming up our planet at a rapid pace.  If you think about how all those little trips to Starbucks or the Sprinkles cupcake shop can add up and take a toll on your wallet and your thighs, you know that every little thing each of us can do to clean up around this world can--and will--make a difference.

Since we weren't created with more than two arms to carry things (I envy you, Henry the Octopus), bags are a necessity for anything from regular grocery shopping to the impulse buys we make throughout the week. Every time we shop, we come home with yet another plastic bag made of petroleum that will never go away (biodegrade) and will likely end up killing marine life somehow, somewhere.  I wish I was being over dramatic or making this stuff up, but I'm not that slick.  The stats don't lie:  it is estimated that there are 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags consumed and discarded annually worldwide--that's over 1 million per minute.  Yes, it's that bad.  What's worse, 96% of these bags end up in landfills where they will never, ever go away since they're made of petroleum.  That same petroleum kills off birds and sea mammals who mistaken the shiny, slippery pieces of doom for food.  If you think you're helping out by saying "paper" instead of "plastic", think again.  It actually takes more energy and creates more pollution to manufacture the paper bags.  Let's not discuss the loss of the magnificent trees, because this is beginning to be a sad and scary pile-on.  All in the name of convenience.

Thankfully, there are plenty of companies out there providing other options for bags, and we're able to reuse to our every mood swing and daily whim. We've reviewed a couple brands before, and now we've tried out a few more that have also obtained the Mama Speaks seal of approval.  For the bag you'll want to keep in your purse for those impromptu shopping trips or when a friend wants to hand over a bunch of apples or some clothes for the kids, Reisenthel is a great choice.  Their Mini Maxi L [$10] shopper looks like a nylon/polyester version of your typical plastic grocery bag, but bigger.  It easily rolls up into a tiny carrying case for keeping in your purse or diaper bag.  It also comes in eleventy-thousand colors, so any taste and style can find a home with these bags. 

Next up is Skeeda [$15], whose cotton, sturdy bags are that perfect shape for the farmers market or any larger shopping trip.  They are wide, just-right-deep, and light as can be.  A great item to stash in your car, and unless your purse is tiny, they'll fit in there too.  Skeeda carries plenty of preppy and funky colors, so take a gander at all the options. 

Lastly we come to Get Hip Get Green.  Their flat bottom style is perfect for groceries, and at a price you can't beat [$6], and more you buy the more you save, it's my go-to bag for those big shopping days when I'm tempted to forego the reusables just on account of ALL THE FOOD.  A portion of their sales goes towards a charity helping to educate kids on going green and cleaning up the planet, so you get much more for you money than just a rockin' bag. The hardest part in reusables is remembering to take them with you, so making a habit of keeping one in your purse, and your grocery ones in your trunk is the best way to make this lifestyle change.  It might be an investment at first, but you can use these bags for much more than shopping--think about bringing things to parties, going to the beach (if only!) or when traveling.  Getting a cute bag AND helping the planet is a combo we can all get behind.   

Want it?
$5 off an order of two or more bags with the coupon code MAMA at Skeeda.

-Arianne

Junk Mail No More

In our efforts to green things up this year, we've noticed that one of our biggest contributors of waste comes via the mailbox. While we're all for a handwritten letter or a surprise care package, we get way too much unsolicited junk that goes straight up the stairs into the recycling bin. From direct mailings, catalogs that we haven't looked at in years, or billing statements that we view online anyway it all adds up to a big waste.

Some quick facts that leave us feeling junky:

• Each American receives over 500 pieces of junk mail each year. (which adds up to a number that looks something like this- 184,800,000,000)
• More than 100 million trees loose thier lives to junk mail each year
• We all waste about 8 hours a year dealing with junk mail

So how do you make it all go away?

You can start by going online or contacting all those lovely places that send you legitimate bills each month and sign up for paperless statements. Many places even offer rewards if you decide to save them the cost of printing and mailing. (just be sure to read the fine print)

When it comes to the the junk, services have sprouted up everywhere to help you to declutter your mailbox-

GreenDimes - This is a pay service but for $20 they promise to eliminate up to 90% of your junkmail and plant 10 trees on your behalf

DirectMail.com - A free, national do-not mail list.

OptOutPrescreen - Say goodbye to pre-approved credit card offers for good.

Need more info? Check out Native Forest Network's Guide to Stopping Junk Mail.

Win it!
We'll give the gift of GreenDimes to one reader! To enter just email us, giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Junk Free as your subject. Giveaway ends February 13 at midnight.

Recycling 102

Unless you live in boondocks you're probably have an easy breezy recycling system in your city or town. But it can be a little difficult to figure out just what to toss and what can be tossed in the recycling. Here are some help full tips as to what can be recycled and a few tid bits that will help the trash man love you a little more.

My mom was over for dinner one night and yelled at me as I was tearing the labels off my cans and scrubbing them clean. "You don't have to do that!" Really?  She was right...

• Feel free to leave your labels on bottles and cans and no need to wash them clean just dump the food.
• Try to keep your glass bottles and jars intact, no one wants to sort through a pile of broken glass.
• Almost all metal containers on your grocery list including clean aluminum foil can go right in your bin
  
• Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, photocopies, shoe boxes, envelopes are all recyclable

Things get a little trickier in the land o' plastic- Check with your local sanitation dept. to see what they accept. Here's the rundown.

• Plastics #1-#2  are recyclable in most areas. Usually found in 2-liter and detergent bottles, milk jugs and food containers.
• Plastics #3-#7 are more difficult to recycle, they are found in Styrofoam, pipes, shrink wrap, padded envelopes, trash liners and more.

Grocery bags bags are a garbage nightmare. You usually can't put them out with the rest of your stuff but many supermarkets have in store recycling. Be sure to reuse them yourself or ditch them all together and bring your own.

Poison Plastic - Green Speak and Eco Friendly

In addition to all the lead paint woe's of late, that plastic still lurking in some of our playrooms has us Mama's all riled up. Some plastics are safer than others, but surprisingly the most hazardous plastic of all, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is still finding it's way into toys and gear all over the place.

PVC, also know as the poison plastic, is a danger from the moment it's created, and continues to plague us while in our homes and in our trash by releasing chemicals such as mercury, dioxins, and phthalates, which may pose irreversible life-long health threats such as cancer and birth defects. 

So, where is PVC found? EVERYWHERE! In addition to toys you will find PVC in bottles, strollers, utensils, shower curtains, mattress covers, diaper covers, and more products than we could ever list here. Be on the look out for recyclable plastic #3 and plastic products marked with a "V" as both are indicators of PVC.

What's a mama to do?! Once you read over the list of products you will see the how daunting it would be to completely rid one's home of PVC, but it is possible. And thankfully affordable PVC alternatives are popping up all over the place and a huge help in taking that first step in our home is keeping the kids safe.

While the EU banned completely banned the use of use of PVC in children's products in 2005, aside from agreeing to remove  two phthalates from PVC rattles, teethers, pacifiers and baby bottle nipples in 1998, the US is seriously lacking in legislation to protect us from this plastic.

Keep in mind that if a product stinks (literally) it probably does stink and isn't safe. Our archives are full of PVC-free safe products and of course there are more on the way.

Helpful links:
Smart Plastics Guide
Greenpeace Go PVC Free
PVC Toy Report Card (2003)

Green House 2008

Politics. One conversation you're probably avoiding like the plague at this weeks playgroup. Nevertheless, we have to dive in and see who stands where we stand and where our vote is best suited to whip this country of ours into shape. Among the hard hitting issues of foreign policy and domestic health our environment is high on the agenda this year. And while I personally think saving our planet starts well before the presidential level, decisions Mr. (or Mrs.) President makes can have a drastic impact on the state of things.

Grist, a snarky little environmental gem of a website, has a handy chart comparing where everyone stands on all issues environmental. Complete info is not readily available for every candidate out there, but you'll get the idea, it's a great place to start.

Green Piece of Mind

It seems we're all trying to live a little greener this year, but it's hard to know where to start. Do you switch to organic food, homeopathic remedies or detoxify your home? Here are some wonderful websites that will help you evaluate your family's environment-

AIRNow:  Rates air quality/ozone levels. Has an option to send a free email when air quality is questionable.

Beyond Pesticides: Great news source. Also has info on each state's pesticide policies.

Children's Health Environmental Coalition: Info on children's vulnerability to chemicals. "Virtual House" allow you to click items in the home for information about potential unhealthy exposures

National Lead Information Center Brochure: Info on professional lead testing and resources in your state

National Library of Medicine's Tox Town: An introduction to toxic chemicals and environmental health risks you might encounter in everyday life, in everyday places.

National Vaccine Information Center: Non-profit dedicated to preventing vaccine injuries and deaths through public education and defending the right to informed consent to vaccination.

National Safety Council's Radon Page: Info on Radon hazards, contacts for questions and coupon for a home test kit.

Safe Water: Drinking water quality reports.

Skin Deep: News and safety ratings of popular health and beauty products.

Toxic Release Inventory: Lists companies in your area that have reported the release of toxic emissions to the EPA and bodies of water affected. Links to state specific websites.

Green Up Gift Giving

We'll each give and receive our weight in gifts this season and unfortunately with that come a lot of waste. Even when you take a products own wasteful packaging out of the equation, discarded wrapping paper, ribbon, bows and boxes add up fast. American's spend $2.7 billion (yes, you read that right!) on ribbon, paper and bows annually, and our trash output increases by 25% over the holidays, adding up to 25 million extra tons of trash going to landfill. If that ain't wasteful I don't know what is.

You can can start with things you already know we're big fans of here at Mama Speaks, simply bringing along your own shopping bags and precycling will go a long way. When it comes to making presents pretty, use what you already have laying around- newspaper, brown paper bags, fabric scraps and even old cereal boxes, can make for really pretty packaging. I also love making the "wrapping" part of the present. Baby gifts can be wrapped up in a receiving blanket and secured with diaper pins or a pile of presents for a college student or new home owner can stashed in a stylish laundry tote.

And if you just, must wrap- for the love of ribbon, go recycled.

Winterize, Yo.

As the outside temps are falling quickly, and we find ourselves lighting fires in our fireplaces, revving up the furnaces and opting to stay indoors, it’s important to make sure our homes are in tip top shape to carry us through the winter.  Since we at Mama Speaks want you to be funky and not in a funk, we’ve compiled some of the best winterizing tips from around the web to save you some money and save the Earth some grief.

A Good Seal (sorry, not the singer)--If you add up all the hidden air leaks in your home, they can equal a hole the size of an open window — and can lead to higher energy bills by allowing heat to escape and causing your system to work harder to keep you comfortable. This makes home sealing one of the first and most important steps you can take to reduce home energy costs year-round. Sealing air leaks and adding insulation-paying special attention to your attic and basement, where the biggest gaps and cracks are often found-will keep warm air inside where it belongs and help your equipment perform more efficiently. Weather-strip any doors or windows. A tight seal means low energy bills. Do it yourself or hire a contractor.  I’m thinking option B!

Check It--Dirt and neglect are the number one causes of heating and cooling system failure (as this mama can attest, since our furnace broke the first time we turned it on this winter--good times). Equipment maintenance is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your heating system at peak performance. Schedule a fall check-up of your heating system with a licensed contractor. Also, clean or change your system's air filter once a month to prevent increased energy costs and system failure.  Finally, assess your snow removal equipment. Is it in working condition? Do you need to replace a shovel, buy a pick or invest in a new bag of salt? Stock up now and breathe easy when storm season hits.

Energy is a Star--Look for the ENERGY STAR when purchasing new products for your home. Found on more than 50 types of products from heating and cooling equipment, appliances, electronics, and lighting to windows and new homes, the ENERGY STAR means you are getting the most energy-efficient product that will not only save money on energy bills, but also help protect our environment.

Be a Fan of Fans--Even in the winter your ceiling fan can help improve your comfort. Most fans have a switch which allows you to reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan at low speed in the clockwise direction. This produces a gentle updraft, which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space.  Fans more=Furnace less=Happy planet.

Gut Your Gutters--Once the leaves fall, remove them and other debris from your home's gutters -- by hand, by scraper or spatula, and finally by a good hose rinse -- so that winter's rain and melting snow can drain. Clogged drains can form ice dams, in which water backs up, freezes and causes water to seep into the house, the Insurance Information Institute says. As you're hosing out your gutters, look for leaks and misaligned pipes. Also, make sure the downspouts are carrying water away from the house's foundation, where it could cause flooding or other water damage.

For more information on improving your home's overall heating and cooling efficiency (or just to play with some really cool graphics): Go to the home interactive tool HERE, which provides energy-efficient home improvement ideas and energy saving tips and advice for your entire home.

Happy Efficient Winter!

-Arianne

Wish Lists

Ask and You Shall Receive

Whether we like to admit it or not Christmas in this country is all about the gifts. We shop until we drop in hopes of finding those perfect gifts for the one's we love and then we shop some more. While we'd like to tell you to shelve the gift giving and give your time and money to another cause (some great ideas coming soon!) we know that's not realistic for everyone. So, instead of risking it with those inevitable gifts that flop and go to waste (we used to have the ugly sweater of the year award in my family), why not just ask for what you want.

We do it with baby shower's, weddings and housewarmings, why not extend the idea registering for your gifts to birthday's and Christmas too? Just think of how much fun you had making that list as a kid. By going digital you're saving paper and you have the power to chose gifts that are good for your family, from companies that are good for the planet and you might even be able to sneak on a charitable donation or two. And just think of how much easier shopping will be!

Sure, you'll probably still get that one annual gift of horror (which we know you'll find a worthy home for) but hopefully this will free up some time and energy to focus on what these Holiday's are really about.

Our top three:

WishList.com - The leader in the pack, Wish List makes it easy to add your wishes in a variety of formats. You can shop their store, or our favorite, bookmark a button that helps you add items from ANY website just by clicking on the goods. You can even snap a picture with your camera phone and email it to your account.

Wish list at Amazon.com - One of our favorite one stop shops makes it easy to add and share the items of your dreams. The only downside here is that you can only add items available from Amazon and affiliates, which really isn't a downturn since they carry just about everything on the planet.

BoxedUp.com - Part shopping wishlist, part social networking. You can create your wishlists here and see who has the same taste. You might love it, but this site would probably leave Grandma scratching her head.

Win it!
$50 at Amazon would definitely help get my holiday shopping started, how about you? Yes? Ok, then, just send an email to reviews[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight November 12 with Amazon as you subject and let us know what's #1 on your wishlist this year, we'll happily help one winner get their shopping started.

Image courtesy of Veer

Big Dipper Wax Works

Bee Charmer

‘Tis the season for candles, and I am always cautious about which ones to burn in my home. Just like household chemicals and, ahem, toys… we need to be aware of toxic ingredients in our breathing space. That candle may match your decor or smell yummy in the jar, but just what is in it?

Big Dipper Wax Works brings back the pretty candles and makes them safe, as they are made from 100% beeswax, a natural & non-toxic renewable resource. Other benefits of beeswax are its exceptionally long burning time and the release of negative ions which improve air quality. Just like rainstorms and seashores, it will eliminate pollutants and allergens from the air that we breathe. All that in just a candle!

Every nose will find pleasure in the wide array of scents available at Big Dipper Wax Works. Lighten up your table’s centerpiece this holiday season with the Lotus or Rosette floating candles [$8.50]. The Pine, Spice, & Mint Beehive Glasses [$14] are certain to get your Fa la la on.

If reducing the stress of the season is more on your list, revive your spirit with the Aromatherapy line. My personal favorite is the Lavender-Geranium Beehive Glass [$14]. It’s beautifully packaged and deliciously scented, and I will take all the balance and relaxation I can get. The passion arousing Patchouli-Cassia will be your extra dose of mistletoe this Christmas, and Harmony or Enlightenmint just might save your sanity when the in-laws come for a holiday visit.

Win it!

We have a gift pack of natural beeswax candles and a little aromatherapy for one lucky reader! Just send an email to reviews[@]mamaspeaks.com by midnight November 10 with Bee as your subject and let us know what year the idea for Big Dipper stung the man in charge.

-Steph

Happy Heiny's Diapers

The Happiest Heiny on the Block

After almost 2 years I feel like I'm finally getting a grasp on this cloth diapering thing. Of course I would now that my son is nearly through with them. I started out pretty primitive with prefolds and covers, but it seems that with every new line I try, these things just keep on getting better!

Not new on the market, but new in my house are Happy Heiny's, and they live up to their name! The custom milled fleece makes for the softest diaper I've ever touched and it remains just as snuggly wash, after wash, after wash. Their nappies also don't have leg casings which means no irritating red marks on those chubby little thighs.

Our current favorite is the pocket diaper (which comes in black and a skull print I might add) but that might change with Happy Heiny's new one sized diaper on the scene. The series of snaps and cross over tabs allow one diaper to easily grow with your babe from birth on up to 35 pounds. Seriously, it's like magic.

What we love best is that while Happy Heiny's are one of the largest manufacturers of the modern reusable diaper all of their diapers are made in the US by Mama's working from home. Knowing that I'm supporting Mama's like me, taking it easy on the environment and making at least one little heiny happier is just enough to make my day.

Win it!
We have a Happy Heiny's Pocket Diaper (neutral yellow, size large) for one of you to try! To enter, email review[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight November 09 with Happy Heiny's as your subject.

Little Table Full of Grace

There is something insanely cute about my 2 1/2 foot tall offspring sitting at our dining table. From his legs dangling in the enormous chair  to his eyes just barely peeking over the table top, it seriously makes me smile. Unfortunately, it makes him crazy.

He used to ask to sit at the big table, in a big chair to "do art" and practice puzzles, but would get frustrated after a few minutes. (I can only assume that was the time it took his arms to fall asleep from reaching over his head.) And so he'd get down and unabashedly wonder aloud where his table was. Hint, Hint, Mama!

The Grace Table by designer extraordinare (and Mama) Jennifer DeLonge perfectly fits the bill for both of us. The clean lines and muted, yet lively, colors meld beautifully with our existing decor and the formaldehyde free wood and low VOC paint won't infringe on a happy healthy home.

Toddlers and preschoolers will love having their own space for projects, play or snack time and it's big enough to comfortably sit four with no boundary wars. The matching stools (sold separately, $59 each) are sturdy enough for Mom or Dad to join the little ones and they'll slide underneath the table when not in use cutting down on stubbed toes.

At $299 this table may not work for all budgets, but if you remind yourself that it's a real piece of furniture and will double as the perfect coffee table when the kids out grow it, it's sort of a steal. In the meantime, you'll be begging to sit at the kiddie table.

Mama Speaks readers can get 20% off your purchase with code "mamaspeaks"!

Blog Action Day: Environment

One day of the year bloggers unite to focus on one topic concerning us all. This year's theme is Environment.

A simple topic yet so far reaching it is at the core of many things we do. As Mama's we must think not only how our actions affect our environment today, but how what we leave behind will affect our children. We encourage you today to begin taking a closer look at your daily impact on the earth and to reevaluate how you are teaching your children to show love and respect for the world around them.

And in case you need a jump start, here are some simple things you can do to live a little bit greener...
Cycle
Go organic
Beautify
Clean up

If you need some more ideas or are looking for some earth friendly products, be sure to check out our Green Speak and Eco Friendly section.

Imagine and Play

Imagine a world where toys sparked creativity instead of only promising to make your baby a genius by the time they are 6 months old.  And imagine a world where toys weren’t detrimental to Mother Earth or our children by being laced with lead paint.  Thankfully, ImagiPLAY didn’t only imagine it, but they made it happen.

ImagiPLAY is probably best known for their Giant Building Blocks. What may not be known is these classics are made from at least 50% recycled cardboard in the USA. But ImagiPLAY’s selection goes beyond cardboard and each item encourages open-ended play which is crucial to all areas of child development. Our little guy loves challenging his mind with the 3D Wolf Family puzzle.  Although, I’m not sure what that says about me who finds it challenging as well.  The collection of toys, blocks and room accessories will no doubt be passed down for generations, that is if your child will ever give them up. 

However, what I find most impressive is the company itself.  They have good reason to boast about their toys with integrity, each hand crafted toy is made using environment friendly materials such as rubberwood or bamboo.  The paints are non-toxic and their MDF is formaldehyde free. All your kid needs to know is that they are fun!  (But it’s good to know mom and dad can sleep at night.)

I only hope Santa knows about ImagiPLAY because the Zoom to the Moon set is topping our list right now.  But do we really need to wait until Christmas?

Mama Speaks readers can save 15% at ImagiPLAY through December 15, 2007 with code mama1215

Win it!

One lucky reader will win their own Wolf & Cub puzzle. To enter send us an email (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com) and fill in the blank: ImagiPLAY, Toys with _________. Ends midnight October 13.

-Cara

 

 

The Cutest Critters

This month little ghosts and goblins will take to the streets to see if they're in for tricks or treats. It's such a rite of childhood isn't it?

Halloween was always one of my favorite holidays growing up and with good reason- the dressing up in costumes, the pillowcase full of candy, staying out past dark - it's any child's dream! And while every aspect of this fun day is carefree for the kids, that costume part can be a major source of stress for us Moms.

Do you go home-made or store bought? Discount store wearables or a real costume? We looked high and low for the best costume out there for your little one and found some sure to take your breath away (spookiness not included!). Tom Arma, the most published baby photographer in the world, has capitalized on cuteness with his signature line of costumes for babies and kids. The primarily animal themed costumes are adorable and then some. And the quality and comfort can't be beat.

Arma's heirloom quality costumes go on just like regular clothing and are fleece lined for comfort. All costumes include a snuggly head piece and booties to complete the look (tails too when appropriate!) and the true to fit sizes and published measurements ensure you'll find the perfect fit. At $50+ per costume they aren't cheap, but I'm happy to pay that for a costume my son will actually keep on. Besides, they're only little once.

The collectability of these costumes means they can sell out fast so head on over to BuyCostumes.com (the only authorized retailer!) to see what's left for this year. Through October 30, you can also enter Tom's Photo Contest for a chance to win some great prizes for your little critter.

Plus, an added bonus because they're fabulous- 100% of the electricity used to make Tom Arma's costumes is offset with 100% Green-e Certified Renewable Energy.

The Perfect Bouquet

I guess you could say I'm a hopeless romantic, I love getting flowers (too bad my hubby doesn't know the meaning of romance!) But, I'll take a pretty bouquet of flowers any way I can get them, and with a new baby at home this was the best one yet. The Baby Bunch is just that, a bunch of baby clothes disguised as a flower bouquet. Ingenious, right?

Anyone who knows me, knows how I try to live the greenest possible life, especially when it comes to my children and so I was happy find that in addition to their standard pink, blue and yellow sets, Baby Bunch now offers 100% Organic bunches as well! I love that there are safe, clean, organic clothes out there to put on my new baby's precious skin, because nothing makes a mama feel better than giving her baby the best.

Packaged in the perfect gift box, in this cute little bouquet, wrapped like roses you'll find a t-shirt, a bib, a hat, a pair of socks, and a onesie.  If you've every stressed to find the perfect baby shower gift, ladies, this is it, and best of all it's all safe and soft for your little bundle!

Win it!
We're giving away a Baby Bunch (6-12 month, Organic in Blue!) to a lucky one of you! Just promise to tell a friend about The Baby Bunch by filling out this form and then sending us an email (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com) by midnight October 05.
-Jaymi

Pure Methods

I don’t know about you, but I am not a fan of doing housework. Cleaning products are bad for the environment, the toxic smell gives me a headache, and you can’t help but wonder about their over-all safety when you see the endless warnings on each of the bottles. Unfortunately, the dishes pile up, the dust cakes on and the children start naming the dust-balls. So, what’s a mama to do?

 

Enter Method, a company dedicated to hip, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly cleaning products. They strive to provide “products safe for every surface including Earth's”, and it shows. They have every scent imaginable, from French Lavender to Cucumber (my personal obsession). Their Dish Soap is positively effortless, as its soft and gentle texture leaves those dishpan hands in the past. The All Purpose Spray seems too sweet and too inoffensive in order to work, yet it does so beautifully, and without needing to rinse. Method carries a variety of cleaning products to meet every need, from micro-fiber cloths to flushable wipes (for those that might not be so great at, ahem, aiming). They even have a Detox Kit, containing all the products needed in order to “give dirty the boot and evict toxic cleaning chemicals from your home".

 

Method has been featured on Oprah and in Vanity Fair, yet they aren’t too big for their britches to have their own blog. They interact with customers and readers, all the while maintaining their quirkiness that draws people in.

 

Check out Method’s products, where “weirdness is next to godliness”, and you too may find yourself looking forward to cleaning.

Win it!
We're giving away a slew of Method goodies to our beloved readers. Shoot an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com and fill in the blank...
People against _ _ _ _ _

 

-Arianne

Cloth Confusion? A Diaper Guide

Cloth diapering is best for the environment. Some would say it's best for your babies bum, but is it best for you, Mama? Many of us shy away from the cloth scene worried about laundry and stink and where to begin. There are so many cloth diapers out there it's easy to get overwhelmed before you get started. All-in-one's, prefolds, p